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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0029475_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210219DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL 5. REGAN Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH 0irecror Joel A Mingus Aqua North Carolina Inc. 251 Merchant's Circle Hampstead, NC 28443 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality February 01, 2021 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Sterling Farms WWTP Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0029475 Onslow County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sterling Farms WWTP on 1/19/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0029475. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this inspection report is not required. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Perez with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at helen.perez@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: 1_T,1),_,,1E73B6F345G OA, for ... Morelia Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: Upload to Laserfiche North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Wanungton Regonal Dfhoe 1127 Cardinal Dn►le Extension 14hk"gton, North Caroina 28405 �- `•- ^^--� 90796-7215 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WO0029475 Effective: 05/01/20 Expiration: 05/31/26 Owner : Aqua North Carolina Inc SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sterling Farms WWTP County: Onslow Old 30 Rd Region: Wilmington McSr 1423 - White Oak Township Jacksonville NC 28546 Contact Person: Joel A Mingus Title: Coastal Area Manager Phone: 910-270-1412 Directions to Facility: Take NC 17 NW from Jacksonville. Take right turn onto Piney Green Road. Travel 2 +/- miles and take a left onto Old 30 Road. Site is on the left about 1.5 miles. System Classifications: SI, WW2, Primary ORC: Michael Edward Cowell Certification: 1007662 Phone: Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): On -site representative Related Permits: Joel A Mingus 910-270-1412 Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 10:25AM Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez DocuSigneld�by: 2/3/2021 Phone: 910-796-7387 Secondary Inspector(s): r1/111� 1 D645B4A39694BE... Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Treatment Filters Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Flow Measurement (See attachment summary) Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Treatment Barscreen Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge End Use -Irrigation Treatment Disinfection Treatment Return pumps Standby Power Page 1 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner -Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: A routine compliance inspection of the Sterling Farms WWTF was conducted on January 19, 2021. The purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit W00029475. Joel Mingus, Michael Cowell and Raymond Braxton were present during the inspection. The Sterling Farms WWTF consists of a 186,000 GPD anoxic/aeration treatment system with membrane filters that produces reclaimed quality effluent. Currently, average flow is 70,000 GPD. Disposal is limited to a 135,357 GPD spray irrigation system with a synthetically -lined 12.4 MG storage pond. The Sterling Farm Subdivision has —66 lots left for construction. Fields 1-3 and fields 9-12 are available and will be constructed for future disposal when needed. This facility does not have a 5-day upset pond. Instead, when turbidity reaches 10 NTUs, the up -set train is automatically shut down and all wastewater is treated in the remaining train until the problem is corrected. This design appears to be an operational challenge. Upsets could happen at any time and requires attendance by operators to ensure there are no issues with treatment. Also, if the remaining train has any issues, there is no storage available for untreated wastewater while issues are corrected. A review of monitoring records shows no violations were issued in 2019-2020. GW-59 records show nitrate violations in MW #1. This monitoring well is located on the proposed fields that have not been constructed or used. Nitrate appears to be attributed to agriculture application of fertilizers. The current permit, issued on 5-1-2020, requires MW #1 to be temporarily abandoned. This well is capped and locked as required. The facility is compliant with non -discharge permit W00029475. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details. Page 2 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner -Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Type Yes No NA NE Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Infiltration System ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, HR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Recycle/Reuse ❑ Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Reuse (Quality) Treatment Yes No NA NE Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The sodium hydroxide feed system for pH control and the methanol feed system is currently not being used. Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The influent flowmeter was calibrated on 9/24/2020 by Delta Systems Environmental. This meter is not use for reporting on monthly NDMRs. Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? ❑ 1:10 ❑ Are the daily average values properly calculated? 1111011 Comment: No comment. Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The effluent flowmeter was calibrated on 9/24/2020 by Delta Systems Environmental. This flowmeter is used for reoortina on the monthly NDMRs. Page 3 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The aenerator is automaticallv tested every Monday. Aaua has a contract with a aenerator company that performs major preventative maintenance annually. Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE Is it free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facilty has dual rotary drum screens with 2mm mesh screens and stationary cleaning brushes. Debris is conveyed to a dumpster for disposal. Brushes are manually cleaned as needed. Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE Is the aeration mechanism operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is activated sludge an acceptable color? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Wastewater flows from the 67,000 gallon EQ tank, through the splitter box into dual anoxic basins. The EQ high level audio and visual alarms were tested during the inspection. They were operational and notified operator by phone. Wastewater then flows through dual aeration basins with fine air diffusers. Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE Are they in place? 011011 Are they operational? 011011 Comment: No comment. Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 4 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ 1:10 ❑ Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? 1111011 Comment: The two membrane tanks, each with two membrane cassettes, back pressure automatically every 10 minutes to clean the membrane surface. The turbidity meter is located at the outlet of the membranes. If turbidity reaches 10 NTUs, the train is automatically shut down and taken off-line until problem is corrected. The turbidity meter was calibrated in 2020 as required. Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑ If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Residuals are removed and disposed of by Lewis Farms. Records of the frequency and amount removed are kept at Agua's Hampstead office. Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE Is the system working? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there adequate detention time (-30 minutes)? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the system properly maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chlorinator accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑ If tablets, are tablets present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? ❑ ❑ ❑ If UV, are extra UV bulbs available? ❑ ❑ ❑ If UV, is the UV intensity adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is it a dual feed system? ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: Disinfection includes two UV units with eiaht lamas each. Extra bulbs and sleeves are stored on -site. Aqua plans to replace all the bulbs in February of 2021. Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Is a copy of current permit available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are application rates adhered to? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there any 2L GW quality violations? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are annual soil reports available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are PAN records required? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ # Did last soil report indicate a need for lime? ❑ ❑ ❑ If so, has it been applied? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are operational logs present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are lab sheets available for review? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Operational and Maintenance records present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Were Operational and Maintenance records complete? ❑ ❑ ❑ Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a copy of the SOC readily available? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Operation and maintenance logs were detailed and complete. A review of monitoring reports, lab results and Chain of Custody forms showed organized and complete records with no issues. Aqua is field certified and uses Envirochem for all other parameters. The annual soil report was done on 11/18/2020. The new Isco effluent compositor needs a thermometer to verify the correct temperature. End Use -Irrigation Yes No NA NE Are buffers adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the cover crop type specified in permit? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the crop cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site condition adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of runoff / ponding? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 6 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8853A46D-5A69-4E51-B26B-B7F6A4D64668 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 01/19/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ How close is the closest water supply well? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is municipal water available in the area? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are monitoring wells damaged? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Irrigation fields appeared well maintained. Fields 1-3 and fields 9-12, along Old 30 Road in the front end of Sterling Farms subdivion, have not been constructed yet. The 12.4 MG storage pond had a freeboard of over 8 feet. Page 7 of 7