WQ0029945_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230928

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Edward M Caron
Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
228 Georgetown Rd
Jacksonville, NC 28540
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
October 11, 2023
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Summerhouse WWTF
Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0029945
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Summerhouse WWTF
on 9/28/2023. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with
the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0029945. The findings and
comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report
entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Geoff Kegley with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: DWR files — Laserfiche
Sincerely,
EDocuSigned by:
T,,, �mn5�on for
COAFC8EC8FCD446_.
Morelia Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
D North Carolina Department of Environmental quality I Division of Water Resources
,./ Wiimington Regional office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington. North Carolina 26405
910.796,7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0029945 Effective: 05/01/20 Expiration: 12/31/25 Owner: Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Summerhouse WWTF
County: Onslow 85 Holly Rdg Rd
Region: Wilmington
Holly Ridge NC 28445
Contact Person: Edward M Caron Title:
Directions to Facility:
Phone: [phone]
Follow NC Hwy 17 north to Holly Ridge, approx. 0.1 mile past the insterection of Hwy 17 and 50, turn R onto Morris Landing Rd.
Travel approx. 1.7 miles to Holly Ridge Rd. on the left follow this road for approx. 1.6 miles to Kings Creek Crossing on the R
System Classifications: WW3.,
Primary ORC: Kary Alexander Herndon Certification: 1012918 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
WQ0034067 Onslow Water and Sewer Authority - Stump Sound Wastewater Infrastructure
Improvements Sewer
WQCS00249 Onslow Water and Sewer Authority - ONWASA Collection System
WQ0019907 Onslow Water and Sewer Authority - Holly Ridge WWTF
Inspection Date: 09/28/2023 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 12:15PM
DocuSigned by:
Primary Inspector: Geoff Kegley Phone:
Secondary Inspector(s):
515D3B417_
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: High Rate Infiltration
Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Treatment Filters
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
Treatment Flow Measurement
(See attachment summary)
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Treatment Barscreen
Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge
Treatment Disinfection End Use -Infiltration
Treatment Return pumps Standby Power
Page 1 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
Permit: WQ0029945 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 09/28/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Summerhouse WWTF was conducted on September28, 2023. The purpose of the
evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit
WQ0029945, along with review of the proposed modifications to the treatment plant in the recent permit modification
request. Kary Herndon from ONWASA is the ORC and was present during the inspection. The Division appreciates Mr.
Herndon for his assistance during the inspection.
The Summerhouse WWTF is permitted for 341,409 GPD and consists of:
• two 5mm fine screens and an auxiliary manually cleaned bar screen
• 2.4 MGD grit removal and dewatering system
• influent flowmeter that measures flow from the Jenkins Street Pump Station
• 184,373 gallon flow equalization basin
• four 2-mm drum screens
• four 44,000 gallon Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) basins each consisting of a 13,000 gallon anoxic basin, 27,000 gallon
fine -bubble aeration basin, a 4,000 gallon membrane tank, and four racks of ten 15 gallon per day per square foot
microfiltration modules, with chemical clean -in -place system
• two 129,400 gallon aerobic sludge digesters
• four UV disinfection chambers and a backup sodium hypochlorite system
• Standby generator, odor control facility, turbidimeter, effluent flow meter
• 2.54 MG synthetically -lined upset basin
Disposal via:
• 10.71 MG infiltration basin (Basin # 1)
• 4. 74 MG infiltration basin ( Basin #2)
• Groundwater control pump station and a 36-acre constructed groundwater lowering effluent discharge pond(Spicer Lake)
ONWASA has the ability to divert flow from the Jenkins Street Pump Station in Holly Ridge to the
Summerhouse WWTF for treatment when needed.
In 2022 and 2023, the facility had 5 limit exceedance violations for total nitrogen and 2 limit exceedance violations of
phosphorus.
Effluent is currently sent to infiltration basin #2. In July 2021, infiltration basin #1 was certified for use but has not received
flow yet. While the facility has the total disposal capacity of 341,409 GPD, the flow is limited by the functionality of the
membranes and only two units are in operation. Average flows are around 72,000 GPD.
The freeboard in the 5 day upset pond was less than 2 feet due to the recent heavy rainfalls/tropical events. Prior to these
storms the freeboard in August was at 4 feet. They have been having to utilize a pump and haul permit to manage this high
level. Upon installation of proposed modifications (new membranes), the plant should be able to handle higher flows through
the membranes and this issue should be alleviated.
Staff keeps organized records to include daily/weekly task check sheets, monthly data computer
spreadsheets and a detailed operation/maintenance log book to monitor plant operations.
The facility is compliant with non -discharge permit WQ0029945. Please review the comment sections of the inspection
report for more details.
Page 2 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
Permit: WQ0029945
Inspection Date: 09/28/2023
Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Infiltration System
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: Only two of four Membrane Bio-Reactors (MBR) are in operation, the other two are scavenged
for parts. Proposed modification plans for replacing all MBRs.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
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
Is water use metered?
Are the daily average values properly calculated?
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
Is flowmeter operating properly?
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
Does flowmeter record flow?
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
Comment: Flowmeters were calibrated on 12/5/2022, turbidity meter was calibrated on 9/21/2023.
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
❑❑❑■
❑❑❑■
Yes No NA NE
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
Permit: WQ0029945 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 09/28/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The generator is automatically load tested weekly.
Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge
Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: Micro-C is added in the anoxic basin
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter media the correct size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The membranes are periodically cleaned with sodium hypochlorite and citric acid
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
Permit: WQ0029945 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 09/28/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The aerobic digester solids are contracted for removal by Triple S Farms
Treatment Disinfection
Yes No NA NE
Is the system working?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth?
❑
❑ ❑
If UV, are extra UV bulbs available?
❑ ❑ ❑
If UV, is the UV intensity adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
# Is it a dual feed system?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
Comment: Each MBR train has an UV unit. Bulb hours are monitored. UV lights
are cleaned with automatic
wipers and occasionally cleaned with a hypochlorite solution.
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 5 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9Bl700AC-606A-4B48-854A-44CFECBOB918
Permit: WQ0029945 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 09/28/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are operational logs present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are lab sheets available for review?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Records and operational and maintenance logs
were organized and complete. A high water
alarm was activated and functionina DroDerIv.
SCADA and ORC's Dhone was notified.
End Use -Infiltration
Yes No NA NE
# Is the application High Rate or Low Rate?
High
Rate
Are buffers maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells required?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is a usable green area maintained?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is the disposal site acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the distribution equipment acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal site free of ponding?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is the disposal site free of breakout?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the disposal sites free of solids, algae, etc.?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the records show that the fields are properly maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the disposal sites free of vegetation?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do any surface water features appear to be adversely impacted by GW discharge?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Infiltration basin #2 is well maintained, Infiltration basin #1 water level maintained with well water
for aesthetic purposes, has not received effluent flow yet. Freeboards:
4' in infiltration basin #
1, 2.6' in infiltration basin # 2, 1.8' in the 5 day upset pond.
Page 6 of 6