NC0021407_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230301

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.

March 1, 2023

Lamar Nix, Director of Public Works
Town of Highlands
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Highlands WWTP
NPDES WW Permit No. NC0021407
Macon County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Highlands WWTP on
2/10/2023. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0021407. 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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lauren Armeni with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4667 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Lauren Armeni, Environmental Specialist II
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report

Ec: Laserfiche
Dale Wike (ORC)
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
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 NC0021407 23/02/10 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)
Highlands WWTP
Arnold Rd
Highlands NC 28741
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
10:30AM 23/02/10 21/02/01
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Dale Howard Wike/ORC/828-586-5588/
Other Facility Data
01:30PM 23/02/10 25/08/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Lamar Nix,PO Box 460 Highlands NC 287412063//828-526-2118/8285262595 Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement 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
Lauren E Armeni DWR/ARO WQ/828-296-4500/
Mara G Chamlee DWR/ARO WQ/828-296-4500/
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
3/1/2023
3/2/2023
3/2/2023
NPDES yr/mo/day
23/02/10
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Lauren Armeni and Mara Chamlee, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance
Evaluation Inspection of the Highlands WWTP on February 14, 2023. This inspection was conducted
to determine whether the facility is being operated and maintained in compliance with NPDES Permit
No. NC0021407. Dale Wike (ORC, Environmental Inc.) and Scott Rudd (Assistant Operator,
Environmental Inc.) were present and assisted in the inspection.
Overall, the plant was well-maintained and operated. The following items were noted during the
inspection:
1. Influent Sampling:
Influent sampling is not performed above the side streams. Mr. Wike stated that they cannot avoid
sampling above side streams due to the return from the belt press, filter backwash, sludge waste,
digester decant and return from the post EQ basin when it is cleaned.
2. Sequencing Batch Reactors:
Mr. Wike stated that SBR #2 is not operational at the moment because the flex joint had sheared. He
noted that they had just recieved a new flex joint, and SBR #2 will be repaired and operational again
within the next couple of months before the flow increases from the start of toursit season.
3. Effluent Sampling:
The composite sampler tubing is dirty and it is recommended that it be replaced.
4. Upstream/Downstream Sampling:
Mr. Wike indicated that he is concerned with the safety of the downstream sampling location. Please
provide coordinates for a preferred downstream location, and this can then be discussed with the
DEQ Permitting Section.
5. Solids Handling Equipment:
Mr. Wike indicated that the facility will be recieveing a new belt filter press within the upcoming six
months. He stated that they are currently working to get the sludge levels in the digesters down for
extra sludge storage during installation of the new belt press. Mr. Wike indicated that the facility does
not have a Sludge Management Plan, but that he will work on writing one.
NC0021407 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
Permit:NC0021407
Inspection Date:02/10/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Highlands WWTP
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?
# 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?
Special conditions within the permit require toxicity testing and effluent pollutant scan.
Mr. Wike indicated that they use Pace Analytical for analyses of these samples.
Comment:
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?
Mr. Wike stated that they measure pH, DO and temperature in-house. MLSS is
monitored weekly.
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?
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?
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
Permit:NC0021407
Inspection Date:02/10/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Highlands WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
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?
Mr. Wike indicated that they are currently working on the System Performance Annual
Report (SPAR) and it will be submitted by the deadline. Chain of Custody forms should
include the name and signature of the individual who collected the sample in the
required fields in addition to the "Relinquished by" signature field.
Comment:
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
# 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?
The influent sampler is set to time composite. The thermometers have been replaced
and are now operational. Mr. Wike stated that they cannot avoid sampling above side
streams. See summary for details.
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?
Mr. Wike indicated that the trash from the bar screen automatically goes into a
dumpster, and the Town of Highlands picks up the screened debris every two months.
The facility has a manual bypass bar screen that can be used if needed.
Comment:
Sequencing Batch Reactors Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:Duplex
Is the reactor effluent free of solids?
Does minimum fill time correspond to the peak hour flow rate of the facility?
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
Permit:NC0021407
Inspection Date:02/10/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Highlands WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Sequencing Batch Reactors Yes No NA NE
Is aeration and mixing cycled on and off during fill?
The operator understands and can explain the process?
Mr. Wike indicated that the decant weir for SBR #1 was recently repaired and is now
operational. He also indicated that the sludge blanket level is typically 6-8' out of 12'.
The DO probe is calibrated by Hach annually and was most recently calibrated two
months ago. At the time of inspection, the DO was 1.85 mg/L. SBR #2 was not
operational at the time of inspection due to a flex joint on the decant arm in need of
repair, but this repair should be complete by March. See summary for details.
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?
Mr. Wike verified that the old EQ basin line has been permanently closed. The basin
currently in use is a post-EQ basin. Bubble diffusers are used to aerate the basin. The
basin is drained down and cleaned out as needed, and the decant goes back to the
headworks. The alarms are connected to SCADA, which is connected to their computer
and will alert them and send out phone calls.
Comment:
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:Cross 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?
Mr. Wike indicated that the actuators and cloth media filters had not been replaced in
the last year since that is the time in which he has been present at this facility. He also
indicated that the filters are automatically backwashed every hour of run time. The
overflow from the filters goes back to the headworks.
Comment:
Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
Permit:NC0021407
Inspection Date:02/10/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Highlands WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE
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?
The Town has a service contract with the UV system manufacturer, Wedeco. The UV
system has an automatic cleaning system. Mr. Wike indicated that Wedeco staff visits
annually, and their last maintenance visit was two months prior to the inspection date.
This UV system utilizes dual bank lights in case one section goes down.
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE
# 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?
A new effuent flow meter was installed in September 2021 and it was last calibrated on
April 26, 2022.
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 tubing is dirty and it is recommended that it be replaced. The thermometer has
been replaced since the last inspection and is now operational. Samples that are not
analyzed in-house by Environmental Inc. are sent to Pace Analytical.
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?
Page#6
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
Permit:NC0021407
Inspection Date:02/10/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Highlands WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
At the time of inspection, Mr. Wike indicated that the facility is not actively discharging
because the flow is currently lower due to seasonal fluctuations.
Comment:
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type,
and sampling location)?
Mr. Wike stated that the downstream samples are in a dangerous location and will
need to be reevaluated. See summary for details.
Comment:
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
Is the mixing adequate?
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
# Is the odor acceptable?
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
The facility has two aerobic digesters near the SBR units and Mr. Wike stated that they
switch between the two. There is an additional sludge holding tank with aeration near
the head of the plant that is used for thickening prior to being sent to the belt filter
press. Decant goes back to the headworks.
Comment:
Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE
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?
The facility has an approved sludge management plan?
A covered storage area with a concrete pad is used to store the sludge cake until it is
hauled to the landfill. Runoff from the solids is drained to a wet well which is pumped
back to the head of the plant. Mr. Wike indicated that the facility will be recieving a new
belt filter press within six months. The polymer feed system and type of polymer used
was upgraded in March 2022. See summary for details.
Comment:
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
Is the generator tested under load?
Page#7
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A
Permit:NC0021407
Inspection Date:02/10/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
Highlands WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
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?
Mr. Wike indicated that the generator has the capacity to operate the entire wastewater
facility except for parts of the solids handling building. The Town of Highlands has a
service contract with Allan Dearth, and they mantain the generator monthly. The
generator automatically exercises once a week on Monday mornings. The generator is
no longer randomly kicking on three times a week like it previously was. The generator
has a fuel gauge which Mr. Wike periodically checks.
Comment:
Page#8
DocuSign Envelope ID: E38BCB91-E8D1-4F53-B9DB-CA71FFD0DE2A