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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0023693_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220518DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Donald B Dixon Brunswick County PO Box 249 Bolivia, NC 28422-0249 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality May 23, 2022 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report West Brunswick Regional WRF Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0023693 Brunswick County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the West Brunswick Regional WRF on 5/18/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0023693. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this inspection report is not required. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Perez with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at helen.perez@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: I ONE �Aarrl Oti For 7F141 E73B6F3456... Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: Matthew Henry — electronic copy Upload to Laserfiche DE North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 u.w.mm910.796.7215 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0023693 Effective: 10/28/19 Expiration: 11/30/22 Owner: Brunswick County SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: West Brunswick Regional WRF County: Brunswick 235 Grey Water Rd Region: Wilmington Supply NC 28462 Contact Person: Donald B Dixon Title: Deputy Utilities Director Phone: 910-253-2485 Directions to Facility: From Wilmington, take Hwy 17S towards Supply. Turn right on Hwy 211, turn right at park on to grey water road. continue to facility entrance on left. System Classifications: SI, WW4., Primary ORC: Matthew Thomas Henry Certification: 1000416 Phone: 910-231-8646 Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): On -site representative Related Permits: WQ0012151 WQ0006085 WQ0037162 WQ0013785 WO0003597 WQ0011453 NC0045250 WQCS00284 Matthew T Henry 910-231-8646 Brunswick County - St. James Plantation WWTF Brunswick County - Ocean Isle Beach WWTP Brunswick County - Ocean Isle WWTF to West Regional WWTF Interconnect Brunswick County - Winding River Plantation WWTF Brunswick County - County Government Complex WWTF Brunswick County - Brunswick Community College WWTF Brunswick County Schools/Board of Education - Bolivia Elementary School WWTP Brunswick County - Brunswick County Collection System Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 01:OOPM Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez DocuSigned by: Secondary Inspector(s): E� NA� 1 D646B4A39694BE... Reason for Inspection: Routine Permit Inspection Type: High Rate Infiltration Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Treatment Filters Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Disinfection End Use -Reuse Phone: 910-796-7387 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Treatment Barscreen Record Keeping End Use -Irrigation End Use -Infiltration Standby Power Treatment Activated Sludge Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Flow Measurement Page 1 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine (See attachment summary) Page 2 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: A routine compliance inspection of the West Brunswick Regional WRF was conducted on May 18, 2022. The purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -Discharge Permit W00023693. Matthew Henry was present during the inspection. This facility is a 6.0 MGD oxidation ditch, reclaimed water generation plant that is averaging approximately 4.2 MGD. It operates the following dedicated reclaimed water utilization systems: Members Club Golf Course, Carolina National Golf Course at Winding River, Reserve Golf Course, West Brunswick drip irrigation, IP Tract spray irrigation and high -rate infiltration, Mercer Mill spray irrigation and high -rate infiltration and Clemmons Tract high -rate infiltration. The Mercer Mill spray irrigation and high -rate infiltration, the Clemmons Tract high -rate infiltration and the Winding River Golf Course and storage pond sites were observed during this inspection. All appeared to be well maintained. Jet headers were not installed to replace the brush areators and the submersible mixers were not removed from the expansion train as stated in the modification of the permit. Instead, the pumps on the expansion train have been replaced with VFDs and the gear boxes for the brush aerators has been updated for better use and access. The County plans to do the same updates to the original train. A review of files for the permit cycle shows no groundwater violations. There have been some effluent violations issued: 4/18 Ammonia, Total Phosphorus 8/19 Total Nitrogen 1/21 TSS 2/21 TSS, BOD 7/21 Fecal, Ammonia, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, TSS 8/21 TSS, Fecal, Total Nitrogen, Flow The 2021 summer violations appeared to be caused by the County's lack of ability to dispose of biosolids over the months leading up to July 2021 because of heavy rains. In addition, higher seasonal flows and warmer weather caused a rapid increase in biomass. A drying facility with more storage capacity and finding more land to apply the Class A biosolids are possible solutions that the County is considering to avoid future issues. The signs for the public notification about the use of reclaimed water at the Carolina National Golf Course need to be reposted as soon as poosible and please provide photos of signage at all the golf courses listed in the permit. The current permit expires on November 30, 2022. A renewal application is due no later than June 3, 2022. The facility is compliant with Non -Discharge Permit WQ0023693. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details. Page 3 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Type Yes No NA NE Reuse (Quality) ❑ Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Infiltration System Activated Sludge Spray, HR Activated Sludge Drip, LR Recycle/Reuse 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: The modification to add 4 met headers in 2 of the oxidation ditches has not been constructed and there are no plans to modify at this time. Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent 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: Flow is reported from the 2 influent flowmeters located at the EQ basins of the dual trains. These meters were last calibrated on 2/24/2022. Flowmeters for the following have also been calibrated as required: Mercer Mill Drip Irrigation, North and South; Mercer Mill 2 GW lowering stations; Mercer Mill spray irrigation; Clemmons Tract flow to each basin and GW lowering station; IP Tract Irrigation and 3 GW lowering stations. Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 4 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does generator have adequate fuel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: There are 2 main generators on site. County staff performs preventative maintenance and load testinq monthly and power interruption testing weekly. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The headworks consists of 1 manual bar screen and 3 mechanical bar screens with 2 vortex grit removal and grit classifier systems. Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is activated sludge an acceptable color? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: There are 2 trains, each with 2 EQ basins and 2 oxidation ditches. Alum is added before the EQ for phosphorus removal and the Magnesium Hydroxide, added for pH adjustments, has currently not been needed. Process control testing consists of MLSS, Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphorus and COD and microscope views when needed. In addition, SCADA monitors the in -process MLSS and ORP probes in the oxidation ditches. Jet headers were not installed to replace the brush areators and the submersible mixers were not removed from the expansion train as stated in the modification. Instead, the pumps on the expansion train have been replaced with VFDs and the pear boxes for the brush aerators has been updated for better use and access. The County plans to do the same updates to the original train. Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE Are the weirs level? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the weirs free of solids and algae? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: Weirs of the 4 clarifiers are cleaned once a week. Covers over the weirs are being considered to reduce cleaning time by staff. Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: There are 4 rotating disk filters that automatically backwash based on head pressure. 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: Waste sludqe from the plant, alonq with waste sludqe from Sea Trail WWTF, Ocean Isle WWTF, Carolina Shores WWTP and Oak Island WWTF are concentrated in 2 WAS storage tanks prior to processing on the gravity belt thickeners. Thickened sludge is sent to one of 4 ATAD (Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestor) units for digestion. These units use time and temperature to produce Class A biosolids that are hauled and land applied through the contract company, BioGreen. Within the last year, the units have been cleaned and updated. 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? Yes No NA NE ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ■❑❑❑ ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ Page 6 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - ) If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Comment: Sodium Hypochlorite liquid is used for disinfection. Due to the age and deterioration of the fiberglass storage tanks, the County is replacing them with plastic tanks. The storage tanks are located within a cement containment wall in a buildina that is well ventilated. Record Keeping Yes No NA NE 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? ❑0 ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: Detailed operational log books of all daily activities completed by operators were present and reviewed. A SCADA system monitors plant processes to include in -process probes, levels, alarms, etc. A new workorder system is used by staff to schedule and keep track of preventative maintenance of the plant. MW #7 was installed at the Clemmons Tract in December 2019. Groundwater monitoring also includes 1 GW lowering pump station at the Clemmons Tract, 3 at the IP Tract and 2 at the Mercer Mill Tract. There has been no GW violations during this permit cycle. Bench sheets and calibration records were complete and field parameters are analyzed under the Field Lab Certification #5279. The County lab, Certification # 2531, analyzes all other reporting parameters. End Use -Irrigation Yes No NA NE Are buffers adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: A portion of the Mercer Mill spray irrigation site was inspected. Irrigation equipment appears to be in good condition and accessible. The spray heads are lined up in rows between trees and vegetation and areas observed were free of ponding or run-off. Site was secured. End Use -Infiltration # Is the application High Rate or Low Rate? Are buffers maintained? Are any supply wells within the CB? Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? Is municipal water available in the area? Are GW monitoring wells required? Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? Yes No NA NE High Rate Page 8 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? Is a usable green area maintained? Is the disposal site acceptable? Is the distribution equipment acceptable? Is the disposal site free of ponding? Is the disposal site free of breakout? Are the disposal sites free of solids, algae, etc.? Do the records show that the fields are properly maintained? Are the disposal sites free of vegetation? Do any surface water features appear to be adversely impacted by GW discharge? No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.? Comment: The newest infiltration site, Clemmons Tract High -Rate Infiltration Basins A and B, was ❑❑❑■ ❑❑❑■ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑❑■❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑❑■❑ ■❑❑❑ inspected. The basins were in good condition, as well as the groundwater lowering station and the MW #7. Mercer Mill High -rate Infiltration site was also inspected and both basins found to be in good condition. Freeboard in all basins at both sites were greater than 2 ft and sites were 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the acreage in the permit being utilized? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application area free of limiting slopes? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 9 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6D669F48-A646-4B89-AB48-586864D62F56 Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 05/18/2022 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: The Turbidity meter was last calibrated on 5-17-22 by Hach which is contracted by the County to calibrate and service the meter quarterly. The Carolina National Golf Course at Winding River was found to have no signage posted for the public notification about the use of reclaimed water. A call was made to the golf course staff during the inspection and they stated that the signs were being repainted. Please provide photos of signage at all the golf courses listed in the permit to the Wilmington Regional Office as soon as possible. The storage pond was in good condition and freeboard was greater than 2 ft. Page 10 of 10