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Home My WebLink AboutNC0040355_NOV2021PC0575_CEI Report_20211123 SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED. November 23, 2021 Ronald Lawrence, General Manager Springdale Golf Partners LLC Email: buddy@springdalegolf.com SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION Tracking Number: NOV-2021-PC-0575 Permit No. NC0040355 Springdale Country Club WWTP Haywood County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Springdale Country Club WWTP on November 12, 2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0040355. 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 Asheville Regional Office. The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection: Inspection Area Description of Violation _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Flow Measurement - Effluent The calibration for the effluent flow meter was past due at the time of the inspection. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Effluent Sampling Flow proportional composite sampling is not being conducted. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Effluent Pipe The effluent pipe could not be located during the inspection. Additionally, the flow of surface water from the effluent pipe to the receiving stream is obstructed. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In addition, the issues below must also be addressed: Compliance Issue(s): There is a significant amount of rust throughout the facility, as previously mentioned in the 2013 and 2016 inspection reports. At a minimum, the 0.025 MGD package plant should be painted. DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences in the future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of State law. To prevent further action, please respond in writing to this office within 30 days upon your receipt of this Notice of Violation regarding your plans or measures to be taken to address the indicated violations and other identified issues, if applicable. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lauren Armeni with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4667. Sincerely, Daniel Boss, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report Ec: Laserfiche Gifford Raulerson (ORC) Robert Barr (BORC) DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 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 (i.e., PCS) Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type 1 N 52 NC0040355 21/11/12 C S31112171819 20 21 66 Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved------------------- N67707172 73 74 75 80 Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include POTW name and NPDES permit Number) Springdale Country Club WWTP Springdale Country Club Canton NC 28716 Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date 10:00AM 21/11/12 21/11/01 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Other Facility Data 11:30AM 21/11/12 26/01/31 Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Gifford C Raulerson,200 Golfwatch Rd Canton NC 28716//828-235-8451/Contacted No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) (See attachment summary) Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s)Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Lauren E Armeni DWR/ARO WQ/828-296-4500/ Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page#1 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 11/23/2021 11/23/2021 NPDES yr/mo/day 21/11/12 Inspection Type C3111218 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Lauren Armeni, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Springdale Country Club WWTP on November 12, 2021. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the facility is being operated and maintained in compliance with NPDES Permit No. NC0040355. Gifford Raulerson (ORC) and Robert Barr (BORC) were present and assisted in the inspection. The following items were noted during the inspection: Operations & Maintenance: Overall, the majority of the facility still has rust issues and should be repainted to extend the lifespan of the plant. Mr. Raulerson indicated that the owner would eventually like to replace the current system they have since all of the package plants aren't being used due to low flow. At a minimum, the 0.025 MGD package plant should be repainted since it is the only one currently in use and this issue has been mentioned in the 2013 and 2016 CEI reports. Flow Meter - Effluent: The calibration of the flow meter expired on March 9, 2021 and it needs to be recalibrated. Effluent Sampling: Because the capacity of the plant is greater than 0.030 MGD, flow-proportional composite sampling is required. Currently, timed-composite sampling is being conducted. A composite sampler will need to be installed and a flow meter used that is compatible. Effluent Pipe: The effluent pipe could not be observed during the inspection because it was covered with leaves and other natural debris. Additionally, the flow of surface water from the effluent pipe to the receiving stream is obstructed with bamboo and other natural debris. It needs to be determined whether there is an easement for the outfall on the property across the street so this area can be cleared to allow unobstructed flow. The following violations were noted during the inspection: 1.Flow Meter - Effluent: The calibration for the effluent flow meter was past due at the time of the inspection. 2.Effluent Sampling: Flow-proportional composite sampling is not being conducted. 3.Effluent Pipe: The effluent pipe could not be located during the inspection. Additionally, the flow of surface water from the effluent pipe to the receiving stream is obstructed. NC0040355 17 (Cont.) Page#2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Permit:NC0040355 Inspection Date:11/12/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Springdale Country Club WWTP Compliance Evaluation Permit Yes No NA NE (If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). 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? The current permit issued September 16, 2021 lists the incorrect sizes of the package plants. According to Buddy Lawrence (General Manager/Chief Operating Officer) on November 16, 2021, the following are the correct sizes of the package plants: 0.005 MGD, 0.005 MGD, 0.015 MGD, and 0.025 MGD. Ms. Sydney Carpenter in the DEQ Raleigh Permitting Unit was informed and will make the correction. Comment: Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Currently, the 0.025 MGD package plant is the only one in use due to low flow. Gifford Raulerson, ORC, measures dissolved oxygen and settleability in the aeration basin. There is still visible rust throughout all the treatment units. See summary for details. Comment: Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? Is all required information readily available, complete and current? Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? Is the chain-of-custody complete? Dates, times and location of sampling Name of individual performing the sampling Results of analysis and calibration Dates of analysis Name of person performing analyses Transported COCs Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? (If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator on each shift? Page#3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Permit:NC0040355 Inspection Date:11/12/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Springdale Country Club WWTP Compliance Evaluation Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Is the ORC visitation log available and current? Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? Comment: Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? Is the screen free of excessive debris? Is disposal of screening in compliance? Is the unit in good condition? Solids from the bar screen are disposed of in a trash can on-site that the ORC empties into a dumpster once a week. Comment: Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Is the basin aerated? Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? Is the basin free of excessive grease? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are float controls operable? Are audible and visual alarms operable? # Is basin size/volume adequate? The plant has one 20,000-gallon EQ basin. The basin is not aerated, but is installed and can be turned on if needed. Audible and visual high water alarms have been fixed and are in working order. Soda ash is added to the basin for pH control as needed. Comment: Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Page#4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Permit:NC0040355 Inspection Date:11/12/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Springdale Country Club WWTP Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? Are surface aerators and mixers operational? Are the diffusers operational? Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 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/l) The 0.025 MGD basin is currently being used, and the 0.015 MGD basin and two 0.0070 MGD basins have not been used for years. Mr. Barr indicated that one of the blowers would need to be replaced in the 0.025 MGD basin and that the diffusers had been replaced. Dissolved oxygen was ~8.45 mg/L at the time of the inspection. The blowers had just turned on right before DO was measured and temperatures were low that day. Blowers are on timers to cycle on and off every 15 minutes throughout the day. Settleability was 100 mL after thirty minutes. Mr. Raulerson indicated that the sludge is old since the plant operates at such a low flow. Comment: Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? Are weirs level? 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 ¼ of the sidewall depth) At the time of the inspection, the sludge blanket was around 7' in 9.5' deep clarifier, which is undesirably high, but with the low flow the plant does not have issues with solids. Comment: Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Is the capacity adequate? Is the mixing adequate? Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? Page#5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Permit:NC0040355 Inspection Date:11/12/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Springdale Country Club WWTP Compliance Evaluation Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE # Is the odor acceptable? # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? The digester is a tertiary filter that is no longer in use. The digester can be aerated, but is currently being used as a facultative digester. Sludge is wasted to the digester approxmately once every two months and the solids in the digester are pumped out once a year due to low flow conditions. Comment: Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE Are tablet chlorinators operational? Are the tablets the proper size and type? Number of tubes in use?2 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? There are four chlorination tubes, two of which were in use at the time of the inspection. A submersible pump is kept in the chlorine contact chamber and solids are pumped out monthly into the EQ basin. Comment: De-chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ?Tablet Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? Is storage appropriate for cylinders? # Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? Comment: Are the tablets the proper size and type? Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? Number of tubes in use?1 There are two dechlorination tubes, one of which was in use at the time of the inspection. Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Page#6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Permit:NC0040355 Inspection Date:11/12/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Springdale Country Club WWTP Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE The flow meter was last calibrated on March 9, 2020 by Horizon Engineering and Consulting, Inc. Calibration is past due for the meter. See summary for details. Comment: Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? The effluent pipe could not be seen at the time of the inspection. Mr. Raulerson knew the general location of the pipe, but leaves and other natural debris were covering it. Discharge from the effluent pipe enters an unnamed tributary, but due to an overgrown area of bamboo between the Pigeon River and tributary, the water appears to pool and cannot directly discharge into the Pigeon River. See summary for details. Comment: Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected below all treatment units? Is proper volume collected? Is the tubing clean? # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type representative)? The sampling fridge was reading 5.0 degrees Celsius at the time of the inspection. It was discovered that timed-composite sampling was being conducted. Because the plant is rated at greater than 0.030 MGD, flow-proportional sampling is required. See summary for details. Comment: Standby Power Yes No NA NE 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? 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? Page#7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200 Permit:NC0040355 Inspection Date:11/12/2021 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Springdale Country Club WWTP Compliance Evaluation Standby Power Yes No NA NE The WWTP does not have standby power. Mr. Raulerson believes that the plant has adequate storage capacity in the event of a power failure since three of the package plants are not currently in use. The plant has an average flow of approximately 5,000 GPD. Comment: Page#8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 03E79740-9479-4E3F-82E1-3F8EBCCE5200