NC0024333_Inspection_20180130

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
M
LINDA CULPEPPER
Water Resources Interim Director
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
February 5, 2018
Mr. Russell G. Colbath, PE
Director of Water Resources
City of Monroe
Post Office Box 69
Monroe, North Carolina 28111
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Monroe WWTP
NPDES Permit NCO024333
Union County, NC
Dear Mr. Colbath:
On January 30, 2018, Mr. Roberto Scheller of this Office conducted an inspection at the subject
facility. This inspection was conducted as Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) to insure
compliance with permit requirements and conditions. We wish to thank you and your staff for
their assistance regarding this inspection.
The enclosed reports should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact myself of Roberto Scheller at [phone] or
robe rto.scheller@ncdenr,gov.
Sincerely,
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Enclosure: Inspection Report
cc: MSC 1617-Central File Basement
File
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources J Water Quality Regional Operations
Mooresville Regional Office)610 East Center Avenue,Suite 3011 Mooresville,North Carolina 28115
704 663 1699

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Form Approved-
EPA
PA
Washington,D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A:National Data System Coding(i.e.,PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector FacType
1 IN I 2 15 1 3 I NCO024333 I11 12 18/01/30 17 18 Li 19 f G I 20f I
21111111 1111111111111111111111111 11111111111 f6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 CIA -------------Reserved---------
67 70[d_ 71 Lj 72 LJ 73 ]74 751 I I I I I I I80
Section B:Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number) 10:28AM 18/01/30 14/09/01
Monroe WWTP
775 Treeway Dr Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Monroe NC 28110 12:51PM 18/01/30 19/01/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/ritles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Kyle P Ketchum/ORC/704-282-4612/
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Russell G Colbath,PO Box69 Monroe NC 28111/Water Resources
Director/704-282-4624/7042825764 No
Section C-Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations&Maintenance Records/Reports
Self-Monitoring Program 0 Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
Laboratory
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Roberto Schaller MRO WQ//252-946-6481/
(
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
W. Corey .Basinger MRO WQ//704-235-2194/
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete. ®
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
31 NCO024333 I1 121 18/01/30 117 18 'C I
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheetsof narrative and checklists as necessary)
' • r{
Page# 2

Permit: NCO024333 Owner-Facility: Monroe VvWTP
Inspection Date: 01/30/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new ❑ ❑ ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?' ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Current permit became effective September 1, 2014 and expires at midnight on January 31,
2019.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab. reg. required 5 years)? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Dates, times and location of sampling
Name of individual performing the sampling
Results of analysis and calibration
Dates of analysis
Name of person performing analyses
Transported COCs
Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ❑ ❑ ❑
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow)Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator M ❑ ❑ ❑
on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All records reviewed were current and available for inspection. EDMR's and labatory
analysis are stored on computer that has daily backup.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 3

Permit: NCO024333 Owner-Facility: Monroe WWTP
Inspection Date: 01/30/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters)performed by a certified lab? N ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the facility using a contract lab? E ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees E ❑ ❑ ❑
Celsius)?
Incubator(Fecal Coliform)set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/-0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑
Incubator(BOD)set to 20.0 degrees Celsius+/-1.0 degrees? I ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Cursory review of on-site laboratory was conducted at time of inspection. Sample storage
refrigerator was noted at 5 degrees Celsius.
Operations&Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters,for ex: MLSS, MCRT,Settleable ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: Facility is monitoring activated sludge through process control.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual ❑
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Facility has installed two new mechanical rotary fine screens. Screening debris is dis oste
of at landfill.
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sample collected above side streams? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the tubing clean? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees E ❑ ❑ ❑
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: At time of inspection it was noted that influent sample storage was at 4 degrees Celsius.
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i
Permit N00024333 owner-Facility: Monroe VVVVT_P
Inspection Date: 01/30/2010 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated? ❑ ❑ N ❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
i
Are all pumps present? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Are float controls operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are audible and visual alarms operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is basin size/volume adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Berm of equalization basin was inspected for erosion, burrowing animals, and trees. The
berm was well vegetated and mowed. No errosion or burrowing animals were noted on
berm at time of inspection. It was noted that a few saplings were sprouting up on the basin
.side of berm and it was recommended that saplings be removed.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext.Air
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ❑ ❑ E ❑
Are the diffusers operational? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of weir blockage? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 5

Permit: NCO024333 Owner-Facility: Monroe VWVrP
Inspection Date: 01/30/201 B Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately%of the sidewall depth) ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: It was noted that foam had accumulated in center rings of clarifiers from recent high flow
event.
Pumps-RASMAS Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Are pumps operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Type of operation: Down flow
Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter surface free of clogging? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter free of growth? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine(CAS No. 7782-50-5)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If yes,then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If yes,then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number?(1 000- -_) 1000-0011-0435
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t
Permit N00024333 Owner-Facility: MonroeVWVfP
Inspection Date: 01/30/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated? 03/11/2015
Comment:
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: 1-ton cylinders of Sulfer-Dioxide are used for de-chlorination. Facility is planning upgrade to
chlorine and de-chlor systems.
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment: Effluent from chlorine contact chamber was clear with no visible suspended soilds.
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the tubing clean? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees M ❑ ❑ ❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency, sampling type 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
representative)?
Comment: Facility is equipped with dual effluent composite samplers.
Flow Measurement- Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational? M ❑ ❑ ❑
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Flow meter last calibrated on 12/18/2017.
Page# 7

Permit: NC0024333 Owner-Facility: Monroe WwrP
Inspection Date: 01/30/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mixing adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the odor acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Facility has 2 sludge thickner tanks and 3 aerobic digesters.
Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE
Is the equipment operational? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chemical feed equipment operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
The facility has an approved sludge management plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Belt thickner was operating at time of inspection. Several of the drying beds have been
modified to store dewatered sludge from belt thickner. Filtrate and stormwater from around
bio-solids area is returned to head of plant.
Dryinq Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are the drying beds free of vegetation? ❑ ❑ S ❑
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? ❑ ❑ N ❑
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge land applied? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
(Vacuum filters)Is polymer mixing adequate? S ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Five sand drying beds are inactive. Sludge is land applied for final disposal.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 8

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Permit: NCO024333 Owner-Facility: Monroe WWTP
Inspection Date: 01/30/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: This facility has step aeration before discharge into Richardson Creek. Small amount of
foam was being generated at point of discharge but disipated within 50 feet of discharge
point.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the generator tested under load? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Was generator tested&operational during the inspection? ❑ ❑ ❑
Do the generator(s)have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? S ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the generator fuel level monitored? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Page# 9