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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0065480_LV20170006_20170117Environmental ouality Certified Mail # 7013 2630 0002 1133 6525 Return Receipt Requested Shannon V Becker, President Aqua North Carolina Inc 202 Mackenan Ct Cary, NC 27511 I U January 06, 2017 SUBJECT: Notice of Violation and Assessment of Civil Penalty for Violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1(a)(6) and NPDES WW Permit No. NCO065480 Aqua North Carolina Inc Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP Case No. LV -2017-0006 New Hanover County Dear Permittee: ROY COOPER Governor- RECEIVEDUDEQIDWR JAN 17 2017 Water Quality Perrniffing Section This letter, transmits a Notice of Violation and assessment of civil penalty in the amount of $1,242.25 ($1,125.00 civil penalty + $117.25 enforcement costs) against Aqua North Carolina Inc. This assessment is based upon the following facts: a review has been conducted of the discharge monitoring report (DMR) submitted by Aqua North Carolina Inc for the month of May 2016. This review has shown the subject facility to be in violation of the discharge limitations and/or monitoring requirements found in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0065480. The violations, which occurred in May 2016, are summarized in Attachment A to this letter. Based upon the above facts, I conclude as a matter of law that Aqua North Carolina Inc violated the terms, conditions or requirements of NPDES WW Permit No. NCO065480 and G.S. 143-215.l(a)(6) in the manner and extent shown in Attachment A. In accordance with the maximums established by G.S. 143-215.6A(a)(2), a civil penalty may be assessed against any person who violates the terms, conditions or requirements of a permit required by G.S. 143-215.1(a). Based upon the above findings of fact and conclusions of law, and in accordance with authority provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality and the Director of the Division of Water Resources, I, James H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor, Wilmington Regional Office hereby make the following civil penalty assessment against Aqua North Carolina Inc: State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 910-796-7215 $1,125.00 1 of the 1 violations of 143-215.1(a)(6)ermit NO.NC0065480, by discharging waste water into the waters of the State in violation of the Pu..mit'Monthly Average for NH3-N - Cone. $1,125.00 TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY $117.25 Enforcement Costs $1,242.25 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(c), in determining the amount of the .penalty I have taken into account the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and the factors set forth at G.S. 143B -282.1(b), which are: (1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or. to private property resulting from the violation; (2) The duration and gravity of the violation; (3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; (4) The cost of rectifying the damage; (5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; (6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally; (7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and (8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice, you must do one of the following: (1) Submit payment of the penalty, OR (2) Submit a written request for remission, OR (3) Submit a written request for an administrative hearing Option 1: Submit payment of the penalty: Payment should be made directly to the order of the Department of Environmental Quality (do not include waiver form). Payment of the penalty will not foreclose further enforcement action for any continuing or new violation(s). Please submit payment to the attention of: Wastewater Branch Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Option 2: Submit a written request for remission or igation including a detailed justification for such request: ' Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the civil penalty assessed. Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. Because a remission request forecloses the option of an administrative hearing, such a request must be accompanied by a waiver of your right to an administrative hearing and a stipulation and agreement that no factual or legal issues are in dispute. Please prepare a detailed statement that establishes why you believe the civil penalty should be remitted, and submit it to the Division of Water Resources at the address listed below. In determining whether a remission request will be approved, the following factors shall be considered: (1) whether one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in NCGS 14313-282.1(b) was wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner; (2) whether the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation; (3) whether the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident; (4) whether the violator had been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; or (5) whether payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions. Please note that all evidence presented in support of your request for remission must be submitted in writing. The Director of the Division of Water Resources will review your evidence and inform you of his decision in the matter of your remission request. The response will provide details regarding the case status, directions for payment, and provision for farther appeal of the penalty to the Environmental Management Commission's Committee on Civil Penalty Remissions (Committee). Please be advised that the Committee cannot consider information that was not part of the original remission request considered by the Director. Therefore, it is very important that you prepare a complete and thorough statement in support of your request for remission. In order to request remission, you must complete and submit the enclosed "Request for Remission of Civil Penalties, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts" form within thirty (3 O) days of receipt of this notice. The Division of Water Resources also requests that you complete and submit the enclosed "Justification for Remission Request." Both forms should be submitted to the following address: Wastewater Branch Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 an administrative hearinQALith the Office of If you wish to contest any statement in the attached assessment document you must file a petition for an administrative hearing. You may obtain the petition form from the Office of Administrative Hearings. You must file the petition witli the Office of Administrative Hearings within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice. A petition is considered filed when it is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings during normal office hours. The Office of Administrative Hearings accepts filings Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except for official state holidays. The petition may be filed by facsimile (fax) or electronic mail by an attached file (with restrictions) - provided the signed original, one (1) copy and a filing fee (if a filing fee is required by NCGS §150B-23.2) is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings within seven (7) business days following the faxed or electronic transmission. You should contact the Office of Administrative Hearings with all questions regarding the filing fee and/or the details of the filing process. The mailing address and telephone and fax numbers for the Office of Administrative Hearings are as follows: Office of Administrative Hearings 6714 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-6714 Tel: (919) 733-2698 Fax: (919) 733-3478 One (1) copy of the petition must also be served on DEQ as follows: Mr. Sam M. Hayes, General Counsel. Department of Environmental Quality 1601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1601 Please indicate the case number (as found on page one of this letter) on the petition. Failure to exercise one of the options above within thirty (30) days of receipt of this letter, as evidenced by an internal date/time received stamp (not a postmark), will result in this matter being referred to the Attorney General's Office for collection of the penalty through a civil action. Please be advised that additional penalties may be assessed for violations that occur after the review period of this assessment. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Hunkele with the Division of Water Resources staff of the Wilmington Regional Office at (910) 796-7215 or via email at dean.hunkele@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Jam s H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: WQS Wilmington Regional Office - Enforcement File NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File JUSTIFICATION FOA'IIPE1 ISSION REQLEST 1. Case Number: LV -2017-0006 County: New Hanover Assessed Party: Aqua North Carolina Inc Permit No.: NC0065480 Amount Assessed: $1,242.25 Please use this form when requesting remission of this civil penalty. You must also complete the "Request For Remission, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts" form to request remission of this civil penalty. You should attach any documents that you believe support your request and are necessary for the Director to consider in evaluating your request for remission. Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount .of the civil penalty assessed. Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143B -282.1(c), remission of a civil penalty may be granted only when one or more of the following five factors apply. Please check each factor that you believe applies to your case and provide a detailed explanation, including copies of supporting documents, as to why the factor applies (attach additional pages as needed). (a) one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in N.C.G.S. 143B-282.1 (b) were wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner (the assessment factors are listed in the civil penalty assessment document); (b) the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation (i.e., explain the steps that you took to correct the violation and prevent future occurrences); (c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident (i.e., explain why the violation was unavoidable or something you could not prevent or prepare for); (d) the violator had not been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; (e) payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions (i.e., explain how payment of the civil penalty will prevent you from performing the activities necessary to achieve compliance). EXPLANATION: ti STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN OF CIVIL PENALTIES AGAINST ) ADMINISTRATIVE BEARING AND STIPULATION OF FACTS Aqua North Carolina Inc ) Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP ) PERMIT NO. NCO065480 ) CASE NO. LV -2017-0006 Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $1,242.25 for violation(s) as set forth in the assessment document of the Division of Water Resources dated January 06, 2017, the undersigned, desiring to seek remission of the civil penalty, does hereby waive the right to an administrative hearing in the above -stated matter and does stipulate that the facts are as alleged in the assessment document. The undersigned further understands that all evidence presented in support of remission of this civil penalty must be submitted to the Director of the Division of Water Resources within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice of assessment. No new evidence in support of a remission request will be allowed after (30) days from the receipt of the notice of assessment. This the day of , 20 SIGNATURE ADDRESS TELEPHONE ATTACHMENT A Aqua N.� hhCarolina Inc CASE NUMBER: LV -2017-0006 PERMIT: NCO065480 FACILITY: Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP REGION: Wilmington COUNTY: New Hanover LIMIT VIOLATION(S) SAMPLE LOCATION: Outfall 001 - Effluent Violation Report Unit of Limit Calculated % Over Violation Penalty Date Month/Yr Parameter Frequency Measure Value Value Limit Type Amount 5/31/2016 5-2016 Nitrogen, Ammonia Weekly mg/I 20 29.20 46.0 Monthly $1,125.00 Total (as N) - Average Concentration Exceeded DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES - CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSMENT Violator: Aqua North Carolina Inc Facility Name: Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP Permit Number: NCO065480 County: New Hanover Case Number: LV -2017-0006 ASSESSMENT FACTORS 1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violation;;_ �� I J l�v�l,-L=.�✓� �%..C'�.:� ✓-v 'S�i,���/C,/1sl-�✓C `-�-- 2) The duration and gravity of the violation; 3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; 6r "li' 2e 1•._-- 4) The cost of rectifying the damage; 5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; I-0/ 6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally; 7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and 8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. $117.25 Date J ' es . Gregson, Re onal Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ AUG 2 2 ?015 \tVater 0.uality Regional August 17, 2016 Operations Section, `:Niimington Regional office Mr. James H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington, NC 28405 Re: Beau Rivage Plantation, New Hanover County Notice of Violation and Intent to Assess Civil Penalty Permit No. NCO065480 . Tracking Number: NOV-2016-LV-0428 Dear Mr. Gregson: . Aqua North Carolina, Inc. (Aqua) offers the following response to the above -referenced Notice of Violation and Intent to Assess Civil Penalty. This was for a monthly average exceedance for total ammonia nitrogen in May 2016. Aqua's Response: The Beau Rivage wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was non-compliant during the month of May for total ammonia nitrogen. We believe this is due to above average flow and temperature, along with the timing of wasting prior to sampling. This wasting was done in an effort to optimize the biological process in the plant. Additionally, Aqua has attempted to maximize the amount of the dissolved oxygen (D.O.) level in the aeration basin. In the month of July Aqua removed and completely disassembled and cleaned all 42 drops in the aeration basin. Aqua is currently exploring ways to clean the aeration basin from the grit build up that is on the bottom of the aeration basin. We are hopeful that the combined efforts of the above will increase the oxygen transfer capacity in the mixed liquor and, therefore, have an overall impact of reducing ammonia. Aqua has committed to expanding this plant in order to meet the hydraulic loading currently being experienced. Aqua is currently preparing a request for proposal for a design build contract for the plant improvements and expansion. We anticipate the expansion will be online the fourth quarter of 2017. 202 MacKenan Court Cary, NC 27511 ^ 0: 919.467.8712 o F: 919.460.1788 o AquaAmerica.com Page Two . ' Mr. James H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor August 17, 2016 If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Joel Mingus at (910) 270- 1412. Moses A. Thompson Director of Operations MAT/rl cc: Joel Mingus Michael Melton Certified mail ## 7013 2630 0002 1133 6860 Return Receipt ilteguested July 26, 2016 Thomas J Roberts, President Aqua North Carolina Inc 202 Mackenan Ct Cary, NC 27511 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATI®RI & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY Tracking Number: NOV-2016-LV-0428 Permit No. NCO065480 Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP New Hanover County Dear Permittee: P .T Iv1GIC43ZC�RY wr �rrez�i= �ireeftiF A review of the May 2016 Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) for the subject facility revealed the violation(s) indicated below: Limit Exceedance Violation(s): Sample Location Parameter Limit Reported Date Value !Value Type of Violation 001 Effluent Nitrogen, Ammonia Total (as 5/31/2016 20 29.2 Monthly Average Exceeded N) - Concentration (C0610) A Notice of Violation/Intent to Issue Civil Penalty is being issued for the noted violation of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and the facility's NPDES Permit. Pursuant to G.S. 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 issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1. If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violation, request technical assistance, or discuss overall compliance please respond in writing within ten (10) business days after receipt of this Notice. A review of your response will be considered along with any information provided on the submitted Discharge Monitoring Report(s). You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may be assessed regarding the violations. If no response is received in this Office within the 10 -day period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared. State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 o1n_7QA_7?1s Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences inAhe future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of State law. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order by Consent. Rerninder: Pursuant to Permit Condition 6 in Section E, the Permittee is required to verbally notify the Regional Office as soon as possible, not to exceed 24 hours, from first knowledge of any non-compliance at the facility including limit violations, bypasses of, or failure of a treatment unit. A written report may be required within 5 days if directed by Division staff. Prior notice should be given for anticipated or potential problems due to planned maintenance activities, taking units off-line, etc. Additionally and if you have not already done so, you may wish to consider registering to use the Division's new e -DMR system for the completion and electronic submittal of monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). For more information, please visit the eDMR Website at the following address: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/admin/bog/ii)u/edmr. If you have any questions concerning this matter or to apply for an SOC, please contact Dean Hunkele of the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215. Sincerely, Jam, . Gregson, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Cc: WQS Wilmington Regional Office - Enforcement File NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 910-796-7215 I M 0 0. 1or de i. 8. i. Armn ^n W—N. ......... si at LIS S mm -OFF ICIAL US r_=1 Postage ru Certilited Fee Postmark C3 Return Receipt Fee C3 (Endorsement Required) Here Restricted Delivery Fee M (Endorsement Required) ru TOtal Postage & Fees M S t1rco i ---- ------------ de pt, ------- ---------- DES PERMIT NO. NCO065480 DISCHARGE NO. 001 MONTH May YEAR 2016 ACILITY NAME Beau Rivage _ CLASS II COUNTY NEW HANOVER CERTIFIED LABORATORY (1) Envirochem CERTIFICATION NO. 94 list additional laboratories on the backside/page 2 of this form) OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE (ORC)_Eric Youngs_ GRADE III CERTIFICATION NO _996010_ PERSONS) COLLECTING SAWL�� Eric Youn s/Kirkl Fields ORC PHONE 910 443-3889 CHECK BOX IF ORC HAS CHANGED NO FLOW /DISCHARGE FROIVY SITE Mail ORIGINAL and ONE COPY to: JUL 1V,--',2 16 ATTN: CENTRAL FILES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY 1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1617 SIGNATURE, I CERTIFY THAT THIS REPORT IS TE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. DWQ Foan MR -1 (11/04) NCO065480 NOiV-COMPLIANT DMR MaV 2016 JUL -0 5 20 §tj D'kN" . SEIC `I Oil The Beau Rivage Wastewater Treatment Plant was non compliant for the month of May 2016, due to an exceedance of the average monthly limit of ammonia in the effluent. The operator believes the ammonia has been elevated due to above average wasting volumes the days prior to sampling to control the bug population in the plant and a low dissolved oxygen level in the aeration basin. It is thought that the wasting could be potentially slowing the ammonia breakdown process in the presence of a lower than normal dissolved oxygen environment, leaving elevated ammonia amounts in the plant effluent. The corrective action being taken by the operator is to alter the wasting and/or the sampling schedule so both events do not interfere with the other, as well as trying to increase the dissolved oxygen' level in the aeration basin. 'U L tihICf 167 67i JUL .% vm �,, JUL 2 6 2016 Water Quality Regional Operations SeaLion Wilmington Regional Office