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Home My WebLink AboutNC0024210_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220906ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director City of High Point Attn: Robby Stone, Director P.O. Box 230 High Point, NC 27261-0230 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality September 6t", 2022 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection City of High Point Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit Number: NCO024210 Guilford County Dear Mr. Stone: Ron Boone, of the Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO) of the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR), conducted a compliance evaluation inspection (CEI) of the City of High Point's Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on August 31st, 2022. John Thomas, Operator in Responsible Charge, and Derrick Boone, Assistant Public Services Director, were present for the inspection. Inspection findings are detailed in the attached water compliance inspection report. Please be aware that the Division may take enforcement action against any permittee who fails to comply with any requirement of their permit. Pursuant to NC General Statute (NCGS) 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Boone by phone at 336- 776-9690, or by email at ron.boone@ncdenr.gov. Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, II D--ocuSiiggned by: 145B49E225CMEA... Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Winston-Salem Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Attachments: 1. Water Compliance Inspection Report DffNorth Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources oan caaouNn Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 M336.776.9800 oep.m.m or em�nmen� Qualm United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved. EPA 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 Fac Type 1 IN 1 2 u 3 I NCO024210 I11 121 22/08/31 I17 18I � I 19 I s I 201 I 211IIIII 111111III II III III1 I I IIIII IIIIIIIII II r6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved ------------------- 67 I 72 I ni I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 701 I 71 I LL -1 I I LJ 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 Dermit Number) 09:OOAM 22/08/31 14/01/01 East Side WWTP 5898 Riverdale Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Jamestown NC 27282 12:OOPM 22/08/31 18/12/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data John Franklin Thomas/ORC/336-883-3098/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted John Thomas,PO Box 230 High Point NC 272610230//336-822-4740/ No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Sludge Handling Dispo: Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate 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 Ron Boone DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9690/ by: LDocuSigned osier& Boone, 9/2/2022 B20F8DDSF2A3460... Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date DocuSigned by: 9/6/2022 FL- T. Sti�olcr EPA7orm4(ev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO024210 I11 12I 22/08/31 117 18 i c i (Cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Ron Boone, of the NC Division of Water Resources, Winston-Salem Regional Office, conducted a compliance evaluation inspection of the City of High Point's Eastside WWTP on 8/31/2022. ORC, John Thomas, and Assistance Public Service Director, Derrick Boone, were present for the inspection. Inspection findings are detailed below: -The current permit is maintained on site. It expired in 12/2018 and is under rewrite. -The influent flow meter was last calibrated in 2/2022. The influent composite sampler is integrated with the influent flow meter for variable time/constant volume flow proportional composite sampling. -There are three mechanical bar screen units. One is currently inoperable due to needed maintenance/repair. The others appear to be properly operating. All screenings are landfilled. -The mechanical grit removal systems are operational and in good condition. All grit is landfilled. -All five primary clarifiers are operational. The weirs looked at during the inspection were level, there was no short circuiting noted, and overflow quality looked good. -No issues were noted with the biological nutrient removal process. One of the four trains is currently down to replace the diffusers in the aeration basins and make other necessary repairs. No concerns were noted. -One of the four secondary clarifiers is down for drive replacement. The others inspected were in good shape, weirs are level, and overflow quality appeared excellent. -There are six downflow multimedia filters after the secondary clarifiers. One filter is currently down for replacement of the effluent valve actuator. The effluent of the filters was very clear, and no issues were noted with the filters. -The ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system consists of three flow channels, each with two banks of UV lamps, and each bank containing 14 lamps. No issues were noted with the system during the inspection. The city is currently considering installation of an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to keep the UV system powered in the event of a power outage. Currently, if the UV system loses power, it takes approximately 7 minutes for the system to restart, even if power is restored immediately after it is lost. This results in the discharge of a significant amount of wastewater that hasn't been disinfected. -The effluent flow meter was also last calibrated in 2/2022. The meters are calibrated a minimum of annually, but usually more often. The effluent flow meter is also integrated with the effluent sampler for variable time/constant volume flow proportional sampling. The sampler was at 5 degrees Celsius during the inspection and the sample tubing will need to be replaced soon but is still completely functional. -The plant has three generators that supply power in the event of a power outage. Generators are automatically activated upon power loss and send alarm notifications to operators. Normally, all three run when powering the plant but each only runs at about 30 percent capacity. It is therefore believed that a single generator can supply all power needed to run the entire plant. The city's fleet management service monitors the generator's fuel level and comes to the plant regularly to fill the fuel tanks. The generators are used for peak shaving and receive at least 2 to 3 hours of underload exercise during those peak shaving events. Contractor, Carolina Cat, performs generator maintenance and repair. -The plant has several solids processes for thickening, stabilization, and disposal. The plant employs digestion/fermentation processes and thickens sludge using dissolved air floatation (DAF); one DAF Page# Permit: NCO024210 Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation unit is currently down for a drive replacement. The plant then uses centrifuges to dewater it into a cake material and then the cake is incinerated. Sludge ash is stored on site until final removal to a landfill. Alternatively, sludge can be landfilled or transferred to McGill for compost processing. -The plant has two outfalls, 001 and 002. 002 is the outfall primarily is use now and it is pumped approximately one mile, as the crow flies, from the plant to the outfall and final aeration structure, off Groometown Road into Deep River. 001 is only used in emergencies, or when 002 fails for any reason, and it discharges to Richland Creek. The effluent pumpstation to Deep River outfall 002 has four pumps. One is currently down for repair. -The effluent appeared of excellent quality. No concerns were noted. -All required documentation was readily available, and no deficiencies were noted in any of the following. Mr. Boone reviewed: --Operator visitation logs - ORC has his own dedicated ORC visitation log. Other operators use additional logs to sign in and notes any significant occurrences. --O&M system: Computerized maintenance management system known as Centralized Maintenance Management --Air quality permit for the plant and incinerator process --NPDES permit - currently expired and under rewrite --Lab records, in-house and contracted, chains -of -custody, and DMRs, July 2021 and January 2022 were reviewed. --Laboratory certifications --Spill plan --Mercury minimization plan --Operator certifications - there are currently five backup operators officially assigned. --Flow meter calibrations No concerns, permit deficiencies or violations were noted during the inspection. Keep up the good work! Page# Permit: NCO024210 Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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: None 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NCO024210 Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Laboratory Yes No NA NE 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: None Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # 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: None 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 ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: None Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ and sampling location)? Comment: No sampling being done by facility due to their active participation in the Upper Cape Fear River Basin Association. Page# 5 Permit: NC0024210 Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Flow Measurement - Influent Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation # 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: None 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: None 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: None 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? Yes No NA NE ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO024210 Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE # Is basin size/volume adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of weir blockage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE # Is total nitrogen removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is total phosphorous removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Type Biological # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is nutrient removal process operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Chemicals used as needed. 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are the diffusers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NCO024210 Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Aeration Basins Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) Comment: None Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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? 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: None Pumps-RAS-WAS Are pumps in place? Are pumps operational? Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? Comment: None 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: None Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE Down flow ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NC0024210 Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Are extra UV bulbs available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are UV bulbs clean? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is UV intensity adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is transmittance at or above designed level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there a backup system on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent clear and free of solids? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Pump Station - Effluent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Is the capacity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the mixing adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 9 Permit: NCO024210 Inspection Date: 08/31/2022 Aerobic Digester Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? # Is the odor acceptable? # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Comment: None Owner -Facility: East Side WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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: None Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: None Page# 10