NC0044121_Other Correspondence_20190523

North Carolina
Life. Well Crafted.
Public Utilities
May 23, 2019
City of Hickory
%ii� PO Box 398
Hickory, NC 28603
Q-MOS Phone: [phone]
M LS-VILLe REGIONAL OFFICE Fax: [phone]
Email: mhaynes pC�hickorync.gov
Mr. Wes Bell
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
610 East. Center Ave. Suite 301
Mooresville, NC 28115
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Notice of Violation
Hickory WTP (NPDES Permit #NC0044121)
Tracking # NOV-2019-PC-0418
Dear Mr. Bell:
The purpose of this correspondence is to provide information to the referenced NOV detailed in the Record
Keeping/Summary Section of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report.
At the time of your inspection it was determined that the facility had improperly filled out the CoC's for
quarterly analysis of total nitrogen (TN). Our staff has reached out to the contract laboratory to determine
the proper sample analysis request method to ensure the appropriate tests are run. This process has,been
implemented and will make sure the proper banalysis
revised and resubmitted toreflect ace run ourate sample rreported going
esults.
forward. All of the affected eDMR s have
It was also noted that on several occasions the proper hold time for analysis of pH and total residual
chlorine was not maintained. Upon further internal review, it was found that the error was due to improper
documentation of sample collection times in the event a resample was required. Standard Operating
Procedures have been updated and modified to ensure that staff is instructed on the proper sampling/record
keeping requirements. The bench sheet used for record keeping has been updated to use military time for
clarity as well as improved tracking of sample collection and analysis times in an effort to avoid this error
in the future.
The City of Hickory takes all violations seriously and works diligently in promoting and protecting the
environment, health and natural resources of our community through responsible stewardship in the
treatment of wastewater and hopes you will consider the above factors when evaluating enforcement action
against the violation that occurred.
Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate contacting me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Mark H ynes
Facility O
PC: Shawn Pennell, Assistant Public Services Director/Utilities
Andrew Foy, Environmental Manager
Wesley Boyd, Plant Superintendent