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Home My WebLink AboutNC0030210_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20201119ROY 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 November 19, 2020 Subject: Compliance Bio-monitoring Inspection Mallard Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO030210 Mecklenburg County Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Bio-monitoring Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on November 17, 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: A44" H PuX - n. 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 NCO030210 I11 121 20/11/17 I17 18LB] 19 I s I 20L] 21111I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I 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 permit Number) 09:35AM 20/11/17 20/02/01 Mallard Creek WWTP 12400 US Hwy 29 N Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Charlotte NC 28262 12:30PM 20/11/17 24/11/30 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Henry Harrison Eudy/ORC/980-214-5977/ 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/ 11/18/2020 lWi A61696D90=437... PR6Ytt'UeA4&viewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Signature of MPF161FB69A2D84A3... Andrew Pitr-uo H PWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 11.19.2020 EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NC0030210 I11 12I 20/11/17 117 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. Henry Eudy, Ms Tara Romine, Mr. Joseph Lockler and Mr. Doug Wise. Page# Permit: NCO030210 Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 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: Construction activities are on-aoina in accordance with the Division-aDDroved AtC dated 7/26/19. The projects currently under construction include the installation of disc tertiary filters (two of four disc filters have been installed) and a new cascade post aeration system. Note: The traveling bridge tertiary filters will be taken out of service and demolished once all disc filters have been constructed and placed into service. Charlotte Water implements a Division approved Industrial Pretreatment Program. The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on 2/11/19. 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 Permit: NCO030210 Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Record Keeping Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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 October 2019 through Septembel 2020. No effluent limit violations were reDorted and all monitorina freauencies were correct. 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: Influent and effluent analyses are performed by Charlotte Water's Environmental Services Laboratory (Certification #192). ETT Environmental has also been contracted to perform effluent chronic toxicity analyses. Influent Sampling # Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected above side streams? 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 sampling performed according to the permit? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires influent CBOD and TSS composite samples. Samplers are checked dailv and aliauot calibrations are Derformed monthly (at a minimum). Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected below all treatment units? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper volume collected? E ❑ ❑ ❑ 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)? Page# 4 Permit: NCO030210 Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Effluent Sampling Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Yes No NA NE Comment: The subject permit requires grab and composite effluent samples. Samplers are checked daily and aliquot calibrations 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)? 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: The wastewater treatment facilitv was beina Droaerly 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 facility is equipped with a SCADA System that is accessible at nine locations throughout the wastewater facility. The on -site operators are also notified of alarm conditions via text messaging system. Bar Screens Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? Is the screen free of excessive debris? Is disposal of screening in compliance? Is the unit in good condition? Comment: Flow Measurement - Influent # 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: The flow meter is calibrated semi-annually and was last calibrated in October 2020 by Charlotte Water's I & E Division. Page# 5 Permit: NC0030210 Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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 ❑ Comment: 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. Equalization Basins Is the basin aerated? Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? Is the basin free of excessive grease? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are float controls operable? Are audible and visual alarms operable? # Is basin size/volume adequate? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with two day tanks (1 MG total capacity) and a 5 MG equalization basin (mainly used during high flow/storm events). The day tanks and equalization basin are connected to the facility's SCADA system. Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO030210 Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE 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? E ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: Three of five primaries were in service. 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: All three anoxic/aeration treatment trains were in service at the time of the inspection. Magnesium hydroxide is added to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels. 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NCO030210 Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE 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: Three of four secondaries were in service. One secondary was in the Drocess of bein rehabbed. Polymer is currently being added to enhance settling. Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Type of operation: 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? Yes No NA NE Down flow ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Three traveling bridge tertiary filters were in service. Charlotte Water will initiate the testing of the two new disc filters by the end of November 2020. These new tertiary filters may be placed in service prior to the end of the year based on the outcome of the initial testing and operational performance of these units. 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NCO030210 Owner -Facility: Mallard Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The flow meter is calibrated semi-annually and was last calibrated in October 2020 bV Charlotte Water's I & E Division. 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? Comment: 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: The effluent aDDeared clear with no floatable solids and/or foam. The receivina stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. DWR and Charlotte Water staff split effluent chronic toxicity samples on 11/17/2020 and 11/19/2020. The results of the effluent chronic toxicity tests 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). Four digesters Q — primary/fixed cover and 1 — secondary/floating cover) were in Page# 9 Permit: NCO030210 Inspection Date: 11/17/2020 Solids Handling Equipment Is the equipment operational? Is the chemical feed equipment operational? Owner -Facility: Mallard 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 facilitv is eauiDDed with four centrifuaes (2-thickenina and 2-dewaterina). The filtrate was free of excessive solids and the sludge cake was free of excessive moisture. Dewatered bio-solids are stored under a covered pad. Synagro has been contracted to land apply the bio-solids under the authority of Permit No. WQ0000057. Only a few drvina beds are used for on -site maintenance/cleanina activities. 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 backup generator is placed under load monthly (at a minimum) and serviced quarterly by a contracted company (Carolina/CAT). The facility also activates the generator prior to thunder storms (storm avoidance). Page# 10