NC0086983_CEI_20230215

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
2 I5 �-I
1i
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection
3 I NC0086983 111 121 23/01/23 117
Type
18 [
i i i l l
Inspector Fac Type
19 G I 201
2111111
i l l lil i i i I I i i i l l l i i l i l i
iii
i i i i i 166
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved
671I 7° I I 711I 72 I N I 73I I 174
L� 1 751
I I I 1 1 1 180
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
South Elementary WTP
8925 NC Hwy 86 S
Mebane NC 27302
Entry Time/Date
10:OOAM 23/01/23
Permit Effective Date
17/05/01
Exit Time/Date
12:OOPM 23/01/23
Permit Expiration Date
22/03/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Not Required/ORC/919-807-6353/
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Jerry A Hatchett,8925 NC Hwy 86 S Mebane NC 27302/Maintenance
Director/336-694-4116/ No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Progran Facility 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)
Ron Boone
Seren Homer
Jesse Barnes
of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
,—DocuSigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9690/ 2/15/2023
,,,, fonve-v DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9698/
`—s1D3AE3FBFs34cF.. DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9701/
Signature
of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
DocuSigned by:
k, DWR/WSRO 336-776-9695 2/15/2023
r
`—OD2D3CE3F1 B7456...
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

31
NPDES yr/mo/day
N C0086983 I11 121 23/01/23
117
Inspection Type
18 [j
(Cont.)
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On January 23, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Seren Homer, Ron Boone, and Jesse Barnes
conducted an announced compliance evaluation inspection (CEI) at the above -referenced facility.
Matt Smith, the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), was present during the inspection. This CEI
consisted of two parts: (1) a records review of the facility files and self -monitoring data and (2) an
on -site inspection of the treatment facility. The facility was found to be compliant with the subject
permit.
The following observations were noted:
1. Permit
The permit renewal became effective May 1, 2017 and expired March 31, 2022. An application for
permit renewal was received by the NC Water Quality Permitting Section on February 24, 2022. As of
this date, a permit renewal has not been issued. Therefore, the facility is operating under the permit
issued effective May 1, 2017. A copy of the current permit was not available on -site during the
inspection. A copy of the current permit has been provided to the operator via email. Special
conditions of the permit include: (1) All samples shall be collected during the backwash cycle, and (2)
the permittee shall discharge no floating solids or foam.
For purposes of the next permit renewal, please note that there is no longer a caustic soda tank
on -site, as the pH of the well water has been stable and consistently around 7, according to the ORC.
Additionally, there is no holding basin for filter back -wash. The effluent drains directly through the
underground pipeline to the outfall.
2. Record Keeping/Laboratory
Available data records that were evaluated during the inspection appeared consistent with the data
reported on the DMRs. Field parameters evaluated on -site include flow, pH, and Total Residual
Chlorine (TRC). The facility uses a contract lab for analysis of all non -field parameters as required by
the permit (Pace Analytical Services LLC- Eden NC, Cert# 633). The chain -of -custody documentation
appeared to be complete at the time of inspection.
Data records for 2021 and 2022 were available during the inspection. The operator stated that prior
records are available at their office. Per Permit Condition Part II Section D (6), all monitoring records
must be retained for at least 3 years, except for records of monitoring information related to sewage
sludge use and disposal activities, which shall be retained for at least 5 years (or longer as required
by 40 CFR 503).
3. Flow Measurement
An in -line water meter is used to collect flow data. The type of meter used does not allow for on -site
calibration and must be removed and sent to the manufacturer for calibration. Therefore, calibration
is not conducted annually.
The permit requires instantaneous flow measurement twice per month. Per Permit Condition Part I
Section A (1), all samples must be collected during the backwash cycle. Because the timing of the
current program results in backwash cycles occurring during non -business hours, the ORC is
performing a manual backwash during sample events.
4. Disinfection
The facility uses liquid sodium hypochlorite (NaCIO) for disinfection. The solution is fed into the
system at a concentration of approximately 2 gallons of NaCIO solution per 45 gallons of water. The
disinfection system appeared operational at the time of the inspection.
5. De -chlorination
De -chlorination is conducted using a tablet form of sodium bisulfite. The de -chlorination system
appeared operational during the inspection.
6. Standby Power
No standby power is currently available at the facility.
Page# 2

Permit: NC0086983
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Owner - Facility: South Elementary WTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
7. Effluent Pipe
Effluent samples are collected at the end of the treatment works before discharge to the outfall. The
outfall pipe discharges onto a hillslope upgradient of the nearest surface water and does not appear
to come in direct contact with the receiving waters. The effluent ultimately discharges to an unnamed
tributary to Hyco Creek, a waterbody classified as Class C within the subbasin 03-02-05 of the
Roanoke River Basin. No discharge was observed at the time of inspection. The right-of-way to the
outfall appears to be well -maintained.
8. Operations & Maintenance
Operation and maintenance appeared acceptable at the time of inspection. Some corrosion was
noted at the base of the green -sand filter tank that should be closely monitored for potential leaks or
failures.
Page# 3

Permit: NC0086983
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Owner - Facility: South Elementary WTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit
(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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: -Current permit expired 3/31/2022. Permit renewal application was received by NC
Water Quality Permitting Section 2/24/2022, but permit renewal has not been issued to
date.
-There is no caustic soda tank or holding basin for filter back -wash as described in the
permit.
-Special conditions of the permit include: (1) All samples shall be collected during the
backwash cycle, and (2) the permittee shall discharge no floating solids or foam.
Record Keeping
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?
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 4

Permit: NC0086983
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Owner - Facility: South Elementary WTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Comment: -Only 2021 and 2022 data records were available for review during the inspection. The
prior records have been retained, but were not brought to the inspection.
- A copy of the current permit was not available on -site during the inspection. A copy of
the current permit has been provided to the operator via email.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
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? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment: Field parameters evaluated on -site include flow, pH, and Total Residual Chlorine
(TRC). The facility uses a contract lab for analysis of all non -field parameters as
required by the permit (Pace Analytical Services LLC- Eden NC, Cert# 633).
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?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
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- An in -line water meter is used to collect flow data. The type of meter used does not
allow for on -site calibration and must be removed and sent to the manufacturer for
calibration. Therefore, calibration is not conducted annually.
- The permit requires instantaneous flow measurement twice per month. Per Permit
Condition Part I Section A (1), all samples must be collected during the backwash cycle.
Because the timing of the current program results in backwash cycles occurring during
non -business hours, the ORC is performing a manual backwash during sample events.
Disinfection -Liquid
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 5

Permit: NC0086983
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Owner - Facility: South Elementary WTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection -Liquid Yes No NA NE
Comment: The facility uses liquid sodium hypochlorite (NaCIO) for disinfection. The solution is fed
into the system at a concentration of approximately 2 gal of NaCIO solution per 45 gal
of water. The disinfection system appeared operational at the time of the inspection.
De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ? Tablet
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: -De-chlorination is conducted using a tablet form of sodium bisulfite.
-The de -chlorination substance is stored in close proximity to the chlorine containers.
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?
Comment: The de -chlorination system appeared operational during the inspection.
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?
Comment: No standby power is currently available at the facility.
Operations & Maintenance
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?
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Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Operation and maintenance appeared acceptable at the time of inspection. Some
corrosion was noted at the base of the green -sand filter tank that should be closely
monitored for potential leaks or failures.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Page# 6

Permit: NC0086983
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Owner - Facility: South Elementary WTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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
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Comment: Effluent samples are collected at the end of the treatment works before discharge to
the outfall. The outfall pipe discharges onto a hillslope upgradient of the nearest
surface water and does not appear to come in direct contact with the receiving waters.
The effluent ultimately discharges to an unnamed tributary to Hyco Creek, a waterbody
classified as Class C within the subbasin 03-02-05 of the Roanoke River Basin. No
discharge was observed at the time of inspection. The right-of-way to the outfall
appears to be well -maintained.
Page# 7