NC0022730_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190717

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
�ry
44,
NORTH CAROLINA
EnNlmnmrrtlnl Quality
CERTIFIED MAIL # 7017-1450-0001-6450-4410
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
July 17, 2019
Mr. Robert Heaton
Director of Infrastructure
Town of Beech Mountain
403 Beech Mountain Parkway
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection- Notice of Violation
NOV-2019-PC-0516
Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO022730
Watauga County
Dear Mr. Heaton,
On July 10, 2019, Kelli Park, of this office, met with Gary Tipton, operator in responsible
charge (ORC), and Randy Horney, backup ORC, to perform a Compliance Evaluation
Inspection at the Grassy Gap Creek wastewater treatment plant. 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 details the areas that were evaluated
during this inspection. Violations and observations from the inspection are described
below.
1) The influent sampler is currently set up to pull a time proportional sample.
According to the permit, composite samples must be flow proportional. Please get
this fixed immediately. If flow proportional sampling is not feasible, a letter must be
written to the Division explaining why and requesting exemption.
2) Currently 70mL of sample are being pulled during each sampling event at the
influent and the effluent. According to the permit, the minimum sampling amount
is 100mL per sample. Please correct this immediately.
3) The chart recorder was not working on the day of inspection. The permit requires
continuous recording of flow. Please get this fixed immediately.
4) The floatation devices in the equalization basin did not trigger the alarm when
suspended to simulate a high flow event. Please get this fixed as soon as possible.

Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
CEI / NOV 7/10/19
These issues described above represent violations of the NPDES permit. Therefore, this
inspection report is being sent as a Notice of Violation. Please reply in writing to this
Notice of Violation within 10 business days of receiving it. Your written reply should
address each of the noted violations and provide a corrective action plan along with an
implementation/completion schedule to remediate them.
Please be aware that violations of your NPDES permit, or the NC statutes and regulations
under which it is promulgated, are subject to fines of up to $25,000 per day, per violation,
as set forth in NC General Statute (NCGS) 143-215.6A, Enforcement Procedures, Civil
Penalties. If we do NOT receive your written reply within 30 business days of your receipt
of this notice, we may draft an enforcement case for the noted deficiencies/violations.
If you have any questions regarding the inspection or this report, please contact Kelli Park
or me at [phone] or by email at kelli.park(a)_ncdenr.gov or lon.snider(a�ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
Docu Siiggned by:
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1-.49E225C94EA...
Lon Snider
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Division of Water Resources
Attachments: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
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Page 2 of 2

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 NCO022730 111 12 I 19/07/10 I17 18 I S J 19 L G] 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
u 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)
01:00PM 19/07/10
18/10/01
Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
204 Grassy Gap Creek Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Banner Elk NC 28604
01:30PM 19/07/10
22/09/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Gary M. Tipton/ORC/828-387-4724/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Robert Mitchell Heaton,PO Box 342 Roan Mountain TN 37687//704-387-4724/
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Program 0 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
Kelli A Park WSRO WQ//336-776-9689/
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Docusigned by: Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
'? 'Sider 7/17/2019
FL-
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
NCO022730 111 121 19/07/10 117 18 ICI
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On July 10, 2019, Kelli Park, of this office, met with Gary Tipton, operator in responsible charge (ORC),
and Randy Homey, backup ORC, to perform a Compliance Evaluation Inspection at the Grassy Gap
Creek wastewater treatment plant. 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 details the
areas that were evaluated during this inspection. Violations and observations from the inspection are
described below.
1) The influent sampler is currently set up to pull a time proportional sample. According to the permit,
composite samples must be flow proportional. Please get this fixed immediately. If flow proportional
sampling is not feasible, a letter must be written to the Division explaining why and requesting
exemption.
2) Currently 70mL of sample are being pulled during each sampling event at the influent and the
effluent. According to the permit, the minimum sampling amount is 100mL per sample. Please correct
this immediately.
3) The chart recorder was not working on the day of inspection. The permit requires continuous
recording of flow. Please get this fixed immediately.
4) The floatation devices in the equalization basin did not trigger the alarm when suspended to
simulate a high flow event. Please get this fixed as soon as possible.
These issues described above represent violations of the NPDES permit. Therefore, this inspection
report is being sent as a Notice of Violation. Please reply in writing to this Notice of Violation within 10
business days of receiving it. Your written reply should address each of the noted violations and
provide a corrective action plan along with an implementation/completion schedule to remediate them.
Please be aware that violations of your NPDES permit, or the NC statutes and regulations under which
it is promulgated, are subject to fines of up to $25,000 per day, per violation, as set forth in NC General
Statute (NCGS) 143-215.6A, Enforcement Procedures, Civil Penalties. If we do NOT receive your
written reply within 30 business days of your receipt of this notice, we may draft an enforcement case
for the noted deficiencies/violations.
If you have any questions regarding the inspection or this report, please contact Kelli Park or me at
[phone] or by email at [e-mail] or [e-mail].
Page#

Permit: NCO022730 Owner - Facility: Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 07/10/2019 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:
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:
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?
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?
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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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Page# 3

Permit: NCO022730 Owner - Facility: Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 07/10/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Influent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
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Is flow meter calibrated annually?
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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:
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?
0
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(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
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0
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Comment: Flow meter was calibrated on 12-27-2018
Currently the chart recorder is broken. ORC reported that a new meter will be installed soon.
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
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?
0
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Comment: Debris are taken to a landfill.
Equalization Basins
Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
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?
0
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Are all pumps present?
0
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Page# 4

Permit: NCO022730
Inspection Date: 07/10/2019
Owner - Facility: Grassy Gap 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?
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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?
N
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Comment: Float controls were not triggering the alarms to go off during the inspection.
Aeration Basins
Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Ext. Air
Type of aeration system
Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots?
0 ❑
❑
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Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
❑ ❑
0
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Are the diffusers operational?
S ❑
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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?
0 ❑
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Is the DO level acceptable?
❑ ❑
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Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
❑ ❑
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Comment:
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?
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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?
❑
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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: Sludge blanket was reported to be around 4ft.
Appalachian pumping is used to remove sludge.
Page# 5

Permit: NCO022730 Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date: 07/10/2019 Inspection Type:
Grassy Gap Creek 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?
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Comment: about 5 gallons are used per day.
De -chlorination
Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
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: The barrels containing the dechlorination are contained in the same building as the chlorine
containers.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment: Liquid is used, about 5 gallons per day
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 +/- 1.0 degrees?
Comment: certification number 5120
Influent Sampling
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected above side streams?
Is proper volume collected?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page# 6

Permit: NCO022730
Inspection Date: 07/10/2019
Influent Sampling
Owner - Facility: Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
0
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
❑
0
❑
❑
Comment: Currently sample is being pulled on a time base. The permit states that composite
samples
must be flow proportional.
Only 70mL / 1,000 gal is being sampled. The minimum that can be sampled at one time is
100mL.
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)?
1[TN►[•7.I►c10►1M
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Comment: Only 70mL / 1,000 gal is being sampled. The minimum that can be sampled at one time is
100mL.
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:
Effluent Pipe
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page# 7

Permit: NCO022730
Inspection Date: 07/10/2019
Owner - Facility: Grassy Gap Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Comment: The effluent leaving the plant was very cloudy, however the influent was a similar cloudy
color as well.
The effluent is now pumped and discharged in Buckeye Creek. The ORC reported that it
was a long way to get to the outfall, and it was not inspected during this visit.
Page#