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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0029475_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20221213DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Joel A Mingus Aqua North Carolina Inc 251 Merchant's Cir Hampstead, NC 28443 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality December 15, 2022 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Sterling Farms WWTP Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0029475 Onslow County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sterling Farms WWTP on 12/13/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0029475. 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 Helen Perez with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at helen.perez@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, EDocuSigned by: Toµ 'T�U.M OA, for 7F141E73B6F3456... Morelia Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: Michael Cowell — electronic copy Upload to Laserfiche D_E QZ� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 910.796.7215 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0029475 Effective: 05/01/20 Expiration: 05/31/26 Owner : Aqua North Carolina Inc SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sterling Farms WWTP County: Onslow Old 30 Rd Region: Wilmington McSr 1423 - White Oak Township Jacksonville NC 28546 Contact Person: Joel A Mingus Title: Coastal Area Manager Phone: 910-270-1412 Directions to Facility: Take NC 17 NW from Jacksonville. Take right turn onto Piney Green Road. Travel 2 +/- miles and take a left onto Old 30 Road. Site is on the left about 1.5 miles. System Classifications: SI, WW2, Primary ORC: Michael Edward Cowell Certification: 1008583 Phone: Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): On -site representative Related Permits: Joel A Mingus Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 11:OOAM Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez DocuSigned^by: E l_n_„ NABDocuSigned by:Secondary Inspector(s): C�� I E7F141E73B6F3456... To'. _N4- l OA, 1D645B4A39694BE... 910-270-1412 Phone: 910-796-7387 Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation Facility Status: Compliant ❑ Not Compliant Question Areas: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Treatment Filters Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Flow Measurement (See attachment summary) Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions Treatment Treatment Barscreen Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge End Use -Irrigation Treatment Disinfection Treatment Return pumps Standby Power Page 1 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: A routine compliance inspection of the Sterling Farms WWTF was conducted on December 13, 2022. The purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit WQ0029475. Joel Mingus and Michael Cowell were present during the inspection. The Sterling Farms WWTF is a 186,000 gpd anoxic/aeration treatment system with membrane filtration that treats the wastewater to reclaimed standards. The flow through the plant averages between 70,000 to 80,000 gpd. Currently, irrigation disposal is limited to 135,357 gpd until the construction and operation of Fields 1-3 and 9-12. There is no 5-day upset pond. If effluent turbidity exceeds 10 NTU in either train, it automatically goes into stand-by mode until the problem is resolved. During this time, wastewater is processed in the other train and extra volume accumulates in the equalization basin and process tanks. A review of records show no violations in the current permit cycle. The facility, along with the irrigation fields, are well maintained, and required documentation reviewed was organized and complete. There has been recent complaints in regards to the 12.4 MG, lined storage pond located adjacent to some homes in the Sterling Farms residental community. The pond was clear and in good condition with no floating solids or odor on inspection day. The facility is compliant with Non -Discharge Permit WQ0029475. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details. Page 2 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Type Yes No NA NE Infiltration System ❑ Lagoon Spray, LR ❑ Single Family Spray, LR ❑ Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑ Recycle/Reuse ❑ Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑ Single Family Drip ❑ Reuse (Quality) Activated Sludge Spray, HR Treatment Yes No NA NE Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The sodium hydroxide feed system for pH adjustment and the methanol feed system are available but not currently used. Aqua accepts the flow from the adjacent Morton Elementary School as per Sewer Extension Permit WQ0036884. Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The influent flowmeter is not used for reporting. It was calibrated in October 2022 by Delta Systems Environmental. Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 3 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: The effluent flowmeter is used for reporting and was calibrated in October 2022 by Delta Systems Environmental. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The generator is automatically tested every Monday and maintenanced annually. Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE Is it free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Influent flows through dual rotary drum 2 mm screens with stationary cleaning brushes before entering the 67,000 gallon aerated equalization basin. Brushes are manually cleaned weekly. Debris is conveyed to a dumpster for proper disposal. Treatment Activated Sludge / ]r- ]..�.1N Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: From the splitter box, wastewater enters dual anoxic basins, each with a submersible mixer, and then to dual 31,645 gallon aeration basins with fine air diffusers. The diffusers were replaced approximately two years ago and extra diffusers are located on site. Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: No comment. Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter media the correct size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Page 4 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The dual membrane tanks, each with two membrane cassettes, back pressure automatically to clean the membrane surface. Turbidity meters are located at the outlet of each membrane filter train. When turbidity reaches 10 NTU, the train automatically -goes into stand-by mode until the issue is corrected due to not having an up -set pond available. The turbidity meters were calibrated in October 2022 by Delta Systems Environmental. 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Residuals continue to be removed by Lewis Farms and records of hauling activities are available at Aqua's Hampstead office. Treatment Disinfection 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 Ibs 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? Yes No NA NE ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ ❑❑■❑ Comment: Disinfection includes two UV units in parallel with eiqht lamps each. Bulbs are switched out annually, and extra bulbs and sleeves are located on site. Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Is a copy of current permit available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑ NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are flow rates less than of permitted flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are application rates adhered to? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there any 2L GW quality violations? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are annual soil reports available? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are PAN records required? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Did last soil report indicate a need for lime? ❑ ❑ ❑ If so, has it been applied? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are operational logs present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Were Operational and Maintenance records complete? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is a copy of the SOC readily available? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: All operations and maintenance performed is documented in a log book. The annual soil samples were collected in November 2022 and they are waiting for results. The Isco effluent compositor has a proper thermometer and temperature was 2.5 degrees Celcius during the inspection. It was discussed with staff that MW-1 did not have to be sampled until the construction and operation of Fields 1-3 and Fields 9-12. End Use -Irrigation Yes No NA NE Are buffers adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the cover crop type specified in permit? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the crop cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site condition adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of runoff / ponding? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment present? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the application equipment operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 6 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: E002D4D1-OFOB-4FEA-B5FB-3FBCE82F0017 Permit: WQ0029475 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc Inspection Date: 12/13/2022 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑ How close is the closest water supply well? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is municipal water available in the area? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are monitoring wells damaged? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The high-level alarm for the pump station that pumps effluent to the storage pond was operational. The telemetry system notifies the operator of any alarms for the plant. The irrigation fields were in good condition and well maintained. Extra sprinkler heads are located on site. Aqua has plans to replace the solenoid valves for the irrigation system soon. The 12.4 MG lined storage pond was in good condition and clear of any floating solids. Freeboard was 4-5 feet. Page 7 of 7