The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutNC0083925_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240209ROY 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 February 09, 2024 SUBJECT: COMPLIANCE EVALUATION INSPECTION AND NOTICE OF VIOLATION Tracking Number: NOV-2024-PC-0104 Permit No. NCO083925 Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Davidson County Dear Mr. Becker: On January 31, 2024, Division of Water Resources (DWR) Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO) staff Jesse Barnes conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP in reference to NPDES permit NC0083925. ORC Samuel Pegram was present during the inspection. A review of the subject permit, records, data, laboratory, treatment components, sampling methods, 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 is programmed to collect 100 mL aliquots per pulse and the frequency of pulses is unknown. Mr. Pegram was asked to provide additional information to confirm flow proportionality of composite sampling, but no additional information has been received. Part II, Section A. of the subject permit requires composite samples to be representative of the wastewater discharge and collected in a manner that is proportional to the rate of flow. Part II, Section B. (8.) of the subject permit requires the permittee to furnish any information requested by DWR within a reasonable time in order to determine permit compliance. 2. The following operations and maintenance violations were noted: a. Foam was observed covering approximately 60% of the aeration basin's surface. b. Excessive solids were observed as buildup on the walls and weirs of the secondary clarifier, as well as excessive floating sludge. c. Excessive floating solids were observed at the point where the effluent flow meter's ultrasonic sensor measures the water level. Floating solids at that location may affect the accuracy of flow measurement. Part II, Section C. (2.) of the subject permit requires the permittee to properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control. D North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 Moan caaouNn 336.776.9800 oep.m.m or em�nmen� Qualm Items of Concern 1. 1 No records of testing of the standby power generator were available during the inspection. 2. The blower for the equalization tank aerators was not operational during the inspection. Mr. Pe ram stated that a part is on the way and the blower will be repaired when it arrives. 3. A liquid sodium hydroxide (caustic) feed system was in use during the inspection for pH control via injection into the equalization tank. A caustic feed system is not listed in the facility components on the supplement to permit cover sheet. Please submit a permit modification request to Charles Weaver at charles.weaver@deq.nc.gov to add the sodium hydroxide feed system to the subject permit. Plans or measures should be taken to address the indicated violation(s) and/or item(s) of concern, if applicable. 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 or concerns, contact Jesse Barnes by phone at 336-776-9701 or by email at jesse.barnes@deq.nc.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: OD2D3CE3F1 B7456... 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, NCO083925 REQ� North Carolina Department ofEnvironmental Quality I Division ofWater Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 1 Raleigh, North Carolina 27105 NORTH CAROLINA 336.776.9800 naparMeM of EmironmanW 9uallly 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 NC0083925 I11 121 24/01/31 I17 18I � 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 Dermit Number) 01:OOPM 24/01/31 19/01/01 Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP 5180 Dock Davis Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Clemmons NC 27012 02:30PM 24/01/31 23/12/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Samuel E. Pegram/ORC/704-489-9404/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Lauren A Raup-Plummer,202 Mackenan Ct Cary NC 27511/P.E./919-653-6977/9194601788 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/ 2/9/2024 � 5, -Ba4~0' E 41797473D3194ED... Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Docusigned by: DwR/wslto 336-776-9695 2/9/2024 Fj '--OD2D3CE3F1B7456.- EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO083925 I11 12I 24/01 /31 117 18 i c i (Cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On January 31, 2024, Division of Water Resources (DWR) Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO) staff Jesse Barnes conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP in reference to NPDES permit NC0083925. ORC Samuel Pegram was present during the inspection. A review of the subject permit, records, data, laboratory, treatment components, sampling methods, 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 is programmed to collect 100 mL aliquots per pulse and the frequency of pulses is unknown. Mr. Pegram was asked to provide additional information to confirm flow proportionality of composite sampling, but no additional information has been received. Part II, Section A. of the subject permit requires composite samples to be representative of the wastewater discharge and collected in a manner that is proportional to the rate of flow. Part ll, Section B. (8.) of the subject permit requires the permittee to furnish any information requested by DWR within a reasonable time in order to determine permit compliance. 2. The following operations and maintenance violations were noted: a. Foam was observed covering approximately 60% of the aeration basin's surface. b. Excessive solids were observed as buildup on the walls and weirs of the secondary clarifier, as well as excessive floating sludge. c. Excessive floating solids were observed at the point where the effluent flow meter's ultrasonic sensor measures the water level. Floating solids at that location may affect the accuracy of flow measurement. Part II, Section C. (2.) of the subject permit requires the permittee to properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control. Items of Concern: 1. No records of testing of the standby power generator were available during the inspection. 2. The blower for the equalization tank aerators was not operational during the inspection. Mr. Pegram stated that a part is on the way and the blower will be repaired when it arrives. 3. A liquid sodium hydroxide (caustic) feed system was in use during the inspection for pH control via injection into the equalization tank. A caustic feed system is not listed in the facility components on the supplement to permit cover sheet. Please submit a permit modification request to Charles Weaver at charles.weaver@deq.nc.gov to add the sodium hydroxide feed system to the subject permit. Other observations: The current version of NPDES permit NC0083925 became effective January 1, 2019, and expired at midnight on December 31, 2023. DWR has received the permittee's renewal application, and a renewed permit version is in draft. The most recently issued permit version is used in evaluating compliance until a new version is issued. The data monitoring report (DMR) and associated laboratory data for September 2023 were reviewed during the inspection and appeared to be complete with no errors found. Calibration records for the field pH meter and field thermometers were reviewed and appeared to be complete. A propane -fueled standby power generator is on site for use during power failures. The generator is automatically activated, interrupts the primary power source during tests, is tested under load, can power the entire facility, and was tested and appeared to be operational during the inspection. The high-level float control for the equalization tank was pulled for a test and successfully triggered Page# Permit: NCO083925 Inspection Date: 01/31/2024 Owner -Facility: Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation the high-level alarm during the inspection. The audible, visual, and telemetric alarms appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. The six -bulb UV disinfection system appeared to be operating properly during the inspection, with a backup tablet tube chlorination and de -chlorination system also in place. Three backup UV bulbs and quartz sleeves were on site during the inspection and Mr. Pegram also has access to more backup disinfection supplies at the Aqua NC offices. A Teledyne ISCO effluent flow meter was in use and appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. The flow meter is calibrated annually, and records reviewed during the inspection indicated it was last calibrated on January 23, 2024. An ISCO 5800 composite sampler was in use and appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. The composite sample storage temperature was observed to be 1 ° C. Mr. Pegram stated that the composite sampler has been programmed to collect 100 mL aliquots per pulse and the timing of pulses is unknown. The outfall area was not observed during the inspection due to muddy conditions, safety concerns, and time constraints. Page# Permit: NCO083925 Owner -Facility: Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Inspection Date: 01/31/2024 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: A liquid sodium hydroxide (caustic) feed system was in use during the inspection for pH control via injection into the equalization tank. A caustic feed system is not listed in the facility components on the supplement to permit cover sheet. 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# 4 Permit: NCO083925 Owner -Facility: Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Inspection Date: 01/31/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: 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: Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the generator tested under load? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Was generator tested & operational during the inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO083925 Inspection Date: 01/31/2024 Bar Screens Comment: Owner -Facility: Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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? # Is basin size/volume adequate? Comment: The blower for the equalization tank aerators was not operational durinq the Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ inspection. Mr. Pe -gram stated that a part is on the way and the blower will be repaired when it arrives. Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ 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? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Comment: Foam was observed coverinq approximately 60% of the aeration basin's surface. 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? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NC0083925 Inspection Date: 01/31/2024 Owner -Facility: Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Excessive solids were observed as buildup on the walls and weirs of the secondar clarifier, as well as excessive floating sludge. Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Disinfection - UV 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? Comment: 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? Comment: Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NCO083925 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 01/31/2024 Inspection Type: Salem Glen Subdivision WWTP Compliance Evaluation 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 Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ 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)? Comment: The effluent composite sampler is programmed to collect 100 mL aliquots per pulse and the frequency of pulses is unknown. Mr. Pegram was asked to provide additional information to confirm flow proportionality of composite sampling, but no additional information has been received. Page# 8