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Home My WebLink AboutNC0024571_Inspection_20050610ATA NCDENR North. Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Michael F. Easley, Governor June 10, 2005 Mr. Jim Walters EUSD Director. City of Lumberton P.O. Box 1388 Lumberton, NC 28359 Subject: COMPLIANCE EVALUATION INSPECTION (CEI) City of Lumberton Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0024571 Robeson County Dear Mr. Walters: William G. Ross Jr., Secretary Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director Division of Water Quality Enclosed you will find a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection report for the inspection conducted on May 12, 2005. As part of the inspection a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant was conducted. The facility was found to be in compliance with permit NC0024571. However, this inspector questions the accuracy of the method for the calibration of the effluent flow meters. The reason is that while observing the performance of the effluent flow meter calibration, it was noticed that the maintenance technician arrived at an 18% error, and an immediate repeat of the procedure at the same weir achieved an 8% error; this appeared to be too much' variation, which may be caused by the method for arriving at the zero level of flow across the weir. Therefore, as a recommendation of this inspection and in order to facilitate the accurate calibration of the effluent flow meters, please install a staff gauge on the wall (at the time that there is zero flow across the weir) at the same location as the ultrasonic flow meter of each effluent weir. It is suggested that an SOP for the flow meter calibration be written that establishes a precise and accurate method for the calibration of the ultrasonic flow meters. Beginning in September 2004, and each month through the present, the effluent flow meters were used to report the flow on the DMRs. However, the documentation for the most recent calibration of the effluent flow meters was May 21, 2003, which was greater than 12 months before the effluent flow meters were put back into service for reporting flow on the DMRs. Please document the flow meter calibration and % error each time that the flow meter is calibrated, and please perform the flow meter calibration annually, at a minimum. Please respond to the Fayetteville Regional Office by July 15, 2005 concerning the above -mentioned recommendation and suggestions. 225 Green Street — Suite 714, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 Phone: 910-486-15411 FAX: 910-486-07071 Internet: www.enr.state.nc.us/ENR/ An Equal Opportunity ! Affirmative Action Employer - 50 % Recycled 1 10 Post Consumer Paper NorthCarolina aturra!!j Mr. Walters Page 2 June 10, 2005 The status of the recommendations that were listed in the CEI inspection report, dated March 30, 2004 are as follows (thank you for your response, dated April 21, 2004): 1) relocate the influent ultrasonic flow meters (that are presently located outside of the Parshall flumes) to the recommended two-thirds upstream of the throat inlet, in the converging section of each flume (see the enclosures with this report for references), 2) repair the leak (short circuiting) under the weir of #5 clarifier (on the East side of clarifier #5), COMPLETE COMPLETE 3) repair the out -of -service grit chamber, 4) repair the out -of -service effluent flow meter COMPLETE COMPLETE' If you have any questions or comments concerning this report, please feel free to contact me at (910) 486-1541, extension 712. Environmental Specialist Enclosures: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report Inspection checklist cc: Jon Locklear, City of Lumberton, (ORC) • United States Environmental Protection Agency EPAH 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 1 IJ 2 I51 3 I N00024571 111 121 05/05/12 117 Type Inspector Fac Type 18IJ 19 Li 2011 I 1 1 I _I I I I I I I I I 1 166 Remarks 211 I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I 1 I I I I 1 1 I I I I I I 1 1 I 1 I l Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA 67 I 2.0 169 701 J 71 u 72 u ------------ ------ ----Reserved--- ------ ------- 11 1 74 751 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 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) Lumberton WWTP 700 Lafayette St Extension Lumberton NC 28359 Entry Time/Date 09:45 AM 05/05/12 Permit Effective Date 04/09/01 Exit Time/Date 04:00 PM 05/05/12 Permit Expiration Date 09/07/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Jon P7 Locklear/ORC/910-671-3859/ Other Facility Data Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted James H Walters, PO Box 1388 Lumberton NC 28358/Environmental Director/910-671-3856/9106713953 No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance ■ Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Program 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) an ure(s) of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Dale Lopez FRO WQ//910-486-1541 Ext.712/ 6//OA C • • Signature of Management Q A Reviewer 'yl kgAgency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers ' Date CS/ /4/b fir' EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NC0024571 111 121 05/05/12 17 18(Ej (cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) The facility appeared to be well maintained and well operated. However, this DWQ inspector questions the accuracy of the method for the calibration of the effluent flow meter. The reason is that during the effluent flow meter calibration, the maintenance technician arrived at an 18% error, then an immediate repeat of the procedure achieved an 8% error; this appeared to be too -much variation, which may be caused by the method for arriving at the zero level of flow across the weir. Therefore, as a recommendation of this inspection, and in order to facilitate the accurate calibration of the effluent flow meters, please install a staff gauge on the wall (at the time that there is zero flow across the weir) at the same location as the ultrasonic flow meter of each effluent weir. It is suggested that an SOP for the flow meter calibration be written that establishes a precise and accurate method for the calibration of the ultrasonic flow meters. Beginning in September 2004, and each month through the present, the effluent flow meters were used to report the flow on the DMRs. However, the documentation for the most recent calibration of the effluent flow meters was May 21, 2003, which was greater than 12 months before the effluent flow meters were put back into service- for reporting flow on the DMRs. Please document the flow meter calibration and the % error each time that the flow meters are calibrated, and please perform the flow meter calibration annually, at a minimum. Permit (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: Operations & Maintenance Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, D0, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Yes No NA NF ❑ O ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ 000 ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NF ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NF Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? 111000 Is the wet well free of excessive grease? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 1.000 Are all pumps operable? ■ O ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 11000 Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 0 0 IN Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? 111000 Comment: Fear Screens Yes No NA NF Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical ■ Are the bars adequately screening debris? 111000 Is the screen free of excessive debris? ■ D D ❑ Is disposal of screening in compliance? ■ O D ❑ Is the unit in good condition? ■ D D ❑ Comment: Screening go to Waste Management, then to St. Pauls, Robeson County Landfill. Yes No NA NF brit Removal Type of grit removal a.Manual b.Mechanical ■ Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? ■ D ❑ ❑ Is the grit free of excessive odor? ■ D D O Is disposal of grit in compliance? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Grit is disposed by Waste Management, and taken to St. Pauls, Robeson County Landfill. ,Sernnclary Clarifier YPS No NA NF Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? ■ 0 0 0 Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ■ D ❑ O Are weirs level? ■ 0 O 0 Is the site free of weir blockage? ■ ❑ ❑ O Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? ■ D D O Is scum removal adequate? ■ O D O Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ■ D D O Secondary Clarifier is the drive unit operational? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? Is the surface free of bulking ? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately % of the sidewall depth) Comment: primps-RAS-WAS Are pumps in place? Are pumps operational? Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? Comment: Aeration Basins Mode of operation Type of aeration system 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? Are settleometer results acceptable? Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes) Comment: The extended aeration mode of operation had approximately 84 hours of detention time. Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Type of operation: 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: Out -of -Service, no plans for putting the tertiary filters back on line. Disinfection -Gas Are cylinders secured adequately? Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? Are tablet chlorinators operational? Are the tablets the proper size and type? Number of tubes in use? (Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational? Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains) Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? Yes Nn NA NF 11000 . 000 • ❑ ❑ ❑ 11000 • ❑ ❑ ❑ 11000 Yes No NA NF 11000 11000 MOOD Yes No NA NF Ext. Air Surface 01000 ■ ❑ ❑ O O 0110 ❑ ❑•❑ ■ O O O 11000 ■ 0❑❑ ▪ ❑ ❑ ❑ 00011 Yes No NA NF DOOM ❑ ❑ ❑ O DOM O ❑❑■ ❑ ❑ ❑• O 0011 Yes No NA NF 11000 11000 • ❑ ❑ ❑ DO 1.0 DO 110 DOR O ❑010 O O ■ ❑ f)isinfectinn-Gas Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? • Comment: There were (6 each) one ton cylinders of chlorine gas on site; two were on-line and in service, three were full, and one was empty. The distance between the chlorine cylinders and the nearest residence was approximately 300 yards. The Risk Management Program is in place. In case of a chlorine leak, the police and fire departments will be called. The chlorine contact chambers are routinely cleaned twice per year. The chlorine is also monitored before the dechlorination, and it usually is between 3.5 mglL to 5 mg/L. Yes No NA NF Pe -chlorination. Type of system ? Gas Is the feed ratio proportional to.chlorine amount (1 to 1)? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? 1 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 1 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Are the tablets the proper size and type? Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? Number of tubes in use? Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine appropriate? (Approximately ratio 1:1) Comment: standby Rawer 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: Three generators are checked once per month for 1-1/2 hours to 2 hours, under a load. I ahoratory 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 1.0 to 4.4 degrees Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +1- 1.0 degrees? Comment: Norm Good inspected the laboratory on March 2, 2005. Flow Measurement - Influent 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: The flow meter is calibrated every six months. There is a daily data log printout. 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? Yes No NA NF ■ ❑0❑ ■ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑•❑ ❑ ❑ u ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NF ■ ❑ 0 0 • ❑ ❑ ❑ 111000 ❑ • ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ 0 • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ 0 0 Yes No NA NF ■ ❑0❑ 11000 • ❑ ❑ ❑ 1 ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ 0 ❑ Yes No NA NF 0.00 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ 111000 Yes No NA NF 11000 O 1100 1000 ❑ ❑ ❑ • Flow Measiirement - Effhient YPS No NA NF Comment: A calibration log for each flow meter is now implemented. The calibration log for the influent flow meter and for the effluent flow meter is now located in the ORC office. The maintenance section is assigned to do the calibration once every six months and it will show up on the maintenance "to do" list. Record Keeping Yes No NA NF Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? • ❑ 0 Is all required information readily available, complete and current? ❑ 0 Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? • ❑ 0 Are analytical results consistent with data reported.on DMRs? • ❑ Is the chain -of -custody complete? U 000 O&M Manual As built Engineering drawings � Schedules and dates of equipment maintenance and repairs � Dates, times and location of sampling U Name of individual performing the sampling Results of analysis and calibration • Dates of analysis Name of person performing analyses 1 Transported COCs 1 Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? 1E0 0 0 Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? El El 0 • (If the facility is = or> 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator on each shift? MOOD Is the ORC visitation log available and current? 1 000 Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? 1 ❑ 0 Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? 1 ❑ 00 Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? 1 ❑ 0 Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? 1 Comment: Infhient Sampling.Yes Nn NA NF Is composite sampling flow proportional? El El 0 0 Is sample collected above side streams? 0000 Is proper volume collected? DODO Is the tubing clean? 0000 Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at 1.0 to 4.4 degrees Celsius)? 0 0 0 0 Is sampling performed according to the permit? DODO Comment: Fffilient Sampling Yes No NA NF Is composite sampling flow proportional? 1 000 Is sample collected below all treatment units? • 000 Is proper volume collected? 1 000 Is the tubing clean? 1 000 Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at 1.0 to 4.4 degrees Celsius)? 1 000 Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type representative)? 1 000 Comment: Fffhient Pipe Yes Nn NA NF Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 1 Ft?iiient Pipe 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: Yes No NA NF ■ O O ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ City o Mr. Dale Lopez NCDENR 225 Green Street -Suite 714 Fayetteville, NC 28301-5043 J'umtErton En(Ti.ZOnmEntaC' Lit(Lit1 UEZiTCCES July 6, 2005 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection--5-12-05 RECEIVED JUL 082005 DENR-FAVECEEVILLE REGIONALORRCE Dear Mr. Lopez: We have received your report dated 6-10-05, detailing the inspection of the City of Lumberton's WWTP. Per your direction we have ordered and plan to install a staff gauge at each effluent weir. A written SOP was already in existence at the time of the inspection along with calibration documentation. These records and the SOP are now available at the location of each meter requiring calibration. Once the gauges are in place we will notify you accordingly. Thank you for your assistance and direction. Sincerely, Jim Walters Director, EUSD C: Mr. Wayne Horne, City Manager Mr. Kevin Whiteheart, City Attorney Ms. Hope Walters, Deputy Director, EUSD Mr. Jon Locklear, ORC J?C�.13ox 1388 , .Lwnt ezton, Slio,ztfi eazotina 28359 • 910-671-3857 • 1'J 2 910-671-3889 • ¶ax 910-671-3989 VEL iEE: arurwei.Cwntezton.ne.us