WQ0029475_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190930

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0029475 Effective: 05/15/15 Expiration: 04/30/20 owner: Aqua North Carolina Inc
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sterling Farms WWTF
County: Onslow
Old 30 Rd
Region: Wilmington McSr 1423 - White Oak Township
Jacksonville NC 28546
Contact Person: Joel A Mingus Title: Coastal Area Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
Take NC 17 NW from Jacksonville. Take right turn onto Piney Green Road. Travel 2 +/- miles and take a left onto Old 30 Road. Site
is on the left about 1.5 miles.
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Raymond Lacy Braxton Certification: 994483 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Entry Time: 10:30AM
Primary Inspector: Tom Tharrington
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Treatment
Use Records
Treatment Filters Record Keeping
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment End Use -Irrigation
Treatment Disinfection Treatment Flow Measurement
Standby Power
(See attachment summary)
Exit Time: 12:15PM
Phone:
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Barscreen
Treatment Activated Sludge
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Treatment Return pumps
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Compliance inspection performed on 09/30/18. This site continues to be a well maintained and operated wastewater
treatment facility that produces a high quality effluent. The system consists of a large aerated equalization basin that is
followed by anoxic and aeration basins operated for nutrient removal. A side -stream from the aeration basin is pumped up
into dual membrane filters where final effluent is produced and then transferred to a 12.4 MG irrigation storage pond for
disposal via an irrigation system. This pump station is equipped with audible/visual alarms and SCADA.
All records, check sheets and laboratory sheets were organized and available for review. Records are kept on computer
tablets for reference by the operators and hard copies are maintained at the Hampstead Office. A review of the July 2019
NDMR was conducted and information submitted was complete and supported by laboratory (Envirochem) reports on file.
The disposal site maintains a vegetative cover and is typically Bermuda grass in the summer and winter rye grass in the
cooler months. The application site is posted with no evidence of ponding, runoff or loss of vegetation. The irrigation system
operates on pre-programmed application cycles, these cycles are selected depending upon weather conditions and crop
needs. The irrigation pump is a VFD pump that maintains system pressure within designated parameters and has provisions
to cease operation if over -pressure related to line blockage or under -pressure related to line breaks are detected. The
irrigation storage pond has a visual staff gauge for determining pond level.
Additional comments are located within the questions section.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Infiltration System
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
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: All treatment units appear clean and well maintained.
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the general housekeeping acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Are all pumps present?
❑
❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
❑ ❑
Are floats/controls operable?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are audio and visual alarms available?
❑
❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms operational?
❑
❑ ❑
# Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required?
❑
❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry available?
❑
❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry operational?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Influent flow is measured using a Endress & Hauser Promag magnetic flow meter, this meter
was last calibrated on 10/10/2018 and is due in October 2019. This meter is not used for
reporting.
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: No comment
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Effluent flow is measured from the discharae of the membrane units usina a Endress & Hauser
Promag magnetic flow meter, this meter was last calibrated on 10/10/2018 and is due in
October 2019. This meter is used for reporting flow data on NDMRs.
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
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 30OKW emeraencv aenerator was tested durina the insDection and functioned as desianed.
The site ran on this emergency generator for an extended period during Hurricane Florence with
no issues.
Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The site uses dual Contec/NRW "DUmD to" static screens with rotary cleanina brushes. The
screen pore space is 2.0 mm and is held in a fixed position within the unit, a rotary framework
with 4 sets of cleaning brushes sweeps debris into a central channel where it is conveyed to a
roll off dumpster for disposal. The unit appears to be functioning normally however it does
require operator attention to keep debris from fouling the brushes. This unit is located lust in front
of the 67,000-gallon aerated equalization basin.
Treatment Activated Sludge
Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Are Settleometer results acceptable?
Is activated sludge an acceptable color?
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: Wastewater first flows into the dual train membrane bio-reactors throuah anoxic basins with
❑❑■❑
■❑❑❑
submerged mixers, the RAS is mixed with the influent wastewater in a splitter box structure. The
wastewater leaves the anoxic basins and moves to the aeration basins, a pump in the aeration
basin moves wastewater/mixed liquor into the membrane tanks for effluent removal. The mixed
liquor typically runs about 11,000 mg/I. The nitrate recycle pumps (RAS) run on timed cycles of
30 mins on, 30 mins off to move nitrate rich bulk water into the anoxic basins for treatment.
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The nitrate recycle (RAS) pump is controlled by an on/off timer with adjustable times. Normally
they are set to run for 30 minutes and be off for 30 minutes.
Treatment Filters
Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter media the correct size and type?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: The membrane cassettes were reDlaced in 2017. trans -membrane Dressures are monitored b
the process control computer and dictate when cleaning is needed. During in -place membrane
cleaning the tank is isolated and drained, and then filled with a sodium hypochlorite solution and
soaked for 24 hours. The procedure is then repeated with a mild acid solution(citric acid) before
the membranes are rinsed and returned to service. During normal operations the filters are back
pressured at the end of each timed cycle (15-20 mins) to remove any material that has
accumulated on the membrane surface. Each night at cycle is performed that uses final effluent
and liquid chlorine to back pressure and clean the membranes. Effluent turbidity (last calibration
10/10/18) is measured at the outlet of the membrane filters and if 10 NTU is exceeded the
system goes into a "hold" status until the issue is resolved.
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
Is the aeration operational?
Is the aeration pattern even?
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage?
Yes No NA NE
Comment: Typically the operators waste approximately 1 foot of level from the aeration basin every 2 weeks
manually. The waste sludge is stored in a 72,000-gallon aerated sludge digester and decanted
as needed until disposal is scheduled. The residual solids are removed and disposed of bV
Lewis Farms.
Treatment Disinfection
Yes No NA NE
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
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: Disinfection is bV a dual train Aquafine ultraviolet disinfection unit.
Each unit has eight UV bulbs
and spare bulbs and sleeves are available on -site. The ORC discussed bulb replacement and
other operational issues during the inspection.
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR?
❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are application rates adhered to?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/30/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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: During the inspection a review of NDMR/NDAR/GW59 data was performed with a specific
review of July 2019 data. All reported values on NDMR, NDAR and GW59 forms had matching
laboratory data sheets from the facilities contract laboratory. The Envirochem reports contained
sample results, COC's and signed forms.
End Use -Irrigation
Yes No NA NE
Are buffers adequate?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the cover crop type specified in permit?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the crop cover acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site condition adequate?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of runoff / ponding?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the application equipment present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the application equipment operational?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
How close is the closest water supply well?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RIB and CB?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑
❑ ❑
Are monitoring wells damaged?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: No comment
Page 7 of 7