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Home My WebLink AboutNC0021474_Mebane_WWTP_CEI_Letter_20240403ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director City of Mebane Attn: Chris Rollins, City Manager 106 E. Washington Street Mebane, NC 27302 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality April 3, 2024 SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection City of Mebane Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit Number: NCO021474 Alamance County Dear Mr. Rollins: On March 27, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff, Ron Boone, conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Mebane Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES permit NC0021474. Operators in Responsible Charge (ORC) John Dodson, Amanda Hill and Anthony Bowes, were all present for the inspection. A review of records, data, treatment components, structures, and the outfall was completed. This inspection reflected compliance with the subject permit. Mr. Boone noted no items of concern, deficiencies, or violations during the inspection. You can find the inspection details in the attached Water Compliance Inspection report. Please feel free to contact Mr. Boone by phone at 336.776.9690, or by email at ron.boone@deg.nc.gov, with any questions or concerns you may have. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: OD2D3CE3F1 B7456... Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Winston-Salem Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Attachments: Water Compliance Inspection Report cc: John Dodson, Operator in Responsible Charge, via email North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 NoanicaaouNn oep.m.m or em�nmen� Qualm, 336.776.9800 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 1 2 u 3 I NC0021474 111 121 24/03/27 I17 18 LC] I 19 I s I 20L] 21111I 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 r6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved ------------------- 67 I 72 I ni I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 701 I 71 I LL -1 I I LJ 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 Dermit Number) 10:OOAM 24/03/27 23/11/01 Mebane WWTP 635 Corregidor Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Mebane NC 27302 12:OOPM 24/03/27 28/05/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data John Joseph Dodson/ORC/919-560-4384/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Linda R Holt,106 E Washington St Mebane NC 27302H919-563-6141/ No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Sludge Handling Dispo: Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate Laboratory 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 Ron Boone Docusigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9690/ osiaead300.,� 4/2/2024 B20F8DD5F2A3460... Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date signed by: ocu ' FjDocu DwR/wslto 336-776-9695 4/3/2024 '--OD2D3CE3F1B7456.- EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO021474 I11 12I 24/03/27 117 18 i c i (Cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On March 27, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff, Ron Boone, conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the City of Mebane Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES permit NC0021474. Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), John Dodson, and backup ORCs, Anthony Bowes and Amanda Hill, were all present during the inspection. A review of records, data, treatment components, structures, and the outfall was completed. This inspection reflected compliance with the subject permit. The permit was issued in October 2023 and expires in May 2028. Outfall 001 for this plant discharges to Moadams Creek, a Class WS-V, NSW in the Cape Fear River Basin. Mebane is a member of the Upper Cape Fear River Basin Association, which performs all required instream monitoring, including, by contract, 1,4-Dioxane monitoring. Flow comes into the plant headworks where it first passes through a rotary drum fine bar screen and then a vortex grit removal unit. Both units appear to be in very good condition and functioning well. Influent flow is measured and flow proportional composite samples of 130 milliliter aliquots are collected. The influent flow meter is calibrated at least annually and is due again on May 31, 2024. From grit removal, wastewater flows to a splitter box which currently splits the flow evenly between the two aeration basins. This splitter box also receives the return activated sludge. Each aeration basin has a useable volume of 1.7 million gallons and has six surface aerators which are controlled manually to provide different zones ideal for biological nutrient removal. The mixed liquor appears to be of , good quality and has a strong, healthy, earthy odor. From the aeration basins, the wastewater flows to three secondary clarifiers. The overflow in all three clarifiers appeared very clear. The weirs appear level, and there were no apparent mechanical issues noted with any of the clarifiers. From the clarifiers, wastewater flows to one of four fabric disc filters. All filters were operational during the inspection, and no issues were noted concerning the filters. The water appears to be very clear. Finally, the wastewater flows from the filters to the chlorine contact chamber for disinfection by sodium hypochlorite and dechlorination with sodium bisulfite. There is also post aeration after dechlorination immediately prior to flow measurement and discharge to Moadams Creek. Effluent flow is measured , and flow proportional composite samples of 120 milliliter aliquots are collected. The effluent flow meter is calibrated at least annually and is due again on May 31, 2024. The right of way to the outfall is completely clear and fully accessible. The discharge of treated wastewater to Moadams Creek provides a stark visualization of the quality of water being discharged. The creek water is brown and turbid, but the discharge water is very clear . It was raining heavily the day of the inspection. No discharge of solids or foam was detected at the discharge. All required records were evaluated during the inspection including laboratory results and chains of custody along with matching discharge monitoring reports, visitation log, operation and maintenance logs, sludge records, annual performance report, etc. No discrepancies or violations were noted. The laboratory operates under NC certificate number 138. They perform many tests in house for both reporting and process control including, but not limited to, total suspended solids, Fecal, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, nitrite, settleability, etc. Other samples for reporting are contracted to Meritech Labs in Reidsville. The laboratory looks very modern and well kept. No issues were noted. Wet sludge is thickened and pressed on site and then hauled by contractor EMA for either compost or landfill. Sludge quality in the aerated digester looks excellent with minimal odor and very little foam. Page# Permit: NCO021474 Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation The plant can be operated entirely using a single 600 Kilowatt on site permanent diesel driven generator. The generator is inspected regularly by the operators and receives annual maintenance via contractor. The fuel level is monitored and refilled at 40 percent. The generator automatically runs every Monday at 9 AM for 30 minutes for exercise and to ensure operability. This plant seems very well operated and maintained. The operators appear to be doing an excellent job. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ron Boone by phone at 336.776.9690, or by email at ron.boone@deq.nc.gov. Page# Permit: NCO021474 Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is all required information readily available, complete and current? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chain -of -custody complete? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Dates, times and location of sampling ■ Name of individual performing the sampling ■ Results of analysis and calibration ■ Dates of analysis ■ Name of person performing analyses ■ Transported COCs ■ Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ (If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ operator on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ classification? Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NCO021474 Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the facility using a contract lab? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ degrees Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Comment: None Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # 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: None Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected below all treatment units? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: None Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen a.Manual ❑ b.Mechanical ■ Are the bars adequately screening debris? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO021474 Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Is the screen free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screening in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is disposal of grit in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Surface Is the basin free of dead spots? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO021474 Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Is the filter media present? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter free of growth? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: None Disinfection -Gas Yes No NA NE Are cylinders secured adequately? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NCO021474 Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Disinfection -Gas Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - ) If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Comment: Disinfection -Liquid Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? (Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational? Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains) Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? Comment: None De -chlorination Type of system ? Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? Is storage appropriate for cylinders? # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? Are the tablets the proper size and type? Comment: None Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? Number of tubes in use? Comment: None Flow Measurement - Effluent # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Comment: None Effluent Pipe Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Yes No NA NE Liquid ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NCO021474 Inspection Date: 03/27/2024 Effluent Pipe Owner -Facility: Mebane WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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: None Aerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? Is the mixing adequate? Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? # Is the odor acceptable? # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Comment: None Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ M ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: None Standby Power Yes No NA NE Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is the generator tested under load? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Was generator tested & operational during the inspection? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ power? Is the generator fuel level monitored? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Page# 9