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Home My WebLink AboutNC0025496_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20221115ROIL COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretory RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. £fcror NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality November 15, 2022 Mr. Robert Pearson, Water Resources Director City of Lincolnton P.O. Box 617 Lincolnton, NC 28093-0617 Subject: Dear Mr. Hynes: Compliance Evaluation Inspection City of Lincolnton WWTP NPDES Permit No. NC0025496 Lincoln County Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on November 9, 2022, by Ori Tuvia. Donald Burkey's and Daniel Perry's cooperation during the site visit was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report. The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at (704) 235-2190, or at ori.tuvia@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: A44u4V H Pzue4 �F161FB69A2D84A3... Andrew H. Pitner P.G., Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Cc: NPDES, MRO Files (Laserfiche) North Carolina drpartrncnt of Fnviranmcnial Quality I division of Wider Resources MoeresvilielteglonalOffice, I bIDfast Center Avenue, Sate 301 I Mooresville. NarthCaratlna 28it5 7O4.663.I694 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 21IIIIII I 2 Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection L 3 I NC0025496 111 121 22/11/09 117 Type 1810I IIIIIIIIIII Inspector Fac Type 191S I 2011 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I IIIIII P6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved 67I1.0 I 70I4 I 71IN I 72 I N I 731 1 74 751 I I 1 I I I I I I 180 l Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include POTW name and NPDES Dermit Number) Lincolnton WWTP 550 W Hwy 150 Bypass Lincolnton NC 28092 Entry Time/Date 09:55AM 22/11/09 Permit Effective Date 21/09/01 Exit Time/Date 12:30PM 22/11/09 Permit Expiration Date 26/07/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Donald A Burkey/ORC/704-736-8960/ Other Facility Data Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Stephen H Peeler,PO Box 617 Lincolnton NC 280930617/Public Works Director/704-736-8940/7047368959 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 Laboratory Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) (See attachment summary) Name(s) and Ori A Tuvia Signature(s) of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date 11/15/2022 c-DocuSigned by: DWR/Division of Water Quality/704-663-1699/ C - `— BB057A2DE017498... Signatu e of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date rDocuSigned by: itsitttui H Pa44.4 11.15.22 F 161FB69A2D84A3... EPA Fo m 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# 1 NPDES yr/mo/day 31 NC0025496 111 121 22/11/09 I17 Inspection Type 18 [j 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# 2 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: The subject permit expires on 7/31/2026. The City implements an approved Industrial Pretreatment Program. 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: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. DMRs, COCs, ORC visitation logs, bench sheets, and calibration logs, were reviewed for June 2022. Page# 3 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Laboratory 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ▪ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Influent and effluent analyses (including field parameters) are performed under the City's on -site certified laboratory (#153). The laboratory instrumentation used for field analyses appeared to be properly calibrated and documented. The following commercial laboratories (NC certified) have been contracted to provide analytical support: Statesville Analytical Two Rivers Utilities, Meritech, and Ecno Labs. 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires influent composite BOD and TSS samples. The facility staff perform and document monthly aliquot verifications. 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: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The facility staff perform and document monthly aliquot verifications on the sampler used for daily sampling Page# 4 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Upstream / Downstream Sampling Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and sampling location)? 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, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility appeared to be adequately treating wastewater at the time of the inspection. The facility staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all measurements being properly documented and maintained on-site.The facility is equipped with a SCADA system to assist the staff with the operation of the treatment units/processes. The audible and visual alarms are tested (and documented) on a monthly basis. 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The influent passes through a muffin monster prior to entering of the inspection all 5 pump were in service but only two were 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 annually Bar Screens Type of bar screen a.Manual the wet well. At the time used due to low flow. Yes No NA NE ❑ • ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE Page# 5 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Bar Screens 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? Yes No NA NE • • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The bar screenings are disposed into an open dumpster equipped with a drain plug. 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: Screenings and grit are disposed at the County Landfill. Oxidation Ditches 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/I) Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes) 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? ■ El ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? • El El El Page# 6 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins 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: Three of four aeration basins were in service. The 4th was taken down for maintainance. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ 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'/4 of the sidewall depth) ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: one of the two clarfiers was out for maintainance. Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? • ❑ El El Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? El El El • Comment: Disinfection -Liquid Yes No NA NE Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? • El El El (Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains) ■ El El El Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? El El ❑ • Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? • El El El Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Disinfection -Liquid Comment: Yes No NA NE De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Liquid 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: Chemical Feed Is containment adequate? Is storage adequate? Are backup pumps available? Is the site free of excessive leaking? 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: The flow meter is calibrated annually 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: ❑ ❑ • ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ ▪ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Anaerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Floating cover Is the capacity adequate? • ❑ El El # Is gas stored on site? El El El • Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers? • El El El Is the gas burner operational? • El El El Is the digester heated? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the temperature maintained constantly? • El El El Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? ■ El El El Comment: The facility is equipped with three anaerobic digesters and three storage tanks. One of the digesters that was previously out of order due to a tilting cover had the tilting cover removed. The digester is still out of order due to broken pipes but is no longer in danger to cause a catastrophic failure. Once the pipes are repaired the facility will work to convert the digester into an additional holding tank and will modify the permit. Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE Is the equipment operational? • El El El Is the chemical feed equipment operational? • ❑ El El Is storage adequate? • El El El Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters? ❑ El ❑ • Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press? ❑ ❑ ❑ • Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake? El ❑ El • The facility has an approved sludge management plan? • El El El Comment: Waste activated sludge (WAS ) is thickened by a DAF unit prior to being pumped to the anaerobic digesters. Drying Beds Is there adequate drying bed space? Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? Are the drying beds free of vegetation? # Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? # Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? # Is the sludge land applied? (Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 9 Permit: NC0025496 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Drying Beds Yes No NA NE Comment: Land application is the primary disposal of the bio-solids; however, drying beds are used during emergency situations when wet weather prevents land application (drying beds were being used at the time of the inspection). The drying bed sections currently being used appeared to be well maintained 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with two backup generators. Both generators are tested monthly (not under load) and serviced twice per year by a contracted company. The contracted company tests the generators under load during each servicing event Page# 10