Staff – February 7, 2024 I Updated February 11, 2024

Currituck County Faces Ongoing Wastewater Treatment Challenges, Fines, and Groundwater Contamination

The update includes all relevant records from DEQ at the bottom of page

Currituck County, North Carolina, has been grappling with persistent wastewater treatment violations at its Ocean Sands and Moyock Regional Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) over the past six months, resulting in multiple notices of violation, potential fines, and evidence of groundwater contamination. County Manager Rebecca Gay has failed to bring the county’s wastewater treatment plants into compliance, continuing a trend of regulatory challenges.

Exceeding State Limits

In March 2024, the Ocean Sands WWTP exceeded limits for ammonia nitrogen and total suspended solids, with groundwater monitoring wells also showing significant exceedances of ammonia nitrogen levels, indicating contamination. Similarly, the Moyock Regional WWTP reported violations in March and April 2024, including excessive levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), fecal coliform, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total suspended solids. Groundwater monitoring at Moyock revealed further contamination, with ammonia nitrogen exceedances in multiple wells, one reporting a staggering 56,600 mg/L against a limit of 1,500 mg/L.

The problems persisted into June 2024 at Ocean Sands, where violations included exceedances for BOD, fecal coliform, ammonia nitrogen, and total suspended solids. Groundwater monitoring wells showed elevated ammonia nitrogen and nitrate levels, further confirming contamination of the groundwater. Each notice of violation carries the potential for civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation under North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A.

Risks to Human Health

These contaminants pose significant risks to human health. High levels of ammonia nitrogen can contribute to the formation of nitrites, which may cause methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” in infants by interfering with oxygen transport in the blood. Nitrates are linked to similar risks and may increase the likelihood of cancers, such as stomach cancer, with long-term exposure. Additionally, the presence of fecal coliform indicates pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea and vomiting, particularly in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Recurring Issues

These recurring issues highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining compliance with state environmental regulations and protecting groundwater quality. The Division of Water Resources has urged the county to take remedial actions and consider applying for a Special Order by Consent if construction is needed to address the violations. However, the county’s wastewater treatment woes remain unresolved, raising concerns about environmental impacts, public health, and the effectiveness of current management strategies.

This version incorporates the health risks associated with the groundwater contaminants identified in the reports.