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Home My WebLink AboutNC0036277_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20201013 (2)Division of Water Resources October 9, 2020 MEMORANDUM To: Corey Basinger Water Quality Regional Opera 'ans, MRO Through: Cindy A. Moore Supervisor, Aquatic Toxicology Branch (ATB) From: Lorimar S. Henning Environmental Specialist Il, Aquatic Toxicology Branch (ATB) Subject: Whole effluent toxicity test results McDowell Creek WWTP NPDES Permit # NC0036277/001 Mecklenburg County The aquatic toxicity test using flow -proportional composite samples of effluent discharged from the McDowell Creek WWTP has been completed. McDowell Creek WWTP has a permitted effluent discharge of 12.0 million gallons per day (MGD) entering McDowell Creek (7Q10 of 1.8 CFS). Whole effluent samples were collected on September 29 and October 1 by Wes Bell and facility representatives Craig Coleman and Daniel Matias for use in a chronic Ceriodaphnia dubia pass -fail toxicity test. The test passed. Toxicity test information follows. Test Type 3-Brood Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic pass -fail Test Result Pass Test Concentrations 90% Control Survival 100% Control Mean Reproduction 18.5 neonates Test Treatment Survival 91.7% Treatment Mean Reproduction 26.7 neonates First Sample pH 7.97 SU First Sample Conductivity 531 micromhos/cm First Sample Total Residual Chlorine 0.03 mg/L Second Sample pH 7.66 SU Second Sample Conductivity 582 micromhos/cm Second Sample Total Residual Chlorine 0.04 mg/L Test results for the above samples indicate that the effluent would not be predicted to have water quality impacts. These samples were split and tested by ETT Environmental, Inc. The chronic Ceriodaphnio dubia pass/fail test run by ETT resulted in a pass. Please contact us if you have any questions or if further effluent toxicity monitoring is desired. We may be reached at (919) 743-8401. Basin: Catawba cc: Wes Bell (MRO) ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH Director Ms. Jacqueline A. Jarrell, P.E. Operations Chief Environmental Management Division Charlotte Water 5100 Brookshire Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina 28216 Dear Ms. Jarrell: NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality October 13, 2020 Subject: Chronic Toxicity Test Results McDowell Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO036277 Mecklenburg County Enclosed is a copy of the toxicity test results relative to the samples collected (split) at the subject facility on September 29 and October 1, 2020, by Charlotte Water staff and Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Effluent samples were collected for use in a chronic Ceriodaphnia dubia pass -fail toxicity test. The test Passed utilizing these samples. Please inform the facility's Operator -in -Responsible Charge (ORC) of our findings 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 Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or 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, DEQ Enclosure: Toxicity Test Results �� 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 kmrlaam m EnNromi Wuwi\ /`� 704.663.1699 ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH Director Ms. Jacqueline A. Jarrell, P.E. Operations Chief Environmental Management Division Charlotte Water 5100 Brookshire Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina 28216 Dear Ms. Jarrell: NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality October 8, 2020 Subject: Compliance Bio-monitoring Inspection McDowell Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO036277 Mecklenburg County Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Bio-monitoring Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on September 29, 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. The results of the effluent chronic toxicity tests performed by the Division's Aquatic Toxicity Unit will be forwarded under separate cover. The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or at wes.bell@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: 44"HPu�- . for F161 FB69A2D84A3... W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, DEQ Enclosure: Inspection Report �� 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 kmrlaam m EnNromi Wuwi\ /`� 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 NCO036277 I11 121 20/09/29 I17 18LB] 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 701d I 71 l� I 72 I r., I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 L—I 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) 09:15AM 20/09/29 19/12/01 McDowell Creek WWTP 4901 Neck Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Huntersville NC 28078 11:57AM 20/09/29 24/06/30 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Darrell Victor Dewitt/ORC/704-361-0611/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Jacqueline A Jarrell,5100 Brookshire Blvd Charlotte NC 28216/Operations Chief/704-336-4460/7043365081 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 Wes Bell Docusigned by: DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ 10/7/2020 Z(Jra Be& A61696D90CC3437... Docusigned by: Date Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numb[X-� Andrew Pitner DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ H P44-ft 10.8.2020 F161FB69A2D84A3... EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NC0036277 I11 12I 20/09/29 117 18 IBI Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On -site Representatives: The following Charlotte Water personnel were in attendance during the inspection: Mr. Darrel DeWitt, Mr. Tony Spinelli and Mr. Doug Wise. Page# Permit: NCO036277 Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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: Charlotte Water implements a Division approved Industrial Pretreatment Program. The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on 0/11C/.14 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: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period August 2019 through July 2020. No effluent monitoring violations were reported and all monitoring frequencies were correct. Page# 3 Permit: NCO036277 Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Laboratory 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: Influent and effluent analyses (including field) are performed under Charlotte Water's Environmental Services Laboratory (Certification #192). ETT Environmental and R&A Labs have also been contracted to Derform chronic toxicitv analvses. Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected above side streams? E ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: The subject permit requires influent CBOD and TSS composite samples. Samplers are checked daily (each shift) and aliquot verifications are performed monthly (at a minimum). Effluent Sampling Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected below all treatment units? Is proper volume collected? Is the tubing clean? # 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 representative)? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires grab and composite effluent samples. Samplers are checked daily (each shift) and aliquot verifications are performed monthly (at a minimum). Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, an( 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ sampling location)? Page# 4 Permit: NCO036277 Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Comment: 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: The wastewater treatment facilitv was beina DroDerIv ODerated and well maintained. Charlotte Water staff incorporate a commendable process control program with all measurements being documented and maintained on -site. In-depth operation and maintenance records were also being maintained on -site. The facilit, is equipped with a SCADA System that is accessible at nine locations throughout the wastewater facility. Odor control systems are connected to the 1.3 MG equalization day tank and influent pump station. 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audible and visual alarms operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is basin size/volume adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with a 1.3 MG equalization day tank and two additional equalization basins (7 MG and 6 MG). 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: Page# 5 Permit: NCO036277 Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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: Screenings and grit are disposed by a contracted company at the CMS Landfill in Cabarrus County. 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: The influent flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on 4/18/2020 Charlotte Water's Electrical & Instrumentation Division. 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: Primary 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO036277 Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Primary Clarifier Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Is the drive unit operational? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth) Comment: Two of the five primaries were in service. Nutrient Removal # Is total nitrogen removal required? # Is total phosphorous removal required? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Type Biological # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is nutrient removal process operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility has two five (5) stage BNR treatment trains (parallel) currently in service. Acetic acid and/or cola syrup is added as a carbon supplement. 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? E ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Lime slurry is added to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels. Page# 7 Permit: NCO036277 Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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: Two of four secondaries were in service. One of the secondaries was currently bein rehabbed. Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? E ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Down flow Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter free of growth? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Are extra UV bulbs available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are UV bulbs clean? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is UV intensity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NCO036277 Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE Is transmittance at or above designed level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there a backup system on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent clear and free of solids? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: 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: The effluent flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on 4/18/2020 by Charlotte Water's Electrical & Instrumentation Division. 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: The effluent aDDeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. The receivina stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. DWR and Charlotte Water staff split effluent chronic toxicity samples on 9/29/2020 and 10/1/2020. The results of the effluent chronic toxicity tests performed by DWR's Aquatic Toxicity Unit will be forward under separate cover. Anaerobic Digester Type of operation: 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? Yes No NA NE Fixed cover ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with five digesters (4 — primary/fixed cover and 1 — storage/floating cover). Page# 9 Permit: NCO036277 Inspection Date: 09/29/2020 Solids Handling Equipment Is the equipment operational? Is the chemical feed equipment operational? Owner -Facility: McDowell Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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: The facility is equipped with two gravity belt thickeners and two belt presses (all operational) One thickener and belt press was in service at the time of the inspection. Dewated bio-solids are land applied by a contracted company (Synagro) under the authority of Permit No. WQ0000057. 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 two backup generators. Generators are placed under load monthly and serviced by a contracted company (Cummings) quarterly. The facility also activates the generator(s) prior to thunder storms (storm avoidance). Page# 10