NC0026441_Comments_20181121

November 21, 2018
Mr. Michael Templeton RECEIVED/DENRIQWR
NC DEQ Water Quality Permitting Section
1617 Mail Service Center NOV a 2018
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Water Resources Permitting Section
Dear Mr. Templeton,
Re: Siler City WWTP NPDES Permit Modification No. NC0026441
It has come to my attention that the above Permit Modification will allow Mountaire Farms to discharge
up to 60% more pollutants to the Siler City Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) than the combined
discharge from the two former poultry processors, Pilgrim's Pride and Townsends, and that most of
these pollutants will be nitrogen.
It is known that:
• neither Mountaire Farms nor the Siler City WWTP is capable of removing nitrogen,
therefore the nitrogen-rich discharge will go directly into Loves Creek&the Rocky
River;
• nitrogen is a known pollutant causing algae blooms;
• this additional pollution is a violation of the Clean Water Act(CWA) because Loves
Creek and the Rocky River are currently listed as impaired waterways.
In light of the above facts, the proposed DWR draft modifying this NPDES permit is entirely
inadequate to address the problem since it will not go into effect until 2023.
What mystifies me is : why would the DWR and DEQ even consider such a permit modification
when it is as clear as clean water that this modification will cause absolutely predictable legally
impermissible pollutant levels?
While I no longer use the Rocky and Loves Creek for recreational purposes, I happen to be concerned
for my fellow citizens, particularly children, who will be unable to use these waterways safely. Then of
course, there is the wildlife to consider, the fish-kills and the unsightliness of algae blooms to name
just the most obvious.
Why contribute to increased pollution when it can be prevented by issuing a permit that meets the
requirements of the law?
Please call a Public Hearing on this issue, listen to the comments of the citizens who will be most
affected by this Permit Modification, and act in the interests of all parties, not simply the processors.
The citizens of Chatham County need your help.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Mary Lucas
3000 Galloway Ridge G303 4 �Z . �-
Pittsboro, NC 27312 4v
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