NC0026352_Inspection_20020408

A"711
/o
NCDENR 'O
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Michael F: Easley, Governor
- April8, 2002
Mr. Delane Jackson
Town Administrator
Town of Bladenboro
P.O. Box_ 455
Bladenboro, NC 28320
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report
Town of Bladenboro
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Pennit Number NC0026352
Bladen County
Dear Mr. Jackson:
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
Acting. Director
Division of Water Quality
On March 25, 2002, . I visited with Lynn Brisson (ORC) at the Town of . Bladenboro's
Wastewater Treatment Plant. Based on . that visitthe following are observations : and
recommendations. On or before. May 8. 2002 please send this officea written :statement
concerning your resolutions regarding each of the' following items.
1) The . ORC collects. 001 plant outfall composite samples at ;.thepoint where the
underground ductile pipe comes out of the ground approximately 100 yards from
the effluentof the chlorine contact chamber. The ORC collects.` each of the 001
plant outfall grab samples at the endof the chlorine contact chamber. Please
refer to Paul Rawls' Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report (CEI) dated
March 28, 1995, in which he stated "The Town is reminded that all effluent
samples should be obtained from "one". point and .should . be obtained in a
representative manner." Please refer to Bladenboro's NPDES Permit, Part II,
Section D, .1. Representative Sampling :which states, in part, that "Monitoring
points shall not be changed without notification to and theapproval of the Permit
Issuing Authority." A review of Regional files revealed that no such permission
has been granted.
2) Mr. Brisson has been designated as the ORC for the Town of Bladenboro's
Wastewater Treatment Plant. Please send an operator designation letter to the
Operator Certifications Unit in Raleigh as soon as possible, and co -copy this
office.
3) It' is my understanding that Hydro Management and the Director of Public Works
are working on plans for sludge disposal and trying to find an applicator to take
the sludge to the field site. Please implement sludge disposal as soon as
possible, or by June 2002 as stated in your December 21, 2001 letter to DWQ-
FRO.
Fayetteville Regional Office
225 Green Street— Suite 714, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Internet: www.enr.state.nc.us/ENR
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer.— 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper,

Mr. Jackson
Page 2 of 4
April 8, 2002
4) The ORC said that he runs the de -chlorinating agent, sulfur dioxide, into the
effluent ONLY during the days that aquatic toxicity samples are. collected.
Please refer to Bladenboro's NPDES Permit, Part II, Section D, 1. Representative
Sampling which states, in part, that "All samples shall be taken before the
effluent joins or is diluted by any other .:. substance." Also, in the same part of
the NPDES Permit: "Samples collected ... shall be characteristic of the.. nature
of the permitted discharge." In keeping with the spiritand intent of the NPDES
permit, consistent representative samples of the plant effluent should be taken
which :would reveal the projected. impacts -that the. plant effluent waters .have -
upon the receiving stream, this based upon continuous and consistent conditions
within the plant. .If the facility chooses to use sulfur dioxide as a de -chlorinating
agent, please do not useselective dosing of the agent. It is suggested that the
sulfur dioxide dosage might , be adjusted according to the procedure in the
attachment to this letter, which is taken from the "Operation Of Wastewater
Treatment Plants" Volume 1, Third Edition, page 390. It is suggested that the
two rotometers; chlorine: and sulfur dioxide; be placed at eye level -for accurate
dosage readings of both chlorine and sulfur. dioxide.,
5) Since the Total Chlorine reported on the- WWTP effluent. outfall 001 DMRs
sometimes averages 0:8 mg/L, it is an aquatic toxicity concem of this office that
chlorine levels might be too high in the effluent water going into the receiving
stream, Bryant Swamp, during non-dechlorinating periods.: Please make the
adjustments, if you deem it necessary.
6) According to the ORC, the 001 plant outfall composite sampler is. adjusted to
collect 30 mL of sample at a rate of four samples per hour. Conceming
composite samples, 15A NCAC 2B .0503 (4)(d) states, in part, that for "Constant
time/constant volume - a series of grab samples of equal volume collected over a
24 hour per od:at a constant time interval. ... The grab samples shall be taken at
intervals of no greater than 20 minutes apart during any 24 hour period and must
be of equal size and of no less than 100. milliliters." This part also states that
"Use of this method, requires prior approval by the Director." Please see the
attachment to this letter, which includes parts (1) though (6) of 15A NCAC 2B
.0503.
7) In part, 15A NCAC 2B (4)(d) states that permission for using the "constant
time/constant volume method will be considered in situations where effluent flow
rates vary less than 15 percent." However, it is my understanding that the 001
plant outfall flow rate varies greatly between the daytimeand the evening flows.
A letter will soon leave DWQ-FRO stating that it will, be necessary for all
facilities to do flow proportional sampling for their effluent composite samples,
as required by 15A NCAC 2B .0503 (4). The deadline for the installation and
initiation of flow proportional sampling equipment is March 31, 2003.

Mr. Jackson.
Page 3 of 4
April 8, 2002
If you have any question or comments concerning this letter please feel free to contact me
at 910/486-1541, extension 712.
Dale. Lopez
• Environmental Specialist
cc: Kevin Bowden, Aquatic Toxicity Unit
Gary Stainback, Hydro. Management Services
Lynn Brisson, ORC, Bladenboro, Hydro Management Services
Enclosures: 15A NCAC 2B .0503 (4)
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol. 1, 1990, page 390

Mr. Jackson
Page 4 of 4
April 8, 2002
NPDES COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Fayetteville Regional Office
Section A. National Data System Coding
Transaction Code: N NPDES NO. NC0026352 Date: 021902 Inspection Type: C
Inspector: S Facility Type: 1 Reserved:
Facility Evaluation Rating: 3 BI: N. QA: N . Reserved:
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected:
Town of Bladenboro WWTP =
Entry Time: ,10:30 AM Permit Effective Date: 010901
Exit Time/Date:- 11:30 AM / 032502 Permit Expiration Date: 040731
Name(s), Title(s) of On -Site Representative(s):
Lynn Brisson (Certified Grade IV) - ORC
Phone Number: [phone]
Name, Title and Address of Responsible Official:
Mr. Delane Jackson, Town Administrator
P.O. Box 445
Bladenboro, NC 28320.
Section C: Areas Evaluated during Inspection
Contacted: No
(S = Satisfactory, M = Marginal, U = Unsatisfactory, N = Not Evaluated, N/A =Not Applicable)
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EHNR - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TI SA: 02B .0500
SECTION .0500 - SURFACE WATER MONITORING: REPORTING
.0501 PURPOSE
The purpose of this Section is to set forth the requirementsof the Environmental Management Commission
for monitoring and reporting the quantity and quality of wastewater discharges to, and their effects. upon, the
water resources of the state.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 143-215.64; 143-215.. 68;
Eff February 1, 1976;
Amended Eff December 1, 1984.
.0502 SCOPE
This Section shall apply to all persons subject to the provisions of G.S. _143-215.1.
History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 143-215.64; 143=215.68;
Eff February 1, 1976.
.0503 DEFINITIONS
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms used herein shall be as defined in G.S. 143-213 and as
follows:
(1) "Biological monitoring" shall mean the sampling or testing of the biological integrity of surface waters
and measurements of impacts including accumulations of pollutants in tissue, .toxicity monitoring, and
characterization of lustream biological populations. .
(2) "Classifiedwater pollution control facility," means a treatmentworksclassifiedby the Water Pollution
Control System Operator Certification Commission pursuant to Chapter 90A Of the North Carolina
General Statutes as class I,' class II, class III,or class IV facility, or Such other classifications as the.
Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification Commission may hereafter adopt:
(3) "Commercial laboratory". means any laboratory which analyzes water samples for fee:
(4) "Composite, sample" means:. a sample gathered over a 24 hour period by continuous sampling or
combining grab samples in such a manner as to result in a total sample which is representative of the
wastewater discharge during the sample period. This sample may be obtained by methods given
below, however, the Director may designate the most appropriate method, number and°size of aliquots
necessary and the time interval between grab samples on a case -by -case basis. Samples may be
collected manually or automatically.
(a) Continuous - a single, continuous sample collected over a 24 hour period proportional to the rate of
flow,
(b) Constant time/variable volume - a series of grab samples collected at equal time intervals over a 24
hour period of discharge and combined proportional to the rate of flow measured at the time of
individualsample collection, or
(c) Variable time/constant: volume - a series of grab samples of equal volume collected over a 24 hour
period .with the time intervals between samples determined by a preset number of gallons passing the
sampling point. Flow measurement between sample intervals shall be determined by use of a flow
recorder and totalizer, and the preset gallon interval between sample collection fixed at no greater
than 1/24 of the expected total daily flow at the treatment system, or.
(d) Constant time/constant volume - a series of grab samplesof equal volume collected over a 24 hour
period at a constant time interval: This method may be used in situations where effluent flow rates
vary less than 15 percent. The grab samples shall be taken at intervals of no greater than 20 minutes
apart during any 24 hour period and must be of equal size and of no less than 100 milliliters. Use
of this method requires prior approval by the Director.
(5) "Daily" means every day on which a wastewater discharge occurs except Saturdays, Sundays and legal
holidays unless otherwise specified by the Director. .
(6) "Design flow" means the average daily volume of wastewater which a water pollution control facility
was designed, approved and constructed to treat.
NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 07/23/93 Page 1

390 Treatment Plants
, 5
-Thepressure within the container bears a definite relation to
the container's ambient temperature. This relationship, is very
similar to chlorine.
Sulfur dioxide is neither flammable nor explosive in either
form, gas or liquid. Dry gaseous sulfur dioxide is not corrosive
to most metals; however, in the presence of moisture it forms
sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and is extremely corrosive. Due to this
corrosive action, similar materials'and equipment are used -for
the storage and application of both sulfur dioxide and chlorine.
The sulfonator's diaphragms are manufactured to handle
sulfur dioxide rather than chlorine. .
Sulfur dioxide gas is moresoluble in .water than chlorine:.
Approximately one pound per gallon can be absorbed at 60°F
(16°C). As the temperature increases, sulfur dioxide's solubility
in water decreases. When dissolved in water, sulfur dioxide
forms a weak solution of sulfurous acid (H2S03).
The density of sulfurdioxide.is very, similar to chlorine; so
muchso, that it .is possible to use a .chlorine; rotameter to
measure the flow of sulfur dioxide gas without :much difficulty..
When using the chlorine rotameter. multiply the ctilririnR,
reading by 0.95 to obtain the pounds per day of sulfur: dioxide
used.
10.811 Chemical Reaction of Sulfur Dioxide `with.
Wastewater
The chemical reaction of 'dechiorination results in the .
conversion of all active positive chlorine ions to thenonactive
negative chloride:ions, The reaction of sulfur dioxide (S02) with
chlorine is as .follows: . •
S02 + H2O -. HZS03 + HOCI 171,504 + HCi.
The formation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid
(HCI) from this reaction is not harmful because of the small
amount of acid produced. The pH of the effluent is not changed
significantly unless the alkalinity is very low.
With combined chloramine,
NH2CI + H2S03 + H2O •- NH4HSO4 + HCI..
Similar reactions are formed with dichloramine and nitrogen
trichloride. If some organic materials are present, the reaction
rate may change so that an excess of sulfur dioxide may.have
to be applied. Unwarranted excess sulfur dioxide dosages
should be avoided, not only because it is wasteful, but it may
also result in dissolved oxygen reduction with a corresponding
increase in BOD and COD, and a drop in the pH. The chemical
reaction between chlorine and sulfur dioxide is approximately
one to one. For example, a chlorine residual of 4 mg/L would
require a sulfur dioxide dose of 4 mg/L. The chemical reaction
occurs almost instantaneously. •
Where it may be desirable not to use sulfur dioxide for safety
reasons (use of a liquid rather than toxic S02 gas), it may be
useful to substitute sodium sulfite (Na2S03). or sodium meta-
bisulfite (Na2S205). The reaction then becomes:
Na2S03 + CI, + H2O Na2SO4 + 2 HCI.
Whenusing sodium sulfite, the reaction reqquires 1:78
'pounds of pure sodium sulfite per pound of chforine.The speed
of reaction is similar to that of sulfur dioxide. Both sodium
sulfite and sodium metabisulfite require liquid storage tanks
and feed pumps, but evaporators are not needed.
10.812 Application Point
The key control guidelines for the effective use of sulfur
dioxide for dechiorination are (1) proper dosage based on
precise monitoring of combined chlorine residual and (2)
adequate mixing at the point of application. The typical appli-
cation point is just prior to the discharge of the effluent to the
receiving waters.This allows time for maximum disinfection of
the effluent. The point ofapplication should tie where the flow
is turbulent and short-circuiting should not exist. Since the
dechiorination reaction requires"a relatively short time period,
contact basins are not needed. Often it is not feasible to have
the point of application at the remote location where the ef-
fluent is discharged. to the receiving waters. Since the prime
consideration is the removal of -chlorine. residual, this removal
can be accomplished at the plant site when necessary.
QUESTIONS
Write your answers in a notebook and then compare your
answers with those on page 404.
10.8A Why are the effluents from some treatment plants
dechlorinated?
10.8B List the treatment processes that may be used to
dechlorinate a plant effluent.
10.8C What happens when sulfur dioxide gas comes in
contact with moisture?
10.8D The reaction of sulfur dioxide (S02) with chlorine
produces sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid
(HCI). Will these reactions cause a drop in the effluent
pH?
10.82 Sulfur Dioxide Hazards
10.820 Exposure Responses to Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is extremely hazardous and must be handled
with caution. Exercise extreme caution when working with
sulfur dioxide, just like you would when handling chlorine.
REMEMBER: Never work alone on a sulfur dioxide leak, use
the "buddy system."'
Sulfur dioxide has a very strong, pungent odor. When you
smell sulfur dioxide, notify your supervisor and get help. If
qualified and authorized to do so, locate and repair the leak.
If you inhale sulfur dioxide gas, sulfurous acid will form on
the moist mucous membranes in your body and cause severe
irritation or more serious harm. The greater the exposure, the
more serious the damage to your body. Exposure to high
doses of sulfur dioxide can cause death due to lack of oxygen,
chemical bronchopneumonia with severe bronchiolitis may be
fatal several days later. In the event sulfur dioxide is inhaled,
remove the victim to fresh air, use artificial respiration if neces-

Town of laden
April 23, 2002
Mr. Dale Lopez
NCDENR, Fayetteville Regional Office
225 Green Street, Suite 714
Fayetteville, NC 28301-5043
Dear Mr. Lopez,
I am writing in response to .your April 8, 2002 letter regarding your March 25, 2002
Compliance Evaluation of the Town of Bladenboro Wastewater Treatment Plant.
As you requested, I am providing a response to the items identified in your April 8, 2002
correspondence. The information is provided subsequently and numbered to
correspondence with items in the inspection report.
1. As your report noted, operations staff at the Bladenboro :WWTR have collected
"composite type" samples from the stationary composite sampler located at the
location where the Effluent Discharge line turns up above ground level and travels
above ground to: final: discharge:
As you may know, to facilitate the sample tubing for the Effluent Composite. Sampler,
a small 2.0-2.5 inch square was cut in the Effluent pipe- line (above ground level) to
provide access of the sample tube to the Effluent: This hole size was minimized to
avoid problems with effluent loss or spray during periods of increased hydraulic
loading. As a result of this location being a challenge for "grab type" sample
collection, the operators have collected the grab samples upstream at the Chlorine
Contact/dechlorination discharge. There is no unit process between this locationand
the "composite type" sample location. However, as the permittee we do
acknowledge the • requirement and rationale of obtaining all effluent sample from one
location.
Qoe`rational., modifications have imrrrediately, been.,. i nplementedt to utilize -`a small
tube like grab sample;coflection vessel too collect grab samples_l,_fr_om.the location, of
the composite wsampler. This—p"r'esents 'a challenging grab sampling event.
Therefore; thee staff ,will ,continue to evaluate this t issue; forwarding any,potential
modificatonswto your officeforwconsideration.,and approval.
2. Mr. Brisson is the Operator -In -Responsible Charge (ORC) of theBladenboro WWTP.
4P�n operator designation #forTl/letter willfbe sent.;to,the :Operator Certifications Office in
Raleigh:
3. The Town is currently evaluating information provided by Sludge Land Application
Contractors, coordinating desired Land Application activities with the program land
305 South Main Street * Post Office Box 455 * Bladenboro, NC 28320
Phone [phone] * Fax [phone]

owners and assessing the sludge stabilization analytical results. The;Town, with
coordination by the landowner, 'will landrapply,sludge`: as soon as possible:
• 4. The use of Sulfur Dioxide is a desired unit process in the current treatment scheme.
While the Town's NPDES Permit does not currently include a Chlorine limit, the
dechlorinating agent does eliminate excessive residual Chlorine levels, thus
eliminating the disinfectant as a contributor to aquatic toxicity. The SulfurxDioxide will
be;fd :co`ntmuously_.ona 'tlaily basis as a` permanent 14tlit process
om:
5. Thee+kissue of Chlorine levels will be reviewed by the current operative staff.
Apparently, there —have historicallybeenperiods when the pumping arrangement or
p p� 9 9
water supply for the Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide feed systems have experienced an
imbalance in ejector flow, thus creating,, an;. imbalance in Chlorine and/or Sulfur
Dioxide levels. As noted, thiSASibel nder-'evaluation to`_effectively reduckEffluent
6 Adjustments have been made <by the;ORC,.:.to increase the individual composite
sample ,collection volume to ouet,,100, millilifers per sampling event.
7. The WWTP flow rates do vary during a typical twenty-four hour period. We do,
however, feel that the Influent and Effluent Samples are representative of the
Bladenboro WWTP wastestream. The Town,.will begin evaluation of the necessary
modifications toupgrade :the;:existing compositsamplers to:flow_;proportionate
capabilities., +.
I hope this information is helpful in addressing your comments and concerns. The Town
appreciates the assistance and guidance of your office regarding these issues.
Sincerely,
Town of Bladenboro
Delane Jac on
Town Administrator
Cc: Paul Rawls
Lynn Brisson
Gary Stainback

Town of Bladenboro
July 18, 2002
Mr. Dale Lopez
Environmental Specialist, DENR
225 Green Street, Suite 714
Fayetteville, NC 28301-5043
Re: Town of Bladenboro WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0026352
- Dear Mr. Lopez:
This is a follow-up to your inspection conducted at our wastewater treatment plant on
March 25, 2002. One of the items of concern noted during the inspection was the
disposal of sludge. As you are aware, the Town planned to land apply the sludge by
June 2002. Unfortunately, we could not land apply the sludge due to a scheduling
conflict with the landowner who planted crops on the site.. The land owner informed the
Town that we could land apply the sludge in the fall. In the interim, the Town has
contract with Synagro to evaluate alternative methods for disposal including pumping
and hauling the sludge to another municipality and locating other possible land
application sites.
Please be assured that the Town is committed to removing and disposing the sludge. If
you have any questions or require additional information, .please do not hesitate to give
meacall.'
inrerely,
M CUILOA-/
Delane Jac on
Town Marla er
Cc: Lynn Brisson —. Hydro Management Services
David McKew — Hydro Management Services
Teresa Ayers — Synagro Southeast
305 South Main Street * Post Office Box 455 * Bladenboro, NC 28320
Phone [phone] * Fax [phone]