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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0033804_CEI_NOV2022PC0383 SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED July 25, 2022 Benjamin L Sprouse Email: mountainandseagetaways@outlook.com Asheville, NC 28803 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION Tracking Number: NOV-2022-PC-0383 Permit No. WQ0033804 Laurel Mountain Retreat WWTF Buncombe County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Laurel Mountain Retreat WWTF on July 15, 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. WQ0033804. 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 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Treatment During the time of the inspection, septage was overflowing from one tank and into a ditch. The issue appears to be impeding flow to downstream treatment units. See section III.12 of Permit. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In addition, the issues below must also be addressed: Compliance Issue(s): Thin vegetation around tank and vault assembly area and pond (III.15), regularly assess solids buildup in septic/surge tanks to prevent discharge of excessive solids to downstream components (III.12), source backup UV ballasts for treatment process, replace freeboard marker so that it is legible to staff (III.14), verify all listed alarms are installed and operable, verify that the rain sensor is operational and record readings in the logbook (II.5), and exercise generator on a regular basis (III.17). DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 The Asheville Regional Office received notice from Bob Barr on July 21, 2022 that remedial actions were taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences. A follow-up inspection will be scheduled to ensure compliance. 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 Melanie Kemp with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500. Sincerely, G. Landon Davidson, P.G., Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Cc: WQS Asheville Regional Office - Enforcement File NON-DISCHARGE Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File Robert Barr – RPB Systems, Inc. E.c.: LF DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Compliance Inspection Report Permit:WQ0033804 Effective:06/18/21 Expiration:03/31/27 Owner :Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc SOC: Contact Person: Region: County: Directions to Facility: Buncombe Asheville Benjamin L Sprouse Effective:Expiration:Facility:Laurel Mountain Retreat WWTF 6 Deerborne Ln Weaverville NC 28787 Title:Phone:828-417-4835 From I-26 take the Marshall exit (US Hwy 70/25). Go approximately 3.5 miles and exit right onto Sheppard Branch Road (SR 1741). Go 0.25 miles to Lower Sheppard Branch Road. Facility is on the left. Robert P Barr 24262 828-251-1900 Secondary ORC(s): 828-251-1900Phone:1010633Certification:Kevin Wayne BryanPrimary ORC: SI,System Classifications: On-Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Secondary Inspector(s): Primary Inspector: Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time: Phone: 07/15/2022 10:00AM 11:00AM Melanie Kemp Mikal Willmer Facility Status: Permit Inspection Type: Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type: Not CompliantCompliant Routine Wastewater Irrigation Compliance Evaluation Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement-Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Treatment Treatment Filters Record Keeping Treatment Lagoons End Use-Irrigation Treatment Disinfection Treatment Flow Measurement Storage End Use-Reuse Standby Power (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine Inspection Summary: Melanie Kemp and Mikal Willmer, with Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection on July 15, 2022 of the Laurel Mountain Retreat WWTF. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the facility is being operated and maintained in compliance with Non- Discharge Permit No. WQ0033804. Bob Barr and Kevin Bryan (ORC), with RPB Systems, were present during the inspection. This inspection is marked as non-compliant based on untreated wastewater overflowing from one of the septic tanks into a drainage ditch during the time of the inspection. This issue needs to be remediated immediately. There was no apparent discharge to surface waters. The ARO received notice on 7/21/22 that a 2-inch flush return pulled away from the 4-inch tank connection causing the leak. Bob Barr, with RPB Systems, indicated that the piping between the septic and recirculation tanks was re-piped due to tank settling changes. Tank and Vault Accessibility: Mature vegetation is overgrown and impeding routine maintenance activities of the system. Vegetation must be thinned backed or partially removed to maintain accessibility to all treatment components and to prevent damage to the below-grade tanks. Based on observations during the inspection, untreated waste had been overflowing from one of the septic tanks. It appeared that the piping and seams between tanks was potentially damaged, preventing flow between tanks, upstream of the treatment area. The damage needs to be assessed and repaired as soon as possible. Solids Management: The solids in the septic/surge tank need to be assessed more frequently and the permittee needs to verify the individual building (1,000 gallon) septic tanks are checked regularly to prevent discharge of excessive solids to downstream components. Turbidity Vault: The digital turbidity readout appears operational, but the screen needs to be replaced in order to be visible to staff. UV Ballasts: Th ORC reported consistent issues with the UV Ballasts – the system is designed to have three running, but one was down during the time of the inspection. The ORC reports that replacements are increasingly difficult to source, therefore no backups were on-hand. Chlorine tables are consistently used to supplement the treatment process. Drip Fields: Fields 7 & 8 have not been used due to low flows. It is recommended these fields continue to be maintained. If flows increase, fields 7 & 8 will likely be needed to stay within the annual application rates. Field 6 drip lines are repaired when leaks are detected. The field was not dosing at the time of the inspection. Continue to manage vegetation and check for leaks in this area. Storage Pond: The permit has been updated to reflect that the pond is lined with a synthetic liner. Woody vegetation should be removed from inside the pond to prevent any potential damage to the liner. Approximately 7 feet of freeboard was observed in the pond during the inspection. The freeboard marker is difficult to read and should be replaced. Grass needs to be mowed and maintained on the interior and exterior of the fence. Additionally, the Permittee needs to remove any small trees and shrubs from the embankment (reference Section III.15 of the Permit). Please note, removal of larger trees should be assessed by an engineer to determine if it will destabilize the embankment. As a reminder, while this is not a reclaimed use permit, 02U rules are incorporated by reference for several of the fields. Flows are manually diverted to certain zones or to the storage pond when turbidity exceeds 10 NTU. Additionally, the storage pond does not return to the head of plant. Currently, flow is designed to return to the drip dosing tank . Additional maintenance items: Verify all the listed alarms are installed and operable (there appeared to be one for recirc tank but not the dosing tank); Verify that the rain sensor is operational and record this in the operator logbook (maintain a backup as needed); and verify that the generator is being exercised regularly. Page 2 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine Type Yes No NA NE Lagoon Spray, LR Infiltration System Reuse (Quality) Single Family Spray, LR Activated Sludge Spray, LR Activated Sludge Spray, HR Recycle/Reuse Activated Sludge Drip, LR Single Family Drip Treatment Yes No NA NE Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) Some UV ballasts not currently operational, zones 7/8 not being used. During the time of the inspection, septage was overflowing from one tank and into a ditch. The issue appears to be impeding flow to downstream treatment units. See inspection summary for additional details. Comment: 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: Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? Are the daily average values properly calculated? Last checked 7/14/2022Comment: 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? Last checked 7/14/2022.Comment: Page 3 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? Is generator operable? Does generator have adequate fuel? Propane tank being mainted. Generator was not reported to be excercising weekly.Comment: 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? Comment: Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE 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 lbs 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? One UV ballast offline during time of inspection. ORC supplementing with chlorine tables as needed. Comment: Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Page 4 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine 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? # 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? O&M Manual should be updated regularly to reflect current contacts and current protocols for sampling/maintenance. Comment: End Use-Irrigation Yes No NA NE 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? Page 5 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine 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? See inspection summary.Comment: 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? 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? Page 6 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine Are GW monitoring wells required? Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? Not currently using fields 7/8 for reuse.Comment: ST-1 - Storage Yes No NA NE Storage Type?Pond Gallons Storage amount?77600 # At what point is side-stream wastewater returned to treatment?post-treatment/pre -disinfection Is there a Spill Control Plan? Aerated or Mixed?NONE If aeration is present, is it adequate? If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? Is influent structure acceptable? Are banks/berms free of seepage and erosion? Are banks/berms free of excessive vegetation? Is pond lined? Liner Type Full, synthetic Is liner acceptable? Are baffles/curtains acceptable? Does the pond have a freeboard marker? Required freeboard?2 Feet Actual freeboard?7 Is there suitable grassed vegetation? Is the vegetation maintained? Is the area free of excessive weeds and/or woody species? Is the area free from signs of overflow? Is color acceptable? Are floating mats acceptable? No excessive buildup of solids? Are aerators/mixers acceptable? Is effluent structure acceptable? If present, is pond cover acceptable? Page 7 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0033804 07/15/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountain and Sea Getaways Inc Routine Woody vegetation is growing out of the synthetic liner in the bottom of the pond. Vegetation around the pond should be maintained regularly. Freeboard marker needs to be replaced as readings are no longer visible. Comment: Page 8 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: B2913D9D-0641-4A7F-A7F2-55190695D330