WQ0019331_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230912

Certified Mail #
Return Receipt Requested

September 21, 2023

Lisa Stover
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
920 Mason Town Rd
Newport, NC 28570

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores WWTP
Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0019331
Carteret County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the NC Aquarium at Pine
Knoll Shores WWTP on 9/12/2023. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating
in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0019331. The
findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection
report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

Please respond in writting to this office within 30 days of your receipt of this letter regarding your plans
or measures to be taken to address the following issues:

OR

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 Trey Baranyai with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Morella Sanchez-King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS

Cc: WQS Wilmington Regional Office - Enforcement File
NON-DISCHARGE Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0019331 Effective: 02/27/18 Expiration: 01/31/23 Owner: North Carolina Department of Natural and
Cultural Resources
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores WWTP
County: Carteret 1 Roosevelt Blvd
Region: Wilmington
Pine Knoll Shores NC 28512
Contact Person:Lisa Stover Title: Business Manager Phone: [phone] Ext.224
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Daniel Edward Fortin Certification: 15609 Phone:[phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Entry Time 10:50AM Exit Time: 12:OOPM
Primary Inspector:Trey Baranyai Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
Michael Petrizzo
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water
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 Activated Sludge
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Disinfection Treatment Flow Measurement
Treatment Return pumps Storage End Use-Reuse
Standby Power Coastal Requirements
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0019331 Owner-Facility:North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A permit renewal/compliance inspection of the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll SHores WWTF was conducted on September 12,
2023. The purpose the evluation was to verify that the facility is operation in compliance with the conditons and limitations
specified in PErmit WQ0019331. Stuart May was present for the walk through of the facility. Dan Fortin of Fortin Contact
Services was also contacted and gave me information related to meter calibrations, turbidity standards, and BOD.
This reclaimed water generation facility consist of a two-train membrane bioreactor system. It is permited to treat 25,000
GPD and avrages 10,000 GPD during the summer months. The reclaimed water is utilixd as toilet flush water for the
aquarium building.The remaining effluent is pumped to the four high rate infiltration fields. Upon insecpton the fields were
clearly marked and clear from all debris.
All records and logs were organized and complete. There have been no violations since the last one was issued in 2017.
The facility is compliant with non-discharge permit WQ0019331.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0019331 Owner-Facility:North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type Yes No NA NE
Lagoon Spray, LR ❑
Single Family Drip ❑
Single Family Spray, LR ❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR ❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR ❑
Reuse(Quality) ❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR ❑
Infiltration System
Recycle/Reuse
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: The permit lists an anerobic reactor within each of the membrane bioreactor systems. Staff
stated that anoxic chambers flows to the aerobic chambers and there has never been
anerobic chambers. The permit also states there is an Ozone disinfiction system in use, the
staff states its never been in operation.
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? 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:
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0019331 Owner-Facility:North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? N ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The generator provides standby power for the aquarium as well as the wastewater treatment
facility. The generator gas not tested during this instpection.
Treatment Barscreen Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No barscreen in use. Facility constructed basket-type screens to catch debris as flow travels
toward membrane filte.
Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
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: Membranes are programmed to automatically backwash with reuse water every 11
minutes.They are periodically removed and deep cleaned.
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0019331 Owner-Facility:North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary"Ts"present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Soilds are removed by Barnes Environmental every 3-4 months from the 14,000 gallon aerobic
digester.
Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE
Is the system working? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate detention time(-30 minutes)? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the system properly maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If tablets, are tablets present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If UV, are extra UV bulbs available? ❑ ❑ ❑
If UV, is the UV intensity adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is it a dual feed system? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine(CAS No. 7782-50-5)? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
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?
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)? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are there any 2L GW quality violations? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0019331 Owner-Facility:North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
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: No comment
End Use-Reuse Yes No NA NE
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0019331 Owner-Facility:North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Inspection Date: 09/12/2023 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the application area free of limiting slopes? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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 ❑
Comment: THe facility utilizes the reclaimed water for toilet flush water for the aquarium building. Proper
signs are displayed in the restrooms and around the 4 high rate infiltration fields.
Coastal Requirements Yes No NA NE
Are essential treatment units provided in duplicate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is an adequately sized aerated equalization basin present? ❑ ❑ ❑
If so, is it operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the equalization capacity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Page 7 of 7