WQ0020567_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20201229

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Nicole Johnston, Executive Director
Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority
500 NC Highway 268 West
Elkin, NC 28621
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
December 29, 2020
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
YVSA WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO020567
Surry County
Dear Ms. Johnston:
A Compliance Evaluation Inspection was performed by North Carolina Division of Water
Resources (DWR) staff persons, Justin Henderson, and Alex Lowe on December 22, 2020. Mr.
Hal Transou, ORC and Mr. Todd Coe, Back -Up ORC were present during this inspection. This
type of inspection consists of two basic parts: an in -office review of the facility files and self -
monitoring data and an on -site inspection of the facility. While this inspection mostly reflects
compliance with the subject permit, the following items of concern warrant your attention and
action:
1) Collection of composite sampling for required influent parameters is currently being
obtained via a constant time/constant volume method. Per Permit Condition Part II. Section
A. Composite Sampling (4), use of this method requires prior Approval by the Director
and may only be used in situations where effluent flow rates vary less than 15 percent. The
following restrictions also apply: influent and effluent grab samples shall be of equal size
and no less than 100 milliliters; influent samples shall not be collected more than once per
hour.
Future composite sample collection for required monitoring shall comply with collection
methods (1), (2), or (3) described herein.
2) Significant weir blockage, resulting from presence of floating solids, was observed in
Clarifier 91. This blockage was resulting in effluent discharge in various rates along the
surface of this weir. This clarifier was equipped with a cover, that prevented the
observation of the weir and subsequent discharge rates without manual removal of the
covers. The ORC acknowledged that it has been "awhile" since the covers had been
removed and the weir reviewed on this clarifier. Permit Condition Part II. Section C. (2.)
states: the Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and
systems of treatment and control which are installed or used by the Permittee to achieve
6eparim¢nt& Enaimnm¢ntaI Q-114
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336,776.9800

compliance with the conditions of this permit. Failure to prevent clogging of the weir
caused by floating solids may result in the discharge of solids in excess of trace amounts,
which may result in the incurrence of future violations.
3) The subject permit contains a facility treatment equipment description that includes
primary clarifiers, and a trickling filter. However, it was determined during this inspection
that both the primary clarifiers and the trickling filter have been removed from the subject
treatment system and therefore should also be removed from the permitted description for
the treatment equipment present. The permitted facility description needs to be
updated/corrected to accurately reflect the facility's treatment equipment utilized to
achieve compliance with the subject permit.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional observations and/or comments. If you
have questions concerning this correspondence, please contact Justin Henderson or me at (336)
776-9800.
Sincerely,
DocuSign d by,
-T 5,.J r
14
LonS 9ni er,E ..
egional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resource, NCDEQ-WSRO
enc: Inspection Report
cc: Hal Transou, ORC — hal.transou(cr�,suez.com
Laserfiche Files (electronic copies)

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 15 I 3 I NC0020567 I11 121 20/12/22 I17 18 n 19 L G j 201
21111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 f6
Inspection
Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 CA ---------------------- Reserved -------------------
67
I 71 I I 72 L n, � 73 LLI74 71 I I I I I I I80
70 Iu ty LJ
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)
10:OOAM 20/12/22
20/08/01
Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority WWTP
500 NC Hwy 268 W
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Elkin NC 28621
01:OOPM 20/12/22
24/01/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Hal W Transou/ORC/910-835-9817/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Hal Transou, //336-835-9817/
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 Dispos 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
Justin L Henderson Docusigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9701/
�US{tVU (fit In �.t V' 6Vt, 12/29/2020
5F352596F81B496...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewepoousigned by: Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Luti —r 12/9/2020
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
31 NCO020567 I11 12I 20/12/22 117 18 U
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
A Compliance Evaluation Inspection was performed by North Carolina Division of Water Resources
(DWR) staff persons, Justin Henderson, and Alex Lowe on December 22, 2020. Mr. Hal Transou, ORC
and Mr. Todd Coe, Back -Up ORC were present during this inspection. This type of inspection consists
of two basic parts: an in -office review of the facility files and self -monitoring data and an on -site
inspection of the facility. While this inspection mostly reflects compliance with the subject permit, the
following items of concern warrant your attention and action:
1) Collection of composite sampling for required influent parameters is currently being obtained via a
constant time/constant volume method. Per Permit Condition Part II. Section A. Composite Sampling
(4.), use of this method requires prior Approval by the Director and may only be used in situations
where effluent flow rates vary less than 15 percent. The following restrictions also apply: influent and
effluent grab samples shall be of equal size and no less than 100 milliliters; influent samples shall not
be collected more than once per hour.
Future composite sample collection for required monitoring shall comply with collection methods (1),
(2), or (3) described herein.
2) Significant weir blockage, resulting from presence of floating solids, was observed in Clarifier #1.
This blockage was resulting in effluent discharge in various rates along the surface of this weir. This
clarifier was equipped with a cover, that prevented the observation of the weir and subsequent
discharge rates without manual removal of the covers. The ORC acknowledged that it has been
"awhile" since the covers had been removed and the weir reviewed on this clarifier. Permit Condition
Part II. Section C. (2.) states: the Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities
and systems of treatment and control which are installed or used by the Permittee to achieve
compliance with the conditions of this permit. Failure to prevent clogging of the weir caused by floating
solids may result in the discharge of solids in excess of trace amounts, which may result in the
incurrence of future violations.
3) The subject permit contains a facility treatment equipment description that includes primary
clarifiers, and a trickling filter. However, it was determined during this inspection that both the primary
clarifiers and the trickling filter have been removed from the subject treatment system and therefore
should also be removed from the permitted description for the treatment equipment present. The
permitted facility description needs to be updated/corrected to accurately reflect the facility's treatment
equipment utilized to achieve compliance with the subject permit.
Page#

Permit: NCO020567
Inspection Date: 12/22/2020
Operations & Maintenance
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
Owner - Facility: Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Permit
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Comment: Facility description includes two primary clarifiers and a trickling filter. This equipment while
once present has now been permanently removed from the facility. Please update the
permitted description to accurately reflect the treatment equipment present on -site that is
utilized to achieve compliance with the subject permit.
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?
Comment:
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:
Aerobic Digester
Is the capacity adequate?
Is the mixing adequate?
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
# Is the odor acceptable?
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page# 3

Permit: NC0020567 Owner -Facility: Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority WWTP
Inspection Date: 12/22/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Drying Beds
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is there adequate drying bed space?
0
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Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate?
0
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Are the drying beds free of vegetation?
0
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# Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds?
0
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Is the site free of stockpiled sludge?
0
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Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant?
0
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# Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill?
0
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# Is the sludge land applied?
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0
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(Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate?
❑
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Comment:
Bar Screens
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
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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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Comment:
Grit Removal
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
❑
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
0
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Is the grit free of excessive odor?
0
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# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
0
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Comment:
Page# 4

Permit: NCO020567
Inspection Date: 12/22/2020
Owner - Facility: Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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'/4 of the sidewall depth)
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Comment: Floatina sludae was observed blockina the weir in Clarifier 1 (with covers). This blockaae
was resulting in varying rates of discharge along the length of the weir therefore preventing
confirmation that weirs are level. Floating sludge shall be addressed by conducting
maintenance at a frequency that will prevent the build up/accumulation of such that a
blockage is formed.
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?
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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/1)
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Comment:
Disinfection -Gas
Yes
No
NA
NE
Are cylinders secured adequately?
0
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Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight?
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0
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Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
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Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
0
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Page# 5

Permit: NCO020567
Inspection Date: 12/22/2020
Disinfection -Gas
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
Owner - Facility: Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority 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?
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Yes No NA NE
Gas
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Comment: de-chlorionation containers are stored appoximately 8 linear feet away from the chlorine
containers within the same storage room.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
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?
Comment:
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Are pumps in place?
Are pumps operational?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes
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Page# 6

Permit: NCO020567
Inspection Date: 12/22/2020
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
Comment:
Influent Sampling
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected above side streams?
Is proper volume collected?
Is the tubing clean?
Owner -Facility: Yadkin Valley Sewer Authority WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
# 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
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Yes
No
NA
NE
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Comment: Influent composite sample collection is currently accomplished via the constant time,
constant volume method which is non -compliant with permit requirments.
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)?
Comment:
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Page# 7