WQ0002648_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230607

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 7, 2023
Delivered electronically to: michaelwalker51348(a-)_gmail.com
Michael T. Walker — Secretary
Seagrove — Ulah Metropolitan Water District
P.O. Box 370
Seagrove, North Carolina 27431
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Seagrove — Ulah WWI
Permit No. WQ0002648
Randolph County
Dear Mr. Walker:
On May 22, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle conducted a routine
compliance inspection. Mr. Larry Chilton, ORC, and Mr. Russell Welch, BUORC, were
present during the entire inspection. Mr. Donnie Lassiter, Seagrove Ulah Board of
Directors, was present when discussing the status of the system. A review of records,
treatment units, irrigation fields, storage ponds, and a monitoring well was completed.
This review reflects compliance with the subject permit.
The following items of concern was noted:
• Currently, there is no screening or flow equalization at the headworks of the
wastewater treatment plant. Grit, plastics, trash, and other debris often pass
through the aeration basin and clarifier to the storage pond. Because of the lack of
flow equalization, during heavy rainfall events and peak flows, activated sludge
and other debris is flushed from the wastewater treatment plant into the storage
pond. The aerators in the storage pond have also been sporadically offline during
the past few years. As a result, solids have built up in the storage pond to a level
that is impacting spray irrigation capabilities. Per VA the Permittee shall perform
inspections and maintenance to ensure proper operation of the wastewater
treatment and irrigation facilities. This Office recommends that a sludge
survey be completed to determine if a clean out is necessary to return the
storage pond to normal operation. Ms. Caudle can be contacted for
additional information about completing a sludge survey.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
NoanicaaouNn
oep.m.m or em�nmen� Qualm
336.776.9800

• Mr. Chilton stated that during peak flow events, typically during heavy rainfall,
influent flow will overtop the flume and as a result the flowmeter sensor reads flow
incorrectly. Influent does not leave the flume chamber. These incorrect flow
readings have caused the monthly flow average to exceed the permitted limit of
30,000 GPD. Mr. Chilton stated that different alternatives are being explored to
resolve this issue. As a reminder, certain alternatives could require permit
modification. Please contact Ms. Caudle before implementing any changes.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional comments and observations.
If you have any questions, please contact me or Caitlin Caudle at the letterhead address
and phone number, or by email at lon.snider(odeg.nc.gov or Caitlin.caudle(a)_deg.nc.gov.
Sincerely,
EuS�igTned b<y:/ l 5,,d s
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ-WSRO
Enc: Inspection Report
Cc: Larry Chilton, ORC (electronic copy)
Randolph County Environmental Health (electronic copy)
NORTH CAROLINAD � ��
oeo+ro�.m m F,mro.��w n�si�
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 1 Raleigh, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0002648 Effective: 09/10/20 Expiration: 04/30/27 Owner : Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District WW
County: Randolph 770 NC 705 S
Region: Winston-Salem
Seagrove NC 27341
Contact Person: Larry T Chilton
Title: ORC
Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
from i-40/85 in greensboro, take US 220 south. Take exit 52 south to seagrove. At town of Seagrove turn left heading south on NC
Hwy 705
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023 Entry Time 11:10AM
Primary Inspector: Caitlin pSigned by:
Secondary Inspector(s): L(±v,968199D49D_
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Treatment Lagoons
End Use -Irrigation
Treatment Flow Measurement
Wells
(See attachment summary)
Exit Time: 01:20PM
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Record Keeping
Treatment Activated Sludge Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Disinfection
Storage Standby Power
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On May 22, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle conducted a routine compliance inspection. Mr. Larry
Chilton, ORC, and Mr. Russell Welch, BUORC, were present during the entire inspection. Mr. Donnie Lassiter, Seagrove
Ulah Board of Directors, was present when discussing the status of the system. A review of records, treatment units,
irrigation fields, storage ponds, and a monitoring well was completed. This review reflects compliance with the subject
permit.
The following items of concern was noted:
• Currently, there is no screening or flow equalization at the headworks of the wastewater treatment plant. Grit, plastics,
trash, and other debris often pass through the aeration basin and clarifier to the storage pond. Because of the lack of flow
equalization, during heavy rainfall events and peak flows, activated sludge and other debris is flushed from the wastewater
treatment plant into the storage pond. The aerators in the storage pond have also been sporadically offline during the past
few years. As a result, solids have built up in the storage pond to a level that is impacting spray irrigation capabilities. Per
V.1 the Permittee shall perform inspections and maintenance to ensure proper operation of the wastewater treatment and
irrigation facilities. This Office recommends that a sludge survey be completed to determine if a clean out is necessary to
return the storage pond to normal operation. Ms. Caudle can be contacted for additional information about completing a
sludge survey.
• Mr. Chilton stated that during peak flow events, typically during heavy rainfall events, influent flow will overtop the flume
and as a result the flowmeter sensor reads flow incorrectly. Influent does not leave the flume chamber. These incorrect flow
readings have caused the monthly flow average to exceed the permitted limit of 30,000 GPD. Mr. Chilton stated that different
alternatives are being explored to resolve this issue. As a reminder, certain alternatives could require permit modification.
Please contact Ms. Caudle before implementing any changes.
Other observations:
• Mr. Chilton stated that a consulting firm has been contacted to provide a quote to install a bar screen, or other screening
equipment, and reconfigure the influent headworks. Mr. Lassiter stated that an engineer has also been employed to provide
a quote for installing a bar screen.
• The holes in the roof of the pump house and chlorinator have been repaired.
• The freeboard markers in the upper lagoon have not been recertified yet.
• The new charter school, truck stop, and housing development that were previously intended to connect to the WWTP
are being directed to Asheboro WWTP. The lift station serving the charter schools is being upgraded, taken offline from the
Seagrove collection system, and connected to the Asheboro collection system.
• The above -mentioned high flows result in monthly average flows exceeding the permitted limit of 30,000 GPD. These
exceedances will be addressed in separate correspondence.
• The influent junction boxes had baffle walls that limited the flow of influent into the WWTP. Those walls were partially
removed to better accommodate peak flow situations. To date, there has not been a heavy rain event to determine if this has
helped with peak flows.
• Flows are assumed to be within permit limits. The issue mentioned above causes the flow meter to read incorrectly and
inaccurate readings are included in monthly averages.
• The drains in the cannery have been smoked and no obvious sources of I&I have been found. The age of the collection
system and manholes is likely contributing to I&I at the cannery as many of the manholes are degrading.
• Two sources of I&I were found in the collection system in Seagrove. The property owners were notified of the necessary
repairs. It is unclear if repairs have been made.
• Currently, there are no plans to upgrade the WWTP. Necessary repairs are being made.
• Z8 and Z12 are still offline. Mr. Chilton stated that it is likely an electrical issue, and this will be investigated when the
irrigation control system is upgraded.
• The second irrigation pump was repaired. Irrigation can now be alternated between the two pumps. The seals in the
lagoon transfer pumps are in need of repair and will be completed soon.
• The aerators in the storage pond have been removed for repair or replacement.
• Nitrate in effluent exceeded 10 mg/L (2L groundwater limit) in the months of 4/22, 5/22, 8/22, 9/22, 10/22, 11/22, 12/22,
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
and 2/23 based on available monitoring reports.
• Total dissolved solids in MW3 exceeded 500 mg/L (21- groundwater limit) in the months of 3/22 and 11/22.
• Nitrate in MW3 was > 5 mg/L in the months of 7/21, 11/21, 3/22, 7/22, 11/22, and 3/23. Nitrate in MW2 was > 5 mg/L in
the months of 7/21, 11 /21, 7/22, and 3/23.
• The 2023 soil samples were just pulled and results were not available for review.
• The 5 current lift stations were not reviewed.
• Two new blowers have been installed in the WWTP to provide redundancy in the equipment
• The new flow meter was installed on 5/26/2022 and has not been calibrated yet this calendar year.
• The lagoon was reviewed and in good condition.
• An antifoam agent is used at the lift station serving the truck stop.
• The two irrigation pumps are 75hp pumps.
• The facility generator went through an automatic test cycle while on site.
• Irrigation was not viewed in operation as the freeboard level was too low in the storage pond to allow for irrigation.
• The lift stations are as follows:
o H&H ❑ located behind the furniture plant, serves the furniture plant, Chief trucking with a truck wash, Seagrove Elem.,
grocery store, deli, Mayor's house, and a couple of pottery stores
o Hwy 13 ❑ manufacturing buildings, vet office, office buildings, Black Lake, two charter schools
o Black Lake ❑ small conference center
o Rest Stop
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0002648
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023
Owner - Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Infiltration System
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
Treatment Yes No NA NE
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
❑
❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge
Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Clarifiers
Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system operational?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system accessible?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Disinfection
Yes No NA NE
Is the system working?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate detention time (-30 minutes)?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the system properly maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible?
❑ ❑ ❑
If tablets, are tablets present?
❑
❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If UV, are extra UV bulbs available? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If UV, is the UV intensity adequate? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
# Is it a dual feed system? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7782-50-5)? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - )
If yes, then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment:
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR?
❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑
❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑
❑ ❑
Are application rates adhered to?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
❑
❑ ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ ❑
Are operational logs present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are lab sheets available for review?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
❑ ❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: See summa
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0002648 Owner - Facility: Seagrove -Utah Metropolitan Water District
Inspection Date: 05/22/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
End Use -Irrigation
Are buffers adequate?
Is the cover crop type specified in permit?
Is the crop cover acceptable?
Is the site condition adequate?
Is the site free of runoff / ponding?
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized?
Is the application equipment present?
Is the application equipment operational?
Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes?
Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use?
Are any supply wells within the CB?
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
How close is the closest water supply well?
Is municipal water available in the area?
# Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells?
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
Are monitoring wells damaged?
Comment: See summary.
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
❑❑❑■
■❑❑❑
❑■❑❑
❑■❑❑
❑ ❑ ❑
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
❑■❑❑
Page 7 of 7