NC0063096-UtleyCreekWRF-CEI-20210413

April 13, 2021

Town of Holly Springs
Attn: Seann Byrd
PO Box 8
Holly Springs, NC 27540

Subject: NPDES Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility
NPDES Permit No. NC0063096
Wake County

Dear Mr. Byrd:

On March 30, 2021, Stephanie Goss of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO), conducted an inspection at
the subject facility. The cooperation of Terry Foster was greatly appreciated. Findings during the
inspection were as follows:

1. The current NPDES permit was issued effective November 1, 2017 and expires on July 31, 2021.
The Division is in the process of renewing this NPDES permit; the renewal application was
received on January 29, 2021.

2. The subject facility is a Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System permitted to treat
6.0 MGD of treated wastewater and consists of the following components: two mechanical bar
screens with centrifugal grit chambers, influent composite sampler, influent flow meter, Parshall
flume, anaerobic phosphorus removal basins, primary and secondary anoxic basins, three
reaeration basins, chemical feed with bulk storage, three secondary clarifiers, four tertiary cloth
disc filters, two ultraviolet disinfection banks, effluent flow meter, effluent composite sampler,
cascade aeration, RAS fine screenings process, two aerobic digesters, dewatering screw press and
two back up power generators. The Town of Holly Springs is authorized to discharge treated
wastewater from the subject facility to receiving waters designated as Utley Creek, currently
classified as C waters in the Cape Fear River Basin.

3. The influent flow meter is calibrated on a yearly basis and was calibrated on July 14, 2020 by ISI,
Instrumentation Services and is checked with the Parshall Flume or chart recorder on an as
needed basis.

4. The refrigerated influent and effluent units were maintained at the proper temperature, < 6
degrees C. The effluent unit is programmed flow proportionally. The tubing looked good.

P a g e | 2

5. At the time of the inspection, two of the reaeration basins were in service. The two basins
appeared to be operating satisfactorily. There was foam on approximately 30% of the surface of
each train.

6. At the time of the inspection, two clarifiers were in operation and appeared to be operating
satisfactorily. The overflow weirs are covered and were clean at the time of the inspection. Mr.
Foster stated they are cleaned weekly. Both of the clarifiers are eighteen feet in depth and a
sludge judge showed the sludge depth to be approximately three and a half feet deep for clarifier
#1 and four feet deep for clarifier #2. A small amount of scum was observed on clarifier #1.

7. The disc filters appeared to be operating satisfactorily. The filtered effluent appeared clear and
free of solids.

8. The two bank ultraviolet disinfection system was in operation during the inspection and appeared
to be operating satisfactorily. The ultraviolet bulbs are cleaned every month in the summer and
every two months in the winter and inform SCADA when they are low in intensity. The facility
keeps multiple spare bulbs in storage near the ultraviolet system.

9. The effluent flow meter was calibrated on July 14, 2020 by ISI, Instrumentation Services and is
checked with the Parshall Flume.

10. The post aeration system was operating satisfactorily. The effluent was clear and free of excess
solids.

11. At the time of the inspection, one of the digesters was in use. Digester #1 is eighteen feet deep
with a five hundred-thousand-gallon capacity and digester # 2 is eighteen feet deep with a one-
million-gallon capacity. The sludge is sent directly to the gravity belts where the polymer is
added and then the sludge is pressed into a cake form. The water is then sent back to the
headworks of the facility and McGill picks up the cakes daily and it is then converted into Class
A sludge according to Mr. Foster.

12. Mr. Foster stated the two onsite diesel generators are tested under load weekly. One generator can
power the whole facility and the second generator is a back-up if needed.

13. A review of discharge monitoring report (DMR) data for the period December 2019 through
January 2021 showed all required monitoring was performed and that the facility complied with
all permit limits.

14. A cursory review of laboratory and DMR data for April 2020 showed consistent reporting of
results.

15. A cursory review of calibration logs showed acceptable calibration for the on-site parameters.

16. Mr. Foster stated there are two industries in the Town of Holly Springs which are the Wake
County landfill and Seqirus Pharmaceuticals.

17. The effluent discharge appeared free of excess solids. No detrimental impacts to Utley Creek was
observed.

P a g e | 3

18. An operator log book is kept regarding all plant operations. Also, Mr. Foster stated he keeps an
ORC logbook online as well.

19. Mr. Foster stated that an Annual Compliance report is distributed yearly and is from July to June.

The facility is compliant with the NPDES permit conditions as a result of this inspection. The plant is
well maintained, very clean and the ORC’s attention to detail is commendable. If you have questions
concerning this report please contact Stephanie Goss at 919-791-4256 or [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

cc: RRO, SWP
Laserfiche

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 NC0063096 21/03/30 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)
Holly Springs WWTP
150 Treatment Plant Rd
Holly Springs NC 27540
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
09:00AM 21/03/30 17/11/01
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Terry Ray Foster/ORC/919-577-1090/
Other Facility Data
12:00PM 21/03/30 21/07/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Seann Byrd,PO Box 8 Holly Springs NC 275400008//919-577-3151/9195772280 Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self-Monitoring Program Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
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
Stephanie Goss DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/
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
4/13/2021
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
4/13/2021
NPDES yr/mo/day
21/03/30
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
1.The current NPDES permit was issued effective November 1, 2017 and expires on July 31, 2021.
The Division is in the process of renewing this NPDES permit and was received on January 29, 2021.
2.The WW-4 facility is permitted to treat 6.0 MGD of treated wastewater and consists of the following
components: two mechanical bar screens with centrifugal grit chambers, influent composite sampler,
influent flow meter, Parshall flume, anaerobic phosphorus removal basins, primary and secondary
anoxic basins, three reaeration basins, chemical feed with bulk storage, three secondary clarifiers, four
tertiary cloth disc filters, two ultraviolet disinfection banks, effluent flow meter, effluent composite
sampler, cascade aeration, RAS fine screenings process, two aerobic digesters, dewatering screw
press and two back up power generators. The plant discharges to Utley Creek, which is classified as
Class C waters in the Cape Fear River Basin.
3.The influent flow meter is calibrated on a yearly basis and was calibrated on July 14, 2020 by ISI,
Instrumentation Services and is checked with the Parshall Flume or chart recorder on an as needed
basis.
4.The refrigerated influent and effluent units were maintained at the proper temperature, < 6 degrees
C. The effluent unit is programmed flow proportionally. The tubing looked good.
5.At the time of the inspection, two of the reaeration basins were in service. The two basins appeared
to be operating satisfactorily. There was foam on approximately 30% of the surface of each train.
6.At the time of the inspection, two clarifiers were in operation and appeared to be operating
satisfactorily. The overflow weirs are covered and were clean at the time of the inspection. Mr. Foster
stated they are cleaned weekly. Both of the clarifiers are eighteen feet in depth and a sludge judge
showed the sludge depth to be approximately three and a half feet deep for clarifier #1 and four feet
deep for clarifier #2. A small amount of scum was observed on clarifier #1.
7.The disc filters appeared to be operating satisfactorily. The filtered effluent appeared clear and free
of solids.
8.The two bank ultraviolet disinfection system was in operation during the inspection and appeared to
be operating satisfactorily. The ultraviolet bulbs are cleaned every month in the summer and every two
months in the winter and inform SCADA when they are low in intensity. The facility keeps multiple spare
bulbs in storage near the ultraviolet system.
9.The effluent flow meter was calibrated on July 14, 2020 by ISI, Instrumentation Services and is
checked with the Parshall Flume.
10.The post aeration system was operating satisfactorily. The effluent was clear and free of excess
solids.
11.At the time of the inspection, one of the digesters was in use. Digester #1 is eighteen feet deep with
a five hundred-thousand-gallon capacity and digester # 2 is eighteen feet deep with a one-million-gallon
capacity. The sludge is sent directly to the gravity belts where the polymer is added and then the
sludge is pressed into a cake form. The water is then sent back to the headworks of the facility and
McGill picks up the cakes daily and it is then converted into Class A sludge according to Mr. Foster.
NC0063096 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
Permit:NC0063096
Inspection Date:03/30/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Holly Springs WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
12.Mr. Foster stated the two onsite diesel generators are tested under load weekly. One generator can
power the whole facility and the second generator is a back-up if needed.
13.A review of discharge monitoring report (DMR) data for the period December 2019 through January
2021 showed all required monitoring was performed and thatthe facility complied with all permit limits.
14.A cursory review of laboratory and DMR data April 2020 showed consistent reporting of results.
15.A cursory review of calibration logs showed acceptable calibration for the on-site parameters.
16.Mr. Foster stated there are two industries in the Town of Holly Springs which are the Wake County
landfill and Seqirus Pharmaceuticals.
17.The effluent discharge appeared free of excess solids. No detrimental impacts to Utley Creek was
observed.
18.An operator log book is kept regarding all plant operations. Also, Mr. Foster stated he keeps an
ORC logbook online as well.
19.Mr. Foster stated that an Annual Compliance report is distributed yearly and is from July to June.
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
Permit:NC0063096
Inspection Date:03/30/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Holly Springs WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
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?
Comment:
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?
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:
Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE
# 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?
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE
# 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?
Comment:
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
Permit:NC0063096
Inspection Date:03/30/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Holly Springs WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
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:
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
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?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
Comment:
Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE
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?
Comment:
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
Permit:NC0063096
Inspection Date:03/30/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Holly Springs WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
Comment:
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 ¼ of the sidewall depth)
Comment:
Trickling Filter Yes No NA NE
Is the filter free of ponding?
Is the filter free of leaks at the center column of filter’s distribution arms?
Is the distribution of flow even from the distribution arms?
Is the filter free of uneven or discolored growth?
Is the filter free of sloughing of excessive growth?
Are the filter’s distribution arms orifices free of clogging?
Is the filter free of excessive filter flies, worms or snails?
Comment:
Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
Are pumps operational?
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
Comment:
Page#6
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
Permit:NC0063096
Inspection Date:03/30/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Holly Springs WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE
# Is total nitrogen removal required?
# Is total phosphorous removal required?
Type Chemical
# Is chemical feed required to sustain process?
Is nutrient removal process operating properly?
Comment:
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 operator
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?
Comment:
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
Page#7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00
Permit:NC0063096
Inspection Date:03/30/2021
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Holly Springs WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
# 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?
Comment:
Page#8
DocuSign Envelope ID: D281EC8D-F2DD-4961-9D60-A767896D5D00