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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0065480_LV20160204_20161012r. W(7iE�PI�BSOil1'C�3 �.hiVii�iabiE3Yi1 fiUAlFtr Certified Mail # 7013 2630 0002 1133 6174 Return Receipt Requested October 12, 2016 Shannon V Becker, President Aqua North Carolina Inc 202 Mackenan Ct Cary, NC 27511 PAT :-MCCRORY ii�r71'EriL�P DONALD R. VAN LEER VA_ RT Safi: rea ;i SUBJECT: Notice of Violation and Assessment of Civil Penalty for Violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.l(a)(6) and NPDES WW Permit No. NCO065480 Aqua North Carolina Inc Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP Case No. LV -2016-0204 New Hanover County Dear Permittee: S TAY ZI .IMERAI AN D?' ECW€ RECEIVEU1NCDEQ U AIR OCT 2 4 2015 Wates Quality Permitting Section This letter transmits a Notice of Violation and assessment of civil penalty in the amount of $1,054.75 ($937.50 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 June 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. NCO065480. The violations, which occurred in June 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. 143-215.1(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 � t y ti $0.00 0 of the 1 violations of 143-215.1(a)(6) dhd Permit No.NC0065480, by discharging waste water into the waters of the State in violation of the Permit Monthly Average for FLOW. $937.50 1 of the 1 violations of 143-215.l(a)(6) and Permit No.N00065480, by discharging waste water into the waters of the State in violation of the Permit Monthly Average for NH3-N - Cone. $937.50 TOTAL CIVIL, PENALTY $117.25 Enforcement Costs $1,054.75 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 mitigation 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 143B -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 further 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 (30) dys 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 Option 3: File a petition for an administrative hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings: J 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 with 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) 431-3000 Fax: (919) 431-3100 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 (3 0) 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.Attomey 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, Ja 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 FOR REMISSION REQUEST Case Number: LV -2016-0204 County: New Hanover Assessed Party: Aqua North Carolina Inc Permit No.: NC0065480 Amount Assessed: $1,054.75 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: 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 HEARING AND STIPULATION OF FACTS Aqua North Carolina Inc ) Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP ) PERMIT NO. NCO065480 ) CASE NO. LV -2016-0204 Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $1,054.75 for violation(s) as set forth in the assessment document of the Division of Water Resources dated October 12, 2016, 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 North Carolina Inc CASE NUMBER: LV -2016-0204 PERMIT: ' NCO065480 FACILITY: Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP LIMIT VIOLATION(S) SAMPLE LOCATION: Outfall 001 - Effluent REGION: Wilmington COUNTY: New Hanover Violation Report Unit of Limit Calculated % Over Violation Penalty Date Month/Yr Parameter Frequency Measure Value Value Limit Type Amount 6/30/2016 6-2016 Flow, in conduit or thru Continuous mgd 0.10 0.10 5.0 Monthly $0.00 treatment plant Average Exceeded 6/30/2016 6-2016 Nitrogen, Ammonia Weekly mg/I 20 27.50 37.5 Monthly $937.50 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: NC0065480 County: New Hanover Case Number: LV -2016-0204 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; 2) The duration,and grravity�f�thelation; ,�,� ,rte,, � � '�� �`�✓. 3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quaIK or on air quality; 161- . 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 Slate of the enforcement procedures. $117.25 - 11611-9-1-2614 Da e J m H. Gregson, Regionay'Sdp—ervisor Wh e Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ 1 SM Shannon V. Becker, President 0:919.653.5770 F:919.460.1788 SVBecker@AquaAmerica.com October 6, 2016 Mr. James H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section' Wilmington Regional Office E1®%DEwR/ Division of Watef Resources 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington; NC 28405 OCT 1 1 2 016 Re: Beau Rivage Plantation,'New Hanover County Water Quality P,egional Notice of Violation and Intent to Assess Civil Penalty OPerations Section. Permit No. NC0065480 Wilmington Regional Office, Tracking Number: .NOV-2016-LV=0520 Dear. Mr. Gregson: y 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 monthly average exceedances for flow and total ammonia nitrogen' in June 2016. Aqua's Response,.. Aqua's June DMR. for Beau Rivage. indicated an 'incorrect value' on June . 23, 2016; the correct daily flow was .0773 MGD.. An amended DMR has been sent to the Central Office and a notification email was. sent.to your office. The new calculated' average .flow is now below 0.100 MGD. To compensate for the ammonia nitrogen spikes, the. ORC has made adjustments to the treatment by increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen_ in the aeration basin. Also, since this spike, Aqua has removed and. cleaned each airdrop and -diffuser'.. Aqua has committed to expanding this plant in order to meet the hydraulic loading currently . being experienced. Aqua has initiated the design. phase in a design build contract for the plant improvements and expansion. The expansion is scheduled to 'be online -by the first quarter of 2018. .202 MacKenan Court; Cary, NC 275.11 AquaAmerica.com PAST' li:��t3RY fra#rRsaurces -;S'; �II�iIuIlIddN f�t�fJN4?IEtCTA1 ©ilALli'Y .. Certified Mail # 7013 2630 0002 1133 6044 Return Receipt Requested September 16, 2016 Shannon V Becker, President Aqua North.Carolina Inc 202 Mackenan Ct Cary, NC 27511 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY Tracking Number: NOV-2016-LV-0520 Permit No. NCO065480 Beau Rivage Plantation WWTP New Hanover County Dear Permittee: A review of the June 2016 Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) for the subject facility revealed the violation(s) indicated below: Limit Exceedance Violation(s): Sample Limit Reported Location Parameter Date Value Value Type of Violation 001 Effluent Flow, in conduit or thru 6/30/20.16 0.1 0.1 Monthly Average Exceeded treatment plant (50050) 001 Effluent Nitrogen, Ammonia Total (as 6/30/2016 20 27.5 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. State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 910-796-7215 If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violation, request technical assistance, or V 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. Ig no response is received in this Office within the 10 -day period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared. 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. 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. Reminder: 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.ora/web/wq/admin/bog/ipu/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, ms H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor Wa errQuality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Cc: :_,WQS:..Wilmington Regiopal Office_ Enforce . ent;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 tll '(Jomeafic Mia ®nl No'!'nsurance`�Covera a Pr u'goo � .. � .tom For delivery mformationsv'.isit ourebsite'�at-,wwwFus s.com '� '" 0 r - _ I r PS$ orm3 ppt Fluaust 200fi..,X. nSee Reverse for nstruc#ions F1 F2 -A F2 -B F7 F3 F4 F5 F6 F8 Old Way Base Extent F1 Total 500 1.1 550 550 F1 Total Duration F2 -A Total 550 1.5 825 F2 -A Total Gravity F2 -B Total 825 1.5 , 1237.5 F2 -B Total Record F7 Total 1237.5 1.5 1856.25 F7 Total Entity F3 -A Total 1856.25 1 1856.25 F3 -A Total Other F3 TOTAL 1856.25 0 1856.25 Add to F3 TOTAL 0 Add to F3 TOTAL 0 Add to F3 TOTAL $0 Add to Total Penalty $938 New Way,856 min Average Flow ( Time Period?) Range Guidance Point 215.6A Assigned Penalty < 0.5 MGD 0-1500 750 25000 750 > 0.5 MGD but <1.0 MGD 0-2000 1000 25000 >1.0 MGD but <10.0 MGD 0-3000 1500 25000 > 10.0 MGD 0-4000 2000 25000 f 750 Assigned PE Permitted Flow MGD, Design Flow, or Guidance Assessment Max per NCGS 143 - Average Flow ( Time Period?) Range Guidance Point 215.6A Assigned Penalty < 0.5 MGD 0-1500 750 25000 > 0.5 MGD but <1.0 MGD 0-2000 1000 25000 >1.0 MGD but <10.0 MGD 0-3000 1500 25000 > 10.0 MGD 0-4000 2000 25000 Assigned Intent Penalty - 0.0 0.00 Factor 7 Factor 8. Vio.lator's Prior Record (12 monthsEnforcemenf Costs: Previous Offenses Offense Factor 0-4 0.00 5-8. 0.50 9+ 1.00 Factor Tota i Assigned Factor Cost 0.00 DMR Reviewer 0.50 Case Author Assessor Administrative 0.50 Cost Tota I Assigned Cost 0.00 EFFLUENT NPDES PERMIT NO. NCO065480 DISCHARGE NO. 001 MONTH June YEAR 2016 FACILITY 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_ PERSON(S) COLLECTING SAMPLES Eric Youngs/Donald Feller ORC PHONE (910)443-3889 CHECK BOX IF ORC HAS CHANGED NO FLOW / DISCHARGE FROM SITE Mail ORIGINAL and ONE COPY to: ATTN: CENTRAL FILES tx DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY (SIGNATURE OF. OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE) DATE 1617 MAU, SERVICE CENTER: BY THIS SIGNATURE, I CERTIFY THAT THIS REPORT IS RALEIGH, NC 27699-1617 ,. ACCURATE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. d a) 50050.0001 00010 00400 1 50060 1 00310 1 00610 1 00530 1 61211 1 00300 1 00600 1 00665 t E �* FLOW w az_ cv o V w 0 Qj N ` o F :t ai EFF > e > d' Q Z W U m w Z Z Uj INF ❑ 0 w �O 00 O� �� H= O 3< ` agw a wU mN �w ia-W 00- 0_m 1<(9 0w Oy y0 .0:070 29 0 }w nwW V 40 _ . 31 5>:. , 3.&., �F- F -to w E 0)} �x - I -- ~O CL O U Q� LU w ~ 23 14 00 1 B 0:774 El 'Uv aZ 0 N a 24 12:15 1 B 0.076 Q disinfection W HRS HRS Y/BAv MGD 0 C UNITS u MG/L MG/L #1100mi MG/L MG/L MGAL t08.30_ . =1 5, ..._Y 0.076 251 .. 8.10. ;x 28 12:30 1 Y 0.082 28.2 8.00 2 07:45 1 1 Y 0:082 z <1 7.41 29 07 30 1 . Y . - 0:084 ;13 0`08620.' a) ca i O 14 07:30 1 Y 0.070 24.9 7.91 30 7 24.2 <2.8 <i 7.95 1S 11.30 1 B 0Y089 , .. cv Oao Qj 16 14:00 1 Y 0.083 C�) � e 17 07.30 0072 18 0.083 20 12:15 1 B 0.081 .0:070 29 0 .. 8 10 ;;° - 40 _ . 31 5>:. , 3.&., 58 ` 6.20. 22 16:00 1 B 0.080 25 23 14 00 1 B 0:774 24 12:15 1 B 0.076 20 26 0.089 27 16 00, 1 4 . Oi084 _. 30:. 28 12:30 1 Y 0.082 28.2 8.00 30 <2 26.9 3.1 <1 7.41 29 07 30 1 . Y . - 0:084 30 08:00 1 Y 0.. 086 Average 0.105 26.6 28 11.8 28.1 1.8 16.7 7.4 #DIV/01 #DIV/01 MaXImUm .-' 0:774. ?9.0'. 8A ' . 40,= 40:0' 31.5' 3 9 ."` 53.0 _._ B 0, r' 0-00 ` -0:00 Minimum 0.070 24.9 1 7.9 20 <2 24.2 <2.8 <1 6.2 0.00 1 O.QO ComP•�C)1 Gra6•(G)... G • , `_ ,;, G:' , C; C::_` C_=: �:.: Monthly Limit >6.8 / <8.5 13 ugA 30 mg/1 20 mgA 30 mg/1 35/100 >5 mgA ug/I 45 ingA 35 mgA 45 rng/l' :276/100 >5 mgA' DWQ Form MR -1 (11/04) IZ' LJ AUG 0 1 2016 DY`/:'� iSV-CT" PO n 0 2616 90 a) ca i O N 0 v t 00 cv Oao Qj C�) � e