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Home My WebLink AboutNC0049662_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230301 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 919.791.4200 March 1, 2023 Shannon V. Becker Aqua North Carolina, Inc. 202 Mackenan Court Cary, NC 27511 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Hawthorne Subdivision WWTP NPDES Permit No. NC0060577 Wake County Dear Mr. Becker: On February 28, 2023, Stephanie Goss of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) conducted an inspection at the subject facility. The cooperation of Robert Bonne, operator in responsible charge (ORC) of the facility, along with Roger Tupps, was appreciated. Findings during the inspection were as follows: 1. Your NPDES permit was issued effective March 22, 2019 and expired on January 31, 2023. The Division is in the process of renewing this NPDES permit. The renewal application was received on August 2, 2022. 2. The 0.25 MGD treatment plant consists of an influent pump station, influent equalization basin, flow equalization basin, dual 0.089 MGD extended aeration treatment plants, dual 0.036 MGD extended aeration treatment plants, chemical phosphorus removal via ferric sulphate feed system, ultraviolet disinfection, post aeration, effluent equalization tank, four sludge holding tanks, flow meter and standby generator. 3. The plant discharges to Upper Barton Creek which is classified as WS-IV, Nutrient Sensitive Waters in the Neuse River basin. 4. The field parameters performed by the operator are temperature, pH, flow, and dissolved Oxygen (Lab Certification #5051). Enco Laboratories (Lab Certification #591) performs analysis for all other permitted parameters. Aqua conducts the sampling required by the permit. 5. A cursory review of calibration logs showed acceptable calibration for the on-site parameters. 6. A cursory review of laboratory and DMR data for October 2022 showed consistent reporting of results. 7. A review of discharge monitoring report (DMR) data for the period January 2019 through present showed all required monitoring was performed. 8. An operator logbook is kept detailing flow, sludge hauling, and daily plant operations. DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 919.791.4200 Page 2 of 2 9. The dual 0.089 MGD aeration treatment plants were in operation on the day of the inspection. The dual 0.036 MGD aeration treatment plants were not in operation. 10. The aeration tanks appeared to be operating satisfactorily. Foam was observed on approximately 20% of the surface of each tank. 11. The overflow weirs appeared to be level and mostly algae free. The operator used a total suspended solids (TSS) meter to measure the sludge depth in the secondary clarifiers. Mr. Tupps stated that the clarifiers have a sloped bottom with the edge of the clarifier at twelve feet, sloping down to twenty feet in the middle of the clarifier. The TSS meter indicated six feet of freeboard in each clarifier. 12. The UV disinfection system appeared to be operating satisfactorily. Mr. Bonne stated the UV system is cleaned weekly, and the bulbs are replaced every fifteen months or as needed. 13. A generator is present on-site and is tested under load weekly. 14. On the day of the inspection, sampling was not conducted. Mr. Bonne indicated that the effluent composite sampler is programmed flow proportionate. The refrigerated sampling unit is being maintained at a consistent proper temperature; less than 6 degrees Celsius. 15. The effluent flow meter was calibrated on December 27, 2022 by Clear Water, Inc. You are reminded that calibration of the flow meters is required to be performed annually. 16. Each of the 0.089 MGD treatment plant sludge holding tanks were full on the day of the inspection. The 0.036 treatment plant sludge holding tanks were empty on the day of the inspection. The Mr. Bonne stated that he planned to decant the sludge, and the sludge would be hauled the week of March 6, 2023 via Granville Farms. 17. Mr. Bonne stated that approximately 10,000 gallons of sludge is hauled approximately every month by Granville Farms. 18. No detrimental impacts to the Upper Barton Creek were observed. If you have questions concerning this report or inspection, please contact Stephanie Goss at 919-791-4256 or stephanie.goss@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Raleigh Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ cc: Laserfiche DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 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 Type Inspector Fac Type 1 N 52 NC0049662 23/02/28 C S31112171819 20 21 66 Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved------------------- N67707172 73 74 75 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) Hawthorne Subdivision WWTP 12400 Warwickshire Way Raleigh NC 27613 Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date 09:30AM 23/02/28 19/04/01 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Robert P. Bonne'/ORC// Other Facility Data 10:30PM 23/02/28 23/01/31 Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Timothy Glenn Thomas, //919-467-8712/9194661583 Contacted No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program Facility Site Review Compliance Schedules Effluent/Receiving Waters 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 Stephanie Goss DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/ Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page#1 3/1/2023 DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F 3/1/2023 NPDES yr/mo/day 23/02/28 Inspection Type C3111218 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) NC0049662 17 Page#2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F Permit:NC0049662 Inspection Date:02/28/2023 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Hawthorne Subdivision WWTP Compliance Evaluation Compliance Schedules Yes No NA NE Is there a compliance schedule for this facility? Is the facility compliant with the permit and conditions for the review period? Comment: Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE 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? Comment: 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: Page#3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F Permit:NC0049662 Inspection Date:02/28/2023 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Hawthorne Subdivision WWTP Compliance Evaluation Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE 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: Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # 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: Bar Screens Yes No NA NE 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? Bar screen is enclosed and covered.Comment: Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE 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: Page#4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F Permit:NC0049662 Inspection Date:02/28/2023 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Hawthorne Subdivision WWTP Compliance Evaluation 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 ¼ of the sidewall depth) Mr. Tupps stated that the clarifiers have a sloped bottom with the edge of the clarifier at twelve feet, sloping down to twenty feet in the middle of the clarifier. The TSS meter indicated six feet of freeboard in each clarifier. Comment: Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE 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? Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/l) Comment: Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Are extra UV bulbs available on site? Are UV bulbs clean? Is UV intensity adequate? Is transmittance at or above designed level? Is there a backup system on site? Is effluent clear and free of solids? Page#5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F Permit:NC0049662 Inspection Date:02/28/2023 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Hawthorne Subdivision WWTP Compliance Evaluation Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Comment: Standby Power Yes No NA NE 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: 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: Page#6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 22C38C3C-5551-40F9-8EE0-221143E7569F