DEQ
Details for Complaint Number 004908
Complaint Received Date:
02/09/2007
First Site Visit Date:
02/12/2007
Second Site Visit Date:
Third Site Visit Date:
File List:
AFIN:
6600274
Permit Number:
AR0039730
Media:
WN - Water-NPDES
Name:
QUANEX CORP-MACSTEEL DIVISION
County:
Sebastian
Address:
5225 PLANTERS RD
FORT SMITH, AR 72916
FORT SMITH, AR 72916
Site Phone Number:
(501) 648-
Latitude:
35.306172
Longitude:
-94.375522
Fayetteville Shale Related:
Fayetteville Shale Violations:
First Letter Date:
Second Letter Date:
Third Letter Date:
ERC Event Number:
Action Case ID:
Action Case Name:
Action LIS Number:
Number of Site Visits:
1
Discharge To Stream:
Y
Discharge To Stream Name:
Massard Creek(tributary to)
Previous Complaint:
Y
Previous Dates Comment:
Inactive Investigation:
N
Inactive Investigation Reason:
Valid Complaint:
Y
Investigation Comment:
On 02-12-07, Dale Washam and I conducted a recon inspection of the facility. We observed a limited amount of litter at outfall 001. Four to five plastic bottles, three or four styrofoam cups were observed in the storm water ditch. We discussed the issue with Warren Taff, Environmental Engineer for Quanex. During our inspection, we reviewed three months of DMR's and determined that the results were within permit limits. Mr. Taff informed us that the SWPPP was currently in the process of being updated. A pH reading was obtained from outfall 001, a reading of 8.78 S.U. was revealed at the outfall which was flooded at the present time. We reminded Mr. Taff that the permit states that "no solid material, including floating debris, may be discharged to the water of the State". We advised Mr. Taff that good housekeeping practices and routine monitoring was required in order to prevent these issues at the outfall.
On 02-13-07, Dale Washam and I met with the complainant, Mr. Kent Keaton. We observed the outfall from a location within Ben Geren Park. Minimal amounts of litter were observed, one very old spray paint can was visible along the fence line at Quanex. We observed the pipe located in the storm water ditch that Mr. Keaton continues to allege is discharging processed wastewater. We informed him that this pipe is discharging re-circulated ditch water mixed with sulfuric acid to help control pH. We also discussed that there were two other potential sources of water that flowed through the storm water ditch. One is an existing ditch which collects runoff water from a subdivision located above the facility. The second source is the possibility of a natural spring that runs into the storm water ditch. We conducted a lengthy inspection along Massard Creek through the park until we reached the low water bridge. Again, very limited amount of litter was observed in these areas. We then reviewed numerous photos that Mr. Keaton had available. He confirmed during our meeting, that conditions had greatly improved in regard to the trash at the facility outfall within the last 12-15 months. At the conclusion of the meeting, we informed Mr. Keaton that our Agency would address the minor issues with trash at the outfall and a follow-up inspection would be performed to verify compliance.
Before we left the park, Dale and I decided to take a pH reading at Massard Creek below the facility outfall. A reading of 6.30 S.U. was revealed approximately 10-15 feet below outfall 001.
[Last modified by hoskins, 3/2/2007 3:27:24 PM]
Description Comment:
Complainant alleges that the facility is polluting the water at the outfall by allowing an excessive build-up of trash and other debris in this location. He also alleges that the facility discharges "processed wastewater" at the outfall 001. Mr. Keaton also has concerns as to why there continues to be water in the storm water ditch.
Location Comment:
5225 Planters Road, Fort Smith- back side of the facility at Outfall 001