NC0024945_Inspection_20190219

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 IF I 3 I NCO024945 111 12 I 19/02/14 I17 18 I S I 19 I G I 201 I
211111 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 f6
Inspection
Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved -------------------
67
2.0 70 Id I 71 [.. I 72 73 L_LJ74 751 I I I I I I I80
I —I u
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 oermit Number)
09:30AM 19/02/14
17/10/01
Irwin Creek WWTP
4000 Westmont Dr
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Charlotte NC 28217
01:10PM 19/02/14
22/05/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Michael Lingerfelt/ORC/704-357-1344/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Jacqueline A Jarrell,5100 Brookshire Blvd Charlotte NC 28216337 1 /Operations
Chief/704-336-5433/ No
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 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
EDocuSigned by: 2/19/2019
Wes Bell �� �� MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2192/
A:e.D90CC3437...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
W. Corey Basinger Division of Water Quality//704-2;
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
DocuSigned by:
e� 2/19/2019
A14CC681AF27425...
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NC0024945 I11 121 19/02/14 117 18 ICI
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On -site Representatives:
The following Charlotte Water personnel were in attendance during the inspection: Joseph
Lockler/Operations Manager; Mike Lingerfelt/ORC; Jacob Bolick/Backup ORC; and Doug Wise/Water
Quality Specialist
Page#

Permit: NCO024945 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019 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
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application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0
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# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
0
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Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
0
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Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
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Comment: Charlotte Water implements an approved Industrial Pretreatment Program.
The last compliance evaluation inspection was performed by DWR staff on 5/5/17.
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
0
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Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
0
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Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
0
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Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
0
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Is the chain -of -custody complete?
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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?
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Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
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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 available and 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?
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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 durina the inspection were oraanized and well maintained. Discharae
Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period January 2018 through December
2018. All monitoring frequencies were performed correctly. A weekly average effluent
CBOD violation was reported in April 2018. The Division has separately addressed this limit
violation through the issuance of a Notice of Violation (NOV).
Page# 3

Permit: NCO024945 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory
Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
0
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Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
0
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# Is the facility using a contract lab?
0
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
0
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Celsius)?
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees?
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0
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Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees?
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0
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Comment: Influent and effluent analyses are performed by Charlotte Water's Environmental Services
Laboratory (Certification #192). ETT Environmental, Inc. (toxicity) and R&A Labs (toxicity)
have also been contracted to provide analytical support.
Influent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
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Is sample collected above side streams?
0
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Is proper volume collected?
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Is the tubing clean?
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
0
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Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
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Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples.
The composite
sampler was collecting 154 ml. aliquots and the internal sampler temperature was three
degrees Celsius at the time of the inspection. The facility staff perform
periodic aliquot
calibrations/verifications on the sampler.
Effluent Sampling
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)?
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Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The composite sampler
was collecting 156 ml. aliquots and the internal sampler temperature was less than four
degrees Celsius at the time of the inspection. The facility staff perform periodic aliquot
calibrations/verifications on the sampler.
Page# 4

Permit: NCO024945 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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 facilitv appeared to be Drooerly operated and well maintained
The ORC and staff implement a comprehensive process control program with all
measurements being properly documented and maintained on -site.
The facility is equipped with a SCADA system to assist the wastewater staff with the
facility's operations. There are approximately seven SCADA stations located throughout the
WWTP site.
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
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b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
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Is the screen free of excessive debris?
0
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Is disposal of screening in compliance?
0
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Is the unit in good condition?
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Comment: Both mechanical bar screens were operational.
Pump Station - Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
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Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
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Are all pumps present?
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Are all pumps operable?
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Are float controls operable?
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Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
0
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Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
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Comment:
Equalization Basins
Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
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0
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Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
0
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Is the basin free of excessive grease?
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Are all pumps present?
0
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Page# 5

Permit: NCO024945
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019
Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Equalization Basins
Yes No NA NE
Are all pumps operable?
0
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Are float controls operable?
0
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Are audible and visual alarms operable?
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0
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# Is basin size/volume adequate?
0
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Comment: The 30 MG equalization basin is mainly used during high flow/storm events. The facilitV is
also equipped with separate mechanical screens and grit removal system. An influent flow
diversion to McAlpine Creek WWTP is also available if needed.
Flow Measurement - Influent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
0
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Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
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Is the flow meter operational?
0
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(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
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Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on 10/2/18 by Carotech.
Grit Removal
Type of grit removal
Yes No NA NE
a.Manual
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b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
0
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Is the grit free of excessive odor?
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# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
0
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Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the Republic
Services Landfill (former BFI Landfill).
Primary Clarifier
Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
0
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Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
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Are weirs level?
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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 sludge blanket level acceptable?
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Page# 6

Permit: NCO024945
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019
Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Two of three primaries were operational and in service. The third primary is currently being
rehabbed.
Chemical Feed
Is containment adequate?
Is storage adequate?
Are backup pumps available?
Is the site free of excessive leaking?
I01111111►17►/_m►1=■
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Comment: Magnesium hydroxide is added to the gravity belt thickener filtrate to maintain appropriate
alkalinity/pH levels in the downstream treatment processes. The filtrate is combined with
the influent following grit removal and influent sampling locations.
Aeration Basins
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system
Is the basin free of dead spots?
Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
Are the diffusers operational?
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
Is the DO level acceptable?
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
Ext. Air
Diffused
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Comment: The facility is equipped with eleven aeration basins; however, basins seven through nine are
not in service. Aeration basins eleven throuqh thirteen have anaerobic basins (with mixers)
and new aeration systems (blowers and diffusers).
Secondary Clarifier
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
Are weirs level?
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 7

Permit: NC0024945 Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019 Inspection Type:
Irwin Creek WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier
Yes No NA NE
Is the drive unit operational?
0
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Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
0
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Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
0
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Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth)
0
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Comment: Two of three secondaries were operational and in service. The third secondary was
currently being rehabbed. In addition, a fourth clarifier was in the
process of being
constructed.
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
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Are pumps operational?
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Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
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Comment:
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:
Down flow
Is the filter media present?
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Is the filter surface free of clogging?
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Is the filter free of growth?
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Is the air scour operational?
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Is the scouring acceptable?
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Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media?
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Comment:
Disinfection - UV
Yes No NA NE
Are extra UV bulbs available on site?
0
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Are UV bulbs clean?
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Is UV intensity adequate?
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Is transmittance at or above designed level?
0
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Is there a backup system on site?
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Is effluent clear and free of solids?
0
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Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE
Page# 8

Permit: NCO024945 Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019 Inspection Type:
Irwin Creek WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
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0
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Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
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Is the flow meter operational?
0
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(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
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Comment: The effluent flow meter is calibrated on the same schedule as the influent flow meter.
Effluent Pipe
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
0
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Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
0
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If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
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Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids and foam (entrained air).
The foam
dissipated less than 50 yards downstream of the discharge outfall. The receiving stream did
not appear to be negatively impacted.
Anaerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:
Fixed cover
Is the capacity adequate?
0
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# Is gas stored on site?
0
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Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers?
0
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Is the gas burner operational?
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Is the digester heated?
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Is the temperature maintained constantly?
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Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
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Comment: The facility is equipped with six digesters (4 — primary/fixed cover and 2 — secondary/floating
cover). The facility is currently using five digesters (4 — primary and 1 — secondary).
Solids Handling Equipment
Is the equipment operational?
Is the chemical feed equipment operational?
Is storage adequate?
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?
Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake?
The facility has an approved sludge management plan?
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Page# 9

Permit: NCO024945
Inspection Date: 02/14/2019
Solids Handling Equipment
Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
Comment: The facilitv is eauiooed with a WAS storaae tank (aerated). two aravitv belt thickeners. 2 MG
bio-solids storage tank, belt press, 300,000 gallon filtrate storage tank (aerated), and a
dewatered bio-solids storage area (covered). A second belt press and new dewatering
building are also in the process of being constructed. The stormwater runoff at the covered
storage area is collected and piped to the head of the WWTP
Bio-solids are land applied by a contracted company (Synagro) under the authority of Permit
No. WQ0000057.
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
0
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Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
0
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Is the generator tested under load?
0
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Was generator tested & operational during the inspection?
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Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
0
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Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power?
0
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Is the generator fuel level monitored?
0
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Comment: The facility has two generators that are tested under load monthly. The generators are
serviced by a contracted company (Carolina Power Systems/CAT) quarterly.
Page# 10

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
Ms. Jacqueline A. Jarrell
Operations Chief
Environmental Management Division
Charlotte Water
5100 Brookshire Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28216
Dear Ms. Jarrell:
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
19 February 2019
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Irwin Creek WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO024945
Mecklenburg County
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on
February 14, 2019, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Please inform the facility's Operator -in -Responsible Charge (ORC) of our
findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this report, please do
not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at [phone] or at wes.bell(cr�,ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
A14CC681 AF27425...
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Enclosure:
Inspection Report
cc: Rusty Rozzelle, MCWQP (via email)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D_ E� Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
NORTH CAROLINA
Da"MoM a enWmn�bl mwnq 704,663.1699