WQ0005555_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240627

WZY
ROY COOPER _
Governor d C
ELIZABETH S.BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E.ROGERS,JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
June 27, 2024
Delivered electronically via email to: [e-mail]
Mr. Steve Kobelak, Plant Manager
Weyerhaeuser NR Company
524 Pride Way
Elkin, NC 28261
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Weyerhaeuser WWI
Permit No. WQ0005555
Surry County
Dear Mr. Kobelak:
On June 21, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff, Kristen Potwora and Michael Gearren,
conducted a scheduled routine compliance inspection at Weyerhaeuser— Elkin OSB Mill WWTF.
Dennis Atkinson (ORC) and Savanah Gibby (Technical Team Leader) were present during the
entire inspection.A review of available records,treatment facilities, storage facilities, monitoring
wells, and irrigation fields was completed. This review mostly reflected compliance with the
subject permit.
The following items of concern were noted:
1. Permit Condition 111.4 states that a "vegetative cover shall be maintained on the irrigation
sites, such that crop health is optimal, allows even effluent distribution, and allows
inspection of the irrigation system." Bare spots and lack of vegetation were observed on
all spray zones, however straw and reseeding practices were in place. Please continue
taking action to establish and maintain vegetation in the irrigation zones and take
efforts to prevent runoff.
2. Monitoring Wells (MW) 8, 9 and 12 showed signs of erosion around the concrete footer
of the well. Erosion can negatively impact the structural integrity of the well and
potentially impact groundwater if not corrected. Please add packed soil to these spots
and take action to combat any further erosion.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 W.Hanes Mill Rd,Suite 300 I Winston-Salem,North Carolina 27105
oeo.W of c�nro�—W W.1" /`� 336.776.9800

3. At the time of inspection, MW4 had vegetation growing around the concrete footer
making it difficult to find the well. Please remove the vegetation around the monitoring
well to make it clearly visible.
4. Storage Pond 3 had visible accumulation of solids at the edges of the pond. Mr. Atkinson
indicated that residuals have not been removed from the storage ponds since 2012 and
stated he has received a quote for residual removal that will be done in the upcoming
months. Please notify DWR staff when residual removal is scheduled.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for additional comments and observations. If you
have any questions, please contact Kristen Potwora at the letterhead address,the phone number,
336-776-9697, or by email at jenny. [e-mail]. ov or [e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by,'4. _'!�vkeA�k_
OD2D3CE3F1 B7456...
Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ-WSRO
Enc: Inspection Report
Cc: Dennis Atkinson, ORC(electronic copy)
Surry County Department of Environmental Health (electronic copy)
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W.Hanes Mill Rd,Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem,North Carolina 27105
NORTH CAROLINA _
DepwbnwdofEW—m v10ua1\ �/ 336.776.9800

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0005555 Effective: 12/31/19 Expiration: 08/31/25 Owner: Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Weyerhaeuser—Elkin OSB Mill WWTF
County: Surry 524 Pride Way
Region: Winston-Salem
Elkin NC 28621
Contact Person:John Ashley Title: Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
Take U.S. Hwy. 268 East out of Elkin to Gentry Road (NCSR 1141).The facility is 0.15 miles on the right.Access to the spray
irrigation facilities must be obtained off of Forest Hills Road (NCSR 1205).
System Classifications: SI,
Primary ORC: Dennis R Atkinson Certification: 15574 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 12:20PM
Primary Inspector:Kristen Potwora Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): /12eQQ�L �btl�iJ62C�
Michael Gearren
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement-Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Treatment Treatment Barscreen
Use Records
Treatment Filters Record Keeping Treatment Lagoons
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment End Use-Irrigation Treatment Clarifiers
Treatment Flow Measurement Storage Wells
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0005555 Owner-Facility:Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On June 21, 2024, Division of Water Resources staff, Kristen Potwora and Michael Gearren, conducted a scheduled routine
compliance inspection at Weyerhaeuser— Elkin OSB Mill WWTF. Dennis Atkinson (ORC)and Savanah Gibby(Technical
Team Leader)were present during the entire inspection.A review of available records, treatment facilities, storage facilities,
monitoring wells, and irrigation fields was completed. This review mostly reflected compliance with the subject permit.
The following items of concern were noted:
1. Permit Condition 111.4 states that a "vegetative cover shall be maintained on the irrigation sites, such that crop health is
optimal, allows even effluent distribution, and allows inspection of the irrigation system." Bare spots and lack of vegetation
were observed on all spray zones, however straw and reseeding practices were in place. Please continue taking action to
establish and maintain vegetation in the irrigation zones and take efforts to prevent runoff.
2. Monitoring Wells(MW) 8, 9 and 12 showed signs of erosion around the concrete footer of the well. Erosion can
negatively impact the structural integrity of the well and potentially impact groundwater if not corrected. Please add packed
soil to these spots and take action to combat any further erosion.
3. At the time of inspection, MW4 had vegetation growing around the concrete footer making it difficult to find the well.
Please remove the vegetation around the monitoring well to make it clearly visible.
4. Storage Pond 3 had visible accumulation of solids at the edges of the pond. Mr. Atkinson indicated that residuals have
not been removed from the storage ponds since 2012. Mr. Atkinson stated he has received a quote for residual removal and
will be done in the upcoming months. Please notify DWR staff once the residual removal is scheduled.
Observations:
• Steve Kobelak is the new owner; Ross Gardner has left. BIMS contacts need to be updated by Central Office. Mr.
Atkinson sent this change back in 2021.
• During the inspection Dennis stated that hunting is permitted within the spray zones by Weyerhaeuser employees.
Irrigation is not conducted during those times. Please be aware and keep in mind that Permit Condition 111.10 states that"the
Permittee shall prohibit public access to the wastewater treatment, storage and irrigation facilities."
• The NCDEQ DWR Contact number needs to be updated to 336-776-9800 in the Operation and Maintenance Plan and in
the Spill Plan.
• Soil Analysis showed pH, Sodium, and ESP levels that were high in the Spray Zones. Dennis stated this is due to the
sodium hydroxide that is used within the system.
• The irrigation calibration has not been completed and needs to be done by August 31, 2025.
• The flowmeter was calibrated on 4/9/2023 and 3/24/2024.
• The polymer skid and belt press were not in operation during the inspection.
• The clarifier and effluent storage ponds are unusually dark in color due to the tannins from the wood products.
• Storage Pond 3 has erosion control practices in place. Rocks and soil are on the inside of the corner of the pond. No
concerns for further erosion or issues with embankment integrity since it is not on the embankment side.
• The facility has plans to distribute the residuals under permit number W00042203 Weyerhaeuser DCAR and provide
them to a local farmer.
• Dennis still plans to close the spray zones and create a reuse and recycle system. Changes have not been made to the
current system.
• Spray Zones 1 and 2 were not being irrigated recently due to a broken spray gun in Zone 1 B. This was fixed prior to the
inspection.
• Spray zones 3 and 4 will not be irrigated in the next month, in order to reestablish the vegetation in the newly seeded
bare spots.
• Due to a high soil pH in Zone 8, Dennis will not be irrigating to that zone for the foreseeable future. Dennis uses gypsum
and sulfur to lower the pH.
• All Spray Zones with bare spots had straw and new soil on top. These will be reseeded in the upcoming month.
• There were no signs of runoff near the sprinkler heads in the center of the spray zones.
• MW4—needs to be mowed.
• MW8, MW9 and MW12—erosion is occurring at the base of the monitoring wells. Soil should be packed into these
spots to combat the erosion issues.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0005555 Owner-Facility:Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
• MW4, MW 5, MW 6, MW 7, MW 8, MW 9, and MW 10 do not have Ground Monitoring Well Plates since they were
built prior to this being required. MW11 and MW12 do have the plates on them, however MW12 only has the Registration
number filled out. All the wells had clear permitted number labels.
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0005555 Owner-Facility:Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type Yes No NA NE
Reuse(Quality) ❑
Infiltration System ❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑
Single Family Spray, LR ❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR ❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑
Recycle/Reuse ❑
Single Family Drip ❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
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:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Influent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent 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:
Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0005555 Owner-Facility:Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If required, are Sanitary"Ts"present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0005555 Owner-Facility:Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Are there any 2L GW quality violations? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
#Did last soil report indicate a need for lime? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If so, has it been applied? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are operational logs present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
End Use-Irrigation Yes No NA NE
Are buffers adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the cover crop type specified in permit? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the crop cover acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site condition adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of runoff/ponding? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the application equipment present? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the application equipment operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal field free of limiting slopes? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is access restricted and/or signs posted during active site use? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑
How close is the closest water supply well? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Info only: Does the permit call for monitoring wells? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/respect to RB and CB? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0005555 Owner-Facility:Weyerhaeuser Nr Company
Inspection Date: 06/21/2024 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Are monitoring wells damaged? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Erosion control of soil around the bottom of monitoring wells 8, 9 and 12 need to be put in
place to ensure their integrity.
Page 7 of 7