NC0025909_Compliance Inspection Report_20171020

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Water Resources
ENYFRONMENTALL QUALM
October 20, 2017
Doug Barrick
Town of Rutherfordton
129 N Main St
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Rutherfordton WWTP
NPDES WW Permit No. NCO025909
Rutherford County
Dear Mr. Barrick:
ROY COOPED
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The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection
of the Rutherfordton WWTP on 10/11/2017. This inspection was conducted to verify that the
facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW
Permit No. NC0025909. Based on the on-site visit, records review and discussions with plant
staff, the facility was determined to be in compliance with NPDES Permit No. NC0025909.
The following additional items were noted during the inspection:
SCADA-The facility does not have remote telemetry to monitor plant operations. The
addition of a SCADA system would enable plant staff to monitor plant performance
remotely and aid in the prevention of upsets.
Screw Auger -The influent screw auger is only rated for 1.5 MGD. Heavy rains and storm
events can increase influent flow beyond the auger's design capacity.
Digester -The addition of a second digester for thickening would aid in solids handling as
flows continue to increase.
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources
2090 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-296-4500

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8E03B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
The assistance of ORC Phillip Reynolds and Operator Jenny Faulkner was greatly appreciated. If
you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly by phone at
828-296-4686 or via email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
Ab:
DocuSigned
243
4B4_.
Mikal Willmer, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report
Ec: WQS Asheville Regional Office - Enforcement File
NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File
Nadine Blackwell -Suez
Phillip Reynolds, ORC

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8E03B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
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 I 3 I NCO025909 111 121 17/10/11 I17 18 L d 19 L G j 201
21111111 11111111111 1111111 1 111111 11111111111 166
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved-------------------
I 71 I JI 72 I Ln, I 73I I I74 751 1 1 1 1 1 1 I80
67 70Iu it J I—I—!
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 17/10/11
16/07/01
Rutherfordton WWTP
NC Hwy 221
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Rutherfordton NC 28139
12:OOPM 17/10/11
20/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Jerry Ross Alexander/ORC/828-287-2141/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Doug Barrick,129 N Main St Rutherfordton NC 28139/Town Manager/828-287-3520/
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Program 0 Sludge Handling Disposal Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
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: 10/23/2017
Timothy H Heim ARO WQ//828-296-4665/
by: ltM11 C1i.�Dbl
Mika) Willmer ARO WQ//828 296 4686/ 10/2 3/2017
FDOCUSIgned
OS 1105A3CA418...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer DocuSigned by: Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
F�/� 10/23/2017
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
NCO025909 111 121 17/10/11 1 17 18 ICI
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Inspectors Tim Heim and Mikal Willmer with the Asheville Regional Office and Ori Tuvia with the
Mooresville Regional Office conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Rutherfordton
WWTP on October 12, 2017. ORC, Phillip Reynolds and BORC, Jenny Faulkner with Suez Water
were present and assisted in the inspection.
Overall the facility is being very well maintained and operated. Suggested improvements from the
previous inspection are in the process of being completed. There are currently plans to repair the
offline aeration basin's liner next year and the generator will be replaced this year.
A few items noted during the inspection:
Currently there is no SCADA system installed at the plant to help monitor operations remotely. An
auto -dialer was installed last year; however, this is only activated during a power failure. Remote
monitoring would be beneficial to aid in prevention of bypasses throughout the facility, and increase
operator flexibility and responsiveness. Additionally, the current influent screw auger is only rated for
1.5 MGD, which can be surpassed during a heavy rain event. SCADA would allow remote monitoring of
the influent wet well levels and influent flow.
The facility currently has one 441,000 -gallon digester. Solids handling could be further improved with
the addition of a second digester for thickening. The ORC is only running half the plant with current
flows. If flows increase, there will be additional solids generated. A second digester would allow the
ORC to waste solids when needed. Solids wasting is limited by the settling time within the digester.
Additionally, biosolids have accumulated on the ground immediately surrounding the sludge connection
valve for the digester. ORC reports this is from removal of the hose when solids are being hauled. If
this station is continually used, the town may wish to install a containment wall, lime and remove the
spilled solids to prevent any potential runoff during a rain event. ORC reports a pumping station has
been installed next to the digester on the road leading into the plant.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Permit: NCO025909 Owner - Facility: Rutherfordton WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/11/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: Environmental 1 Inc. analyzes MLSS for the Aeration Basin once a week. CIRC, Philip
Reynolds, tries to maintain an AB MLSS of 2800 to 3000 mg/L. Field parameters, DO,
Chlorine and pH are analyzed in-house.
Permit
Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
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Is the facility as described in the permit?
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# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
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Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
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Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
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Comment: The facility has a two-tiered permit, but has not achieved a 12 -month average of 0.80 MGD.
Reduced monitoring frequency of twice a week for BOD, NH3, CBOD and TSS.
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 CDCs
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 3

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Permit: NCO025909 Owner - Facility: Rutherfordton WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/11/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All records were organized and readily available. Reviewed DMR, COCs and laboratory data
for the month of July. Thermometer traceability records and meter calibrations were
available for review. CIRC visitation log is complete and up-to-date. Recorded sample
collection times and dates appear to be accurate with data submitted to the laboratory and
eDMR.
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
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a.Manual
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b.Mechanical
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Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
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Is the screen free of excessive debris?
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Is disposal of screening in compliance?
0
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Is the unit in good condition?
0
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Comment: 1.5 MGD screw auger. ORC reports the auger is adeauately screenina debris. Replacement
of the screw auger is listed as a long-term improvement to handle increase to 3 MGD flow.
Previous problem with rags from a local nursing home. The ORC reports this is no longer
an issue since speaking with the nursing home staff. All solids and debris from the auger are
deposited in a dumpster. GDS hauls the dumpster weekly. Staff monitor influent wet well
and screw auger during heavy rain and flow events to prevent system bypasses.
Influent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
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0
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Is sample collected above side streams?
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Is proper volume collected?
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Is the tubing clean?
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
0
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Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
0
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Comment: Temperature maintained in range. Thermometer is replaced annually and statement of
accuracy and traceability is kept on file. The sampler is set to pull samples every 30
minutes.
Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Page# 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Permit: NCO025909 Owner - Facility: Rutherfordton WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/11/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Equalization Basins
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: The EQ basin has not been used in eight years, but can be if needed. Blowers within the
basin are periodically tested for functionality.
Aeration Basins
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system
Is the basin free of dead spots?
Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
Are the diffusers operational?
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
Is the DO level acceptable?
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1)
Yes No NA NE
Ext. Air
Surface
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Comment: No odor present around aeration basins. Currently only one AB is in use. ORC reports the
DO is typically 7-8 mg/L. The offline AB is budgeted to be repaired next year.
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?
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 return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
Yes No NA NE
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Permit: NCO025909 Owner - Facility: Rutherfordton WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/11/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Waste three times a week. Only one clarifier in operation while second clarifier is bein
rehabilitated. Clarifier in use was rehabilitated last
year (Weirs leveled, sand blasted and
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
epoxy coated).
Contract for boom truck when pumps need to be pulled for maintenance or replacement.
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(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
Pumps -RAS -WAS
Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
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Are pumps operational?
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Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
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Comment: Two pumps installed. Only one used and replacement pump kept within storage
building.
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
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Contract for boom truck when pumps need to be pulled for maintenance or replacement.
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(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
0
Pumps cycle on 20-30 minutes at a time.
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Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
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Aerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
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Is the mixing adequate?
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Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
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# Is the odor acceptable?
0
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# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
0
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Comment: The CIRC has been able to maintain healthv biota within the facilitv throuah current wastin
practices, however, CIRCs wasting schedule is limited by the time needed for settling within
the digester. A second digester for settling would allow the ORC to waste more frequently
and/or when needed. A second digester will also help with solids handling should the facility
reach the second flow tier of the permit. Some evidence of residual solids was observed on
the ground adjacent to the digester. A digester upgrade project should include a concrete
bermed area to isolate and capture solids from coming in contact with the ground.
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
0
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(Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational?
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Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains)
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Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
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Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
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Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
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Page# 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Permit: NCO025909 Owner - Facility: Rutherfordton WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/11/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection -Liquid
Yes No NA NE
Comment: Sodium hvDochlorite is fed into the system for disinfection. ORC checks free chlorine dail
from the contact chamber to ensure an adequate amount of chlorine is being used. ORC
manually adjust the feed as needed. Peristaltic tubing is changed every other month. Part of
the chlorine contact chamber was recently rehabilitated and the second half will be
rehabilitated this year.
De -chlorination
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?
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?
Comment: Sodium bisulfite used for dechlorination.
Yes No NA NE
Liquid
Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
0
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Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and M ❑ ❑ ❑
sampling location)?
Comment: Permit has a modified upstream sampling site. Upstream samples are collected below the
confluence of Stonecutter Creek and Cleghorn Creek. Downstream samples are collected
250ft below the outfall near US -221.
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
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Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
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Is the generator tested under load?
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Was generator tested & operational during the inspection?
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Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
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Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power?
0
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Is the generator fuel level monitored?
0
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Comment: Generac generator, switch box and breaker are scheduled to be replaced. New Kohler
generator will be installed. The generator is tested weekly and once a month under load.
Suez maintains fuel for generator and Camp Electric handles maintenance.
Page# 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 90A8EO3B-8DB4-4FDE-9A96-C3999A737712
Permit: NCO025909 Owner - Facility: Rutherfordton WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/11/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
0
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Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
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Is sample collected below all treatment units?
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Is proper volume collected?
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Is the tubing clean?
0
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# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
0
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Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
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representative)?
Comment: Composite sampler temperature was 4 degrees at the time of the inspection. All monitoring
data was Dresent on DMRs submitted in Julv and Auaust.
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
0
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Is flow meter calibrated annually?
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Is the flow meter operational?
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(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
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Comment: ORC verifies flow meter reading monthly. Meter is also calibrated annually by Delta
Systems Environmental. Last calibrated 12/1/2016 by Garrett Garner.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
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Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
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If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
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Comment: No visible suspended solids within the effluent discharge. No visual impairments noted to
Cleghorn Creek at the time of the inspection. Facility has the ability
to aerate the effluent if
needed, however, blower is not currently being used.
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