NC0026921_Technical Assistance_20000622

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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT 'OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
June 22, 2000
The Honorable Timothy Parnell, Mayor
Town of Parkton
P.O. Box 55
Parkton, N. C. 28371
Subject: Technical Assistance Visit
Parkton WWTP.
NPDES Permit No. NC0026921
Robeson County
DearMayor Parnell:
I enjoyed meeting with you and Roy Lowder, the Public Works Director
for the Town, on Monday, June 12, 2000. This technical assistance visitation was
at your request and is the second visitation occurring in less than 12 months, see
the attached August 27, 1999 report.
• During our recent meeting, we discussed the recent noncompliance permit
issues and the near -future release of the current ORC, Leonard Green, from
employment with the t6wn and filling the pOsition with the back up ORC Roy
Lowder. Roy took the Grade II exam last week.
The three of us went to the wastewater plant for an educational tour and
discussed the proper operation and function of each component of the treatment -
facility. We looked closely at the possible cause and effects of theirecent non-
compliance of the facility and made some adjustments to try and remedy the -
situation.' The following things 'were observed, discussed, and/or adjusted:
(1) It was noted that the influent flow to the aeration basins was -not split equally, #1
was getting. themost flow. Roy was going to try placing a flat block in the #1
channel to try and divert more flow to the #2 basin.
(2) The aeration basins were checked for sand, fmding the most in basin #1, but was
of no immediate concern at this time.
Discussed the clarifier operation and recycle flowrates. The flows were adjusted
downward to reduce the hydraulic impact on the clarifiers and it was emphasized
that the return should be quick but thick.
(4) The digester has a telescoping supernatant draw -off that is broken, as well as
several valves that must be replaced be -cause they are frozen in their current
position. It is apparent that the solids handling/digestion part of the system has
not been used for quite some time.
(5) The drying beds are very low on sand and it needs to be replenished before they
•
are used.
(3)
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Mayor Parnell
Page 2
June 22, 2000
(6) The flow paced chlorinator feed -rate was adjusted to maintain a higher chlorine residual. It was
apparent the staff did not know how to adjust the flow paced feed rate. This knowledge should
result in not having any more fecal coliform violations.
(7)
An additional suggestion that I spoke with Roy'' regarding, is to consider turning off the brush
aerators during high flow periods, due to storm event inflow, in order to retain the solids in the
basin and not washing them out of the clarifier. This should only be tried for brief periods of time,
such as 3-4 hours to prevent the complete depletion of oxygen from the activated sludge.
(8) It is imperative that a daily log be kept on the facility operations and maintenance. This log_should
record as a minimum the daily readings for aeration basin dissolved oxygen, pH readings, sludge
blanket depths, chlorine residual, wasting to or supernating from the digester, etc.
(9)
It is important that all involved municipal staff understand the N.P.D.E.S. Permit Limits,
monitoring requirements and reporting properly the monthly monitoring reports. This knowledge
will allow prompt action on the part of the Town to address noncompliance and to possibly prevent
further enforcement actions by the Division.
I will continue to work closely with your staff to see that all deficiencies are corrected and this
facility is fully operational and in compliance no later than September 1, 2000.
If you should have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Don Register
Environmental Technician IV
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