NC0036196_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210114

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
January 14, 2021
James Wentz, Public Works Director
City of Newton
Post Office Box 550
Newton, North Carolina 28658
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Newton/Clark Creek WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0036196
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Wentz:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the subject
facility on January 6, 2021, 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.
Should you have any questions concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-
2192, or via email at [e-mail].
Enclosure:
Inspection Report
D_E
NORTH CAROLINA
Department el EnNrumimbl Qualpy
Sincerely,
Docu Signed by:
for
F161 FB69A2D84A3...
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
704.663.1699

United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Washington, D.C. 20460
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Form Approved.
OMB No. 2040-0057
Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Transaction
1 IN
Code
I 2
IL
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac
I 3 I NC0036196 111 121 21/01/06 117 1810I 19I S I 2011
Type
21IIIIII
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I
IIIIII
IIIIIIIIIII
P6
Inspection
67I2.0
Work Days
Facility Self -Monitoring
I 70I4
Evaluation Rating
I 71IN
B1
I 72
QA
I N I
73I
1
I I
Reserved
74 751
1
I
I I
I
I
I
180
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Clark Creek WWTP
1407 McKay Rd
Newton NC 28658
Entry Time/Date
09:15AM 21/01/06
Permit Effective Date
17/07/01
Exit Time/Date
02:30PM 21/01/06
Permit Expiration Date
20/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
James Eric Jones/ORC/828-695-4370/
Stacy E Rowe//828-695-4344 /
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
James Dusty Wentz,PO Box 550 Newton NC 286584321/Public Works
Director/828-695-4310/8284657422 No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Progran Sludge Handling DispoFacility 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)
Wes Bell
of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
—Docusigned by: DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ 1/13/2021
'-A61696D9OCC3437...
Signature of ManagpnnoobOs.euy;ewer
Andrew Pitner
Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
41'114V H PLR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 1.14.21
\-F1R1FRRQA2r)A4A3
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

31
NPDES yr/mo/day
NC0036196 111 121 21 /01 /06
117
Inspection Type
18 [j
(Cont.)
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
RECORD KEEPING SECTION cont'd:
The incorrect compliance status was designated on the May 2020 and November 2020 eDMRs. The
permittee and ORC must ensure that the non-compliance box is checked when any violations (limit
and/or monitoring) occur during the month. The ORC and staff must ensure the following: all effluent
TRC values are reported down to the correct detection level; second species effluent chronic toxicity
testing results are put on the applicable eDMRs and the results of the priority pollutant analyses (PPA)
are reported on the Division -approved form (PPA-1) and emailed to the designated link (previously
emailed to the ORC).
Page# 2

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The Division received the facility's permit renewal application on 1/29/2020.
The City implements a Division -approved Industrial Pretreatment Program.
The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on
11/28/2018.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
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? • El El El
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? ❑ ❑ ❑ •
Page# 3

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
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 December 2019 through
November 2020. Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period
December 2019 through November 2020. A weekly average effluent TSS violation was
reported in May 2020. Daily maximum effluent total residual chlorine (TRC) and pH
violations were reported in June 2020 (TRC) and November 2020 (pH). These violations will
be separately address by the Division through the issuances of a Notice of Deficiency
(NOD), Notice of Violations (NOVs) or civil penalty assessments. See "Summary" Section
for additional comments.
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
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Comment: Influent and effluent analyses are performed under the City of Newton's municipal laboratory
certification #143. Meritech, Inc. and R&A Labs (now Pace Analytical) have been contracted
to provide analytical support. The City will use ETT Environmental (toxicity) instead of Pace
Analytical in the future.
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
# 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? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples.
The ORC and staff must ensure that the minimum volume (100 ml./aliquot) is collected by
the sampler at all times.
Effluent Sampling
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
Is proper volume collected?
Yes No NA NE
Page# 4

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling
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: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples.
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, anc • ❑ ❑ ❑
sampling location)?
Comment:
Operations & Maintenance
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Yes No NA NE
▪ El El El
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained.
The facility staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all
measurements being properly documented and maintained on -site. In-depth operation and
maintenance records were also being maintained on -site.
The wastewater debris (paper products, etc.) from the cleaning of tanks, wet wells, etc. is
disposed into a dedicated dumpster. The ORC and staff must ensure that any wastewater
debris spilled onto the ground (around the dumpster) is properly remediated.
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:
Pump Station - Influent
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
Yes No NA NE
•
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 5

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE
Are all pumps present? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are float controls operable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? El El • El
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment:
Grit Removal
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
Yes No NA NE
•
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the County Landfill by a contracted company.
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?
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
Is the drive unit operational?
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth)
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Both primary clarifiers were in service. Aqueous lime is added to the primary clarifier
influent to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext. Air
Type of aeration system Surface
Is the basin free of dead spots? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 6

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
Are the diffusers operational?
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
Is the DO level acceptable?
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I)
Comment: Three of the four aeration basins were in service.
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
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)
• ❑ ❑ ❑
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Comment: Two of three secondary clarifiers were in service. The sludge blankets in both secondaries
were at or above five feet due to the inability to land apply sludge. The City may have to
investigate an alternative disposal method (portable dewatering unit/landfill, etc.) if the solid:
inventory cannot be properly maintained.
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Are pumps in place?
Are pumps operational?
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
Comment:
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)
Type of operation:
Is the filter media present?
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
▪ El El El
Yes No NA NE
Down flow
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 7

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Is the filter surface free of clogging? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter free of growth? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? • El El El
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment:
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?
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:
Yes No NA NE
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De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ? Gas
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: The chlorination and dechlorination cylinders are stored outside under a covered shelter.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
❑ ❑ • ❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 8

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE
Is flow meter calibrated annually? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational? • El El El
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment: The flow meters (one per chlorine contact chamber train) are calibrated annually and were
last calibrated on 4/15/2020 by Clearwater, Inc. The ORC must ensure that the contracted
company performs an instantaneous check on the flow meter (during the on -site calibration)
to ensure the meter reads within 10% of the true discharge volume.
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 appeared clear with trace suspended solids and no foam. The receiving stream
did not appear to be negatively impacted.
Solids Handling Equipment
Is the equipment operational?
Is the chemical feed equipment operational?
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
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Comment: The facility is equipped with four gravity sludge thickeners. One of the thickeners is
dedicated to the City of Conover who transports approximately four loads per week to the
Regional Compost Facility for continued treatment/processing. The sludge in the remaining
three gravity sludge thickeners is lime stabilized prior to land application by Synagro under
the authority of Permit No. WQ0003902.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 9

Permit: NC0036196
Inspection Date: 01/06/2021
Owner - Facility: Clark Creek WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Standby Power
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
Yes No NA NE
Comment: The backup generator is tested under Toad monthly (by City staff) and serviced quarterly by
contracted company (Carolina CAT). The ORC and staff should maintain a copy of all
generator service records for review during inspections.
Page# 10