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Home My WebLink AboutNC0020184_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20200922R,0Y COOPER GQYffrw MICHAEL S. REGAN S. DANIEL SMITH nirecrff NORTH CAROLI NA Env rowhertraf Qrg,21rty September 22, 2020 Ms. Stephanie Scheringer, Division Manager Two Rivers Utilities P.O. Box 1748 Gastonia, NC 28053 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Long Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO020184 Gaston County Dear Ms. Scheringer: Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on September 9, 2020, by Ori Tuvia. The assistance and cooperation of David Shellenbarger, Doug Barker, Maurice Brothers and Kevin Graves during the site visit was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report. The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at (704) 235-2190, or at ori.tuviakncdenr.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: A14CC681AF27425... W. Corey Basinger Regional Supervisor Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources Cc: NPDES, MRO Files (Laserfiche) j;, �-ED-E f State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources I Water Quality Regional Operations Mooresville Regional Office 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 3011 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704 663 1699 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 NCO020184 I11 121 20/09/09 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 1.0 701d I 711„ I 72 I r., I 71 I 74 79 L—I tyI I I I I I I I I80 L-1 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) 09:25AM 20/09/09 17/04/01 Long Creek WWTP 3000 Old Spencer Mountain Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Dallas NC 28034 11:00AM 20/09/09 20/01/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Douglas Edward Barker/ORC/704-922-4086/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Douglas E Barker,PO Box 1748 Gastonia NC 28053/Senior Plant Operator/704-866-6991/7049220619 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 DocuSigned by: Ori A Tuvia c DW R/M RO WQ/704-663-1699/ 9/ 2 2 /2 02 0 ERRQ57A?F)Fn174AA 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: eyl 9/22/2020 Page# A14CC681AF27425... NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO020184 I11 12I 20/09/09 117 18 i c i Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 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 subject permit expired on January 31, 2020. The facility has applied for permit renewal. 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Comment: Inspection conducted during Covid-19 restrictions. A full file review was not conducted. Requested Lab results, Chain of Custody, ORC Log, and Field parameter results taken including the calibration data, for the month of July 2020. These were sent via email in timely manner and were complete. Page# 3 Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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: Permit requires both influent composite samples and grab sampling. 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 M ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: Permit requires both effluent composite samples (flow proportional) and grab sampling. Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, an( 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ sampling location)? Nor, iil�iw Laboratory Yes No NA NE 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Inspection conducted during Covid-19 restrictions. No lab review conducted. Page# 4 Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 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 appeared to be properly operated and well maintained. The operations staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all documentation being properly documented and maintained on -site. The facility is equipped with a SCADA system to assist the operations staff with the monitorina of treatment Drocesses and units. 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: Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the county landfill. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the county landfill. Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the wet well free of excessive grease? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE .in Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of weir blockage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Two of three primaries were in service (all operational). Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE # Is total nitrogen removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is total phosphorous removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Type Biological # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is nutrient removal process operating properly? N ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facilitv. combined with Eaale Road WWTP. are reauired to comDly with a summer (ADril 1 - October 31) effluent total nitrogen loading limit (214,171, lb/season) as well as winter (November 1 — March 31) effluent total nitrogen loading limit (302,242 lb/season). The combined facilities also have a year around effluent total phosphorus loading limit (60,882 lb/year). Nutrient removal is performed biologically and chemically (alum) Aeration Basins Mode of operation Type of aeration system Is the basin free of dead spots? Are surface aerators and mixers operational? Are the diffusers operational? Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? \YM►[•7►/_9►14 Ext. Air Diffused • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 Inspection Type: Long Creek WWTP Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: 3 of the 4 aeration tracks were in operation during the inspection 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: Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of weir blockage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: 3 of the 4 secondary clarfiers were in operation during the inspection Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Down 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NCO020184 Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? Comment: 4 of 8 tertiary filters were in service Disinfection -Gas Are cylinders secured adequately? Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? 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? Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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: De -chlorination Type of system ? Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? Is storage appropriate for cylinders? # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? Are the tablets the proper size and type? Comment: One ton cylinders are stored outside together under cover Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? Number of tubes in use? Comment: Pumps-RAS-WAS Are pumps in place? Are pumps operational? Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? Comment: Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ 1000-0006-7367 Yes No NA NE Gas ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NC0020184 Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Effluent # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Comment: The influent and effluent flow meters are calibrated/verified twice per year Effluent Pipe Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Comment: Effluent leavina the WWTP aDDeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. Effluent DiDe was not examined during the inspection. Lagoons Yes No NA NE Type of lagoons? # Number of lagoons in operation at time of visit? 2 Are lagoons operated in? Series # Is a re -circulation line present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is lagoon free of excessive floating materials? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are baffles between ponds or effluent baffles adjustable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are dike slopes clear of woody vegetation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weeds controlled around the edge of the lagoon? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are dikes free of seepage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are dikes free of erosion? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are dikes free of burrowing animals? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Has the sludge blanket in the lagoon (s) been measured periodically in multiple ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ locations? # If excessive algae is present, has barley straw been used to help control the growth? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the lagoon surface free of weeds? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the lagoon free of short circuiting? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Anaerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Fixed cover Page# 9 Permit: NC0020184 Inspection Date: 09/09/2020 Anaerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? # Is gas stored on site? Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers? Is the gas burner operational? Is the digester heated? Is the temperature maintained constantly? Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Waste activated sludge (WAS) is thickened in a DAF unit prior to being pumped to thedigesters. The facility is equipped with six anaerobic digesters (4-primary, 3 in operation and 2-secondary). Bio-solids are land applied by a contracted company (EMA) under the authority of Permit No. WQ0001793. Standby Power Is automatically activated standby power available? Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? Is the generator tested under load? Was generator tested & operational during the inspection? Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? Is the generator fuel level monitored? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with three standby generators that are placed under load at leat onc( per month (peak shaving/storm events) Page# 10