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Home My WebLink AboutNC0020451_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20151013 (2)North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Pat McCrory Governor October 13, 2015 Mr. Brantley Price Town of West Jefferson P.O. Box 490 West Jefferson, NC 28694 SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) Town of West Jefferson WWTP NPDES Permit # NCO020451 Ashe County Dear Mr. Price: Donald R. van der Vaart Secretary On October 8, 2015 a CEI was performed by George Smith. Mr. Charles Call, ORC, was present for the inspection. The inspection is comprised of an overall evaluation in order to document compliance and noncompliance of: facilities equipment, capability to meet effluent limits, and terms & conditions with the NPDES permit. Permit The permit became effective August 1, 2011 and expires March 31, 2016. A correct copy is kept on file. Records & Reports The Repair & Maintenance log is a three ring binder that contains the following sections: pump stations, influent pumps, grit removal, automatic barscreen, traveling bridge on tertiary filter, blowers, clarifiers, oxidation ditch, ultraviolet disinfecting lamps, sludge pump, sludge truck, generator. The Town keeps excellent maintenance records. The chain -of -custody reports are complete, and they clearly document the sample conditions. The facility documents process control in the oxidation ditch of MLSS, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, pH, microscopic examination, and clarifier blanket height. These daily logs were in very good order. The Annual Performance Report for 2014 was received in the Raleigh office on February 11, 2015. Facility Site Review The 3 min automatic barscreen, grit removal, and pre -aeration were all operating properly. All three influent pumps are functioning properly. The oxidation ditch had a light brown color and a good earthy odor indicating good treatment. It is unknown at this time whether the control gate at the inner ring can be adjusted or is properly supported. Currently it is set to give the highest water level, and therefore the highest dissolved oxygen. The gate will be tested during the winter months when dissolved oxygen from the rotators are not critically needed. All four rotating biological contactors were operating. 450 W Hanes Mill Rd., Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Phone: 336-776-98001Internet; www.ncdenr.gov An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer — Made in part by recycled paper The effluent from the new and old circular clarifiers was clear, with a very minor amount of pin flock over the weirs. No algae present. Both skimmers were operating. Both secondary clarifiers are operated in an excellent manner. The effluent from the tertiary sandfilters was clear with no surface solids or scum noticed. The UV disinfection unit appeared to be properly working. The UV lamps were operating and had sufficient power. The post aeration unit was working, and there were no solids present. Flow Measurement The flow recording charts are kept on file for the required minimum of three years. Continuous flow measurement at the plant is performed using a 90' V-notch weir with a Sigma 980 ultrasonic device mounted before the effluent weir. The flow measuring device was calibrated by Milco Calibrations, LLC on November 24, 2014. Paperwork documentation was maintained in the file. The instantaneous flow was 177 gallons/minute (0.250 MGD). Laboratory The municipal lab received field certification (45284) for Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, and Temperature. Conductivity is performed using an Orion Model 122. The Orion Star AT21 pH meter is routinely calibrated and documented using a two -point calibration (pH 4 & 10) and a midrange check (pH 7). The YSI Model 55 field meter is used to measure for Dissolved Oxygen. Air calibration is performed. Temperature is recorded .with an Orion 122, and calibrated, which is NIST traceable. The lab measures and documents the field data in an excellent manner. The addition of a good microscope, Olympus, Model CX41 is a very good tool that will aide in identifying biological problems before they become a serious issue. This microscope has proven to be a good investment. Effluent/Receiving Waters The effluent from the POTW was crystal clear with no solids, no color, or no odor. The visual appearance of the effluent is considered to be outstanding at the time of the inspection. The unnamed tributary to Little Buffalo Creek, Class C-Trout + waters showed no adverse impacts. Operations & Maintenance The following Town personnel operate the facility: Charles Call, ORC, Grade W; Jody Walters, Back-up ORC, Grade I; and Mr. Brandon Patrick, Maintenance, Grade III. The staff perform their operation & maintenance duties in an outstanding manner. The MLSS is approximately 3800 mg/L and the dissolved oxygen was 3.80 mg/L. Self -Monitoring Program A review of the monthly self -monitoring reports from January 2014 through July 2014 revealed a monthly average violation for BOD during June 2014. The Town currently performs influent composite sampling with an Isco Model 3700 FR. A sample aliquot of 250 ml is collected every 10,080 gallons. This complies with the flow proportion sample requirement. The Town currently performs effluent composite sampling with an Isco Model 3700 FR. A sample aliquot of 250 ml is collected every 9,900 gallons. This complies with the flow proportion sample requirement. The influent & effluent sample compartments were documented at VC with NIST traceable temperature reading. The upstream and downstream measurements are performed at the proper locations. Sludge Disposal The digesters are approximately 30% full. This is considered excellent operations of the plant, especially going into the winter months. A screw press was tested during the winter of 2014-2015. It will be available if needed this winter. Mr. Brantley Price indicated that a grant proposal was submitted to the Appalachian Regulatory Commission for a dewater project for 851K. This includes a screw press and sewer collection system projects. The inspection is satisfactory. The quality of the effluent is excellent and the plant personnel are considered to perform their jobs in an excellent manner. If you have any questions please contact George Smith or me at (336) 776-9800. Sincerely, W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ cc: WSRO Files United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved. EPA Washington, D.C. 20460 OMB No. 2040-0057 Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires8-31-98 Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS) Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type 1 h, ( 2 IS I 3 I NCO020451 I11 121 15/10/08 I17 181,•t 191 c I 201 I 211111111111111U11111111111111111111111111- f6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------Reserved----------- 72 LNJ 73I 75I 67I �I 7071 IitlI L L L L_L 80 Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date POTW name and NPDES permit Number) 09:OOAM 15/10/08 11/08/01 West Jefferson WWTP US Hwy 221 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date - West Jefferson NC 28694 11:15AM 15/10/08 16/03/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data /// Jessie Charles Call/ORC/336-246-3558/ Name, Address of Responsible Offcialfritle/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Brantley Price, /Town Manager// No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Program 0 Facility Site Review EfBuent/Reoeiving Waters Laboratory Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) (See attachment summary) Names) and Signature(s) of Inspectors) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date GeorgeS Smith WSRO WQ//336-776-9700/ C�13 �&/3— 1— Signature ofManagementQ A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date i AA6-Azz� - J�,,✓2 -.wsA--> 13eq-z ,rj— EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# Permit: NCO020451 Owner -Facility: West Jefferson WWrP inspection Date: 10/08/2015 Inspection Type: compliance Evaluation Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ application? Is the facility as described in the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ M ❑ ❑ Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is all required information readily available, complete and current? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chain -of -custody complete? M ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If the facility is = or> 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the ORC certified at grade equal to_or higher than the facility classification? M ❑ ❑ El Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 Permit: NCO020451 Inspection Date: 10/0812015 Record Keeping Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? Owner -Facility: west Jefferson WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 19i7rtTiMM 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 % of the sidewall depth) Comment: Oxidation Ditches Are the aerators operational? Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up? # 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? Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)? Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes) Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NCO020451 Inspection Date: 10/08/2015 Oxidation Ditches Comment: 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: Owner -Facility: West Jefferson WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Effluent Sampling 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: Upstream / Downstream Sampling Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and sampling location)? Comment: Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5