NC0026646_CEI_Report_20230918

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 NCO026646 111 121 23/08/28 I17 18 LC] I 19 I s I 201
21111I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I 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)
09:10AM 23/08/28
20/12/01
Pilot Mountain WWTP
Lynchburg Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Pilot Mountain NC 27041
11:10AM 23/08/28
25/02/28
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Edwin K Scott/ORC/336-326-8365/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Michael Boaz,124 W Main St Pilot Mtn NC 27041//336-444-3000/3363689532
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 Docusigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9690/
onaeaC 9/19/2023
B20FSDD5F2A3460...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Docusigned by:
9/19/2023
F
ti T.
',- 145B49E225C94EA...
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCO026646 I11 12I 23/08/28 117 18 i c i
(Cont.)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On August 28th, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff, Ron Boone, conducted a routine
compliance evaluation inspection at the Pilot Mountain Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES permit
NC0026646. ORC, Kent Scott, was present during the inspection. A review of records, data,
treatment components, structures, and the outfall was completed. This inspection reflected
non-compliance with the subject permit.
A review of laboratory data and reports, the permit, operator's logs, etc, was conducted. No
discrepancies were noted. All records are retained on hand at the plant as required.
The plant site was inspected. The plant is severely dilapidated in many areas but there is a $10
million ARPA project underway to make improvements. Some improvements that have already been
completed are:
• The influent pump station has been replaced.
• The secondary clarifiers are under renovation.
• The sludge pumps have been replaced.
The influent pump station is new. It is equipped with its own dedicated generator and has two pumps.
It is monitored and controlled through a SCADA system.
The oxidation ditch (OD) is not in very good condition but will be upgraded under the current ongoing
project. There is still not a full bank of aerators in any of the concentric ODs, as was the case in the
previous inspection, and the surface has significant vegetative growth on it. There is more vegetation
in the outer ring, which is currently not in use. The vegetation begins to grow in the surface foam and
scum and appears to be left uncontrolled. The operator did indicate that they will have the vegetation
removed with a crane at some point, but the ODs should be kept completely void of all vegetation at
all times. Waiting until a crane is needed to remove it strongly indicates there is way too much
vegetation in the ODs. It is also noted that safety rails and walkway grates over the ODs also need
repair to make them safe and effective. It is unknown if that is included in the ongoing upgrades. The
above conditions are violations of Part II, Section C, Paragraph 2, of the permit.
The secondary clarifiers are currently under renovation. The weirs appear level, and the overflow is
clear with little carryover.
Disinfection and dechlorination systems are operational and appear to be in relatively good condition.
The flow meter was last calibrated in February 2023, according to documentation available during the
inspection.
The effluent sampler currently pulls samples just before final re -aeration. Although operators moved
the sample point downstream in response to the previous inspection and resulting Notice of Violation,
the sampler still does NOT pull samples after all treatment units, as is required by the permit. The
sample point must be moved to a point past final re -aeration. A stilling or sampling well may need to
be constructed to provide a location where a representative sample can be collected. Alternatively,
the sampler could possibly be moved to the effluent pump station. This is a violation of Part II, Section
D, Paragraph 1, of the permit.
The effluent pump station appeared to be fully operational, but lighting inside the building was very
poor at the time of the inspection and it could not be fully inspected.
The outfall was visited during this inspection. It is located in the Ararat River approximately five miles
southwest of the plant, just south of the bridge crossing of highway 268 over Ararat River. The
discharge of the treated effluent could not be seen at the time of the inspection due to heavy rain
Page#

Permit: NCO026646
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023
and the high river level.
Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
The only permanent onsite generator can power only the influent pump station. There is no
generator for the remainder of the plant, which is a violation of Part II, Section C, Paragraph 7, of the
permit.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Boone by phone at 336.776.9690, or by email at
[e-mail], with any questions or concerns you may have.
Page#

Permit: NCO026646 Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping
Yes
No
NA
NE
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)?
■
❑
❑
❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the chain -of -custody complete?
0
❑
❑
❑
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: None
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?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: The plant has an effluent pump station that is not reflected on the permit.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4

Permit: NCO026646 Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
■
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
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: Some violations from previous inspection concerning the samplers have been fixed.
There are composite samplers on both the influent and effluent and they are
maintained at =<6 degrees Celcius. However, the effluent sampler is still not pullinq
samples at the proper location, as discussed further below.
Influent Sampling
Yes
No
NA NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected above side streams?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# 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?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
0
❑
❑
❑
degrees Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
❑
❑
❑
representative)?
Page# 5

Permit: NC0026646
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023
Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Comment: In order to address a violation from the last inspection, which stated that effluent
sampling was not being conducted after all treatment processes, the operators did
move the sampler as far downstream as possible, i.e. between dechlor and final
re -aeration. However, the effluent sample is still not being collected after all treatment
processes. The sample is collected before final re -aeration due to there not being a
sufficient sample collection point downstream of the re -aeration process that would
allow collection of a represtative sample. A sampling well of some type may have to be
constructed in order to facilitate sampling after re -aeration. Alternatively, it may be
possible to install the sampler at the effluent pump station. This remains a violation of
Part II. Section D. ParaaraDh 1. of the Dermit.
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, N ❑ ❑ ❑
and sampling location)?
Comment: No upstream/downstream sampling, with the exception of the upstream
hardness,
is
being done, due to the facility's membership in the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin
Association.
Flow Measurement - Influent
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
❑
■
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: None
Pump Station - Influent
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
❑
❑
❑
■
Are all pumps present?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: None
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
Page# 6

Permit: NCO026646 Owner -Facility:
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023 Inspection Type:
Pilot Mountain WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Bar Screens
Yes
No
NA
NE
b.Mechanical
❑
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the unit in good condition?
❑
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❑
Comment: The bar screen appears to be in fair condition.
Oxidation Ditches
Yes
No
NA
NE
Are the aerators operational?
❑
0
❑
❑
Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
0
❑
❑
❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
0
❑
❑
❑
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: The oxidation ditches (OD) are not in very qood condition but will be upgraded under
the currently ongoing $10M phase 1 ARPA project. Some of the problems with the ODs
are: 1.) There is not a full bank of aerators/brushes in any of the three concentric ODs;
2.) All three ODs have significant vegetative growth in the floating foam/scum laver;
and, 3.) The safety rails and walkway prates need maintenance/repair to ensure the
safety of the operators and others who go out onto the walkways. These are all
violations of Part II, Section C, Paragraph 2, of the permit. The ODs should have all
aerators/brushes installed at all times except during short periods for emergency
maintenance/repair, the walkway prates and safety rails should be kept in good
condition at all times, and the ODs should be maintained void of all vegetation at all
times.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 7

Permit: NCO026646
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023
Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4
of the sidewall depth) ❑
❑
❑
Comment: Clarifiers under construction. Weirs level and sludqe and scum manaqement appears
effective. Overflow appears free of solids.
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Yes
No
NA NE
Are pumps in place?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Are pumps operational?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: New pumps have been installed.
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
❑
❑
❑
(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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: None
De -chlorination
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of system ?
Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑
■
❑
Comment: Sulfur Dioxide used for dechlorination.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 0
Comment: None
Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE
Page# 8

Permit: NCO026646
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023
Flow Measurement - Effluent
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Is the flow meter operational?
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
Comment: Calibrated last in 02/2023, according to documentation on hand at plant.
Pump Station - Effluent
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
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
■
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■
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■
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■
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Yes
No
NA NE
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■
■
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■
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■
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■
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■
Comment: According to operator, all pumps are present and operational. Lighting in the pump
station was not all working at the time of the inspection and a full proper inspection
could not be conducted.
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?
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment: Effluent pipe is 5 miles away from the plant on Ararat River. Discharge could not be
seen at the time of the insection due to the heavy rain and high river flow
Anaerobic Digester
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of operation:
No cover
Is the capacity adequate?
■
❑
❑
❑
# Is gas stored on site?
❑
■
❑
❑
Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the gas burner operational?
❑
❑
■
❑
Is the digester heated?
❑
■
❑
❑
Is the temperature maintained constantly?
❑
■
❑
❑
Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
■
❑
❑
❑
Comment: None
Page# 9

Permit: NCO026646
Inspection Date: 08/28/2023
Owner -Facility: Pilot Mountain WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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: Ph, DO, MLSS, settleable solids
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
❑
■
❑
❑
❑
❑
■
❑
❑
❑
■
❑
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❑
■
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■
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■
■
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Comment: The only permanent onsite generator operates the influent pump station only. There is
no generator for the rest of the facility. This is a violation of Part II, Section C,
Paragraph 7, of the permit.
Page# 10