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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0030759-SmithCreekRRF-CEI-20210329 March 29, 2021 Robert Massengill Public Utilities Director City of Raleigh PO Box 590 Raleigh, NC 27602-0590 Subject: NPDES Compliance Evaluation Inspection Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility NPDES Permit No. NC0030759 Wake County Dear Mr. Massengill: On March 24, 2021, Stephanie Goss of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO), conducted an inspection at the subject facility. The cooperation of Michael Loveless was greatly appreciated. Findings during the inspection were as follows: 1. The current NPDES permit was issued effective March 12, 2019 and expires on February 29, 2024. 2. The WW-4 facility is permitted to treat 3.0 MGD of treated wastewater and consists of the following components: two mechanical bar screens, aerated grit removal, influent flume, influent composite sampler, influent flow meter, dual oxidation ditches, anaerobic/anoxic treatment basins, two secondary clarifiers, eight tertiary sand filters, dual ultraviolet disinfection, effluent flow meter, effluent composite sampler, cascade aeration, chemical feed system for alum and caustic and a back-up power generator. The plant discharges to the Neuse River, which is classified as Class C-NSW in the Neuse River Basin. 3. During the time of the inspection, only one mechanical bar screen was in operation. The second bar screen was out of service and under construction. 4. The influent and effluent flow meters are calibrated on a bi-annual basis and were calibrated on October 19, 2020 by Wright Instruments. 5. The refrigerated influent and effluent units were maintained at the proper temperature, < 6 degrees C. The influent and effluent composite samplers are programmed flow proportionally. The tubing looked good and is replaced quarterly. P a g e | 2 6. At the time of the inspection, both of the oxidation ditches and anaerobic/anoxic treatment basins were in service and appeared to be operating satisfactorily. There was foam on approximately 70% of the surface of each ditch. 7. At the time of the inspection, both of the clarifiers appeared to be operating satisfactorily. The overflow weirs are covered and were moderately clean. Mr. Loveless stated they are cleaned weekly during the summer or as needed. The clarifiers are approximately sixteen feet deep. A sludge judge is taken monthly. The sludge depth was recorded in the operator log book on March 11, 2021, and the depth in the East clarifier was four and a half feet deep and in the West clarifier the depth was six feet deep. The sludge judge is verified with a portable device and SCADA. 8. The Parkson tertiary sand filters appeared to be operating satisfactorily. Mr. Loveless stated that five are used during normal operations and the remaining three are used during storm events. The filtered effluent appeared clear and free of solids. 9. The dual ultraviolet disinfection system was in operation during the inspection and appeared to be operating satisfactorily. The ultraviolet bulbs are self-cleaning and the facility keeps multiple spare bulbs in storage near the ultraviolet system. 10. The post aeration system was operating satisfactorily. The effluent was clear and free of excess solids. 11. Mr. Loveless stated the facility does not have digesters; therefore, the sludge is sent directly to the Neuse River Waste Water Treatment Plant for disposal. 12. Mr. Loveless stated that the facility’s chemical feed system for alum and caustic was not in operation during the inspection. 13. Mr. Loveless stated the onsite diesel generators are tested under load weekly and fuel is kept onsite for the generator to last three days. 14. A review of discharge monitoring report (DMR) data for the period January 2020 through January 2021 showed all required monitoring was performed and that the facility complied with all permit limits. 15. A cursory review of laboratory and DMR data for September 2020 showed consistent reporting of results. 16. A cursory review of calibration logs showed acceptable calibration for the on-site parameters. 17. Mr. Loveless stated there are no significant industrial users that discharge to the facility. 18. The effluent discharge appeared free of excess solids. No detrimental impacts to the Neuse River was observed. 19. A daily operator log book is kept online which details daily operations, problems and when the plant conducts wasting of the sludge. 20. Mr. Loveless stated that the City of Raleigh handled the Annual Compliance report and he submits his data to the city approximately every July. P a g e | 3 The facility is compliant with the NPDES permit conditions as a result of this inspection. If you have questions concerning this report please contact Stephanie Goss at 919-791-4256 or Stephanie.goss@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Raleigh Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ cc: RRO, SWP Laserfiche EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. 20460 Water Compliance Inspection Report Form Approved. OMB No. 2040-0057 Approval expires 8-31-98 Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS) Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type 1 N 52 NC0030759 21/03/24 C S31112171819 20 21 66 Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved------------------- N67707172 73 74 75 80 Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include POTW name and NPDES permit Number) Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility 8505 Ligon Mill Rd Wake Forest NC 275872932 Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date 09:00AM 21/03/24 19/04/01 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Other Facility Data 11:00AM 21/03/24 24/02/29 Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Wade W Shaw,PO Box 590 Raleigh NC 276020590//919-554-6611/9195546602 Contacted No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program 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 Stephanie Goss DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/ Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page#1 3/29/2021 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0 DWR/WQROS-RRO/919-791-4232 3/29/2021 NPDES yr/mo/day 21/03/24 Inspection Type C3111218 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) 1.The current NPDES permit was issued effective March 12, 2019 and expires on February 29, 2024. 2.The WW-4 facility is permitted to treat 3.0 MGD of treated wastewater and consists of the following components: two mechanical bar screens, aerated grit removal, influent flume, influent composite sampler, influent flow meter, dual oxidation ditches, anaerobic/anoxic treatment basins, two secondary clarifiers, eight tertiary sand filters, dual ultraviolet disinfection, effluent flow meter, effluent composite sampler, cascade aeration, chemical feed system for alum and caustic and a back-up power generator. The plant discharges to the Neuse River, which is classified as Class C-NSW in the Neuse River Basin. 3.During the time of the inspection, only one mechanical bar screen was in operation. The second bar screen was out of service and under construction. 4.The influent and effluent flow meters are calibrated on a bi-annual basis and were calibrated on October 19, 2020. 5.The refrigerated influent and effluent units were maintained at the proper temperature, < 6 degrees C. The influent and effluent composite samplers are programmed flow proportionally. The tubing looked good and is replaced quarterly. 6.At the time of the inspection, both of the oxidation ditches and anaerobic/anoxic treatment basins were in service and appeared to be operating satisfactorily. There was foam on approximately 70% of the surface of each ditch. 7.At the time of the inspection, both of the clarifiers appeared to be operating satisfactorily. The overflow weirs are covered and were moderately clean. Mr. Loveless stated they are cleaned weekly or as needed. The clarifiers are approximately sixteen feet deep. A sludge judge is taken monthly and it was indicated in the Operator log book, on March 11, 2021, that the depth in the East clarifier was four and a half feet deep and in the West clarifier the depth was six feet deep. The sludge judge is verified with a portable device that measures the sludge depth. 8.The Parkson tertiary sand filters appeared to be operating satisfactorily. Mr. Loveless stated that five are used during normal operations and the remaining three are used during storm events. The filtered effluent appeared clear and free of solids. 9.The dual ultraviolet disinfection system was in operation during the inspection and appeared to be operating satisfactorily. The ultraviolet bulbs are self-cleaning and the facility keeps multiple spare bulbs in storage near the ultraviolet system. 10.The post aeration system was operating satisfactorily. The effluent was clear and free of excess solids. 11.Mr. Loveless stated the facility does not have digesters; therefore, the sludge is sent directly to the Neuse River Waste Water Treatment Plant. 12.Mr. Loveless stated that the facility’s chemical feed system for alum and caustic was not in operation during the inspection. 13.Mr. Loveless stated the onsite diesel generators are tested under load weekly and fuel is kept NC0030759 17 (Cont.) Page#2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0 Permit:NC0030759 Inspection Date:03/24/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility Compliance Evaluation onsite for the generator to last three days. 14.A review of discharge monitoring report (DMR) data for the period January 2020 through January 2021 showed all required monitoring was performed and that the facility complied with all permit limits. 15.A cursory review of laboratory and DMR data for September 2020 showed consistent reporting of results. 16.A cursory review of calibration logs showed acceptable calibration for the on-site parameters. 17.Mr. Loveless stated there are no significant industrial users that discharge to the facility. 18.The effluent discharge appeared free of excess solids. No detrimental impacts to the unnamed tributary to the Neuse River was observed. 19.A daily operator log books is kept online and detailing daily operations, problems, when the plant conducts wasting to name a few. 20.Mr. Loveless stated that the City of Raleigh handled the Annual Compliance report and he submits his data to the city on a yearly basis in July. Page#3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0 Permit:NC0030759 Inspection Date:03/24/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility Compliance Evaluation Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: 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? # Are there any special conditions for the permit? Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? Comment: Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? Is all required information readily available, complete and current? Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? Is the chain-of-custody complete? 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 on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? Page#4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0 Permit:NC0030759 Inspection Date:03/24/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility Compliance Evaluation Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? Comment: Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? Comment: Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? The influent flow meter was calibrated on 10/19/20Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? The influent flow meter was calibrated on 10/19/20Comment: Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? Is the screen free of excessive debris? Is disposal of screening in compliance? Is the unit in good condition? Comment: Page#5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0 Permit:NC0030759 Inspection Date:03/24/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility Compliance Evaluation Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Type of grit removal a.Manual b.Mechanical Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? Is the grit free of excessive odor? # Is disposal of grit in compliance? Comment: Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? Are weirs level? Is the site free of weir blockage? Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? Is scum removal adequate? Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? Is the drive unit operational? Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately ¼ of the sidewall depth) Comment: Oxidation Ditches Yes No NA NE Are the aerators operational? Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up? # Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin’s surface? Is the DO level acceptable? Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)? Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/l) Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/l in 30 minutes) Foam covered approx. 705 of the ditchesComment: Page#6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0 Permit:NC0030759 Inspection Date:03/24/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility Compliance Evaluation Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? # Is the facility using a contract lab? # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? Comment: Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)Yes No NA NE Type of operation:Up flow Is the filter media present? Is the filter surface free of clogging? Is the filter free of growth? Is the air scour operational? Is the scouring acceptable? Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? Comment: Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? Is the generator tested under load? Was generator tested & operational during the inspection? Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? Is the generator fuel level monitored? Comment: Page#7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7A287919-4994-4E67-8C8B-552C779FBDA0