NC0086550_Inspection_20130607

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North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Pat McCrory Thomas A. Reeder John E. Skvarla, III
Governor Acting Director Secretary
June 7, 2013
Linda Vause, Manager
Town of Fairmont
421 South Main Street.
Fairmont, North Carolina 28340
Subject: COMPLIANCE EVALUATION INSPECTION
Fairmont Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility
NPDES Permit Number NC008655.0
Robeson County
Dear-Ms:-Vause:-.--
Enclosed please find the Compliance Evaluation Inspection report for the inspection conducted
May 13, 2013. I would like to thank Mr. Johnny Britt ORC and Mr. Ronnie Seals, Public Works
Director for their time taken to participate in the inspection and discussion of NPDES Permit and
related items.
The inspection revealed that the Town of Fairmont is in general compliance with NPDES Permit
NC86550. Please note the following findings and comments related to the inspection.
1. Grit Removal and Step Screen (at old wastewater treatment facility.) As part of the
inspection a review of the headworks at the old wastewater treatment facility (located at the end
of Brown Street) was perfoimed. Located at this location is manual and automatic bar screens as
will as grit rcmoval.
Reportedly the grit removal unit has been out of operation for about two months. Please note that
when treatment units are taken out of service for routine repairs/maintenance or due to unplanned
reasons the Town should report such outages to the DWQ Fayetteville Regional Office OFRO)
as outlined in your permit.. The Town is asked to notify the FRO when repairs are completed.
The notificationshould be in written form within ten (10) days of the Town addressing this
matter.
Also noted. was the "dumpster" used to handle screenings from the bar screen as well as the
"dumpster" used to handle grit and other debris removed from incoming wastewater had holes in
the bottom of containers. As the noted holes will allow waste to be discharged onto the ground
225 Green Street- Suite 714 — Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5095
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] \ Customer Service 1-877-623-6748
Internet: www.ncwaterouality.orq
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
No thCarolina
Naturally

Ms. Vause
June 7, 2013
Page 2 of 2
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the Town is asked to repair/replace or otherwise modify the pad so that drainage from the
dumpsters is returned to the wastewater collection and treatment system.
The Town is asked to notify the FRO when repairs or modifications have been completed.
The notification should be in written form within ten (10) days of the Town addressing this
matter.
2. Blowers. It was noted that one of the blower control boards/panel is out of service. The Town
is urged to repair the control(s) as soon as possible The Town should treat this item as a urgent
matter as the loss of additional blower units could result in treatment upsets. The Town is asked
to notify the FRO when repairs to the blower control(s) has been completed. The
notification should be in written form within ten (10) days of the Town addressing this
matter.
Also, the Town is reminded that blower filters should be changed as needed to protect the
blowers from damage and to reduce power usage.
3. Aeration Basins. It was noted that one of the two aeration basins was not being aerated at the
time of the inspection. This item was discussed with Mr. Britt. Unless the Town has
implemented an operational technique that the writer is unaware of the Town is urged to
maintain aeration in both basins to ensure compliance with NPDES permit limits.
4. Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) General Condition. The Wastewater Treatment
Facility (WWTF) and grounds were found to be clean and neat in appearance.
5. Record Keeping. All requested information was produced upon request. Please continue to
document all maintenance activities at the WWTF that includes but not necessarily limited to
"all" O&M items at the WWTF including preventative maintenance and testing of standby
generator(s), ORC/Back-up ORC visitation and process control activities.
If you have questions or comments pertaining to this letter or enclosed report, please do not
hesitate to contact the Fayetteville Regional Office at [phone].
Sincerely,
PER/pr
Enclosure: Inspection Report
cc: Johnny Britt, ORC, Fairmont WWTF
FRO Files (Mark Brantley)]
DWQ Central Files
Paul E. Rawls
Environmental Program Consultant

United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Washington, D.C. 20460
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Form Approved.
OMB No. 2040-0057
Approval expires 8 31 98
Section A: National Data System Coding (Le., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection
1 I N 1 2 1 51 31 NC0086550 111 121 13/05/13 117
Type Inspector Fac Type
181 C I 191 S I 201 11
I 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 166
Remarks
21111I 1 1 1 I I 1 1 I I 1 1 I 1111111111111111
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA--------------------Reserved
671 169 701 3 711 I 721 N I 731 1 174 751
1 1 1 1 1 1 180
-� Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
.
Fairmont Regional WWTP
Off US Hwy 74
Fairmont NC 28340
Entry Time/Date
09:00 AM 13/05/13
Permit Effective Date
09/11/01
Exit Time/Date
02:00 PM 13/05/13
Permit Expiration Date
14/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Johnny J Britt/ORC/910-628-0064/
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Johnny J Britt,PO Box 248 Fairmont NC 283400248/Superintendent/910-628-0064/ No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
as necessary)
t; s Permit ; *; Flow Measurement . Operations & Maintenance ; Records/Reports
BS Facility Site Review
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers
Paul E Rawls FRO WQ//"94 3/
?.._S12—..-------
Date
(c, —1--2..0CI
Signature of Management A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
AA
Belinda S Henson ,J FRO WQ//910-433-3300 Ext.726/ 6,- / U — /3
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page # 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
3 I NC0086550 111. 12I 13/05/13 117 18 I CI
(cont.) 1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
1. Grit Removal and Step Screen (at old wastewater treatment facility.) As part of the inspection a review of
the headworks at the old wastewater treatment facility (located at the end of Brown Street) was performed.
Located at this location is manual and automatic bar screens as well as grit removal.
Reportedly the grit removal unit has been out of operation for about two months. Please note that when
treatment units are taken out of service for routine repairs/maintenance or due to unplanned reasons the
Town should report such outages to the DWQ Fayetteville Regional Office ()FRO) as outlined in your
permit. The Town is asked to notify the FRO when repairs are completed. The notification should be in
written form within ten (10) days of the Town addressing this matter.
Also noted was the "dumpster" used to handle screenings from the bar screen as well as the "dumpster'
used to handle grit and other debris removed from incoming wastewater had holes in the bottom of
containers. As the noted holes will allow waste to be discharged onto the ground the Town is asked to
repair/replace or otherwise modify the pad so that drainage from the dumpsters is returned to the
wastewater collection and treatment system.
The Town is asked to notify the FRO when repairs or modifications have been completed. The notification___
should be in written form within ten (10) days of the Town addressing this matter.
2. Blowers. It was noted that one of the blower control boards/panel is out of service. The Town is urged to
repair the control(s) as soon as possible The Town should treat this item as a urgent matter as the loss of
additional blower units could result in treatment upsets. The Town is asked to notify the FRO when repairs
to the blower control(s) has been completed. The notification should be in written form within ten (10) days
of the Town addressing this matter.
Also, the Town is reminded that blower filters should be changed as needed to protect the blowers from
damage and to reduce power usage.
3. Aeration Basins. It was noted that one of the two aeration basins was not being aerated at the time of the
inspection. This item was discussed with Mr. Britt. Unless the Town has implemented an operational
technique that the writer is unaware of the Town is urged to maintain aeration in both basins to ensure
compliance with NPDES permit limits.
and grounds were found to be clean and neat in appearance.
5. Record Keeping. All requested information was produced upon request. Please continue to document all
maintenance activities at the WWTF that includes but not necessarily limited to "all" O&M items at the
WWTF including preventative maintenance and testing of standby generator(s), ORC/Back-up ORC
Page # 2

Permit: NC0086550 Owner - Facility: Fairmont Regional WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/13/2013 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
visitation and process control activities.
Page # 3

Permit: NC0086550 Owner - Facility: Fairmont Regional WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/13/2013 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? MOOD
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge ®n n n
Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Permit
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or Tess). Has the permittee submitted a new application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
Comment: Plant site was neat and free of excessive vegetation.
Pump Station - Influent
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? ®❑ ❑ ❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? ®❑ n n
Are all pumps present? ®❑ n ❑
Are all pumps operable? ®❑ n ❑
Are float controls operable? ■ n n ❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? nnnis
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? _ n ❑ ❑
Comment:
Bar Screens
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris? Ein n n
Is the screen free of excessive debris? ©n n n
Is disposal of screening in compliance? ®❑ ❑ n
Is the unit in good condition? E ❑ ❑ n
Comment: See Summary Section of this report for comments relating to screening
management.
Pump Station - Effluent
Yes No NA NE
Page # 4

Permit: NC0086550 Owner - Facility: Fairmont Regional WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/13/2013 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Pump Station - Effluent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass.lines or structures? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps present? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable?. MOOD
Are float controls operable? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? ©n ❑ n
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ■ n ❑ ❑
Comment: Alarms were tested during the inspection.
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE •
Type of grit removal
a.Manual ❑
b.Mechanical �.
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
Is the grit free of excessive odor? ■ ❑ n ❑
# Is disposal of grit in compliance? ®n n n
Comment: See Summary Section of this report for comments relating to grit
management.
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? ■ ❑ n ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ®n n n
Are weirs level? ®n n n
Is the site free of weir blockage? ®❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
Is scum removal adequate?
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
Is the drive unit operational?
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth)
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Page # 5

Permit: NC0086550 Owner - Facility: Fairmont Regional WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/13/2013 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier
Comment: Sludge blaket was checked Clarifier
Clarifier #1 Blanket 3 feet deep with side wall depth 15 feet.
Clarifier #2 Blanket 3 feet deep with side wall depth 15 feet.
Aeration Basins
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
Ext. Air
Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? ®❑ ❑ ❑
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Are the diffusers operational? 11000
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? ❑ n ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? ®❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
- Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) ❑ -❑ -❑ ■
Comment: Diffuser pattern appeared normal.
De -chlorination
Type of system ? Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ i n
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? ■ ❑ ❑ n
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 0 Ili 0
Comment: Staff is urged to keep safety in mind while dealing with chlorination and
de -chlorination chemicals....PLEASE BE SAFE!
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Standby Power
Is automatically activated standby power available?
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
Is the generator tested under load?
Was generator tested & operational during the inspection?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page # 6

Permit: NC0086550 Owner - Facility: Fairmont Regional wwTP
Inspection Date: 05/13/2013 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Standby Power
Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
Comment: Town staff monitors fuel level.
Disinfection -Liquid
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
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DORM
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Yes No NA NE
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Page # 7