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Home My WebLink AboutNC0032662_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240924ROY COOPER Governor MARY PENNY KELLEY Secretary RIC HARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Jason Brown, City Manager City of Claremont Post Office Box 446 Claremont, NC 28610 SUBJECT: Notice of Violation Compliance Evaluation Inspection City of Claremont/North WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO032662 Catawba County Tracking #: NOV-2024-PC-0546 Dear Mr. Brown: NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality September 24, 2024 Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on September 18, 2024, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. This Office would like to thank all WWTP staff for their cooperation and assistance that was provided throughout this inspection. This report is being issued as a Notice of Violation (NOV) due to the City's failure to collect flow proportional influent composite samples which is a violation of the subject NPDES Permit and North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1. Please note that G.S. 143-215.6A provides for a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of a continuing nature, against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143- 215.1. Penalties may also be assessed for any damage to surface waters of the State that may result from the violation. It is requested that a written response be submitted to this Office by October 14, 2024, detailing the actions taken to address the violation as discussed in more detail in the attached report. In responding, please address your comments to the attention of Mr. Wes Bell. Should you have any questions concerning this Notice, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192 or at wes.bell =,deq.nc.gov. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 rvoRrH caaauNn Oepmm®m m Enrirwvnenml Ouehty 704,663.1699 Sincerely, Docu Signed by: p�� H P:.zsf. F161 FB69A2D84A3... Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Enclosure: Inspection Report Cc: Jason Brown, City of Claremont (via eCopy) David Cox, City of Hickory (via eCopy) Richard Icard, City of Hickory (via eCopy) NPDES Program Files - Laserfiche North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 NOnTH CARIXINA �aWrlman[of EnNnmmanbl Qual� /"� 704.663.1699 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 NCO032662 I11 121 24/09/18 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 2.0 70LJ 71 I„ I 72 L71 74 79 I I I I 80 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) 09:09AM 24/09/18 20/10/01 North WWTP Centennial Blvd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Claremont NC 28610 10:32AM 24/09/18 25/07/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Richard Shawn lcard/ORC/828-228-9638/ Todd Atwell Bumgarner//828-322-5075 / Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Jason A Brown,PO Box 446 Claremont NC 286100446//828-466-7255/8284667185 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 DocuSigned by: Wes Bell �� Be& DWR/MRO WQ/704-235-2192/ 9/23/2024 A:c,96D90=437... P86Yr�'09A4bviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date Signature of MZF161FB69A2D84A3... Andrew Pit-4" H P'�"bWR/MRO WQ/704-663-1699 Ext.2180/ 9/24/2024 EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO032662 I11 12I 24/09/18 117 18 i c i Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# Permit: NCO032662 Owner -Facility: North WWTP Inspection Date: 09/18/2024 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ application? Is the facility as described in the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The last compliance evaluation inspection at this facility was performed by DWR staff on 7/29/2021. 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 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: The records reviewed durinq the inspection were organized and well maintained. In-depth operation and maintenance records including process control measurements were being documented and maintained. Discharge monitoring reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period August 2023 through July 2024. No limit violations were reported. Page# 3 Permit: NCO032662 Inspection Date: 09/18/2024 Record Keeping Owner -Facility: North WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Laboratory Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? # Is the facility using a contract lab? # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: Influent and effluent analyses (including field) are performed under the City of Hickory's municipal laboratory certification #203. ETT Environmental (toxicity) has also been contracted to provide analytical support. Influent Sampling # Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected above side streams? Is proper volume collected? Is the tubing clean? # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? Is sampling performed according to the permit? Yes No NA NE ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples. The sampler's aliquot volume is checked twice per month. Time based composite samples were being collected; however, the subject permit requires flow proportional. Please be advised that flow proportional influent composite must be collected as required by the subject permit (Permit Condition Reference: Part II, Section A. Composite Sample). Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected below all treatment units? 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 the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Page# 4 Permit: NCO032662 Inspection Date: 09/18/2024 Effluent Sampling Owner -Facility: North WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE Comment: The subiect permit requires composite and qrab effluent samples. The sampler's aliquot volume is checked twice per month. The ORC and staff must ensure the following: composite samples (influent and effluent) are collected over an entire 24-hr. period, sample container does not overfill and the preset gallon interval between sample collection is fixed at no greater than 1/24 of the total daily flow. Upstream / Downstream Sampling Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and sampling location)? Comment: Operations & Maintenance Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: The wastewater treatment facility appeared to be properly operated and well Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE maintained. The influent flow is split into the 0.040 MGD and 0.060 MGD treatment trains. The secondary clarifier effluents from both treatment trains combine prior to flow measurement. chlorination and dechlorination. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Screenings are transported to the dumpster at the McLin Creek WWTP. The contents in this dumpster are disposed by a contracted company to a permitted landfill. Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO032662 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 09/18/2024 Inspection Type: North WWTP Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Are the diffusers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both aeration basins were operational and in service. Soda ash is added on an - as -needed basis to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH levels. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both secondary clarifiers were operational and in service. Disinfection -Gas Yes No NA NE Are cylinders secured adequately? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ 7782-50-5)? If yes, then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ If yes, then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number? (1000- If yes, then when was the RMP last updated? Page# 6 Permit: NCO032662 Inspection Date: 09/18/2024 Disinfection -Gas Comment: Flow Measurement - Effluent # Is flow meter used for reporting? Is flow meter calibrated annually? Owner -Facility: North WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per Diversified Integration. De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ and was last calibrated on 7/16/2024 Type of system ? Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? Is storage appropriate for cylinders? # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? Are the tablets the proper size and type? Comment: The chlorination and dechlorination contracted company. Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? Number of tubes in use? Comment: Yes No NA NE Gas ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ms are serviced annuallv (at a minimum) by a ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no floatable solids or foam. The receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted. Aerobic Digester Is the capacity adequate? Is the mixing adequate? Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? # Is the odor acceptable? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0032662 Inspection Date: 09/18/2024 Aerobic Digester # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Owner -Facility: North WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The aerobic digester and aerated sludge holding tank were operational and in service. Wastewater solids are transported by a contracted company to the Hickory Regional Compost Facility for continued treatment/disposal (Class A product). Page#