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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0025305_Historical information_20050310March 10, 2005 Subject: Dear Mr. Dubose: The following observations were made: e. North Carolina Division of Water Quality Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Phone (919)571-4700 FAX (919)571-4718 Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality On March 10, 2005 Mr. Christopher Wu of the Raleigh Regional Office conducted a compliance inspection of the UNC Cogeneration Facility with the assistance of Mr. Timothy Aucoin, ORC of the facility. His help was appreciated as it facilitated the inspection process. Compliance Evaluation Inspection UNC Cogeneration Facility NPDES Permit No. NC0025305 Orange County Surface Water Protection Raleigh, NC 27699-1628 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Raymond E. Dubose CB #1800, Giles Homey Building University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599 1. The permit, NC0025305, does not expire until July 2006. However, Mr. Aucoin stated that the facility has been diverting its water to OWASA since January of 2002 at a rate of 150 gal/min. Therefore, the permit is kept as a safety precaution where the NPDES mandated system would be fully operable under the condition that OWASA can no longer accept water from UNC Cogeneration. Mr. Aucoin also added that he plans on renewing the permit next year. DMRs are sent to the Division of Water Quality, but are blank due to no discharge. 3. The two stormwater detention ponds are also no longer used as stormwater is now re­ routed to OWASA. Recently, discharge occurred only when the cooling tower water was North Carolina____ Naturally Customer Service 1-877-623-6748 oZ > IL 2. Because the facility is no longer operating under its NPDES permit, the typical compliance inspection was not applicable. Mr. Aucoin did, however, provide a tour of the current facility layout. a. All water initially enters the oil and water separator. b. After separation, caustic and polymer are added to the water which then enters the settling tanks. c. Once the water leaves the settling tanks, acid is added to adjust pH. d. Once adjusted, the water moves to the surge basin where it will eventually be discharged to OWASA. If problems are encountered with OWASA, the water does not move to the surge basin - it will be sent to a metering weir, the equalization basins, and then back to the oil and water separator. 5 Sincerely, 4. While there is no effluent to sample under NPDES guidelines, Mr. Aucoin still samples water prior to discharge to OWASA. Also, if water accrues in either of the detention ponds Mr. Aucoin will take a grab sample for analysis. These results are recorded and filed. sent to the ponds. Now, however, a sump pump is used to drain the cooling tower, and this water is sent directly to OWASA. Upon evaluation, both ponds were dry and the outfall pipes 002 and 003 were blocked. Mr. Aucoin also mentioned that there are plans to construct another cooling tower within the next 18 months so that the sump pump system can be removed. Ken Schuster, P.E. Regional Surface Water Protection Supervisor In the case of an emergency, this facility seems to be readily operable under NPDES guidelines. Mr. Aucoin’s decision to renew the permit, while perhaps overly cautious, is a good idea to ensure facility efficiency. If you have any questions regarding the attached report or any of our findings, please contact Christopher Wu at: (919) 571-4700, ext. 266 (or email: chris.wu@ncmail.net). Permit No NA NF Equalization Basins NA NF Yes No Yrs No Is aeration adequate? Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment? Is the general housekeeping acceptable? Is the basin free of excessive grease? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are float controls operable? Are audible and visual alarms operable? Is basin size/volume adequate? Comment: Equalization basins are not in use. 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? Operations & Maintenance Does the plant have general safety structures in place such as rails around or covers over tanks, pits, or wells? Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? Comment: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 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 sludge blanket level acceptable? Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? Is the surface free of bulking ? Comment: UNC Cogen has no clarifiers, only settling tanks. The tanks were in good condition, free of debris and scum build-up. Lagoons Type of lagoons? Number of lagoons in operation at time of visit? Are lagoons operated in? Is a re-circulation line present? Is lagoon free of excessive floating materials? Are baffles between ponds or effluent baffles adjustable? Are dike slopes clear of woody vegetation? (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: The permit specifies that discharge be monitored at 3 separate outfalls. However, in January of 2002, UNC Congen began re-routing its water (stormwater included) directly to OWASA. Therefore, all DMRs since the beginning of 2002 have been blank. NA NF NA NF NA NF ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Yes No Yes No Yes. ■ ■ Yes No NoYes NoYes ■ I anoons Are weeds controlled around the edge of the lagoon? Are dikes free of burrowing animals? Are sludge levels appropriate? Has the sludge blanket in the lagoon (s) been measured periodically in multiple locations? If excessive algae is present, has barley straw been used to help control the growth? Is the lagoon surface free of weeds? Is the lagoon free of short circuiting? Comment: UNC Cogen has stormwater detention ponds that are no longer used. Flow Measurement - Influent Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is flow meter operating properly? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Comment: UNC Cogen does not monitor influent. Flow Measurement - Effluent Are dikes free of seepage? Are dikes free of erosion? Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is flow meter operating properly? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ As built Engineering drawings Schedules and dates of equipment maintenance and repairs Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users? (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? ■ ■ ■ ■ Comment: All water is re-routed to OWASA. UNC Cogen monitors what is sent to OWASA, but are not required to do so by permit. 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? Are sampling and analysis data adequate and include: 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 Plant records are adequate, available and include O&M Manual NA NF NA NF Yes No NA NF NA NF ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ o Record Keeping ■ Yes No NA NF Yes No ■ NA NF Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? Is the facility description verified as contained in the NPDES permit? Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for example: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, DO, Sludge Judge, pH, and others that are applicable? Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? Comment: Applicable materials such as the O&M Manual, layouts, and permit information are all readily available. The annual compliance report and annual report are missing but are not necessary as there is no discharge leaving the facility. Effluent Samnlina Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected below all treatment units? Is proper volume collected? Is the tubing clean? ■ ■ ■ Are backup pumps available? Is the site free of excessive leaking? Comment: UNC Cogen adds caustic, acids, and polymer to their water, which is all sent to OWASA. Effluent Pipe Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? Are receiving water free of solids and floatable wastewater materials? Are the receiving waters free of solids / debris? Are the receiving waters free of foam other than a trace? Are the receiving waters free of sludge worms? If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? Comment: All water is re-routed to OWASA. The effluent pipe was not evaluated because it is not in use. NA NF NA NF NA NF Yes No ■ ■ ■ ■ Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at 1.0 to 4.4 degrees Celsius)? ■ Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type representative)? O ■ Comment: All water is re-routed to OWASA. UNC Cogen monitors what is sent to OWASA, but are not required to do so by permit. Upstream / Downstream Sampling Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and sampling location)? Comment: All water is re-routed to OWASA. Chemical Feed Is containment adequate? Is storage adequate? ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Yes Nn Yes No ■ ■ ■ ■ March 30, 2005 Subject: Dear Mr. Dubose: The following discrepancies were identified: Sincerely, North Carolina Division of Water Quality Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us 2. Mr. Aucoin also wanted it mentioned that not all stormwater is re-routed to OWASA. The letter addressed the fact that all stormwater from the detention ponds is sent to OWASA. However, there is some stormwater that does not flow to the detention ponds, and this water is discharged, sampled, and tested under permitted guidelines. 1. The letter identified the last date of discharge under the NPDES permit to be January 2002. According to the DMR’s, the actual date is April 3, 2001. Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Christopher Wu Environmental Specialist Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Phone(919)571-4700 FAX (919)571-4718 Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality Surface Water Protection Raleigh, NC 27699-1628 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper I apologize for the errors identified in the last letter. If you have any questions regarding this amendment or any of the findings, please contact Christopher Wu at: (919) 571-4700, ext. 266 (or email: chris.wu@ncmail.net). Mr. Raymond E. Dubose CB #1800, Giles Homey Building University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599 Amendment to March 10 Inspection Letter UNC Cogeneration Facility NPDES Permit No. NC0025305 Orange County One North Carolina _____ Naturally Customer Service 1-877-623-6748 & > LztUx- On March 10, 2005 Mr. Christopher Wu of the Raleigh Regional Office conducted a compliance inspection of the UNC Cogeneration Facility with the assistance of Mr. Timothy Aucoin, ORC of the facility. An inspection letter was generated to which Mr. Aucoin identified a couple of minor inaccuracies. Michael F. Easley, Governor December 13, 2005 27599 Dear Permittee: Sincerely, An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper Your NPDES permit expires on July 31, 2006. Federal (40 CFR 122.41) and North Carolina (15A NCAC 2H.0105(e)) regulations require that permit renewal applications must be filed at least 180 days prior to expiration of the current permit. If you have already mailed your renewal application, you may disregard this notice. If any wastewater discharge will occur after July 31, 2006, the current permit must be renewed. Discharge of wastewater without a valid permit would violate North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1; unpermitted discharges of wastewater may be assessed civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day. If all wastewater discharge has ceased at your facility and you wish to rescind this permit, contact me at the telephone number or address listed below. To satisfy this requirement, your renewal package must be sent to the Division postmarked no later than February 1, 2006. Failure to request renewal by this date may result in a civil assessment of at least $500.00. Larger penalties may be assessed depending upon the delinquency of the request. Use the enclosed checklist to complete your renewal package. The checklist identifies the items you must submit with the permit renewal application. If you have any questions, please contact me at the telephone number or e-mail address listed below. 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Phone: 919 733-5083, extension 5111 FAX 919 733-07191 charles.weaver@ncmail.net William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Bruce Runberg UNC-Chapel Hill UNC-CH Campus BldgCB Chapel Hill, NC cc: Central Files Raleigh Regional Office, Surface Water Protection NPDES File Subject: Renewal Notice NPDES Permit NC0025305 UNC Cogeneration Facility Orange County Charles H. Weaver, Jr. NPDES Unit NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality NorthCarolina Naturally DEC I 9 200h o Authorizedo o o Industrial facilities discharging The above requirement does NOT apply to privately owned facilities treating 100°/o domestic wastewater, or facilities which discharge non-process wastewater (cooling water, filter backwash, etc.) UPDES Permit NC0025305 UNC Cogeneration Facility Orange County PLEASE NOTE: Due to a change in fees effective January7 1, 1999, there is no renewal fee required with your application package. Send the completed renewal package to: Mrs. Carolyn Bryant NC DENR / DWQ / Point Source Branch 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 The following items must be submitted by any Municipal or process wastewater: Industrial facilities classified as Primary Industries (see Appendices A-D to Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 122) and ALL Municipal facilities with a permitted flow >1.0 MGD must submit a Priority’ Pollutant Analysis (PPA) in accordance with 40 CFR Part 122.21. The following items are REQUIRED for all renewal packages: A cover letter requesting renewal of the permit and documenting any changes at the facility since issuance of the last permit. Submit one signed original and two copies. The completed application form (copy attached), signed by the permittee Representative. Submit one signed original and two copies. If an Authorized Representative (such as a consulting engineer or environmental consultant) prepares the renewal package, written documentation must be provided showing the authority’ delegated to any such Authorized Representative (see Part II.B.ll.b of the existing NPDES permit). A narrative description of the sludge management plan for the facility’. Describe how sludge (or other solids) generated during wastewater treatment are handled and disposed. If your facility' has no such plan (or the permitted facility does not generate any solids), explain this in writing. Submit one signed original and two copies. or an