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State issues violation notice after leachate disposal, equipment failures cited

 

COLUMBUS– On June 9, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation and Intent to Assess Civil Penalty to the Town of Columbus regarding its wastewater treatment plant. This decision follows an inspection conducted on May 9, which revealed several compliance issues concerning the facility’s operations and maintenance.

Staff from the N.C. Division of Water Resources’ Asheville Regional Office conducted the inspection, which identified multiple violations. Notably, the wastewater treatment plant was found to be non-compliant in several areas, including improper effluent sampling and failure to meet compliance schedules. The effluent flow meter, critical for measuring wastewater treatment processes, was also overdue for calibration since March 2024. 

Among the findings was the improper disposal of leachate from the nearby Polk County Landfill. The leachate was reportedly dumped in an unlined area of the aeration basin, raising concerns about environmental contamination. Additionally, inspectors noted excessive solids within the plant, with levels measuring significantly above acceptable standards in both the clarifier and the chlorine contact chamber.

Other issues raised included problems within the plant’s power systems, the longstanding malfunction of a mixer in the aeration basin, and improper disposal of used chlorine gas cylinders. 

The NCDWR is pursuing enforcement action in light of these findings. Under North Carolina General Statute G.S. 143-215.6A, civil penalties may be assessed against the town for violations of permit terms or conditions.

The Town of Columbus fired its town manager, Tim Barth, last month for unknown reasons. Currently, a team led by Danna Stansbury, Interim Executive Director of the Foothills Regional Commission, and Allan Toney, FRC Director of Community and Economic Development, is in place. 

The town was asked to respond to the state within ten business days, which they have done. 

“We are working with the state to start the process of Asset Inventory Assessment,” Toney said. “We are being proactive in addressing the issues.”

The Notice of Violation can be viewed here.