NC0038784_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20221205

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

December 5, 2022

Shannon V. Becker, President
Aqua North Carolina, Inc.
202 MacKenan Court
Cary, NC 27511

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Neuse River Village WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0038784
Wake County

Dear Mr. Becker:

On November 30, 2022, Stephanie Goss of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) conducted an inspection
at the subject facility. The cooperation of Patrick Casey, backup operator in responsible charge (ORC),
and Katie Dickens was appreciated. Findings during the inspection were as follows:

1. The current NPDES permit was issued effective March 1, 2018 and will expire on February 28,
2023. The Division is in the process of renewing this NPDES permit. The renewal
application was received on August 22, 2022.

2. The 0.035 mgd wastewater treatment plant consists of an influent pump station, dual train
diffused aeration tanks, equalization basin, dual clarifiers, chlorine disinfection, dechlorination,
digester, and a lined fine solids settling basin.

3. The plant discharges to the Neuse River, which is classified as Class C, Nutrient Sensitive Waters
in the Neuse River basin.

4. The field parameters performed by the operator are temperature, pH, flow, total residual
chlorine, and dissolved Oxygen (Lab Certification #5051). Enco Laboratories (Lab
Certification #591) performs analysis for all other permitted parameters. Aqua conducts
the sampling required by the permit.

5. A review of discharge monitoring report (DMR) data for the period January 2019 through
October 2022 showed all required monitoring was performed.
6. A cursory review of laboratory and DMR data for October 2021 showed consistent reporting of
results.

7. The dual train diffused aeration tanks appeared to be operating satisfactorily. Foam was
not observed on the surface of the tanks.
8. The overflow weirs appeared to be level and algae free. The operator used a sludge judge to
measure the sludge depth. Clarifier #1 showed the sludge depth to be approximately 9 feet deep
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

Page 2 of 2

with the basin approximately 9 feet deep. It is recommended that the sludge depth not exceed
¼ the sidewall depth of the clarifier. Measures should be taken to reduce the amount of
sludge in Clarifier #1. Mr. Casey did state that he planned to waste after the inspection was
completed.

9. The effluent flow meter was calibrated on November 17, 2022 by Clear Water, Inc.. You are
reminded that calibration of the flow meters is required to be performed annually.

10. Mr. Casey stated that a generator is not available on-site. He stated that if a generator is needed,
they can bring a spare from a nearby facility.
11. On the day of the inspection, sampling was not conducted. Mr. Casey indicated that the effluent
composite sampler is programmed flow proportionate. The refrigerated sampling unit is being
maintained at a consistent proper temperature, less than 6 degrees Celsius. The tubing on the
composite sampler was dark green. It is recommended that the tubing is replaced on a regular
basis to prevent contamination of the samples.

12. Mr. Casey stated for the fecal coliform sampling, he grabs the sample at the V notch weir below
the plant which is right after chlorination. The wastewater then enters the settling basin where it
receives dechlorination and is then discharged into the Neuse River. Grab samples must be
representative of the discharge. All effluent samples should be taken after all treatment, including
dechlorination. Please respond in writing addressing the protocol for the collection of the
fecal coliform grab sample which will ensure a representative sample is collected [40 CFR
122.41].
13. The effluent discharge appeared free of excess solids. No detrimental impacts to the Neuse River
were observed.

14. An operator logbook is kept detailing flow and daily plant operations.

15. The Sludge holding tank has the capacity to hold approximately 10,000 gallons and the current
volume was approximately 8,000 gallons.

16. Mr. Casey stated that Granville Farms hauls their sludge from the plant every two months.

Please respond in writing to items 8 and 12 by January 8, 2023, describing how these items have been
resolved.

If you have questions concerning this report, please contact Stephanie Goss at 919-791-4256 or
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

cc: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
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 NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 N 52 NC0038784 22/11/30 C S31112171819 20
21 66
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved-------------------
N67707172 73 74 75 80
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Neuse River Village WWTP
7001 Poole Rd
Raleigh NC 27604
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
09:30AM 22/11/30 18/03/01
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Patrick Michael Casey/ORC//
Other Facility Data
10:30AM 22/11/30 23/02/28
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Laurie Ison,4163 Sinclair St Denver NC 280376447//704-489-9404/Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program
Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s)Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Stephanie Goss DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#1
12/5/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
12/6/2022
NPDES yr/mo/day
22/11/30
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
NC0038784 17
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
Permit:NC0038784
Inspection Date:11/30/2022
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Neuse River Village WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
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
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
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?
# 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:
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
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:
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?
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
Permit:NC0038784
Inspection Date:11/30/2022
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Neuse River Village WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
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?
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
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?
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
Comment:
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
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:
Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
Are all pumps present?
Are all pumps operable?
Are float controls operable?
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
Comment:
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
Permit:NC0038784
Inspection Date:11/30/2022
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Neuse River Village WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
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 ¼ of the sidewall depth)
The sludge blanket was not 1/4 of the sidewall depth. The sludge blanket was 9 feet
deep and the clarifier is 9 feet deep.
Comment:
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
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/l)
Comment:
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
# Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational?
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
Permit:NC0038784
Inspection Date:11/30/2022
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Neuse River Village WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Lagoons Yes No NA NE
Type of lagoons?
# Number of lagoons in operation at time of visit?1
Are lagoons operated in?
# Is a re-circulation line present?
Is lagoon free of excessive floating materials?
# Are baffles between ponds or effluent baffles adjustable?
Are dike slopes clear of woody vegetation?
Are weeds controlled around the edge of the lagoon?
Are dikes free of seepage?
Are dikes free of erosion?
Are dikes free of burrowing animals?
# Has the sludge blanket in the lagoon (s) been measured periodically in multiple
locations?
# If excessive algae is present, has barley straw been used to help control the growth?
Is the lagoon surface free of weeds?
Is the lagoon free of short circuiting?
Comment:
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)?
The sample tubing was dark green and the grab fecal sample was not collected below
all treatment units.
Comment:
Page#6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3
Permit:NC0038784
Inspection Date:11/30/2022
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Neuse River Village WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Liquid Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination?
Comment:
Page#7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 865FB337-FA09-4007-AB48-BDFC2C68C2F3