WQCS00011_NOV 2024-DV-0436_Response-to-Notice_20241017

October 17, 2024
Brenton Bent
Director of Water Resources
City of Rocky Mount
331 South Franklin Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Vanessa Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
3800 Barrett Drive,
Raleigh, NC 27609
Subject: Notice of Violation
Tracking No.-NOV 2024-DV-0436
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00011

Dear Vanessa Manuel,

I received the Notice of Violation from the NCDEQ dated October 10, 2024, as identified by the subject tracking numbers regarding the sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) events on 9/25/2024
and 9/27/2024 at eight locations across the city. The city of Rocky Mount takes these incidents very seriously and is unwaveringly committed to taking all necessary steps to minimize
the potential for such overflows within our sewer collection system.

Rocky Mount experienced approximately 3.13 inches of heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Helene impacting the area. Due to the saturated soil conditions, increased rainwater runoffs, and
the inundation of the stormwater system, the sewer collection system was overwhelmed with heavily diluted wastewater. The heavily diluted nature of the wastewater and the unusually
high flows in the receiving water bodies helped to reduce the potential impact of this event.

The immediate areas surrounding these incidents were washed with system water, vacuumed, and appropriately discharged into the sewer system. In addition, any saturated soil was removed,
lime was applied to neutralize any remaining contaminants, and a mix of sand and soil was reapplied before being seeded and capped with wheat straw to prevent erosion and promote regrowth. 

To prevent such events in the future, the city has taken proactive steps, including engaging the services of WithersRavenel Engineering Consultants to conduct a comprehensive study of
the sewer collection system, including a hydraulic sewer model. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to identifying areas of vulnerability and addressing the source of the problem.

Please be assured that the city of Rocky Mount is working with great care and perseverance to reduce the number of sanitary sewer overflows in the collection system. This effort will
remain a top priority. We hope the Division of Water Resources will favorably consider these efforts as you deliberate on further actions regarding these incidents.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 252-972-1299 or [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Brenton Bent, Director of Water Resources