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Home My WebLink AboutNC0020184_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230828ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Stephanie Scheringer, Division Manager Two Rivers Utilities Post Office Box 1748 Gastonia, North Carolina 28053-1748 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality August 28, 2023 SUBJECT: Compliance Bio-monitoring Inspection Two Rivers Utilities NPDES Permit No. NCO020184 Gaston County Dear Ms. Scheringer: Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Bio-monitoring Inspection (CBI) Report for the inspection of the subject facility on August 24, 2023, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Please advise the Operator -in -Responsible Charge (ORC) of the our findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report. The results of the chronic toxicity samples collected on August 22 and 24, 2023 will be forwarded to you under separate cover. This Office would like to thank you and all wastewater staff for the assistance provided throughout the sampling events and inspection. Should you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or at wes.bell(a,deq.nc. gov. Sincerely, EA DocuSigned by: w N P-Lu" F161 FB69A2D84A3... 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 NCO020184 I11 121 23/08/24 I17 18I R 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 l� I 72 I r., I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 L—I 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 permit Number) 09:30AM 23/08/24 22/02/01 Long Creek WWTP 3000 Old Spencer Mountain Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Dallas NC 28034 03:30PM 23/08/24 27/01/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Charlie Graham//704-866-6896 / David Shellenbarger//704-842-5106 / Kevin Morgan Graves/ORC/704-214-9153/ Rene Martinez//704-866-6726 / Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Brian Potocki,PO Box 1748 Gastonia NC 280531 748/D i rector of Public Utilities/704-866-6728/7048667719 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 Wes Bell usigned by: DWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ 8/28/2023 Be& E�:96D90=437 it ant Gh&6pviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Signature of MaErA Andrew Pitns-4" H P44gWR/MR0 WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 8/28/2023 EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NC0020184 I11 12I 23/08/24 117 18 IBI Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On -site Representatives: The following Two Rivers Utilities staff were in attendance during the inspection: Mr. Kevin Graves, Mr. Rene Martinez, Mr. Charlie Graham, and Mr. David Shellenbarger. Page# Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance 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 9/1/2022. 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period July 2022 through June 2023. Aweekly average effluent BOD violation was reported in July 2022. The Division has previously addressed this limit violation through the issuance of a NOV. Page# 3 Permit: NCO020184 Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Record Keeping Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Laboratory Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? 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 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? Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: Influent and effluent analyses (including field) are performed under City of Gastonia's Crowders Creek Laboratory (Certification #210). Pace Analytical Services and Meritech, Inc. (toxicity) have also 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 samplers are checked daily and calibrated monthly (at a minimum) by the operations staff. 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)? Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type representative)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The samplers are checked daily and calibrated monthly (at a minimum) by the operations staff. Page# 4 Permit: NCO020184 Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ and sampling location)? Comment: Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 maintained. The ORC and staff incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all measurements being properly documented and maintained on -site. The in-depth operation and maintenance records are also maintained on -site. The facility is equipped with a SCADA system to assist the on -site staff with the operation of the treatment processes/units. Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen a.Manual ❑ b.Mechanical Are the bars adequately screening debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the screen free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screening in compliance? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both screens were operational and in service. Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Type of grit removal a.Manual ❑ b.Mechanical Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the grit free of excessive odor? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is disposal of grit in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The screenings and grit are disposed (by a contracted company) at a permitted landfill. Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NC0020184 Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the wet well free of excessive grease? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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: Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Is the basin aerated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the basin free of excessive grease? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are all pumps present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are all pumps operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are float controls operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are audible and visual alarms operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is basin size/volume adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with an equalization basin that is mainly used during emergency events. The wastewater is discharged by gravity back into the influent pump station. Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: All three primaries were operational: however, only two were in service at the time of the inspection. Page# 6 Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: All four aeration trains were operational and in service. Each aeration train is equipped with anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic cells. Sodium hydroxide is added to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels. Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE # Is total nitrogen removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is total phosphorous removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Type Biological # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is nutrient removal process operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Nutrient removal is obtained biologically and chemically. Glycerin is added to the denitrification basin as a supplemental carbon source. Alum is also added prior to final clarifiers. Chemical Feed Is containment adequate? Is storage adequate? Are backup pumps available? Is the site free of excessive leaking? Comment: 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Two of the four secondary clarifiers were in service. The two offline clarifiers can be put in service if needed. 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: Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Type of operation: 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? Yes No NA NE Down flow ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Six of the eight cells were in service. The two offline cells were in the process of being rehabbed (new diffusers. etc.). 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NCO020184 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Disinfection -Gas Yes No NA NE Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? Comment: Piedmont Chlorinator has been contracted to service the chlorination and dechlorination systems on an annual basis. De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Gas Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders are stored outside under cover. 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 influent and effluent flow meters are calibrated twice per year by CITI. The flow meters were last calibrated on 1/12/2023. Effluent Pipe 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Page# 9 Permit: NC0020184 Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. The receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. An abundant population of fish were observed at the confluence of the discharge outfall and receiving stream. DWR staff collected effluent samples (from the facility's composite sampler) for chronic toxicity on August 22 and 24, 2023. The results will be forwarded under separate Anaerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Fixed cover Is the capacity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is gas stored on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the digester(s) free of tilting covers? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the gas burner operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the digester heated? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the temperature maintained constantly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with six anaerobic diqesters (3-primary and 2-storage) with one digester out of service. Waste activated sludge is thickened via DAF unit. The DAF unit was operational and in service. Lagoons Yes No NA NE Type of lagoons? # Number of lagoons in operation at time of visit? 2 Are lagoons operated in? Series # Is a re -circulation line present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is lagoon free of excessive floating materials? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are baffles between ponds or effluent baffles adjustable? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Are dike slopes clear of woody vegetation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weeds controlled around the edge of the lagoon? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are dikes free of seepage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are dikes free of erosion? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are dikes free of burrowing animals? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Has the sludge blanket in the lagoon (s) been measured periodically in multiple ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ locations? # If excessive algae is present, has barley straw been used to help control the growth? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the lagoon surface free of weeds? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 10 Permit: NCO020184 Inspection Date: 08/24/2023 Lagoons Is the lagoon free of short circuiting? Owner -Facility: Long Creek WWTP Inspection Type: Bioassay Compliance Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility is equipped with two lagoons for bio-solids storage prior to land application. Bio-solids are land applied by a contracted company (EMA) under the authority of Permit No. WQ0001793. 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: All three generators were activated and operated properly during the inspection. The generators are periodically tested and placed under load throughout the year. CAT has also been contracted to service the generators each year. Page# 11