HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0020231_NC00202321 CEI and Report 20241021_20241021 Docusign Envelope ID:80DC350342864CDO-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
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ROY COOPER _
Governor
MARY PENNY KELLEY . +tea•
Secretary
RICHARD E.ROGERS,,JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
October 21, 2024
Mr.Christopher Neal
Mayor
Town of Louisburg
P.O. Box 468
Louisburg, NC 27549
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Tar River Water Reclamation Facility
NPDES Permit: NCO020231
Franklin County
Dear Mayor Neal,
On October 17, 2024, Donald Smith and Dan Glazewski of the NC Division of Water
Resources, Raleigh Regional Office conducted a compliance evaluation inspection of the
treatment facilities located at the Tar River Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The
purpose of the inspection was to ensure compliance with the subject National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Stephen"Brent" Gilliam-WRF ORC, Lee
Brown - Public Services Director,and Richard Collins- Laboratory Supervisor, assistance
and information provided during the inspection/tour of the facility was very helpful and
appreciated.
The Tar River WRF is located at 221 NC Highway 56 East (Waste Treatment Plant Road),
Louisburg in Franklin County.The facility is a Grade IV biological nutrient removal water
pollution control system. The facility is permitted with a monthly average flow limit of 1.37
million gallons per day(MGD) of domestic wastewater.Through the NPDES permit, the
Town of Louisburg (Town) is authorized to discharge the treated wastewater through
outfall 001 to the Tar River a waterbody classified Water Source (WS-V), Nutrient Sensitive
Water(NSW) in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin.
The NPDES compliance evaluation inspection consisted of the following:
• NPDES Permit Review
• Review of facility/owner information
• Review of calendar year 2023 and 2024 monitoring data and compliance history
• Onsite inspection of the wastewater treatment units and facility
• Onsite inspection of the outfall discharge pipe and receiving stream
D_E Q� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13WO Barrett Drive Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
919 791,4200
Docusign Envelope ID:BODC350342864CDO-8F52-88FC380283C3
i own or LaulSDurg, lNUUVL,uc3I Page 2 of 5
October 21, 2024
Pre-inspection and File Review Findings:
1. The current active NPDES permit was issued effective April 1, 2021,and will expire
on September 30, 2025. Discharge is not authorized after September 30,2025.
To continue discharge authorization after the expiration date,a permit
renewal application will need to be submitted at least 180 days prior to the
expiration of the permit.
2. The current active NPDES permit lists the following treatment components,
including (1)Triplex Influent Pump Station, (1) mechanical bar screen,Aerated grit
and grease removal, (1) Anerobic Selector, (2) Oxidation Ditch, (2) clarifiers,three
cell up-flow tertiary filter, UV disinfection, cascade aeration,effluent Parshall flume
meter,aerobic digestor,and standby power.
3. The Town has designated Stephen Bret Gilliam as the ORC and Richard Collins as
backup ORC.The ORC has an active status grade 4 NC biological wastewater
operator certification (#1002185),and the backup ORC has an active status grade 3
NC biological wastewater operator certification (#1011993).
4. The WRF holds a current NC laboratory certification (#439) for the analysis of
specific wastewater parameters (pH,temperature,total suspended solids,ammonia,
fecal coliform,dissolved oxygen,conductivity, etc.).
5. For the review period of January 2022 through August 2024, no violations were
identified.
b. The required annual administering and compliance monitoring fee for the current
billing cycle has been paid and there are no overdue fees.The next billing cycle for
2025 will begin on April 1, 2025.
7. The 2023/2024 Annual Performance Report(July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024)was
available for review. The annual performance report indicates that it is published in
the Franklin Times Newspaper to notify the public.
8. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is utilized to monitor facility
operations,control operations,trend data,and manage alarms. Operators received
alarms directly from the SCADA console.
9. The ORC indicated that the WRF receives residuals from the water plant for solids
treatment and handling. It was suggested that the operations is mindful of the
potential of iron rich solids that could affect UV disinfection or solids that could tax
solids handling.
Facility Inspection Findings:
1. Laboratory bench sheets and discharge monitoring reports (DMR)were
reviewed. Laboratory bench sheets and DMR sheets were very well organized
with no data discrepancies observed. Laboratory bench sheets were noted to
D E Q North Carohna Department of Environmental Quality 1 Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive i Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
rr+ �
919.791.4200
Docusign Envelope ID:80DC3503-4286-4CD0-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
i own of LoulsDurg, lvL.uvcuzs 1 Page 3 of 5
October 21, 2024
include equipment calibration records,analytical results,and identified the
analyst performing the testing.
2. The facility is operated 5 days per week and on weekends and holidays as
needed.
3. Review April 2023, November 2023,and July 2024 DMR/Laboratory bench
sheet data:
a) DMR and supporting laboratory documentation were in good order and
accessible for review.
b) No DMR limit violations were detected during the review and no penalty
assessments have been issued.
c) Chain of Custody sheets were filled out completely and included proper
documentation and handling of samples.
d) It was noted that access for past electronic discharge monitoring
reports (eDMR) submittals were being maintained on the eDMR web
portal. It is suggested that a copy of your eDMR submittals be
maintained on file at the facility and to not rely on the eDMR web
portal to manage historical DMR records.
4. Facility walk-through Inspection
a) Septage Receiving- Drying beds are used to accept septic truck
offloading.
b) Mechanical Bar Screens -Two (2) automatic bar screens are in place and
were in operation at the headworks. Screenings discharge to a dumpster
for landfill disposal.
c) Screening (Manual bar screen) -A manual bar screen is available in
standby if needed.
d) Influent Flow Meter-A mag meter is utilized for influent flow
monitoring.
e) Influent Composite Sampler-The refrigerated sampler contained a NIST
thermometer that was recorded at 4.0 degree Celsius at the time of
inspection. A thermometer calibration certificate was not located with
the thermometer.It is requested that the influent thermometer
calibration be conducted with the other lab thermometer
calibrations and maintain a record of calibration with the
thermometer. Influent sample tubing appeared clean with no algae or
debris accumulation.
f) Grit Collection -The facility utilizes a grit/grease removal system.The
separated grease/grit is discharged to a dumpster for landfill disposal.
g) Influent Pump Station - There are 3dry-pit horizontal centrifugal pumps
that include (1) 25 Hp and (2) 50 Hp pumps. The 25 Hp and one 50 Hp
pumps were out of service and were in the process of repair. A dri-prime
portable pump was installed to maintain operation with the one
operational 50 Hp pump. Page 2 of the current permit does not list these
DQNorth
Carolina Department of Environmenta:Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
—Z%� 919.7914200
Docusign Envelope ID:80DC3503-4286-4CD0-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
i own or LOU1sDurg, INLUULUL31 Page 4 of 5
October 21, 2024
significant pumps as wastewater treatment plant components. During
your next NPDES permit renewal, consider including the influent
pump station as a listed component at the facility.
h) BNR Treatment-the facility utilizes a Kruger Biopenipho biological
nutrient removal (BNR) process for enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus
removal.The treatment trains are configured with a pre anerobic,anoxic
and aerobic zones for treatment.Two (2) BNR treatment oxidation
ditches are available with 2 trains in operation at the time of the
inspection. Rotary aerators are used for treatment process aeration. The
ORC indicated that a range of 0-2 milligram per liter of dissolved oxygen
is maintained in the oxidation ditch's sequencing.Two rotors are being
planned for replacement.
i) Clarifiers -the facility utilizes 2 circular clarifiers. Both clarifiers were in
operation at the time of inspection. The sludge blanket depths in the
range of 8-10 inches and no floatable material was noted on the clarifiers
at the time of inspection and effluent appeared to be clear. The clarifier's
overall depth is 15 feet.
j) Up-Flow Tertiary Filters-the facility utilizes 3 up-flow style tertiary
filters.The ORC indicated that wet weather flows generally do not affect
the filter operations and no-bypass is needed.
k) Ultra-Violet (UV) Disinfection -The UV system consists of 1 UV channel
and 2 UV banks.Spare bulbs are kept onsite. Semi-annual maintenance
and cleaning are performed on the UV system through a contracted
service.
1) Effluent Sampler-The effluent composite sampler is setup to collect flaw
proportional composite samples and receives flow signal from the
effluent flow meter.The refrigerated sampler contained a thermometer
that was recorded at 1.0 degree Celsius. A thermometer calibration
certificate was not located with the thermometer. It is requested that
the effluent thermometer calibration be conducted with the other
lab thermometer calibrations and maintain a record of calibration
with the thermometer. The effluent sample tubing was red and not
clear but appeared be clean.
m) Effluent Flow Meter-A Parshall flume and ultrasonic level measurement
is utilized for effluent flow monitoring. It was noted that the effluent flow
meter was last calibrated on August 21, 2024,by Chadwick
Instrumentation. The flume or effluent flow meter appeared in good
shape at the time of inspection. Please install or have available a
manual staff gauge on the Parshall flume. The manual staff gauge
will allow visual measurement to confirmation that flume flow
depth accurately corresponds to the ultrasonic depth measurement
readings.
D Q
�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office ]8001farretl Drive Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
�IH CAROtXN -
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Docusign Envelope ID:8ODC35034286ACDO-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
>I own or 1,ouisourg, rvLuuLucsl Page S of S
October 21, 2024
n) Sludge Storage-Two (2) 0.65 million gallon above ground holding tanks
are available for sludge storage. According to the ORC all tanks have
aeration and mixing capabilities. The facility contracts with Granville
Farms to manage sludge disposal with land application.
o) The ORC indicated that no chemical supplements are needed for BNR
treatment and that all is done biologically.
p) The Tar River Water Reclamation Facility has one (1) stationary
emergency generator(500-kW) that can operate the entire plant site.
The SOD-kW generator is newly installed and has not yet been
commissioned as of the site visit. A temporary 450-kW generator is
installed until the permanent generator is operational. The ORC indicated
that the generators combined will supply power needs to the entire
facility.The plant operators test the generator under load once every two
months. Operations staff indicate that generator fuel levels are
maintained at greater than 75 percent full.
q) The inspector observed the effluent discharge from the outfall pipe to the
Tar River.The discharge was found to be clear with no observable solids
or foam. No detrimental impacts to the receiving waters from the effluent
discharge were observed.
The overall condition of the facility was compliant with the NPDES permit requirements
observed on the day of the inspection. If you have questions or comments about the
inspection,this report or any requirements to take corrective action (if applicable), please
contact Donald Smith at(919) 791-4234 or by email at donald.smith@deq.nc.gov.
Sincerely,
Signed by:
�/atn e,SSa f'. P.a�
92916EBAB32144F
Vanessa E. Manuel,Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: Laserfiche
Stephen Gilliam, ORC Tar River WRF (electronic copy)
DE �� North Carolina Department of Env ronmenta Qualfty i Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
+.�:�■+r+a� 4 919.791.4200
Docusign Envelope ID:8ODC350342864CDO-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
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 1N 1 2 15 1 3 I NCO020231 I11 12 24/10/17 17 18LCJ 191 S I 201LJ
21 I"J U 6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA --------------Reserved-----------------
67 70LJ 71li I 72 v 73 1 J74 7 1 1 1 1 jJJ80
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 permit Number) 10:OOAM 24/10/17 21/04/01
Louisburg Water Reclamation Facility
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Waste Treatment Plant Rd
Louisburg NC 27549 12:45PM 24/10/17 25/09/30
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)fTitles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
M
Stephen Brett Gilliam/ORC/919-496-2677/
Name,Address of Responsible OfficiallTtle/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Billy Faulk,PO Box 468 Louisburg NC 27549n919496-323&i
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 Dispm Fac•lity 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) AgencylOffice/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Donald Smith DWR/RRO WQ; DocuSigned by: 10/21/2024919-791-42341 E
�����
Dan Glazewski DWR/RRO WO/919-791-4255/
572ED5247FA847A.
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/OfficeiPhone and Fax Numbers Sinned by: Date
k4w20 21/2024
Uotln t,SSa .
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1
Docusign Envelope ID:80DC3503-4286-4CD0-8F52-88FC380283C3
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
U (Cont.)
NC0020231 I11 1 24110117 17 8
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Over all condition of the WRF was compliant with the NPDES permit requirements observed on the
day of the inspection. Two of three influent pumps were out of service at the time of the inspection,
but a backup pumping system was installed and in place. Pump replacements are on order. New 500
kW generator for the entire plant site is in the process of commissioning. A temporary generator is
onsite and connected until the new generator becomes operational. Annual Wastewater Report was
provided for 2023/2024. Laboratory records were organized and in good order. The WRF uses the
NC eDMR website/portal to access and file historical DMRs, it was recommended that an electronic or
printed version of DMRs be kept onsite for historical access.
Page# 2
Docusign Envelope 10:80DC3503-4286-4CD0-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
Permit: NCO020231 Owner-Facility: Louisburg Water Reclamation Facility
Inspection Date: 10/17/2024 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 ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment; Consider adding onsite influent pump station to list of equipment with next renewal
application.
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual ❑
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Two automatic bar screens and one manual bar rack.
Grease Removal Yes No NA NE
# Is automatic grease removal present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is grease removal operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Skims grease to dumpster for landfill disposal
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual ❑
b.Mechanical
Page# 3
Docusign Envelope ID:80DC350342864CD0-8F52-88FC3802B3C3
Permit: N00020231 Owner-Facility: Louisburg Water Reclamation Facility
Inspection Date: 10/17/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Grit Removal Yes No NA NE
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is disposal of grit in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Grit is vacuumed for removal and disposal in dumpster to lanfill.
Oxidation Ditches Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up? M ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? IN ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? IN ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) ❑ ❑ ❑
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes) ❑ ❑ ❑ M
Comment: Oxidation ditch sequences based on DO feedback. Activated sludge color and„
condition looked good at time of inspection.
Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE
# Is total nitrogen removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is total phosphorous removal required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Type Biological
# Is chemical feed required to sustain process? ❑ IN ❑ ❑
Is nutrient removal process operating properly? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Anerobic selector ahead of oxidation ditch for phosphorus removal. Oxidation ditch
nitrifies and denitrifies. Member of Tar-Pam River Association
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4
Docusign Envelope ID:BODC3503A286-4CDO-8F52-88FC380283C3
Permit: NCO020231 Owner-Facility: Louisburg Water Reclamation Facility
Inspection Date: 10/17,2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
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 '/<of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Clarifier depth 15 feet. Sludge level of 8-10 inches at the time of the inspection.
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Type of operation: Up flow
Is the filter media present? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter surface free of clogging? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter free of growth? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: ORC indicated no issues with filter during higher rainfall flow events. Filter is not
bypassed during typical high flow wet weather events.
Disinfection - UV Yes No NA NE
Are extra UV bulbs available on site? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are UV bulbs clean? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is UV intensity adequate? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is transmittance at or above designed level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a backup system on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is effluent clear and free of solids? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment; Dual bank UV system.
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
is the capacity adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mixing adequate? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is the odor acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Two 0.65 MG aerobic sludge digesters. Both on line with one tank only having a
couple of feet of sludge.
Page# 5
Docusign Envelope ID:80DC3503-4286-4CDO-BF52-88FC3802B3C3
Permit: NC0020231 Owner-Facility: Louisburg Water Reclamation Facility
Inspection Date: 1 011 7/20 24 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? 0 ❑ 110
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Parshall flume. Last calibrated 8-21-24 by Chadwick Instrumentation. Effluent flow
meter within +/-2% accuracy at time of calibration.
Page# 6