NC0025496_Bioassay Compliance Inspection_20170310

Woter Resources
HNVIRONML^'N7'AL QUALITY '
March 10, 2017
Mr. Stephen Peeler, Public Works Director
City of Lincolnton
P.O. Box 617
Lincolnton, NC 28093-0617
Dear Mr. Peeler:
ROY UUUk'hx
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
hector
RECEIVEDINCDEUDWR
MAR- 16 2017
WaterQuality
Penitting Section
Subject: Bioassay Compliance Inspection
City of Lincolnton WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO025496
Lincoln County
Enclosed is a copy of the Bioassay' Compliance Inspection for the inspection conducted at the
subject facility on March 7, 2016, by Ori Tuvia. Donald Burkey's and Jennifer Lane's cooperation during
the site visit was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by
forwarding a copy of the enclosed report.
During the previous inspection conducted by DWR staff of the Mooresville Regional Office, it
was noted that excessive rust and deterioration were observed in one of the digester covers (not in
service) and significant openings/gaps were noted in a second digester cover (in operation).
Additionally, it was noted that the drying bed sections currently being used contained'excessive
vegetation (including several trees) and require extensive maintenance.
The problems have yet to be resolved and were still observed during the current inspection.
Therefore, it is requested that.a written response be submitted to this office by April 10, 2017, regarding
the status of the deteriorating digester covers and the excessive vegetation in the drying beds.
Additionally, at the time of the inspection the toxicity sampler was pulling samples based on
time rather than flow due to a faulty fuse box. The facility staff is requested to inform MRO staff upon
fixing of the faulty fuse box.
Chronic toxicity split samples were taken during the inspection. Results of the split samples will
be forwarded upon completion of analyses.
Mooresville Regional Office
Location: 610 East Center Ave„ Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]'1 Customer Service: 1-877-623-6748

The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this
report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at [phone], or at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
Ori Tuvia, Environmental Engineer
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, DEQ
Cc: NPDES Unit
MRO Files
Lincoln County Health Department
Donald Burkey (E -Copy)

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Form Approved.
til" A Washington, D.C. 20460
OMB No. 2040-4057
WaterComplianee Inspection Report_ .._..
Approvalexpiresa-3l-se
Section A: National Data System Coding (_e., PCS)
TransacbonCode NPDES yr/molday Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 I 1 21.5 1 3 I NC0025496 111 121 17103107 117 '184.1 19 i s i 201
21111111 111 1111 1.1 11 1 11 111 1 1 1 1.11 11 1111111 Ij 1 1_r6
Inspection Work Days Facility Sell -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 OA Reserved
6712.0 7014 I 71 In I 72 • i n� I 731 j74 75 80
LJ L::_1 1_t—" I
ata
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)
09.30AM 17/03/07
1611 Vol
Uncolnton WWfP
ExitTimelDate
Perrrrf Expiration Date
NO Hwy 150 Bypass
LincolntonNC28092
011_35PIv1 17/03!07
20107131
Name(s) of Onside Representative(s).+Titles(#Phone and Fax Numbers)
Other Facility Data
it/
Donald A BurkeylORC/704-736.89601
Jennifer LaneJl/
Name, Address of Responsible Offlcial/TdlelPhone and Fax Number
Contacted
Stephen H Peeler,PO Box 617 Lincotnton NC 280930617/Public Works
No
Director1704-73&894017047368959
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Program Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
Laboratory
Section D: Summary of FindinglComments (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
Ori A Tuvia MRO WQ/1704-663-1699/ .
Signature of Management Q Regie a Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Corey Basinger 0 MRO WQ11704-235-21941
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yr/molday inspection Type 1
31 NCO025496 12L 17/03!07 117 18 in[
Secdion D: -Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Toxicity Sampling Inspection. Samples pulled on 3/7/2017 and 319/2017.
Page# 2

,1
Permit: N00025496 Owner -Facility: UncointonVWVTP
Inspection Date: 0310712017 Inspection Type: Bioassay COmPIiance
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?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
M
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Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
■
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110
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
■
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❑
❑
Comment: The subject permit expires on 7131/2020.
The Facility staff is in the final stages of constructina a mercury reduction plan (must
be
completed within 180 -days of the pennit effective date. 11/1/2016).
The City implements an approved Industrial Pretreatment Proaram.
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required. by the permit?.
■
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Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
M
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0.11
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
M
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Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
■
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110
Is the chain -of -custody complete?
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Dates, times and location of sampling
0
Name of individual performing the sampling
Results of analysis and calibration
Dates of analysis
0
Name of person performing analyses
■
Transported COCs
■
Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters?
M
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Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
M
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(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator
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on each shift? .
Is the ORC visitation log evailabWand current?
■
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Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
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Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification?
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Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
M
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Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
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. ❑
Comment: The records reviewed during the inspectio6were organized and well maintained. DMRs,
COCl, ORC visitation lops, bench sheets, and calibration loos, were reviewed for the period
April 2016 through December 2016.
Page# 3

Permit: NCO025496 Owner -Facility: t.incointoniMViP
Yes No NA NE
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❑
❑
Inspection Date: 03/07120/7 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
J t
Laboratory __ _ _. - -- - - - - -
Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
01111
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❑
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Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
❑
❑
❑
❑
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
M
❑
0.0
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: Influent and effluent anaivses (inciudina field parameters) are performed under the Citv's
on-site certified laboratory (#153). The following commercial laboratories (NC certified) have
been contracted to provide analytical support: Prism Labs (COD, total nitrogen, total
phosphorus, total hardness, calcium, magnesium); Blue Ridge Labs (metals, cyanide,
phenols); Two Rivers Utilities (color and low level mercury): and Meritech (toxicity). The
laboratory instrumentation used for field analyses appeared to be property calibrated and
documented.
Influent Sampling
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected above side streams?
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 sampling performed according to the permit?
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
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❑❑❑0
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Is sample collected below all treatment units?
J t
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-❑
■
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0
1
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Comment: The sublect permit requires influent composite BOD and TSS samples. The facility staff
Perform and document monthly aliquot verifications.
Effluent Salllplina
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
❑
❑
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Is proper volume collected? J
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
N
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
M
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type ❑ ❑ ❑
representative)?
Page# 4

k
W Permit: NCO025496 Owner -Facility: UncolntonwwrP
Inspection Date: 03707/2097 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Comment; The subiect permit requires composite and arab effluent samples. The facility staff�erform_
and document monthly aliquot verifications on the sarnpler used for daily sampling. At the
time of the inspection the Toxicity sampler was pulling samples based on time rather than
flow due to a faulty fuse box. The facility staff is requested to inform MRO staff upon fixing of
the faulty fuse box.
Upstream 1 Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the 'facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and ❑ ❑
sampling location)?
Comment:
Operations &Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex:,MLSS, MCRT, Settleable E ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: The facility appeared to be adequately treating wastewater at the time of the inspection. The
facility staff incorporate a. comprehensive process control program with all measurements
be'sn i properly documented and maintained on-site.
The facility is equipped with a SCADA system to assist the staff with the operation of the
treatment units/processes. The audible and visual alarms are tested (and documented) on a
monthly basis.
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: The influent passes through a muffin monster prior to entering the wet well.
Flow Measurement - Influent
# Is flow meter used for reporting? -
.Is flow meter calibrated annually?
Is the flow meter operational?
(if units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow .meter?
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
Page# 5

Permit: NCO025496 Qxner- Facility: LmcaintonWWrP
Inspection Date: 0310712017 Inspection Type: Bioassay CorIrPliance
Flow Measurement - Influent
Yes No NA NE
Comment: The flow meter is calibrated annually and was last calibrated on 6/10/2016 by Clearwater.
Inc.
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
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Is the screen free of excessive debris?
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Is disposal of screening in compliance?
■
01111
Is the unit in good condition?
E
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Comment: . The bar screenings are disposed into an open durripster equipped with a drain
plug.
Grit Removal
Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
❑
b.Mechanical
S
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
■
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Is the grit free of excessive odor?
■
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# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
■
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Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the County Landfill.
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational?
M
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Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
`
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# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
■
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Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
■
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Is the DO level acceptable?.
0
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Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)?
N
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Is the DO level acceptable?{1.0 to 3.0 mgA)
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0
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 mIA in 30 minutes)
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M
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Comment: `The valves'forthe splitter box that_ciistributes the flow from the oxidation ditch to the aeration
basins have to be manually adiusted and secured"(via robe tied to hand railind). The Cites .
should investigate the installation of an Improved valving system to ensure that these valves
can be properly adjusted and secured durina routine operation and maintenance activities.
Page# 6

Permit: NC -0026496
Owner -Facility: LincointonVWVFP
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
E
Inspection Date: 0 3107 1201 7
Inspection Type: Bioassay CIMPliance
❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
Oxidation Ditches
_ Yes No NA NE.__.
Aeration Basins
Yes No' NA NE
Mode of operation
Ext. Air
❑
❑
Type of aeration system.
Diffused
❑
Is the basin free of dead spots?
E ❑
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Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
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❑]
Is scum removal adequate?
Are the diffusers operational?
■ ❑
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Is the foam the proper color for -the treatment process?
N ❑
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Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
❑ E
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Is the DO level acceptable?
■ ❑
1111
E
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
N ❑
1111
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
Comment: Three'of four aeration basins were in service.
Secondary. Clarifier
Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
E
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Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
■
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El
0
Are weirs level?
I
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Is the site free of weir blockage?
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Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
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Is scum removal adequate?
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Is the site free. of excessive floating sludge?
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Is the drive unit operational?
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Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
E
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1111
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
0
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❑
❑.
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately 1/4 of the sidewall depth)
0
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Comment: Both secondary clarifiers were operational and in service.
Pumps -RAS -WAS
Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
moo
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Are pumps operational?'
N
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❑
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
000
E
Comment:
Page# 7

Permit: NCO025496 Owner -Facility: LincolntonVWVrP
Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
■
❑
Inspection Date: 03/07/2097 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance
❑
(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
■
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Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
E
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(if units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
M
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Comment: The flow meter is calibrated annually and was last calibrated on 4/8/16 by Clear,Vater, Inc.
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Disinfection -Liquid
Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
■
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(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
■
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Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
t
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is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
M
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Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
E
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Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
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Comment:
De -chlorination
Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Liquid
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Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
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E
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Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
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■ ,
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# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
■
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Are the tablets the proper size and type?
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0.0
Comment: Aqueous sodium bisulfite is used for dechlorination.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
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0
❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Chemical Feed
Yes No NA NE
Is containment adequate?
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Is storage adequate?
■
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Are.backup pumps available?❑
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Is the site free of excessive leaking?.
M
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Comment:
Page# 8

Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids and trace foam (entrained air). The
receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. The foam dissipated less than
fifty (50) yards downstream of the outfall.
Effluent composite ToxcitY. sampling were collected during this inspection.
Anaerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:
Floating cover
Permit: NCO025496 Owner -Facility: Lincointon VVWTP
t ❑
❑
❑
# Is gas stored on site?,
Inspection Date: 03/0712017 Inspection Type: Bioassay CampHance .
❑
❑
Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers?
M ❑
Effluent Pipe
Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
■
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Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
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❑
M-0
❑ ❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
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0 ❑
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Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids and trace foam (entrained air). The
receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. The foam dissipated less than
fifty (50) yards downstream of the outfall.
Effluent composite ToxcitY. sampling were collected during this inspection.
Anaerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:
Floating cover
Is the capacity adequate?
t ❑
❑
❑
# Is gas stored on site?,
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Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers?
M ❑
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Is the gas burner operational?
0 ❑
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Is the digester heated?
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Is the temperature maintained constantly?
❑ ❑
M
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Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
0 ❑
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Comment: The facility is equipped with three anaerobic digesters and three storage tanks. One of the
digesters was not operational and the gas burner system had been -taken out of service.
Excessive rust and deterioration were observed in one of the digester covers
(notin service)
and sicinificant openings/gaps were noted in a second di ester cover in operation). The City
should investigate and pursue funding options to rehabilitate all applicable digesters within
the near future. Please be advised that the subject permit reguires- the facility
be properly
operated and maintained at all times FNPDES Permit Standard Condition Reference: Part 11,
.
Section C(2) — Proper Operation and Maintenancet
Solids Handling Equipment
Yes No NA NE
Is the equipment operational?
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Is the chemical feed equipment operational?
❑
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Is storage adequate?
■ ❑
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Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters?
❑ ❑
N
❑
Is the site free of sludge buildup onbelts and/or rollers of filter press?
❑ ❑
M
❑
Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake?
❑ ❑
■
❑
The facility has -an approved sludge management plan?
M ❑
❑
❑
Comment: Waste activated sludge (WAS) is thickened by a DAF unit prior to being pumped to the
anaerobic digesters. The DAF unit was operational and in service. Digested bio -solids are
land applied by a contracted. company (Svnagro) under the authority of Permit No.
W00002712.
Page# 9

. Permit: NC0025496 av ner - Facility: Lincolnton VMTIP
Inspection Date: 0310712017 Inspection Type: BioassaY CanPliance
Solids Handlina Equipment
Yes No NA NE
Drying Beds - -
Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space?
` ❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate?
0 ❑
❑
El
Are the drying beds free of vegetation?
❑
❑
❑
# Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds?
❑ M
❑
❑
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge?
S ❑
❑
❑
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant?
■ ❑
❑
. ❑
# Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill?
■ ❑
❑
❑
# is the sludge land applied?
❑ ❑
M
❑
(Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate?.
❑ ❑
M
❑
Comment; Land application is the primary disposal of the bio -solids; however, the drying beds are used
durina emergency situations when wet weather prevents land application. The drying
beds
are also periodically used for the disposal of landfill. leachate, tank cleaning/pump
station
maintenance, and septage (infrequent).
The drying bed sections currently being used contained excessive vegetation (including
several trees) and require extensive maintenance. If the facility continues to periodically use.
the dryina beds then the pLeviously rehabbed sections should be placied into o eration.
Please be advised that the subiect permit requires the facility be properly, operated and
maintained at all times INPQES Permit Standard Condition Reference: Part li, Section C(2)
— Proper Operation and Maintenance].
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 generators) 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?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
tests the generators under load during each servicing event. Generators were last serviced
on January 2097 by CAT.
Page# 10