The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutWQ0028693_CEI_20220812 SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED August 12, 2022 Chris Robinson Emailed to: lstewart@mountaintopgolfclub.com SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club WWTP Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0028693 Jackson County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club WWTP on 8/04/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0028693. 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 Melanie Kemp with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at melanie.kemp@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Melanie Kemp, Environmental Specialist Water Quality Regional Operations Section Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS: Compliance Evaluation Inspection E.c.: LF Cc: Bob Barr – RPB Systems DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Compliance Inspection Report Permit:WQ0028693 Effective:09/24/19 Expiration:04/30/25 Owner :Mountaintop Community Association Inc SOC: Contact Person: Region: County: Directions to Facility: Jackson Asheville Chris Robinson Effective:Expiration:Facility:Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club WWTP Laurel Knob Rd Cashiers NC 28717 Title:Phone:General Manager From intersection of Hwy. 64 & Hwy. 107 in Cashiers go North on Hwy. 107 for approx. 1.5 mi. Left onto Laurel Knob Rd.(SR 1142, gravel). Left at entrance to MontainTop, cross bridge to guard shack. Go straight, turn right at driving range, wwtp on left Kenneth Jason Rummel 1010634 828-785-3769 Secondary ORC(s): 828-251-1900Phone:24262Certification:Robert P BarrPrimary ORC: SI,WW2,System Classifications: On-Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Secondary Inspector(s): Primary Inspector: Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time: Phone: 08/04/2022 11:00AM 12:00PM Melanie Kemp Mikal Willmer Facility Status: Permit Inspection Type: Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type: Not CompliantCompliant Routine Reclaimed Water Compliance Evaluation Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement-Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Treatment Treatment Barscreen Treatment Filters Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Disinfection Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps Storage End Use-Reuse Standby Power (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine Inspection Summary: Melanie Kemp and Mikal Willmer, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club's Wastewater Treatment Facility on August 4, 2022. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the facility is being operated and maintained in compliance with Permit No. WQ0028693. Bob Barr (ORC) and Justin Rummel (RPB Systems) were present and assisted with the inspection. At the time of the inspection, the facility appeared to be in compliance. The ORC reports flows are approaching 40,000 gallons per day during the peak months. Mountaintop plans to add an additional treatment train to increase hydraulic capacity to 80,000 gpd; however, a date to begin construction has not been set. There are 8 lift stations throughout the collection system maintained by RPB Systems on behalf of the permittee. There were no reported issues within the collection system. The ORC stated flushable wipes have not become a major issue. A grease trap is installed at the clubhouse and is being maintained by Mountaintop. The statutory requirements for collection systems under 200,000 gallons per day, including maintenance requirements of high-priority sewer lines, are listed within 15NCAC 02T.0403. A copy of this guidance is attached to this inspection report. Annual fats, oils and grease education is a requirement for private systems and it is recommended that the permittee add additional prohibited items to these educational materials regarding personal hygiene products, flushable wipes, etc.. An example pamphlet is attached to this inspection report. Irrigation was not occurring at the time of the inspection. No operational issues were noted during the inspection. The facility description within the permit reflects the complete build-out of the system. Currently only one 8,000-gallon EQ basin, one 40,000-gallon treatment train, a tertiary anthracite/sand/gravel filter, chlorine contact basin and one irrigation tank and upset tank are installed. As mentioned through email correspondence, no additional permitting is needed to install the remainder of the treatment units if they are built according to the original Division approved plans. Please keep the division informed of current plans for the expansion of the WWTP. Solids are being hauled as needed although the ORC was unsure of when they were last pumped. The ORC monitors DO, pH, settleability and takes sludge readings from the clarifier. Settleability is measured weekly and was measuring at 35-40% on the day of the inspection. A new ultrasonic flow meter was installed on 6/22/21 and had to be repaired recently due to wildlife damage. The flow meter is calibrated annually, and the ORC reported it had been completed recently (awaiting calibration report). The next calibration is due June 2023. The turbidimeter was calibrated on 7/20/22. The grates of the facility were in good condition after being replaced recently. Two frogs were in the contact chamber during the time of the inspection. The ORC indicated that some trash makes its way through to the contact chamber during high flows. He also indicated it might be time to replace the filter media. Lift Station 4 was inspected and while telemetry was operable, the high-water alarm was not. The ORC indicated that the lift stations are checked weekly. It is recommended that additional detail regarding components inspected, maintenance performed, and repairs needed be recorded on the inspection logs. As a reminder, calibration of the irrigation equipment is required before the end of the permit cycle in 2025. Additionally, the permittee should submit a minor modification request to correct the facility description if expansions to the treatment system are not being considered. The Operations and Maintenance plan should be updated to reflect changes in ownership, processes, and operation of the WWTP and a copy should be kept in the maintenance building on site. Page 2 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine Type Yes No NA NE Infiltration System Lagoon Spray, LR Single Family Spray, LR Activated Sludge Spray, LR Activated Sludge Drip, LR Activated Sludge Spray, HR Recycle/Reuse Single Family Drip Reuse (Quality) 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.) The description in the permit represents the complete build-out. See summary for more 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? 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? Ultrasonic flow meter was recently repaired due to wildlife damage. Calibration is performed annually and was last performed June 2022. Comment: Standby Power Yes No NA NE Page 3 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine Is automatically activated standby power available? Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? Is generator operable? Does generator have adequate fuel? Mountaintop contracts Carolina Energy Systems to maintain generator. The ORC reported that he hasn't heard the generator cycling recently but a sticker indcated it had been serviced in June 2022. Comment: Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE Is it free of excessive debris? Is disposal of screenings in compliance? Are the bars spaced properly? Is the unit in good condition? ORC reports clubhouse has a grease trap installed and did not report any ongoing issues.Comment: Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE 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? Two blowers are utilized on timers. Settleability is tested weekly and was between 35-40% on the day of the inspection. Comment: Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE 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? Sludge blanket measured weekly.Comment: Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE Are they in place? Are they operational? Comment: Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? Page 4 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine 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? The media was replaced approximately 2 years ago and ORC indicated it is likely time to replace filter media again. The filters backwash based on flow. Audible and visible alarms were operable. Comment: 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? The ORC was unsure of when solids were last pumped from the facility.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? ORC uses all 6 chlorination tubes.Comment: Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Is a copy of current permit available? Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? Page 5 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine 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? Facility is now only required to sample the effluent for some of the parameters required for groundwater monitoring. ORC reports flows are periodically peaking above 40,000 gallons per day - see summary for additional details. The O&M Plan needs to be updated and a copy provided to the ARO. 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? Page 6 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine 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? 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? Several water supply wells are within 250' of compliance boundary but have 100' buffer from the irrigation zones. Turbidimeter was last calibrated on 7/20/22. See summary for details. Comment: 1 - Right of upset tank Storage Yes No NA NE Storage Type?Aboveground storage tank Storage amount?300000 Gallons # At what point is side-stream wastewater returned to treatment? 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 Is liner acceptable? Page 7 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine Are baffles/curtains acceptable? Does the pond have a freeboard marker? Required freeboard?2 Feet Actual freeboard?16 Feet 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? Open air aboveground storage irrigation tank. No algae or duckweek observed in tank.Comment: 2.5 DAY UPSET - Left of storage tank Storage Yes No NA NE Storage Type?Aboveground storage tank Storage amount?1267000 Gallons # At what point is side-stream wastewater returned to treatment?Headworks 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 Is liner acceptable? Are baffles/curtains acceptable? Does the pond have a freeboard marker? Required freeboard?2 Page 8 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0028693 08/04/2022 Compliance Evaluation Mountaintop Community Association Inc Routine Feet Actual freeboard?11.5 Feet 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? Open air, upset storage tank. Off-spec water is routed back to the headworks for retreatment. Water in tank clear at the time of the inspection (no duckweed or algae observed). Comment: Page 9 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41 DON'T SINK IT!! DON'T SINK IT!! DON'T FLUSH IT!! DON'T FLUSH IT!! No GreaseNo Grease Fats Butter Wax Cheese Heavy Cream Fats Butter Wax Cheese Heavy Cream No Plastics / LatexNo Plastics / Latex Wrappers Femine Product Covers Lids / Liners / Rings Condoms Bandaids Wrappers Femine Product Covers Lids / Liners / Rings Condoms Bandaids No Paper / MaterialsNo Paper / Materials (Other Than Toilet Tissue) Baby Wipes / Flushable Wipes Paper Towels / Towlettes Facials Tissues Napkins Guaze Dental Floss Matches Feminine Products / Paper Covers (Other Than Toilet Tissue) Baby Wipes / Flushable Wipes Paper Towels / Towlettes Facials Tissues Napkins Guaze Dental Floss Matches Feminine Products / Paper Covers Other No FlushOther No Flush Your Local Public Utility:Your Local Public Utility: All Medicines / Cigarettes Coffee Grounds / Left Over FoodHair Clippings Kitty Litter / Pet Wastes Grease / Oils / Solvents All Medicines / Cigarettes Coffee Grounds / Left Over FoodHair Clippings Kitty Litter / Pet Wastes Grease / Oils / Solvents No Liquid WasteNo Liquid Waste Pesticides Household Chemicals Paints Paint Thinners Solvents (e.g. hobbies) Oils Pesticides Household Chemicals Paints Paint ThinnersSolvents (e.g. hobbies) Oils Other No's For The SinkOther No's For The Sink Coffee Grounds Food Waste Coffee Grounds Food Waste Provided by The Department of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service, and N.C. DENR!NO HECHE EN EL FREGADERO!!NO HECHE EN EL FREGADERO!!NO BOTE EN EL INODORO!!NO BOTE EN EL INODORO! Materiales GrasosMateriales Grasos Grasa Manteca Cera Queso Cremas Espesas Grasa Manteca Cera Queso Cremas Espesas Embalajes Envolturas de Articulos Femeninos Protectores / Revestimientos / Anillos Protectores Condones Curitas Embalajes Envolturas de Articulos Femeninos Protectores / Revestimientos / Anillos Protectores Condones Curitas Materiales de PapelMateriales de Papel (Excepto Papel Higiénico) Toallas de Papel / Toallitas Húmedas Pañuelos Desechables Toallitas Desechables Servilletas Gasa Hilo Dental Fósforos Productos Femenimos y Envases de Papel (Excepto Papel Higiénico) Toallas de Papel / Toallitas Húmedas Pañuelos Desechables Toallitas Desechables Servilletas Gasa Hilo Dental Fósforos Productos Femenimos y Envases de Papel Ni Tampoco DesecheNi Tampoco Deseche Medicamentos / Cigarrillos Granos de Café / Sobras de ComidaCabello o Pelo de Animales Arena para Gatos / Excrementos de Mascotas Grasa / Aceites / Disoventes Medicamentos / Cigarrillos Granos de Café / Sobras de ComidaCabello o Pelo de Animales Arena para Gatos / Excrementos de Mascotas Grasa / Aceites / Disoventes PesticidasQuímicos para el Hogar Pinturas Diluyente de PinturasDisolventes Aceites PesticidasQuímicos para el Hogar Pinturas Diluyente de PinturasDisolventes Aceites Ni Tampoco Desheche en el FregaderoNi Tampoco Desheche en el Fregadero Granos de Café Cantidad Excesiva de Desperdicios de Comida Granos de Café Cantidad Excesiva de Desperdicios de Comida Residuos LiquidosResiduos Liquidos Plastico / LatexPlastico / Latex Su Utilidad Publica Local:Su Utilidad Publica Local:Proporcionada por el Departamento de Asistencia Ambiental y Servicio al Cliente, y N.C. DENRDocuSign Envelope ID: 18A228AB-AA03-42EC-B0FA-F1BEF57DBA41