NC0025496_Inspection_20190607

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
EnW&onmrrk1g1 Qegorrty
CERTIFIED MAIL # 7018 0360 0002 2099 1253
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
June 5, 2019
Mr. Robert Pearson, Public Works Director
City of Lincolnton
P.O. Box 617
Lincolnton, NC 28093-0617
Subject: Notice of Violation
NOV-2019-PC-0460
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
City of Lincolnton WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO025496
Lincoln County
Dear Mr. Pearson:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection for the inspection conducted
at the subject facility on May 30, 2019, by Ori Tuvia. Donald Burkey's cooperation during the
site visit was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by
forwarding a copy of the enclosed report.
The following issues were observed during the site inspection and should be addressed:
1. One of the digesters was out of service due to a tilting cover that allowed the cover
come out of the brackets. The tilting cover could cause a catastrophic failure to the
structure and should either be repaired or removed.
2. The two (2) previous inspections conducted by DWR staff of the Mooresville Regional
Office noted that the drying bed sections currently being used contained excessive
vegetation (including several trees) and required extensive maintenance. The problems
have yet to be resolved and were again observed during this current inspection. Please
be advised that the subject permit requires the facility be properly operated and
maintained at all times [NPDES Permit Standard Condition Reference: Part II, Section
C(2) — Proper Operation and Maintenance]. If the drying beds are no longer needed,
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources I Water Quality Regional Operations
Mooresville Regional Office 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 3011 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
704 663 1699

they could be removed from the permit in the next renewal, but until such time, they
are required to be properly maintained.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning
this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at [phone], or at
ori.tuvianncdenr. Rov.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
A14CC681 AF27425...
W. Corey Basinger
Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources
Cc: NPDES, MRO Files (Laserfiche)

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 15 I 3 I NCO025496 111 12 I 19/05/30 I17 18 I S I 19 I G I 201 I
211111 1 1 I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 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
1.0 70 71 [„ I 72 n 73 L_LJ74 751
u I I I I I I I80
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)
11:45AM 19/05/30
16/11/01
Lincolnton WWTP
550 W Hwy 150 Bypass
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Lincolnton NC 28092
01:30PM 19/05/30
20/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Donald A Burkey/ORC/704-736-8960/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Stephen H Peeler,PO Box 617 Lincolnton NC 280930617/Public Works
Director/704-736-8940/7047368959 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:
Ori A Tuvia =� MRO WQ//704-663-1699/ 6/7/2019
EBB057A2DE017498...
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:
' 6/7/2019
AtaccsatAi=vazs... Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCO025496 I11 12, 19/05/30 117 18 JCJ
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Page#

Permit: NCO025496 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019 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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0
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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?
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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?
0
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Comment: The subject permit expires on 7/31/2020.The City implements an approved Industrial
Pretreatment Program
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?
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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?
0
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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?
0
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Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
0
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(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator
0
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on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current?
0
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Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
0
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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 during the inspection were organized and well maintained.
DMRs,
COCs, ORC visitation lops, bench sheets, and calibration logs, were reviewed for the period
January 2019 through March 2019.
Laboratory
Yes No NA NE
Page# 3

Permit: NCO025496 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019 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?
0
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Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees?
0
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Comment: Influent and effluent analvses (includina field Darameters) are Derformed under the Citv's
on -site certified laboratory _(#153). The laboratory instrumentation used for field analyses
appeared to be properly calibrated and documented. The following commercial laboratories
(NC certified) have been contracted to provide analytical support:Prism Labs (COD, total
nitrogen, total phosphorusBlue Ridge Labs (metals, cyanide, Oil and Grease, Phenols,
Bis-Phalte, HardnessTwo Rivers Utilities: Low level mercury)Meritech: toxicity pollutant scan
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?
0
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Is the tubing clean?
M
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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?
0
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Comment: The subject permit requires influent composite BOD and TSS samples. The facility staff
perform and document monthly aliquot verifications.
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)?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The facility staff perform
and document monthly aliquot verifications on the sampler used for daily sampling.
Page# 4

Permit: NCO025496 Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
sampling location)?
Comment:
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 facility appeared to be adequately treating wastewater at the time of the inspection. The
facility staff incorporate 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 staff with the operation of the treatment units/processes. The audible
and visual alarms are tested (and documented) on a monthly basis.
Pump Station - Influent
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
Are all pumps present?
Are all pumps operable?
Are float controls operable?
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
Comment: The influent passes through a muffin monster prior to entering the wet well.
Flow Measurement - Influent
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
Is the flow meter operational?
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Comment: The flow meter is calibrated annually and was last calibrated on 4/25/2019 by Clearwater
Inc
Bar Screens
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Yes No NA NE
Page# 5

Permit: NCO025496
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019
Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
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?
0
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Comment: The bar screenings are disposed into an open dumpster equipped with a drain plug.
Grit Removal
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of grit removal
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?
0
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# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
0
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Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the County Landfill.
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational?
0
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Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
0
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# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
0
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Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
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Is the DO level acceptable?
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Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)?
0
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Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
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Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes)
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Comment:
Aeration Basins
Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Ext. Air
Type of aeration system
Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots?
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Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
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Are the diffusers operational?
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Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
0 ❑
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Page# 6

Permit: NCO025496
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019
Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins
Yes No NA NE
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
0
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Is the DO level acceptable?
0
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Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
0
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Comment: Three of four aeration basins were in service.
Secondary 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?
0
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Are weirs level?
0
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Is the site free of weir blockage?
0
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Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
0
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Is scum removal adequate?
0
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Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
0
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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'/ of the sidewall depth)
0
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Comment: Both secondary clarifiers were operational and in service.
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
0
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Are pumps operational?
0
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Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
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Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent
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?
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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 annually and was last calibrated on 4/25/2019 by Clearwater,
Inc
Page# 7

Permit: NCO025496 Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019 Inspection Type:
Lincolnton WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
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(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
0
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Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
0
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Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
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Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
0
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Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
0
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Comment:
De -chlorination
Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
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0
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Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
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0
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# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
0
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Are the tablets the proper size and type?
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0
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Comment: Aqueous sodium bisulfite is used for dechlorination.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Chemical Feed
Yes No NA NE
Is containment adequate?
0
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Is storage adequate?
0
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Are backup pumps available?
0
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Is the site free of excessive leaking?
0
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Comment:
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: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids and trace foam (entrained air). The foam
dissipated less than fifty (50) yards downstream of the outfall.
Page# 8

Permit: NCO025496
Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Anaerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:
Floating
cover
Is the capacity adequate?
0
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# Is gas stored on site?
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Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers?
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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?
0
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Comment: The facility is equipped with three anaerobic digesters and three storage tanks. One of the
digesters was out of order due to a tilting
cover that made the cover come out of the
brackets. The tilting cover could cause a catastrophic failure to the structure and need to
either be repaired or taken out.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Waste activated sludge (WAS) is thickened by a DAF unit prior to being pumped to the
anaerobic digesters.
Drying Beds
Is there adequate drying bed space?
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate?
Are the drying beds free of vegetation?
# Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds?
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge?
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant?
# Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill?
# Is the sludge land applied?
(Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 9

Permit: NCO025496
Inspection Date: 05/30/2019
Drying Beds
Owner - Facility: Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
Comment: Land application is the Drimary disposal of the bio-solids: however. drvina beds are used
during emergency situations when wet weather prevents land application (dryinq beds were
being used at the time of the inspection). The drying bed sections currently being used
contained excessive vegetation (including several trees) and require extensive maintenance.
If the facility continues to periodically use the drying beds, then the previously rehabbed
sections should be placed into operation. Please be advised that the subject permit requires
the facility be properly operated and maintained at all times iNPDES Permit Standard
Condition Reference: Part II, Section C(2) — Proper Operation and Maintenancel. If the drying_
beds are no longer needed, they could be removed from the permit in the next renewal, but
until such time they are required to be properly maintained.
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 is equipped with two backup generators. Both generators are tested monthly (not
under load) and serviced twice per year by a contracted company. The contracted company
tests the generators under load during each servicing event.
Page# 10