NC0058891_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20180807

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ROY COOPER NORTH CAROLINA
Governor Environmental Quality
MICHAEL S.REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Interim Director
August 7, 2018
Mr. Leonard Cottom
Hawksnest Utilities
2058 Skyline Drive
Seven Devils, NC 28604 RECEBVED/DEIN/DWR
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection AUG 2018
Valley Creek (Hawksnest) WWTP Water Resources
NPDES Permit No. NC0058891 permitting Section
Watauga County
Dear Mr. Cottom,
On August 2, 2018, Kelli Park and Gary Hudson, of this office, met with Josh Cagle
to perform a Compliance Evaluation Inspection on the Valley Creek wastewater treatment
system. Mr. Cagle was filling in for the operator in responsible charge (ORC); Steve Taylor.
This type of inspection consists of two basic parts: an in-office file review and an on-site
inspection of the treatment facility. The attached EPA inspection form notes the areas
that were evaluated for this inspection. The findings and observations are outlined below:
I. Permit
The NPDES permit became effective December 1, 2017, and expires September 30,
2022. The facility had a copy of the permit available during the inspection.
II. Self-Monitoring Program
A review of the monthly discharge monitoring reports (DMR) for the period January 2017
through July 2018 showed that the facility was in compliance with all permit limits. Grab
. samples are taken from the still well as the effluent pipe goes down a steep cliff face.
Samples are then put on ice and analyzed by Water Quality Labs in Banner Elk.
III. Records/Reports
The permit and visitation log are located on site and show visitation times and plant
conditions. Chain of custody forms are in good order. All required monitoring was
performed per the frequencies specified in the NPDES permit. Miss Park noted no data
WENORTH CAROUNA
Ceauenena bbmmmmental Ma t\
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 Hanes Mill Road,Suite 300 I Winston-Salem,North Carolina 27103
336.776.9800

Valley Creek WWTP,August 2,2018
transcription discrepancies from bench sheets to DMRs in her documentation review.
Water Quality Labs maintains the documentation.
IV. Flow Measurement
The flow is measured continuously by a v-notch weir with a float in a still well. The device
was calibrated in July 2018.
V. Operations and Maintenance
The wastewater treatment plant appeared to be well maintained and operated. The ORC
and backup ORC are sufficiently qualified to be running the plant.
A mesh lining was reported to be put over the plant during the fall months as falling leaves
can disrupt the operation of the plant. It is suggested that the limbs above the plant be
trimmed back to reduce the amount of leaves falling into the plant and mesh. This would
also increase the sunlight to the plant to benefit the overall plant function, such as
complying with the ammonia limit, and operator safety after snow events.
If branches were to fall on the plant they could potentially not allow the permittee to
properly operate and maintain the facilities and systems of treatment and control. This
condition is noted in your permit Part II, Section C. Operation and Maintenance of
Pollution Controls. The trees along the plant could also potentially fall on the plant and
severely damage or destroy the operations. If this were to occur, the treatment and
discharge of wastewater may not comply with your NPDES permit. This office will
consider all violations from such an incident as a failure to comply with permit limits. These
issues were also mentioned in the previous inspection report by Mr. George Smith in
2015.
VI. Facility Site Review
All components of the 0.090 million gallons per day facility appeared to be functioning
properly. The aeration basin had a light brown color and a good earthy odor. All blowers
were functioning properly and there were no dead spots. The secondary clarifier looked
clean and was discharging a clear effluent. Effluent is disinfected with chlorine tablets and
de-chlorinator tablets before leaving the plant.
To access the facility the inspectors and plant operators must walk down a steep
embankment. This could potentially be a safety issue. This was an issue also addressed
in the 2015 inspection report that was not resolved. There is not a clear path to the effluent
outfall, which is down a steep mountain side. A clear-cut path to the effluent and a safer
path to the plant are suggested for safety purposes.
VII. Effluent/Receiving Waters
The effluent from the facility was clear the day of the inspection. Effluent was being
discharged into'Valley Creek, class C; trout waters in the Watauga river basin. There were
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Valley Creek WWTP,August 2,2018
no solids, no color, and no odor associated with the effluent. The effluent is considered
excellent.
VIII. Sludge Maintenance and Handling
Sludge was reported to be pumped around once a year due to low flow in the plant. Triple
T Plumbing pumps the sludge and the time, date, and how much was pumped is recorded
into the operator log on site. It is also documented at Water Quality Labs.
IX. Conclusions
The compliance evaluation inspection is satisfactory. Mr. Cagle maintains and operates
the facility in a good manner. His efforts to comply with the permit are appreciated. If you
have any questions regarding the inspection or this report, please contact Kelli Park or
me at [phone].
Sincerely,
u, V.
Sherri V. Knight, P.E.
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Division of Water Resources
Attachments: BIMS EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
cc: Central Files
WSRO
NPDES nit]
3

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 Li 2 IS I 3 I NC0058891 111 121 18/08/02 117 181,.1 19 [ J
2011
211IIIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIII I IIII1111111111111 166
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved
67 I 70 I I 71 I I 72 1 ni 1 731 I 174 75I 1 1 1 1 1 1 180
Section B Facility Data HI
1
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 30AM 18/08/02 17/12/01
Valley Creek WWTP
NCSR 1151 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Banner Elk NC 28604 11 30AM 18/08/02 22/09/30
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Joshua Kenneth Cagle/ORC/828-898-6277/
Name,Address of Responsible OfficiaVTitle/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Mark Harrill,151 Mr Bish Blvd Boone NC 28607/1828-963-7600/
No
Section C.Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
• Permit • Flow Measurement II Operations&Maintenance • Records/Reports
• Self-Monitoring Program U Facility Site Review • Effluent/Receiving Waters
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
Gary Hudson Division of Water Quality//336-776-9694,
Kelli A Par Q �� WSRO WQ//336-776-9689/
// 'VCN� 1V�v(yam •
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
gill/
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete
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NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
31 NC0058891 11 121 18/08/02 117 18 ,.
Section D Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
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Permit: NC0058891 • Owner-Facility: Valley Creek VV/TP
Inspection Date: 08/02/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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 I ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable'?
Comment Falling leaves potentially mess up the operations but they have mesh to put over the plant to
hopefully prevent leaves from falling in.
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new ❑ ❑ I ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit'? • El 0 ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit'? 0 • 0 ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public'? • 0 0 ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection'? • ❑ 0 ❑
Comment*
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit'? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current'? • ❑ ❑ 0
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab reg. required 5 years)? MI ❑ ❑ ❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete'? • 0 0 ❑
Dates, times and location of sampling
Name of individual performing the sampling IN
Results of analysis and calibration El
Dates of analysis
Name of person performing analyses IIII
Transported COCs
Are DMRs complete do they include all permit parameters'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • 0 0 ❑
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator ❑ ❑ II 0
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 classification'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? M ❑ ❑ ❑
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Permit: NC0058891 Owner-Facility: Valley Creek W\NTP
Inspection Date. 08/02/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment _
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a Manual II
b Mechanical ❑
Are the bars adequately screening debris? • 0 0 0
Is the screen free of excessive debris'? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance'? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is the unit in good condition'? • 0 ❑ ❑
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'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
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'? II ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1 0 to 3 0 mg/I) • 0 ❑ ❑
Comment _
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in enter well of circular clarifier'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are weirs level'? • 0 ❑ ❑
Is the site free of weir blockage'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is scum removal adequate'? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge'? • ❑ 0 0
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Permit: NC0058891 Owner-Facility: Valley Creek VNNTP
Inspection Date* 08/02/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the drive unit operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? • 0 0 0
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? • 0 ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately%4 of the sidewall depth) • 0 ❑ ❑
Comment aprox 2ft of sludge blanket
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? • 0 ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 1
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? • 0 0 0
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? ❑ ❑ ❑ •
Comment uses one tube but also drops tablets into the tank
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Tablet
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? • El 0 ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? 0 0 • ❑
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment.
Are the tablets the proper size and type? • 0 0 ❑
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 1
Comment aeration after chlorination and dechlorination
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