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Home My WebLink AboutNC0025861_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20161028a: Water Resources aNVIR0kMENTA1- *UALiTY Mr. Kevin Krouse Public Works Director 109 Railroad Street Lowell, NC 27098 PAT MCCRORY. Governor DONALD R VAN DER VAART Secretary S. JAY ZIMMERMAN --" Din�ctor October 28, 2016 RECEIVEMN ,DEQ u`, � i NOV 02 20!6 Water Quality Permitting Section Subject: Compliance Inspection Lowell WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO025861 Gaston County Dear Mr. Krouse: Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Inspection report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on October 26, 2016; by Ori Tuvia. Daniel Dougherty cooperation during the site visit was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report. The main area of concern observed during the inspection was that Chain of Custody forms must indicate samples were shipped on ice. The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any.questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at (704) 235-2190, or at. ori.tuvia@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Cc:,"NPDES Unit MRO Files Ori Tuvia, Environmental Engineer Mooresville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, DEQ Mooresville Reglonal office 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 i 2 15 1 3 I NCOW5861 111 12 16110/26 17 181 e, 1 19 I S I 201 211 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1.1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11. 1 1 1 1 1 166 I Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved 71 72 73 7476 80 67 70 L 1 LJ LJ WIII 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 oermitNumber) 09:35AM 16/10/26 15/02/01 Lowell WVYTP Exit Time/Date. Permit Expiration Date NCSR 2380 Lowell NC 28098 11:50AM 16/10/26 - 20/01/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Daniel James Dougherty/ORCA04-477-5514/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Daniel J Dougherty,Saxony or Lowell NC 28098/ORC/704-477-5514/ No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) N Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance N Records/Reports . Self -Monitoring Program Sludge_ Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters 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 Ori A Tuvia MRO WQ//704-663-1699/ 10/2 - a 2 -Signature Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office%Phone, and Fax Numbers Date . W. Corey Basinger . MRO WQ//704-235-2194/ EPA Form 3560-3. (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. �""� Page# 1 NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1 31 N60026861 111 121 16/10/26 1 17 18`1 C Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# 2 Permit: NC0025861 Owner -Facility: Sowell WWTP Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 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 11 E 1:16pplication? -Is the facility as�described in the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ .❑ ` # Are there any special conditions for the. permit? ❑ M ❑ ❑ '• Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? M, 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit expires on 1/31/2020. Record Keeping .. Yes No NA NE Are records kept`and maintained as required by the permit?, ...M ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ . ❑ Q 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 i Transported COGs _❑. 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 2417 with a certified operator - , ❑ ❑ ,. ❑ . on each shift? Is the ORC visitation log available and current? M ❑ ❑ Q " 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? ❑ ❑ . 1.1 M Comment:. The recordsw reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. • DMRs, - COCs Calibration logs and.ORC•logs were.reviewed for_the period December 2015 through; February 2016 COCs must Indicate that samples were kept on 'ice Laboratory YesNo NA NE Page# 3 Permit: NCO025861 Owner - Facility: LoweIIWWTP Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? . 0 ❑ Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field. parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?. M ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? M ❑ '❑. 1:11 - # Is, the facility using a contract lab? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ , # Is proper ternperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees A ❑ - ❑ ❑ Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ M ❑ Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: On-site field analvses (dissolved oxvaen. DH. temperature, total residual chlorine) are Derforrned under the City's field laboratory certification #5082. PAR Labs; Inca has been Contracted to perform influent and effluent analyses. Meritech Labs. Inc. has also been contracted to perform the chronic toxicity analyses. The laboratory instrumentation used for field analyses appeared to be pro Derly calibrated/verified and documented. Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? . 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ _ Is sample collected above side streams? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is proper, volume collected? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the tubing clean? 0 ❑ ❑ ' ❑ # 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? A ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires composite biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and TSS influent samples. Aliquot pulled during the inspection was 150 ml. Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected below all.treatment units? M ❑ . ❑ -❑ 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 degrees E ❑ ❑ ❑ Celsius)? , Is.the facility sampling performed as_required by the permit (frequency, sampling type ❑ ❑ ❑ representative)? Comment: The subject permit' requires composite and grab effluent samples. The ORC perform and during the inspection was 175 ml. Page# 4 Permit: NCO025861 Owner -Facility: LoweIIWWTP Inspection Date:, 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation . Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? . ❑ . ❑ ❑ Does the facility. analyze` process controf parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable 0 El. : El Q -; Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: The facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained. New mechanical bar screen was added which should reduce the amount of screening entering the downstream plant and potential overflows attributed to clogged bar screens. 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 ofscreening in compliance?. Is the unit in good condition? Comment: The.facility is equipped with mechancial and manual. bar screens (coarse). New mechanical screening system was added on march 2016. Yes No NA NE Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE # Is -flow meter used for reporting? ❑ M ❑ ❑ Is flow meter'calibrated annually? V ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the"flow meter operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ N ❑ ❑- ❑ M ❑ ❑ ❑ Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE # Is -flow meter used for reporting? ❑ M ❑ ❑ Is flow meter'calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the"flow meter operational? - :M, ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units 'are separated).Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Are float controls operable? •❑ ❑ ' ❑. Comment: Flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrafed/verified on ❑ .�„ ❑ 9/19/2016 by Ken Nash Company: ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: .:Stormwater overflow has been diverted and does not appear Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? M ❑ ❑, 0 Is the, wet well free. of excessive grease? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? ❑ ❑ . ❑ Are all pumps operable? Are float controls operable? ❑ ❑. Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? ❑ .�„ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: .:Stormwater overflow has been diverted and does not appear to flow into the Dumb station. Page# 5 Permit: NCO025861 Owner -Facility: Lov IWWTP ❑ ❑ Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation ❑ ❑ Aeration Basins ' Yes' No NA NE Mode of operation " ❑ ❑ Type of aeration system Diffused E . ❑ Is the basin free of dead spots? N ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and, mixers operational?, , ❑ ❑ . ❑ - ❑ Are the diffusers operational? E ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? N ❑ -❑ ❑ Does the foam*cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? N ❑ ❑• ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑. ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0to 3.0 mg/I) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The facility uses the contact stabilization treatment Process. Sodium Hydroxide is added. 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? N ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 11 El. ❑ . Is the site free.of weir blockage? Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the. site free of.evidence of short-circuiting? ❑ ❑ ❑ ,. ❑ Is scum removal adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ " ❑.' Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? E . ❑ ❑. ❑ Is the drive unit operational? . :2 ❑ ❑ . ❑ - Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? -:.m ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin, floc? W ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately % of the sidewall depth) N ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Disinfection -Gas Yes No NA NE Are cylinders secu red.adequately? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are'cylinders protected4om direct sunlight? N ❑ . ❑ ❑ Is there adequatereserve supply of disinfectant? " ❑.' ❑ ❑ Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? N ❑ '❑ ❑ Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? E, ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? il '❑ " ❑ ❑ Does the, Stationary Source have more'4han 2500-16s`of Chlorine (CAS No, 7782-50-5)? ❑ -� ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO025861 Owner -Facility: LoweIIWWTP Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Disinfection=Gas Yes No -NA NE . 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? Comment: About 900 lbs. of chlorine stored on site. De -chlorination - Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Gas Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ❑ 0 ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? M ❑ 11. ❑ #. Is de -chlorination. substance stored away from chlorine containers? ❑ ❑ .11. Are, the tablets the, proper size and type? '❑ 0 M ❑ Comment: . The chlorination and dechlorination cylinders are stored together inside a building equipped. , with ventilation and a leakage detection system. ' Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? .❑ ❑ . M ❑ Number of tubes in use? Comment: Flow Measurement-' Effluent 'Yes'No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? `• �,': ,❑ ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually?" ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? MI. ❑ , ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Q ❑ �. ❑ Comment:., The -flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last-calibrated/verified on 9/19/2016 by Ken Nash Company. The' flow measurement system has been upgraded and is now capable of recording flow up to 3 MGD. additionally, a New.V notch weir structure has been installed. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating, properly?. ❑ `❑ �' Comment: 'The effluent"appeared clear with trace suspended solids and no foam. Aerobic. Digester Yes No NA NE Is the capacity adequate? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NCO025861 Owner -Facility: LoweIIWWTP ❑ ❑ ❑ Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type:. compliance Evaluation ❑ ❑ :I.❑ Aerobic Digester Yes :Na 'NA NE Is the mixing adequate? N ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? -0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the odor acceptable? M ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is tankage• available for properly waste sludge? N ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: ❑ ❑ M,.❑ Drying Beds Is there adequate drying bed space? Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? Are the drying beds free of vegetation? # Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the. front of the; plant? # Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? # Is the sludge land applied? (Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate? Comment: Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ N ❑ ❑ ❑ :I.❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ .,.m ❑ ❑ ❑ M ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 130 ❑❑ ❑ ❑ M,.❑ Standby Power Is automatically activated standby power available? Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? Is the generator tested under load? Was generator tested & operationalAuiring the inspection?- Do nspection? Do the generator(s) have adequate -capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? Is there, an emergency agreement with .a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? Is the generator fuel level monitored?' ' Comment: The standby generator is tested (automatically) once perweek. The C contracts a company (Nixon Power Services). to service the generator serviced on 7/28/2016. -Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ❑ ;N.- .❑ ❑ El :I.❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ M ❑ ❑ ❑. 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8