WQ0023580_BIMS Report_20230901

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WO0023580 Effective: 01/01/19 Expiration: 11/30/23 Owner: Cove Key Association Inc
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Cove Key Townhomes on Lake Norman WWTF
County: Iredell 105 S Cove Key Ln
Region: Mooresville
Mooresville NC 28117
Contact Person: Brent Brower
Title: President
Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
From 1-77 and Langtree Rd (exit 31), travel south on SR 1205 (Mecklyn Rd). The facility is approx. 2 miles on the right.
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Brian Willard Stephens
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Certification: 1008005 Phone:[phone]
WQCSD0500 Cove Key Association Inc - Cove Key Townhomes on Lake Norman WWTP
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Entry Time 09:42AM Exit Time: 12:02PM
Primary Inspector: Maria Schutte Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant N Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Record Keeping
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Treatment Flow Measurement
(See attachment summary)
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Treatment Filters
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment End Use -Irrigation
Treatment Clarifiers Treatment Disinfection
Treatment Return pumps Storage
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0023580 Owner - Facility: Cove Key Association Inc
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Staff of the Mooresville Regional Office (MRO) conducted a compliance inspection on July 19th, 2023, which included the
deemed collection system, reclaimed water treatment and a partial records review. A follow-up inspection will be scheduled
after repairs to the irrigation distribution system are completed and will include additional records. Detailed comments are
noted in the cover letter.
This violation is being issued for the following reasons:
The relay system to distribute flow to irrigation was not operable. Parts were on order as of the July 24th, 2023, email
communication from Mr. Stephens. Reclaimed water was redirected to the Wet Weather Storage Lagoon and MRO staff
expressed concern over the lagoon integrity given woody plant growth on the slopes and apparent wear of the liner.
Water lever gauges have not been emplaced in either lagoon. Of primary concern to MRO staff is the 5-day upset pond, as
it appeared near capacity and in need of pumping at the time of inspection and that lagoon is used routinely. This
inspection was the first time, current MRO staff was aware of reclaimed water being directed to the wet weather storage
lagoon. Due to low flow and continued operation of the irrigation system it has not been needed, per previous discussions
with operators. The MRO is okay with later installation of a water level gauge for the wet weather lagoon when it is properly
assessed for integrity and repaired as needed.
There are repetitive fecal exceedances over 2500 #/100mis in March and June 2023 which may indicate ongoing WWTP
issues.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0023580 Owner - Facility: Cove Key Association Inc
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Infiltration System
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Reuse (Quality)
Treatment Yes No NA NE
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 1111 ❑
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: System would not allow distribution to irrigation and was recirculating to the head of the plant.
ORC had to direct flow (treated reuse water) to the wet weather storage lagoon. Per follow-up
email communication, parts were ordered from the manufacturer and MRO staff is to be notified
upon repair for follow-up inspection.
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the general housekeeping acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are floats/controls operable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms operational?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry operational?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Deemed collection system - viewed lines via manhole nearest pump station,
they were clear,
flow was present and there was no sign of debris in manhole. Pump station appeared well
maintained, logbook had some entries but not all to verify weekly visitation.
Fuel was less than
half a tank in the generator and needs to be filled. ORC does not test generators, that is
managed by a separate contractor for safety purposes.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
❑
❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0023580 Owner - Facility: Cove Key Association Inc
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Does flowmeter record flow?
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
Comment: There is no influent meter. That flow could be calculated from the pump station run times.
Facility flow is based on effluent meter, which is the distribution to the irrigation fields and
onsite storage, but not necessarily accurate daily flow for treatment. MRO recommends
discussion with an engineer as part of repair / maintenance assessment, as potential permit
flow reduction was also discussed as part of renewal or future modification.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated?
Comment: Potable water is supplied by a line from the Complexes' separate irrigation system.
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: Last calibration was 9-29-22.
Treatment Clarifiers
Are the weirs level?
Are the weirs free of solids and algae?
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?
❑❑■❑
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
Comment: The packaqe plant is aqinq and peelinq paint and rust is present throuqhout units. MRO staff
recommended permittee assess for replacement / repairs, wet weather lagoon liner integrity,
etc. with an engineer in previous inspection report and was anticipating a modification with this
renewal; however, HOA hopes to view replacement at another facility to help with decision and
cost estimates over the next year. MRO to conduct follow-up inspection upon irrigation repair
and request ORC bring sludge judge for assessment.
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational?
Comment: The automated system was returninq flow to head of plant as default for parts failure to
■❑❑❑
irrigation system. The ORC had to manually route reuse flow to wet weather storage to
maintain plant flows and reduce unnecessary expense of circulated retreatment through plant.
MRO staff suggested in follow-up email communication, they consider pumping the facility to
maintain volume, given unknown condition of the wet weather lagoon, the ORC noted the solids
storage and 5-day upset pond need pumping.
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0023580 Owner - Facility: Cove Key Association Inc
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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: ORC did not think the carbon / sand filter had ever been replaced. MRO staff suggested that
be assessed given the age of the plant. MRO staff request they bring a sludge fudge for
follow-up inspection to view solids depth throughout system. Clear well free of floating solids.
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ 0❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ 0❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Wasted sludge storage unit at head of the plant. Per ORC, it is time to pump and haul solids.
It appeared full at the time of inspection.
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?
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?
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0023580 Owner - Facility: Cove Key Association Inc
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: UV intensity display never worked properly on this system, was not reliable and not used. They
reported a very high fecal exceedance in Mar., corrected with bulb replacement and housing
cleaning. The flow channel, near the UV unit, showed algal growth and sediment in the bottom.
Another very high fecal exceedance was reported on the June NDMR - received after this
inspection.
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
NDAR?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑
❑ ❑
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
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: Data and laboratory reports are available electronically, via operator's laptop at a nearb
facility. MRO staff opted to continue the records review with the follow-up inspection upon
repair of the distribution system. There have been two recent Fecal Coliform and / or Ammonia
exceedances reported on the March and June (rcvd after inspection) NDMRs. These items are
addressed in separate violations and are noted here as additional concern the treatment units
may not be functioning properly.
End Use -Irrigation Yes No NA NE
Are buffers adequate? ❑ 11110
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0023580 Owner - Facility: Cove Key Association Inc
Inspection Date: 07/19/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the cover crop type specified in permit?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the crop cover acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site condition adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of runoff / ponding?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the application equipment present?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the application equipment operational?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes?
❑
❑ ❑
Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
How close is the closest water supply well?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
❑
❑ ❑
# Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are monitoring wells damaged?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: MRO staff postponed field inspection until irrigation delivery
system is repaired. HOA reported
thev recently had underbrush and downed trees removed.
Page 7 of 7