WQ0002648_NOD-2022-PC-0049_20220413

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 13, 2022
Mr. Michael Walker, Secretary
Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
P.O. Box 370
Seagrove, NC 27341
SUBJECT: Notice of Deficiency (NOD-2022-PC-0049)
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District WWTF and WWI
Permit No. WQ0002648
Randolph County
Dear Mr. Walker:
On March 25, 2022, Division of Water Resources staff person Caitlin Caudle conducted
a scheduled compliance inspection at the subject facility. Larry Chilton, ORC, and Russell
Welch, BU-ORC, were present during the entire inspection. Donnie Lassiter and Mike
Walker of the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District were briefly present. A review
of records, treatment facilities, storage structures, irrigation fields, and monitoring wells
was completed. This review reflects non-compliance with the subject permit. The
following deficiencies were noted:
1. Per Permit Condition 1.7, a revised Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan
should have been submitted for review within 90 days of the effective date of the
subject permit. To date, an O&M Plan has not been submitted. An operator
developed O&M Plan is available at the facility, but it does not include procedures
for Lagoon #2. Please provide an updated Operation and Maintenance Plan
for review within sixty (60) days of receipt of this letter.
2. The influent flow meter is not reading flow accurately according to the flow study.
The flow meter is outdated and would be difficult to calibrate. Per Permit
Condition IV.3 "flow through the treatment facility shall be continuously
monitored, and daily flow values shall be reported..." Please replace the flow
meter within one hundred eighty (180) days so flow may be reported
accurately.
GDE
NORTH CAROLINA '
omm mr� ep..of o�.i
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

The following items of concern were noted:
A. At the time of inspection, a startup procedure and an engineer certification have
not been provided for Lagoon #2. This was referenced in correspondence dated
April 27, 2021. Permit Condition 1.4 requires that an engineer certification be
provided. Please submit an engineer certification for the connection between
the two lagoons as soon as possible, with a detailed description of the
system components that differ from the as-builts.
B. Per Permit Condition 1.6, a detailed site map must be included with the engineer
certification. Please refer to the subject permit for all details that should be included
on the site map. Please submit a site map as soon as possible.
C. A hole was visible in the roof of the building housing chlorination equipment and a
hole was present in the roof housing irrigation equipment. Both of these holes pose
a danger to employees and the equipment housed in the buildings. Please repair
these holes as soon as possible.
D. The two freeboard markers in Lagoon #2 do not show the same freeboard
readings. Before Lagoon #2 can be used, both freeboard markers must be
resurveyed. Please refer to permit condition 111.14 for additional information
about the freeboard markers.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional comments and observations,
and flow study review. If you have any questions, please contact me or Caitlin Caudle at
the letterhead address or phone number, or by email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
(l `-0D2D3CE3F1 B7456...
Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ-WSRO
Enc: Inspection Report
Flow Study Review
Cc: Larry Chilton, ORC (electronic copy)
Randolph County Environmental Health (electronic copy)
Laserfiche File WQ0002648
WSRO Electronic Files
D_E
NORTH CAROLINA
gaparMeM of Environment,/quay
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Raleigh, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0002648
SOC:
County: Randolph
Region: Winston-Salem
Effective: 09/10/20 Expiration: 04/30/27
Effective: Expiration:
Owner : Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District WW
770 NC 705 S
Contact Person: Larry T Chilton Title: ORC
Directions to Facility:
from i-40/85 in greensboro, take US 220 south. Take exit 52 south to seagrove.
Hwy 705
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Certification:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 03/25/2022
Primary Inspector: Caitlin Caudle
Secondary Inspector(s):
Entry Time 10:09AM
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
▪ Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
▪ Treatment Lagoons
▪ End Use -Irrigation
▪ Treatment Disinfection
▪ Standby Power
(See attachment summary)
Seagrove NC 27341
Phone: [phone]
At town of Seagrove turn left heading south on NC
Exit Time: 12:30PM
Phone:
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
▪ Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
▪ Treatment
▪ Treatment Activated Sludge
▪ Treatment Influent Pump Station
▪ Treatment Flow Measurement
▪ Wells
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
▪ Record Keeping
▪ Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
▪ Treatment Clarifiers
▪ Storage
Page 1 of 6

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 03/25/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On March 25, 2022, Division of Water Resources staff person Caitlin Caudle conducted a scheduled compliance inspection.
Larry Chilton, ORC, and Russell Welch, BU-ORC, were present during the entire inspection. Donnie Lassiter and Mike
Walker were briefly present. A review of records, treatment facilities, storage structures, irrigation fields, and monitoring wells
was completed. This review reflects non-compliance with the subject permit. The following deficiencies were noted:
1. Per Permit Condition 1.7 a revised Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan should have been submitted for review
within 90 days of the effective date of the subject permit. To date, an O&M Plan has not been submitted. An operator
developed O&M Plan is available at the facility, but it does not include procedures for Lagoon #2. Please provide an updated
Operation and Maintenance Plan for review within sixty (60) days of receipt of this letter.
2. The influent flow meter is not reading flow accurately according to the flow study. The flow meter is outdated and would
be difficult to calibrate. Per Permit Condition IV.3 "flow through the treatment facility shall be continuously monitored, and
daily flow values shall be reported..." Please replace the flow meter within one hundred -twenty (120) days so flow may be
reported accurately.
The following items of concern were noted:
A. At the time of inspection, a startup procedure and an engineer certification have not been provided for Lagoon #2. This
was referenced in correspondence dated April 27, 2021. Permit Condition 1.4 requires that an engineer certification be
provided. Please submit an engineer certification for the connection between the two lagoons as soon as possible, with a
detailed description of the system components that differ from the as-builts.
B. Per Permit Condition 1.6 a detailed site map must be included with the engineer certification. Please refer to the subject
permit for all details that should be included on the site map. Please submit a site map as soon as possible.
C. A hole was visible in the roof of the building housing chlorination equipment and a hole was present in the roof housing
irrigation equipment. Both of these holes pose a danger to employees and the equipment housed in the buildings. Please
repair these holes as soon as possible.
D. The two freeboard markers in Lagoon #2 do not show the same freeboard readings. Before Lagoon #2 can be used, both
freeboard markers must be resurveyed. Please refer to permit condition 111.14 for additional information about the freeboard
markers.
Other observations:
• The ORC and BUORC continue to maintain the system to the best of their ability.
• Cameron Testing conducts all monitoring well sampling. Mr. Welch is present when wells are being sampled.
• The gutter from the building beside the chlorine contact chamber has been diverted.
• The large PVC line along the catwalk for the digestor is a supply line for back up air to the aerator.
• An overflow from the sludge basin to the storage pond is present.
• The small PVC line at the junction box for the domestic treatment train is for lime to raise the pH of the influent entering
the digestor.
• The 5 lift stations were not reviewed as part of this inspection. All lift stations have back up power. All five lift stations
have grinder pumps.
• There is not a bar screen associated with the domestic treatment train and as a result the plant is experiencing an issue
with plastics and other trash in the effluent. Mr. Walked stated that a screening/filtering system will likely be installed before
effluent is transferred to Lagoon #2.
• Mr. Walker stated that the system will eventually be upgraded with a package plant and the GPD increased to over
100,000 GPD. The new permitted flow will likely be 125 GPD, but the package plant will be built to 175 GPD.
• Sludge is wasted from the digestor about once a week.
• All monitoring wells were in good shape.
• Z8 and Z12 are currently not being used at this time. The operators have attempted to repair the zones, but they believe
it is an electrical issue. The other 14 zones can handle all irrigation activities.
• Some relic animal holes were present in the embankment of Lagoon #1. There did not appear to be any recent activity.
• Soils are sampled in four separate zones.
Page 2 of 6

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 03/25/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Tvpe
Reuse (Quality)
Infiltration System
Single Family Spray, LR
Lagoon Spray, LR
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
Recycle/Reuse
Single Family Drip
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
Treatment
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit?
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.)
Comment:
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures?
Is the general housekeeping acceptable?
Are all pumps present?
Are all pumps operable?
Are floats/controls operable?
Are audio and visual alarms available?
Are audio and visual alarms operational?
# Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required?
Are SCADA/Telemetry available?
Are SCADA/Telemetry operational?
Comment: 5 lift stations with grinder pumps, part of collection system and not evaluated with this
compliance inspection.
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
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Comment: Meter is not recording flow accurately according to flow study. Flow meter has not been
calibrated and the meter is outdated.
Page 3 of 6

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 03/25/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records
Is water use metered?
Are the daily average values properly calculated?
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
Is flowmeter operating properly?
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
Does flowmeter record flow?
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
Comment:
Standby Power
Is automatically activated standby power available?
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source?
Is generator operable?
Does generator have adequate fuel?
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge
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?
Comment:
Treatment Clarifiers
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 Sludge Storage/Treatment
Is the aeration operational?
Yes No NA NE
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Page 4 of 6

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 03/25/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the aeration pattern even?
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage?
Comment: Storage is basin that is emptied weekly.
Treatment Disinfection
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:
Record Keeping
Is a copy of current permit available?
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?
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
Are annual soil reports available?
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Page 5 of 6

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 03/25/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
# Are PAN records required?
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
If so, has it been applied?
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?
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
Comment: Nitrates >10 mg/L in effluent in April, June, September, and October 2021.
End Use -Irrigation
Are buffers adequate?
Is the cover crop type specified in permit?
Is the crop cover acceptable?
Is the site condition adequate?
Is the site free of runoff / ponding?
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized?
Is the application equipment present?
Is the application equipment operational?
Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes?
Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use?
Are any supply wells within the CB?
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
How close is the closest water supply well?
Is municipal water available in the area?
# Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells?
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
Are monitoring wells damaged?
Comment: Z8 and Z12 are not being used.
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Page 6 of 6

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0002648 Effective: 09/10/20 Expiration: 04/30/27 Owner : Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District WW
County: Randolph 770 NC 705 S
Region: Winston-Salem
Seagrove NC 27341
Contact Person: Larry T Chilton Title: ORC Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
from i-40/85 in greensboro, take US 220 south. Take exit 52 south to seagrove. At town of Seagrove turn left heading south on NC
Hwy 705
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 12/15/2021
Primary Inspector: Caitlin Caudle
Secondary Inspector(s):
Entry Time 08:OOAM Exit Time: 12:OOPM
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Reconnaissance
Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: E Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 3

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 12/15/2021
Inspection Type : Reconnaissance
Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
WSRO Review of Seagrove Ulah Flow Study
The data included in the study was from November 2020 to October 2021. There are 20 facilities that contribute to the
influent for the system. These facilities include schools, offices, manufacturing facilities, rest stops, and private residences.
Larry Chilton, ORC, stated that there was a discrepancy between influent flow meter and what was reported from the water
use of the businesses. Inflow and infiltration are known to come from the Luck's building, which the treatment plant was
retrofitted from.
The system is permitted for 30,000 GPD and currently only has one storage pond with a capacity of 588,000 gallons, and a
second storage pond with aeration that has not been cleared for use. The second storage pond has a capacity of 2,005,265
gallons.
The average GPD contributed by all facilities is 16,006 GPD, with a yearly total of 5,628,956 gallons.
The average GPD irrigated is 23,822 GPD with a total of 7,838,827 gallons irrigated.
The average GPD treated at the WWTF is 13,135 GPD with a total of 4,566,468 treated.
There does seem to be some discrepancy in the flow meter at the WWTF and the totals provided for each contributor to the
system.
Irrigation was recorded more accurately starting September 2020 but reporting each irrigation zone individually. The 12
month floating totals reported on the October 2021 monthly report range from 5.89 inches to 10.14 inches. The permitted
limit for all irrigation zones is 38.4 inches. Two irrigation zones, Zone 8 and 12, have been offline for a year due to leaks that
have yet to be located. Based on the reported values, the irrigation system has the capacity to accept more wastewater.
The condition of the irrigation zones will be reviewed during the next compliance inspection.
DWR staff are concerned that due to current circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers reported are not
actually representative of "business as usual" flows. Many of the facilities that are connected to the system are public
facilities (churches, schools, a retreat center, and rest stops) and these facilities may be impacted by the current situation.
The community is also one of the most popular pottery communities in the state with a large pottery fair each year, which
has been cancelled the past two years. Mr. Chilton stated that the water district has received funding to upgrade the
treatment plant to a package plant.
DWR staff believe that no new connections should be allowed until the system is upgraded. There is not an EQ basin at this
facility and only one aeration basin/clarifier in use. The second lagoon has not been cleared for use, with no clear indication
of when this will happen.
Page 2 of 3

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 12/15/2021
Inspection Type : Reconnaissance
Reason for Visit: Routine
Page 3 of 3