NC0066150_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190301

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Direcmr
Adam Mitchell, Town Manager
Town of Fuquay-Varina
401 Old Honeycutt Road
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Dear Mr. Kim,
NORTH CAROLINA
Enytronmental Quality
March 1, 2019
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
NPDES Wastewater Discharge
Permit Number NCO066150
Wake County
Jeremiah Dow of the Raleigh Regional Office conducted a compliance evaluation inspection on February 28, 2019.
The assistance of Adam Stevenson, operator in responsible charge (ORC), was greatly appreciated. Please find the
attached Basin Wide Information Management System (RIMS) inspection checklist summarizing the inspection.
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. The current NPDES permit was issued effective November I, 2018 and expires on April 30, 2023. Please
ensure that a renewal application is submitted at least 180 days prior to expiration of the existing permit.
2. The facility is a Class III, 0.117 MGD two train package plant consisting of an influent pump station,
manual bar screen, equalization basin, aeration basins, four (4) secondary hopper bottom clarifiers, aerobic
digester, tertiary polish filters, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. The facility is connected to an emergency
generator. The plant discharges the treated effluent to Middle Creek, a Class C NSW water in the Neuse
River Basin.
3. The ORC logbook was readily available for review, detailed, and up to date.
4. Field parameters performed at the facility are temperature, pH, and DO using a Hach HQ40D multimeter.
Calibration records were reviewed and were found to be organized and complete. PH is calibrated using 4,
7, and 10 buffers and a checked against an 8 buffer. The multimeter temperature has not been calibration
checked against a NIST certified thermometer. We highly recommend that temperature be checked
annually against a MIST traceable or NIST certified thermometer.
5. DMRs for April 2017 and June 2018 were reviewed and one(]) discrepancy was noted between the DMRs
and Iab results. Influent BOD for June 25 was incorrectly recorded as 196 mg/I and should have been
recorded as 496 mg/I.
6. The influent pump station wet well was clean with minimal grease on the surface. Telemetry dialed out in
response to float activation and the audible alarm was operable. The visual alarm was not operating at the
time of the inspection. Please repair the visual alarm at the influent pump station and inform this
office when the repairs are complete.
7. The manual bar screen and was free of excessive debris and was in good condition. Screenings are
manually raked daily and collected in trash bins that are disposed of properly.
AE �,.,_ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
'�%]'j Raleigh Regional Office 1 3800 Barren Drive I Raleigh. North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

8. The plant's four (4) secondary clarifiers have a sidewall depth of approximately 15 to 16 feet. All four
were operational and had level weirs free of blockage. Secondary Clarifiers i and 2 had a sludge blanket of
approximately 3.5 feet and Secondary Clarifiers 3 and 4 had a sludge blanket of approximately 8 feet.
Please explain why the sludge depth was being maintained at 8 feet in Clarifiers 3 and 4. Typically,
ah n acceptable sludge blanket is approximately'of the sidewall depth. Please reduce the sludge
blanket level in Secondary Clarifier 2.
9. The plant has polishing filters with plastic media. Mr. Stevenson stated that the media is most effective
when maintaining a few inches of sludge blanket. The media is washed as needed by facility personnel.
10. The plant utilizes UV for disinfection. The LED lights on all the lamps were working. The bulbs are
cleaned as needed by plant personnel based on fecal coliform counts in the effluent. The intensity readings
on the UV meters were not working. We highly recommend repairing the UV meters.
11. The influent composite sampler had a storage temperature of 16 degrees C. The recommended temperature
is 6 degrees C or less. Mr. Stevenson stated that McGill, the contractor that hauls the facility's sludge, had
unplugged the sampler and forgot to plug it back in, He also stated that sampling for the week had been
completed prior to the sampler being unplugged. The thermometer in the sampler was past due for an
NIST calibration check. The effluent composite sampler had a storage temperature of 3.5 degrees C. The
thermometer in the sampler was also past due for an NIST calibration check. Please ensure that
composite samplers are maintained at a temperature of 6 degrees C or less and describe to this office
steps you will take to ensure this. Please conduct an NIST calibration check on both the influent and
effluent composite sampler thermometers.
12. McGill is contracted to haul sludge from the facility. McGill pumps sludge from the aerobic digesters into
a lined truck bed where it is decanted. The decanted supemate is then pumped into the influent pump
station wet well. McGill hauls sludge approximately every other month. Mr. Stevenson stated that the
facility has approximately three (3) months of sludge holding capacity.
13. The effluent at Outfall 001 was observed and was clear and free of excess solids and foam. The right of
way to the outfall was well maintained.
Please respond in writing to items 4, 6, 8,10 and 11 within 30 days of receipt of this letter. Thank you for your
time and assistance with this inspection. If you have any questions about this inspection or this letter, please contact
Jeremiah Dow at [e-mail] or 919-7914248.
Sincerely,
Rick Bolich, LG
Water Quality Regional Operations
Raleigh Regional Office
Enclosures
cc: Central Files
RRO File

United Slates Environmental Protection Agency
Form Approved.
EPA Wastungton 0 C. 20460
OMB No 2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Approval expires B-31-98
Section A; National Data System Coding (i.e.. PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yrrmo+day Inspection Type Inspector Fae Type
I 20I I
1 IN I 2 I5 I 3 I NCO066150 I11 12 19,02/28 17 18 I r. u I 1 9 I C u u
`J IJ
21 6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating Bi CA Reserved
67 70 LJ I I 71 Lj 72 (ti ( 731 1 174 75 J_U80
LJ I 1 I
Section B Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW also include
I Entry Time/Date
Permit Effective Date
POTVV name and NPDES permit Numberl
01 47PM 19/02/28
18/11101
Brighton Forest WWfP
NCSR 1375
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Fuquay Varina NC 27526
03 30PM 19/02128
23/04130
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)lTides(si'Phone and Fax Numbers)
Other Facility Data
N
Adam Parker StephensonlORC-
Name Address of Responsible Offc;al/Title; Phone and Fax Number
Chris E Grimes 401 Old Honeycutt Rd Fuquay Varina NC 27525r1919-753-1013.' Contacted
No
Section C. Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operal.ons & Maintenance RecordslReports
Self -Monitoring Program N Sludge Handling D;sposal Facil-ty Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
Laboratory
Section D Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach addit onal sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s) AgencylOfrcelPhone and Fax Numbers Date
/�
Jeremiah J Dow r^ D vision of Water Oualirylr919-7914248r 31, /1,i
Signature of Mana A Reviewer AgencylOfficelPhone and Fax Numbers— Cis
zw
F
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous ed_hons are obsolete
Page#

NPDES ydmolday Inspection Type
31 NCO066150 I11 12 19102r2s j 17 18 LI
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional l ssheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Page#

Permit: NCO066150 Owner - Facility: 6nghton Porest WWTP
Inspection Date: 02l2812019 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Permit
Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
❑
❑
N
❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Permit became effective on November 1, 2018
Aerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the mixing adequate?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Is the odor acceptable?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Approximately every 2 months McGill hauls sludge from the facility.
A lined truck sits on site
where McGill decants su ernate into the influent pump station.
Pump Station - Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
❑
0
❑
❑
Comment: Pump station has simple telemetry 1 autodialer. High water float was tested and the audible
alarm functioned proeertly but the visual alarm was not operating.
Page# 3

Permit NC00SS150
Inspection Date: 0212812019
Bar Screens
Type of bar screen
Owner - Facility: Brighton Forest WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
a.Manual
0
b.Mechanical
❑
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the unit in good condition?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Bar screens are raked daily and debris de osited into trash bins nearby
and properly
disoosed of.
Equalization Basins
Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
N
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
❑
❑
❑
N
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
❑
❑
❑
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
N
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Secondary Clarifier
Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
❑
❑
0
❑
Are weirs level?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of weir blockage?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is scum removal adequate?
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
❑
❑
❑
Is the drive unit operational?
❑
❑
❑
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately % of the sidewall depth)
❑
M
❑
❑
Page# 4

Permit: NCO066150
Inspection pate: 0212812018
Secondary Clarifier
Owner - Facility: Pnghton Forest WVVrP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
Comment: Sludge blanket for Clarifiers 1 and 2 was 3.5 feet for both out of a depth of aipproximately
15
to 16 feet. Clarifiers 3 and 4_had a sludge blanket of approximately 8 feet out of a depth of
15 to 16 feet.
Aeration Basins
Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Ext. Air
Type of aeration system
Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots?
E ❑
❑
❑
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?
❑ ❑
❑
E
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
0 ❑
❑
❑
Comment: ORC stated that they try to keep DO between 1 and 3 mqA. The last aeration zone received
alum for phosporus removal.
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:
Up flow
Is the filter media present?
N ❑
❑
❑
Is the filter surface free of clogging?
0 ❑
❑
❑
Is the filter free of growth?
E []
❑
❑
Is the air scour operational?
❑ ❑
N
❑
Is the scouring acceptable?
❑ ❑
0
❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media?
E ❑
❑
❑
Comment: The plant has polishing filters with plastic media. The ORC stated that optimum operation of
the filters requires a shallow sludge blanket on top.
Disinfection - UV
Yes No NA NE
Are extra UV bulbs available on site?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are UV bulbs clean?
❑
❑
❑
Is UV intensity adequate?
11
❑
❑
Is transmittance at or above designed level?
❑
❑
❑
Is there a backup system on site?
❑0
❑
❑
Is effluent clear and free of solids?
❑
❑
❑
Page# 5

Permit: NC0066150 Owner • Facility: Bnghton Forest wwTP
Inspection Gate: 0212812019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE
Comment: The LED lights on the UV bulbs were all working. UV intensity meters do not operate. ORC
stated that bulbs are cleaned as needed based on effluent fecal numbers.
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 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: Generator is tested weekly under load.
Laboratory
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?
# 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?
Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +1-1.0 degrees?
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
M ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
M ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
■❑ ❑❑
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment: All meter calibration logs present and well detailed. Recommend that meter temperature is
reported from get NIST calibration check.
Influent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
# Is composite sampling now proportional?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is sample collected above side streams?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
M
❑
❑
❑
# 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?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Influent sampling is time based. At the time of the inspection the thermometer was readin
16 C. Mr. Stevenson stated that the cause was that McGill had unplugged the sampler to
use the outlet and forgot to plug it back in Sampling had already been completed for the
week. Thermometer was due for NIST calibration check in January 2019.
Page#
6

Permit: NCO066150 Owner - Facility: anghton Forest wWTP
Inspection Date: 02/28/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Influent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
M
❑
❑
❑
# 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
M
❑
❑
❑
representative)?
Comment: Thermometer reading was 3.5 C. Thermometer was overdue for NIST calibration check.
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment -
Page* 7