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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQ0013398_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210916DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 �v AATE r �,a ROY COOPER Governor - ,� sw ELIZABETHS.BISERr ? Secretary �a S. DANIEL SMITH NORTH CARouNA Direcmr Ennrunmentaf Quality October 01, 2021 Tim Tilma, Utility Manager 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC 800 Sandpiper Club Drive Sunset Beach, NC 28468 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY Tracking Number: NOD-2021-PC-0495 Permit No. WQ0013398 Sandpiper Bay WWTP Brunswick County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sandpiper Bay WWTP on September 16, 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. WQ0013398. A summary of the findings and comments noted during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report. The Compliance Evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the Wilmington Regional Office. The following deficiencies or items were noted during the inspection: Inspection Area Description of Deficiency Treatment Activated Sludge Provide plan for taking an aeration basin or pair down for repair & cleaning and cleaning & any needed repairs to subordinate clarifier. Treatment Barscreen Provide a plan and timetable for repair or replacement of the splitter box portion or the entire structure. Treatment Filters Provide a plan and timetable for repair of the automatic backwashing function, repair of air scour leaks, possible leak between unit(s) & EQ Basin noted in engineering report, replacement of media & any needed repairs on underdrains. Treatment Influent Pump Notify the inspector when the remaining repairs on the influent pump station are complete along with the exposed electrical junction boxes. Please provide the above plans within 30 days of your receipt of this report & Notice. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for failing to properly operate and maintain treatment unit components and any additional violations of State law. To prevent further action, carefully review these deficiencies and address the causes of non-compliance to prevent the recurrence of similar situations. O}/ xann arou�a�v.rvaF�am,:�ui 3.�amrlon�Imoruv t.�v..�.: m«.. „D 1�P wIWrngte 9�r 0 IIX C, rne10-IN—Im r MII NntnC 1W 2W5 910.i%.5215 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dean Hunkele with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215. Sincerely, EDocuSigned by: Toµ '[1�0 �►-� OA, 7F141E73B6F3456... Tom Tharrington, Asst. Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENT Cc: Upload to Laserfiche y xa..rr csrou�a>k .rv'11X—C :1ui 3.U`m'I'"I M-'Io- .v,th- 0...^ .D Q�f wix,me<anx�v'on.rom i rz�carar�monw<ur.r�io� r vnimirym.. r+�.rn u.�im.asws 910.i%.5215 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0013398 Effective: 10/21/20 Expiration: 01/31/27 Owner : 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sandpiper Bay WWTP County: Brunswick 7407 Hermitage Ln Region: Wilmington Sunset Beach NC 28468 Contact Person: Blair C Tanner Title: Corporate Manager Phone: 910-579-9120 Directions to Facility: System Classifications: SI, WW2, Primary ORC: Sunny Wright Certification: 28813 Phone: 910-253-9728 Secondary ORC(s): Wilburn Allen Williams 15664 910-454-0512 On -Site Representative(s): On -site representative Timothy P Tilma 910-579-9120 On -site representative Sunny Wright 910-880-4178 Related Permits: WQCSD0526 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC - Sandpiper Bay Deemed Collection System Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 11:45AM Primary Inspector: Dean Hunkele Docusigned by: Phone: 910-796-7215 Secondary Inspector(s): EE 101112021 E1D9294C4D3746E... DocuSigned by: Reason for Inspection: Routine -Tom- —N..cr, o, Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Wate 7F141E73B6F3456... 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 Influent Pump Station Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Disinfection Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps Storage End Use -Reuse Standby Power (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: Some repair issues noted during previous site visits are finally beginning to take place with new electrcial panels installed for the influent pump station & the main plant, but several electrical junction boxes and electrical controls for filter backwashing remain non-functional or exposed to the elements due to corrosion representing a significant electricution safety issue. Some metal work for connecting basins was ongoing during the visit. The Division is in possession of an updated, comprehensive engineering report from May 2019 commissioned by the Utility that analyzed and evaluated the entire treatment facility using a previous report from the same firm in October 2009. The highlights/recommendations of that report include the following: 1. Replace pump rails in influent pump station, upgrade its panel, and repair back-up generator. 2. Mentions reviewing the capacity of the facility's blower system which is beyond the inspector's ability to comment, but no issues were detected during the very limited operation of the blowers while present. Blowers were replaced or soundproofing added following a complaint back in April 2015. 3. Mentions an air leak in one of the clarifier returns needing repair; this was not observed during the limited air use while on -site. If still present it should be repaired when the basins feeding it are taken down for cleaning, inspection, and repair on air delivery & diffusers. 4. Mentions a leak in the common wall between the EQ Basin and filter needing repair; this was not observed, thus either it has been repaired (unlikely) or is significantly below the waterline or not easily observed with grating in place. If still present, this would allow untreated wastewater to enter the filter & bypass treatment plus lead to increased fouling of the filter's surface. The filter should be cleaned & inspected for additional needed repairs and have its media replaced when the leak is repaired; operator indicates the last O&M on filter occurred about 9 years ago. 5. Mentions the same observations made during this inspection on the condition of the chlorine contact basin feed and chlorinators. 6. Mentions replacement of the treatment facility's main control panel which has been completed and repair of electrical junction boxes which were noted during this and the previous inspection Page 2 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Type Yes No NA NE Infiltration System ❑ Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, HR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑ Recycle/Reuse ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Reuse (Quality) 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: Operational issues with units will be discussed in those sections and/or in the summary. Treatment Influent Pump Station Yes No NA NE Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the general housekeeping acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are floats/controls operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are SCADA/Telemetry available? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are SCADA/Telemetry operational? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: The pump rails remain broken inside the wetwell and are slated to be replaced. The electrical panel was recently replaced, but the telemetry component is on back order due to pandemic supply issues. Until telemetry is available, the facility should be inspected daily to ensure station is operating and plant is powered in some manner. 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? Yes No NA NE ❑❑■❑ Page 3 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Meter was calibrated on 9-29-2021 after post inspection request for previous calibration report: no info provided on previous date. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Generator was recently repaired, but the unit is showing its age and effects of exposure to the elements. If replaced, it is recommended that the generator be covered to limit its exposure and help prolong its life. 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: Screenings are collected in buckets and assumed to be disposed of off -site since no dumpster is present on the site. The bar spacing is adequate for solids handling pumps which is what the sewer system & influent pump station supposedly utilize. The unit is in fair condition but is all connected with the splitter box which is in poor condition with the inability to adjust basin feed weirs and excess overflow from pump feed rate. Based on a design flow of 150K/day, the feed rate into the aeration basins should be approx. 104-qpm and the permit renewal indicates the installed pumps are 156-qpm, thus the overlow needs to be functional & adjustable. The combination unit is steel and needs to be replaced with a corrosion resistant material ideally ctninlacc ctacl Treatment Activated Sludge Is the aeration mechanism operable? Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? Yes No NA NE ■❑❑❑ ■❑❑❑ ❑■❑❑ Page 4 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The diffusers appear to have a single header thus accessing the diffusers would require draining the tankage completely for inspection and maintenance which would require planning and possible use of a temporary frac tank for excess influent if the remaining basins in operation & EQ basin is insufficient. Flows are at approx 40% of installed design which will make taking half of plant (2 basins) down without overburdening the remaining half more difficult especially if flows increase, thus any work needed with a basin(s) off-line should be planned soon. If functional valving between the paired basins is available, then it may be possible to isolate each tank and use temporary pumps to move flow from tank #1 to its dedicated clarifier. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: 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 filter has to be manually backwashed as the electrical components allowinq the auto backwashing function needs replacement/repair. Prior to operating the scour manually, the filter surface had considerable solids present and the cycle appeared unable to fully clean it with a single cycle, thus ideally the filter should function automatically with manual scour periodically used if deemed necessary. The air delivery appeared uneven and at least one leak was observed: the operator stated filter hasn't been cleaned and inspected in at least 9 years, thus it appears time to do so which requires planning and adequate space in the 5-Day Upset Pond or a Frac tank to accept flow that might fail turbidity. Page 5 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑ If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Plenty of space to waste was available. 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: The steel junction box and piping feeding the tablet chlorinators are heavily corroded and need to be replaced soon. Additionally, the plastic tablet chlorinators are becoming degraded and are cracked/broken where they connect to the junction box piping, thus will need to be replaced when the junction box is replaced. This work will likely be needed within the next couple of years unless it fails prior to that time. 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)? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 6 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are there any 2L GW quality violations? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are lab sheets available for review? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Records/invoices for recent repairs were available. End Use -Reuse Yes No NA NE 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine 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? 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: There is a simple sign about use of reclaimed water where green fees are paid; no further info provided, but utility should have an informational sheet for residents or golfers about reclaimed wastewater. The disposal volume was reduced with last renewal to reflect the hydraulic capacity of the only approved & utilized golf course holes, thus additional disposal will need to be added with any treatment capacity expansion. IRRIGATION POND 1 - Storacte Yes No NA NE Storage Type? Pond Storage amount? # At what point is side -stream wastewater returned to treatment? Is there a Spill Control Plan? ❑ ❑ ❑ Aerated or Mixed? NONE If aeration is present, is it adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is influent structure acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are banks/berms free of seepage and erosion? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are banks/berms free of excessive vegetation? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is pond lined? ❑ ❑ ❑ Liner Type Is liner acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are baffles/curtains acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the pond have a freeboard marker? ❑ ❑ ❑ Required freeboard? 2 Feet Actual freeboard? 4 Feet Is there suitable grassed vegetation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 8 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Is the vegetation maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the area free of excessive weeds and/or woody species? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the area free from signs of overflow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is color acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are floating mats acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ No excessive buildup of solids? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are aerators/mixers acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is effluent structure acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ If present, is pond cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Some minor erosion on inner wall of berm separating 5-Day pond from this one. Trees and brush beginning to overhang pond adding to input of deritus into it. Effluent withdrawal structural supports damaged by tropical storm and pipe currently held off bottom by ropes. Plan is to replace supports or add floatation to piping 5-DAY UPSET 1 Treatment Lagoons Yes No NA NE Lagoon Type None Primary/Secondary Primary Influent structure 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Banks/berms (seepage and erosion) ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Vegetation (excessive vegetation on banks/berms) ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Liner 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Liner Type Full, clay Baffles/curtains ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Freeboard Marker 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Required freeboard 2 Feet Actual freeboard 2.5 Feet Are increments clearly marked on gauge at adequate intervals? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Has the water level gauge been surveyed w/ respect to lowest point on dike? wall? ❑ ❑ ❑ No Evidence of overflow 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Acceptable color 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Floating mats ❑ ❑ ❑ Excessive solids buildup ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Page 9 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: D9749B5A-3649-479E-A761-A01A009CA8B7 Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility:904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC Inspection Date: 09/16/2021 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Aerators/mixers Effluent structure ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ Lagoon cover ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Page 10 of 10