NC0021369_NOV-2019-PC-0328 NOI_20190708

Certified Mail #7017 2620 0000 9759 1369
Return Receipt Requested

July 8, 2019

Tim Barth, Town Manager
Town of Columbus
PO Box 146
Columbus, NC 28722

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking Number: NOV-2019-PC-0238
Permit No. NC0021369
Columbus WWTP
Polk County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Columbus WWTP on March 25,
2019. A Notice of Violation was sent to the Town on 4/5/2019. USPS records indicate the Notice and attached
inspection report were received on 4/8/2019. The Town was given 30 days to respond with plans to address the
violations and compliance issues. To date, a tentative plan for addressing the noted violation below has not been
received. Please note because a response was not received detailing current and future corrective actions, the
Town is being issued a Notice of Violation and Intent to Asses Civil Penalty.

Inspection Area Description of Violation _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Aeration Basins Facility solids are not being adequately removed from the system. The AB is not operating
optimally due to significant solids build-up within the basin and throughout the facility.
References the previously mailed inspection report (attached). Permit Standard Conditions
Section C.2 requires the permittee to properly operate and maintain all facilities
and systems of treatment which are installed to achieve compliance.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DocuSign Envelope ID: 917850CC-38E4-4FAA-8F9E-7238C222ADB1

In addition, the issues below must also be addressed:

Compliance Issue(s):

Sheet Pile Wall: The wall at the far end of the aeration basin is structurally compromised. This should be
assessed and addressed as soon as possible to prevent complete structural failure.

Solids: As briefly addressed above in the violation, solids handling, and storage also needs to be assessed.

A Notice of Violation/Intent to Issue Civil Penalty is being issued for the noted violation of North Carolina General
Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and the facility’s NPDES WW Permit. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of
not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or
fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S.
143-215.1.

If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violation, request technical assistance, or discuss
overall compliance please respond in writing (email is acceptable) within ten (10) business days after receipt of
this Notice. In your response please include current and future steps being taken to address the cited
violation and specific issues. A review of your response will be considered along with any additional information
provided. You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may be assessed regarding the violations. If no
response is received in this Office within the 10-day period, a civil penalty assessment may be
prepared.

The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of
State law. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and
you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order by
Consent.

The original Notice and compliance evaluation inspection are attached for your reference. If you should have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mikal Willmer with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in
the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4686 or via email at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

G. Landon Davidson, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report & NOV

EC: WQS Asheville Regional Office - Enforcement File
NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File
Chris Cochran, ORC
James Smith, Public Works Director
G:\WR\WQ\Polk\Wastewater\Municipal\Columbus WWTP 21369\Inspections\Inspect. March 25, 2019\20190708_NC0021369_NOVNOI2019PC0238
DocuSign Envelope ID: 917850CC-38E4-4FAA-8F9E-7238C222ADB1