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HomeMy WebLinkAbout830017_ENFORCEMENT_20171231State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Acting Director MR LESLIE STUTTS CARROLL' S FOODS, INC. PO DRAWER 856 WARSAW NC 28398 Dear Mr. Stutts: 099xA IT 40 0 A&41 D EIV R August 28, 2001 aE F AUG 3 U 2001 Ia II n, SUBJECT: Acknowledgment Receipt Letter Case # PC 00-057 Farm # 83-17 Scotland County This letter is to acknowledge receipt of your check # 219437 in the amount of $1,135.36, received from This payment satisfies in full the civil assessment in the amount of $1,135.36 levied against CarrolI's Foods, Inc. and this enforcement case has been closed. Payment of these penalties in no way precludes further action by this Division for future violations. cc: If you have any questions please call Steve Lewis at (919) 733-5083 ext. 539. Sincerely, Jeff Poupart, Supervisor Non -Discharge Compliance & Enforcement Fayetteville Regional Office Enforcement/Compliance Files # PC00-057 Central Files 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919715-6048 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Bill Holman, Secretary Kerr T. Stevens, Director CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED MR. LESLIE STUTTS CARROLL' S FOODS, INC. P. O. DRAWER 856 WARSAW, NC 28398 Dear Mr. Stutts: OCT 16 2000 FAYE7 TEVIl 1 • RcG. oFl` �► NCDENR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES October 11, 2000 SUBJECT: Assessment of Civil Penalties for Violation of Conditions of the General Permit Farm #83-17 Scotland County File No. PC 00-057 This letter transmits notice of a civil penalty assessed against Carroll's Foods, Inc. #7768 in the amount of $1135.36 including $135.36 in investigative costs. Attached is a copy of the assessment document explaining this penalty. This action was taken under the authority vested in me by delegation provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Any continuing violation(s) may be the subject of a new enforcement action, including an additional penalty. Within thirty days of receipt of this notice, you must do one of the following: Submit payment of the penalty: Payment should be made directly to the order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (do not include waiver form). Payment of the penalty will not foreclose further enforcement action for any continuing or new violation(s). Mailing Address: Telephone (919) 733-5083 Location: 1617 Mail Service Center Fax (919) 733-0059 512 N. Salisbury St. Raleish, North Carolina 27699-1617 State Courier #52-01-01 Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 An Equal Opportunily /Affirmnrive Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper http: //h2o. enr.state. nc. us Please submit payment to the attention of: Mr. Joe Albiston NCDENR DWQ 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 OR 2. Submit a written request for remission or mitigation including a detailed justification for such request: A request for remission or mitigation is limited to consideration of the reasonableness of the amount of the penalty and is not the proper procedure for contesting the accuracy of any of the statements contained in the assessment letter. 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 that there are no factual or legal issues in dispute. You must execute and return to this office the attached waiver and stipulation form and a detailed statement which you believe establishes whether: (a) one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in G.S. 143B-282. I (b) were wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner; (b) the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation; (c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident; (d) the violator had been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; (e) payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions. Please submit this information to the attention of: Mr. Joe Albiston NCDENR DWQ 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 OR 3. Submit a written request for an administrative hearing: If you wish to contest any portion of the civil penalty assessment, you must request an administrative hearing. This request must be in the form of a written petition to the Office of Administrative Hearings and must conform to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes. You must file your original petition with the: Office of Administrative Hearings 6714 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6714 Mail or hand -deliver a Copy of the petition to: Mr. Dan McLawhorn NCDENR Office of General Counsel 1601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1601 Failure to exercise one of the options above within thirty days, as evidenced by a date stamp (not a postmark) indicating when we received your response, will result in this matter being referred to the Attorney General's Office with a request to initiate a civil action to collect the penalty. Please be advised that additional assessments may be levied for future violations which occur after the review period of this assessment. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Joe Albiston at (919) 733-5083, ext. 581 or Mr. Jeff Poupart at (919) 733-5083, ext. 527. Sincerely, Kerr T. Stevens ATTACHMENTS cc: Regional Supervisor w/ attachments Compliance/Enforcement File w/ attachments Central Files w/ attachments Public Information Officer w/ attachments STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN OF CIVIL PENALITIES AGAINST ) ADMINSTRATIVE HEARING AND PERMIT NO. } STIPULATION OF FACTS FILE NO: Having been assessed civil penalties totaling for violation(s) as set forth in the assessment document of the Director of the Division of Water Quality dated, , the undersigned, desiring to seek remission of the civil penalties, 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. This the day of SIGNATURE ADDRESS TELEPHONE 20 r STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA Cli]f �1l11i��►Y�Ti7Ir �/_�a i� IN THE MATTER OF CARROLL'S FOODS, INC. FOR NON -DISCHARGE GENERAL PERMIT VIOLATIONS NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES File No. PC 00-057 } FINDINGS AND DECISION AND ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES Acting pursuant to delegation provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, I, Kerr T. Stevens, Director of the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), make the following: I. FINDINGS OF FACT: A. Carroll's Foods, Inc. is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of North. Carolina. B. Carroll's Foods, Inc. owns and operates the Carroll's Farm 7768, a swine operation in Scotland County. C. Carroll's Foods, Inc. was issued Certificate of Coverage AWS830017 under General Permit AWG100000 for Carroll's Farm 7768 on October 26, 1998, effective October 26, 1998, with an expiration date of April 30, 2003. D. Condition No. V. 3. of the "General Conditions" of the General Permit states in part that "The maximum waste level in lagoons/storage ponds shall not exceed that specified in the Certified Animal Waste Management Plan (CAWMP). At a minimum, maximum waste level for lagoons/storage ponds must not exceed the level that provides adequate storage to contain the 25 -year, 24-hour storm event plus an additional one (1) foot of structural freeboard." E. The CAWMP for Carroll's Farm 7768 requires that the waste Ievel in the lagoon does not exceed eighteen (18) inches. F. Condition No. III. 6. e. of the "Monitoring and Reporting Requirements" of the General Permit requires that the permittee shall report by telephone to the appropriate Regional Office as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours following first knowledge of the occurrence of failure to maintain storage capacity in a lagoon/storage pond greater than or equal to that required in Condition V. 3. of the issued permit. G. Division of Soil and Water Conservation staff from the Fayetteville Regional Office inspected Carroll's Farr.: 7768 on March 16, 2000 and observed that the storage capacity of the lagoon was sixteen (16) inches less than adequate. H. DWQ staff inspected Carroll's Farm 7768 on March 22 and observed that the storage capacity of the lagoon was seventeen (17) inches which exceeded the level specified in the CAWMP. I. The Fayetteville Regional Office had not received notification from Carroll's Foods, Inc. that the waste level exceeded the level specified in the CAWMP. J. The costs to the State of the enforcement procedures in this matter totaled $135.36. Based upon the above Findings of Fact, I make the following: II. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: A. Carroll's Foods, Inc. is a "person" within the meaning of G.S. 143-215.6A pursuant to G -S. 143-212(4). B. A permit for an animal waste management system is required by G.S. 143-215.1. C. Carroll's Foods, Inc. violated Condition No. V. 3. of the General Permit by failing to maintain the liquid level in the lagoon at the level specified in the CAWMP. D. The above-cited failure to report by telephone to the appropriate Regional Office as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours following first knowledge of the occurrence of failure to maintain storage capacity in a lagoon/storage pond greater than or equal to that required in Condition No. V. 3 violated Condition No. 111. 6. e. of the General Permit. E. Carroll's Foods, Inc. may be assessed civil penalties pursuant to G.S. 143- 215.6A(a)(2) which provides that a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars (Si0,000.00) per violation may be assessed against a person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of a permit required by G.S. 143-215.1. F. The State's enforcement costs in this matter may be assessed against Carroll's Foods, Inc. pursuant to G.S. 143-215.3(a)(9) and G.S. 143B -282.1(b)(8). G. The Director, Division of Water Quality, pursuant to delegation provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has the authority to assess civil penalties in this matter. Based upon the above Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, I make the following: M. DECISION: Carroll's Foods, Inc. is hereby assessed a civil penalty of: $ Ob for violating Condition No. V. 3. of the General Permit by failing to maintain the liquid level in the lagoon at the level specified in the CAWMP $ San for violating Condition No. III. 6. e. of the General Permit by failing to report by telephone to the appropriate Regional Office as soon as possible, but in no case more than .24 hours following first knowledge of the occurrence of failure to maintain storage capacity in a lagoon/storage pond greater than or equal to that required in Condition No_ V. 3 $ , �O O . o d TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY, which is 5 percent of the maximum penalty authorized by G.S. 143-215.6A. $ 135.36 Enforcement costs S_ 3t& TOTAL AMOUNT DUE As required by G.S. 143-215.6A(c), in determining the amount of the penalty I considered the factors listed in G.S. 143B-282. I (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. (Date) Kerr T. Stevens, Director Division of Water Quality NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY June 14,1999 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Carroll's Foods, Inc. Attn.: Leslie Stufts P.O. Box 1767 Laurinburg, NC 28353 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION Permit No. AWS 830017 Farm # 7768 Facility No. 83 -17 Scotland County Dear Mr. Stutts. You are hereby notified that, having been permitted to have a non discharge permit for the subject animal waste disposal system pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H .0217, you have been found to be in violation of your 211.0217 Permit. On May 4, 1999, the Division of Water Quality at the Fayetteville Regional Office inspected the Carroll's Food Farm #7768 swine facility., It was noted that both new lagoons failed to have permanent vegetation established on all areas of the dikes. Wastewater was observed leaking around the pump packing at a steady rate causing substantial ponding on top of the lagoon dike. Mr. Jimmy Oxendine, the on-site representative shut the pump off. This facility contained several older lagoons, that need to be closed out according to NRCS standards. The Certified Animal Waste Management Plan (CAWMP) specified the receiving crop as coastal bermuda, overseeded with small grain for winter application. However, approximately half of the fields contained row crops, and the small grain overseed had been allowed to seed out in the remaining fields. There was a low area in one of the spray fields across from the newest lagoon that contained standing water. This area needs to be corrected with the correct crop established as specified in the CAWMP in order to utilize for waste application. The Certificate of Coverage (COC) and the General Permit were not readily available for review as required by General Permit condition 1.4 which states that "A copy of this General Permit, COC, certification forms, lessee and landowner agreements, and the CAWMP shall be readily available at the farm (stored in places such as the farm residence, office, outbuildings, etc.) where the animal waste management activities are being conducted for the life of this permit. These documents shall be kept in good condition and records shall be maintained in an orderly fashion'. A review of the freeboard records indicated that the lagoon level had reached a level higher than' 2ZS GREEN STREET, SUITE 714, FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28301-5043 PHoNE 510.466-1541 FAX 910-486-0707 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLEO/10% POST-COMSUMER PAPER Page 2 Carroll's Farm #7768 June 14, 1999 the required freeboard of 19 inches. General Permit condition 111.6.e states that `the Permittee shall report by telephone to the appropriate Regional Office as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours following the first knowledge of the occurrence of any of the following events: (e) Failure to maintain storage capacity in a lagoon/storage pond greater than or equal to that required in Condition V(3) of this General Permit'. The Division of Water Quality requests that the following items be addressed: 1. Establish permanent vegetation on the inside and back slopes of both new lagoons to prevent erosion. 2. Perform a more thorough investigation of the waste application equipment before and during irrigation events to assure that the system is working properly. 3. Contact a technical specialist for assistance in determining a method to close out the older lagoons to meet NRCS closure standards. 4. Consult with a technical specialist or the local NRCS district in order to revise the CAWMP to reflect the current cropping scheme for the facility and for assistance in correcting the low area within the application field. 5. Adhere to all of the General Permit conditions. Failure to comply with the above conditions may result in the facility's General Permit being revoked and being required to obtain an individual non -discharge permit for the facility. Please be advised that this notice does not prevent the Division of Water Quality from taking enforcement actions for this violation or any past or future violation. Furthermore, the Division of Water Quality has the authority to tevy a civil penalty of not more than $10,000.00 per day per violation. Please provide a written respom to this office on or before July 2, 1999, regarding corrective actions taken or planned. ff you have any questions conceming this matter, please do not hesitate to contact either Mr. Jeffery Brown, Environmental Engineer, or myself at (910) 486-1541. Sincerely, Pa . Rawls Regional Water Quality Supervisor cc: Sonya Avant - Compliance Group Ed Holland - Scotland Co. NRCS Audrey Oxendine - DSWC Fayetteville Office Central Files - Raleigh NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY March 22, 2000 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Carroll's Foods, Inc. Attention: Mr. Leslie Stuffs P.O.Box 1767 Laurinburg, NC 28320 Subject: Notice of Violation/Notice of Intent Carroll's Farm # 7768 Facility No. 83-17 Permit No. AWS830017 Scotland County Dear Mr. Stuffs: You are hereby notified that, having been permitted to have a non discharge permit for the subject animal waste disposal system pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H .0217, you have been found to be in violation of your 2H.0217 Permit. On March 16, 2000, staff from the Fayetteville Regional Office of the Division of Soil and Water were at the Carroll's Fane # 7768 site to assess inactive lagoons. They noted that the freeboard of the active lagoon at this site was sixteen inches which is less than the required freeboard of nineteen inches, and notified the Fayetteville Regional Office of the Division of Water Quality. On March 22, 2000, staff from the FRO performed a follow-up of the call from Soil and Water of the Carroll's Farm # 7768 located in Scotland County and found that the freeboard level of the lagoon was approximately seventeen inches and irrigation was being performed. The General Permit condition M.6.e. states: " The Permittee shall report by telephone to the appropriate Regional Office as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours following first knowledge of the occurrence of any of the following events: e. Failure to maintain storage capacity in a lagoon/storage pond greater than or equal to that required in Condition V(3) of this General Permit." The Division of Water Quality requests that the following item(s) be addressed: 1. Fill out the enclosed 30 day Plan of Action for lowering the lagoon to the required level of nineteen inches and return it within the 48 hour deadline. 2. Please provide actions proposed to prevent future freeboard violations at this facility, which are not in compliance with the CAWMP or the General Permit., - . r GROUNDWATER SECTION 225 GREEN STREET, SUITE 714 / SYSTEL BLD. FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28301-5043 PHONE: 9110-466-1541 FAX' 910-486-0707 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLED / 10% POST -CONSUMER PAPER ENR TOLL FREE HOTLINE: 1-677-623-6748 Mr. Stuffs 3-22-00 Page 2 Failure to comply with the above conditions may result in the facility losing its General Permit and being required to obtain an individual non- discharge permit for the facility. Please be advised that this notice does not prevent the Division of Water Quality from taking enforcement actions for this violation or any past or future violations. You are hereby notified that based on the above information the Division of Water Quality is considering forwarding recommendation to the Director for consideration of enforcement for this violation. Furthermore, the Division of Water Quality has the authority to levy a civil penalty of not more than $25,000.00 per day per violation. If you have an explanation for this violation that you wish to present to this office please forward a detailed explanation, in writing, of the events noted and why you feel that this office should not proceed with recommendations of enforcement. This response should be received by this office on or before March 30, 2000. A copy of this response will also need to be submitted to the DWQ Central Office at the following address: Mr. Steve Lewis NCDENR-DWQ 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Information provided to this office and the DWQ Central Office will be reviewed and if enforcement is still deemed appropriate, your explanation will be forwarded to the Director with the enforcement package for his consideration. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mr. John C. Hasty, Jr., Environmental Specialist at (910) 486-1541. ' ncor i Patel E. Rawls Regional Water Quality Supervisor cc: Sonya Avant -Compliance Group B. W. Anderson -Scotland Co. NRCS Trent Allen -DS WC Fayetteville Office Central Files -Raleigh Steve Lewis -Compliance Group