NC0021423_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190924 (2)

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
ROY COOPER
G&v-�rr1ar
K41 HAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
arwfar
Richard Canipe
Town of Spruce Pine
PO Box 189
Spruce Pine, NC 28777-0189
NORTH CAROUNA
Environmental Quality
September 24, 2019
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Spruce Pine WWTP
NPDES WW Permit No. NCO021423
Mitchell County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Spruce Pine WWTP on
9/10/2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0021423. The findings and comments
noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled
"Compliance Inspection Report".
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
�.DocuSigned by:
tin,ol,�
6C38CDE295CF449...
Linda Wiggs
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Ec: ARO Server, LF
G:\WR\WQ\Mitchell\Wastewater\Municipal\21423 Spruce Pine WWTP\Inspections\9-10-2019 visit\20190924_NCO021423_CEI.rtf
North src• rsDepartnentofErw:ronmentr.;Quairty I DiuistnofWater R,esources
Ash--v a Regona:Off:ce 1 2090 U.S. 70 F?glm-sy I Swannsmos, North Caro:aka 2377S

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
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 I 2 IF I 3 I NCO021423 111 12 I 19/09/10 I17 18 I S J 19 L G] 201 I
211111 I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I f6
Inspection
Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved -------------------
671
70 I I 71 I I 72 I r I 73 I I 174 751 I I I I I I I80
u I� I 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 oermit Number)
10:15AM 19/09/10
17/07/01
Spruce Pine WWTP
909 Creed Pitman Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Spruce Pine NC 28777
01:00PM 19/09/10
21/02/28
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Richard Canipe,PO Box 189 Spruce Pine INC 287770189//704-765-3000/
Yes
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Program 0 Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
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
Linda S Wiggs Ds DWR/ARO WQ/828-296-4500 Ext.4653/
DocuSigned by,
Signature of Management Q R(ev�iewer�1 Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
�11— 9/24/2019
7E617A38285848C...
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
NCO021423 I11 121 19/09/10 117 18 JCJ
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
The Inspector, Linda Wiggs, met with Russell Lankford, Darrell Graham, Steve Taylor and Melvin
Gardner.
A new bar screen was installed in May. This has yielded improvements throughout the plant and
removed the safety hazards the staff was having to deal with at the old bar screen. Staff have been
able to complete pertinent maintenance tasks at the facility since the bar screen installation; notably at
clarifier #1 & 2. Previous issues with the RAS-WAS pumps has also been remediated. Influent
pumps and controls are scheduled in the coming weeks.
A PCI was also conducted. We discussed the STMP and HWA, specifically related to the WWTP and
getting more accurate information on influent due to the missed sidestreams. An extension was
granted for further review by Regional and PERCS staff of STMP and IWS; due date 10/18/2019.
Effluent flow proportional sampling was not running at the time of the inspection. Staff stated they were
not getting enough water in the bottle for sampling recently and had issues. Since the inspection staff
had KDT out to work on the flow/sampling system. Veolia staff worked on it as well. The Hach
equipment will have to be sent to Hach for evaluation/repair. Veolia staff has set up a portable sampling
in the interim; it is running flow proportional.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
Permit: NCO021423 Owner - Facility: Spruce Pine WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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: Improvement observed due to new bar screen. Process controls conducted: D.O.,
settleability, sludge judge.
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Permit expiration date is 2/28/2021.
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the unit in good condition?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: New bar screen installed.
Pump Station - Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑
❑
❑
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: In 2-3 weeks new pumps and controls are scheduled.
Page# 3

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
Permit: NCO021423 Owner - Facility: Spruce Pine WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Pump Station - Influent
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?
Comment: Volume is 300ml. 45 minutes
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
■
❑
❑
❑
■
❑
❑
❑
■
❑
❑
❑
Side streams not captured include Shannon PS, belt press, scum trough,
grit can, digester
decant.
We discuss other means of sampling some of these sidestreams for more accurate influent
numbers. See summary.
Grit Removal
Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
❑
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
0 ❑
❑
❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
0 ❑
❑
❑
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
0 ❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
❑
❑
❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
0
❑
❑
❑
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes)
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: DO slighly elevated - 4.5 mq/I. Settelometer 400ml, 30 minutes. No foam
Page# 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
Permit: NCO021423 Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type:
Spruce Pine WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Secondary 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?
0
❑
❑
❑
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?
E
❑
❑
❑
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth)
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: #1 online. #2 & 3 offline. #3 to be used for surae flows. #1 & 2 have been cleaned since bar
screen installation. They will alternate use between #1 & 2 and use those not in use for
surge flows.
Blanket at 2711'.
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Pump leak has been fixed.
Disinfection -Gas
Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
❑
❑
❑
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: Blanket 1.578', final chamber had no blanket.
Page# 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
Permit: NCO021423 Owner - Facility: Spruce Pine WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: Sulfur Dioxide used.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# 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
❑
0
❑
❑
representative)?
Comment: The sampler is a fairly new Hach system. It was set for Timed (470 ml. 45 minutes) Burin
the inspection.
Since the inspection staff had KDT out to work on system. Hach will have to resolve the
sampler issue. Veolia staff have set up a portable sampling in the interim; it is running flow
proportional. See summary.
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: Chart 36/meter 56, staff stated there is an adjustment to compensate for weir.
Calibrated
10/18.
KDT Technologies visited the site since the inspection to work on the flow meter and
composite sampler. See summary.
Upstream / Downstream Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Page# 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 66FB4EBC-04A2-4EOB-B795-EB1AD34DC8C2
Permit: NC0021423 Owner - Facility: Spruce Pine WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Upstream / Downstream Sampling
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and
sampling location)?
Comment:
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?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
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Page# 7