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Home My WebLink AboutNC0020401_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230612ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Shawn Pennell, Public Utilities Director City of Hickory P.O. Box 398 Hickory, NC 28603-0398 SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection City of Hickory NPDES Permit No. NCO020401 Catawba County Dear Mr. Pennell: NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality June 12, 2023 Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on June 6, 2023, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. This Office would like to thank all WWTP staff for their cooperation and assistance that was provided throughout this inspection. Please advise the facility's Operator -in -Responsible Charge (ORC) of our findings by forwarding the enclosed report. Should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or at wes.bellgricdenn gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: A wNNuft F161 F669A2D84A3... Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Enclosure: Inspection Report Cc: NPDES Program Files - Laserfiche DEQ� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.663.1699 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 yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type 1 IN 1 2 u 3 I NCO020401 I11 121 23/06/08 I17 18I � I 19 I s I 201 I 211IIIII 111111III II III III1 I I IIIII IIIIIIIII II r6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved ------------------- 67 2.0 701d I 71 I„ I 72 I r., I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 L—I ty L-1 I I Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date POTW name and NPDES Dermit Number) 09:10AM 23/06/08 21/07/01 Northeast WWTP 310 Cloninger Mill Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Hickory NC 28601 11:40AM 23/06/08 26/04/30 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Keith Douglas Rhyne/ORC/828-322-5075/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Warren Wood,PO Box 398 Hickory NC 286010398//828-323-7412/ No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Sludge Handling Dispo: 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 DocuSigned by: Wes Bell DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ 6/12/2023 A61696D90=437... Signature of Man LAAF*yiewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Andrew Pi tn r ��- H P+4BWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 6/12/2023 1-1 EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO020401 I11 12I 23/06/08 117 18 i c i Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# Permit: NCO020401 Owner -Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Inspection Type: 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The City implements a Division -approved Industrial Pretreatment Program. The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on 1/12/2021. 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Owner -Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Comment: The records reviewed durinq the inspection were organized and well maintained. Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period April 2022 through March 2023. All monitoring frequencies were correct. Two effluent total residual chlorine (TRC) daily maximum violations were reported in October 2022. The Division has previously addressed these limit violations through the issuance of a Notice of Violation (NOV). 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the facility using a contract lab? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # 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: Influent and effluent (including field) analyses are performed under the City's certified laboratory certification #203. Pace Analytical Services, Statesville Analytical and ETT Environmental (chronic toxicity) have all been contracted to provide analytical support. Influent Sampling # 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples. The composite sampler is checked daily including aliquot verifications and the sampler is calibrated monthly (at a minimum). Effluent Sampling 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)? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Owner -Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The composite sampler is checked daily including aliquot verifications and the sampler is calibrated monthly (at a minimum). Upstream / Downstream Sampling Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and sampling location)? Comment: 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? Comment: The wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ maintained. The facility staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all measurements being documented and maintained on -site. Detailed operation & maintenance records are also maintained on -site. The facility is also equipped with a SCADA system to assist the wastewater staff in treatment plant operations. Bar Screens 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? Comment: Flow Measurement - Influent # 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Flow Measurement - Influent Owner -Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on 2/9/2023 by Diversified Integration, Inc. 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Type of grit removal a.Manual ❑ b.Mechanical Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the grit free of excessive odor? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is disposal of grit in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at a permitted landfill by City personnel. Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? N ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both oxidation ditch trains were operation; however, only one train was in service due to low influent flows. Each oxidation ditch is equipped with anaerobic and anoxic cells. Page# 6 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Aeration Basins Owner -Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Secondary Clarifier Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? Are weirs level? Is the site free of weir blockage? Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? Is scum removal adequate? Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? Is the drive unit operational? Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: All three secondaries were operational. Two secondaries were currently in service Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Comment: Disinfection -Gas Are cylinders secured adequately? Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? 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? Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7782-50-5)? If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - ) If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Page# 7 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Disinfection -Gas Owner -Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE Comment: Two of the three chlorine contact chamber trains were in service. A contracted comaanv US. Bismuke) services the chlorination and dechlorination equipment annually. The equipment was last service in April 2023. De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Gas Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Number of tubes in use? Comment: 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on 2/9/2023 b Diversified Integration, Inc. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE Is the equipment operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chemical feed equipment operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NCO020401 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 06/08/2023 Inspection Type: Northeast WWTP Compliance Evaluation Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ The facility has an approved sludge management plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with two gravity belt thickeners and aerated sludge holding tanks. One of the thickeners was in service. Thickened sludge is transported (via City personnel) to the Regional Compost facility for continued processing/treatment (Class A product). 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? Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with two backup generators (1-influent pump station and 1-main WWTP). Both generators are placed under load monthly and tested weekly. Clark Power & Generation has been contracted to service the generators annually. Page# 9