WQ0003765_New Bern Seven Inspection_20210525

May 24, 2021
Mark A Stephens
City of New Bern
PO Box 1129
New Bern, NC 28563-1129
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
New Bern Seven WRF
Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0003765
Craven County
Dear Mr. Stephens:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the New Bern Seven WRF
on 5/11/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with
the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0003765. 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 Paul Mays with the Water Quality
Regional Operations Section in the Washington Regional Office at 252-948-3940 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
Paul, M.a.ts
Paul Mays, Environmental Specialist 1
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Washington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Laserfiche

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0003765
SOC:
County: Craven
Region: Washington
Effective: 08/02/17
Effective:
Expiration:
Expiration:
07/31/22 Owner : City of New Bern
Facility: New Bern Seven WRF
1640 Old Airport Rd
New Bern NC 28562
Contact Person: Mark A Stephens Title: City Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
Take US HWY 17 S of New Bern, turn right onto Airport Rd. and then left onto Old Airport Rd. at 1640 Old Airport Rd., New Bern, NC
28562
System Classifications: WW2, SI,
Primary ORC: John Timothy Scott Certification: 1004255 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021
Primary Inspector: Paul M Mays
Secondary Inspector(s):
Entry Time 12:20PM
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water
Facility Status: M Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Exit Time: 01:50PM
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
II Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent IM Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
▪ Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Treatment
Use Records
▪ Treatment Filters Record Keeping
▪ End Use -Irrigation Treatment Clarifiers
gi Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps
Standby Power Wells
(See attachment summary)
111 Miscellaneous Questions
▪ Treatment Barscreen
▪ Treatment Activated Sludge
▪ Treatment Disinfection
End Use -Reuse
Page 1 of 8

Permit: WQ0003765 Owner - Facility:City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On 05/11/2021 Paul Mays with the Division of Water Resources from the Washington Regional Office conducted a
compliance evaluation of New Bern Seven WRF which operates under permit WQ0003765. The facility was found to be
complaint with permit #WQ0003765 and below are the findings/observations during the inspection.
Effluent meter calibrated on 07/20/2020 by Delta Systems.
The generator is tested weekly every Wednesday for 20 minutes automatically. Fisher Oil supplies is used for emergency
fuel. The fuel tank was % full at the time of inspection.
The MLSS appeared light brown and healthy in both aeration basins.
The sludge judge was used in both clarifiers and both clarifiers have a 1.5ft sludge blanket.
A lime feeder is used to keep pH in compliance.
The chlorine contact chamber is in the process of being cleaned. There was also some vegetation in the chamber.
Regardless, the effluent looked good.
December 2020 NDMR and GW-59 were spot checked with no discrepancies found. There are GW ammonia violations in
MW-13 and MW-17. However, this is thought to be due to old hog lagoon in a neighborhood close by.
SBF and SF fields (Recreational Fields) were found to have no issues during the inspection. It is worth noting that the facility
that owns the recreational fields no longer uses reclaimed water from New Bern Seven WRF and has not done so for a long
time.
The Reedy Branch Facility (tree farm) was also looked at during the inspection. No major issues were found in the reuse
area. The irrigation equipment looked to be in good shape, the steel reclaimed water storage tank looked good and
everything in the pumphouse looked to be in good condition.
All the monitoring wells were looked at during the inspection. The wells and the casing of the wells looked to be in good
shape. However, all the monitoring wells were unlocked and were not secured. Discussion with the ORC revealed that the
sampling team did not lock up the wells like they were supposed to and he will discuss this issue over with the sampling
team.
Page 2 of 8

Permit: WQ0003765 Owner - Facility: City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Lagoon Spray, LR
Infiltration System
Reuse (Quality)
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
Single Family Spray, LR
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
Single Family Drip
Recycle/Reuse
Treatment
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit?
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.)
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
Is flowmeter operating properly?
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
Does flowmeter record flow?
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records
Is water use metered?
Are the daily average values properly calculated?
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
Is flowmeter operating properly?
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
Does flowmeter record flow?
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
Comment: Effluent meter calibrated on 07/20/2020 by Delta Systems.
Standby Power
Is automatically activated standby power available?
Yes No NA NE
0
0
0
Yes No NA NE
•❑ ❑ ❑
11000
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑•❑
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑ � ❑
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑•❑
Yes No NA NE
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
11000
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑❑❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 3 of 8

Permit: WQ0003765 Owner - Facility: City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source?
Is generator operable?
Does generator have adequate fuel?
Comment: The generator is tested weekly every Wednesday for 20 minutes automatically. Fisher Oil
supplies is used for emergency fuel. The fuel tank was % full at the time of inspection.
Treatment Barscreen
Is it free of excessive debris?
Is disposal of screenings in compliance?
Are the bars spaced properly?
Is the unit in good condition?
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge
Is the aeration mechanism operable?
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 MLSS appeared light brown and healthy in both aeration basins.
Treatment Clarifiers
Are the weirs level?
•❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae? ■ 000
Is the scum removal system operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system accessible? MOOD
Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment The sludge judge was used in both clarifiers and both clarifiers have a 1.5ft sludge blanket.
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑❑❑
11000
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
11000
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑•
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Treatment Return pumps
Are they in place?
Are they operational?
Comment A lime feeder is used to keep pH in compliance.
Treatment Filters
Is the filter media present?
Is the filter media the correct size and type?
Is the air scour operational?
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
•❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
•❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
•❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 8

Permit: WQ0003765 Owner - Facility:City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the scouring acceptable?
Is the clear well free of excessive solids?
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media?
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate?
Comment:
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Treatment Disinfection
Yes No NA NE
Is the system working? 11❑ ❑ ❑
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? DEED
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? DMIDD
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)? DONIO
If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? ❑ ❑•❑
If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - )
If yes, then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: The chlorine contact chamber is in the process of being cleaned. There was also some
vegetation in the chamber. Regardless, the effluent looked good.
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available? 1.000
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? MI0D0
NDAR? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? •❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? In❑ ❑ ❑
Are application rates adhered to? 11000
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? II❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
Page 5 of 8

Permit: WO0003765 Owner - Facility:City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
11000
❑ ❑ ❑ •
❑ ❑•❑
❑ ❑■❑
❑ ❑•❑
❑❑■❑
• 000
■ ❑❑❑
• 000
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• 000
11000
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? •❑❑❑
Comment: December 2020 NDMR and GW-59 were spot checked with no discrepancies found. There are
GW ammonia violations in MW-13 and MW-17. However, this is thought to be due to old hog
lagoon in a neighborhood close by.
End Use -Irrigation
Are buffers adequate?
Is the cover crop type specified in permit?
Is the crop cover acceptable?
Is the site condition adequate?
Is the site free of runoff / ponding?
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized?
Is the application equipment present?
Is the application equipment operational?
Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes?
Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use?
Are any supply wells within the CB?
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
How close is the closest water supply well?
Is municipal water available in the area?
# Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells?
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
Are monitoring wells damaged?
Yes No NA NE
• 000
■ ❑❑❑
• 000
• 000
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
• 000
• 000
• 000
• 000
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑•
❑ ❑ ❑•
❑ ❑❑■
❑ ❑ ❑•
• 000
• 000
• 000
❑•❑ ❑
Page 6 of 8

Permit: WQ0003765 Owner - Facility:City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: SBF and SF fields (Recreational Fields) were found to have no issues during the inspection. It
is worth noting that the facility that owns the recreational fields no longer uses reclaimed water
from New Bern Seven WRF and has not done so for a lone time.
End Use -Reuse
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
Does the acreage specified in the permit correspond to the measured acreage at the site?
Are all essential units provided in duplicate?
Is an automatically activated standby power source available?
Is the equalization capacity adequate?
Is aerated flow equalization present?
Has the turbidity meter been calibrated in the last 12 months?
Does the turbidity meter have recording capabilities?
Is all flow diverted at the appropriate times?
Is all upset wastewater diverted from reuse storage unit?
Is all upset wastewater treated, retreated, or disposed of acceptably?
Is upset wastewater treated prior to discharge to irrigation storage?
Is public access restricted from irrigation area during active site use?
If golf course, is a sign posted in plain sight on the club house?
Is the cover crop acceptable?
Are buffers adequate?
Is the site free of ponding/runoff?
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
Is the application equipment acceptable?
Is the application area free of limiting slopes?
How close is the closest water supply well?
Are any supply wells within the CB?
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
Is municipal water available in the area?
Are GW monitoring wells required?
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑❑❑
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
•❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑•❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
11000
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑❑❑
❑ ❑ ❑•
O 0011
❑ ❑❑■
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 7 of 8

Permit: WQ0003765 Owner - Facility: City of New Bern
Inspection Date: 05/11/2021 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: The Reedy Branch Facility (tree farm) was also looked at during the inspection. No major
issues were found in the reuse area. The irrigation equipment looked to be in good shape, the
steel reclaimed water storage tank looked good and everything in the pumphouse looked to be
in good condition.
All the monitoring wells were looked at during the inspection. The wells and the casing of the
wells looked to be in good shape. However all the monitoring wells were unlocked and were
not secured. Discussion with the ORC revealed that the sampling team did not lock up the wells
like they were supposed to and he will discuss this issue over with the sampling team.
Page 8 of 8