NC0062383_NOV-2020-PV-0401_20200904

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
September 4, 2020
CERTIFIED MAIL #: 70191120 0000 8361 0513
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Tony Konsul
Carolina Water Service, Inc. of NC
Post Office Box 240908
Charlotte, North Carolina 28224
Subject: Notice of Violation
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Queens Harbor WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO062383
Mecklenburg County
Tracking #: NOV-2020-PC-0401
Dear Mr. Konsul:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the subject
facility on August 27, 2020, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Please inform the facility's Operator -in -Responsible
Charge (ORC) of our findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report.
This report is being issued as a Notice of Violation (NOV) due to the failures to perform all required facility
visitations by either the designated ORC or Backup ORC during multiple weeks in June and July 2020, which are
violations of the subject NPDES Permit and North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 as detailed in the
Record Keeping/Summary Section of the attached report. Please be advised that G.S. 143-215.6A provides for a
civil penalty assessment of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of a continuing nature, against any person who violates or fails to
act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
Penalties may also be assessed for any damage to surface waters of the State that may result from the violation.
It is requested that a written response be submitted to this Office by September 24, 2020, detailing the actions
taken to address these violations. In responding, please address your comments to the attention of Mr. Wes Bell.
�� Office
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
NOR7H ORROLINA i
�,"r1 J m Em^'m'"^e^ai Qmli /`� 704.663.1699

Tony Konsul
Page Two
September 4, 2020
Should you have any questions concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-
2192, or via email at wes.bell(a-),ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
A14CC681 AF27425...
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Enclosure:
Inspection Report

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 NCO062383 I11 121 20/08/27 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
2.0 70LJ 71 I„ I 72 L71 74 79
I I I I
80
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)
09:15AM 20/08/27
15/07/01
Queens Harbor WWTP
13818 Queens Harbor Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Charlotte NC 28278
11:08AM 20/08/27
20/06/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Charles Edward Wood/ORC/704-621-9204/
Danny Lemont Hoyle//704-922-4086 /
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Tony Konsul,PO Box 240908 Charlotte NC 282240908/Director of
Operations/704-525-7990/7045258174 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
c uSigned by:
c DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ 9/3/2020
Wes Bell E�:
96D90CC3437...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
W. Corey Basinger DWR/Division of Water Quality/704-235-2194/
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
DocuSigned by: 9/4/2020
e Page#
A14CC681AF27425...

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCO062383 I11 12I 20/08/27 117 18 i c i
(Cont.)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
RECORD KEEPING SECTION cont'd:
The chain of custody form (CoC) is in the process of being updated to show sample type and
preservative (if applicable) for each parameter sampled and the time when samples were placed on
ice. Note: An updated CoC (draft) has been recently submitted to this Office for review.
The facility is currently classified as a Grade 2 Biological water pollution control treatment system
(WPCTS). The subject NPDES Permit (Part 11, Section C(1) Certified Operator) requires Grade 2
Biological WPCTS to be visited by either the designated ORC or one of the designated Backup ORCs
five days per week excluding holidays. The treatment facility did not meet these visitation requirements
during the weeks of 6/14/20, 6/21/20, 6/28/20, 7/5/20 and 7/12/20. In addition, the permittee will need
update the current listing of designated Backup ORCs on file with the Division.
Page#

Permit: NCO062383 Owner -Facility: Queens Harbor WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/27/2020 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
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: The Division received the permit renewal package on 12/11/19.
The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by
DWR staff on
G/I A/-1n
Record Keeping
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
Is the chain -of -custody complete?
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
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?
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 3

Permit: NCO062383 Owner -Facility: Queens Harbor WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/27/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No
NA NE
Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained.
Discharge
Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period July 2019 through July
2020. All
monitoring frequencies were correct. Daily maximum effluent total residual chlorine (TRC)
fecal coliform and total suspended solids (TSS) violations were reported in July 2019 (TRC),
August 2019 (fecal coliform) and January 2020 (fecal coliform and TSS). These violations
will be separately addressed by the Division through the issuances of Notice of Deficiencies
(NODs), Notice of Violations (NOVs) and/or NOV/civil penalty assessments. See
"Summary" Section for additional comments.
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: On -site field analvses (dissolved oxvaen. DH. temDerature. TRC) are Derformed under
Carolina Water Service of NC's field laboratory certification #5228. K&W Laboratories
(Certification #559) has also been contracted to provide analytical support for all effluent
analyses except field.
On several occasions in July and August 2019, effluent TRC values were not reported down
to the lowest standard verified on the TRC meter (annual curve). Please be advised that the
subject permit requires that all data generated must be reported down to the minimum
detection or lower reporting level of the test procedure [Permit Condition Reference: Part II
Section D (4) Test Proceduresl. The eDMRs for both months will be revised and
resubmitted.
Effluent Sampling
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# 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
0
❑
❑
❑
representative)?
Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. Monthly (at a minimum)
sampler aliquot checks should be performed and documented.
Page# 4

Permit: NCO062383 Owner -Facility: Queens Harbor WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/27/2020 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 wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained.
Process control measurements were being documented and maintained on -site. This
Office recommends in the incorporation of periodic MLSS and MLVSS testing in the aeration
basins to assist the operations staff in maintaining the proper solids inventory.
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
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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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. NTOWITT'ii�
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?
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0
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Are the diffusers operational?
0
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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?
0
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❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I)
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Both aeration basins were in service. Lime is added (as -needed basis) to maintained
appropriate alkalinity/pH levels.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 5

Permit: NCO062383 Owner -Facility: Queens Harbor WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/27/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the site free of weir blockage?
0
❑
❑
❑
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: Both clarifiers were in service.
Disinfection -Tablet
Yes
No
NA
NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
0
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Are the tablets the proper size and type?
0
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Number of tubes in use?
2
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
0
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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?
0
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❑
Comment: Only one chlorine contact chamber train was in service.
De -chlorination
Yes
No
NA NE
Type of system ?
Tablet
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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0 ❑
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
❑
❑
0 ❑
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 2
NOT, T11017-2 in
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
❑
❑
❑
Page# 6

Permit: NCO062383 Owner -Facility:
Inspection Date: 08/27/2020 Inspection Type:
Queens Harbor WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the flow meter operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice Der vear and was last calibrated on 6/24/2020 by B.W.
Allen Co.
Effluent Pipe
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
❑
❑
N
❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
❑
❑
❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: The effluent appeared clear with trace suspended solids and no foam. The effluent is
discharged into the receiving stream (Lake Wylie) via submerged outfall.
Pump Station - Effluent
Yes
No
NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑
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Are all pumps present?
0
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Are all pumps operable?
M
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Are float controls operable?
0
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Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
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0
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Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
❑
0
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Comment: The visual alarm was not operational. The visual alarm must be reaaired and Dlaced back
into service. Please be advised that the subject permit requires the permittee to properly
operate and maintain the facility at all times [Permit Condition Reference: Part II, Section
C(2) Proper Operation and Maintenance]. Note: The telemetry type alarm system (Mission)
for the high water alarm did operate properly during the on -site test.
Aerobic Digester
Yes
No
NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
0
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Is the mixing adequate?
M
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Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
0
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# Is the odor acceptable?
0
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# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
0
❑
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❑
Comment: Wastewater solids are removed by a contracted company
(L&L Environmental Services
Standby Power
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
0
❑
❑
❑
Page# 7

Permit: NC0062383 Owner -Facility: Queens Harbor WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/27/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is the generator tested under load?
0
❑
❑
❑
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 backup generator is tested (automatically) under load weekly. A contracted company
(Kraft Power) services the generator twice per year.
Page# 8