NC0021369_NOV2016LV0588_20161016

Certified Mail # 7014 0510 0000 4466 4132
Return Receipt Requested -
October 24, 2016
Tim Barth, Town Manager
Town of Columbus
PO Box 146
Columbus, NC 28722
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking Number: NOV-2016-LV-0588
Permit No. NCO021369
Columbus WWTP
Polk County
Dear Permittee:
A review of the July 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 Coliform, Fecal MF, MFC Broth, 7/16/2016 400 510 Weekly Geometric Mean Exceeded
44.5 C (31616)
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
2090 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-296-4500

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.
If you have any questions concerning this matter or -to apply for an SOC, please contact Janet Cantwell of the
Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500..
Sincerely, .
G. Landon Davidson; P.G., �gial Supervi,sor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Cc: WQS Asheville Regional Office - Enforcement File
NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File
G:\WR\WQ\Polk\Wastewater\Municipal\Columbus WWTP 21369\N0V-N0I-2016-LV-0588Af