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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0015052_Notice of Intent to Enforce_NOV-2024-PC-0569_20241008ROY COOPER car,w MARY PENNY KELLEY RiCHARD E. ROOERS,JR, Director Certified Mail #7022 1670 0000 9974 7115 Return Receipt Reauested Mr. William Galen Freed Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc 113 Duck Woods Dr Southern Shores, NC 27949 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality October 8, 2024 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION / NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENFORCE Tracking Number: NOV-2024-PC-0569 Permit No. WQ0015052 Village at Ocean Hill WWTP Currituck County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Village at Ocean Hill WWTP on September 20, 2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0015052. A summary of the findings and comments noted during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report. The Compliance Evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the Washington Regional Office. The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection: Inspection Area Description of Violation Treatment Clarifiers Clarifier full of excessive solids. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition II. 1., and III. 1.) End Use -Infiltration Disposal area is unmaintained. Sprinkler heads removed from riser pipes allowing wastewater to free flow from risers with uneven distribution across the disposal area. Localized ponding present within the sprayfield. Sludge and solids accumulation present across the disposal area. Sludge and solids being irrigated within the disposal area. Grass/weeds/vegetation present across the disposal area. Disposal area is unrestricted with uncontrolled access. Property immediately surrounding the disposal area is used for different business activities. (Violation of expired Permit — Conditions III. 1., III. 3., III. 4., III. 9., and III. 10.) North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resource Washington Regional Office 1 943 Washington Square Mall I Washington, North Carolina 77889 2529466481 Inspection Area Description of Violation Treatment Facility operating without a valid permit - permit expired. Plant observed in an unmaintained condition. Equalization tank leaking from southwest corner. Equalization tank full of excessive grease/solids/debris with indication of recent overflow. Solids observed on the ground in the vicintiy of the equalization tank. Entire WWTP full of excessive solids. Clarifier full of excessive solids. Aeration and treatment levels appear minimal/inadequate (blowers appear to lack functionality). Filters appear off-line. Chlorine tables not observed in chlorination tubes. Tankage on southwest corner of WWTP appears completely full with indication of recent overflow. Standing rainwater/wastewater present around the WWTP with solids on the ground. Structural integrity of the steel WWTP (including the steel equalization tank) is of concern. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition II I and III. 1, III. 10., and VI. 7.) Treatment Filters Filters appear off-line. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition III. 1.) Standby Power Generator is not operational. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition III. 8.) Treatment Disinfection No chlorine tablets observed in the tubes. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition III. 1.) Treatment Bar Screen No effective and functional treatment bar screen. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition III. 1.) Record Keeping No records/log-book on site to reference oversight by the designated ORC or documentation of visitation requirements. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition III. 2, V. 2.) Permit Permit expired February 28, 2018 and has not been renewed. Facility is operating without a valid permit. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition VI. 7.) Non -Compliance Notification Facility non-compliance had not been reported to the Division, as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours. (Violation of expired Permit — Condition IV. 11. a., b., d.) Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences in the future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of State law. To prevent further action, please respond in writing to this office within 30 days upon your receipt of this Notice of Violation regarding your plans or measures to be taken to address the indicated violations and other identified issues, if applicable. D_EQ� NorthCarolinaDepartmentofEnvironmentalQualityIDivisionofWaterResources North Washington Regional Office 1943 Washington Square Mall I Washington, Carolina 27889 2579466481 If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact David May with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Washington Regional Office at 252-946-6481. Sincerely, om-i ' - " David May, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Washington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS: September 20, 2024 Inspection Photos cc: EnviroLink Albemarle Environmental Services Laserfiche Ir'FnV"Du, �� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Washington Regional Office 1 943 Washington Square Mall I Washington. North Carolina 77889 252946 6481 7 ., mo l� ?Fc iY[:�St �'� 4. � �� 7 � *s�:Y ]#i.. '{ �.�. .'��'•,� ,Y # ~�Y-i�,y.. _ .� --. �ti��'�w �' '.}-:' •.>-. ,a• 3s �'. :ii' rev. -.k:. ...d cr - �-1 y -.•fir r - _ '� _� i� 0 _ �•� A F a 0 hL � k Al a Pe dui.,' 't Ao 3 ` xis h e �jq E{ram k d n I`r g a d P%f4 - # �a *Aye JL U Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0015052 Effective: 03/20/09 Expiration: 02/28/18 Owner : Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Village at Ocean Hill WWTP County: Currituck 1298 Ponton Ln Region: Washington Harbinger NC 279410069 Contact Person: William Galen Freed Title: President Phone: 252-491-5277 Directions to Facility: US-264E to NC 32 in Pantego, NC 32 to Plymouth, US 64 to Kitty Hawk, Follow NC 12 to Corolla, R onto 1493, Continue onto Ocean Blvd, Continue onto NC 12/Duck Rd, to Ocean Trail, L onto Ponton Lane, R to stay on Ponton Lane, turn R, destination on R System Classifications: SI, WW2, Primary ORC: Certification: Phone: Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Inspection Date: 09/20/2024 Entry Time 02:45PM Primary Inspector: David L May Secondary Inspector(s): Breann Spencer Reason for Inspection: Routine Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant Question Areas: Exit Time: 03:15PM Phone: 252-946-6481 Ext.357 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Treatment Filters Record Keeping Treatment Disinfection End Use -Infiltration (See attachment summary) Treatment Barscreen Treatment Clarifiers Standby Power Page 1 of 6 Permit: WQ0015052 Owner - Facility: Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 09/20/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: Inspection Summary: Site inspection conducted Friday September 20, 2024 by David May and Breann Spencer. Facility as a whole appeared in a poorly maintained and operable condition. WWTP: The WWTP is not secured with restricted access. The WWTP is freely accessible. The equalization tank was full of grease/solids/sludge/debris, leaking from the southwest corner, and had overflowed recently. Solids/sludge observed on the ground around the equalization tank and WWTP. Standing rainwater/wastewater observed around the WWTP. No effective bar screen. Excessive solids accumulation throughout the plant, including clarifiers. Sludge/solids are not being managed properly. Aeration appears inadequate (functionality of blowers limited, innefective, or not fully operable). Filters appear off-line. Chlorine tablets not observed in tubes. Tankage at southwest corner of WWTP full with likely recent overflow. Structural integrity of the active (in -use) steel WWTP (including the leaking equalization basin) is of concern. (64,000 gpd WWTP is abandoned/out-of service/in a state of disrepair) No records/log on -site summarizing oversight by designated operator (ORC). Disposal Area: Access to disposal area is unrestricted with property immediately surrounding the disposal area used for a variety of business purposes (landscaping business/equipment staging and storage/etc.). Sprinkler heads removed from riser pipes within the disposal area allowing freeflow of water. Excessive sludge/solids accumulation across the disposal area. Solids/sludge are being irrigated within the disposal area. Disposal area overgrown with grass/weeds/vegatation in an unmaintained condition. Monitoring reports indicate routine exceedences of effluent limits, which may cited separately from the inspection. Plant fails to produce water meeting permit requirements. Facility operating under an expired permit. Operation is not covered by a valid permit. Permittee failed to provide non-compliance notification of operational issues at the plant within 24 hours of occurrence. Page 2 of 6 Permit: WQ0015052 Inspection Date: 09/20/2024 Owner - Facility: Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Type Yes No NA NE Infiltration System ❑ Reuse (Quality) ❑ Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, HR ❑ Recycle/Reuse ❑ Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Treatment Yes No NA NE Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: Facility operating without a valid permit - permit expired. Plant observed in an unmaintained condition. Equalization tank leaking from southwest corner. Equalization tank full of excessive grease/solids/debris with indication of recent overflow. Solids observed on the ground in the vicintiv of the equalization tank. Entire WWTP full of excessive solids. Clarifier full of excessive solids. Aeration and treatment levels appear minimal/inadequate (blowers appear to lack functionality). Filters appear off-line. Chlorine tables not oboserved in chlorination tubes. Dosing tank appears completely full with indication of recent overflow. Standing rainwater/wastewater present around the WWTP with solids on the ground. Structural integrity of the steel WWTP (including the steel equalization tank is of concern). Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Generator is not operational. Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE Is it free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: No effective and functional treatment barscreen. Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE Are the weirs level? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the weirs free of solids and algae? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 3 of 6 Permit: WQ0015052 Owner - Facility: Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 09/20/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is the scum removal system operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the scum removal system accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: Clarifier full of excessive solids. Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Filters appear off-line. Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE Is the system working? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there adequate detention time (-30 minutes)? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the system properly maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chlorinator accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑ If tablets, are tablets present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? ❑ ❑ ❑ If UV, are extra UV bulbs available? ❑ ❑ ❑ If UV, is the UV intensity adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is it a dual feed system? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7782-50-5)? ❑ ❑ ❑ If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? ❑ ❑ ❑ If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000-_ If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Comment: No chlorine tablets observed in the tubes. Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Is a copy of current permit available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 4 of 6 Permit: WQ0015052 Owner - Facility: Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 09/20/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are application rates adhered to? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there any 2L GW quality violations? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are annual soil reports available? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are PAN records required? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Did last soil report indicate a need for lime? ❑ ❑ ❑ If so, has it been applied? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are operational logs present? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are lab sheets available for review? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Operational and Maintenance records present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Were Operational and Maintenance records complete? ❑ ❑ ❑ Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a copy of the SOC readily available? ❑ ❑ ❑ No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: No records/log-book on site to reference oversight bV the desingated ORC. End Use -Infiltration Yes No NA NE # Is the application High Rate or Low Rate? High Rate Are buffers maintained? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is municipal water available in the area? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells required? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a usable green area maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the disposal site acceptable? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 6 Permit: WQ0015052 Owner - Facility: Enviro-Tech of North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 09/20/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is the distribution equipment acceptable? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the disposal site free of ponding? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the disposal site free of breakout? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the disposal sites free of solids, algae, etc.? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Do the records show that the fields are properly maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the disposal sites free of vegetation? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Do any surface water features appear to be adversely impacted by GW discharge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: Disposal area is unmaintained. Sprinkler heads removed from riser pipes allowing wastewater to freeflow from risers with uneven distributation across the disposal area. Localized ponding present within the sprayfield. Sludge and solids accumulation present across the disposal area. Sludge and solids being irrigated within the disposal area. Grass/weeds/vegetation present across the disposal area. Disposal area is unrestricted with uncontrolled access. Property immediately surrounding the disposal area is used for different business activities. Page 6 of 6