WQ0004059_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210518

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0004059 Effective: 10/22/19 Expiration: 05/31/25 Owner : Sugarloaf Utility Inc
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Atlantic Station WWTP
County: Carteret 915 W Fort Macon Rd
Region: Wilmington
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
Contact Person: William T Smith Title: President Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
From Wilmington travel north on US Highway 17 to NC 24 to NC58 to Atlantic Beach. Turn right onto Fort Macon Road. The faclity is
located on the southside of Fort Macon Road directly across from BoJangles Resturant
System Classifications: WW3.,
Primary ORC: Joseph A Lawrence Certification: 6418 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
On -site representative Daniel Edward Fortin 252-393-8720
Related Permits:
WQ0018525 Barnes Environmental Waste and Hauling Inc - Barnes Environmental RLAP
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Entry Time 10:15AM Exit Time: 11:15AM
Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez Doc°Sienetd�by: Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):E n
39694BE,
Reason for Inspection: Routine 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 Filters
Use Records
Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Disinfection End Use -Infiltration
Treatment Flow Measurement Standby Power
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Atlantic Station WWTF was conducted on May 18, 2021. The purpose of the
evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit
WQ0004059. Staff members of Fortin Contract Service were present during the inspection.
Atlantic Station WWTF consists of an extended aeration biological wastewater treatment package plant with two high -rate
infiltration fields with rotary distributer systems. In the summer months, the flow can reach approximately 25,000 gpd of the
permitted 100,000 gpd. The sludge holding tank was replaced in late 2019 to meet Schedule 1.1 in the current permit.
A review of NDMR/NDAR monitoring records from 2019 to the present shows four fecal, two ammonia and one BOD limit
exceedances. A review of GW-59 monitoring records show continuing exceedances in Nitrate and TDS in MW-1.
The current permit, issued on October 22, 2019, has a list of conditions under Schedule 1.1-5. To date, the following
conditions have not been met:
* MW-1A has not been installed within 90 days of the effective date of the permit. Therefore, the condition of submitting an
updated site map and a Well Construction Record (Form GW-1) have also not been met (Schedule 1.2,3,4).
* MW-1 and MW-3 have not been permanently abandoned within 60 days of the effective date of the permit (Schedule 1.5).
In addition, the following items were observed during the inspection:
* The EQ tank has holes/leaks in the walls so there is little or no flow control to the dual aeration tanks (15A NCAC 02T
.07070)).
* The rotary distributers do not rotate as designed and effluent was observed flowing from the center. Also, many spray
nozzles were not operable (15A NCAC 02T .07070)).
* Ponding of the infiltration sites was observed (15A NCAC 02T 0707(c)).
* The MWs are not secured with locks (Inspection NOD on 02/01/2019).
It appears to be a challenge to operate the plant and meet the permit requirements due to the present condition of the plant
and limited funding. The facility is not compliant with Non -Discharge Permit WQ0004059. An Notice of Violation with Intent
to Assess will be issued. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
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: Staff indicated that the EQ has holes/leaks throughout the walls of the tank so there is no flow
control to the dual aeration basins. When debris clogs the holes, the EQ is operational. The
clarifier, located on the south side, was not in operation due to the problematic EQ issues. Both
rotary distributors no longer rotate as designed.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The flowmeter was calibrated on 4-30-2021.
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The -generator transferred power to the plant during a simulated power outage. It is tested
under load weekly.
Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: When the influent flows through the holes in the EQ, the dual aeration basins, along with the
EQ tank, treat the wastewater as one aeration tank. The EQ had a heavy grease laver
covering the whole tank.
Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The clarifier, located on the south side, was not in operation due to the problematic EQ issues.
It was covered in algae.
Treatment Filters
Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑
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 dosing tank high-water visual alarm was not operable during inspection. The alarm trigger
the autodialer to notify the operators.
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The sludge holding tank was replaced in late 2019. Barnes Environmental removes sludge
when needed.
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? (1000- - )
If yes, then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: There have been four violations for fecal exceedances in 2020.
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are operational logs present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
❑
❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Comment: Flow rates are well below permitted flow. MW#1 has had many
groundwater limit exceedances
due to its location. It has not been relocated as required by the current permit schedule.
End Use -Infiltration
Yes No NA NE
# Is the application High Rate or Low Rate?
High
Rate
Are buffers maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells required?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 05/18/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: Effluent was flowing from the center of both rotary distributers causing ponding on the middle
of the fields. The arms of the distributers were not rotating as designed and many nozzles were
not operable. Ponding and vegetation was seen under the areas where the nozzles were
spraying effluent. MW-3 has not been permanently abandoned and MW-1A has not been
installed to replace MW-1 as reauired in the current permit schedule.
Page 7 of 7