NC0023868_Burlington_East_CEI_Report_20240523

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 NC0023868 111 121 24/04/25 I17 18 LC] I 19 I s I 20L]
21111I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I r6
Inspection
Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved -------------------
67
I 72 I ni 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)
10:30AM 24/04/25
14/07/01
Eastside WWTP
225 Stone Quarry Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Burlington NC 27216
12:OOPM 24/04/25
19/06/30
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Darrin Lee Allred/ORC/336-558-8520/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Robert C Patterson,PO Box 1358 Burlington NC
272161358//336-222-5130/3365706175 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
cusigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9690/
Ron Boone DE'-,—
cl Boo.ue' 5/23/2024
0F8DD5F2A3460...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Docusigned by:
5/23/2024
FLam - T.
- 145B49E225C94EA...
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCO023868 I11 12I 24/04/25 117 18 i c i
(Cont.)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On April 25, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff, Ron Boone, conducted a routine compliance
evaluation inspection at the City of Burlington's East Side Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES permit
NC0023868. Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), Darrin Allred, was present during the
inspection. A review of records, lab data, treatment components, structures, and the outfall was
completed. This inspection reflected compliance with the subject permit.
The permit was issued in June 2014 and expired in June 2019, so it is currently under review for
renewal. Outfall 001 for this plant discharges to Haw River, a Class WS-V, NSW in the Cape Fear
River Basin. Burlington is a member of the Upper Cape Fear River Basin Association, which performs
all required instream monitoring.
Flow comes into the plant headworks where it is screened and grit is removed. Both the bar screen
and grit removal components appear to be in very good condition and functioning well. Influent flow is
measured and flow proportional composite samples are collected. The influent and effluent flow
meters are calibrated as required. Effluent flow is reported on facility eDMRs and all composite
samples are flow proportional.
From grit removal, wastewater is pumped to the four million gallon aerated equalization basin. The
basin is aerated using surface aerators which are all operational. Flow then goes to a splitter box that
splits the flow between two 100' primary clarifiers. The primary clarifiers were both fully operational
during the inspection and appeared to be in very good condition.
From the primary clarifiers, wastewater flows by gravity to the biological nutrient removal (BNR) tanks
All eight BNR tanks were in operation during the inspection and all appeared well maintained and
very well operated.
From the BNR process, wastewater flows by gravity to the activated sludge process which consists of
two 1.5 million -gallon aeration basins with blowers and fine bubble diffused aeration. The mixed liquor
looks excellent with a very strong earthy odor and very little foam.
The mixed liquor then flows to one of four secondary clarifiers, all of which were in operation during
the inspection. All four clarifiers appeared to be in excellent condition and well operated and
maintained. The weirs appeared level, and overflow was clear and free of solids.
Wastewater then flows to the tertiary filters. No issues or concerns were noted with the filters and filter
effluent appeared very clear.
Wastewater is then chlorinated using sodium hypochlorite and dechlorinated using sodium bisulfite.
The last process before measurement and discharge is step cascade post aeration. This process
looks to be in very good condition and the water quality at this point appears clearer than the
receiving stream. The right-of-way to the outfall is well maintained. No solids or foam were noted in
the outfall or the receiving stream.
Primary and secondary sludge is removed from the clarifiers and sent to the digesters for processing.
Sludge is thickened, pressed, and landfilled. All processes appear to be operating very well and in
good condition.
The plant has three generators. There are two 600KW and one 1500KW generators which can all
power the entire facility. They are exercised on a monthly basis, maintained by a contractor annually,
and a fueling contract has been established for them.
The City of Burlington's central laboratory performs most of the testing for the East Side plant. Due to
time constraints Mr. Boone spoke with Sharon Wagoner over the phone post inspection and reviewed
Page#

Permit: NCO023868
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024
Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
DMRs and laboratory records for February and September 2023 at the facility. No errors or
discrepancies were noted during the review.
All records, including, but not necessarily limited to DMRs, laboratory reports, chains of custody,
operator visitation logs, annual reports, operation and maintenance records, sludge records, and the
current permit and related documentation, were readily available, complete, and current and no
discrepancies or concerns were noted.
All operators have been properly designated. Darrin Allred is the Operator in Responsible Charge
(ORC) and Jonathon Thompson and Kenneth Timson are all designated backup operators. The plant
is a class IV facility.
This plant is very well managed, operated, and maintained. The operators appear to be doing an
excellent job. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ron Boone by phone at
336.776.9690, or by email at [e-mail].
Page#

Permit: NCO023868 Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit
Yes
No
NA
NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
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application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
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# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
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Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
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Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report
Record Keeping
Yes
No
NA
NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
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Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
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Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
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Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
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Is the chain -of -custody complete?
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Dates, times and location of sampling
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Name of individual performing the sampling
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Results of analysis and calibration
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Dates of analysis
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Name of person performing analyses
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Transported COCs
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Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters?
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Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
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(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified
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operator on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current?
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Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
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Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility
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classification?
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
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Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4

Permit: NCO023868 Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
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# Is the facility using a contract lab?
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
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degrees Celsius)?
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees?
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Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Influent Sampling
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
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Is sample collected above side streams?
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Is proper volume collected?
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Is the tubing clean?
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
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degrees Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Effluent Sampling
Yes
No
NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
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Is sample collected below all treatment units?
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Is proper volume collected?
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Is the tubing clean?
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
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degrees Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
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representative)?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
and sampling location)?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Page# 5

Permit: NC0023868
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024
Flow Measurement - Effluent
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Is the flow meter operational?
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Bar Screens
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
Is the unit in good condition?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Grit Removal
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Pump Station - Influent
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
Are all pumps present?
Are all pumps operable?
Are float controls operable?
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page# 6

Permit: NC0023868 Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Equalization Basins
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the basin aerated?
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Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
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Is the basin free of excessive grease?
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Are all pumps present?
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Are all pumps operable?
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Are float controls operable?
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Are audible and visual alarms operable?
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# Is basin size/volume adequate?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Primary Clarifier
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
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Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
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Are weirs level?
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Is the site free of weir blockage?
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Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
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Is scum removal adequate?
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Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
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Is the drive unit operational?
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Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?
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Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth)
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Nutrient Removal
Yes
No
NA
NE
# Is total nitrogen removal required?
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# Is total phosphorous removal required?
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Type
Biological
# Is chemical feed required to sustain process?
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Is nutrient removal process operating properly?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Page# 7

Permit: NCO023868
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024
Nutrient Removal
Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system
Is the basin free of dead spots?
Are surface aerators and mixers 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 mg/I)
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Secondary Clarifier
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier?
Are weirs level?
Is the site free of weir blockage?
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
Is scum removal adequate?
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
Is the drive unit operational?
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth)
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Are pumps in place?
Are pumps operational?
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Yes No NA NE
Yes No NA NE
Ext. Air
Diffused
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Yes No NA NE
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Page# 8

Permit: NC0023868 Owner -Facility:
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024 Inspection Type:
Eastside WWTP
Compliance Evaluation
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)
Yes
No
NA
NE
Type of operation:
Down flow
Is the filter media present?
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Is the filter surface free of clogging?
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Is the filter free of growth?
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Is the air scour operational?
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Is the scouring acceptable?
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Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes
No
NA
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Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
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(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
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Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
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Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
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Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
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Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report
De -chlorination
Yes
No
NA
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Type of system ?
Liquid
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
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Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
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# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
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Are the tablets the proper size and type?
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Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
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Number of tubes in use?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Effluent Pipe
Yes
No
NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
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Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
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If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
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Page# 9

Permit: NCO023868
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024
Effluent Pipe
Owner -Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Aerobic Digester
Is the capacity adequate?
Is the mixing adequate?
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
# Is the odor acceptable?
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Solids Handling Equipment
Is the equipment operational?
Is the chemical feed equipment operational?
Is storage adequate?
Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters?
Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press?
Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake?
The facility has an approved sludge management plan?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Chemical Feed
Is containment adequate?
Is storage adequate?
Are backup pumps available?
Is the site free of excessive leaking?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Yes No NA NE
Yes
No
NA
NE
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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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Page# 10

Permit: NC0023868
Inspection Date: 04/25/2024
Owner - Facility: Eastside WWTP
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Standby Power
Is automatically activated standby power available?
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?
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up
power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
Comment: Refer to inspection summary section of this report.
Yes
No
NA
NE
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Page# 11