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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0010878_NOV-2024-PV-0140_20240227ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality February 27, 2024 CERTIFIED MAIL NO. 7022 2410 0003 1826 9210 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Corey Arbogast, Manager Blue Ridge Preservation, Inc. 136 Virgil Day Road Boone, NC 28607 SUBJECT: Notice of Violation (NOV-2024-PC-0140) Compliance Evaluation Inspection Blue Ridge Preservation WWI Permit No. WQ0010878 Watauga County Dear Mr. Arbogast: On February 15, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle and Kristen Potwora conducted a routine compliance inspection of Blue Ridge Preservation Wastewater Irrigation System. Bobby Rowe, ORC, was present during the entire inspection. A review of the package plant, storage tanks, lift station, and available records was completed. This review reflected noncompliance with the subject permit. Ms. Caudle requested the site map, residuals removal logs for the WWTP and lift station, flowmeter calibration, and soil analysis be provided by February 22, 2024. The residuals removal invoices for the WWTP and soil analysis were provided on February 22, 2024. The calibration form could not be located. The following violation was noted: 1. The two 21.25 ft2 tertiary filters are still not operational. This was also noted in Notice of Violation NOV-2022-PC-0691 dated November 10, 2022. The Plan of Action provided as part of the response to the Notice of Violation projected the tertiary filters would be repaired by May of 2023. Mr. Rowe stated that all materials needed to repair the tertiary filters have been acquired and the old filter media is scheduled to be removed. Per Permit Condition V.I "the Permittee shall perform inspections and maintenance to ensure proper operation of the wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities." Repair the tertiary filters and return them to operation within ninety (90) days of receipt of this Notice. Notify Ms. Caudle of the initial startup of the tertiary filters. Moan D-,E, 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 336.776.9800 The following items of concern were noted: A. The skimmers in the clarifiers continue to clog periodically. The skimmers were visible during this inspection and staff noted that the skimmer inlets are approximately one inch below the wastewater surface. Staff observed floating solids, oil and grease, and grit on the surface of the clarifier. Suspended solids were being removed by the skimmers, but not the floating solids on the surface of the clarifiers. Refer to Permit Condition V.1 listed above. Staff recommend the skimmers be raised in order to operate properly and remove floating solids, oil and grease, and grit. B. A small air leak was present at one of the air valves in the aeration basin next to the clarifier. Refer to Permit Condition V.1 above. Repair the air leak as soon as possible. C. At the time of inspection, the embankment above the 500,000 gallon storage tank was beginning to erode and sediment was being deposited around the bottom of the storage tank. Several trees were being undercut at the top of the embankment. The erosion poses a hazard to the storage tanks and package plant. Per Permit Condition V.1 referenced above and V.2 "the Permittee shall inspect the wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities to prevent malfunctions, facility deterioration, and operator errors..." The embankment must be stabilized as soon as possible and undercut trees removed. D. During the previous inspection dated 10/27/2022, Ms. Caudle requested the most recent site map required by Permit Condition 1.1. To date, the site map has not been provided. Please send the site map to Ms. Caudle as soon as possible. E. The provided soil results reported sodium levels of 0.4 and 0.5 meq/cm3 for Zones 1 and 4 respectively, and exchangeable sodium percentage of 12% for Zone 4. Elevated sodium levels in soils can impact effluent infiltration and crop health. These zones should be monitored and potentially resampled to ensure a sampling error did not occur. Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional comments and observations. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Caudle at the letterhead address and phone number, or by email at Caitlin.caudle@deg.nc.gov. Sincerely, E�DocuSigned by: c� '..�,� OD2D3CE3F1 B7456... Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ— WSRO Enc: Inspection Report Irrigation Calibration Information Cc: Kimber Reese, RPB Systems (electronic copy) Bobby Rowe, ORC (electronic copy) Watauga County Environmental Health (electronic copy) NORTH C�NAIV 0_p Mo Emimnmen 9uei� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 1 Raleigh, North Carolina 27105 336.776.9800 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0010878 Effective: 01/06/20 Expiration: 04/30/26 Owner : Blue Ridge Preservation Inc SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation WWTP County: Watauga 639 Whispering Hills Rd Region: Winston-Salem Boone NC 28607 Contact Person: Peter N Ostergard Title: Phone: 828-262-5584 Directions to Facility: US421S/E King St, R Bamboo Rd, L Little Laurel Rd, 3R stay on Little Laurel Rd, 3L Heavenly Mtn/Whispering Hills Rd, L on Whispering Hills Rd. System Classifications: SI, WW2, Primary ORC: Robert Gross Rowe Certification: 1012111 Phone: 828-767-9042 Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Entry Time 12:45PM cuS ned by: Primary Inspector: Cai lin aucflef�.� I'� Secondary Inspector( • ( v, Cmj& 8B834968199D49D_ Kristen Potwora Reason for Inspection: Routine Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation Facility Status: ❑ Compliant 0 Not Compliant Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Treatment Filters Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Disinfection Storage (See attachment summary) Exit Time: 02:30PM Phone: 336-776-9699 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Treatment Barscreen Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge End Use -Irrigation Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps Page 1 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: On February 15, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle and Kristen Potwora conducted a routine compliance inspection of Blue Ridge Preservation Wastewater Irrigation System. Bobby Rowe, ORC, was present during the entire inspection. A review of the package plant, storage tanks, lift station, and available records was completed. This review reflected noncompliance with the subject permit. Ms. Caudle requested the site map, residuals removal logs for the WWTP and lift station, flowmeter calibration, and soil analysis be provided by February 22, 2024. The residuals removal invoices for the WWTP and soil analysis were provided on February 22, 2024. The calibration form could not be located. Drip irrigation calibration information was provided. The following violation was noted: 1. The two 21.25 ft2 tertiary filters are still not operational. This was also noted in Notice of Violation NOV-2022-PC-0691 dated November 10, 2022. The Plan of Action provided as part of the response to the Notice of Violation projected the tertiary filters would be repaired by May of 2023. Mr. Rowe stated that all materials needed to repair the tertiary filters have been acquired and the old filter media is scheduled to be removed . Per Permit Condition V.I "the Permittee shall perform inspections and maintenance to ensure proper operation of the wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities." Repair the tertiary filters and return them to operation within ninety (90) days of receipt of this Notice. Notify Ms. Caudle of initial start up of the tertiary filters. The following items of concern were noted: A. The skimmers in the clarifiers continue to clog periodically. The skimmers were visible during this inspection and staff noted that the skimmer inlets are approximately one inch below the wastewater surface. Staff observed floating solids, oil and grease, and grit on the surface of the clarifier. Suspended solids were being removed by the skimmers, but not the floating solids on the surface of the clarifiers. Refer to Permit Condition V.I listed above. Staff recommend the skimmers be raised in order to operate properly and remove floating solids, oil and grease, and grit. B. A small air leak was present at one of the air valves in the aeration basin next to the clarifier. Refer to Permit Condition V.1 above. Repair the air leak as soon as possible. C. At the time of inspection, the embankment above the 500,000 gallon storage tank was beginning to erode and sediment was being deposited around the bottom of the storage tank. Several trees were being undercut at the top of the embankment. The erosion possess a hazard to the storage tanks and package plant. Per Permit Condition V.1 referenced above and V.2 "the Permittee shall inspect the wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities to prevent malfunctions, facility deterioration, and operator errors..." The embankment must be stabilized as soon as possible and undercut trees removed. D. During the previous inspection dated 10/27/2022, Ms. Caudle requested the most recent site map required by Permit Condition 1.1. To date, the site map has not been provided. Please send the site map to Ms. Caudle as soon as possible. E. The provided soil results reported sodium levels of 0.4 and 0.5 meq/cm3 for Zones 1 and 4 respectively, and exchangeable sodium percentage as of 12% for Zone 4. Elevated sodium levels in soils can impact effluent infiltration and crop health. These zones should be monitored and potentially resampled to ensure a sampling error did not occur. Other observations: • The EQ basin pumps were working, and additional aeration installed. A sludge mat was not visible on the surface of the EQ basin as aeration is continuous. • Aeration is still reduced at the end of the aeration basin but mixing is taking place. The mixed liquor was an acceptable color. • Both irrigation pumps have been reinstalled. Pump A was operational, Pump B was not working as a fuse needs to be replaced. Mr. Rowe stated an electrician has been contracted to repair the fuse. • Drip calibration has not been completed this permit cycle. It must be completed by April 30, 2026. • Nitrate levels were greater than 10mg/L August 2022 to March 2023, August 2023, and September 2023. • The lift station is located below 789 Whispering Hills Road Unit 30 (36.170749,-81.585680). The pumps and high water alarm were not viewed in operation as Mr. Rowe does not maintain the lift station. Mr. Arbogast and his maintenance staff Page 2 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine maintain the lift station. As built system plans are not available for the system. The specifications for the lift station are unknown. Back up power is available for the lift station. • The bar screen may be undersized and the bars spaced to far apart for the nature of wastewater treated and during peak flow events. • Grit, oil and grease were visible in the effluent leaving the clarifier. • Algae and some floating solids were present in the clarifier weirs. • Residuals were pumped 7/24/2023 and 11/27/2023. • The flowmeter was last calibrated 5/2/2023. • A rain sensor is installed on the roof of the irrigation pump building. • The freeboard markers are working accurately, with both tanks showing similar readings. • Mr. Rowe is still operating the irrigation system manually. A PercRite control system will be installed. • Additional treatment measures may be needed if oil and grease continues to be an issue in the package plant. • The maintenance personnel are not recording any work in the operation and maintenance logs available at the plant. Staff will request facility maintenance logs next inspection. Page 3 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Type Yes No NA NE Reuse (Quality) ❑ Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Infiltration System ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, HR ❑ Recycle/Reuse ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Activated Sludge Drip, LR Treatment Yes No NA NE Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: See summary. Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE Is it free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 4 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is disposal of screenings in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: See summary. Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE Are the weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the weirs free of solids and algae? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scum removal system operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scum removal system accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: See summa Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: See summary. Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE Is the aeration operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is the aeration pattern even? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE Is the system working? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there adequate detention time (>=30 minutes)? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the system properly maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chlorinator accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑ If tablets, are tablets present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? ❑ ❑ ❑ If UV, are extra UV bulbs available? ❑ ❑ ❑ If UV, is the UV intensity adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is it a dual feed system? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7782-50-5)? ❑ ❑ ❑ If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? ❑ ❑ ❑ If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Comment: Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Is a copy of current permit available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are application rates adhered to? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there any 2L GW quality violations? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are annual soil reports available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 6 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine # Are PAN records required? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Did last soil report indicate a need for lime? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ If so, has it been applied? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are operational logs present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are lab sheets available for review? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are Operational and Maintenance records present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Were Operational and Maintenance records complete? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a copy of the SOC readily available? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: See summary. End Use -Irrigation Yes No NA NE Are buffers adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the cover crop type specified in permit? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the crop cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site condition adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of runoff / ponding? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ How close is the closest water supply well? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is municipal water available in the area? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are monitoring wells damaged? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: See summary. TANK 2 - Storage Yes No NA NE Page 7 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Storage Type? Aboveground storage tank Storage amount? 500000 Gallons # At what point is side -stream wastewater returned to treatment? Is there a Spill Control Plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Aerated or Mixed? NONE If aeration is present, is it adequate? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? ❑ ❑0 ❑ Is influent structure acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are banks/berms free of seepage and erosion? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are banks/berms free of excessive vegetation? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is pond lined? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Liner Type Is liner acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are baffles/curtains acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the pond have a freeboard marker? ❑ ❑ ❑ Required freeboard? Actual freeboard? Is there suitable grassed vegetation? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the vegetation maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the area free of excessive weeds and/or woody species? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the area free from signs of overflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is color acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are floating mats acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ No excessive buildup of solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are aerators/mixers acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent structure acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ If present, is pond cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: See summary. TANK 1 Storage Yes No NA NE Storage Type? Aboveground storage tank Storage amount? 1000000 Gallons # At what point is side -stream wastewater returned to treatment? Page 8 of 9 Permit: WQ0010878 Owner - Facility: Blue Ridge Preservation Inc Inspection Date: 02/15/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is there a Spill Control Plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Aerated or Mixed? NONE If aeration is present, is it adequate? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is influent structure acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are banks/berms free of seepage and erosion? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are banks/berms free of excessive vegetation? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is pond lined? ❑ ❑ ❑ Liner Type Is liner acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are baffles/curtains acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the pond have a freeboard marker? ❑ ❑ ❑ Required freeboard? Actual freeboard? Is there suitable grassed vegetation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the vegetation maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the area free of excessive weeds and/or woody species? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the area free from signs of overflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is color acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are floating mats acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ No excessive buildup of solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are aerators/mixers acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent structure acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ If present, is pond cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: See summary. Page 9 of 9