NC0020401_NOD-2018-DV-0013 Response_20180529

HICKORY
North Carolina
Life. Well Crafted.
Public Utilities
May 29, 2018
Mr. Wes Bell
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
610 East Center Ave, Suite 310
Mooresville, NC 28115
SUBJECT: Notice of Deficiency
Tracking #: NOD -2018 -DV -0013
Northeast WWTP
NPDES Permit #NC0020401
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Bell:
City of Hickory
PO Box 398
Hickory, NC 28603
Phone: [phone]
Email: krhyne0hickorvnc.gov
RECEIVED/NCDENRIDWR
JUN 4 '1018
WQROS
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
The purpose of this correspondence is to provide a written response to the referenced NOD. As stated
in the 5 -day Bypass Report Form, rainfall totaled 3.4 inches, with most of it occurring in a short
period of time. The very heavy rainfall caused the influent wet -well level to rise. When the wet -well
reached the high float bypass level, an electrical failure occurred. The pumps were then switched to
manual operation while the repairs were made and system was restored to normal operations. During
this time, a small overflow occurred.
The Northeast Plant is staffed 24 hours per day and properly maintained at all times. The
combination of the high flows and unanticipated mechanical failure were the cause of the overflow.
The City is committed to the continual improvement of our collection and wastewater treatment
systems. Money spent on recent projects displays this commitment.
The City of Hickory takes all violations seriously and works diligently in promoting and protecting
the environment, health and natural resources of our customers through responsible stewardship in the
treatment of wastewater and hopes you will consider the above factors when possibly pursuing
enforcement actions against the deficiency that occurred.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [phone].
Sincerely,
NIAO
Keith D. Rhyne
WWTP Superintendent
Cc: Kevin B. Greer, PE/Public Services Director
Cc: Shawn Pennell, Assistant Public Services Director/Utilities