NC0083941_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240111

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Shannon V. Becker
Aqua North Carolina Inc.
202 Mackenan Dr
Cary, NC 27511
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
January 11, 2024
SUBJECT: COMPLIANCE EVALUATION INSPECTION & NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Tracking Number: NOV-2024-PC-0012
Permit No. NCO083941
Spring Creek WWTP
Davidson County
Dear Mr. Becker:
On December 8, 2023, Division of Water Resources (DWR) Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO) staff Jesse
Barnes conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Willow Creek WWTP in reference to NPDES
permit NC0034452. ORC Ryan Smith was present during the inspection. A review of the subject permit, records,
data, laboratory, treatment components, sampling methods, outfall area, operations, and maintenance was
completed. This review reflected noncompliance with the subject permit. The determined permit violations and
items of concern are listed below. Inspection findings are detailed in the attached Water Compliance Inspection
Report.
The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection:
Inspection Area Description of Violation
Effluent Sampling The effluent composite sampler was programmed to collect 96 constant volume aliquots of
120 mL at a constant time interval across a 24-hour period, regardless of flow rate. Part II,
Section A. of the subject permit requires composite samples to be collected in a manner that
is proportional to the rate of flow.
In addition, the following item(s) of concern were noted during the inspection:
Inspection Area Item of Concern
Equalization Basins The metal grates comprising the walkway over the equalization tank were severely corroded,
and one grate began to collapse when stepped on. Please ensure the entire facility can be
safely navigated for operation, maintenance, and inspection.
Equalization Basins Excessive solids were observed covering approximately 25% of the surface in the equalization
tank.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 West Hanes Mitl Road, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem. North Carolina 27105
336,776.9600

Secondary Clarifiers Some excessive floating sludge was observed in the secondary clarifiers.
The indicated permit violation(s) must be corrected to achieve compliance with the subject permit. Measures should
be taken to address the indicated item(s) of concern. Please be aware that the Division may take enforcement
action against any individual who fails to comply with the requirements of all applicable permits, regulations, and/or
statutes. 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, or applicable regulations, issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
If you have questions, contact Jesse Barnes by phone at 336-776-9701 or by email at [e-mail].
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
OD2D3CE3F167456...
Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachments:
1. Water Compliance Inspection Report, NCO083941
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 West Hanes Mitl Road, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem. North Carolina 27105
336,776.9600

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 NC0083941 111 121 23/12/08 I17 18 LC] I 19 I s I 20L]
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 permit Number)
11:30AM 23/12/08
19/06/01
Spring Creek WWTP
292 Central Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Winston Salem NC 27102
01:OOPM 23/12/08
24/05/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Ryan M Smith/ORC/336-996-2841/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Shannon V Becker,202 Mackenan Dr Cary NC 27511/President/919-653-5570/
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
Jesse Barnes Docusigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9701/
1/9/2024
E
73D3194ED...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Docusigned by: DWR/WSRO 336-776-9695 1/11/2024
EPA Form 3560-7MWPf4f vious editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCO083941 I11 12I 23/12/08 117 18 i c i
(Cont.)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On December 8, 2023, Division of Water Resources (DWR) Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO)
staff Jesse Barnes conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Spring Creek WWTP
in reference to NPDES permit NC0083941. ORC Ryan Smith was present during the inspection. A
review of the subject permit, records, data, laboratory, treatment components, sampling methods,
outfall area, operations, and maintenance was completed. This review reflected noncompliance with
the subject permit. The determined permit violations and items of concern are listed below. Inspection
findings are detailed in the attached Water Compliance Inspection Report.
Permit Violations
1. The effluent composite sampler was programmed to collect 96 constant volume aliquots of 120
mL at a constant time interval across a 24-hour period, regardless of flow rate. Part II, Section A. of
the subject permit requires composite samples to be collected in a manner that is proportional to the
rate of flow.
Items of Concern
1. The metal grates comprising the walkway over the equalization tank were severely corroded, and
one grate began to collapse when stepped on. Please ensure the entire facility can be safely
navigated for operation, maintenance, and inspection.
2. Excessive solids were observed covering approximately 25% of the surface in the equalization
tank.
3. Some excessive floating sludge was observed in the secondary clarifiers.
Other observations:
NPDES permit NC0083941 became effective June 1, 2019, and will expire May 31, 2024. At the time
of inspection, a permit renewal application has been submitted and is in review. Facility access is
restricted by a locked fence.
All required records were available for review during the inspection. Mr. Smith keeps digital copies of
archival records, and they were accessible via tablet. Laboratory data, chains of custody, and
discharge monitoring reports were available digitally during the inspection. A hard copy of the subject
permit was present at the facility during the inspection.
Field parameters are performed by Aqua NC LLC, certified lab #5035. Non -field parameters are
performed by Water Tech Labs Inc, certified lab #50.
According to the operator, the automatic standby power generator is tested once per month by
interrupting the primary power source. A record of generator testing was available during the
inspection.
The treatment plant operates in dual tandem trains, with each train consisting of an aeration basin
and a secondary clarifier. Flow to each train is controlled by a manual splitter box after the
equalization basin before traveling to the aeration basins.
The UV disinfection system uses eight bulbs. At least 18 sets of replacement bulbs and quartz
sleeves were present on site during the inspection. Mr. Smith stated that a telemetry alarm system is
in place that will notify him if UV transmittance falls below the designed level.
Both tablet disinfection and de -chlorination systems were present at the facility to be used as a
backup in case the UV system fails. The tablet disinfection and de -chlorination systems utilize two
contact boxes, each containing 4 tablet tubes for a total of 8 tubes in each system.
A Teledyne ISCO Signature model flow meter was in use and appeared to be operating properly
Page#

Permit: NCO083941
Inspection Date: 12/08/2023
Owner -Facility: Spring Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
during the inspection. The flow meter was last calibrated by Mr. Smith on June 28, 2023.
An ISCO 5800 composite sampler was in use to collect effluent composite samples. Mr. Smith stated
that the sampler was programmed to collect 96 aliquots of 120 mL at a constant time interval across a
24-hour period, which would not be proportional to the rate of flow. Please see violation #1 above
concerning flow proportionality.
Effluent sample temperature is analyzed with a combination dissolved oxygen/thermometer probe.
Calibration records for the thermometer feature were available for review during the inspection and
appeared complete.
Page#

Permit: NCO083941 Owner -Facility: Spring Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 12/08/2023 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
0
❑
❑
❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
# 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:
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)?
0
❑
❑
❑
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
❑
❑
0
❑
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:
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4

Permit: NCO083941
Inspection Date: 12/08/2023
Laboratory
Owner -Facility: Spring Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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:
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:
Bar Screens
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
❑
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
❑
❑
❑
■
Is the unit in good condition?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Equalization Basins
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the basin aerated?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
■
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
❑
❑
❑
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
❑
❑
❑
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Page# 5

Permit: NCO083941
Inspection Date: 12/08/2023
Equalization Basins
Owner -Facility: Spring Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
Comment: The metal prates comprising the walkway over the equalization tank were severel
corroded, and one prate began to collapse when stepped on. Please ensure the entire
facility can be safely navigated for operation, maintenance, and inspection. Excessive
solids were observed covering approximately 25% of the surface in the equalization
tank.
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Secondary 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?
■
❑
❑
❑
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 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: Some excessive floating sludge was observed in the secondary clarifiers.
Disinfection - UV
Yes
No
NA
NE
Are extra UV bulbs available on site?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are UV bulbs clean?
S
❑
❑
❑
Page# 6

Permit: NC0083941 Owner -Facility: Spring Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 12/08/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE
Is UV intensity adequate?
❑
❑
❑
Is transmittance at or above designed level?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is there a backup system on site?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is effluent clear and free of solids?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Aerobic Digester
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the capacity adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the mixing adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
■
❑
❑
❑
# Is the odor acceptable?
■
❑
❑
❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Standby Power
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
0
❑
❑
❑
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up
❑
❑
❑
power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
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:
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Page# 7

Permit: NCO083941 Owner -Facility: Spring Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 12/08/2023 Inspection Type: 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:
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 effluent composite sampler was programmed to collect 96 constant volume
aliquots of 120 mL at a constant time interval across a 24-hour period, regardless
of
flow rate. Part II, Section A. of the subject permit requires composite samples
to be
collected in a manner that is proportional to the rate of flow.
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
and sampling location)?
Comment:
Page# 8