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Home My WebLink AboutNC0020354_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20200825ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH Director Chris Kennedy, Town Manager PO Box 759 Town of Pittsboro Pittsboro, NC 27312-0759 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality August 25, 2020 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Pittsboro WWTP NPDES Permit NCO020354 Chatham County Dear Mr. Kennedy: On July 22, 2020, Cheng Zhang of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection at the subject facility. The assistance provided by Mr. Jamie McLaurin, Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), was appreciated. The inspection report is attached. Findings during the inspection were as follows: The facility is currently permitted to discharge up to 0.75 MGD into Robeson Creek, a Class WS- IV NSW waters in the Cape Fear River Basin. Current permit expired on April 30, 2016. The Town submitted permit renewal application on January 26, 2016, which was received by the Division on February 5, 2016. 2. The plant is classified as a WW-3 wastewater facility. Mr. Jamie McLaurin is designated as the ORC; Mr. Freddy Peele is designated as the backup ORC. Daily operation log books are detailed and are kept onsite going back at least three years. 3. Field lab parameter (Certificate No. 5670) calibration and analysis records were reviewed during the inspection. The inspector reminded Mr. McLaurin of new rules that require field labs to have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and develop and implement a documented training program. March 2020 DMR data was compared to bench sheets and lab reports; no data transcription errors were noted. Lab results, chain -of -custody forms, and DMRs, were complete and organized. 4. The permit lists the following units; all were observed during the inspection: • Influent pump station with two pumps (with a diesel pump serving as bypass pump), both pumps were operable; norDE Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources r rnani wa Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 oep'm 't ie n��m.nni"i;� 919.791.4200 • One mechanical bar screen in operation, the manual bar screen is only used during periods with high flow; • Two equalization basin was used to achieve steady flow (0.35 MGD) through the plant under normal conditions; • Two secondary clarifiers, sludge is returned to aeration basins via ail lifting; • Two aeration basins with fine bubble diffusers; • Three up -flow tertiary filters; • Two banks of UV disinfection units (one in use); • One waste activated sludge pump station with two pumps; • Two aerobic digesters hold thickened, wasted sludge. At the time of inspection, Synagro was hauling sludge, one digester was empty, the other was being emptied; • One rotary drum thickener is used to dewater wasted sludge before it is stored in the two aerobic digesters (not in use at the time of inspection); • The on -site generator is tested every week; fuel level is checked and recorded every day. 5. The right of way to the outfall was properly maintained. The effluent appeared clear and free of solids. There were no visible detrimental impacts to the receiving stream. This facility was found to be compliant with NPDES permit conditions. The plant is well maintained and documentation was found to be detailed, organized, and complete. If you have any questions regarding the attached report, please contact Cheng Zhang at 919-791-4200 (or email: cheng. zhang@ncdenr. gov). Sincerely, DocuSigned by: UaL�,t,SSa f. B2916E6A832144F... Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Raleigh Regional Office Division of Water Resources Attachments: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report Cc: Central Files w/attachment (Laserfiche) Raleigh Regional Office w/attachment Jamie McLaurin, ORC (electronic copy only) 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 u 3 I NCO020354 I11 121 20/07/22 I17 18I � I 19 I s I 201 I 211IIIII 111111III II III III1 I I IIIII IIIIIIIII II r6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved ------------------- 67 I 72 I ni I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 701� I 711 L LJ L -1 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 Dermit Number) 09:30AM 20/07/22 14/09/01 Pittsboro WWTP Small St Extension Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Pittsboro NC 27312 01:OOPM 20/07/22 16/04/30 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Jamie Lee McLaurin/ORC/919-542-2444/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Holly Coleman,40 E Chatham St Pittsboro NC 27312//919-542-8215/9195458449 No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Sludge Handling Dispo: Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate 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 Cheng Zhang Docusignedby: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/ E� Vaf-., - 8/25/2020 71508EI EC41 F... Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date DocuSigned by: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4232 8/25/2020 a,Int,SSa �tia�,u�,� U �. EPABPorrn d6114(Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO020354 I11 12I 20/07/22 117 18 i c i (Cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) 1. The facility is currently permitted to discharge up to 0.75 MGD into Robeson Creek, a Class WS-IV NSW waters in the Cape Fear River Basin. Current permit expired on April 30, 2016. The Town submitted permit renewal application on January 26, 2016, which was received by the Division on February 5, 2016. 2. The plant is classified as a WW-3 wastewater facility. Mr. Jamie McLaurin is designated as the ORC; Mr. Freddy Peele is designated as the backup ORC. Daily operation log books are detailed and are kept onsite going back at least three years. 3. Field lab parameter (Certificate No. 5670) calibration and analysis records were reviewed during the inspection. The inspector reminded Mr. McLaurin of new rules that require field labs to have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and develop and implement a documented training program. March 2020 DMR data was compared to bench sheets and lab reports; no data transcription errors were noted. Lab results, chain -of -custody forms, and DMRs were complete and organized. 4. The permit lists the following units; all were observed during the inspection: • Influent pump station with two pumps (with a diesel pump serving as bypass pump), both pumps were operable; • One mechanical bar screen in operation, the manual bar screen is only used during periods with high flow; • Two equalization basin was used to achieve steady flow (0.35 MGD) through the plant under normal conditions; • Two secondary clarifiers, sludge is returned to aeration basins via ail lifting; • Two aeration basins with fine bubble diffusers; • Three up flow tertiary filters; • Two banks of UV disinfection units (one in use); • One waste activated sludge pump station with two pumps; • Two aerobic digesters hold thickened wasted sludge. At the time of inspection, Synagro was hauling sludge, one digester was empty, the other was being emptied; • One rotary drum thickener is used to dewater wasted sludge before it is stored in the two aerobic digesters (not in use at the time of inspection); • The on -site generator is tested every week, fuel level is checked and recorded every day. 5. The right of way to the outfall was properly maintained. The effluent appeared clear and free of solids. There were no visible detrimental impacts to the receiving stream. This facility was found to be compliant with NPDES permit conditions as a result of this inspection. Page# Permit: NCO020354 Owner -Facility: Pittsboro WWTP Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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 analyzes the following process control parameters: MLSS, MCRT, SVI, FT, F/M, alkalinity, settleable solids, pH, DO, sludge judge, Secchi disk depths, ammonia, and total phosphorous (influent and effluent) Permit Yes No NA NE (If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ application? Is the facility as described in the permit? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ # Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? E ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Treatment units not listed: influent pump station and eclaulization basins Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the screen free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screening in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Manual bar screen is only used in high flow situations. Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? E ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 Permit: NCO020354 Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Aeration Basins Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) Owner -Facility: Pittsboro WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: DO levels in both basins vary from 1 to 3 mq/L depending on how many blowers (four blowers) are turned on 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 ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Sludqe blankets at time of inspection, 6 feet (clarifier #1), 3 feet (clarifier #2 Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Up flow Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter free of growth? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Sand media are backwashed constantly Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE # Is total nitrogen removal required? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ # Is total phosphorous removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Type Chemical # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NCO020354 Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Nutrient Removal Is nutrient removal process operating properly? Comment: Sodium aluminate is fed into the front Disinfection - UV Are extra UV bulbs available on site? Are UV bulbs clean? Is UV intensity adequate? Is transmittance at or above designed level? Is there a backup system on site? Is effluent clear and free of solids? Owner -Facility: Pittsboro WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation of each basin Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: UV system with two banks of bulbs, one bank was on line at time of inspection, both banks will be turned on during high flow periods. A contractor is responsible for UV system maintenance. Bulbs are cleaned automatically. Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the facility using a contract lab? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The facility only analyzes field parameters, all other parameters are analyzed by Enco Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Sludge is returned via air lifting (eletric pumps available as backup). WAS pump station with two pumps, one for each clarifier Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the generator tested under load? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO020354 Owner -Facility: Pittsboro WWTP Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Standby Power Yes No NA NE Was generator tested & operational during the inspection? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the generator fuel level monitored? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The generator is tested every week (not under loa Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is sample collected above side streams? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper volume collected? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: Time paced composite samples collected at influent (250 ml/20 minutes) Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is sample collected below all treatment units? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper volume collected? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: Time paced composite samples collected at influent (250 ml/20 minutes) Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Last calibrated on March 2, 2020 Page# 6 Permit: NCO020354 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Inspection Type: Pittsboro WWTP Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Last calibrated on March 2, 2020 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: Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is all required information readily available, complete and current? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chain -of -custody complete? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ❑ ❑ ❑ (If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operatc ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification' ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0020354 Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Record Keeping Comment: Aerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? 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? Owner -Facility: Pittsboro WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Synagro was hauling sludge from the digesters at the time of inspection, one digester was empty, the other was being emptied. 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 ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Wasted sludge is thickened by the Parkson rotary drum thickener and then sent to the two aerobic diaesters. Comment: Wasted sludge is thickenedThe rotary drum thickener Chemical Feed Yes No NA NE Is containment adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are backup pumps available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive leaking? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Polvmer feed for sludge thickener: sodium aluminate feed for total phosphorous removal Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Is the basin aerated? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the basin free of excessive grease? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NCO020354 Inspection Date: 07/22/2020 Owner -Facility: Pittsboro WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audible and visual alarms operable? M ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is basin size/volume adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Two EQ basins, 0.3 million -gallon each. One floating aerator in each basin. EQ pump statior with two pumps right downstream influent Parshall flume. Under normal condition, flow to aeration basins is set to 0.35 MGD, excessive flow is diverted to EQ basins, and returned to influent when influent flow is lower than 0.35 MGD Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, an( ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ sampling location)? Comment: Member of Upper Cape Fear River Basin Association. Upstream/downstream sampling conducted by the Association 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: Two influent pumps, with one diesel powered bypass pump Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 9