NC0020656_Inspection_20000821

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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL, RESOURCES
August 21, 2000
The Honorable Ann Slaughter
Mayor, City of Laurinburg
PO Box 520
Laurinburg, NC 28379
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE.
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
City of Laurinburg
Wastewater Treatment Plant
NPDES Permit No. NC0020656
Scotland County
Dear Ms. Slaughter:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection conducted August
9.2000.
During the inspection a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant was conducted.
The observations and recommendations from the inspection are in Part D. Summary
of Findings/Comments of this inspection report. The objective we should all be
striving for is NPDES permit compliance which in turn will provide preservation of
our receiving stream for generations to come.
Please review the attached report. If you or your staff have any questions
do not hesitate to contact me at 910-486-1541.
Sincerely,
Belinda S. Henson
Environmental Chemist
/bsh
Enclosures
2. ^i0''.y.rt r'`Of
225 GREEN STREET, SUITE 714 / SYSTEL SLID. FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28301-5043
PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLED/1O% POST -CONSUMER PAPER

NPDES COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Fayetteville Regional Office
Section A. National Data System Coding
Transaction Code: N NPDES NO. NC0020656 Date: 000809 Inspection Type: C
Inspector: S Facility Type: 1 Reserved:
Facility Evaluation Rating: 4 BI: N QA: N Reserved:
Section B: Facility Data - -
Name and Location of Facility Inspected:
City of Laurinburg Leith Creek WWTP -
• Entry Time: 9:10am Permit Effective Date: 950101
Exit Time/Date: 12:20pm/000809 Permit Expiration Date: 991231
Name(s), Title(s) of On -Site Representative(s):
Ricky Odum (Certified Grade III) "Backup Operator"
Phone Number(s): [phone]
Name, Title and Address of Responsible Official:
Ms. Aim Slaughter, Mayor
PO Box 249
Laurinburg, NC 28352
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection
(S = Satisfactory, M = Marginal, U = Unsatisfactory, N = Not Evaluated, N/A = Not Applicable)
Contacted: no
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Section D: Summary of Findings/Comments:
1. The automatic bar screen -was operational. The paint on the surface of the bar screen was worn and
should be maintained in the near future to eliminate major repairs. All screenings are properly disposed
of through the county landfill:
2. The grit removal system was operational but the efficiency has not been satisfactory as per facility staff.
The grit removal system should be evaluated by City engineers to ensure the system is operating to its
full potential. All grit is properly disposed of through the county landfill.
3. The influent flow to this facility is equally split with one half (Y2) going to SIDE #1 (aeration basin) and
the remaining flow going to SIDE #2 (oxidation ditches).
4. The Equalization Basin was constructed to assist with stabilizing the influent flow during heavy rain
events. The Basin did not contain any water at the time of the inspection.
5. SIDE #2-The oxidation ditches appeared to be operating well. Clarifier depths were not monitored at
the time of the inspection because a sludge judge was not on site. Mr. Odum communicated to me the
sludge judge had been broken and one had been purchased A recommendation would be to purchase
an extra sludge judge to assist with 'constant monitoring of the depths of sludge in the clarifiers.
Sludge depth monitoring is very important in day to day operations of the facility.
6 SIDE #1-The two (2) aeration basins were operational. Each aeration basin contains three (3) aerators.
The aerators at the end of each basin are rotated by a timer. The middle aerator in each basin operates
at all times. Both_clarifierslocated on this side appeared to be operational. On the surface of each
clarifier there appeared to be some foam floating but not excessively. The chlorine contact tank operates
a parallel dual system where flow from one clarifier goes to one side of the tank and flow from the other
clarifier goes to the other side. Cracks were observed in the concrete wall of the -chlorine contact tank.
Please contact your facility engineer for a structural evaluation .
7. A 'recommendation to add chlorine by a flow proportional system to assist with proper
disinfection of the wastewater and can aid incompliance with the NPDES permit. This system
could also eliminate costly disinfection.when it is unnecessary.
8. The flow meter was calibrated September 30,1999 by Jim Haven Inc. It is advisable that the flow meter
calibration document contain the % error before and after calibration in the future by the technician. All
flow meter calibration records should be onsite.
9. The effluent outfall was accessible and the effluent appeared to be free of solids.
10. The effluent composite sampler temperature wa..sL adequate. The effluent sampler tubing appeared to
have buildup of material inside of it. Tubing should be cleaned to eliminate possible contamination of
the.sample which could cause violations of the NPDES permit.
11. The small digester appeared to be approximately (3/4) full with the larger digester appearing to be ('/Z)
full. The facility has eight drying beds on site. Sludge from the'small digester is pumped `to the drying
beds. Sludge from the larger digester is land applied. "Southern Soil Builders" is the contract company
that hauls and land applies the sludge. The land•application permit # WQ0002526 allows 300 acres to
be used for sludge disposal.

i
-continued-
,
12: The on site laboratory analyzes the following NPDES permit required parameters: BOD, TSS, Fecal
Colifonm, Chlorine Residual, Ammonia and Temperature. "Oxford Laboratory" analyzes Total
Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus and Metals. "Burlington Research" analyzes the Toxicity.
13. Laboratory records were reviewed for the following months: October 1999, November 1999 and
February 2000 and compared to Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). All records reviewed appeared
to be adequate.
14. The facility has applied for a new NPDES permit within the 180 days before permit expiration
(December 31, 1999) as required. A new permit will be submitted to the facility as soon as possible by
NCDENR/Permitting Section in Raleigh. The present permit will continue to be in effect until a new one
has been submitted.
Name and Signature of Inspector
Agency/Office/Telephone ,Date
Belinda S. Henson• DENR/Fayetteville/[phone]
Name and Signature of Reviewer
Paul E. Rawls __ — -2
Action Taken
Agency/Office/Telephone
DENR/Fayetteville/(910)48 6-1541
Regulatory Office Use Only
_Compliance Status
Noncompliance
_Compliance
Date

Section D: Summary of Findings/Comments
Brief Facility Description:
Laurinburg Leith WWTP continues to operate a 4.0 MGD facility consisting of mechanical bar
screen, grit removal, influent flow measurement. flow splitter, 2.0 MGD extended aeration facility
with secondary clarification, chlorination. a 2.0 MGD aeration basin (oxidation ditch) with
secondary clarification, effluent flow meter: chlorination, a 150,000 gallon aerobic digester sludge
drying beds, effluent force main, and cascade aeration.
FACILITY SITE REVIEW
No N/A 1. Treatment units properly operated and maintained.
Yes N N/A 2. Standby power or other equivalent provision _provided.
Yes No N/A , 3. Adequate alarm system for power or equipment failure available.
No N/A ,
Y No N/A
Yes ) No N/A.
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
el, No N/A
Yes o N/A
Sludge disposal procedures appropriate:
a. Disposal of sludge according to regulations
b. State approval for sludge disposal received.
All treatment units other than backup units in service.
6. Sufficient sludge disposed of to maintain treatment process equilibrium.
•
Yes diWo N/A 10.
Yes h o N/A
Yes • No N/A
es No " N/A 11:
Adequate.'number of qualified operators on staff
Established procedures available for training new employees.
Adequate spare parts and supplies inventory maintained.
a. Hydraulic overflows and/or organic overloads experienced
b. Untreated bypass discharge occurs during power failure
c. Untreated overflows occurred since last inspection.
Plant has general safety structures such as rails around or covers over
tanks, pits, or'wells.
No N/A 12. Plant is generally clean, free from open trash areas.

'es> No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes N/A
C1 e`s' No N/A
Yes CD N/A
Yes (> N/A
Y`e No N/A
Yes No �l%tj-?
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Page 2
13. Screening:
a. Manual
b. Mechanical
c. Buildup of debris
d. Screenings properly disposed of.
14. Grit Removal:
a. Excessive organic content in the grit chamber
b. Excessive odors
c. Grit properly disposed of.
15. Primary clarifier:
a. Excessive gas bubbles
b. Black and odorous wastewater
c. Poor suspended solids removed
d. Excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier
e. Weirs level
f. Weir blockage
g. Evidence of short circuiting
h. Lack of adequate scum removal
I. Excessive floating sludge
j. Broken sludge scraper.
16. Trickling Filter:
Yes No i&A a. Trickling filter ponding(indicating clogged media)
Yes No N/A b. Leak at center column of trickling filter's distribution arms
Yes No N/A c. Uneven distribution of flow on trickling filter surface
Yes No N/A d. Uneven or discolored growth
Yes No N/A e. Excessive sloughing of growth
Yes No N/A f. Odor
Yes No N/A g. Clogging of trickling filter's distribution arm orifices
Yes No N/A h. Filter flies, worms, or snails.
17. Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC):
Yes No a. Development of white biomass on rotating biological contactor
media
Yes No N/A b. Excessive sloughing of growth
Yes No N/A c. Excessive breakage of rotating disks or shafts in RBC units
Yes No N/A d. Excessive breakage of paddles on brush aerators
Yes No N/A e. Shaft, bearing, drive gear, or motor failure on disk or brush aerators.

Yes (No ) N/A
Yes (Noy N/A
Yes n) N/A
Yes j N/A
Yes (M) N/A
Yes No .N&A)
Yes No V/A}
Yes No V
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
,sue
N/A
N/A
N/A
(1M) N/A
(Noj N/A
No N/A
Yeso) N/A
Yes N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No, (CIA)
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes I P N/A
Yes CN0 N/A
No N/A
Yes No N/A
• Yes No (TA'
(Yet) No N/A
Yes No N/A
Page 3
18. Activated Sludge Basins/Oxidation Ditches:
a. Dead spots
b. Failure of surface aerators
c. Air rising in clumps
d. Dark foam or bad color
e. Thick billows of white, sudsy foam
f. Air rising unevenly
g. Excessive air leaks in compressed air piping.
19. Stabilization Ponds/Lagoons:
a. Excessive weeds including duckweed in stabilization ponds
b. Dead fish or aquatic organisms
c. Buildup of solids around influent pipe
d. Excessive scum on surface.
20. , Secondary Clarifier:
a. Excessive gas bubbles on surface
b. Unlevel overflow weirs
c. Weir blockage
d. Evidence of short circuiting
e. Excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier
f. Pin floc in overflow x ce s
g. Ineffective scum rake
h. Floating sludge on surface
i. Excessive high sludge blanket
j. Clogged sludge withdrawal ports on secondary clarifier.
21. Filtration:
a. Filter surface clogging
b. Short filter run
c. Gravel displacement of filter media
d. Loss of filter media during backwashing
e. Recycled filter backwash water in excess of 5 percent
f. Formation of mudballs in filter media.
22. Chlorination Unit:
a. Sludge buildup in contact chamber
b. Gas bubbles
c. Floating scum and/or solids
d. Adequate ventilation of chlorine feeding room and storage area
e. NIOSH-approved 30 minute air pack s `'iC c * r -e c
f. All standing chlorine cylinders chained in place
g. All personnel trained in the use of chlorine
h. Proper chlorine feed, storage, and reserve supply.

Yes No A`i 23. Ultraviolet radiation disinfection present and in use.
Yes No (%S)
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes dSa, N/A
Yes N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Page 4
24. Dechlorination:
a. Proper storage of sulfur dioxide cylinders
b. Adequate ventilation of sulfur dioxide feeding room
c. Automatic sulfur dioxide feed or feedback control not operating
properly.
25. Aerobic Digester:
a. Excessive foaming in tank
b. Noxious odor
c. Mechanical aeration failure
d. Clogging of diffusers.
26. Anaerobic Digester:
a. Floating cover tilting
b. Gas burner operative
c. Supernatant has a sour odor.
27. Sludge Drying and/or disposal:
Yes N/A a. Poor sludge distribution on drying beds
Yes No N/A b. Vegetation in drying beds
No N/A c. Dry sludge remaining in drying beds
'Y No N/A d. Dry sludge stored on site
Ye- No N/A e. Filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to front of plant
e-- No N/A f. Approved disposal site for the sludge
Y) No N/A g. Sludge land applied.
Yes No CgrA
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
28. Filter Press:
a. High level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters
b. Thin filter cake caused by poor dewatering
c. Sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press
d. Excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake.
29. Polishing Ponds or Tanks:
Yes No a. Objectionable odor, excessive foam, floating solids, or oil sheens on
water surface
Yes No N/A b. Solids or scum accumulations in tank or at side of pond
Yes No N/A c. Evidence of bypassed polishing ponds or tanks because of low
capacity.

Yes (No) N/A
Yes No) N/A
�Y No N/A
Yes No
(Y3) No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No ga
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
cnc No N/A
No N/A
es No N/A
'Y` e) No N/A
�[► No N/A
Page 5
30. Plant Effluent:
a. Excessive suspended solids, turbidity, foam, grease, scum, color, and.
other macroscopic particulate matter present
b. Potential toxicity (dead fish, dead plant at discharge)
c. Outfall discharge line easily accessible.
31.
Flow Measurement:
a. Proper placement of flow measurement device
b. Flow meter calibrated
c. Buildup of solids in flume or weir
d. Broken or cracked flume or weir
e. Properly functioning magnetic flowmeter
f. Clogged or broken stilling wells
g. Weir plate edge corroded or damaged
h. System capable of measuring maximum flow
i. Flow measurement error less than 10%.
32. Sampling:
a. Sampling and analysis completed on parameters specified by permit
b. Samples refrigerated during compositing
c. Composite sample temperatures maintained at 0 to 4 degrees Celsius
during sampling
d. Contract laboratory used for sample analysis
e. Composite samples obtained are flow proportional.
RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING
se 7 No N/A 1. Records and reports maintained as required by permit.
e& No N/A 2. All required information available, complete, and current.
TNo NIA 3. Records maintained for 3 years. and all sludge records maintained for 5
years.
`.6 No N/A 4. Analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs.
es> No N/A
(Yes) No . N/A
ye No N/A
VPS> No N/A
es No N/A
5. Sampling and analyses data adequate and include:
a. Dates, times, and location of sampling
b. Name of individual performing sampling
c. Results of analyses and calibration
d. Dates of analyses
e. Name of person performing analyses.

Page 6
6. Monitoring records adequate and include:
Yes No N/A a. Monitoring charts kept for 3 years
Yes No N/A b. Flowmeter calibration records kept for 3 years.
(M No N/A 7. Laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance records adequate.
esJ No N/A 8. BOD incubator temperature maintained at 20 +/- 1 Degrees Celsius
and the temperature maintained in a log for every day of operation.
Cej No N/A 9. Fecal coliform incubator maintained at 44.5 +/- 0.2 Degrees
Celsius and the temperature maintained in a log for every day of
operation.
10. Plant records adequate and include:
YeD No N/A a. 0 & M Manual
Yes C o N/A b. "As -built" engineering drawings
Ye-§; No N/A c. Schedules and dates of equipment maintenance repairs
Yes No WA. d. Equipment data cards.
Yes No 11. Permittee is meeting compliance schedule.
No N/A 12. DMRs complete and include all NPDES permit required parameters.
'e No N/A 13. ORC visitation logs available and current.
(Yes No N/A 14. ORC certified at a level equal to or greater than the classification of
the wastewater facility.
`Yew No N/A 15. Backup Operator certified at one level less than the classification of
the wastewater facility or greater.
^es) No N/A 16. Current copy of the complete NPDES permit on site.
'Yes) No N/A 17. Facility description verified as contained in NPDES permit.
Revised 7/11/00
by Belinda Henson

•
INSPECTION REPORT
UPDATE OPTION: TRX: 5IF KEY: NC0020656INSCEI 000809
SYSMSG: *** DATA ADDED SUCCESSFULLY ***
PERMIT--- NC0020656 REG/COUNTY-- 06 SCOTLAND
FACILITY-- LAURINBURG, CITY-LEITHS CREEK LOC-- LAURINBURG
INS TYPE
CEI
NEXT PLANNED
INSPECTION INSPECTED BY:
DATE: 000809 HSB
REPORT INSPECTION ,DMR RESPONSE RECEIVED
DATE STATUS STATUS DUE DATE DATE
000821
COMMENTS: