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Home My WebLink AboutNC0064726_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210302ROY COOPER Governor DIONNE DELLI-GATTI Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH Director Mark Matthews Town of East Bend 108 W Main St East Bend, NC 27018 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality March 15, 2021 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report East Bend Industrial Park WWTP NPDES WW Permit No. NC0064726 Yadkin County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the East Bend Industrial Park WWTP on 3/02/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0064726. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". The Compliance Evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the Winston-Salem Regional Office. While no violations of the associated permit were observed, the following concerns were noted during the inspection: Inspection Area Description of Concern Grounds Trash and debris observed on the ground surrounding the open -top treatment tanks. Unmanaged trash could be knocked into the WWTP system by operator or by weather, and cause system interruptions or failure. Influent Bar -Screens Influent bar -screen was full of rags. Rag buildup could block influent flow causing backup, or could be pushed into the treatment basin and cause a clogged pipe. Effluent Pipe ORC stated that effluent outfall pipe was difficult to get to, as overgrowth inhibits path Inspector was unable to observe point of effluent entry to the surface water. LD_E NORTH CAROLINA � oeperbmrtorEnriro. iowi North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 336.776.9800 If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alex Lowe with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336-776-9800 or via email at alex.lowe@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, ,-DocuSiiggned by: l . c,JM0.Cf 145B49E225C94 EA... Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Winston-Salem Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: WQS Winston-Salem Regional Office - Enforcement File NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File Laserfiche — Digital Enforcement File D Honh Caroba Depagrtnrm! wOnt df EnronmWestantadHanes MQuaint' � j Drraron ofte Water Rerw Wtanuroaz r.% WinsUpnSe:emnRegfFix w45D Road, Sw3DD Se!em, north Caroline 27105 336 776-9800 United States Environmental Protection Agency E PA 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 ICI J Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection 2 IS I 3 I NC0064726 I11 121 21/03/02 117 Type 18 [ IIIIIIIIIII 73I I 174 L� Inspector Fac Type 19 G I 201 2111111 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Reserved 1 751 166 I I I I I I 180 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA 671I 7° I I 711I 72 I N I Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include POTW name and NPDES permit Number) East Bend Industrial Park WWTP NC Hwy 67 E East Bend NC 27018 Entry Time/Date 01:OOPM 21/03/02 Permit Effective Date 19/07/01 Exit Time/Date 02:10PM 21/03/02 Permit Expiration Date 23/12/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Mark C Matthews/ORC/336-403-2171/ Other Facility Data Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Mark Matthews,108 W Main St East Bend NC 27018//336-699-4481/ No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran 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 Alex Lowe DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9689/ Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date FDocuSigned by: L—o, T. S,01tr 145B49E225C94 EA... EPA Fo m 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# 1 31 NPDES yr/mo/day NC0064726 111 121 21/03/02 117 Inspection Type 18 [j (Cont.) 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On March 2, 2021, Environmental Specialist Alex Lowe inspected the East Bend Industrial WWTP (permit no. NC0064726). ORC Mark Matthews was present. The initial impression was that the site was not picked up, with trash and debris on the ground surrounding the open -top tanks. No trash was observed within the treatment tanks. Lowe noted this shortcoming to ORC, and ORC acknowledged the need for "spring cleaning" around the grounds. A similar concern for maintenance arose at the influent bar -screen. Bar screen on influent spillway contained visible buildup of rags and debris. Inspector noted this to ORC, and ORC stated that he purposefully allows some small build-up of influent material to assist in the filtering of smaller debris. Despite the unorthodoxy, flow coming off of the screen was quite clear. Inspector noted that using this method could lead to rags causing issues if pushed in by sudden increases in flow, and ORC stated that he has observed his system working well with this method. EQ tank and treatment basins were well aerated, and sludge storage appeared to be well maintained and without an excess of sludge. ORC Matthews stated that sludge is wasted weekly. No mal-odors or excessive foaming came from any of the process chambers. Weirs held some small amount of buildup upon arrival of inspector, but ORC rinsed them briefly during inspection and buildup was easily dispersed. ORC stated that the weirs are rinsed at least once per week. The scum removal tube in the center of the clarifier was properly skimming the small amount of solids visible on the top layer of the clarifier. The supernatant moving to disinfection appeared to be free from debris and any floc or solids. A small number of leaves were noted in influent and effluent basin on either side of UV treatment unit. Inspector advised ORC to keep unit closed to prevent any foreign material entering post -treatment, anc to clean each side when cleaning the UV bulbs. ORC agreed and noted intent to keep all coverings closed. Effluent leaving disinfection was clear and free from solids. Inspector asked to see the effluent outfall pipe, but ORC stated that the pipe is difficult to get to due to overgrowth. Inspector noted that outfall access must be maintained as a condition of the permit. Paperwork review demonstrated adequate organization and maintenance of laboratory and site operations history. Full history of data and laboratory results are kept and maintained at ORC Matthews' personal residence, but sufficient proof of documentation was brought onsite for the purpose of the inspection. Inspection demonstrated need for increased maintenance efforts to keep trash and debris out of the treatment tank area, as well as to keep outfall access free of overgrowth. Also recommended that ORC consider using alternative method to collect smaller solids from influent stream. Page# 2 Permit: NC0064726 Inspection Date: 03/02/2021 Owner - Facility: East Bend Industrial Park WVVTP 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? Comment: Copy of permit is kept onsite at the treatment facility 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 ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • • • • • • • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ Comment: Full history of data and laboratory results are kept and maintained at ORC Matthews' personal residence. Proof of history was brought onsite for the purpose of the inspection. Backup operator is the certified third -party lab, Pace Analytical, though they have only been used once. Page# 3 Permit: NC0064726 Inspection Date: 03/02/2021 Owner - Facility: East Bend Industrial Park WVVTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ Comment: Samples taken by grab are stored in a cooler and delivered to courier from Pace Analytical. Inspector observed appropriate handoff during inspection. 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 ❑ • ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Plant machinery and plumbing was appropriately maintained, but trash and debris was present on the grounds of the site. No trash was observed inside the treatment tanks. Inspector noted this to ORC, and ORC acknowledged the need for "spring cleaning" around the grounds. Reccomend follow up upon next inspection to ensure better care was taken to pick up debris. 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? Comment: Grab sample is taken off of influent weir, according to ORC. Bar Screens Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? Is the screen free of excessive debris? Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NC0064726 Inspection Date: 03/02/2021 Owner - Facility: East Bend Industrial Park WVVTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Bar Screens Is disposal of screening in compliance? Is the unit in good condition? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Bar screen on influent spillway contained visible buildup of rags and debris. Inspector noted this to ORC, and ORC stated that he purposefully allows some small buildiup of influent material to assist in the filtering of smaller debris. Despite the unorthodoxy, flow coming off of the screen was quite clear, so inspector Lowe stated that this would be communicated in the report. Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE 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? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: EQ basin was well aerated. ORC demonstrated functioning alarms by pulling float up with a rake. Aerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? Is the mixing adequate? Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? # Is the odor acceptable? # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Mixing and aeration was present and active upon inspection. Reasonable amount of sludge present, with no mal-odor or foaming. ORC stated that digester is wasted to the sludge storage tank weekly. Aeration Basins Mode of operation Type of aeration system Is the basin free of dead spots? Are surface aerators and mixers operational? Are the diffusers operational? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • Page# 5 Permit: NC0064726 Inspection Date: 03/02/2021 Owner - Facility: East Bend Industrial Park WVVTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins 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: 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Weirs held some buildup upon arrival of inspector, but ORC rinsed them briefly during inspection and buildup was easily dispersed. ORC stated that the weirs are rinsed at least once per week. The scum removal tube in the center of the clarifier was properly skimming the small amount of solids visible on the top layer of the clarifier. The supernatant moving to disinfection appeared to be free from debris and any floc or solids. 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Small number of leaves were noted in influent and effluent basin on either side of UV treatment unit. Inspector advised ORC to keep unit closed to prevent any foreign material entering post -treatment, and to clean each side when cleaning the UV bulbs. ORC agreed and noted intent to keep all coverings closed. Page# 6 Permit: NC0064726 Inspection Date: 03/02/2021 Owner - Facility: East Bend Industrial Park WVVTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Pumps-RAS-WAS Are pumps in place? Are pumps operational? Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: One full spare unit is on site, and ORC noted that only one of two is necessary to keep up with typical flow. 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: ORC stated that effluent outfall pipe was difficult to get to, as overgrowth inhibits path. Inspector noted that maintenance of this path is part of the permit conditions. 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: Grab sample is taken on outfall of UV lamp, as per permit. 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? Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ Comment: Digital flow meter was last calibrated in May 2020. ORC stated that flow meter is calibrated annually. Upstream / Downstream Sampling Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, anc sampling location)? Comment: Upstream sampling is taken from small tributary near treatment site. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0064726 Inspection Date: 03/02/2021 Owner - Facility: East Bend Industrial Park WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Page# 8