NCG030538_Additional Release of Material_20241022

Eplin, Jerry W
From: Mark Hawes <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 11:51 AM
To: Harbison, Joanna A
Cc: Nick Babcock; Robinson Rick; Kevin Hodges; Eplin, Jerry W;Joseph Marzzarella
Subject: [External] Release of Industrial Wastewater at Kings Mountain Operations - 21
October 2024
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Good Morning, Ms. Harbison.
On 21 October 2024 at approximately 530 PM we spoke via phone about the subject release at the Kings Mountain
Operations'facility located at 629 Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain. The release occurred at approximately
1030 AM on 21 October 2024. The release occurred due to a failed pipe expansion plug in secondary containment
for the wastewater pretreatment system.
At approximately 1030-1045 the wastewater operator noted a rapid drop in the tank level and found wastewater
discharging from the intermediate tank into the containment. The source of the release into containment was a
basket strainer plug that had vibrated loose. The wastewater entered the containment and dislodged the plug in
the containment wall. The result was the discharge of approximately 2700 gallons of wastewater onto the
adjacent grassed area and then into the edge of the adjacent forested area. A berm exists inside the forested area
that prevents further flow progression.
The Stormwater outlets were observed and found to be dry. The stormwater pond was observed and found to be
dry. The area immediately upstream of the outlet closest to the release point was observed and also found to be
dry. This confirmed the material remained on site and did not travel beyond the bermed area inside of the forested
area's edge.
The pH of the wastewater was 6.22. No observable degradation of vegetation in the grassed area or the forested
area was noted.
Intermediate Corrective Action: A new plug for the containment area had recently been ordered and received. It
has been installed in the containment wall.
Longterm corrective action: Redesign and install a controlled, lockable,valve with an end cap. The end of the
pipe will be equipped with a cam lock fitting and the end cap will have a compatible camlock fitting to further
secure the cap.
The City of Kings Mountain visited the site and reviewed the release area this morning at approximately 10 AM.
The Kings Mountain Operations'facility discharges wastewater into the City of Kings Mountain's sanitary sewer
system via Industrial User Permit(IUP)#26.
Please advise of any additional information that may be needed. Please reply to all with any questions regarding
this report.
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I will be back on site on Monday, 28 October. I will be available to respond to any communications regarding this
incident.
Sincerely,
.............................................................................................................
Mark E. Hawes, P.E.
Managing Consultant
Trip '97,
Celebrating ,24Years
Cons
Trinity Consultants
One Copley Parkway, Suite 205 1 Morrisville, NC 27560
Mobile: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: mark.hawes0triniLN/consultants.com
https://www.trinityconsultants.com
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