NCG500050_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210312

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED

March 12, 2021

Ashley Thomas
Brookfield Smoky Mountain Hydropower LLC
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Santeelah Powerhouse
NPDES WW Permit No. NCG500050
Graham County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Santeelah Powerhouse
on 3/05/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with
the conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NCG500050. 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 me at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Lauren Armeni, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report

Ec: LF
Dustin Johnson, Compliance Manager
DocuSign Envelope ID: C80EB2FB-04EF-437F-956A-6D6E56E80EEE
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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 Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 N 52 NCG500050 21/03/05 C S31112171819 20
21 66
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved-------------------
N67707172 73 74 75 80
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Santeelah Powerhouse
1247 Farley Branch Rd
Tapoco NC 28771
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
11:15AM 21/03/05 20/12/11
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Other Facility Data
12:15PM 21/03/05 25/11/30
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Ashley Thomas,314 Growden Blvd Tallassee TN 37878//304-222-4321/Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program
Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
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
Lauren E Armeni DWR/ARO WQ/828-296-4500/
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#1
DocuSign Envelope ID: C80EB2FB-04EF-437F-956A-6D6E56E80EEE
3/16/2021
3/16/2021
NPDES yr/mo/day
21/03/05
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On 03/05/2021, I (Lauren Armeni) conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Cheoah
Powerhouse. Dustin Johnson (Compliance Manager) and Kelvin Jordan (Traveling Operator) assisted
with the inspection.
The facility has one sump oil skimmer with oil detection and three outfalls - two for the turbine bearing
cooling units and one for the sump. All outfalls were under water at the time of the inspection and the
two generators were being repaired. Monthly sampling is conducted of the upstream, outfalls, and
downstream locations. The facility appeared to be well maintained and in compliance with all permit
requirements.
NCG500050 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: C80EB2FB-04EF-437F-956A-6D6E56E80EEE
Permit:NCG500050
Inspection Date:03/05/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Santeelah Powerhouse
Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(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?
The facility includes the dam, penstocks, generation equipment, powerhouse sump, cooling
water discharges and the tailrace. The powerhouse discharges to Cheoah Lake/Little
Tennessee River.
Comment:
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
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?
The facility was well maintained.Comment:
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
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:
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and
sampling location)?
Comment:
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: C80EB2FB-04EF-437F-956A-6D6E56E80EEE
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