NC0031879_NOV-2024-LV-0378_20240509_resp2

From:Brant Sikes
To:Boss, Daniel J
Cc:Kemp, Melanie
Subject:[External] Re: cyanide hits at the WWTP
Date:Thursday, May 9, 2024 10:16:13 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Task 3 - WWTP Assessment and Report.pdf
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Hi Dan,
Cyanide Exceedances: Tim and I have been discussing this and we are both baffled at where
the cyanide or cyanide compounds could be coming from. Tim thinks he has ruled out the
possibility of cyanide compounds being introduced at the WWTP, so we feel like it has to be
coming in from the collection system. He has performed a limited amount of
influent sampling and did not receive any cyanide hits during the sampling event. We have
discussed performing some sampling of the collection system (specifically of industries), but
really don't know where to start. To our knowledge and based on the results of the most recent
IWS, Marion has no industries that would use cyanide as part of their processes. We will
review the most recent IWS again ASAP and see if we can come up with a few industries to
prioritize for sampling, unless there is another approach that you would recommend for us to
try. One concern we have with the sampling is that, since a grab sample is used, if an industry
is discharging cyanide we will not be able to detect it unless we happen to collect the grab
sample at the exact time the cyanide is being discharged.
Tim - If I have misunderstood or miscommunicated anything regarding the cyanide issue,
please correct me.
Dan - If DWR has another approach that you would like us to take, please let me know. We
would welcome your suggestions and guidance, as we want to get the issue resolved ASAP.
WWTP upgrades and repairs: The AIA Grant project (of which an engineering assessment
of the WWTP is one component) is approximately 50% complete. We are on track to
complete the project by the end of 2024. The actual assessment by the engineering firm
(Kimley-Horn) has already been completed and we have received a draft technical
memorandum. That draft is currently being revised and finalized by Kimley-Horn. We may
receive the final technical memorandum by July, but I cannot promise that. The final
technical memo will document the findings for each component evaluated, recommend
improvements, and provide an opinion of probable costs. The City's CIP will be updated to
include appropriate recommendations. We will then seek funding for the highest priority
projects (we have actually already started seeking funding for projects that we know will be
necessary). A copy of an excerpt from the City's contract with Kimley-Horn, showing the
scope of work for the WWTP Assessment task is attached for your reference.
In addition to the above described assessmenet to determine capital projects needed at the
WWTP, plant staff and contractors have made repairs to some of the aerators, influent pumps,
and other equipment during fiscal year 2023 - 2024. All of the these repairs were not
permanent fixes, but were necessary to keep the equipment running. In addition, the #2 RAS
pump is being replaced this FY at a cost of approximately $120,357. The pump has been
received at the WWTP and the contractor is scheduling the installation at this time. The
contractor has been advised that the project must be complete by 6/30/24.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact me or Tim at your
convenience.
Best Regards,

J. Brant Sikes
Public Works Director
City of Marion
P.O. Box 700
Marion, NC 28752
828-652-4224
On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 12:03 PM Boss, Daniel J <[e-mail]> wrote:
Hi Brant,

EPA has reached out to me, and they are asking about the Cyanide exceedances at the
WWTP. They’re asking if we’ve determined the source of the Cyanide and we’re
wondering if any industries could possibly be sending it to the WWTP.

Also, how are the WWTP upgrades and repairs are coming along? Where is the City at in
that process?

Thanks,

Daniel Boss
Assistant Supervisor- Asheville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
NCDEQ- Division of Water Resources

Work Cell: 828-273-3991
[e-mail]

2090 U.S. Hwy. 70
Swannanoa, N.C. 28778

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