WQ0006085_NOV-2024-PC-0290_20240507

DocuSign Envelope ID: DA4E3F20-79E6-4E98-BC16-4A79B2804E44
STAZt
ROY COOPER 5-
Gavernor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary ��j
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
Certified Mail # 7021 0950 0001 1209 9389
Return Receipt Reauested
May 07, 2024
John Nichols, PE
Brunswick County
PO Box 249
Bolivia, NC 28422-0249
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Tracking Number: NOV-2024-PC-0290
Permit No. WQ0006085
Ocean Isle Beach WWTP
Brunswick County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Ocean Isle Beach WWTP on
April 19, 2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0006085. A summary of the findings and
comments noted during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report.
The Compliance Evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the Wilmington
Regional Office. The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection:
Inspection Area Description of Violation
End Use -Reuse Although county staff have actively taken measures to cap and gate off selective irrigation
heads, ponding remains on many of the fields. During the prior inspection, on 4/14/2024,
a four wheel drive all -terrain vehicle became stuck in mud and was not able to be
removed from Field #4. During the recent inspection, poor conditions associated with
either mud or ponding was observed in the southwest corner of Field #14, as well as
random areas within Field #'s 1, 4 and 9. Also, the facility has a truck off-loading area
into the southern lagoon and small trees were observed growing within this area, inside
of the lagoon. This area needs to be better maintained to prevent root mass from
penetrating the liner.
Ew a D ��� North Carolina Department orEnvlronmental Quality I Dlvssion of Water Re-s
Wilmington ReglamlOtTim 1122CarAInal Drive Eetenarn slan I Wilminglon North C11na 25405
9t01g 7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: DA4E3F20-79E6-4E98-BC16-4A79B2804E44
The above cited items represent violations of the Performance Standards, stated in Item II. 1. and Operation and
Maintenance, stated in Item III. 3. Of Permit WQ0006085. Remedial actions should have already been taken to
correct these problems and prevent further occurrences in the future. The Division of Water Resources may
pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of State law. To prevent further action(s), please
respond in writing to this office within 30 days upon your receipt of this Notice of Violation regarding your plans or
measures to be taken to address the indicated violations and other identified issues, if applicable.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Lievre with the Water Quality
Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7378.
ATTACHMENT
Cc: Donald Dixon (via email)
Upload to Laserfiche
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
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Tom Tharrington, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
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Wilmington ReglomlOtrce I127 CaMlnal prlve Eatenslan Wftingl—North Carollna254O5
9167967215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Comaliance Insaection Resort
Permit: WO0006085 Effective: 12/28/23 Expiration: 08/31/31 Owner: Brunswick County
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Ocean Isle Beach WWTP
County: Brunswick 6049 Yarbrough St SW
Region: Wilmington
Ocean Isle Beach NC 28469
Contact Person: Donald B Dixon
Directions to Facility:
Title: Deputy Utilities Director Phone: [phone]
Located on the west side of NCSR 1184 approximately 1.1 miles north of the intersection between NC Hwy. 904 and NC Hwy. 179
near Ocean Isle Beach
System Classifications: WW3., SI,
Primary ORC: Jeffrey Scott Leonard
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Certification: 995907 Phone:[phone]
WO0023693 Brunswick County - West Brunswick Regional WRF
WO0034513 Brunswick County - Brunswick County Class B Residuals Program
WQCS00284 Brunswick County - Brunswick County Collection System
WQCS00277 Town of Ocean Isle Beach - Ocean Isle Beach Collection System
WO0037162 Brunswick County - Ocean Isle WWTF to West Regional WWTF Interconnect
WO0000783 S & B Maintenance Inc - S & B Maintenance Residuals Land Application
Program (D)
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 11:20AM
Primary Inspector: Bryan Lievre D s y"ed by: Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): °°°°s'g"ed by:
1BAF550231BDD428...
Jordan Cocanower �b E9CA32CA3 D (at�eu/c v
CD8FF64F7...
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant 0 Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Treatment Filters
Treatment Disinfection
Storage
Coastal Requirements
(See attachment summary)
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Treatment Barscreen
Record Keeping Treatment Lagoons
Treatment Flow Measurement Treatment Return pumps
End Use -Reuse Standby Power
Page 1 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Permit: WQ0006085 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Ocean Isle Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was performed on April 19,
2024. The purpose of the inspection was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and
limitations specified within Permit W00006085. Matthew Henry, Scott Leonard and James Morrison with Brunswick County
as well as Bryan Lievre and Jordan Cocanower, both with NCDEQ, were present during the inspection.
The facility is a Grade III Biological WPCS, with Surface Spray and currently permitted to receive up to 1.05 MGD of
wastewater with the following components:
- Three (3) large clay lined lagoons (4.68 MG, and two at 7.125 MG for a total of at least 5 days of storage)
- Two (2) influent flow meters
- A mechanically cleaned bar screen and auxiliary manually -cleaned bypass bar screen
- A Vortex grit removal system with 100 gpm air lift unit and grit classifier
- An adjustable flow splitter box (24" pipe)
- Three (3) 422,500 gallon sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with
o Three 100 gpm sludge waste pumps
o Three 1,595 cfm positive displacement blowers
- A 422,500 gallon aerated sludge holding tank with 200 gpm sludge pump (aeration provided by SBR blowers)
- Two filter beds (507 ft12 each) with traveling bridge backwash assemblies
- Two (2) 4,900 gallon clear wells with two 400 gpm pumps
- A channel ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system with two banks and 40 bulbs/bank and turbidimeter
- Associated appurtenances and piping
Also included in the permit are conjunctive and non-conjuctive reclaimed water utilization systems. The conjuctive reclaimed
system includes a 9.3 MG pond, a 16.5 MG pond, a pump station, 3,540 linear feet of 10-inch force main, a combined total
of 374.2 acres of conjuctive utilization at four nearby golf courses, and all associated piping and appurtenances. Piping to
the nearby golf courses has not been installed, but includes:
- 92.5 acres at the Lion's Paw Golf Course;
- 84.9 acres at the Panther's Run Golf Course;
- 76.3 acres at the Tiiger's Eye Golf Course; and,
- 120.5 acres at the Leopard's Chase Golf Course.
The non-conjuctive reclaimed system includes a 225,000 gallon lined pump well, a 22.5 MG lined wet weather lagoon, a
pump station with dual 400 gpm pumps, a pump station with dual 700 gpm pumps, 191 acres of reclaimed non-conjuctive
water utilization area (Fields 1 — 23), and all associated piping and appurtenances. It should be noted that the numbering
system for these fields as indicated on the permit does not align to the operators numbering system.
Available records indicate that circa 2015, the system treats approximately 350,000 gpd and sends approximately 114,000
gpd to the West Brunswick Regional WRF. In 2023, the system treated approximately 370,000 gpd and sent approximately
88,000 gpd to West Brunswick Regional WRF. Since the date of the last permit re -issuance (12/28/2023), the facility has
not had any reportable violations. Since the last inspection, performed on 4/14/2022, the system has repaired the SBRs
where all three were functional, installed level gauges within each of the lagoons and the vegetation around the dike walls
appeared to be satisfactory.
The operators were knowledgeable of the facility and their assistance during the inspection was appreciated. Records were
reviewed and found to be detailed, well organized and complete. Due to the condition of the spray fields, the facility is not
compliant with the terms and conditions of the permit. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more
details.
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Permit: WQ0006085 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 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, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Reuse (Quality)
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: All treatment units appeared to be operational and observed aeration system in SBR #1
operational and observed aeration to be very evenly dispersed. No unusual odors or
significant foaming nor floatables observed within the system. Weirs seemed to be functioning
Properly and free of solids and algal growth. It should be noted that the numbering of
Sprayfields 1 - 23 on the permit doers not align to the operators number scheme.
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: A 10-inch electromagnetic meter for Ocean Isle Beach is located along NC Hwy 904, north of
the bridge into the island was calibrated by county staff on 4/12/2024. A six inch
electromagnetic meter located in an underground vault prior to the WWTP headworks was
calibrated by county staff on 4/8/2024. As previously noted, the Daily Flow (002) is reported
as the difference between the sum of the two influent meters minus the daily flow diverted to
the West Brunswick facility. The system is also equipped with a Parshall Flume with ultrasonic
liquid levels flow sensor after the bar screens, however this flow sensor is only used for internal
purposes and is not regularly calibrated.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? 1111011
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Permit: WQ0006085 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is flowmeter operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The 10-inch electromagnetic meter to West Brunswick Regional WRF was calibrated by county
staff on 9/28/2023. The system has a 10-inch electromagnetic flow meter for the irrigation
system and it was calibrated by county staff on 9/8/2023. The effluent is recorded by adding
the flows from the two influent flow meters and subtracting the flow from the meter to the West
Brunswick Reaional WRF.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The facility is equipped with two diesel powered generators. The generators are maintained by
system staff with each unit operated under load weekly. County staff also perform monthly
maintenance checks and constant fuel level checks.
Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The system is equipped with a mechanical barscreen and manual bypass bar screen with —1/2
inch openings. Debris from the screens as well as subsequent Vortex unit and grit classifier
are deposited into dumpsters and taken to the landfill for proper disposal.
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 011011
Are they operational? 011011
Comment: WAS pumps activate for approximately 3 to 10 minutes during each cycle of the SBRs, with
MLSS typically being maximized at about 3,200 mg/L.
Treatment Filters
Is the filter media present?
Is the filter media the correct size and type?
Is the air scour operational?
Is the scouring acceptable?
Is the clear well free of excessive solids?
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media?
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate?
Yes No NA NE
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Page 4 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Permit: WQ0006085 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: The SBRs are operated on a four hour cycle with 2 hours of aeration and DO set points of 1.43
to 1.7 mg/L. The SBRs have a common effluent aeration tank prior to the sand filters and this
tank receives constant air. The sand filters typically automatically backwash 2 to 3 times per
day. The units are not equipped with air for fluffing after the backwash cycle, but appeared to
be in good condition.
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)?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the system properly maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible?
❑
❑ ❑
If tablets, are tablets present?
❑
❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑ ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth?
❑ ❑ ❑
If UV, are extra UV bulbs available?
❑ ❑ ❑
If UV, is the UV intensity adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
# Is it a dual feed system?
❑
❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- - )
If yes, then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: The facility reportedly recently chanqed numerous bulbs in the UV system and has a few spare
on -site. The controllers for the system alert the operator when a bulb goes out. The facility
also has a chlorine contact chamber which is no longer used and the piping to the structure
has been blocked.
Record Keeping
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page 5 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Permit: WQ0006085 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# 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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
❑ ❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Comment: The current permit was issued 12/28/2023, became effective on the same date and expires
8/31/2031. On-line reports (NDMRs, NDAR-1's, 2023 Annual Report) were viewed prior to the
inspection and a check was performed of information retained on -site. Hard copies of at least
5 years of records are maintained in files on -site. Select random months of lab reports and
operator log books were viewed while on -site. The facility utilizes Field Certification #5279 for
its field certification sampling. Samples are either sent to the Brunswick County Municipal lab
or other outside laboratories for other parameters. The facility uses an Hach 1085853 meter
for turbidity and a Hach HQ411d for PH. All instruments appeared in good condition and
calibration records and standards for the instruments were inspected.
End Use -Reuse
Yes No NA NE
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the acreage specified in the permit correspond to the measured acreage at the site?
❑
❑ ❑
Are all essential units provided in duplicate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is an automatically activated standby power source available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the equalization capacity adequate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is aerated flow equalization present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Has the turbidity meter been calibrated in the last 12 months?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the turbidity meter have recording capabilities?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all flow diverted at the appropriate times?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all upset wastewater diverted from reuse storage unit?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all upset wastewater treated, retreated, or disposed of acceptably?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is upset wastewater treated prior to discharge to irrigation storage?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is public access restricted from irrigation area during active site use?
❑ ❑ ❑
If golf course, is a sign posted in plain sight on the club house?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9655 DOD F-AB4D-4D55-9EA7-347 D501447C2
Permit: WQ0006085 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 04/19/2024 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the cover crop acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are buffers adequate?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of ponding/runoff?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the application equipment acceptable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the application area free of limiting slopes?
❑
❑ ❑
How close is the closest water supply well?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells required?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? 1111011
Comment: Althouqh county staff have actively taken measures to cap and qate off selective irriqation
heads, ponding remains on many of the fields. During the last inspection, on 4/14/2024, a four
wheel drive all -terrain vehicle became stuck in mud and was not able to be removed from Field
#4. During the recent inspection, poor conditions associated with either mud or ponding was
observed in the southwest corner of Field #14, as well as random areas within Field #'s 1, 4
and 9. Also, the facility has a truck off-loading area into the southern lagoon and small trees
were observed growing within this area, inside of the lagoon. This area needs to be better
maintained to prevent root mass from penetrating the liner. Although six monitoring wells were
located within the area of Spray Field #'s 1 - 23, they were no longer required, and have been
removed as part of the 3/8/2005 permit requirements.
Coastal Requirements Yes No NA NE
Are essential treatment units provided in duplicate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is an adequately sized aerated equalization basin present? ❑ ❑ ❑
If so, is it operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the equalization capacity adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The three (3) large clay lined lagoons which have an estimated volume of 18.93 MG as well as
the 22.5 MG wet weather irrigation pond provide ample room for equalization.
Page 7 of 7