WQ0005681_Inspection Letter_20240506

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
May 6, 2024
Delivered electronically via email to: danielshaw(a)-pilgrims.com
Daniel Shaw, Complex Manager
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
484 Zimmerman Road
Sanford, NC 27330
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Pilgrim's Pride — Staley WWTP
Permit No. WQ0005681
Randolph County
Dear Mr. Shaw:
On April 26, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Williams conducted a routine
compliance inspection at the Pilgrims Pride - Staley Hatchery WWTP. Tina Pedley, ORC,
and Dennis Sumpter, BUORC, were present during the entire inspection. A review of lift
stations, package plant, monitoring wells, and irrigation field was completed. This review
reflected compliance with the subject permit.
The following items of concern were noted:
A. As noted in the previous inspection, the clarifier still had floating solids. Staff noted
that the skimmer may need to be raised in order to remove the floating solids on
the surface of the clarifier.
B. The Winston Salem Regional Office phone number was not included in the Spill
Plan. As stated in Permit Condition IV.13, the Winston Salem Regional Office
should be notified of any non-compliance events during normal business hours.
Please update the Spill Plan to include the Winston Salem Regional Office
phone number (336-776-9800).
C. Public access restriction signs are posted around the spray field and package
plant, but the fence around both areas were damaged. Per Permit Condition
111.10, public access to the wastewater treatment, storage, and irrigation facilities
shall be prohibited. Repair the fences as soon as possible.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional comments and observations.
If you have any questions, please contact Caitlin Williams at the letterhead address and
phone number, or by email at caitlin.williams�decl.ncgov.
Moan D_,E,
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
336.776.9800

Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
OD2D3CE3F1 B7456_.
Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ — WSRO
Enc: Inspection Report
Cc: Tina Pedley, ORC (electronic copy)
Dennis Sumpter, BUORC (electronic copy)
Randolph County Environmental Health (electronic copy)
D North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
✓ Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
NORTH CAROLINA 336.776.9800
naparMeM of EmironmanW 9uallly

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0005681 Effective: 11/01/20 Expiration: 11/30/26 Owner: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Pilgrim's Pride - Staley WWTP
County: Randolph 2607 Old 421 Rd
Region: Winston-Salem
Staley NC 27355
Contact Person: Tina Pedley
Title:
Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
from winston-salem take 1-40 to greensboro and take US 421 south. From US 421, take old US 421 to staley by taking a right off
the exit ramp. The second entrance on the right will take you to the gold kist office, hatchery, and feed mills.
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NCG060379 Pilgrim's Pride Corporation - Pilgrims Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 10:40AM
Primary Inspector: Caitlin Williams Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): C lglM� W W IG ws
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Treatment Lagoons
End Use -Irrigation
Treatment Disinfection
Wells
(See attachment summary)
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Record Keeping
Treatment Activated Sludge Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
Treatment Influent Pump Station Treatment Clarifiers
Treatment Flow Measurement Storage
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0005681 Owner - Facility: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On April 26, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Williams conducted a routine compliance inspection at the
Pilgrims Pride - Staley Hatchery WWTP. Tina Pedley, ORC, and Dennis Sumpter, BUORC, were present during the entire
inspection. A review of lift stations, package plant, monitoring wells, and irrigation field was completed. This review reflected
compliance with the subject permit.
The following items of concern were noted:
A. As noted in the previous inspection, the clarifier still had floating solids. Staff noted that the skimmer may need to be
raised in order to remove the floating solids on the surface of the clarifier.
B. The Winston Salem Regional Office phone number was not included in the Spill Plan. As stated in Permit Condition
IV.13, the Winston Salem Regional Office should be notified of any non-compliance events during normal business hours.
Please update the Spill Plan to include the Winston Salem Regional Office phone number(336-776-9800).
C. Public access restriction signs are posted around the spray field and package plant, but the fence around both areas
were damaged. Per Permit Condition 111.10, public access to the wastewater treatment, storage, and irrigation facilities shall
be prohibited. Repair the fences as soon as possible.
Other observations:
• The high water alarms at both lift stations were operational.
• The lift station supply lines were repaired after the last inspection on 11/22.
• The foot valve was repaired 4/23 and is cleaned once every two months now.
• The holes in the wall of the sludge chamber were repaired the same time as the lift station supply lines.
• Grinder pumps are installed in the lift station.
• The EQ basin has a high water alarm.
• The influential flowmeter is an inline meter.
• The package plant has constant aeration.
• Spray zones A and E, the two outside lanes, were reviewed in operation. Staff reviewed the spray heads in the woods.
All spray heads were working properly and no ponding or runoff was noted.
• Flowmeter calibrations were completed on 8/10/23.
• Freeboard was 2.2' at the time of inspection.
• Duckweed was present in the second storage pond.
• The pipe overhanging into the storage pond is to direct effluent into the second pond first if needed.
• All monitoring wells were reviewed and in good condition.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0005681 Owner - Facility: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Single Family Drip
❑
Infiltration System
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
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:
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the general housekeeping acceptable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
❑ ❑
Are floats/controls operable?
❑
❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms operational?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required?
❑
❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry available?
❑
❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry operational?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Yes No NA NE
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 Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0005681 Owner - Facility: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge
Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Clarifiers
Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system operational?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system accessible?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE
Is the system working? ❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate detention time (>=30 minutes)? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0005681 Owner - Facility: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
❑
❑ ❑
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:
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
❑
❑ ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑
❑ ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ ❑
Are operational logs present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are lab sheets available for review?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0005681 Owner - Facility: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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: See summary.
End Use -Irrigation
Yes No NA NE
Are buffers adequate?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring wells damaged?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
#2
Storage Yes No NA NE
Storage Type? Lagoon
Storage amount? 204000
Gallons
# At what point is side -stream wastewater returned to treatment?
Is there a Spill Control Plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Aerated or Mixed? NONE
If aeration is present, is it adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0005681 Owner - Facility: Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Inspection Date: 04/26/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is influent structure acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are banks/berms free of seepage and erosion?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are banks/berms free of excessive vegetation?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is pond lined?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Liner Type
Full, synthetic
Is liner acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are baffles/curtains acceptable?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Does the pond have a freeboard marker?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Required freeboard?
1
Feet
Actual freeboard?
2.2
Feet
Is there suitable grassed vegetation?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the vegetation maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the area free of excessive weeds and/or woody species?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the area free from signs of overflow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is color acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are floating mats acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
No excessive buildup of solids?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are aerators/mixers acceptable?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is effluent structure acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If present, is pond cover acceptable?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Page 7 of 7