|  Success
Story #34
A
North Carolina cogeneration facility was cited by DENR for water
quality violations. This facility used wood as fuel to generate
steam for an adjacent industrial facility. Over a several month
period, excess wood was procured and created a condition where the
oversized wood yard encroached on a small tributary. Water quality
in the tributary and downstream creek was impacted. EI provided
consulting services to the cogeneration facility to respond to the
Notice of Violation. Specifically, EI provided guidance in 1) dealing
and negotiating with DENR and 2) developing a technical and operational
approach to correcting the situations and activities that resulted
in the environmental impact. The commitment of the cogeneration
company to correcting environmental problems resulted in a good
working relationship with DENR, a remarkable reduction in the size
of the wood pile, ultimately a No-Further-Action letter, and no
penalties. The cogeneration company expressed its approval and appreciation
in the following letter to the EI point of contact…
"On
December 12, 2002…the purpose of the visit was to observe the
on-going efforts of your company to restore the adjacent stream
to a condition that meets water quality standards.
The Inspection found the following:
(1) The volume and area of the sawdust pile had been greatly
reduced from that on site during the Spring of 2002.
(2) A buffer area between the sawdust pile and the stream had
been established. Leachate/runoff from the sawdust pile was
collected and prevented from entering the stream.
(3)
Downstream at Hwy 770 field parameters showed no water quality
violations for dissolved oxygen and pH. The stream was clear,
colorless and free of fungal growth. No water quality problems
were observed.
You
and all those involved in resolving the problems at this site are
commended for your efforts. At the present time, out division has
no plans for further action at this site.
Sincerely,
David C. Russell
Environmental Specialist
 Back to Success Stories
|
