WQ0023693_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240628

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Donald B Dixon
Brunswick County
PO Box 249
Bolivia, NC 28422-0249
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 28, 2024
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
West Brunswick Regional WRF
Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0023693
Brunswick County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the West Brunswick Regional
WRF on 6/18/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance
with the conditions and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0023693. The findings and
comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report
entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Geoff Kegley with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: DWR Laserfiche files
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by: I
E
Wl 5-�7 1;1,
E3ABA14AC7DC434...
Morelia Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
D North Carolina Department of Environmental quality I Division of Water Resources
,./ Wiimington Regional Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington. North Carolina 26405
910.796,7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0023693 Effective: 12/19/22 Expiration: 12/31/29 Owner: Brunswick County
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: West Brunswick Regional WRF
County: Brunswick 235 Grey Water Rd
Region: Wilmington
Supply NC 28462
Contact Person: Donald B Dixon
Title: Deputy Utilities Director Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
From Wilmington, take Hwy 17S towards Supply. Turn right on Hwy 211, turn right at park on to grey water road. continue to facility
entrance on left.
System Classifications: SI, WW4.,
Primary ORC: Christian Robert Coddington Certification: 1010627 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
WQ0034513
Brunswick County - Brunswick County Class B Residuals Program
WQ0012151
Brunswick County - St. James Plantation WWTF
WQ0006085
Brunswick County - Ocean Isle Beach WWTP
WQ0034468
Brunswick County - Brunswick County DCAR
WO0037162
Brunswick County - Ocean Isle WWTF to West Regional WWTF Interconnect
WQ0013785
Brunswick County - Winding River Plantation WWTF
WQ0003597
Brunswick County - County Government Complex WWTF
WQ0011453
Brunswick County - Brunswick Community College WWTF
NC0045250
Brunswick County Schools/Board of Education - Bolivia Elementary School
WWTP
WQCS00284
Brunswick County - Brunswick County Collection System
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Entry Time 09:30AM
Primary Inspector: Geoff Kegley DocuSignked bb .
EC017F2515MB417...
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit Inspection Type: High Rate Infiltration
Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water
Use Records
Treatment Filters
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment
Treatment Disinfection
End Use -Reuse
Exit Time: 12:30PM
Phone:
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Treatment Barscreen
Record Keeping
End Use -Irrigation
End Use -Infiltration
Standby Power
Treatment Activated Sludge
Treatment Clarifiers
Treatment Flow Measurement
Page 1 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
(See attachment summary)
Page 2 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the West Brunswick Regional WRF was conducted on June 18, 2024. The purpose of the
evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in
Non -Discharge Permit W00023693. Chris Coddington (ORC) and Krysden Burden were present during the inspection.
This facility is a 6.0 MGD Reclaimed Water Generation, Distribution, Dedicated Utilization, and High -Rate Infiltration
System. The major components of this system include:
Treatment:
• Dual train oxidation ditches (3.0 MGD each)
• Influent flow meters
• Bar screens, vortex grit removal
• Alkalinity feed, alum feed
• EQ tanks
• 4 oxidation ditches
• 4 secondary clarifiers
• 6 RAS pumps, 4 WAS pumps
• 4 rotating disc filter systems
• Sodim hypochlorite feed and 4 contact chambers
• Reclaimed pump station
• 2 Aerated sludge holding tanks
• Belt thickener with polymer feed
• 4 ATAD tanks
• Concrete storage tank
• 2 generators, with auto transfer
• 30 MG upset pond
Reclaimed and disposal:
• West Brunswick Drip irrigation site - 496 acres and 98 MG lined wet weather storage
• Carolina National Golf Course - 149 acres reclaimed spray, 13 MG storage & irrigation pond
• IP Tract Spray irrigation - 50.88 acres
• Mercer Mill - 37 acres spray irrigation, 5.1 MG wet weather storage in infiltration basin MM/2 and 9.8 MG wet weather
storage for Reserve club at St James, infiltration basin MM/1
• Members club at St James-102 acres reclaimed spray, 3 MG storage & irrigation pond
• Reserve Club at St James- 70 acres reclaimed spray, 1.2 acre irrigation & storage pond
• IP tract high -rate infiltration- 9 infiltration basins, groundwater lowering drain and GW lowering pump stations
• Mercer Mill high -rate infiltration- 2 infiltration basins, GW lowering drain and 2 GW lowering pump stations
• Clemmons Tract high -rate infiltration- 2 infiltration basins and GW lowering drain
The treatment plant is averaging approximately 4.2 MGD with peak flow nearing 5.4 MGD during height of tourist season.
The 30 MG 5 day upset pond, the West Brunswick Drip irrigation site, the IP Tract Spray irrigation site, and the IP tract
high -rate infiltration site were observed during this inspection. All appeared to be well maintained.
Mowing and brush cutting is a continual process and is mostly well maintained, although some small woody vegetation was
observed on the upset pond berms, storage pond berms and some of the infiltration basins and will need to be cut in the
near future.
VFDs and the gear boxes for the brush aerators have been updated on one train with the other train planned for the future.
Page 3 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Some vegetative growth is present in the brush aerators and while it appears to not impact performance at this time, it
should be removed.
The ORC was very knowledgeable of the system and very detailed operational log books of all daily activities are completed
by operators. A SCADA system monitors plant processes to include in -process probes, levels, alarms, etc.
The facility is compliant with Non -Discharge Permit WQ0023693. Please review the comment sections of the inspection
report for more details.
Page 4 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Infiltration System
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
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: At the West Brunswick Drip irrigation site no chlorine feed is present (although it is listed in the
permit).
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Flow is reported from the 2 influent flowmeters located at the EQ basins of the dual trains.
Flowmeters are also present for the Mercer Mill Drip Irrigation, North and South; Mercer Mill 2
GW lowering stations; Mercer Mill spray irrigation; Clemmons Tract flow to each basin and GW
lowering station; IP Tract Irrigation and 3 GW lowering stations. All calibrations were reviewed
and are current.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 5 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment:
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Two -generators are on site. County staff perform preventative maintenance and are cycled
once per week and the auto transfer switch is tested monthly.
Treatment Barscreen
Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Alum is added before the EQ for phosphorus removal. Magnesium Hydroxide for pH
adjustments is present but not currently needed. Process control testing consists of MLSS,
Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphorus and COD and in -process MLSS and ORP probes in the
oxidation ditches.
Treatment Clarifiers Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae? ❑ ❑ ❑
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: One of the rakes for a clarifier had recently broken and more floating solids were present than
normal. Repairs are planned. Weirs of the 4 clarifiers are cleaned weekly. Covers over the
weirs are being considered due to constant algae build up and need for manual cleaning_
Treatment Filters
Is the filter media present?
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: 4 rotating disk filters automatically backwash based on timers and water level.
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Waste sludge from regional plants flow through treatment system. Sludge is processed through
gravity belt thickeners and ATAD (Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestor) units to produce
Class A biosolids. The County also holds a Class B permit for processed sludge that does not
meet Class A standards. EMA Resources is contracted to haul and land apply residuals for the
County.
Treatment Disinfection
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?
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
❑❑0❑
❑ ❑ ❑
■❑❑❑
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
■❑❑❑
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
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Comment: Sodium Hypochlorite liquid is used for disinfection. Storage tanks have been recently replaced
and are located within a cement containment wall in a building that is well ventilated.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is a copy of current permit available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are application rates adhered to?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
❑
❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: Composite sampler was in good condition and thermometer read 2 degrees Celsius.
Groundwater monitoring includes 1 GW lowering pump station at the Clemmons Tract,
3 at
the
IP Tract and 2 at the Mercer Mill Tract and monitoring well MW-7 at the Clemmons Tract. A
review of monitorina since the last insDection indicates no aroundwater exceedances.
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 8 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
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❑❑❑■
❑❑❑■
❑❑❑■
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring wells damaged? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: Portions of the West Brunswick Drip irrigation site and the IP Tract Sprav irrigation site were
observed. Irrigation equipment appears to be in good condition. The spray heads and drip
lines are lined up in rows between trees and vegetation and areas observed were free of
ponding or run-off. Sites were secured. At the West Brunswick Drip irrigation site no chlorine
feed is present (although it is listed in the permit). Disc filters were present and are routinely
cleaned and maintained.
End Use -Infiltration
Yes No NA NE
# Is the application High Rate or Low Rate?
High
Rate
Are buffers maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
❑
❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells required?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a usable green area maintained?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is the disposal site acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the distribution equipment acceptable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal site free of ponding?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal site free of breakout?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the disposal sites free of solids, algae, etc.?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the records show that the fields are properly maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the disposal sites free of vegetation?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do any surface water features appear to be adversely impacted by GW discharge?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 9 of 10

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ABFF9E4-89F8-4AD3-BAFD-67D172CC87CD
Permit: WQ0023693 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County
Inspection Date: 06/18/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: The IP Tract High -Rate Infiltration Basin site was inspected. The basins were in good condition,
as well as the groundwater lowering station. Freeboard in basins were
greater than 2 ft and
sites were secured.
End Use -Reuse
Yes No NA NE
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the cover crop acceptable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are buffers adequate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of ponding/runoff?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
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