NC0087033_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20221006

United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA 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
1 IN I 2 IL
21 1 1 1 1
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection
I 3 I NC0087033 111 121 22/09/29 117
Type
18 i i
I I 1 1 1
Inspector Fac Type
191 S I 201
1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I I I I
1 11
1 1 1 I 1 P6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved
67I2.0 I 70I3 I 71IN I 72 I N I 73I I 74 751
I I 1
I I I I I I 180
l
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Harmony WWTP
125 Windmill Ct
Harmony NC 28634
Entry Time/Date
12:45PM 22/09/29
Permit Effective Date
19/05/01
Exit Time/Date
03:50PM 22/09/29
Permit Expiration Date
23/11/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Jeffrey Eugene Jones/ORC/252-639-7544/
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Daniel Lee Matney,PO Box 118 Harmony NC 286340118/Mayor/704-546-2339/
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Progran Sludge Handling DispoFacility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate
Laboratory
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s)
Wes Bell
of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
—Docusigned by: DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ 10/6/2022
"-A61696D90CC3437...
Signature of MaErn
Andrew Pitnr
g sQr,G�viewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
H P4 A/R/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 10/6/2022
F1F1FRRQp,rlAA oz
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

3I
NPDES yr/mo/day
N C0087033 111 121 22/09/29
I17
Inspection Type
18 [j
(Cont.)
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
RECORD KEEPING SECTION cont'd:
The ORC and/or Backup ORC must ensure all operation & maintenance activities and facility
visitations are documented (including dates and times) as required by the subject permit and 15A
NCAC 8G .0204(5). This documentation should include either the initials or signature of the ORC
and/or Backup ORC for each day the facililty is visited.
If any of the effluent samples are collected at the effluent and transported to another location for
analysis (field parameters), then the sample collection and analysis times must be documented to
verify compliance with the 15-minute holding time requirement (Reference: 40 CFR 136.3 Table II).
LABORATORY SECTION cont'd:
The dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH meters were not always calibrated on the day of effluent
analyses. The DO and pH meters are to be calibrated each day effluent analyses are performed
(Reference: NC Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification - Approved Procedure for the
analyses of Dissolved Oxygen & pH).
The ORC must ensure that the temperature measuring device on the meter (DO or pH) used to
measure effluent temperature is verified (and documented) against a NIST traceable temperature
measuring device every twelve months (Reference: NC Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory
Certification - Approved Procedure for the analyses of temperature).
Page# 2

Permit: NC0087033
Inspection Date: 09/29/2022
Owner - Facility: Harmony WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new MODE
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? • ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ El • El
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The Division received the Town's permit renewal documentation on 6/7/22.
The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff
on 8/18/20.
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)? El El ❑ •
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • El El El
Is the chain -of -custody complete? • El ❑ ❑
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? • El El El
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ❑ El • ❑
(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified El El • El
operator on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? • El ❑ ❑
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? • El El El
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? • El El El
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? El El • El
Page# 3

Permit: NC0087033
Inspection Date: 09/29/2022
Owner - Facility: Harmony WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained.
Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed from August 2021 through July
2022. A weekly average effluent TSS violation was reported in April 2022 and weekly
average effluent fecal coliform violations were reported in February and March 2022.
The Division has previously addressed these limit violations through the issuances of
either Notice of Violations (NOVs) or NOV/civil penalty assessments. The ORC will
revise all applicable eDMRs in 2022 where additional effluent analyses were performed
(with documented meter calibrations) and not reported. See "Summary" Section for
addtional comments.
Laboratory
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
degrees Celsius)?
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees?
Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees?
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The Town has a field laboratory certification (#5605) to perform dissolved oxygen, pH
and temperature measurements on -site. Statesville Analytical has also been
contracted to perform all permit -required analyses except field. The Town will need to
contact the Division's Laboratory Certification Unit to update the on -site contact under
the field laboratory certification.
See "Summary" Section for additional comments.
Influent Sampling
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected above side streams?
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 sampling performed according to the permit?
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ • ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ • ❑ ❑
Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples.
The composite sampler was only collecting samples for twelve hours. Please be
advised that composite samples must be collected over a 24-hr. period (Permit
Condition Reference: Part II, Section A Composite Sample).
The ORC should verify and document the sampler aliquot amounts on a weekly basis
to ensure a minimum 100 mis. per aliquot is collected.
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Page# 4

Permit: NC0087033
Inspection Date: 09/29/2022
Owner - Facility: Harmony WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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)?
Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples.
The ORC should verify and document the sampler aliquot amounts on a weekly basis
to ensure a minimum 100 mis. per aliquot is collected.
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 El ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: The wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well
maintained. Process control measurement are being performed and documented.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual El
b.Mechanical •
Are the bars adequately screening debris? ■ El El El
Is the screen free of excessive debris? • El El El
Is disposal of screening in compliance? • El El El
Is the unit in good condition? • El El El
Comment:
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext. Air
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? • ❑ El El
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? El El • El
Are the diffusers operational? • El El El
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? • ❑ ❑ El
Page# 5

Permit: NC0087033
Inspection Date: 09/29/2022
Owner - Facility: Harmony WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
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/I)
Comment: Soda ash is added on an as -needed basis.
Secondary Clarifier
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'/4 of the sidewall depth)
Comment:
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ • ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
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Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Type of operation: Cross flow
Is the filter media present? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter surface free of clogging? • El ❑ ❑
Is the filter free of growth? • El El El
Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? ■ El El El
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? El El • ❑
Comment: The disc filter must be manually turned to ensure proper filtration. The ORC has had
difficulties ordering a new part for the filter system. A new filtration is currently being
evaluated as a replacement to the current treatment unit. The ORC and/or permittee
should contact Min Xiao, Environmental Engineer, Division's NPDES Industrial
Permitting staff, regarding guidance as to if an Authorization to Construct (AtC) would
be required. Please be advised that the subject permit requires the permittee to
properly operated and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment at all times
'Permit Condition Reference: Part II, Section C(2) Proper Operation & Maintenance'
Page# 6

Permit: NC0087033
Inspection Date: 09/29/2022
Owner - Facility: Harmony WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection - UV
Are extra UV bulbs available on site?
Are UV bulbs clean?
Is UV intensity adequate?
Is transmittance at or above designed level?
Is there a backup system on site?
Is effluent clear and free of solids?
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent
# 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?
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ • ❑
Comment: A new flow meter was installed and calibrated in December 2022 by CTS. The
permittee and staff must ensure that the flow is calibrated once per year (Permit
Condition Reference: Part II, Section D Flow Measurements)
Effluent Pipe
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?
Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids or foam.
Aerobic Digester
Is the capacity adequate?
Is the mixing adequate?
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
# Is the odor acceptable?
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Wastewater sludge has been previously removed by Myers Septic Tank Service and
disposed at the North Wilkesboro WWTP. Synagro will be contracted in the future for
the removal and disposal of the wastewater sludge
Standby Power
Is automatically activated standby power available?
•
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 7

Permit: NC0087033
Inspection Date: 09/29/2022
Owner - Facility: Harmony WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
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?
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The generator is tested weekly and serviced by a contracted company (Nixon)
annually.
Page# 8