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Home My WebLink AboutNC0085812_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190415ROY COOPER Ufmcrrlor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary LINDA CULPEPPER 1uriveu NORTH CAROUNA Environmental Qual" Certified Mail # 7017 2620 0000 6788 5542 Return Receipt Requested April 15, 2019 Mr. Andrew Neff, P.E. Water and Wastewater Division Director 4600 Gold Mine Road Monroe, NC 28110 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Grassy Branch WWTP NPDES WW Permit No. NCO085812 Union County Dear Mr. Neff: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Grassy Branch WWTP on April 3, 2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0085812. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". Please respond in writing to this office within 15 days of your receipt of this letter regarding your plans or measures to be taken to address the following issues: Review of compliance history was conducted for the review period February 2018 through January 2019. During the compliance review the following violations were issued: 02/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0519 03/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0604 04/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0105 06/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0668 10/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0857 11/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0022 12/2018 NOV-2019-LV-0104 01/2019 NOV-2019-LV-0184 During the review period 6 Monthly Average Flow limit violations were issued. Review of Flow history indicates that approximately 66% of Monthly Average Flows, during review period, were greater than or equal to 80% of Permitted Monthly Average Flow. Review of reported limits violations indicate an issue with Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) that is affecting proper treatment of wastewater. North Carolina Depart mentof Er, N M1 __ Quality I Div -so a of Water Resoum es Woo resv-17eReg*na- Office I61D=ax.=r-i rAvenue,5u;te3011 Mooresville, North Qtrohrha2S115 This Office requests a meeting at the Mooresville Regional Office to discuss issues at Grassy Branch Wastewater Treatment facility. Please contact Roberto Scheller with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Mooresville Regional Office at 704-235-2204 to schedule a date and time to meet and answer any questions you may have. Sincerely, Docu Signed by: pz d tw H P;,Uf4 for F161FB69A2D84A3... W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: WQS Mooresville Regional Office - Enforcement File Laserfiche No rth Calofina Depan ment of E nvuan iaents! Quaf ty I Divlsian of Water Resources D—E Mooresvlle Regbfm! Office 1 610 Es3 Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresvlle, North 03roiina 28115 �L f •'—!F 7fA-6 3-1e8f} 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 NCO085812 111 12 I 19/04/03 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 ------------------- 671 70 I, I 71 I I 72 I r I 73 I I 74 75I I I I I I I I80 I —I I� I I 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) 11:51AM 19/04/03 18/11/01 Grassy Branch WWTP Old Fish Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Monroe NC 28111 12:39PM 19/04/03 23/10/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Danny L Smith/ORC// Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Bart Farmer,4600 Goldmine Rd Monroe NC 2811 OH704-296-4227/7042897395 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 DocuSigned by: Roberto Scheller E5,u MRO WQ//252-946-6481/ 4/15/2019 91C2A007838943E.- DocuSigned by: Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax umbers Date A!4'� H Pa*-" for CB 4.15.19 W. Corey Basinger Division of Water Quality//704-2; F161 FB69A2D84A3... EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO085812 I11 121 19/04/03 117 18 ICI (Cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Review of compliance history was conducted for the review period of February 2018 through January 2019. During the compliance review the following violations were issued: 02/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0519 03/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0604 04/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0105 06/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0668 10/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0857 11/2018 NOV-2018-LV-0022 12/2018 NOV-2019-LV-0104 01/2019 NOV-2019-LV-0184 During the review period 6 Monthly Average Flow limit violations were issued. Review of Flow history indicates that approximately 66% of Monthly Average Flows, during review period, were greater than or equal to 80% of Permitted Monthly Average Flow. Review of reported limits violations indicate an issue with I&I that is affecting proper treatment of wastewater. Please be advised that in accordance with your NPDES Permit (NC0085812) Part 11, Section C, (2.) "The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the Permittee to achieve compliance with conditions of this permit." Also in accordance with Part II, Section B, (1.) Duty to Comply, "The Permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the CWA and is grounds for enforcement actions;" Page# 2 Permit: NCO085812 Inspection Date: 04/03/2019 Owner - Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP 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 ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The current permit was issued on November 1, 2018 and expires on October 31, 2023 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)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chain -of -custody complete? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 CM Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑ Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ❑ ❑ ❑ (If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator ❑ ❑ ❑ on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Records reviewed are kept at Crooked Creek WWTP and were readily available for inspection.. Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 Permit: NCO085812 Owner - Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 04/03/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: At time of inspection treatment facility appeared to be well maintained and operated. Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical ❑ Are the bars adequately screening debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the screen free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screening in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Debris is disposed of in dumpster at Crooked Creek WWTP. Chemical Feed Yes No NA NE Is containment adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are backup pumps available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive leaking? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Liquid lime is added for supplemental alkalinity. Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Is the basin aerated? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the basin free of excessive grease? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audible and visual alarms operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is basin size/volume adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Review of DMR's for 12 month period February 2018 through January 2019 recorded 6 Monthly Average Flow violations. It was noted that aproximately 66% of Monthly Average Flows, during review period, were equal to or greater that 80% of permitted flow of 0.050 MGD. Page# 4 Permit: NCO085812 Owner - Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 04/03/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected above side streams? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper volume collected? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the tubing clean? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Is the capacity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the mixing adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the odor acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Sludge is thickened and removed for disposal at Crooked Creek WWTP. 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are the diffusers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Aeration basin appeared to be well mixed and had good color. Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NC0085812 Inspection Date: 04/03/2019 Secondary Clarifier Owner - Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? Is scum removal adequate? Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? Is the drive unit operational? Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth) Yes No NA NE Comment: At time of inspection secondary effluent was clear with no visible suspended solids. ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Down flow Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter free of growth? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: At time of inspection filters were not in use. Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Are extra UV bulbs available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are UV bulbs clean? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is UV intensity adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is transmittance at or above designed level? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there a backup system on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent clear and free of solids? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO085812 Owner - Facility: Grassy Branch WWTP Inspection Date: 04/03/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE Comment: Flow meter was last calibrated on 2/27/2019. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: At time of inspection effluent sampler was recorded at 2.8 degrees Celsius. Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: Effluent at point of discharge was clear with no visible suspended solids. There was no foam or floating debris at discharge point into Crooked Creek. Page# 7