GREENWOOD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

MINUTES OF THE December 13, 2006

Show Cause Hearing

 

The show cause hearing of the Greenwood Metropolitan District Commission was held Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 2:30 p.m., in the Training Room of Greenwood Metropolitan District Technical Service Facility, 110 Metro Drive.

 

In attendance:

Bob Haynie                              George Martin

Gene Hancock                         Brian Waldrep

Michael G. Monaghan              Tony Williamson

Byron Smith                             Roy Hemphill

Henry Watts                             Jim Kelly

Richard Coleman                      Tommy Balchin

 

        I.      Chairman Haynie called the meeting to order.

 

     II.      Chairman Haynie gave the statement of compliance with the notification provision of the Freedom of Information Act.

 

   III.      Show Cause Hearing for Self Regional Service Center:

Mr. Kelly with Self Regional stated that Self Regional is trying to show a good faith effort in correcting the problem of high copper discharge from their service center.  Self Regional has tried several things to correct the problem for some time.  Self Regional has replaced some 200 feet of copper drain lines.  Self Regional utilizing Davis and Floyd analysis figured that the problem stems from the way they heat the water for the laundry.  Self Regional is heating the water with a direct heat method.  The water is exposed to combustible gases and it makes the water acidic.  The water was then pumped through a copper line.  Self Regional is in the process of replacing the copper lines with stainless steel lines.  Self Regional provided samples of the old copper line for the Board to see the deterioration from the acidic water.  All lines that pump processed water will be replaced with stainless steel lines.  The goal is to have all of the lines replaced by the end of January.  Self Regional would like for the Board to allow them some more time before issuing fines.  Chairman Haynie asked if the staff had items they needed to discuss.  Manager Coleman said Greenwood Metro does agree with what Self Regional is saying are the facts.  Mr. Williamson said Self Regional has made efforts in addressing the problem.  Self Regional is still trying to resolve the problem.  Mr. Williamson said that the flow we have received from Self Regional has increased and the concentration of copper has not decreased.  In fact the mass that the treatment plant sees has increased.  Mr. Balchin said the reason for the increase in flow is Self Regional not only does laundry for their facility but they also do laundry for other facilities.  Mr. Kelly said that Self Regional has gone back to buy more discharge capacity from Greenwood Metro.  Commissioner Hancock asked if there would be any problem with the stainless steel.  Mr. Williamson said that he did not see a problem.  Mr. Balchin said they have checked with three different laundry engineers and all recommended stainless steel.  Mr. Kelly said they have also talked to the manufacturer of the direct fire heat and they recommend stainless steel.  Chairman Haynie said that Greenwood Metro almost has an obligation to fine them because DHEC and EPA will come down on Metro if we are not enforcing the limits.  Manager Coleman said that Metro needs to show that we are taking progressive actions toward the violations.  Commissioner Monaghan stated Self Regional will have the lines completely replaced in January.  Mr. Balchin said that is their goal.  Commissioner Watts asked if the pH level is under control.  Mr. Balchin said the pH level is under control.  Chairman Haynie stated the total penalty is $1500.  Mr. Kelly said that Self Regional still has December and January before all of the copper pipes will be replaced.  Commissioner Hancock asked if total copper was included in their permit.  Mr. Williamson said it was.  Mr. Williamson said the limit that Self Regional has violated is their monthly average limit.  There have been one or two months since the beginning of the year where Self Regional has exceeded their daily maximum limit.  Essentially Self Regional has violated the monthly average copper limit every month since the beginning of the year.  Notices of Violation were sent out each month and responses were made by Self Regional.  Commissioner Monaghan asked if Self Regional’s detergent used is phosphorus free.  Mr. Kelly said he thought they were, but he would check if needed.  Chairman Haynie stated the Board will discuss this matter and respond back to Self Regional. 

 

  IV.      With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.