NC0020389_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240607

DocuSign Envelope ID: 352lC189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Kimberly T. Pickett
Town of Benson
PO Box 69
Benson, NC 27504-0069
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 7, 2024
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report and Notice of Violation
Tracking No. NOV-2024-PC-0347
Benson WWTP
NPDES WW Permit No. NCO020389
Johnston County
Dear Ms. Pickett:
On May 8, 2024, Division of Water Resources (DWR) Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) staff Jesse Barnes conducted a
routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Benson Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in reference to NPDES
permit NC0020389. ORC Brian Leavitt was present during the inspection. A review of records, data, treatment
components, operations, maintenance, and the outfall area was completed. This review reflected noncompliance
with the subject permit. Permit violation(s), item(s) of concern, and other observations are listed below. Inspection
findings are detailed in the attached Water Compliance Inspection Report.
Permit Violation(s
1. During the inspection, it was unknown if an annual report for the previous year had been created or
published. Upon review, an annual report for the WWTP has not been received by DWR and does not appear
to be published on the Town of Benson's website. Part II, Section E. (12.) of the subject permit requires
permittees who own or operate facilities that primarily collected or treat municipal or domestic wastewater
and have an average annual flow greater than 200,000 gallons per day to provide an annual report to DWR
and to those served by the permittee. Please refer to Part II, Section E. (12.) of the subject permit for
detailed requirements.
2. The certification of the facility's designated backup ORC (BORC), Christopher Brigman, is currently invalid
due to overdue annual certification fees and/or insufficient continuing education hours. Part II, Section C.
(1.) (b.) of the subject permit requires the designated BORC to possess valid certification. Please direct
certification questions to [e-mail].
s) of Concern
3. The flow splitter valve for diverting influent wastewater to the equalization (EQ) basin is located upstream
of the influent bar screen and grit removal systems. EQ basin contents are then piped directly to the aeration
basins for treatment, so bar screening and grit removal are bypassed when influent is diverted to EQ during
high flows.
4. One of the six total mixers for the aeration basins was temporarily offline during the inspection with
maintenance pending.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources D E Q
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
NORTH CAROLINA
oeWM—A or E"f—untal Quality 919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
5.
One of the five total secondary clarifiers was temporarily offline during the inspection with maintenance
pending.
6.
One of the five total tertiary filters is offline indefinitely due to malfunction and pending facility upgrades.
7.
The EQ basin is not equipped with high level alarms or float controls. EQ freeboard is monitored with staff
gauges.
8.
Some debris (a few rags) was observed in the receiving stream near the outfall. The amount of debris was
not excessive, but does support the need for finer bar screening and screening of EQ basin contents.
9.
Meritech Inc has performed compliance toxicity analyses for the subject facility and has been listed as NC
certified lab #27 on submitted eDMRs. Meritech Inc's lab certification number has changed and is now
#165- please correct this on future eDMRs.
10.
Two of the three total screw pumps at the influent pump station were inoperable during the inspection due
to malfunction with maintenance pending.
11.
The influent screw pump station is not equipped with high-level alarms.
Observations
The Benson WWTP is located at 766 Hannah Creek Rd in Benson, Johnston County, NC. Version 5.0 of NPDES
permit NCO020389 became effective May 1, 2021, and will expire at midnight on April 30, 2026. The permitted
facility is a 1.9 MGD wastewater treatment facility discharging treated domestic and industrial wastewater.
Treatment consists of the following components: bar screens, grit removal, influent Parshall flume with flow
measurement, influent composite sampler, influent screw pumps, three extended aeration/oxidation basins, five
secondary clarifiers, tertiary filters, chlorine contact basin, de -chlorination, post aeration, effluent flow measurement,
effluent composite sampler, aerated sludge lagoon, two stabilization lagoons (EQ), lagoon effluent return pump
station, and standby power generator. The facility is authorized to discharge treated wastewater to Hannah Creek
(Stream Index: 27-52-6), designated Class C; NSW waters of the State within sub -basin 03-04-04 of the Neuse
River Basin. The facility was as described in the subject permit.
The January 2024 discharge monitoring report (DMR) and associated laboratory reports, calibration records, chains
of custody, and ORC visitation log were reviewed for completeness, transcription accuracy, and permit compliance.
All reviewed records and reports appeared to be complete and compliant during the inspection with no errors found.
Please see Items 1 and 2, above.
Field parameters and some non -field parameters are performed in house, under lab certification #196. Remaining
parameters are performed by Waypoint Analytical - Greenville (#10), and Meritech Inc (#165). See Item 9, above.
A cursory review of the in-house laboratory was conducted with no issues found. The temperature of the sample
storage refrigerator was 2 OC during the inspection. The temperature of the fecal coliform incubator was 44.5 OC
during the inspection. Current NIST certificates were available for all laboratory thermometers.
One automatic diesel standby power generator is available on site and can power the entire facility. The generator
is tested once monthly under load with the primary power source interrupted. The generator was not tested during
the inspection. Mr. Leavitt stated that a maintenance service contract and priority fuel agreement are in place.
A coarse manual bar screen is used to screen influent debris. The bar screen is manually raked by operators daily
and appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. A grit settling chamber with a mechanical chain and
flight scraper system is used to remove additional grit and heavy debris. The grit removal system appeared to be
operating properly during the inspection. Screened debris and grit are collected and disposed of via landfill.
The influent and effluent ultrasonic flow meters were both last calibrated July 17, 2023, by Clearwater Inc and
appeared to be operating properly during the inspection.
D E ��� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
4Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
Nprh C AOLINa 919.791.4200
Peparhnanf of Erm.onmaribl Ouali�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
The influent composite sample storage was observed to be 0 °C and the effluent composite sample storage was
observed to be 2 °C during the inspection. Both composite samplers collect 120 mL aliquots for every 10,000 gallons
of flow and are therefore flow proportional. Sample collection tubing appeared to be clean and in good condition
during the inspection- Mr. Leavitt stated that tubing is replaced approximately monthly.
A large lagoon is used as an EQ basin and used primarily during high flows. Influent flow can be diverted to the EQ
basin as needed by a flow -splitting valve. See Item 3, above. The basin appeared to be operating properly and had
adequate freeboard during the inspection. See Item 7, above. The EQ basin appeared to be operating properly
during the inspection.
A three -channel oxidation ditch/aeration basin system is used for biological treatment. Rotating surface agitators
are placed intermittently along two of the three channels for aerobic treatment and one channel has no agitation
for anaerobic treatment. The oxidation ditch system appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. See
Item 4, above.
The facility utilizes the following five circular secondary clarifiers for solids removal: two 12 ft (deep) x 25 ft
(diameter), two 15 ft x 25 ft, and one 12 ft x 50 ft (see Item 5, above). Overflow weirs have removable covers for
algae control. Sludge depths are monitored manually with a sludge judge and was observed to be 2.5 ft in one of
the 12 ft x 25 ft clarifiers on the day of the inspection. The secondary clarifiers appeared to be operating properly
during the inspection.
Five multimedia gravity downflow tertiary filters are present and four are used for solids removal (see Item 6, above).
Each filter consists of a layer of anthracite, sand, and rock. The filters are backwashed approximately 3 to 4 times
weekly and backwash wastewater is returned to the facility influent for treatment. The tertiary filters appeared to
be operating properly during the inspection.
Liquid sodium hypochlorite is fed with manually -adjusted static pumps and carrier water into a baffled contact
chamber with treated wastewater for disinfection. Liquid calcium thiosulfate is fed into a subsequent unbaffled
contact chamber with submerged diffused aeration for mixing to achieve de -chlorination. The disinfection and de -
chlorination feed systems, contact chambers, and containment appeared to be compliant and operating properly
during the inspection.
The effluent outfall discharges to Hannah Creek at the southeast corner of the facility. At the outfall, multiple stream
channels appearing as a wetland area make up the receiving stream. The outfall pipe was mostly submerged during
the inspection. Effluent flow was observed during the inspection and appeared to be clear and free from foam. See
Item 8, above. A path to the outfall has been properly maintained for access.
All instream sampling requirements except hardness are waived due to active participation in the Lower Neuse Basin
Association, as stipulated in the subject permit. Instream hardness analyses are performed by Waypoint Analytical
— Greenville.
Please respond to this notice, in writing via email or letter to this office, within 30 business days of
receipt. The response should address each violation (2) listed above by providing details of planned corrective
actions along with estimated completion dates for each violation. Failure to make corrective actions to achieve
compliance with the subject permit within a reasonable time may result in further enforcement actions.
Please be aware that DWR may take enforcement action against any individual who fails to comply with the
requirements of all applicable permits, regulations, and/or statutes. Pursuant to NC General Statute (NCGS) 143-
215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any
person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit, or
applicable regulations, issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
D � ��� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
NORTH Io, INA
oe�arhne�rofEm,maiu�ar� /'"l 919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
If you need assistance, contact Jesse Barnes by phone at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
ocuSigned by:
E�D
A, f. �l.ain,tnt,l,2916E6AB32144F...
Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachments:
1. Water Compliance Inspection Report, NCO020389
Cc: Laserfiche
NOR-H O/+RpLINAD LU
oapa0-1 of Ewwmamai avari
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
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 NCO020389 I11 121 24/05/08 I17 18I � I 19 I s I 201 I
211IIIII 111111III II III III1 I I IIIII IIIIIIIII II r6
Inspection
Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved -------------------
67
I 72 I n, 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)
09:OOAM 24/05/08
21/05/01
Benson WWTP
766 Hannah Creek Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Benson NC 27504
11:00AM 24/05/08
26/04/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Kimberly T Pickett,PO Box 69 Benson NC 275040069/Interim Town
Manager/919-894-3553/ 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
Jesse Barnes Docusigned by: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4254/
6/6/2024
E
3194ED...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
DocuSigned by: 6/6/2024
EPA Form 3560 §EWPWous editions are obsolete.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
NCO020389 I11 12I 24/05/08 117 18 i c i
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On May 8, 2024, Division of Water Resources (DWR) Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) staff Jesse
Barnes conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the Benson Wastewater Treatment
Plant (WWTP) in reference to NPDES permit NC0020389. ORC Brian Leavitt was present during the
inspection. A review of records, data, treatment components, operations, maintenance, and the
outfall area was completed. This review reflected noncompliance with the subject permit. Permit
violation(s), item(s) of concern, and other observations are listed below. Inspection findings are
detailed in the attached Water Compliance Inspection Report.
Permit Violation(s)
1. During the inspection, it was unknown if an annual report for the previous year had been created
or published. Upon review, an annual report for the WWTP has not been received by DWR and does
not appear to be published on the Town of Benson's website. Part II, Section E. (12.) of the subject
permit requires permittees who own or operate facilities that primarily collected or treat municipal or
domestic wastewater and have an average annual flow greater than 200,000 gallons per day to
provide an annual report to DWR and to those served by the permittee. Please refer to Part ll,
Section E. (12.) of the subject permit for detailed requirements.
2. The certification of the facility's designated backup ORC (BORC), Christopher Brigman, is
currently invalid due to overdue annual certification fees and/or insufficient continuing education
hours. Part ll, Section C. (1.) (b.) of the subject permit requires the designated BORC to possess
valid certification. Please direct certification questions to [e-mail].
Item(s) of Concern
3. The flow splitter valve for diverting influent wastewater to the equalization (EQ) basin is located
upstream of the influent bar screen and grit removal systems. EQ basin contents are then piped
directly to the aeration basins for treatment, so bar screening and grit removal are bypassed when
influent is diverted to EQ during high flows.
4. One of the six total mixers for the aeration basins was temporarily offline during the inspection
with maintenance pending.
5. One of the five total secondary clarifiers was temporarily offline during the inspection with
maintenance pending.
6. One of the five total tertiary filters is offline indefinitely due to malfunction and pending facility
upgrades.
7. The EQ basin is not equipped with high level alarms or float controls. EQ freeboard is monitored
with staff gauges.
8. Some debris (a few rags) was observed in the receiving stream near the outfall. The amount of
debris was not excessive, but does support the need for finer bar screening and screening of EQ
basin contents.
9. Meritech Inc has performed compliance toxicity analyses for the subject facility and has been
listed as NC certified lab #27 on submitted eDMRs. Meritech Inc's lab certification number has
changed and is now #165- please correct this on future eDM Rs.
10. Two of the three total screw pumps at the influent pump station were inoperable during the
inspection due to malfunction with maintenance pending.
11. The influent screw pump station is not equipped with high-level alarms.
Observations
The Benson WWTP is located at 766 Hannah Creek Rd in Benson, Johnston County, NC. Version 5.0
of NPDES permit NC0020389 became effective May 1, 2021, and will expire at midnight on April 30,
2026. The permitted facility is a 1.9 MGD wastewater treatment facility discharging treated domestic
and industrial wastewater. Treatment consists of the following components: bar screens, grit removal,
influent Parshall flume with flow measurement, influent composite sampler, influent screw pumps,
three extended aeration/oxidation basins, five secondary clarifiers, tertiary filters, chlorine contact
basin, de -chlorination, post aeration, effluent flow measurement, effluent composite sampler, aerated
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NCO020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
sludge lagoon, two stabilization lagoons (EQ), lagoon effluent return pump station, and standby
power generator. The facility is authorized to discharge treated wastewater to Hannah Creek (Stream
Index: 27-52-6), designated Class C; NSW waters of the State within sub -basin 03-04-04 of the
Neuse River Basin. The facility was as described in the subject permit.
The January 2024 discharge monitoring report (DMR) and associated laboratory reports, calibration
records, chains of custody, and ORC visitation log were reviewed for completeness, transcription
accuracy, and permit compliance. All reviewed records and reports appeared to be complete and
compliant during the inspection with no errors found. Please see Items 1 and 2, above.
Field parameters and some non -field parameters are performed in house, under lab certification
#196. Remaining parameters are performed by Waypoint Analytical - Greenville (#10), and Meritech
Inc (#165). See Item 9, above. A cursory review of the in-house laboratory was conducted with no
issues found. The temperature of the sample storage refrigerator was 2 °C during the inspection.
The temperature of the fecal coliform incubator was 44.5 °C during the inspection. Current NIST
certificates were available for all laboratory thermometers.
One automatic diesel standby power generator is available on site and can power the entire facility.
The generator is tested once monthly under load with the primary power source interrupted. The
generator was not tested during the inspection. Mr. Leavitt stated that a maintenance service
contract and priority fuel agreement are in place.
A coarse manual bar screen is used to screen influent debris. The bar screen is manually raked by
operators daily and appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. A grit settling chamber
with a mechanical chain and flight scraper system is used to remove additional grit and heavy debris.
The grit removal system appeared to be operating properly during the inspection. Screened debris
and grit are collected and disposed of via landfill.
The influent and effluent ultrasonic flow meters were both last calibrated July 17, 2023, by Clearwater
Inc and appeared to be operating properly during the inspection.
The influent composite sample storage was observed to be 0 °C and the effluent composite sample
storage was observed to be 2 °C during the inspection. Both composite samplers collect 120 mL
aliquots for every 10,000 gallons of flow and are therefore flow proportional. Sample collection tubing
appeared to be clean and in good condition during the inspection- Mr. Leavitt stated that tubing is
replaced approximately monthly.
A large lagoon is used as an EQ basin and used primarily during high flows. Influent flow can be
diverted to the EQ basin as needed by a flow -splitting valve. See Item 3, above. The basin appeared
to be operating properly and had adequate freeboard during the inspection. See Item 7, above. The
EQ basin appeared to be operating properly during the inspection.
A three -channel oxidation ditch/aeration basin system is used for biological treatment. Rotating
surface agitators are placed intermittently along two of the three channels for aerobic treatment and
one channel has no agitation for anaerobic treatment. The oxidation ditch system appeared to be
operating properly during the inspection. See Item 4, above.
The facility utilizes the following five circular secondary clarifiers for solids removal: two 12 ft (deep) x
25 ft (diameter), two 15 ft x 25 ft, and one 12 ft x 50 ft (see Item 5, above). Overflow weirs have
removable covers for algae control. Sludge depths are monitored manually with a sludge judge and
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NC0020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
was observed to be 2.5 ft in one of the 12 ft x 25 ft clarifiers on the day of the inspection. The
secondary clarifiers appeared to be operating properly during the inspection.
Five multimedia gravity downflow tertiary filters are present and four are used for solids removal (see
Item 6, above). Each filter consists of a layer of anthracite, sand, and rock. The filters are
backwashed approximately 3 to 4 times weekly and backwash wastewater is returned to the facility
influent for treatment. The tertiary filters appeared to be operating properly during the inspection.
Liquid sodium hypochlorite is fed with manually -adjusted static pumps and carrier water into a baffled
contact chamber with treated wastewater for disinfection. Liquid calcium thiosulfate is fed into a
subsequent unbaffled contact chamber with submerged diffused aeration for mixing to achieve
de -chlorination. The disinfection and de -chlorination feed systems, contact chambers, and
containment appeared to be compliant and operating properly during the inspection.
The effluent outfall discharges to Hannah Creek at the southeast corner of the facility. At the outfall,
multiple stream channels appearing as a wetland area make up the receiving stream. The outfall pipe
was mostly submerged during the inspection. Effluent flow was observed during the inspection and
appeared to be clear and free from foam. See Item 8, above. A path to the outfall has been properly
maintained for access.
All instream sampling requirements except hardness are waived due to active participation in the
Lower Neuse Basin Association, as stipulated in the subject permit. Instream hardness analyses are
performed by Waypoint Analytical — Greenville.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NCO020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit
(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:
Record Keeping
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?
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ■ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ■ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ■ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ■ ❑ ❑
Comment: Annual report is not available and has not been received by DWR. BORC's certification
is currently invalid.
Laboratory
Yes No NA NE
Page# 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NCO020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory
Yes
No
NA
NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
■
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
0
❑
❑
❑
degrees Celsius)?
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees?
0
❑
❑
❑
Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
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:
Bar Screens
Yes
No
NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
❑
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the unit in good condition?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Grit Removal
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
❑
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Page# 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NCO020389 Owner -Facility:
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type:
Benson WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Flow Measurement - Influent
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Influent Sampling
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected above side streams?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
0
❑
❑
❑
degrees Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Pump Station - Influent
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
■
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
❑
0
❑
❑
Comment: Two of three screw pumps were inoperable during the inspection. Influent pump station
is not equipped with high-level alarms or SCADA telemetry.
Oxidation Ditches
Are the aerators operational?
Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
# 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?
Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)?
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ■
❑ ❑ ❑ ■
Page# 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NCO020389 Owner -Facility:
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type:
Benson WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Oxidation Ditches
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
❑
❑
❑
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes)
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
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?
■
❑
❑
❑
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?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the drive unit operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth)
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of operation:
Down flow
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?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment:
Chemical Feed
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is containment adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is storage adequate?
■
❑
❑
❑
Are backup pumps available?
❑
❑
❑
■
Is the site free of excessive leaking?
0
❑
❑
❑
Page# 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NC0020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Chemical Feed Yes No NA NE
Comment:
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
❑
❑
❑
(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
De -Chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ? Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Equalization Basins
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the basin aerated?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
■
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
❑
❑
0
❑
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
❑
❑
0
❑
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
■
❑
❑
❑
Comment: No aeration in EQ.
Page# 9

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NC0020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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?
❑
❑
❑
Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up
■
❑
❑
❑
power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Effluent Sampling
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
# 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:
Effluent Pipe
Yes
No
NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
❑
0
❑
❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: A few raps were observed in the receiving stream near the outfall during
the inspection.
Page# 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 3521C189-78C7-4A70-B439-5792EADE8D8B
Permit: NC0020389 Owner -Facility: Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/08/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
and sampling location)?
Comment:
Page# 11