NC0026123_20180418_Compliance Evauluation Inspection

ACROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S.REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Water Resources
Interim Director
Environmental Quality
April 18,2018
City of Asheboro
Attn:John N. Ogburn, Ill, City Manager
P.O. Box 1106
Asheboro, NC 27204-1106 RECEIVED/DENR/DWR
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection APR 4 2018
Asheboro Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES Permit NC0026123
City of Asheboro Water Resoul ces
Randolph County Permitting Section
Dear Mr. Ogbum:
Ron Boone of the Winston-Salem Regional Office of the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR or the
Division)conducted a compliance evaluation inspection(CEI)of the Asheboro Wastewater Treatment Plant(WWTP),
NPDES permit NC0026123, on March 29, 2018. The assistance and cooperation of Michael Wiseman, Operator in
Responsible Charge, Michele Dawes, Technical Services Manager, Sarah Laughlin, Technical Services Specialist,
Bernadine Wardlaw,Water Quality Lab Manager, and Michael Rhoney, Professional Engineer, during the inspection,
was greatly appreciated. An inspection checklist is attached for your records and inspection findings are summarized
below.
Mr. Gary Perlmutter, of DWR's central office NPDES Unit in Raleigh, also attended the inspection for
permitting purposes.The current permit was issued June 27,2012 and expired on September 30,2016.A new permit
is in draft.The city must continue operating the plant in accordance with the permit that expired September 30, 2016,
until a new permit is issued.
Mr. Perlmutter addressed several issues that must be finalized before a final permit will be issued, including
but not limited to ammonia, cyanide, metals, hardness, mercury, conductivity, and 1,4 Dioxane. Several compliance
schedules will likely be needed in order to give the city time to comply with several of the new parameters/limits being
considered.
General Information
The WWTP is located at 1032 Bonkemeyer Drive in Randleman,Randolph County,NC.The permit authorizes
the City to operate this 9-million gallon per day(MGD)WWTP,which consists of the following units:
• Influent pump station with two screw-lift pumps,two automatic bar screens, and grit removal system
• Influent ultrasonic flow meter
• Seven primary clarifiers;one 3 0 million gallon (MG)circular tank and six 1.0 MG rectangular tanks
• Three 140-foot trickling filters
• Four 27,024-cubic foot secondary clarifiers
• Nitrification mixing/transfer pump basin
• Two 2.0 MG nitnfication basins with a mixing basin, blowers, and Schreiber aeration systems
• Magnesium hydroxide chemical addition system for pH and alkalinity adjustment
• Three 70,333-cubic foot circular final clarifiers
`Nothing Compares=,
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
450 W Hanes Mill Road,Suite 300,Winston-Salem,North Carolina 27105
Phone.[phone] FAX [phone]

• Polymer chemical addition system
• One Parkson Dynasand continuous flow tertiary filter
• Chlorine contact chamber with sodium hypochlorite disinfection
• Sodium bisulfite dechlorination
• Effluent ultrasonic flow meter
• Cascade aeration basin
• Two 401,900 gallon anaerobic floating-top sludge digesters
• Approximately 47,250 square-feet of drying beds
• Sludge dewatering presses,thickener tanks, including a dissolved air floatation thickening tank, lime stabilization
system, and a solids storage facility; and,
• One 600 kilowatt(KW)standby power generator
There is also a dumping station for septic haulers at the plant. This should be considered for inclusion in the
plant descnption in the permit, but this is neither critical or required.
The permit authorizes the City of Asheboro to discharge treated effluent from the plant via outfall 001 into
Haskett Creek,this section of which is currently classified as Class C waters in the Cape Fear river basin.
Site Review
Mr.Wiseman provided Mr.Boone a tour of the entire facility Mr.Boone observed no violations,discrepancies,
or areas of concern, and was impressed with the plant and the operators
Several noteworthy items are listed below
• Mr.Wiseman stated that all programmable logic controllers in the plant were recently replaced/upgraded.
• Both influent and effluent flow devices also have staff gauges permanently mounted in the Parshall flumes for
backup flow measurement in the event that the ultrasonic units fail
• The effluent flow meter is calibrated at least quarterly by ISI out of Charlotte,NC;calibration records are maintained
at the plant as required. The effluent flow rate displayed on the meter at the flume at 12.11 PM was 5.07 MGD,
which very closely matched both the chart recorder and SCADA system recorder inside the plant control center
• The 3.0 MG circular pnmary clarifier is NOT currently used for primary clarification because the additional treatment
capacity is unnecessary to fully treat the plant's 3.5 MG average daily flow; rather the circular clarifier is used to
store press filtrate from the sludge presses, which is then sent to the trickling filters and the rest of the treatment
process.
• The two 2 0 MG nitrification basins employ Schreiber diffused aeration systems,which provide 1,200 diffusers in
each basin.The dissolved oxygen is maintained near 1 8 milligrams per liter(mg/I).
• Sodium hypochlorite is injected at the overflow weirs of the final clarifiers to provide additional contact time and
aid in reducing algal growth around the weirs and effluent channels. This provided the cleanest weirs and effluent
channels that Mr. Boone has ever seen on final clanfiers.
• Mr.Wiseman stated that the appropriate required replacement parts for all systems are kept on hand at the plant.
• The one tertiary filter actually consists of 32 independent 2.5-micron particle sand filters.
• The two anaerobic floating-top digesters are operated independently, the first thermophilically and the second
mesophilically,to optimize the digestion process.
• The plant's two 1.5-meter belt presses were very clean and well maintained.
• The plant's drying beds are used to accept and dewater grease from local grease haulers
• The plant's 600 KW generator can run the entire plant for 26 hours straight with a full tank of fuel. It is automatically
started when commercial power fails. The operators exercise the generator at least monthly. The city has an
emergency priority contract with Pugh Oil and they maintain the fuel tank level full,twice weekly.The generator is
maintained by contractor and maintenance records are kept on file at the plant.

• The city may wish to consider adding flow equalization facilities to the plant during the next plant upgrade.
Documentation&Laboratory Review
All documentation was reviewed including discharge monitoring reports, laboratory records, operation,
maintenance, and repair records, operator visitation records, etc. All required records were readily available for
inspection and all met minimum requirements Mr Wiseman and his operators,as well as Ms. Bernadine Wardlaw and
the laboratory staff, have done an excellent job of documenting the operation and maintenance of the plant and
laboratory operations,as required by the permit.
The plant's laboratory holds DWR's lab certification number 86. The only sample the city sends out to
commercial laboratones for analysis is mercury. Lab records are maintained on hand for at least 10 years Both influent
and effluent sampling is flow proportional and samples are pumped from the respective sample locations to a
refrigerator located inside the laboratory where they are stored at the proper preservation temperature.
DMR values were compared to laboratory bench sheets for 2017. No transcnption errors were found. Since
April 2013, the city has had only a single monthly average ammonia violation which occurred in January 2016. This
violation was addressed with a separate Notice of Deficiency(NOD)from this office
The Division greatly appreciates all the city's efforts to effectively and efficiently operate and maintain the
Asheboro WWTP. Mr. Wiseman and Ms. Wardlaw, and their crews, should be proud and commended for their
exemplary efforts.
If you have any questions regarding the inspection or this letter, or if we may be of further assistance to you,
please feel free to call Mr. Boone or me at(336)776-9800.Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
rri V. 4+, ght, PE
gional upervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Division of Water Resources
Attachments:
1. BIMS Inspection Report,Asheboro WWTP, NPDES Permit NC0026123
CC: WSRO—SWP with attachments
Central Files with attachments
,NPDES Unit with attachments
City of Asheboro
Attn Michael Wiseman—ORC Asheboro WWTP
P.O. Box 1106
Asheboro, NC 27204-1106

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 I 2 IS I 3 I N00026123 I11 12 I 18/03/29 117 18 I I 19 Ls]I 201
21111111 1111111111111111111111111 11111111111 p6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved
671 I 70 I I 71 1 1 72 u 1
731 1 174 751 1 1 1 1 1 1 180
Section B Facility Data LJ
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) 10 00AM 18/03/29 12/08/01
Asheboro WWTP
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
1032 Bonkemeyer Dr
01 00 P M 18/03/29 16/09/30
Asheboro NC 27203
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Michael Ray Wiseman/ORC/336-672-0892/
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
John N Ogburn,PO Box 1106 Asheboro NC 272041106/City
Manager/336-626-1213/3366261218 No
Section C Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
II Permit • Flow Measurement • Operations&Maintenance in Records/Reports
II Self-Monitoring Program II Sludge Handling Disposal El Facility Site Review El Effluent/Receiving Waters
II Laboratory
Section D Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Si• - - s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Ron B40WSRO WQ//336-776-9690/ /
IV/
ilratio :::.„,„„,1
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
IAA— Y 1‘-::::1",„...-_,,,,e4- 4// /z'/ /k
C
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1 d
31 NC0026123 Il 21 18/03/29 117 18
Section D Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Please refer to the attached inspection summary letter
Page# 2

JPermit• NC0026123 Owner-Facility AsheboroVVWfP
Inspection Date 03/29/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Pump Station -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures'? • 000
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps present'? • 000
Are all pumps operable'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are float controls operable'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational'? • 000
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational'? • 000
Comment None
Flow Measurement- Influent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting'? 0 • 00
Is flow meter calibrated annually'? 1111:1 ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational'? , • 000
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter'? 000 •
Comment None
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a Manual ❑
b Mechanical •
Are the bars adequately screening debris'? • 000
Is the screen free of excessive debris'? 111000
Is disposal of screening in compliance'? • 000
Is the unit in good condition'? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment None
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a Manual ❑
b Mechanical II
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? I ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor'? 11000
#Is disposal of grit in compliance'? • 000
Page# 3

Permit NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro VVWTP
Inspection Date 03/29/201 B Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Comment None
Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier'? ❑ ❑ E ❑
Are weirs level? • 000
Is the site free of weir blockage? IMODD
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? • ❑ ❑ 0
Is scum removal adequate? MOOD
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge'? 1 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the drive unit operational'? MOOD
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable'? ❑ ❑ ❑ •
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable'? (Approximately 1/4 of the sidewall depth) ❑ ❑ ❑ •
Comment None
Trickling Filter Yes No NA NE
Is the filter free of ponding? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter free of leaks at the center column of filter's distribution arms'? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the distribution of flow even from the distribution arms'? • 0 0 ❑
Is the filter free of uneven or discolored growth? • 000
Is the filter free of sloughing of excessive growth? • 000
Are the filter's distribution arms orifices free of clogging? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter free of excessive filter flies,worms or snails'? 111000
Comment None
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater'? • D00
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Are weirs level? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of weir blockage'? • 000
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting'? • 000
Is scum removal adequate'? MOOD
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? • DOD
Page# 4

1 Permit NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro WWTP
Inspection Date 03/29/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the drive unit operational'? MOOD
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc'? h • 0010
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable'? (Approximately 1/4 of the sidewall depth) D00111
Comment There are also final clarifiers that receive activated sludge These clarifiers were also in
excellent condition and Mr Boone had no concerns
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext Air
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots'? MOOD
Are surface aerators and mixers operational'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the diffusers operational'? • 000
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process'? • 000
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface'? 111000
Is the DO level acceptable'? • 000
Is the DO level acceptable?(1 0 to 3 0 mg/I) • 000
Comment None
Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place'? ❑ ❑ U ❑
Are pumps operational'? ❑ ❑ U ❑
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site'? 00110
Comment RAS is conveyed via gravity only
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Type of operation Down flow
Is the filter media present'? MUDD
Is the filter surface free of clogging'? MOOD
Is the filter free of growth? MOOD
Is the air scour operational'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable'? • 1100
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media'? MOOD
Page# 5

Permit: NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro VVVVTP f
Inspection Date 03/29/2015 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Comment None
Disinfection-Liquid Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant'? • El ❑ ❑
(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational'? • ❑ El ❑
Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate'? (free of leaks/open drains) • ❑ ❑ p
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup'? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment None
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)'? ❑ 0 ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type'? ❑ ❑ • 0
Comment None
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational'? p ❑ • ❑
Number of tubes in use'?
Comment None
Flow Measurement-Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually'? • 0 0 ❑
Is the flow meter operational'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment Meter is calibrated quarterly by contractor
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'? • ❑ ❑ 0
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly'? El ❑ I 0
Page# 6

J Permit- NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro WINTP
Inspection Date 03/29/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Comment None
Anaerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Type of operation Floating cover
Is the capacity adequate'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is gas stored on site'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the digester(s)free of tilting covers'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the gas burner operational'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the digester heated'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the temperature maintained constantly'? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is tankage available for properly waste sludge'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment None
Chemical Feed Yes No NA NE
Is containment adequate'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is storage adequate'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are backup pumps available'? • 0 ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive leaking'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment None
Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE
Is the equipment operational'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chemical feed equipment operational'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is storage adequate'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press'? 11 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
The facility has an approved sludge management plan'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment None
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate'? • 0 0 ❑
Page# 7

Permit NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro VVVVTP 1
Inspection Date 03/29/201 B Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Are the drying beds free of vegetation'? • ❑ 0 0
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds'? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge'? • 0 0 0
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill'? ❑ MI ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge land applied'? • ❑ ❑ 0
(Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment Drying beds used for grease from local grease haulers only Sludge is digested, thickened,
pressed, and land applied
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
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? ❑ M ❑ ❑
Do the generator(s) 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 None
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 None
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? N ❑ ❑ ❑
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? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 8

,i Permit NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro VWVfP
Inspection Date. 03/29/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is the chain-of-custody complete'? • 000
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 IN
Transported COCs U
Are DMRs complete do they include all permit parameters'? • 000
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • 000
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator 1111000
on each shift'?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current'? 11000
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification'? • 000
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'? • 000
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? • 000
Comment None
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory'? • 000
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab'? • 000
#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 • 000
Celsius)?
Incubator(Fecal Coliform) set to 44 5 degrees Celsius+/-0 2 degrees'? • 000
Incubator(BOD) set to 20 0 degrees Celsius+/- 1 0 degrees'? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment None
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional'? • 000
Is sample collected above side streams'? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected'? 11000
Is the tubing clean'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 9

Permit NC0026123 Owner-Facility Asheboro VVV TP ,1
Inspection Date 03/29/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6 0 degrees • 000
Celsius)'?
Is sampling performed according to the permit% • ❑ 0 ❑
Comment None
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional'? • 000
Is sample collected below all treatment units'? • 000
Is proper volume collected'? • 000
Is the tubing clean'? I ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6 0 degrees • 000
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency, sampling type M ❑ ❑ ❑
representative)?
Comment None
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency, sampling type, and M ❑ ❑ ❑
sampling location)?
Comment River basin association
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping'? • 000
Does the facility analyze process control parameters,for ex MLSS, MCRT, Settleable U ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable'?
Comment None
Page# 10