HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0020443_Inspection_20191216ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
Rhett B White
Town of Columbia
PO Box 361
Columbia, NC 27925-0361
NORTH CAROLINA
EsvkVRMe^W Quattry
December 16, 2019
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Columbia WWTP
NPDES WW Permit No. NCO020443
Tyrrell County
Dear Mr. White:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Columbia WWTP on
10/16/2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0020443. The findings and comments
noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled
"Compliance Inspection Report".
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Washington Regional Office at 252-946-6481 or via email at
robert.e.bullock@ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
Robbie Bullock, Environmental Specialist II
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Washington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Laserfiche
/ R EW North Cotorgton R g onsDopaO fi of E43 Wammta'.'.�ua+t}• I O�vsan of Wtter RNaouroes
� Wesh n;uin Red or -.a �Hae 1943 Wash I Wash++gtan, North Caro ra 278139
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 1 2 15 I 3 I NCO020443 I11 12 19/10/16 17 18 1 S T 191 S 1 201 1
211111111111111111111111111111111 111111111 11 16
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating 61 CIA ----- --------- --Reserved-----------
67
70LJ 71itJI 72 (—N 73174 751
I I I I
80
Section B: FacilityData
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
Entry Time/Date
Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES Permit Number)
10:30AM 19/10/16
17/12/01
Columbia WWTP
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Green St
Columbia NC 27925
12:OOPM 19/10/16
22/11/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
///
Tim Farrell Oliver/ORC/252-796-2781/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Rhett B White,PO Box 361 Columbia NC 279250361/Town Manager/252-796-2781/
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Program 0 Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review 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
Robert E Bullock DWR/Division of Water Quality/252-948-3924/ // % -. 7
"i-
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
31 NCO020443 I11 121 19/10/16 I17 18I
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
The review period for this inspection was from October 2016 through August 2019.
On the day of inspection solids appeared to be high in the Oxidation ditch. MLSS sample results from
the Oxidation ditch were:
6-4-2019 6,767 mg/I
6-18-2019 7,100 mg/1
8-13-2019 8,700 mg/1
8-20-2019 12,300 mg/1
8-27-2019 8,367 mg/1
The sludge blankets in the clarifiers were measured during the inspection. The sludge blanket levels
were:
#1 8' sludge with 4' clear
#2 5' sludge with 7' clear
#3 5' sludge with 7' clear
#4 10' sludge with 2' clear
The MLSS under aeration and the sludge levels in the clarifiers were excessive. The facility needs to
better manage the sludge in the WWTP.
Effluent samples were taken during the inspection. The sampling results were within permitted limits
and are as follows:
Ph 7.32
Dissolved Oxygen 8.89 mg/1
Temperature 21.47 degrees C
BOD 2.0 mg/I
Total Suspended Solids 12 mg/1
Ammonia 0.02 mg/1
Nitrate -Nitrite 13 mg/1
TKN 1.2 mg/I
Total Phosphorus 1.4 mg/1
Enterococci 138 colonies/100ml
Page#
Permit: NCO020443 Owner - Facility: Columbia WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/16/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Sampling
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:
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?
0
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Comment: The current permit is set to expire on November 30, 2022.
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?
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Dates, times and location of sampling
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Name of individual performing the sampling
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Results of analysis and calibration
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Dates of analysis
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Name of person performing analyses
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Transported COCs
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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?
M
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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?
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?
0
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Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
0
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Page# 3
Permit: NCO020443
Inspection Date: 10116/2019
Record Keeping -
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
Owner - Facility: Columbia WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Sampling
Comment: The June 2019 DMR was spot checked for accuracy with no discrepancies found.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Comment: The Town of Columbia is field parameter certified for PH, Temperature, Chlorine and
Dissolved Oxygen. All other parameters are sent to Environment 1 for analysis.
Influent Sampling
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected above side streams?
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 sampling performed according to the permit?
Comment: On the day of inspection the sampler temperature was 3 degrees.
Bar Screens
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
Is the unit in good condition?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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■ ❑ ❑ ❑
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Page# 4
Permit: NCO020443 Owner - Facility: Columbia WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/16/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Sampling
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
❑
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
N ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational?
N
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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?
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M
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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?
0
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Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)?
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Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
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0
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes)
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0
Comment: On the day of inspection the solids appeared to be high in the Oxidation ditch. MLSS sample
results from the Oxidation ditch were:
6-4-2019 6.767 mg/I
6-18-2019 7,100 mg/I
8-13-2019 8,700 mg/I
8-20-2019 12,300 mg/I
8-27-2019 8,367 mg/I
The facility has an excess of sludge in WWTP.
Solids need to be wasted and land applied
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:
Aerobic Digester
Is the capacity adequate?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 5
Permit: NCO020443
Inspection Date: 10/16/2019
Owner - Facility: Columbia WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Sampling
Aerobic Digester
Is the mixing adequate?
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
# Is the odor acceptable?
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
Comment: On the day of inspection one digester was approximately 80% full
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?
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
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Yes No NA NE
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Comment: The sludge blankets in the clarifiers were measured during the inspection. The sludge
blanket levels were:
#1 8' sludge with 4' clear
#2 5' sludge with 7' clear
#3 5' sludge with 7' clear
#4 10' sludge with 2' clear
The facility needs to better manage the sludge in the WWTP.
Disinfection-Liguid
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
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•
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Page# 6
Permit: NCO020443 Owner - Facility: Columbia WwTP
Inspection Date: 10/16/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Sampling
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes No NA NE
De -chlorination
Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
0
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Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
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# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
0
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Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑0 ❑
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Number of tubes in use?
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?
M
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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 was calibrated on 12-18-18
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
M
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Is sample collected below all treatment units?
0
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Is proper volume collected?
0
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Is the tubing clean?
0
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
❑
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❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
M
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representative)?
Comment: On the day of inspection no thermometer was in the refrigerator. A thermometer needs to be
maintained in the refrigerator to ensue that sample storage is below 6 degrees C
Page# 7
AC68817
North Carolina Division of Water Resources Water Sciences Section Laboratory Results
Loc. Descr.:
County:
Region:
River Basin
Emergency
COC Yes/No
Columbia WWTP Effluent
MIMH
Collector:
R BULLOCK
VisitlD
Washington
Report To
WARD
Location ID:
WARO NLC
PAS
Collect Date:
10/1612019
Priority
COMPLIANCE
Collect Time:
11_69
Sample Matrix:
WASTEWATER
Sample Depth
Loc. Type:
Effluent
Sample ID:
AC68817
PO Number #
Date Received:
10/17/2019
Time Received:
08:20
Labworks LoginlD
TASCENZ01
Delivery Method
NC Courier
Final Report Date:
12/16/19
Report Print Date:
12/16/2019
Final Report
If this report is labeled preliminary report, the results have not been validated. Do not use for Regulatory purposes.
Result/
Method
Analysis
CAS # Analyte Name
PQL ualifier Units
Reference
Date
Validated by
LAB
Sample temperature at receipt by lab
Sample temperature at receipt by lab
1.1 °C
10/17/19
MSINIFT
MIC
BOD, 5-Day in liquid
BOD, 5-Day in liquid
2.0 2.0 G5 mg/L
SM 5210 B-2001
10/17/19
ESTAFFORD1
NUT
NH3 as N in liquid
NH3 as N in liquid
0.02 0.02 mg/L as N
EPA 350.1 REV 2
11/1/19
MIBRAHIM1
NO2+NO3 as N in liquid
NO2+NO3 as N in liquid
0.02 13 mg/Las N
EPA353.2 REV
11/1/19
MIBRAHIM1
Phosphorus —total as P in liquid
Phosphorus —total as P in liquid
0.02 1.4 mg/LasP
EPA365.1 REV
1116/19
MIBRAHIM1
Total Kjeldahl N as N in liquid
Total Kjeldahl N as N in liquid
0.2 1.2 mg/L as N
EPA 351.2 REV 2
11l7/19
MIBRAHIM1
WET
Residue —Suspended in liquid
Residue —Suspended in liquid 12 12 U mg/L SM 2540 D-1997 10/21/19 AWILLIAMS
WSS Chemistry Laboratory>> 1623 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1623 (919) 7333908
"Not Detected" or "U" does not indicate the sample is analyte free but that the analyte is not detected at or above the PQL.
Page 1 of 3
NC D Wk Laboratory Section q(�sufts/Sampk Comments/QuaC�r Definitions
Sample ID: AC68817
Result/ Method Analysis
vrw it �"s Y. wan is
BOD-G5-Estimated-GGA standard recovery was < 198+/-30.5mg/I
Qualifier Units Reference Date Validated by
Sample Comments
NCDEQ-WSS-Chemistry Lab Data Qualifiers
Al The reported value is an average, where at least one result is qualified with a "U". The PQL is used for the qualified result(S) to call
B1 Coliform-Countable membranes with less than 20 colonies. Reported value is estimated or is a total of the counts on all filters repor
B2 Coliform-Counts from all filters were zero. The value reported is based on the number of colonies per 100 ml that would have been
B3 Coliform-Countable membranes with more than 60 or 80 colonies. The value reported is calculated using the count from the smalle:
B4 Coliform-Filters have counts of both >60 or 80 and <20. Reported value is estimated or is a total of the counts on all filters reported
B5 Coliform-Too many colonies were present; too numerous to count (TNTC). TNTC is generally defined as >150 colonies.
B6 Coliform-Estimated Value. Blank contamination evident.
B7 Coliform-Many non-coliform or non-enterococcus colonies or interfering non-coliform or non-enterococcus growth present. In this cc
1361 MPN-No wells or tubes gave a positive reaction. Value based upon the appropriate MPN Index and reported as a less than "<" valu
BB2 MPN-All wells or tubes gave positive reactions. Value based upon the MPN Index and reported as a greater than ">" value.
C Total residual chlorine was present in sample upon receipt in the laboratory; value is estimated.
G1 BOD-The dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion of the dilution water blank exceeded 0.2 mg/L.
G2 BOD-The bacterial seed controls did not meet the requirement of a DO depletion of at least 2.0 mg/L and/or a DO residual of at lea!
G3 BOD-No sample dilution met the requirement of a DO depletion of at least 2.0 mg/L and/or a DO residual of at least 1.0 mg/L.
G4 BOD-Evidence of toxicity. This is generally characterized by a significant increase in the BOD value as the sample concentration de
G5 BOD-The glucose/ glutamic acid standard exceeded the range of 198 ± 30.5 mg/L.
G6 BOD-The calculated seed correction exceeded the range of 0.6 to 1.0 mg/L.
G7 BOD-Less than 1 mg/L DO remained for all dilutions set. The reported value is an estimated greater than value and is calculated foi
G8 BOD-Oxygen usage is less than 2 mg/L for all dilutions set. The reported value is an estimated less than value and is calculated for
G9 BOD-The DO depletion of the dilution water blank produced a negative value.
J1 Surrogate recovery limits have been exceeded.
J2 The reported value failed to meet the established quality control criteria for either precision or accuracy.
WSS Chemistry Laboratory>> 1623 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1623 (919) 733-3908
"Not Detected" or "U" does not indicate the sample is analyte free but that the analyte is not detected at or above the PQL.
Page 2 of 3
.NC D`W X Laboratory Section 9?,�sufts/Sampre Comments/Qualifier Definitions
Sample ID: AC68817
Result/ Method Analysis
- -- -
J3 The sample matrix interfered with the ability to make any accurate determination.
J4 The data is questionable because of improper laboratory or field protocols (e.g., composite sample was collected instead of grab, p
J5 Temperature limits exceeded (samples frozen or >6°C) during transport or not verifiable (e.g., no temperature blank provided): non-
J6 The laboratory analysis was from an unpreserved or improperly chemically preserved sample. The data may not be accurate.
R This qualifier is used to identify analyte concentration exceeding the upper calibration range of the analytical instrument/method. Th
J8 Temperature limits exceeded (samples frozen or >6°C) during storage, the data may not be accurate.
J9 The reported value is determined by a one -point estimation rather than against a regression equation. The estimated concentration
J10 Unidentified peak; estimated value.
J11 The reported value is determined by a one -point estimation rather than against a regression equation. The estimated concentration
J12 The calibration verification did not meet the calibration acceptance criterion for field parameters.
M Sample and duplicate results are 'but of control'. The sample is non -homogenous (e.g., VOA soil). The reported value is the lower
N1 Presumptive evidence and estimated value. The component has been tentatively identified base on mass spectral library.
N2 There is an indication that the analyte is present, but quality control requirements for confirmation were not met (i.e., presence of
N3 This code shall be used if the level is too low to permit accurate quantification, but the estimated concentration is less than the labo
N4 This code shall be used if the level is too low to permit accurate quantification, but the estimated concentration is less than the labo
N5 The component has been tentatively identified based on a retention time standard.
Q1 Holding time exceeded prior to receipt by lab.
Q2 Holding time exceeded following receipt by lab.
P Elevated PQL* due to matrix interference and/or sample dilution.
S Not enough sample provided to prepare and/or analyze a method -required matrix spike (MS) and/or matrix spike duplicate (MSD).
U Indicates that the analyte was analyzed for but not detected above the reported practical quantitation limit*. The number value repot
X1 Sample not screened for this compound.
X2 Sampled, but analysis lost or not performed -field error.
X3 Sampled, but analysis lost or not performed -lab error.
V Indicates the analyte was detected in both the sample and the associated method blank. Note: The value in the blank shall not be s
Y Elevated PQL* due to insufficient sample size.
Z1 Inability to analyze the sample.
Z2 Questions concerning data reliability.
U, J6 The laboratory analysis was from an unpreserved or improperly chemically preserved sample. The data may not be accurate.
UU Indicates that the analyte was not detected by a screen analysis. The number value was determined by a one -point estimation at tt
WSS Chemistry Laboratory>> 1623 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1623 (919) 733-3908
"Not Detected" or "U" does not indicate the sample is analyte free but that the analyte is not detected at or above the PQL.
Page 3 of 3
F107
Environmental Chemists, Inc.
6602 Windmill Way, Wilmington, NC 28405 • 910.392.0223 Lab • 910.392.4424 Fax
710 Bowsertown Road, Manteo, NC 27954 • 252.473.5702 Lab/Fax
255-A Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville, NC 28540 • 910.347.5843 Lab/Fax
ANALYTICAL & CONSULTING CHEMISTS info@environmentalchemists.com
NCDENR-DWR Date of Report: Oct 24, 2019
127 N. Cardinal Drive Ext. Manteo Report #: 19M-1897
Wilmington NC 28405 Report #: 2019-17695
Attention: David May Customer ID: 09010049
Project ID: Columbia WWTP
Lab ID Sample ID: W3338 Collect Date/Time Matrix Sampled by
19-45150 Site: Columbia WWTP 10/16/2019 11:59 AM Water Robbie Bullock
Test
Method
Results Date Analyzed
Enterococci EPA 1600 138est Colonies/100ml- 10/16/2019
Comment:
Reviewed by: A k
Report #:: 2019-17695 Page 1 of 1
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