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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0017530_CEI_20221013 SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED October 11, 2022 Jerry West Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Emailed to: Jerry@highlandscove.com SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Highlands Cove WWTP Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0017530 Jackson County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Highlands Cove WWTP on 9/29/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0017530. 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 Inspection Report EC: LF Cc: Mark Teague and Dale Wike, Environmental, Inc. Compliance Inspection Report Permit:WQ0017530 Effective:04/03/20 Expiration:06/30/26 Owner :Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc SOC: Contact Person: Region: County: Directions to Facility: Jackson Asheville Foster McDonald Effective:Expiration:Facility:Highlands Cove WWTP 2160 Highlands Cove Dr Highlands NC 28741 Title:Phone:828-526-3284 From Cashiers intersection of Hwy. 64 and Hwy. 107: Travel west on Hwy. 64 for approximately three miles. Highlands Cove is located on the right, wait at guard house for ORC. Secondary ORC(s): 828-293-9396Phone:1000267Certification:Dale Howard WikePrimary ORC: SI,WW2,System Classifications: On-Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Secondary Inspector(s): Primary Inspector: Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time: Phone: 09/29/2022 10:30AM 01:30PM Melanie Kemp 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 Lagoons 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 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine Inspection Summary: Melanie Kemp, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Highlands Cove WWTP and irrigation system on September 29, 2022. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the facility is being maintained and operated in compliance with Permit No. WQ0017530. Dale Wike and Travis Farmer (Environmental, Inc.) and Marty Kocot (LandWorks Engineering) were present during and assisted with the inspection. Overall, the wastewater treatment plant appeared to be functional but is showing some signs of aging. Flows are well below permitted levels and should meet increasing demand as development continues in Highlands Cove. Chlorination has been the main means of disinfection for many years, as the UV system has been offline due to cracks and damage to the UV banks during the winter months. This change to the operations should be reflected during the next renewal. There were multiple rusty and unsafe grates within the WWTP area. The filter media shows significant signs of aging and should be replaced. In August 2021, rainfall caused abnormally high water-levels in the wet weather storage pond. The already-damaged and aging pond liner ruptured, resulted in failure of the pond’s embankment releasing over an estimated 600,000 gallons of water. During repairs, wastewater was redirected to the 5-day upset pond. The original liner was kept in place and a new synthetic liner was installed over the old one, with the oversight of LandWorks Engineering. The pond returned to use in March 2022. The liner in the 5-day upset storage pond is the same age and Mr. Kolcot indicated that it is older than the recommended life-span and should be replaced. Although this pond is mostly filled with rainwater, the liner did appear to have a few small tears and needs to be replaced before it becomes and issue. Historically, the treated effluent in the wet weather pond was not being used to irrigate areas outside of the power line easements. During repairs, the ORC rebooted pumphouse operations and is now able to irrigate zones within the golf course. During the inspection, the pumps were activated, and spraying was demonstrated in Zone A. The PM pump faulted multiple times at the time of the inspection – this pump needs to be repaired or replaced. The spray heads need to be assessed and calibrated once per permit cycle (see Permit Condition III.8). Guidance is attached to this compliance inspection report. The ORC indicated that the spray heads are not adjustable which they would potentially need to be replaced if they are not operating within permit limits. This calibration is required before the permit cycle ends on June 30, 2026. The Glen Cove pump station was inspected. The high-water alarm was operable and the telemetry auto-dialer is in the process of being repaired after a lightning storm damaged both pump stations. Vegetation was overgrown and should be maintained to improve access to the ORCs for regular inspections. As a reminder, distribution of educational materials to residents is a requirement as part of this permit. Page 2 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine Type Yes No NA NE Infiltration System Lagoon Spray, LR Single Family Spray, LR Activated Sludge Spray, LR Activated Sludge Spray, HR Activated Sludge Drip, LR 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 UV system has been offline since the last inspection (2020) and the facility is only using chlorination for disinfection. It is recommended that the facility gets the UV system back online as is outlined in the current permit, or modify the permit. 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? Influent flow not measured.Comment: Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? Are the daily average values properly calculated? Water use is not metered.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? The flow meter was last calibated on 6/7/22 by Laboratory Testing, Inc. Flow is typically 10-20 gpm. Comment: Page 3 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association 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? The facility has a contract with Allan Dearth to service and maintain the generator and fuel levels. The last maintenance visit was performed 1/21/22 and the generator fuel gauge indicated it was 3/4 full. 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? There is a small manual barscreen at the head of the plant. Almost all homes that feed into the WWTP have a grinder pump. 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? Mixed liquor appeared to be well mixed and free of dead spots. ORC indicated no issues with WWTP operations. 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? Clarifiers free of excessive solids. Facility receives minimal flow. There was some algae on the weir teeth but was not obstructing flow. Comment: Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE Are they in place? Are they operational? Comment: Page 4 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine 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? The filter media is old and needs to be replaced.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 sludge holding tank appears to be adequate and solids are hauled to TWASA, as needed.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? The facility's UV system has not been functional for a long time due to freezing conditions cracking and breaking the UV banks. Staff have been using chlorine for disinfection and records indicate this has been adequate. The disinfection method should be updated in the next permitting renewal or the UV system be repaired. Comment: Page 5 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine 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? 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? The facility began spraying on the golf course occasionally after repairs were made to the pond liner in 2022. The pumps that service the spray irrigation were cycled during the inspection. The PM pump has been experiencing ongoing issues and needs to be repalced. All compliant effluent is routed to the 3.1 million gallon wet-weather storage pond. NDMRs and NDARs were reviewed prior to the inspection. 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? Page 6 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine 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? 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 all upset water can be diverted from the 5-day upset pond because fecal coliform results are not instantaneous. Wastewater diverted to the pond is recycled back through the WWTP. Spray heads need to be calibrated prior to permit expiration in June 2026. Comment: 5 DAY STORAGE POND - Storage Yes No NA NE Storage Type?5-day detention pond Storage amount?331920 Gallons # At what point is side-stream wastewater returned to treatment?Returned to 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? Page 7 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine 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?6.3 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? There is currently no flow to the 5-day upset pond and sufficient freeboard. Most of what is in the pond is rain water. The liner is beyond the life-span of what is recommended in the original engineering specifications (20 years) and should be replaced. Comment: WET WEATHER STORAGE - Storage Yes No NA NE Storage Type?Pond Storage amount?3198560 Gallons # At what point is side-stream wastewater returned to treatment?N/A 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? Page 8 of 9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQ0017530 09/29/2022 Compliance Evaluation Highlands Cove Property Owner's Association Inc Routine 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?12.1 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? Duckweed covering pond surface at time of the inspection. A new pond liner was installed over the old liner in 2020 after the liner ripped during a heavy story. The liner appeared to be free of rips/tears and in good condition at the time of the inspection. 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