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Home My WebLink AboutNC0023876_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210707ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality July 7, 2021 Mr. Robert Patterson, Water Resources Director City of Burlington P.O. Box 1358 Burlington, NC 27216 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection South Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0023876 Alamance County Dear Mr. Patterson: On June 25, 2021, staff of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office (Division) performed an announced routine compliance inspection of the subject wastewater treatment and disposal system. This compliance inspection was conducted by Division staff persons Patrick Mitchell and Jordan Burbage. The inspection reflects compliance with Permit No. NC0023876. Please refer to the enclosed compliance inspection report for a summary of the findings and comments noted during the inspection. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Patrick Mitchell or me at the letterhead address or phone number, or by email at patrick.mitchell@ncdenr.gov or jenny.graznak@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, EDocuSigned by: 0D2D3CE3F 167456... Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ — WSRO enc: Compliance Inspection Report cc: Rick Asher, ORC (Electronic Copy) Alamance County Environmental Health (Electronic Copy) Laserfiche File NC0023876 WSRO Electronic Files _1121,..„E\93 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 3001 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 336.776.9800 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEAOF1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA 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 1 IN Code I 2 IL NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac I 3 I NC0023876 111 121 21/06/25 117 181 o I 19 I S I 2011 Type 21IIIIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIII I IIIIII IIIIIIIIIII P6 Inspection 671 Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring 1 761 Evaluation Rating 1 711 B1 1 72 QA I N I 73I 1 I I Reserved 74 71 I I I I I I 180 Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include POTW name and NPDES Dermit Number) Southside WWTP 2471 Boy Wood Rd Burlington NC 27215 Entry Time/Date 10:OOAM 21/06/25 Permit Effective Date 14/07/01 Exit Time/Date 01:15PM 21/06/25 Permit Expiration Date 19/06/30 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Richard Brian Asher/ORC/336-227-6261/ Other Facility Data Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Robert C Patterson,PO Box 1358 Burlington NC 272161358//336-222-5130/3365706175 No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran Sludge Handling DispoFacility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate Other 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 Patrick Mitchell DWR/Division of Water Quality/336-776-9698/ Jordan Burbage DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9697/ Docusignedby: Date C (( if 7/6/2021 5548B6CO265C47A... r—DocuSigned by: 7/6/2021 Sgnature '-36CAF656CD3B4EF... of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date DocuSigned by: ,,,,a„4,, DWR WSRO 336-776-9695 7/7/2021 �OD2D3CE3F1 B7456... EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# 1 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 31 NPDES yr/mo/day NC0023876 I11 121 21/06/25 17 Inspection Type 18LI (Cont.) 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On June 25, 2021, WSRO staff conducted a routine inspection of the subject facility. Mr. Rick Asher (ORC) accompanied staff on the inspection. An in -office review of the last 12 months of self -monitoring data (i.e., April 2020 through March 2021) was completed as part of this inspection. The inspection reflects compliance with Permit No. NC0023876. Below is a summary of notes and observations from the inspection. FOLLOW-UP ITEMS REVIEW • Primary Clarifier #1 and Secondary Clarifier #4 were both found to be operational at the time of inspection. • Permit system description discrepancies- Sand filter upgrades and the flow changes to the two "Aeration basins". The two basins function as four independent basins (1A, 1B, 2A, & 2B — see site map for locations). Each basin contains an anoxic zone & aerobic zone. • Waiting on CO to complete permit renewal. RECORDS REVIEW • Onsite records were found to be complete and reflect compliance. • Reviewed February 2021 report in detail along with associated lab test results. Burlington Lab (Sherrin Waggner) does part and Meritech Lab does remaining portion. • Self -monitoring review period (4/2020 — 3/2021) found no recent violations other than a minor flow exceedance in Feb. 2021. • In-house process controls, QA/QC measures were found to be present and satisfactory. • Required info related to maintenance & daily ORC logs were found to be present in daily notebooks, daily log sheets, and in electronic logs. Routine generator testing records from manufacturer present. • ORC certifications up to date. However, some ORCs still working on obtaining CE hours. • McGill Composting is the primary means of sludge disposal. • Flow meter calibration records present. All reviewed calibrations found to be <10% variance. Most recent calibrations completed May 2021. WWTP REVIEW 1. There are two influent sources (Burlington & Swepsonville) which join for a combined influent source. The combined influent is sampled for the compliance reporting. The two independent influent sources are sampled for QA/QC purposes. There is an influent pump station present which serves the Burlington influent; not described in permit. See site map for locations. 2. WWTP tied into SCADA system, all unit alarms included. 3. The mechanical screen on the Burlington influent was removed temporarily for repairs at the time of inspection. At the time of inspection, the bar screen is being manually cleaned until repairs are completed. 4. The combined influent sampler was found to be 6° C at the time of inspection. Reportedly the refrigerator unit was defrosting. Temp. measurement log sheet indicated all measures were 4° C or less. 5. Primary Clarifier #2 was out of operation at the time of inspection and being pumped down. Reportedly a hand rake was accidentally dropped into the unit. As a result, pumping down is required to remove the rake to prevent damages. Page# 2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 6. All secondary clarifiers (except Clarifier #5) have weir covers installed to prevent algal growth. Weirs and effluent troughs were all found to be free of excessive solids an algal growth; except clarifier #5. Clarifier #5 did have excessive algal growth present in weirs and edge of effluent trough (no solids observed) and needs to be cleaned soon. Also, there was some minor short-circuiting of the weirs occuring in clarifier #5 where the weirs had separated from the concrete, needs repairing. 7. The sludge in the secondary clarifiers is constantly returned as part of the biological nutrient removal system. Sludge blanket maintained at -1 to 1.5 ft. 8. The disinfection system is reportedly going to be changed to a liquid chlorine soon. 9. Effluent sampler temp. was found to be 3.4° C at time of inspection. Logs show all temps 4° C or less. 10. Effluent discharging at time of inspection was found to be clear and odorless with no solids or foam present. RECEIVING STREAM REVIEW • Receiving stream was found to be turbid up and downstream of outfall from recent storm events. • Receiving stream sampling conducted by Cape Fear River Basin Association. Locations: Up- Hwy 87 bridge, Down- Saxapahaw bridge. Page# 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP 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 MODE application? Is the facility as described in the permit? • ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ❑ El • Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: See summary. 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? • ❑ El El Is the chain -of -custody complete? • El El El 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? • El El ❑ Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • El El El (If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified • El ❑ ❑ operator on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? • El El El Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? • El ❑ ❑ Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility • El El El classification? Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? • ❑ El El Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? El El El • Comment: See summary. Operations & Maintenance Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? Yes No NA NE Page# 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable II ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: Standby Power 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: See summary. Bar Screens 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: See summary. Grit Removal 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: Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • Yes No NA NE • • • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE Page# 5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Pump Station - Influent Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? Is the wet well free of excessive grease? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are float controls operable? Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? Comment: See summary. Equalization Basins Is the basin aerated? Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? Is the basin free of excessive grease? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are float controls operable? Are audible and visual alarms operable? # Is basin size/volume adequate? Comment: See summary. Influent Sampling # Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected above side streams? Is proper volume collected? Is the tubing clean? # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? Is sampling performed according to the permit? Comment: See summary. Flow Measurement - Influent # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ▪ El El El Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Influent Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Comment: See summary. Primary Clarifier 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 sludge blanket level acceptable? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) Comment: See summary. Pumps-RAS-WAS Are pumps in place? Are pumps operational? Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? Comment: Sand Filters (Low rate) (If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational? Is the distribution box level and watertight? Is sand filter free of ponding? Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? # Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation? # Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1) Comment: See summary. Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • Yes No NA NE Page# 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Aerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? Is the mixing adequate? Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? # Is the odor acceptable? # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Comment: Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE # Is total nitrogen removal required? • ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is total phosphorous removal required? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Type Biological # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? ❑ ❑ • ❑ Is nutrient removal process operating properly? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Secondary Clarifier 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ Page# 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Secondary Clarifier 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'/4 of the sidewall depth) Comment: See summary. Disinfection -Gas Are cylinders secured adequately? Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7782-50-5)? If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - ) If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Comment: See summary. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Unknown Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ ❑ • # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Are the tablets the proper size and type? Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? Number of tubes in use? Comment: See summary. Page# 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 35FEA0F1-3A74-40C8-8E71-96D2D7E1A526 Permit: NC0023876 Inspection Date: 06/25/2021 Owner - Facility: Southside WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected below all treatment units? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper volume collected? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the tubing clean? • ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 • ❑ ❑ ❑ degrees Celsius)? Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type • El El El representative)? Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent # 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? Comment: Effluent Pipe 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: Other Comment: See summary. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE Page# 10