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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0037287_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210416DocuSign Envelope ID: 37AF866E-DCE4-4FC2-9152-71 F760875D6D ROY COOPER Governor - DIONNEDELLI-GATTI`. Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA Director Environmental Qualify April 14, 2021 Randy R Hoffer Pluris Hampstead LLC 1095 NC Hwy 210 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Pluris Hampstead WWTP Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0037287 Pender County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Pluris Hampstead WWTP on 4/04/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0037287. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". As mentioned during a post inspection conversation, monitoring well MW-1 was not installed at the location depicted in the permit. For this reason, please install a new monitoring at this location to adhere to the existing permit within 90 days. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Lievre with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at Bryan.Lievre@ncdenr.gov. ATTACHMENTS Cc: Laserfiche Sincerely, EKi DocuSigned by: bmu_a, ScuAt6,11141" E3ABA14AC7DC434... Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ D North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources ,./ Wilmington Regional Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmingmn. North Carolina 26405 910.796,7215 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0037287 Effective: 01/23/20 Expiration: 01/31/26 Owner: Pluris Hampstead LLC SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Pluris Hampstead WWTP County: Pender Hogans Trl Region: Wilmington Hampstead NC 28443 Contact Person: Randy R Hoffer Title: Regional Utility Manager Phone: 910-327-2880 Directions to Facility: System Classifications: WW3, Primary ORC: Kristion Shelby King Secondary ORC(s): William Elliott Andrews On -Site Representative(s): Certification: 1002807 1005228 Related Permits: NC0089524 Pluris Hampstead LLC - Pluris Hampstead WWTP Phone: 910-852-0629 Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 11:OOAM Primary Inspector: John Perry ocuSigned by: 4/16/2021 Phone: 910-796-7341 Secondary Inspector(s): OWI, kevvy E�790'C Q9841�gned by: Jennifer C Rya�(� ► N aJA, Reason for Inspection: Other oa9e oBAz,s547c . Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Permit Inspection Type: High Rate Infiltration Facility Status: Compliant ❑ Not Compliant Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Treatment Treatment Barscreen Use Records Treatment Filters Record Keeping Treatment Lagoons Treatment Activated Sludge Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Disinfection End Use -Infiltration Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps Storage Standby Power Wells (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: WQ0037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other Inspection Summary: An inspection of the Pluris Hampstead Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Permit Number W00037287, was performed on April 6, 2021 in order to verify compliance with the existing permit. Present during the meeting were Randy Hoffer and Kris King (both with Pluris), as well as John Perry, Jennifer Ryan and Bryan Lievre (all with NCDEQ, DWR). The system includes a 250,000 gpd WWTP with high -rate infiltration basins, and a groundwater lowering system. The WWTP includes the following components: - One (1) 5,735 gallon influent wet well with odor control system; - Two (2) rotary drum fine screens with 2 millimeter openings and a washing press; - One (1) 125,000 gallon pre-anoxic/flow equalization basin with: o Two (2) submersible mixers o Three (3) 1,200 gpm pumps o A 55-gallon Micro-C storage tank with two 0.33 gallon per hour chemical metering pumps - Two (2) 38,130 gallon pre -aeration tanks with: o A fine bubble diffuser system o Two flowmeters o A 55-gallon alum (aluminum sulfate) storage tank with two 0.20 gallon per hour chemical metering pumps - One (1) 50,640 gallon post anoxic basin with two (2) submerged mixers - Three (3) 20,198 gallon MBR basins with six (6) 0.04 micron membrane units with: o Three (3) 350 cfm positive displacement blowers o Three (3) flow meters o Three (3) 257 gpm centrifugal permeate pumps - Seven (7) 350 scfm at 8.5 psig blowers; and, - One (1) 38,130 gallon aerobic digester basin with fine bubble diffuser system. The infiltration system includes: - Two (2) high -rate infiltration basins at 0.124 acres, each and separated by 100 feet of engineered fill; - Basin #1 has been approved for a maximum infiltration capacity of 791,000 gpd; and, - Basin #2 has been approved for a maximum infiltration capacity of 427,000 gpd. The groundwater lowering system includes: - A gravity flow subsurface drainage system with --992 linear feet of 12 inch HDPE pipe and --425 linear feet of 18 inch HDPE pipe; - A 4,138,564 gallon unlined groundwater storage pond; and, - A pumping system and spray irrigation fields (not included within the existing permit). The system has proposed to increase the capacity of the WWTP from 0.250 million gallons per day (MGD) to 0.500 MGD with the following modifications: • Taking the influent gravity wet well and odor control system offline; • Converting the existing digester to a pre -aeration basin; • Installing the remaining membrane cassettes in MBR 3; • Installing a new 125,000 gallon aerobic digester with diffuser air system; • Installing a new 240,000 gallon equalization basin with two (2) pumps capable of 450 gpm each; • Adding a static screen prior to the proposed equalization basin; and, • Installing a total of three wasting/rescreening pumps at 25 gpm each in the MBR basins. The only item of concern resulting from this inspection was the location of monitoring well MW-1. It is recommended that a new well be located between the southern infiltration basin and the borrow area pond, as depicted within the existing permit. The installation and subsequent sampling of a well in this location would be beneficial in attempting to detect compounds prior to their detection in the borrow pit pond. Messrs. Hoffer and King were extremely knowledgeable of plant operations and were very helpful during the inspection. The Page 2 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: WQ0037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other system seems to be well operated and maintained. The records were readily available, very thorough and well organized. The facility is compliant with Permit WQ0037287. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details. Page 3 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: WQ0037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other Type Yes No NA NE Reuse (Quality) ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, HIR ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Recycle/Reuse ❑ Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑ Infiltration System 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: One of the pre -aeration basins is being used as a digester for sludge storage and solidification tc supplement the existing digester basin. The system also has Permit NCO089524 to discharge to Island Creek (Stream Segment 18-74-50) within the Cape Fear River Basin, however, use of this permit was only anticipated in the event the basins could not handle the flow and use of this discharge option has never been utilized. Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Although not required (nor listed within) the permit for the facility, the system is equipped with an influent flow meter which is typically calibrated annually. Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 4 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: WQ0037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Liquid level flow meters are located at the weirs prior to each of the infiltration basins. Both flow meters were last calibrated by Delta Systems Environmental on 12/15/2020. Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does generator have adequate fuel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: A 400 kW diesel Dowered emeraencv aenerator is automaticallv tested under load each Tuesday. During Hurricane Florence (9/2018), the system ran for an extended period of time (2.5 days) on emergency power and experienced no operational issues. Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE Is it free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screenings in compliance? Are the bars spaced properly? Is the unit in good condition? ■❑❑❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■❑❑❑ Comment: Grit and other solids accumulate in a 5.735 aallon around level storaae basin (wet well) and can be removed by vacuum truck or other method. Wastewater then flows into dual Vulcan Liqui-Fuse rotary fine screens with 2 mm openings to remove debris. The screenings are conveyed to a dumpster for landfill disposal on a weekly basis. Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: The staff maintain a DO of at least 6 mg/L and mixed liquor is maintained at about 12,000-13,00( mg/L. Treatment Return pumps Are they in place? Are they operational? Yes No NA NE ■❑❑❑ ■❑❑❑ Comment: Wastewater flow rates (includina recvcle rates) throuah the treatment arocess are controlled b setting the flowrates from the EQ/Pre-Anoxic Basin pumps and adjusting a telescoping valve at the end of the MBR basin. Flow is currently being adjusted with 2/3 of flow being returned and the remaining 1/3 of the flow as flow -through. Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: WQ0037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other Is the filter media the correct size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The MBR system uses membranes with 0.04 micron filtration capacity. The membranes are automatically set to air scour as flow decreases through the units. Sodium hypochlorite (-12%) is used to clean the filters and to a lesser extend citric acid, if needed. Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE Is the aeration operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration pattern even? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Sludge is recovered as needed by Weslev Wooten and brought to Lewis Farms for disposal. 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? (1 000-- ) If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? ■❑❑❑ ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ Comment: The system has no disinfection Drocess for effluent to the infiltration basins. The Dore size of 0.04 microns for the membrane filters was designed to be small enough to prevent bacteria from advancing beyond the activated sludge process. A review of NDMR data for the effluent sampling point (PPI-001) indicates that the system has not experienced any problems with fecal nnlifnrm Page 6 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: WQ0037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are application rates adhered to? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)? ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are annual soil reports available? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are PAN records required? ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? E ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: March 2021 records were throughly reviewed and records for other months were observed to be present in similar manner. The system is currently operating at an average monthly flow of 160,000 qpd. No violations have been reported for this facility to date. The current permit was issued 1/23/202 and is effective until 1/31/2026 although a request has been submitted to modifti the permit and allow a flow of 500,000 qpd through the WWTP with modifications to the system. End Use -Infiltration Yes No NA NE # Is the application High Rate or Low Rate? High Rate Are buffers maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is municipal water available in the area? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: E14CF063-E939-40F7-BE90-BB7F42333FBB Permit: W00037287 Owner - Facility: Pluris Hampstead LLC Inspection Date: 04/04/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Other Are GW monitoring wells required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a usable green area maintained? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the disposal site acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the distribution equipment acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the disposal site free of ponding? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the disposal site free of breakout? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the disposal sites free of solids, algae, etc.? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do the records show that the fields are properly maintained? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are the disposal sites free of vegetation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do any surface water features appear to be adversely impacted by GW discharge? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: The most recent permit, issued 1/23/2020 peovided approval for infiltration of—791,000 qpd in Basin #1 and-427,000 gpd in Basin #2. A potable water supply well for the bathrooms for the WWTP is located approximately 225' northeast of the northeast end of the northern infiltration basin. It is assumed that this well complies with set -back requirements since it is within 50 feet of the northern property boundary and >100' of the infiltration basin. Exisitng monitoring wells MW-1, MW-2 and MW-3 were inspected and found to be equipped with concrete pads and locking stick-up outer casings. Monitoring well MW-1 is depicted within the permit as being located between the southern infiltration basin (i.e. "Field #2") and a borrow area which is now a Dond. However. the well is actuallv located south of the borrow area. Page 8 of 8