NC0083348_NC0083348 WTP CEI 2024_20240531

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apa 5PA1E°'
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S.BISER
Seawary
RICHARD E.ROGERS,JR. NORTH CAROLINA
DLector EnV&W ntenW Qua ft
May 31,2022
Walter Credle,Public Utilities
Town of Smithfield
Smithfield WTP
P.O. Box 761
Smithfield NC 27577
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Smithfield WTP - process wastewater discharge
NPDES Permit NCO083348
Johnston County
Dear Mr. Credle:
On May 21,2024,Danny Smith from the Raleigh Regional Office(RRO)of the Division of Water
Resources(DWR)conducted a compliance evaluation inspection of the treatment facilities located at the
Smithfield Water Treatment Plant(WTP). The purpose of this inspection was to ensure compliance with
the subject NPDES permit. During the inspection,the presence and cooperation of Steve Lance,
Superintendent and William Peal,Operator in Responsible Charge(ORC)were helpful and appreciated.
The Smithfield WTP is located at 515 N Second Street in Smithfield,North Carolina. The facility is a
Grade I physical Chemical Water Pollution Control System with permitted effluent from a discharge of
filter-backwash wastewater. Through NPDES permit NCO083348 the Town of Smithfield is authorized
to discharge the treated wastewater through Outfall 001 to receiving waters designated as Buffalo Creek,
classified as class C Nutrient Sensitive Waters(NSW)within the Neuse River Basin.
This NPDES compliance evaluation inspection consisted of the following:
• Review of the NPDES permit,
• Review of the owner/facility information,
• Review of April 2021-March 2024 monitoring data and compliance history;
• On-site inspection of the wastewater treatment facility;and
• On-site inspection of the discharge outfall.
Findings during the pre-inspection file review were as follows:
1. The current NPDES permit was issued effective April 1,2019,and will expire February 28,2023.
The Water Quality Permitting Section acknowledged the receipt of your permit renewal application
and supporting documentation on September 12,2022.
(Note: Authorization to continue discharge and to continue operations under the existing expired
permit is automatic once the permit renewal application is received by DWR,provide it is received
at least 180 days prior to permit expiration.)
2. The treatment units at the subject facility include the following:
Noah Carolina Deparunent of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D FM Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barren Dnve I Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
�/ 919.7914200

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- Reservoir for water storage.
- rapid mix chamber for alum and NaOH addition,
- four(4)flocculators,four(4)settling basins, four(4)multi-media filters,and flow meter*
(located at the filter back wash pump),
- filter backwash tank,primary sludge holding basin,secondary sludge holding basin,two(2)
screw presses for sludge thickening,and
- outfal1001.
3. 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 October 2016. As of October
7,2019,all NPDES discharge monitoring reports submitted in the eDMR system are accepted
with electronic signature,signed hardcopies are no longer required to be mailed to the Division.
4. The Town of Smithfield has the following operator designations: William Peal,Operator in
Responsible Charge(ORC)and Jay Van Hoose as Back ORC(bORC).
-It was explained during the inspection that Jay Van Hoose does not work for the Town of
Smithfield and should not he listed a designated backup operator.
-Steve Lane,the Plant Superintendent is intended to be the back-up ORC.
Both William Peal(Cert No.27376)and Steven Lane(Cert.No. 1009357)have Active
Certifications for Grade PC-I.
Please submit an updated request for Steve Lane's designation as Backup Operator in Responsible
Charge for the Town of Smithfield(7VC0083348) within 45-days of receipt of this letter and request
removal of Jay Van Hoose as bORC.
5. The review period April 2021 through March 2024,revealed one NOV for failure to monitor for
Total Suspended solids for August 2022. No penalty assessments have been issued for limit
exceedances or failure(s)to monitor for this review period.
6. The required Annual Administering and Compliance Monitoring Fee for the current billing period
has been paid. There are no overdue fees.
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
7. ORC to bg ook. Per discussions during the inspection, it is recommendation that that the Operator in
Responsible Charge(ORC)begin to maintain an additional bound,paginated logbook. This logbook
is for the recording/documentation of daily plant operations(e.g.daily plant operations/routine
activities,adjustments made,equipment out of service,weather,rain fall etc.).
The purpose 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-stie)per 15A NCAC 08G .0204(5).
ENorth Carolina Deparunent of Environmental Quality I Division of Weer Resources
Raleigh Regional Office i 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh,North Carolina 27609
919 791 4200

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8. Lab Certifications. The Smithfield WTP conducts pH and chlorine analysis. The field laboratory
certification number is 5069(Steve bane). With the exception of Toxicity tests,Waypoint
Analytical(certification number 402)analyses the remaining effluent parameters.Toxicity testing is
performed by Meritech(027).
Please ensure the Lab name(s) and their respective Certification Lab number(s)are listed on the
"certified laboratories"section of the eDMR.
9. During the walk-through of the wastewater plant,the inspector observed the following:
Intake. Intake is located on the left bank of the Neuse River. A dredge and dredge spoil was
observed adjacent to the river at the this location. It was explained that Pperiodic dredging of the
intake is required to maintain proper operations of the source water intake.
Intake water reservoir/holdingpond(s). The intake reservoir storage capacity is newly expanded.
The reservoir consists of an older section(approx. 9 million gallons)and the newer section(approx.
15 million gallons).These sections are connected and are maintained at equal levels.
Both reservoirs are connected. Slope failures internal to reservoir(s)were present and readily
observable along the berm and where respective reservoir sections are connected to each other. The
observed slope failures were internal to the reservoir sections. The exterior berm wall appeared
stable with no rills,gullies or sloughing.
It was explained that discussion for slope repairs and the ultimate remedies to berm walls are
ongoing between the engineer and the contractor.
Chemical treatment and physical settling. Rapid mix chamber for alum and NaOH addition,
flocculators(n-4)*, settling basins(n-4)**,multi-media filters(n=4)**,flow meter(located at the
filter back wash pump)were present and in operation.
*One flocculator was not in service due to pump outage(ongoing repair).
**An additional settling basin and filter has been recently added increasing facility
operation/treatment capacity.
Backwash and solids management. One(1)filter backwash tank,primary sludge holding basin,
secondary sludge holding basin,and two(2)screw presses for sludge thickening were present and
operational.
No issues of concern were observed with the solids handling treatment units, storage or with the
on-site sludge volumes/capacities.
10. Flow measurement. The effluent flow meters are calibrated quarterly. Effluent flow meter located at
the filter back wash pump was last calibrated on March 13,2024. No issues of concern were
observed with the flow measurement devices.
D North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 1 3800 Barrett Dnve I Raleigh,North Carolina 27609
ON" 919.791 4200

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11. Sampling. As required by the subject permit,effluent sampling is achieved by grab sampling. The
samples are collected from the filter back wash tank and poured into the bottles provided by the
contract lab.
12. Outfall 001. The inspector observed the effluent discharge location for the WTP(NC0083348)to
Buffalo Creek. The concrete apron/wingwall for the outlet pipe was observable;however,the water
level in the creek was elevated above pipe outlet due to the water level elevation of the Neuse River.
The outfall and receiving stream were flooded and receiving stream was turbid.
The WTP was not discharging effluent at the time of the inspection.
The overall condition of the subject facility was compliant with the NPDES permit requirements as
observed on the day of the inspection. 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 919-
791-4248(dannv.smith ,deq.nc.gov)or me at(919)791-4232(vanessa.manuel( deq.nc.gov).
Sincerely,
CDocuStyned by:
UAVJ-ss. . h wa
Vanessa E.Maruef,Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources,NCDEQ
Attachment: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: Laserfiche
DE North Caroline Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barren Drive I Raleigh,North Carolina 27609
��� 919.7914200

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United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires B-31-98
Section A:National Data System Coding(i.e.,PCs)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 J, I 2 I S I 3 I NCO083348 111 121 24/05/21 117 181 j I 19 u 201 I
211111111111I11111111111111111111 11111111111 166
Inspection Work Days Facility SeIFMonitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----- -------Reserved--l---
67 701 1 711 I 72 L N I 731 1 174 71 1 1 1 1 1 1 180
LJ Section B: Facility Data LJ I 1 I
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also Include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES oennit Number) 10:OOAM 24/05/21 19/04/01
Smithfield WTP
515 N Second St Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Smithfield NC 27577 12:30PM 24/05/21 23/02/28
Name(s)of Onsile Representafive(s)Mtles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Name,Address of Responsible OfficiaUTitle/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Gordon Watkins,PO Box 761 Smithfield NC 27577/Plant
Su erintendent/919-934-2661/ No
Section C:Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations&Maintenar E Records/Reports
Self-Monitoring Progran 0 Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate
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/OfficelPhone and Fax Numbers Date
0"uft ad by:
Stephen D Smith 5" DWR/RRO WQl919-791-4200/ 5/31/2024
9ECB79823BID478
Signature of ManagemLV'
s�yyb Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
�.cssa f" 5/31/2024 M.aut.ut,(,
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous edifions are obsolete.
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DocuSign Envelope ID:43E25243-BAAD-4gC3-A028-7DEOB4E63205
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
C0083348 I11 1 24/05/21 17 18 I r t
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
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DocuSign Envelope ID:43E25243-BAAD-49C3-A028-7DE094E63205
Permit: NCO083348 Owner-Facillty: Smithfield WTP
Inspection Date: 05/21/2024 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:
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? M ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
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)? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
(If the facility is=or> 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 2417 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? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
classification?
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DocuSign Envelope ID:43E25243-BAAD-49C3-A028-7DEOB4E63205
Permit: NC0083348 Owner-Facility: Smithfield wTP
Inspection Date: 05/21/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keepina Yes No NA NE
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:
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
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:
Flow Measurement- Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment:
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