NC0005126_NOV-2019-LV-0011 Response_20190206

RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
FEB 12 2019
WORDS
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
T
Tyson
February 6, 2019
Via Certified Mail
Mr. Corey Basinger
Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Water Quality Division
610 East Center Ave. Suite #301
Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
Subject: Notice of Violation & Intent to Access Civil Penalty
Tracking Number: NOV-2019-LV-0011
Tyson Farms, Inc.
Harmony Rendering
Iredell County
Dear Mr. Basinger:
This letter is in response to the above -mentioned NOV and intent to assess civil penalty. In
November 2018 the facility began to experience elevated NH3 levels due to an inhibition in our
biological treatment system. In an effort to maintain permit compliance with NH3 discharge
limits breakpoint chlorination was started prior to the facilities effluent discharge. This consists
of using higher than normal amounts of sodium hypochlorite to oxidize the NH3 coming into
the chlorine contact basin. With the increase in sodium hypochlorite using a higher dosage of
sodium bisulfite for dichlorination is required. Although these efforts were successful in
maintain NH3 compliance, the higher sodium bisulfite usage resulted in a higher than normal
BOD in the effluent. Inhouse COD readings are taken daily. A correlation between these results
and Par Lab's BOD results typically shows that the BOD is 10%-15% of the COD. That was not
the case during breakpoint chlorination. When the results from Par Labs were received they
showed the BOD was 50%- 60%.

We respectfully ask that this be considered before any civil penalties are assessed for these
exceedances. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me at 704-546-2602 ext.
225 or Kevin Haynes at 704-546-2602 ext. 232.
Z
LZ:V�
Gregg Wikstrom
Plant Manager
RVAF-Harmony, NC
Cc: Chris Kornegay, Area Environmental Manager —Tyson
Wes Bell, Environmental Specialist - NCDWQ