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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQCS00010_Annual_Performance_Report_20220701PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 rir NORTH CAROUMS INTERMMOTAL Cm" ANNUAL WASTEWATER REPORT SEWER COLLECTION AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES Report for FY 2021-2022 (July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022) On July 21, 1999, North Carolina Governor James Hunt signed a law, House Bill 1160, that placed reporting requirements on the owners or operators of wastewater treatment and wastewater collection facilities in North Carolina. Part of the legislation was a requirement to provide the user or customers of the system with an annual report of the past year's performance including a summary of violations. The purpose of these reports is to provide an understandable and informative description of the wastewater treatment facilities and sewage collection system, describe the regulations with which these facilities must comply, and promote a general awareness of these facilities and their role in protecting the environment. The City of High Point operates two wastewater treatment facilities and a wastewater collection system that collects and transports the wastewater to each of the two facilities. The names and permit information for these facilities are listed below as well as those professionals designated by the State of North Carolina as Operators in Responsible Charge (ORC): Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant F5898 Riverdale Road Jamestown, NC 27282 Ph: 336-822-4732 NPDES Permit#: NCO024210 John Thomas, ORC F Westside Wastewater Sewage Collection System Treatment Plant 1044 West Burton Road 816 East Green Street Thomasville, NC 27360 High Point, NC 2726 Ph: 336-822-4767 Ph: 336-883-3691 NPDES Permit#: NCO024228 Collection Permit #: WQCS00010 Dawn Molnar, ORC Sarah Beth McAvoy, ORC This report is available for viewing at City Hall (Public Services) or by logging onto our web site at www.highpointnc.gov. Customers will be notified of its availability by printed notice on water and sewer bills. Questions, comments, or requests for additional copies of this report should be directed to the Public Services Department at 336-883-3215. This report has been completed by staff of the City's Public Services Department and is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief. %rv. s-16-zz RobbVLb.Stone, Director of Public Services City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 sm PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT ��■�, City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 7 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.893.3215 ■ p m ii:05 ` \7, RUHC4aouwsM7EMI,nOKALerrY- SYSTEM OVERVIEW The Public Services Department is responsible for operating and maintaining the wastewater collection and treatment systems. The Divisions in the Department that are involved in wastewater collection and treatment are: Water & Sewer Mains, Laboratory Services, Maintenance Services, Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant and Residuals Management. The City's wastewater collection and wastewater treatment facilities provide service to homes, commercial establishments, and industries. During this reporting period, there were approximately 41,744 connections through which an average of 17.0 million gallons of wastewater traveled each day. This wastewater was collected, treated, and then discharged back into the receiving stream. The city also treats wastewater from the Archdale, Jamestown and Sedgefield communities. Multiple government agencies assure that stringent standards are met before the treated wastewater can be released into a receiving stream. These standards are listed in a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Each facility that releases treated wastewater into surface waters, a stream for example, must possess one of these permits. These permits regulate the type and amounts of pollutants that a facility can discharge. The discharge limits specified in these permits are based on the ability of the stream to withstand the addition of pollutants without having any noticeable impact on the water quality of the stream. These NPDES permits include monitoring requirements and discharge limits. Some vary with seasons and have different maximums for daily values, weekly averages, monthly averages, and quarterly averages. Wastewater treatment is a complex process that is often taken for granted. However, it requires expensive equipment and skilled operations, maintenance, laboratory, solids handling and engineering personnel working constantly to assure adequate treatment twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, and 365 days throughout the year. COLLECTION SYSTEM OVERVIEW The City of High Point wastewater collection system consists of approximately 677 miles of gravity wastewater lines; 17 miles of pressurized force mains; 23 wastewater lift stations, and 17,458 manholes. On average, 17.0 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater flowed through this system from homes and businesses, to either the Eastside or Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant during the 2021-2022 reporting period. The collection system consists of both gravity lines and (pressurized) force mains. Wastewater discharged in neighborhoods flows by gravity into the collection system. The size of the collection system lines increases to handle the higher flow as more and more wastewater is collected from outlying areas. Once the gravity lines get too deep, the flow must be pumped or pushed up, by the City's lift stations, to a higher elevation where use of the gravity lines will be resumed. The largest of these collection lines route the wastewater to the two wastewater treatment plants. (Right) — W/S Mains Division performing CCTV on a sewer service City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 2 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 The lift stations are monitored 24 hours a day for proper operation. The Water/Sewer Mains Division has four crews that are responsible for line cleaning and emergency response to calls from the public dealing with collection system problems. (Right) —Mains Division crew using Vac -Truck to clean debris from manhole A State mandated fats, oils, and grease (FOG) program is also in effect. The Collection System maintenance crews work diligently to keep the lines clean and well -maintained. A concerted effort is necessary between the city and its citizens to reduce the grease related problems in the collection system. Despite the City's best efforts, sanitary sewer overflows (SSO's) happen in High Point, just as they do in every municipality in North Carolina. An SSO is when wastewater escapes from the wastewater collection system to the surrounding ground or nearby surface waters. The North Carolina Division of Water Resources defines a reportable SSO as any spill to the ground more than 1000 gallons or any spill, regardless of the amount, which reaches any surface waters. During this reporting period, the City of High Point had 21 reportable SSO's. Approximately 30% of SSO's in the City were attributed to grease, 20%to Inflow and Infiltration, 11%to sewer main breaks or pump station failures, 23% to debris/other blockages, and 16% to roots. The SSO's are summarized in the Appendix. What the Mains Division is doing to Prevent/Reduce Spills • Inspect, repair, rehabilitate or replace sewer lines and pump stations as needed to eliminate leaks or to increase system capacity. ■ Inspect and clear collection system lines with cutting and flushing equipment. • Educate customers about proper grease disposal. ■ Increase inspection of commercial grease traps in problem areas. ■ The Public Services Department is pursuing enforcement action for restaurants in non-compliance with containing grease, fats, and oils. ■ Clear collection system easements to keep roots from growing into collection lines; limit plantings allowed along easements. ■ Operate and continuous monitoring alarm system at pump stations; maintain and repair pumps; use generators for backup power; replace pump stations with gravity sewers when practical; monitor and inspect pump stations to identify repairs needed. City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT RQ City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261� . Ful Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215anenuws- NoxrxWEaxnrarw. Crn', Corrective Actions Follow-up actions depend on the cause and severity of the spill and may include: ■ Clearing of mains. ■ Cleanup ■ Disinfection ■ Inspection ■ Repair, rehabilitate or replacement of pipes ■ Increased inspections or other maintenance as needed • Replacement of sewers or pump equipment with larger capacity facilities, in some cases. We ask customers to contact the city if they see debris or trash being deposited into the collection system. EASTSIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT The Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is a 5-stage biological nutrient removal (BNR) facility and is currently permitted to treat 26 million gallons per day (MGD). The BNR process is for phosphorus and nitrogen removal from wastewater. (Left) — Aerial view of Eastside WWTP An environment is created using influent waste and return sludge from the secondary clarifiers that encourages the growth of phosphorus removing bacteria (PAO). The PAOs consume phosphorous at higher -than -normal levels thus removing it before the water is discharged. In the BNR process, nitrogen is removed in two ways: Ammonia is converted to nitrate nitrogen by an anaerobic biological process known as nitrification; Nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas in a process called denitrification. These processes reduce the amount of total nitrogen in the effluent. The reduction of phosphorous and nitrogen in the plant's effluent helps reduce the potential for algae growth in Randleman Lake, to which the treated effluent is discharged. Other treatment processes include screening, grit removal, primary clarification, 5-stage activated sludge, secondary clarification, alum for additional phosphorus precipitation, effluent filtration, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF) thickeners — to thicken sludge prior to dewatering, post aeration, solids handling (dewatering and incineration), and odor control. All these processes support the biological treatment necessary to remove pollutants from the wastewater. The Eastside WWTP treated and discharged an average of 14.52 million gallons per day (MGD) or a total of 4,705.2 million gallons (MG) during the reporting year 2021-2022. During this report period, the Eastside WWTP received one Notice of Violation (NOV) and two Notice of Deficiencies (NODS). The NOV was for exceedance of total phosphorus for the month of January 2022. The two NODS were for: (1) Exceedance of total phosphorus monthly limit (July 2021) and, (2) Failure in toxicity (April 2022). City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 sm PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 NORTH CAMLL,WS ft-TERNATIONAL The staff at the Eastside WWTP are committed to effectively and efficiently treating the incoming waste to produce and an effluent that meets the standards outlined in its' NPDES permit. WESTSIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is also a 5-Stage Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Facility and is currently permitted to treat 10 million gallons per day (MGD). The treatment processes include: a coarse bar screen, influent lift pumps, fine screening, and grit removal for preliminary treatment; primary clarification consists of 2-primary clarifiers; a 5-stage BNR system that consists of four activated sludge basins; 3 secondary clarifiers for final clarification; alum addition, for further phosphorus precipitation; tertiary filtration; Rotary Drum Thickening (RDT), to thicken sludge prior to dewatering; ultraviolet light (UV), for disinfection; post -aeration to maintain dissolved oxygen above 7 milligrams per liter; solids handling, via centrifuge; and odor control. The North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) granted Westside WWTP an Authorization to Operate at 10 MGD beginning July 2021. The increase in capacity set more stringent effluent limitations and monitoring requirements for various parameters such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and ammonia. (Above) — Employees cleaning a basin of the BNR System An average of 2.48 MGD or a total of 905.6 million gallons (MG) were treated and discharged during the reporting year 2021-2022. The Westside WWTP received a NOV for a violation of toxicity limitation for the third quarter of 2021. City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 RESIDUALS MANAGEMENT ;,; r NORTH CAROLNA'$ i2.-fER2:ATIO.�"AL GTIY" The goal of the dedicated staff of Westside Wastewater Treatment plant is to prevent pollution by removing contaminants from wastewater producing an effluent that meets the standards outlined in its' NPDES permit. (Left) - Employee taking sludge measurements of a Primary Clarifier (Below) —Aerial view of Westside WWTP The City's Residuals Management Division has the task of disposing of the wastewater biosolids from the Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the disposal of alum sludge solids generated by the Ward Water Plant. In 2021-2022 Residuals Management processed 56.6 million gallons (MG) of sludge from the two wastewater plants. The Residual's operators use two high-speed centrifuges to dewater the biosolids, producing a material referred to as "cake'. The "cake" is about 25% dry solids by weight and becomes the feedstock for the incinerator. (Left) Centrifuge at the Eastside WWTP The Incineration system at Eastside WWTP is permitted to burn 3000 dry pounds of biosolids per hour or 36 dry tons of biosolids per day. This is the equivalent of six tractor trailer loads of biosolids per day. This incineration system allows the city to manage its biosolids disposal in house. The City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 only material left over after the incineration process is an inert ash which is then able to be landfilled. The volume reduction from dewatered biosolids to ash is approximately 95%. The Residuals Management Division is responsible for maintaining compliance with EPA and State air quality standards. Extensive upgrades to the Incineration system were undertaken to meet the new Federal MACT emissions standards. Operating under a State Air Quality Permit, this Division is also responsible for overseeing additional state air quality permits issued to the City. 3 �;..-�FTM C.anouvqs A-rrxnnnon�n� (Above) - Sludge receiving area at the Incinerator Building Currently, the city is in the planning stages of a centrifuge upgrade at the Westside WWTP with an estimated completion date of 2023. Residuals Management Division has carried out its mission of providing efficient and prompt service with its staff of dedicated employees. MAINTENANCE SERVICES The Water & Sewer Plant Maintenance Division is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the city's Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant, Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, Residuals Management equipment, and 23 wastewater lift stations, as well as the Ward Water Filtration Plant, two raw water pumping stations, three water towers, and one ground level water tank. The main maintenance shop is centrally located at the Ward Water Filtration Plant, with satellite shops at the Eastside and Westside Wastewater Treatment Plants. The division is composed of mechanics, electricians, and electronics technicians that ensure the performance of equipment through timely response to corrective maintenance work orders and by performing preventative maintenance as scheduled. (Left) — Electronic Technician pulling wires for a repair The electronics technicians are qualified to perform technical and skilled work in the maintenance, repair, and replacement of City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 Em PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 NORTH CAROLLtiA'S in-rFwWnoxA1. Cm'" electrical, electronic, and pneumatic equipment at the treatment and collection facilities. This section consists of individuals who possess a thorough knowledge and background in troubleshooting and programming PLC based systems, performing computer based technical assistance for the wastewater treatment plants, lift stations and residuals management. The electronics technicians can create graphic screens and program the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. This allows the lift stations and equipment at the wastewater treatment plants to be monitored and controlled remotely and, in some cases, controlled from a centralized location. They also are responsible for installing and repairing hardware and software for computers and peripheral devices and creating data bases and spreadsheets so that historical data can be maintained and accessed daily. (Right)— Electrician re -wiring a repaired conveyor The electricians are qualified to repair electric motors, high and low voltage switching equipment, electrical control systems, and, also, perform general skilled maintenance. The electrical control systems include but are not limited to centrifuge and incinerator controls, circuits, lighting, heating and air conditioning electrical components, UV disinfection systems and diesel generator electrical systems. The mechanics troubleshoot and repair complex pumping and wastewater treatment equipment. This includes, but is not limited to the following: gearboxes, grit collection equipment, conveyors, mechanical grinders, various types of pumps, blowers, compressors, mixers, centrifuges, fluidized bed incinerator, control valves and other process equipment. They possess technical skills such as proper alignment techniques, welding, use of a cutting torch and some limited machine shop skills. An on -call maintenance team is available after hours, weekends and holidays to respond to emergency equipment breakdowns at the wastewater plants, lift stations and residuals management. (Left) — Mechanics pulling an influent pump for repair at the Westsid W WTP City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 am PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT MIwil City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261iFax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 L- NORTH CNMo As INITR ATIONALa LABORATORY SERVICES The City's state certified laboratory is centrally located at the Frank L. Ward Water Filtration Plant. The lab provides comprehensive analytical monitoring and compliance support for the Public Services Department/Plants Divisions. They ensure monitoring and reporting compliance with all permitted State, Federal and local laws, and ordinances. The laboratory provides necessary and required testing to ensure safe, clean drinking water, as well as compliance testing for both wastewater treatment facilities, as stipulated by their NPDES permits. On average, the lab reports over 13,000 permit required tests to the state that aid in the safe and efficient operation of the plants. (Left) —Analyst running the ICP/MS The Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) manages industrial, commercial and other types of non-residential wastewater discharges into the city's sanitary sewer system in order to protect the system from pollutants that interfere with the treatment process, are impervious to the treatment process or are harmful to the plant, sewer lines or personnel. Industrial Pretreatment Program staff survey non-residential facilities discharging into the sewer system and issue permits to those meeting certain criteria such as the type(s) of waste(s) discharged from their facility or discharge volume. The issuance of discharge permit limits is based on Federal categorical pretreatment regulations, local pollutant limits and the ability of the treatment plant, either the Eastside WWTP or the Westside WWTP, to assimilate, treat and remove substances from the incoming waste stream. (Above) —Analyst performing field sampling at an industry A Pretreatment Audit was conducted in August 2021 by NC DWR. There were no shortcomings observed in the auditor's file review or POTW's (Publicly Owned Treatment Works) industrial inspection. City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261� Fax: 336.883.1675 Phone: 336.883.3215 r` NORTH CAROUN.4'S 11'TIRNAHOI:AL CITY` What is the City Response? The City of High Point is committed to improving and maintaining compliance with all regulations regarding the wastewater system. Major capital improvement projects include: • Estimated $13.9M for Riverdale Pump Station repairs and expansion. • Estimated $9.3M for Registers Creek Lift Station and force main project • Estimated $2.8M for Waterview Lift Station force main extension project • Estimated $13.3M for Richland Creek Outfall- Aerial Replacement Project • Estimated $5.4M for the Whites Mill Lift Station and LaSalle Siphon Upgrade Customer Responsibilities The leading cause of overflows is debris and grease blockages in the lines. While the collection system is designed to handle and safely transport sanitary waste to our treatment plants, too much grease or non - biodegradable material placed into the system can cause clogs and result in sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Dumping any fats, oils or grease derived from animal and vegetable sources, including meats, nuts, cereals and beans, down any drain — home or business — can cause a stoppage that forces raw, untreated waste to spill into our yards, streets, and streams. It is very important to help prevent all foreign materials, such as grease and other household debris from entering the collection system, as these can cause blockages. You can help the City of High Point reduce the number of overflows by following these simple steps: ■ Collect grease, fats, and oils from cooking in a container and dispose of it in the garbage instead of pouring it down the drain. ■ Always scrape silverware, cookware, and dishes prior to washing. ■ Place food scraps in the garbage for disposal with your household solid waste. ■ Remember "Wipes Clog Pipes' —so-called "Flushable Wipes" are NOT FLUSHABLE. Sanitizing wipes should be disposed of in the garbage for disposal with your household solid waste. Picture of "flushable wipes" removed from the sewer collection system that had created a blockage Please call the City of High Point to report any water main break or sanitary sewer overflow. To report a problem, please call 883-3111. Assistance from the Public is appreciated. City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT rti ��City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 �4 rAg Fox:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 � -s NORTH CAROLVVS ITT ATTOML CITY" SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOWS (SSO'S) APPENDIX 2021-2022 DATE LOCATION OF SSO TOTAL SPILL CAUSE Debris - CORRECTIVE ACTION 1-Jul-21 1001 S Centennial S. 40 gallons Cleared/Placed on root control program 6-Jul-21 613 Piedmont Crossing Dr 975 gallons Debris Cleared debris from line 15-Aug-21 1840 Blaines Street 300 gallons Grease Removed grease and jetted line 6-Oct-21 308 E Parkway Avenue 130 gallons Roots Flushed and rodded. Added to root control program. 6-Oct-21 154 Kenilworth Drive 60 gallons Grease Removed Grease and jetted line 14-Oct-21 906 Edinburgh Drive 35 gallons Debris Flushed line 8-Nov-21 909 Park Wood Circle 80 gallons Grease Flushed and rodded line 4-Dec-21 1805 Fern Avenue 360 gallons Grease Removed grease and flushed line 12-Dec-21 214 Rankin Place (*) 1143 gallons Grease Flushed line 12-Dec-21 1900 Fern Avenue (*) 1075 gallons Grease Flushed line 23-Dec-21 1724 Hamilton Street (*) 7850 gallons Grease Removed grease and flushed line 2-Feb-22 3232 Bowers Avenue (*) 1200 gallons Grease Flushed and rodded line 8-Feb-22 1101 Tipton Street 55 gallons Grease Flushed line 14-Feb-22 1254 Westminster Drive (*) 330 gallons Grease/Roots Flushed line 2-Mar-22 1609 Lazy Lane (*) 1800 gallons Grease Flushed line 21-Mar-22 131 James Road 585 gallons Grease, Roots, Debris Flushed line 28-May-22 2604 Sulfolk Avenue 198 gallons Pipe Failure Replaced stack 2-Jun-22 6150 Red Cedar Drive 1500 gallons Grease Flushed line with degreaser 16-1un-22 1804 Briarcliff Court 660 gallons Grease Flushed line 21-Jun-22 Pipe Crossing Rich Fork Creek/Old Plank Road 4612 gallons Pipe Failure Replaced section of pipe 26-Jun-22 1 2546 Ingleside Drive 1 446 gallons Grease Flushed line SEE LISTING ON FOLLOWING PAGE *NOTICE OF VIOLATION "NOTICE OF INTENT City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022 11 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT City of High Point, P.O. Box 230, 211 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27261 Fax:336.883.1675 Phone:336.883.3215 *NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS DECEMBER 2021 214 Rankin Place 1900 Fern Avenue 1724 Hamilton Street FEBRUARY 2022 3232 Bowers Avenue 1254 Westminster Drive MARCH 2O22 1609 Lazy Lane �W NORM C4R011.`IA5 U'(F.A1�nnonn�C WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS —REPORTABLE STORMWATER SPILLS EASTSIDE WWTP CORRECTIVE DATE LOCATION TOTAL (GAL.) CAUSE ACTION Failed pipe Pipe repaired by 02-OCT-21 Ash Lagoon 435 gallons underground (*) contractor Contained leak; Ash decant Cleaned spill; 16-FEB-22 Ash Lagoon 37.5 gallons pump clog Unclogged pump Failed pipe Pipe repaired by 17-FEB-22 Ash Lagoon 445 gallons underground (*) contractor Failed pipe Pipe repaired by 4-MAR-22 Ash Lagoon 392 gallons underground (*) contractor Valve to hydrant closed; Hydrant Non -Potable repaired by 12-APR-22 Water Hydrant 233 gallons Hydrantleak contractor (*) The Engineering Services Department finalized the engineering design work for the replacement ash decant line to help minimize the ash decant spills. In April 2022, a new decant pipeline was installed and put into service. WESTSIDE WWTP — No reportable spills. City of High Point I Annual Wastewater Report FY 2021-2022