WQ0034367_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231207

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0034367 Effective: 07/01/22 Expiration: 02/28/29 Owner: Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Northwest Regional WWTP
County: Onslow 189 Mills Field Rd
Region: Wilmington
Richlands NC 28574
Contact Person: Mark C Young
Title: ORC
Directions to Facility:
Approx. 2200' south on Mills Field Rd, from int. of Gum Branch Rd. and Mills Field Road.
System Classifications: WW4,
Primary ORC: Mark Curtis Young
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Certification: 1001105
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 12:30PM
Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez DocuSigned by: Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): lI^J DocuSigned by:
L1 D645B4A39694BE..
[7F141E73B6F3456...
Tom-'Ttna:c�c, oti 12/15/2023
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 Disinfection
Standby Power
Treatment Activated Sludge
End Use -Infiltration
Page 1 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Permit: WQ0034367 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine inspection of the Northwest Regional WWTP was conducted on December 7, 2023. The purpose of the evaluation
was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit WQ0034367.
Mark Young, ORC, Seth Brown and Perry Parker were present during the inspection.
The Northwest Regional facility is a 2 MGD Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) treatment plant permitted for 1,272,973 GPD
disposal into four high -rate infiltration basins. The facility treated an average of 320,590 in the month of October 2023. The
reclaimed water program is no longer in operation and has been removed from the current permit, issued in July 2022. In
addition, the monitoring requirements for the groundwater lowering system effluent parameters have been reduced to three
times a year.
Many improvements have been made to the facility over the last couple of years. All essential pumps, electrical junction
boxes, the generator, and electronic/controls for treatment equipment have been raised above the flood line. The new
headworks has been on-line since last spring. Full operation of the upgrades to the electrical and control systems is almost
complete. There are only a few more items to finish to include: the replacement/SCADA connection of the chemical pumps;
connection of the essential pumps now raised out of the flood zone; SCADA connection for the addition of chlorine. Staff
also stores a full range of essential spare parts on -site.
A review of records, since the last inspection in November 2021, shows no groundwater violations. A violation for a monthly
Total Phosphorus exceedance in July 2022 and a violation for 2 daily TSS and Fecal Coliform and a monthly Total
Phosphorus exceedance in August 2023 were issued.
The facility is compliant with Non -Discharge Permit WQ0034367. Please review the comment sections of the inspection
report for more details.
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Permit: WQ0034367
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023
Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family 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: No 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The influent flowmeter has been replaced recently and staff is waiting for parts to tie it into the
SCADA system. It is scheduled to be calibrated by the end of this year.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The four infiltration basin flowmeters are used for reporting effluent flow. They are scheduled
to be calibrated by the end if this year. The HACH trubidity meter and all other HACH
instruments, used for process control throughout the plant, were calibrated on June 20, 2023.
Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Permit: WQ0034367 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The generator sits on a concrete pad that is elevated above the flood line. It is tested
automatically every Wednesday.
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: The fine screen system and the PLC has been replaced, along with some parts of the grit
removal system. The system has been online since last spring_
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Due to low flows, only the #1 SBR is used for treatment. The #2 SBR is used for an EQ tank.
Most of the upgrades to the electrical and control systems are complete and the SBRs are no
longer ran manually. Process control includes Nitrate, Phosphorus, Ammonia, TSS, COD and
Alkalinity. In -line monitoring includes DO, ORP and pH. The 5 SBR blowers and 2 transfer
pumps are now located in a new building that has flood gates at the doors, and hatches in the
roof for easy access to pull equipment wtih a crane for maintenance.
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The dual tertiary disc filter units are backwashed with potable water stored in a 5000 gallon
water supply tank. Filters are time -set to automatically backwash or when the level float is
activated. All electronics and controls are located above the flood line
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Permit: WQ0034367 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Staff continues to alternate the use of the dual sludge digesters. Triple S is now used to haul
the sludge approximately once a year. The blowers and pumps are now located in a new
building with flood pates at the doors and roof hatches for easy access to pull equipment with a
crane for maintenance.
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)?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the system properly maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If tablets, are tablets present?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
# 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: Sodium Hypochlorite is used after the UV system. The addition of chlorine
is not connected to
SCADA yet, but it is part of the upgrade.
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Permit: WQ0034367 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
❑
❑ ❑
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# 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?
❑
❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
❑
❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑
❑ ❑
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: Operation and maintenance records were detailed and complete.
Staff are able to use tablets
or cell phones to record daily plant operations/readings while out on the plant. The main
computer database tracks maintenace, run times, process control,
etc. Daily operations are
also written in a log book for back-up. The NIST thermometer inside the Isco effluent composite
sampler read 1 degree Celsius during the inspection.
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?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
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
❑ ❑ ❑
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 7E3FA594-7CCB-44F4-8717-47641CCC69F0
Permit: WQ0034367 Owner - Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 12/07/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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: Only Infiltration Basins A and B are being used. Quotes for annual tree/brush removal for all 4
basins has been received and work should be started soon. The groundwater lowering
electronics has been raised above the flood line.
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