WQ0031317_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20200219

DocuSign Envelope ID: E461CBF3-EC2A-492A-B53B-9F359BE48E1C
ROY COOPER
Coveymr
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secrerary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Karen Williams
Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
PO Box 780
Wilmington, NC 28402-0780
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
February 24, 2020
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
GNF-A Wilmington -Castle Hayne WWTP
Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0031317
New Hanover County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the GNF-A Wilmington -Castle
Hayne WWTP on 2/19/2020. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0031317. The
findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection
report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". There were no significant issues or findings noted during the
inspection and therefore, a response to this inspection report is not required.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Perez with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
E-To,",'-,','Signed by:
arrr10A1E73B6F3456_ f0 r
Morelia Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Upload to Laser fiche
North CsroGnaDepartment ofEnvironmentalQuality I MAsion of Water Resources
Vddmington Regions I Office I = C.ard5mi Mive Exteason I Wli4mington, North Caro: irks 23405
ice• y"•• 910-796-7215

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0031317 Effective: 03/01/18 Expiration: 02/28/23 owner: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: GNF-A Wilmington -Castle Hayne WWTP
County: New Hanover 3901 Castle Hayne Rd
Region: Wilmington NC Hwy 133
Wilmington NC 28402
Contact Person: David Anderson Title: Facilities Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
Take US-117N/N College Rd to I-40W, Continue on 1-40. Take exit 17 from 1-140W/US-17S, turn R onto NC-133N/Castle Hayne
Road
System Classifications: WW2,
Primary ORC: Michael Wayne Phipps Certification: 986536 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
On -site representative Karen Williams 910-819-1964
Related Permits:
NC0001228 Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC - GNF-A Wilmington -Castle Hayne
WWTP
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020 EntryTime: 11:15AM Exit Time: 12:40PM
Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez DI
I oc signed by: Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): fie �e j^" z
1 D645B4A39694BE_
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Treatment Treatment Barscreen
Use Records
Treatment Filters Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Disinfection Treatment Flow Measurement
Treatment Return pumps Storage End Use -Reuse
Standby Power
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0031317 Owner - Facility: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Global Nuclear Fuel- Americas WWTF was conducted on February 19, 2020. The
purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified
in Permit WQ0031317. Karen Williams, Environmental Specialist, and Mike Phipps, ORC, were present during the
inspection.
This 75,000 GPD Membrane Bioreactor system appears to be well maintained and operated. The facility treats
approximately 20,000-24,000 GPD of domestic wastewater from the GNF facility. The reclaimed generated effluent is used
for cooling towers in the industrial process. The effluent can be diverted to the NPDES outfall according to Permit
NC0001228 when the demand for cooling waters decreases or reclaimed standards are not met.
A review of Regional Office records shows one daily TSS limit noncompliance in July 2018, which was back in compliance
the following week and for the month.
The facility is compliant with non -discharge Permit WQ0031317. Please review the comment sections of the inspection
report for more details.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0031317
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020
Owner - Facility: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Infiltration System
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
Treatment Yes No NA NE
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: The 200,000 god reverse osmosis water treatment system listed in the permit was never
installed. There are plans to remove it from the permit during the next permit renewal cycle.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Flow is measured at several locations throughout the treatment system for process control.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The effluent flowmeter is used for reportin
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0031317 Owner - Facility: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is automatically activated standby power available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The facility has dual incoming power services with manual switching capability. A portable
generator is also available for the treatment system.
Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: To protect the Membrane Bioreactors, influent is screened by a mechanical screw screen with
5mm spacing, followed by a rotary fine screen with 2mm spacing.
Treatment Activated Sludqe Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The activated sludge system consists of two anoxic tanks with nitrate recycle return followed by
four aeration basins. MLSS averages 8,000-10,000 mg/I. Probes stationed along the trains
monitor dissolved oxvaen.
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No comment.
Treatment Filters
Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter media the correct size and type?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media?
❑
❑ ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0031317 Owner - Facility: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: Dual Membrane Bioreactors (MBR), each with two cassettes of eight filtration modules per
cassette, follow the aeration basins and are located inside a building. The bioreactors switch
back and forth after 10 filter/back pulse cycles. The membranes were replaced during the GE
shut down in 2018. The membrane filters are cleaned annually with NaOCL and then citric acid.
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Comment: Waste activated sludge is sent to a series of six digesters. From there is mixed with lime before
and after it is processed through a filter press. Solids are then transferred to a covered storage
area for further drying, bagged and sent to Envirocare Waste Disposal facility in Utah.
Treatment Disinfection
Yes No NA NE
Is the system working?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate detention time (-30 minutes)?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the system properly maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible?
❑
❑ ❑
If tablets, are tablets present?
❑
❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑ ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth?
❑
❑ ❑
If UV, are extra UV bulbs available?
❑
❑ ❑
If UV, is the UV intensity adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
# Is it a dual feed system?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7782-50-5)?
❑
❑ ❑
If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site?
❑
❑ ❑
If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000-
If yes, then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: Effluent from the MBRs flows to two ultraviolet units, each containing four bulbs, for disinfection
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0031317 Owner - Facility: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit:
Routine
Are application rates adhered to?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters?
❑
❑ ❑
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
❑
❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
❑
❑ ❑
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
❑
❑ ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑
❑ ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑
❑ ❑
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ ❑
Are operational logs present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are lab sheets available for review?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑
❑ ❑
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
❑ ❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
❑
❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Operational and maintenance records were complete. Staff uses a detailed daily check list of
operations. A work order process is in place for weekly/monthly maintenance of the treatment
system.
End Use -Reuse
Yes No NA NE
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
❑
❑ ❑
Does the acreage specified in the permit correspond to the measured acreage at the site?
❑
❑ ❑
Are all essential units provided in duplicate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is an automatically activated standby power source available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the equalization capacity adequate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is aerated flow equalization present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Has the turbidity meter been calibrated in the last 12 months?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the turbidity meter have recording capabilities?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all flow diverted at the appropriate times?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all upset wastewater diverted from reuse storage unit?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all upset wastewater treated, retreated, or disposed of acceptably?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is upset wastewater treated prior to discharge to irrigation storage?
❑
❑ ❑
Is public access restricted from irrigation area during active site use?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0031317 Owner - Facility: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
Inspection Date: 02/19/2020 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit:
Routine
If golf course, is a sign posted in plain sight on the club house?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the cover crop acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Are buffers adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of ponding/runoff?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the application equipment acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the application area free of limiting slopes?
❑
❑ ❑
How close is the closest water supply well?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells required?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: The turbidity meter is calibrated quarterly. The final effluent is stored in a 20,000 gallon reuse
tank. NAOCL is added to maintain reclaim water quality. The facility has the ability to discharge in
accordance with Permit NC0001228 if the demand for cooling tower waters decreases or if
reclaim water standards cannot be met.
Page 7 of 7