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Home My WebLink AboutNC0024945_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20221116ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Joseph Lockler, Operations Chief Environmental Management Division Charlotte Water 15100 Brookshire Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28216 SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Irwin Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NC0024945 Mecklenburg County Dear Mr. Lockler: NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality November 16, 2022 Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on November 9, 2022, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Please advise the facility's Operator -in -Responsible Charge (ORC) of our findings by forwarding the enclosed report. Should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or at wes.bell@ncdenr.gov. Enclosure: Inspection Report Cc: NPDES Program Files - Laserfiche D_E o,.mworkt G.ed o � Sincerely, DocuSigned by: F161 FB69A2D84A3... Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue. Suite 301 1 Mooresville. North Carolina 28115 704.663.1699 United States Environmental Protection Agency E PA 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 1 IN Code I 2 L NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac 3 I NC0024945 111 121 22/11/09 117 1810I 191 S I 2011 Type 21 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I I I I I I 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 I 1 P6 Inspection 67I2.0 Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring I 70I4 Evaluation Rating I 71IN B1 I 72 QA I N I 731 1 I I Reserved 74 751 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 Dermit Number) Irwin Creek WWTP 4000 Westmont Dr Charlotte NC 28217 Entry Time/Date 09:20AM 22/11/09 Permit Effective Date 17/10/01 Exit Time/Date 01:05PM 22/11/09 Permit Expiration Date 22/05/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Jacob Wayne Bolick/ORC/704-336-2573/ Other Facility Data Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Angela D Charles,5100 Brookshire Blvd Charlotte NC 282163371//704-336-5911/ 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/ 11/16/2022 Lle&,, 3dit A61696D90CC3437... Signature of Managpmtcl Andrew Pitner g,aRjewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date i 4.Ie.ao ElP41A/R/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 11/16/2022 EPA Form 3560-3 Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# 1 31 NPDES yr/mo/day NC0024945 111 121 22/11/09 117 Inspection Type 18 [j 1 Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On -site Representatives: The following Charlotte Water staff were in attendance during the inspection: Mr. Jacob Bolick, Mr. Tony Sponelli, Mr. Shannon Sypolt, Mr. Doug Wise, Mr. Michael Christiansen and Ms. Muriel Steele. Page# 2 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ application? Is the facility as described in the permit? • ❑ El El # Are there any special conditions for the permit? • ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 Charlotte Water's permit renewal documentation on 12/1/2021. Charlotte Water implements a Division approved Industrial Pretreatment Program. The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on 10/27/2020. 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)? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chain -of -custody complete? • ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • ❑ ❑ ❑ (If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek 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 October 2021 through September 2022. No limit and/or monitoring violations were noted during the review period. 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: Influent and effluent analyses are performed by Charlotte Water Environmental Services Laboratory (Certification #192). ETT Environmental and ETS have been contracted to perform effluent chronic toxicity tests. 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 samplers are calibrated weekly and checked (for proper operation) every shift. Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? • ❑ ❑ El 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 • El El El degrees Celsius)? Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type • El El El representative)? Page# 4 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The composite samplers are calibrated weekly and checked (for proper operation) every shift. 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 El El Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: The wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained. Facility staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all measurements being properly documented and maintained on -site. In-depth operation and maintenance records are also maintained on -site. Approximately nine (9) SCADA stations are located throughout the treatment plant site. The facility's SCADA system was operational and in service. Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Is the basin aerated? ❑ El • El Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? • El El El Is the basin free of excessive grease? • El El El Are all pumps present? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? ■ El El El Are float controls operable? • El El El Are audible and visual alarms operable? El El • El # Is basin size/volume adequate? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with a 30 MG equalization basin (10 MG cell and a 20 MG cell). The equalization basin is connected to the on -site SCADA system. The facility also has the capability of diverting influent flows to the Charlotte Water/McAlpine Creek WWTP for final treatment/disposal. Bar Screens Type of bar screen a.Manual b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? Is the screen free of excessive debris? Is disposal of screening in compliance? Is the unit in good condition? Comment: Yes No NA NE • Page# 5 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the wet well free of excessive grease? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? • El El El Are float controls operable? • El El El Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? • El El El Comment: Flow Measurement - Influent # 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was calibrated on 7/28/2022 by CITI, LLC. Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Type of grit removal a.Manual El b.Mechanical • Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? • El El El Is the grit free of excessive odor? • El El El # Is disposal of grit in compliance? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the Republic Services/CMS Landfill located in Cabarrus County. Primary 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? Is the drive unit operational? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) Comment: All three primaries were operational; however, only one was in service. • ❑ ❑ ❑ Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? • ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: All seven aeration basins were operational and in service. Each aeration basin is equipped with an anoxic zone with mixing. Magnesium hydroxide is added prior to the aeration basins to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels. Chemical Feed Is containment adequate? Is storage adequate? Are backup pumps available? Is the site free of excessive leaking? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with a chemical feed and storage facility for alum and magnesium hydroxide. 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? Yes No NA NE Page# 7 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Secondary Clarifier 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: All four secondaries were operational; however, only three were in service. Pumps-RAS-WAS Are pumps in place? Are pumps operational? Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? Comment: Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Down flow Is the filter media present? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter free of growth? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: All ten tertiary filters were operational and in service. 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: Both UV channels were operational. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was calibrated on 7/28/2022 by CITI, LLC. 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. The receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. Fish were observed at the confluence of the effluent discharge and receiving stream. Anaerobic Digester Type of operation: Is the capacity adequate? # Is gas stored on site? Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers? Is the gas burner operational? Is the digester heated? Is the temperature maintained constantly? Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Yes No NA NE Fixed cover • ❑ ❑ ❑ • • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with four primary anaerobic digesters and two storage tanks (floating cover). Three primary digesters and one storage tank were in service. The fourth primary digester was in the process of being cleaned out by a contracted company (Bio-Nomic Services). Solids Handling Equipment Is the equipment operational? Is the chemical feed equipment operational? Is storage adequate? Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters? Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press? Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 9 Permit: NC0024945 Inspection Date: 11/09/2022 Owner - Facility: Irwin Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE The facility has an approved sludge management plan? • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with 2-gravity belt thickeners, 2-belt filter presses, WAS storage tank (aerated), filtrate storage tank (aerated), bio-solids storage tank and a covered bio-solids storage pad. All treatment units were operational. Dewatered bio-solids are land applied by a contract company (Syangro) under the authority of Permit No. WQ00O0057. Standby Power Is automatically activated standby power available? 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ▪ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both backup generators are tested under load monthly and serviced quarterly by Carolina CAT. Page# 10