NC0030473_Inspection Letter with NOV_20241007

ROY COOPER
Governor
MARY PENNY KELLEY
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
October 7, 2024
Penny D. Hodge
Delivered via email: millridgepoa skybest.com
Mill Ridge WWTP
229 Clubhouse Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection and Notice of Violation
NOV Tracking Number: NOV-2024-PC-0571
Mill Ridge Waste Water Treatment Plant
NPDES Permit Number: NCO030473
Watauga County
Dear Mr. Hughes:
On September 23, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff, Michael Gearren, conducted a
scheduled routine compliance inspection of the Mill Ridge WWTP, NPDES Permit #NC0030473.
Brandon Hughes, Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), was present for the inspection. A
review of records, data, treatment components, and structures was completed. This inspection
reflected non-compliance with the subject permit. The determined permit violations and
items of concern are listed below.
PERMIT VIOLATION(S)
Part II. Section C. Number 7. Facility does not have proper standby power.
ITEMS OF CONCERN
1. At time of the inspection, the audible and visual high-water alarms for equalization basin were
non-functional when Mr. Hughes attempted to test them.
Please reply, in writing, to this notice of violation within ten (10) business days after receipt. Your
written response must address each violation listed above and provide your intended remedial
actions, with estimated completion dates, for each violation. A review of your response will be
considered along with any additional information provided.
Please be aware that the Division may take enforcement action against any individual who fails
to comply with the requirements of all applicable permits, regulations, and/or statutes. Pursuant
to NC General Statute (NCGS) 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in
accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit, or applicable regulations,
issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
�INA" North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
NpFRH C
336,776,9800

You can find more inspection details in the attached Water Compliance Inspection report. Please
feel free to contact me by phone at 336.776.9701 or by email at michael.gearren(@deg.nc.gov
with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
OD2D3CE3F1 B7456...
Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment:
Wastewater Compliance Inspection Report, NCO030473
�INA
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
woRrH cWinston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
i\ r 336.776,9800