NC0061638_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230411

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELiZABETH-S..BISER
Secrehrry
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Vircclop
Don Denton, President
NORTH r_AROLINA
Environmental Quality
April It, 2023
Carolina Water Service Inc. of North Carolina
4944 Parkway Plaza Blvd. Ste. 375
Charlotte, NC 28217
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Amherst Subdivision WWTP
NPDES Permit NCO061638
Wake County
Dear Mr. Denton:
On April 6, 2023, Mitch Hayes of the Raleigh Regional Office conducted the subject inspection.
The assistance of Jeff Cooke with this inspection was greatly appreciated. Below is a list of
findings developed from the review of the permit and inspection.
1. The current permit was reissued January 08, 2018, and became effective May 01, 2018,
and will expire April 30, 2023. A permit renewal was received and is currently under
review. Please continue to operate under the last issued permit until a new permit is issued.
2. The 0.046 MGD facility consists of the following unis: Influent pump station; 10,000
gallons surge tank; bar screen; dual train aeration basins (12 at 5,000 gallons each); dual
clarifiers (6,200 gallons each); tertiary filters; dual sludge digesters (5,000 gallons each);
post aeration; dual hypochlorinator; dechlorinator; effluent flow meter; and on -site
generator.
All units were present and operational during the inspection. The audible." visual alarms at
the influent pump station operated when the high-water float was lifted up. Telemetry
phoned in a high wet well. All aeration basins were being operated. Blowers are set for 30
minutes on and 45 minutes off. The color in the basins was chocolate brown. Both digesters
were near full. Granville Farms was expected to haul sludge the next week. Only one
chlorinator was in use. Effluent at the flow meter appeared clear with no solids or foam.
The flow meter was last calibrated November 7, 2022. The right of way to the outfall was
flooded by beaver activity. The right of way is being maintained despite the flooded
conditions.
4. Clarke Utilities Inc. Laboratory, certification number 5161, is certified for pH, DO,
temperature and TRC. Meritech Labs performs chronic toxicity. Eurofins analyses all other
�'1� Raleigh
hRegioCarohriDepanmrnloE'EatirronmcnraltlDrQuality e I Division h. North Resources
+� Raleigh Regional O11ice I Z3ClF l3arreU Drive I Raleigl+. North Carolina 27609
t,��DHE919.791.4200

parameters. All pH buffers were within the expiration date. Field calibration sheets for DO,
and pH are kept up to date.
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) were reviewed for compliance and monitoring
requirements for the period November 2018 through February 2023. The following were
noted: BOD daily maximum limit for October 1, 2018; monitoring violations for ammonia
nitrogen on June 15, 2019, and temperature on June 1, 2019; BOD daily maximum limit
for July 13, 2021; fecal coliform daily maximum limit for August 30, 2022; frequency
violation for total nitrogen for October 31, 022; fecal coliform daily maximum limit for
January 31, 2023.
G. Commercial lab results, chain of custody records, and bench sheets were compared with
data submitted on the DMR for February 2023. No discrepancies were noted.
I would like to thank Jeff Cooke for his time and assistance with this inspection. If you have any
questions about this inspection or this letter, please contact Mitch Hayes at 919.791.4261 or via
email at mitch.haye i4nederingov .
Sincerely,
Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Raleigh Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
NC - Department of Environmental Quality
North Carolina Ikpartment of Einvironnrenlal Quality I Division ofWater Resources
512 North Salisbury Sireet 1 1611 Mail Serviec Center I Raleigli. Nnrth Carolina 27699-161 1
i��` 919 707.9000
rxi� .asi /im'M1v. peal qa��

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Form Approved.
EPA Washington, D.C. 20460
OMB No. 2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yrlmolday Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 IN 1 2 15 l 3 1 NCO061638 111 12 23/04/06 J7 18 I C I 19 I G I 201 I
211 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 __[_L I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IIIIIII11126
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA -------Reserved-------
67 701L_l � I 71 I liI 72 I LNJ I 73�74 79 I I I I I 1 180
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
Entry TimelDate
Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
01:45PM 23/04/06
18/05/01
Amherst Subdivision WWTP
4917 Johnston Pond Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Apex NC 27539
02:40PM 23/04/06
23/04/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representalive(s)mtles(s)IPhone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
111
Jeffrey J. Cookell919-662-7007 /
Jeffrey J. CookelORC/919-662-7007I
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
James T Highley,PO Box 240908 Charlotte NC 282240908ISenior Regional
No
Mana er1704-525-799017045258174
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Progran 0 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) of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Mitchell S Hayes DWRIRRO WQ1919-791-42001
)Ni" -5, Apr, � 11, LOz3
Signatur of Management Q A Rev' weAgencylOffice/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
f' 9Yq 7"9/- f(a3 z
•� I3 z,-a3
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yrlmolday Inspection Type (Cont.)
31 NCO061638 I11 1 23/04106 17 18 I C I
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
The current permit was reissued January 08, 2018, and became effective May 01, 2018, and will
expire April 30, 2023. A permit renewal was received and is currently under review. Please continue to
operate under the last issued permit until a new permit is issued.
The 0.046 MGD facility consists of the following unis: Influent pump station; 10,000 gallons surge
tank; bar screen; dual train aeration basins (12 at 5,000 gallons each); dual clarifiers (6,200 gallons
each); tertiary filters; dual sludge digesters (5,000 gallons each); post aeration; dual hypochlorinator;
dechlorinator; effluent flow meter; and on -site generator.
All units were present and operational during the inspection. The audible 1 visual alarms at the
influent pump station operated when the high-water float was lifted up. Telemetry phoned in a high
wet well. All aeration basins were being operated. Blowers are set for 30 minutes on and 45 minutes
off. The color in the basins was chocolate brown. Both digesters were near full. Granville Farms was
expected to haul sludge the next week. Only one chlorinator was in use. Effluent at the flow meter
appeared clear with no solids or foam. The flow meter was last calibrated November 7, 2022. The
right of way to the outfall was flooded by beaver activity. The right of way is being maintained despite
the flooded conditions.
Clarke Utilities Inc. Laboratory, certification number 5161, is certified for pH, DO, temperature and
TRC. Meritech Labs performs chronic toxicity. Eurofins analyses all other parameters. All pH buffers
were within the expiration date. Field calibration sheets for DO, and pH are kept up to date.
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) were reviewed for compliance and monitoring requirements for
the period November 2018 through February 2023. The following were noted: BOD daily maximum
limit for October 1, 2018; monitoring violations for ammonia nitrogen on June 15, 2019, and
temperature on June 1, 2019; BOD daily maximum limit for July 13, 2021; fecal coliform daily
maximum limit for August 30, 2022; frequency violation for total nitrogen for October 31, 022; fecal
coliform daily maximum limit for January 31, 2023.
Commercial lab results, chain of custody records, and bench sheets were compared with data
submitted on the DMR for February 2023. No discrepancies were noted.
Page#

Permit: NCO061638
Inspection Date: 04/06/2023
Owner - Facility: Amherst Subdivision WWTP
Inspection Type: 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: Permit expires April 30, 2023. A permit renewal is under review.
Record Keeping
Yes
No
NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
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❑
❑
❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
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❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
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Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
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Is the chain -of -custody complete?
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❑
❑
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?
■
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❑
❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
❑
❑
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(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified
❑
❑
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operator on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current?
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❑
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
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Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility
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classification?
Page# 3

Permit: NCO061638 Owner - Facility: Amherst Subdivision WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/06/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? 01100
Comment:
Effluent Pipe
Yes
No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
❑
❑
❑
■
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
0000
Comment: Right of way was flooded due to beaver activity. Could not access the outfall the day
of
inspection.
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes
No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
0000
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
0000
Comment: Flow meter calibrated 11.07.2022.
Pump Station - Influent
Yes
No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
■
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❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
■
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Alarms operated when high water float was lifted.
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? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4

Permit: NCO061638 Owner - Facility: Amherst Subdivision WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/06/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Is disposal of screening in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
N
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
■
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Blowers are operated for 30 minutes on and 45 minutes off.
Secondary Clarifier
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
0
Cl
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
❑
❑
■
❑
Are weirs level?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of weir blockage?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
■
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❑
Is scum removal adequate?
■
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❑
Cl
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
■
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❑
Is the drive unit operational?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately '/< of the sidewall depth)
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Rectangle clarifier.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext. Air
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 5

Permit: NCO061638 Owner - Facility: Amherst Subdivision WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/06/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are the diffusers operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
M
❑
❑
❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
De -chlorination
Yes No
NA
NE
Type of system ?
Tablet
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
0000
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
0 ❑
❑
❑
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
M ❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? so00
Number of tubes in use? 2
Comment:
Standby Power
Yes
No
NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested under load?
■
❑
❑
❑
Was generator tested & operational during the inspection?
M
❑
❑
❑
Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up
0
❑
❑
❑
power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Generator tested normall
Sand Filters (Low rate) Yes No NA NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the distribution box level and watertight? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 6

Permit: N00061638 Owner - Facility: Amherst Subdivision WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/06/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Sand Filters (Low rate) Yes No NA NE
Is sand filter free of ponding?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio?
0000
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
0000
# Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1)
■
❑
❑
❑
Comment: These are cylindrical sandfilters (2).
Laboratory
Yes
No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
0
❑
❑
❑
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
❑
❑
M
❑
degrees Celsius)?
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees?
❑
❑
M
❑
Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +1- 1.0 degrees?
❑
❑
■
❑
Comment: Eurofin is the contract lab. Field certified for pH, DO, temperature, and TRC.
Disinfection -Tablet
Yes
No
NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
No
❑
❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
0
❑
❑
❑
Number of tubes in use?
2
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
■
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Two out of four tubes were in use.
Effluent Sampling
Yes
No
NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
M
❑
❑
❑
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
0
❑
❑
❑
representative)?
Page# 7

Permit: NC0061638
Inspection Date: 04/06/2023
Effluent Sampling
Owner - Facility: Amherst Subdivision WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Comment: Sampling was not being conducted at the time of inspection.
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
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 8