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Home My WebLink AboutNC0085812_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240717ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality July 17, 2024 Christopher Clark, Water & Wastewater Division Director Union County Water 4600 Goldmine Road Monroe, NC 28110 SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Union County/Grassy Branch WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO085812 Union County Dear Mr. Clark: Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on July 11, 2024, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. This Office would like to thank all WWTP staff for their cooperation and assistance that was provided throughout this inspection. Should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or at wes.bell(a,deq.nc. gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: A wNN,uft F161 F669A2D84A3... Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Enclosure: Inspection Report Cc: Jonathan Jordan, WRF Superintendent (via email) Erick Franks, ORC (via email) NPDES Program Files - Laserfiche el- DEQ�� North Carolina Department of Environmental quality I Divisionof Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.6631699 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 NCO085812 111 121 24/07/11 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 2.0 701d I 71 I„ I 72 I r., I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 L—I ty L-1 I I 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) 12:22PM 24/07/11 22/05/01 Grassy Branch WWTP Old Fish Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Monroe NC 28111 01:50PM 24/07/11 23/10/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Erick Bernard Franks/ORC/980-230-2169/ Rick Mareth//704-617-6537 / Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Brian Matthews,500 N Main St Ste 920 Monroe NC 28112//704-292-2597/ 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 Compliance Schedules Effluent/Receiving Wate 0 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 Wes Bell signed by: DWR/MRO WQ/704-235-2192/ 7/17/2024 raBe& E�Docu,'c'.D90CC3437... 6 Signature of Man t QnAdld�viewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Andrew Pi In rAo'�'' ' H P44-5WR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 7/17/2024 F161 FB69A2D84A3.,. EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO085812 I11 12I 24/07/11 117 18 i c i Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# Permit: NCO085812 Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 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: The Division received Union Countv's permit renewal documentation on 1/11/2023 The Division issued an Authorization -to -Construct (AtC) on 2/19/2024 for facility upgrades that expands the design and permitted capacity to 0.12 MGD. No construction activities have been initiated to date. The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on 7/7/2020. Compliance Schedules Is there a compliance schedule for this facility? Is the facility compliant with the permit and conditions for the review period? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The Division issued Special Order by Consent (SOC) No. WQ S20-001 on 6/21/2022. Union County has met all scheduled activities to date. The future scheduled activities include the following: begin construction/upgrades by 9/30/2024: complete construction upgrades (including submittal of Engineer's Certification) by 3/31/2027: and attain compliance with NPDES permit final limits by 6/30/2027. 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 Permit: NCO085812 Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Record Keeping Yes No NA NE (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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: The records reviewed durinq the inspection were orqanized and well maintained. In-depth operation and maintenance records including process control measurements were being documented and maintained on -site. Discharge monitoring reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period Juen 2023 through May 2024. No effluent limit and/or monitoring violations were noted. The permittee must ensure copies of all operation and maintenance documentation (including generator servicing, bar screenings disposal, etc.) are maintained and accessible for review by WWTP staff, DWR personnel, etc. Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the facility using a contract lab? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: Effluent field analyses (dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH) are performed under Union County's Crooked Creek field laboratory certification #5658. Pace Analytical Services has also been contracted to provide analytical support. Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected above side streams? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper volume collected? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the tubing clean? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ degrees Celsius)? Is sampling performed according to the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples. The sampler is calibrated monthly (at a minimum). Page# 4 Permit: NCO085812 Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE 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 subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The sampler is calibrated monthly (at a minimum). Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ and sampling location)? Comment: The Division has conditionally waived the instream monitoring requirements due to Union Countv's membership in the Yadkin -Pee Dee River Basin Association. 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: The wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained. The operations staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program. The operations staff are notified through a telemetry type alarm system. In addition, alarm conditions can also be viewed on the SCADA system located at the Union County/Crooked Creek WWTP. 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? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NC0085812 Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 Pump Station - Influent Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE Comment: The telemetry type alarm system activated properly during the on -site test. The audible and visual alarms did not operator properly and should be repaired/replaced as soon as possible. Bar Screens Type of bar screen Yes No NA NE 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Screenings are transported to the Union County/Crooked Creek WWTP's dumpster for ultimate disposal at the County Landfill. 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audible and visual alarms operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is basin size/volume adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are the diffusers operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO085812 Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Aqueous lime is added to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels. 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of weir blockage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both secondary clarifiers were operational and in service. Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Down flow Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the filter free of growth? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The tertiary filters have been taken out of service since June 2022 (per DWR/MRO approval). These filters will be replaced with cloth -type disc filters as a part of the approved upgrades. Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Are extra UV bulbs available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are UV bulbs clean? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is UV intensity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0085812 Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 Disinfection - UV Is transmittance at or above designed level? Is there a backup system on site? Is effluent clear and free of solids? Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year by CITI, LLC. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. The receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. Aerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? Is the mixing adequate? Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? # Is the odor acceptable? # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Sludge from the aerated sludge holding tank is transported and disposed into the influent waste stream at the Union County/Crooked Creek WWTP by Steven's Septic Tank Service. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NC0085812 Owner -Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 07/11/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ power? Is the generator fuel level monitored? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The generator is tested (automatically) weekly under load. The generator is serviced by Kraft Power twice per year. Page#