NC0020605_CEI - 04.24.2024_20240507

Docu5ign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-18954D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
ROY COOPER "`
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director NORTH CAROLINA
L1ev1rM0Mta1QW11y
May 7, 2024
Troy R. Lewis, Town Manager
Town of Tarboro
P.O. Box 220
Tarboro, NC 27886-0220
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Tarboro WWTP
NPDES Permit NCO020605
Edgecombe County
Dear Mr. Lewis:
On April 24, 2024, Danny Smith from the Raleigh Regional Office of the Division of Water Resources (DWR)
conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) of the Town of Tarboro Wastewater Treatment Plant
located at Hwy 64 & Service Road 268, in Edgecombe County. The purpose of this visit was to review the
facility's compliance with the subject NPDES permit. During the inspection, the presence and cooperation of
Kevin Peaden, Wastewater Treatment Supervisor - Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), and Brian Parish,
Backup ORC (bORC) were greatly appreciated and very helpful to this review process.
The facility is a Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System with a permitted flow of 5 MGD.
Through compliance with NPDES permit {NC0020605), the Town of Tarboro is authorized to discharge treated
wastewater through outfall 001 to receiving waters designated as Tar River, a waterbody classified as C Nutrient
Sensitive Waters (NSW) within the Tar -Pamlico River Basin.
This NPDES compliance evaluation inspection consists of the following:
• Review of the NPDES permit;
• Review of the owner/facility information;
• Review of January 2021 through February 2024 monitoring data and compliance history;
• On -site inspection of the wastewater treatment units;
• Ott -site inspection of the discharge outfall; and
• Written response request for item 12.
Findings during the pre -inspection Me review are as follows:
The current NPDES permit (NC0020605) was issued affective August 1, 2020, and will expire September
30, 2024. A permit renewal application will need to be submitted at least l80 days prior to the expiration of
the permit. Mr. Kevin Peaden explained that the Town's consultant is in the process of submitting the
renewal application.
2. Since the implementation of EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule, the Town has been submitting its
discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) electronically, instead of on paper. The first DMR the Division
received electronically from the permittee was for September 2016,
E014Mans OffCOM neparunent of &%* nnN" QUft CMdm of ftW ft$w on
it .rr 312MathS*&"SenK 1617MMSftMftCe�+oer ° p %10%MalhC0*Uft M9-l617
919.707A000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-18954D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Tarboro W WTP-NC0020605
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Page 2 of 5
Please note: As of October 7, 2019, all NPDBS dircharge 1WnitorMg reports submMed in the eDMR
system are ampted wkh electronic signature; signed hw*gples are no longer regadred to be ntalled to
the Dlvhfim
3. The Town has designated Kevin Peaden as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and Brian Parish as
Backup Operator in Responsible Charge (bORC). All designated operators have a Grade 4 Certification,
and all have an active certification status.
During the inspection it was explained that Mr. Melvin Farmer (bORC) has retired and is no longer
employed by the Town of Tarboro. (Mr. Peaden and Mr. Parish both agreed and offered to follow up on this
issue by sending in a request for removal of Mr. Farmer's name from the Designated Operator List.)
4. For the review period January 2021 through February 2024, the following permit limit exceedance was
noted: -
December 2022 annual total nitrogen annual load (ibs/year) was exceeded by 1.5%. [The Town of Tarboro
(NC0020506) is a member of the Tar Pamlico Basin Association. ]
5. Special Condition A.(4.) of the subject/current permit required the permittee to perform Effluent Pollutant
Scans during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. It was explained that the effluent pollutant scan data has
been collected.
The required Annual Administering and Compliance Monitoring Fee for the current billing period is paid
through August 31, 2024. Thera are no overdue fees.
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
7. Permittees who own or operate facilities that collector treat municipal or domestic waste are required to
provide an annual report to its users/customers summarizing the performance of the collection or
treatment system. The report shall be provided no later than sixty days after the end of the calendar or
fiscal year. (NPDES permit - Part H., Section E. Condition 12.)
The Town's FY 2022-2023 Annual Sanitary Sewer System Report was available for review and is mailed
out to customers annually. (his recommended that the Annual Sanitary Sewer System Report be added to
the Town's website.)
8. During the inspection operations data and logbooks were reviewed. These documents included maintenance
logs, lab data, bench sheets, contract lab data, chain -of -custody, flow data, calibration logs, chemical
purchases, and the chemical solution/modia make-up and solutions tracking information etc. This
information was observed to be maintained and readily available for inspection.
Per discussions during the inspection, it is recommendation that that the Operator in Responsible Charge
begin to maintain an additional bound, paginated logbook. This logbook is for the recording/documentation
of dA fit plant operations (e.g. daily plant operations/routine activities, adjustments made, equipment out of
service, weather, rain fall etc.).

DocuSign Envelope I❑ 83B386A1-1895-4D56-13402-C78A58BB3724
Tarboro WWTP-NC0020605
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Page 3 of S
The purposelintent of this logbook is to ensure the accomplishment and documentation of the
operation, maintenance, and all visitation of the treatment system and for this logbook to be
maintained at the system(on-site) per I SNCAC 080 .0204 (5).
The Town of Tarboro uses Waypoint Analytica- Greenville (certification # 10), for the nutrients (TP, Nitrate
-Nitrite, TKN) and metals analyses. Also, Pace Analytical conducts the toxicity analysis and annual
pollutant scan.
The Town collects and analyses the remaining influent, effluent and filed parameters (Certification # 159).
10. A cursory review of the laboratory meter calibration logs and standards showed the laboratory to be
compliant with record -keeping requirements. Also, the thermometer used for the self -monitoring program
is NIST certified, and its calibration is checked annually. This NISI thermometer is used to check the
calibration of other thermometers in use at the W WTP.
11. The inspector compared the August 2023 and February 2024 eDMR data against the bench lab data and
analytical results. No discrepancies were noted.
12. During the walk-through of the wastewater plant, the inspector observed the treatment units as listed in the
permit text. The inspector noted the following observations:
a) Preliminary Treatment. Preliminary treatment consists of influent pumpstation, automatic, manual
bar screen and grit removal.
While all units were operational, the automatic and manual bar screen, grit removal units and respective
metal catwalks were rusted, exhibiting severe degradation. Caution should be used traversing the
equipment due to severe mated condition of portions of the catwaWs). Mr. Peaden (ORC) explain
the Town is in the process of trying to secure monies and are working with consultants to replace the
influent units.
Within 60-days of receipt of this letter, please respond to this letter in writing. Please
detail in your written response the status and the antleipated timeline to accomplish the
upgrades for the influent wastewater treatment units.
Note: The area around these influent units were clean. The ORC informed the inspector that the
screenings and grit are collected in a dumpster and hauled by GFL to the landfill for disposal.
b) Primary & Secondary Treatment. Treatment units include three (3) primary clarifiers, two (2)
trickling filters, two (2) aeration basins, (4) secondary clarifiers.
One (1) of the trickling filters, the oldest and smallest unit, is operable but was not in use at the time of
the inspection. The ORC explained that 2'A trickle filter is put into service when needed during high
flows for use as an equalization basin. The two aeration basins (the older basin has mechanical air and
the newer basin has diffuse air), and four (4) secondary clarifier were operational and all were in use.

DoouSign Envelope ID 83B386A1-18954D56-13402-MA5813133724
Tarboro WWTP-NC0020605
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Page 4 of 5
Clarifier number #4 is approximately 13 feet deep and was in operation during the inspection. During
the inspection, the ORC measured the sludge level in clarifier #4 at an approximate depth of 5.0 ft. The
inspector observed some pin floc and floating solids within the unit.
c) DisfmfeOR, Chlorine Contact. and Do -chlorination. The facility disinfects the treated wastewater
prior to discharge using chlorine gas. The facility has two chlorine contact basins and both were in used
on the day of the inspection. The facility use sulfite for de -chlorination. De -chlorination is fed into a
manhole located just past chlorine contact chambers &. flow mew. No issues of concern were observed
with the disinfection system.
d) las flandOng.The Town of Tarboro's W WTP has two (2) sludge drying beds, two (2) anaerobic
digesters, three (3) aerobic digesters, and an aerated sludge holding lagoon (w/ Bluefrog aerators).
Drying beds. One of the drying beds was in use during the inspection. On going efforts to dewater
supemate from the aerated sludge holding lagoon into the drying beds woe observed. Mr. Pesden
explained that the dewatering efforts are intended to help thicken the solids and decrease the sludge
volumes for hauling. (Granville Farms is the sludge hauler.)
.Anaerobic digesters. One of the anaerobic digesters is used, the other is not in use and is not operable.
.Aerobic digesters. One (1) of the three (3) pumps has been removed for repairs from the aerobic
digesters. Mr. Peaden explained that the pump has been repaired and is ready to be reinstalled. The
Town is trying to schedule the installation with the contractor. (This work requires use of a crane to
reinstall the pump.)
e) Flow M&M. Effluent Flow is reported on the DMP- Both the influent and effluent flow meters are
calibrated quarterly by Chadwick. Both flow meters were last calibrated on April 4, 2024. No issues of
concern were observed with the flow measurement devices.
Please continue to ensure that current calibration stickerslidentification and calibration documentation
are maintained and available for review.
f) Influent and eft ent. As required by the subject permit, influent and effluent sampling is achieved
either by grab or composite sampling. The effluent composite samplers are set up to collect #low
proportional samples over a 24-hour period. The observed temperature for both the influent and effluent
composite sampler refrigerators were less than 5 degrees Celsius. No issues of concern were observed
with the composite samplers.
g) 11 ad= rower. The facility has one emergency generator that will operate the entire WWTP. The on -
site generator is maintained monthly by a contractor.
h.) Efflumt (Out&n 0011 agi-cMade. The inspector observed the cascade aeration/effluent
discharge from the outfall pipe to Tar River to be clear with no observable solids or foam. No
detrimental impacts to the receiving waters from the effluent discharge were observed.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-18954056-B402-C78A58BB3724
Tarboro WWTP-NC0020605
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Page 5 of 5
The overall condition of the subject facility was compliant with the NPDES permit requirements as observed on
the day of the inspection. Please respond In writing to item number 12 listed above. If you have questions
or comments about the inspection, this report or the requirements to take corrective action (if applicable), please
contact Danny Smith at [phone] or me at 919-791-4232 or via email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
[DOGWIamd by:
UAk)-SS& f. Ikal,� 4u
61p16E0J1e341MF...
Vanessa Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Olr-rce
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: L.aserflche

DDcuSign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-1895-4D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Unibd !#aMa 6rrvaonmartel Protecadn Aperx y
Fours Approved.
EPA vrspan Wk, D.C. 2040
Water Compliance Inspection Report
OMB No. 2040-=7
Approval axphas"I-tee
Section A: National Data System Coding Q.e.. PCS
Transacu0n Code NPDES ydnwlday kupodb" Type Inspector Fee Type
1 U 2 U I,e I 3 I pgpg- I11 12 24M4M 17 181 C 19 l g Ul zu
Ll
21
Inspection Work Days Fardlty Self -Mond" Evaluation Rod" 81 CIA
72 l wJ 73LJ74 75� I I I I I60
67L I 70J 71Li
Section BFacility Data
Name and Location of Farility kupscted (For Industrial Users dlsoberping 10 pOTW, also bxduds
Entry Tlm *sm
Pamdt Effective Date
POTW none and NPDES oemd Numbed
Tarboro
09:30AM 24104I24
20AM1
WWTP
101 Sewer Plant Rd
Exit Tlneroae
Permit Expiration Date
Tarboro NC 2708E
02:OOPM 2410U24
24AWN
Nems(s) ofOralle Repres intative(syMae(syPhons and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
A/
Name. Address of Responsde OfficiallTitie/Phone and Fax Number
iteWn Ray Psaden,PO Box 220 Tarboro NC 278EE0220 f=-E41.4204/ CORIDUM
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit M Flow Measurement M Operations 4 Mainttmar M RecordaftpoRs
SO-MonftodM Progran M Sludge Handling Diopm M Fetidly Site Review f EluentlRecolving Wale
Labolratory
Section D: Summary of FindinglConur om (Attach 1ldditiorlal ahe sts of rerratIve and chekddiats as net eaetliry)
(See attachment summary)
Name($) and Sigruture(s) of Inspector(s) A9ency/OlBoa/Phons and Fax Numbers Data
Sep1en D Smith by: DWRIRRO VVOA19-791.42001 5/6/2024
++Dwuftmd
9i/A7�A�
8iareebure d M Agency/OEi e/Phoes and Fax Numbers Dole
ualtat iSa . N4U-Ud 5/6/2024
EPA Farm 35OD-3 (Rev 9-941 Previous edition era obsolete.
page# 1

DocuSign Envelope ID 83B386A1-1895-4D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
NPDES Pin -%By IMPKM- TM
„ 24IM4 17 18ICI
Sedion D: Summary cf FindinyfCommenb (Attach additional sheets of namiM and chocidisb as necommq)
Paq 2

DocuSign Envelope ID: 838386A1-18954D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Permk: NC0020605 owner -Fa illy: TalborO WVTP
Inspaenon nab: 04l MA24 lna"Wen Type: Ca"— EvaluaWn
Operafts &MaintenanceYes No NA NE
Is the plant generally dean 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:
Perm
Yes
No
NA HE
(If the present permit expires in B months or less). Has the pem>Ktee submitted a new
❑
❑
■, ❑
applicaiilon?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0
❑
❑ ❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is access to the plant eke restricted to the general public?
M
❑
❑ [)
Is the Inspector granted acme to all areas for inspection?
0
❑
❑ ❑
�e w :a 1 =i'. !1.=_ iF- F 1 =1.1=. - M 1-t7-7 1 1 ,= .-,. j _ .1,11
tll
11L�7
7—T L-1
Is the capadty adequate?
0❑
1313
Is the mixing adequate?
M
❑
1313
Is the site free of excessive foaming In the tank?
M
❑
❑ ❑
# Is the odor acceptable?
M❑
❑ ❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Anaerobic Dlatao
Type of operation:
Is the capacity adequate?
M
❑
❑ ❑
# Is gas stored on site?
❑
❑
❑
Is the dtgester(s) free of Ong covers?
❑
❑
❑ ■
Is the gas burner operational?
❑
❑
❑
Is the digester heated?
❑
❑
❑ 0
Is the temperature maintained constantly?
❑
❑
❑ A
Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: On"mcgbic dkie-ster Is used, 3h2 other dkmter is not
In use and is not operable.
Pages 3

DocuSign Envelope ID 838386A7-1895-4D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Pon N00020605 owow-paclar. liub—WWTP
NapeNon Dab: o4 ZCM4 rgpuman Type: COMOOrm EvdUffdw
Anaerobic Dinester
Yes No
NA NE
Dndm-@2do
Is there adequate drying bed space?
Yes No
NA NE
❑ ❑
0 ❑
Is the sludge disMbuUon on drying beds appropriate?
❑ 0
0 ❑
Are the drying beds free of vegetation?
00
❑ ❑
# Is the site tree of dry sludge remaining in beds?
■ ❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge?
0❑
❑ ❑
Is the flitrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant?
0 ❑
❑ ❑
# Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill?
❑ 0
❑ ❑
# Is the sludge land applied?
■ ❑
❑ ❑
(Vacuum Alters) Is polymer mixing adequate?
❑ ❑
0 ❑
Comment:
0" Seffl2!a
Yes
No
NA HE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Medwdcal
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
M❑
❑ ❑
Is the screen tree of excessive debris?
M❑
❑ a
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is the unit In good condition?
❑
0
1313
Comment:
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual ❑
b.Mechanical 0
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor? M ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is disposal of grit in compliance? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
PaW 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-18954D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Peraft NCO020005 Owner TaA-0 WWrP
IrtapeeeM Dab: 041240=4 laspedlpn Type: Compliance Evaluation
Primary Clarifier
Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids In center well of circular dormer?
■
❑
❑ ❑
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?
M
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is the drive unit operational?
M❑
❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately % of the sidewall depth)
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Sewnftry Clarer
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
Yes
0
No
❑
NA NE
❑ ❑
Is the site tree of excessive buildup of solids in corder well of circular clarifier?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Are weirs level?
❑
❑
❑ M
Is the site free of weir blockage?
❑
❑
❑
Is the site flee of evidence of short-circuiting?
(]
❑
❑
Is scum removal adequate?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
N
0
❑
Is the drive unit operational?
M
❑
❑ ❑
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
M
❑
❑ ❑
Is the overflow dear of excessive solids/pin floc?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately % of the sidewall depth)
0
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Tricldina Filter
Yes No NA HE
Is the filter free of ponding?
0❑
❑ ❑
Is the filter free of leaks at the center column of filter's distribution arms?
❑
❑
❑ ■
Is the distribution of Dow even from the distribution arms?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is the filter free of uneven or discolored growth?
❑
❑
❑
Is the filter free of sloughing of excessive growth?
❑
❑
❑ M
Are the niter's distribution arms orifices free of dogging?
M
❑
❑ ❑
Pop # 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-1895-4D56.B402-C78A58BB3724
Pannit: N00020605 Owner - Rabl ty: Tarboro W WTP
Mapsoeon Daft: 04/24=4 in mn Type; Compganoe Evsluatlon
Trickling Fllter xsa No NA NE
Is the filter free of excessive fitter flies, worths or shells? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: One of two units in operetion. the other used for EO. Unit In anarafian wm r4mmn A
Aemdon Basins
Mods of operation
Type of aeration system
Is the basin free of dead spots?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Are surface aerators and ndxers operational?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Are the diffusers operational?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
❑
[]
❑ ■
Is the DO level acceptable?
❑
❑
❑ ■
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mgll)
Comment:
❑
❑
❑ E
Are cylinders secured adequately?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight?
■
❑
❑ ❑
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
❑
❑
❑
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or stodge buildup?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is two chlorine residual prior to de-chlorinsdon?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more then 2500 The of Chlorine (CAS No.
❑
[l
❑
7782-50-5)?
N yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site?
❑
❑
❑
N yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (t 000- _ )
If yee, then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment:
Do-chladnMlon Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Pager 6

DocuSign Envelope ID; 83B386A1-1895-4D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Pamh: N00020806 Omm-Faoilgy: TarboroWWTP
Nnpeotlon Dab: 0412W2024 Inapearbn tape: Complbnm Evaluadan
Do-chIg nation Yea No NA NE
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? M ❑ ❑ M
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ 0 ❑
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Studbv Power
Xes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is the generator tested by Interrupting primary power source?
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested under load?
❑
❑
❑ ■
Was generator tested & operational during the Inspection?
❑
❑
❑
Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
■
❑
❑ E,]
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended nm on back-up
[]
❑
❑ 0
power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
M❑
❑ ❑
Comment: ORC up -gained that he would look in Q status of emerg M agreeemnt with
fuel. Imay 1
vendor
for
Influenj Sampling
# 1s composite sampling Now proportional?
Yas
■
No
❑
NA NE
❑ ❑
Is sample collected above side streams?
0
❑
❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected?
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
M❑
❑ ❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
M
❑
❑ ❑
degrees Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
0
11
0 ❑
Comment:
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ 1313
Is sample collected below all treatment units? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
is proper volume collected? ❑ E3 ❑
Page# 7

Do0uSign Envelope ID: 83B386A1-i8954D56-B402-C78A58BB3724
Pr lk NC0020605 ovn w.Fr&dmr: Tarboro WWrP
kopedion Cab. 0424=4 gapecyan typo: Compliance EvNuatlon
MU291 sampling In No NA NE
Is the tubing dean? M❑ 0 ❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 ■ ❑ 1313
degrees Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as requlred by the permit (frequency, sampling type M ❑ ❑ ❑
representative)?
Comment:
Pogo 8