WQ0004059_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240124

DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5A0343E
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0004059 Effective: 10/22/19 Expiration: 05/31/25 Owner : Sugarloaf Utility Inc
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Atlantic Station WWTP
County: Carteret 915 W Fort Macon Rd
Region: Wilmington
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
Contact Person: William T Smith Title: President
Directions to Facility:
Phone: [phone]
From Wilmington travel north on US Highway 17 to NC 24 to NC58 to Atlantic Beach. Turn right onto Fort Macon Road. The faclity is
located on the southside of Fort Macon Road directly across from BoJangles Resturant
System Classifications: WW3.,
Primary ORC: Robert C Howard Certification: 996013 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
On -site representative
Related Permits:
Daniel E Fortin
252-393-8720
WQ0018525 Barnes Environmental Waste and Hauling Inc - Barnes Environmental RLAP
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 Entry Time 11:10AM Exit Time: 12:10PM
Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez DocuSignetd�by: Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): nVa,�
E 39694BE-,
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: High Rate Infiltration
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Treatment Filters
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
End Use -Infiltration
Standby Power
(See attachment summary)
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Treatment Barscreen
Record Keeping Treatment Activated Sludge
Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Disinfection
Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps
Page 1 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5AO343E
Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Atlantic Station WWTF was conducted on January 24, 2024. The purpose of the
evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit
WQ0004059. Staff members of Fortin Contract Service and Ron Cullipher, the engineer working with the Permittee, were
present during the inspection.
This extended aeration treatment plant is permitted for 100,000 GPD and is currently averaging 16,000-17,000 GPD. In the
peak summer season of 2023, it averaged close to 26,000 GPD. This facility continues to be non -compliant with many of the
same violations that have been issued since 2019:
1. Advance state of corrosion throughout the plant [15A NCAC 02T .07070)]
2. Lack of maintenance/repair of both rotary distributor systems [15A NCAC 02T .07070)]
3. Lack of maintenance/repair of the EQ tank [15A NCAC 02T .0707(j)]
4. Lack of measures to prevent effluent ponding in the infiltration sites [15A NCAC 02T .0707(c)]
5. Monitoring wells not secured (NOD-2019-PC-0041)
MW-1A has been installed to replace MW-1, and MW-1 and MW-3 have been permanently abandoned as required. A
reminder to change the name of MW-1 to MW-1A on the GW-59 reports.
The condition of this plant and limited funding has made it challenging to operate and meet the permit requirements.
Furthermore, the advanced state of corrosion of the plant is a major concern for the safety of the operators. The facility is
non -compliant with Non -Discharge Permit WQ0004059. A Notice of Violation with Intent to Assess will be issued. Please
review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details.
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5A0343E
Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
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: The EQ basin has not been repaired, so there is no flow control to the dual aeration basins.
Both rotary distributor units for the high -rate infiltration fields do not rotate as designed.
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: The flowmeter was calibrated in April 2023 by Delta Systems Environmental.
Yes No NA NE
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
Yes No NA NE
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
Yes No NA NE
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5AO343E
Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The on -site generator was operational when tested during the inspection. It is located in a shed
for protection from the elements. The generator is tested weekly.
Treatment Barscreen
Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No 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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The holes/leaks in the EQ tank have not been repaired. Flow to the dual aeration basins
cannot be controlled. A heavy layer of grease was floating on the top of most of the EQ tank.
Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: There are 3 clarifiers, but only 2 are being used. The middle claifier, not being used, is located
directly after the EQ tank and valves are not easily accessible.
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No comment.
Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ ❑
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5A0343E
Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The tertiary filter unit is manually backwashed daily.
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The sludge holding tank was replaced in late 2019. Barnes Environmental removes sludge
when needed.
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?
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth?
❑
❑ ❑
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: No comment.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5AO343E
Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are application rates adhered to?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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/maintenance log was available for review. There have been no effluent limit
violations for 2023.
End Use -Infiltration
Yes No NA NE
# Is the application High Rate or Low Rate?
High
Rate
Are buffers maintained?
E
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑
❑ ❑
Is a usable green area maintained?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the disposal site acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the distribution equipment acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 60703590-C653-4DOA-9B53-103FC5A0343E
Permit: WQ0004059 Owner - Facility: Sugarloaf Utility Inc
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
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: MW #1 and #3 have been properly abandoned and MW-1A has been installed as required in
the current permit schedule. Some of the MWs were not secured. The path to MW-5 was not
accessible and needs to be cleared of vegetation. Both rotary distributors do not rotated as
designed, which causes Bonding and algae/solid build-up on the infiltration fields.
Page 7 of 7