NC0031607_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20171027

WaterResources
SHVI OMMENUL GUALiTY
October 27, 2017
Jay Fuller
Alamance -Burlington School System
1732 Vaughn Road
Burlington, NC 27217
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report
NPDES Permit NCO031607
Western Alamance Middle School WWTP, Alamance County
Dear Mr. Fuller:
ROY COOPER
Cam mar
MICHAEL S. REGAN
kcivtary
S, JAY ZIMMERMAN
Dlywor
RECEIVED/NCDEO/DWR
NOV 01 2017
Wa,ler Quality
Pernliftmng Section
On October 18, 2017, Paul DiMatteo of the Division of Water Resources ("Division"), Winston-Salem
Regional Office conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the above referenced wastewater treatment
system. Matthew Smith, Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), was present for the inspection. An inspection
summary follows and an inspection report is attached for your records.
Site Review
1. Permit
The current permit became effective on January 1, 2017 and expires on May 31, 2021. A copy of
the current permit was available for review. Permitted components include a two bar screens, flow
equalization, two activated sludge holding tanks, two aeration chambers, two clarifiers, a dosing
tank, and UV disinfection; however, only one of each of the bar screens, sludge holding tanks,
aeration chambers and clarifiers is currently in use.
2. Facility Site Review
The facility was as described in the permit. Access to the site is restricted by a chain link fence.
Solids are raked from the bar screen, dried in a basket set on top of the screen, and disposed of in
the school dumpster. Two blowers for the aeration basin are set on a timer so that each one runs
on a 12 -hour shift.
Operation and Maintenance
The operator or a properly designated backup visits the site as required. Visitation logs were
current and available during the inspection. Mr. Smith said that school maintenance staff turned off
the UV alarm because it kept going off after hours. However, lights on the control panel indicated
that all bulbs were operational and the ORC said the bulbs are cleaned regularly. In case of a failure
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources

of the UV system, Mr. Smith said he could add chlorine tablets to the old chlorine contact chamber
in case of UV system failure. The ORC also stated that soda ash is added to the aeration basin to
control pH and dog food is added during the summer months to support the microbial population.
Mr. Smith noted that the clear water decanted from the sludge holding tank is filtered before
running through UV and being discharged. Typically, this water would be returned to the head of
the plant or to some other process in the treatment system. Mr. Smith said that when he used to
return this water to the equalization basin it would cause other problems with the plant. We
recommend contacting this office for technical assistance regarding this practice to help ensure
effluent limitations are not violated. Please note that Part II, Section C.4(a) of the permit allows
bypasses to occur if they do not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if they are also
for essential maintenance to assure efficient operation.
The following additional maintenance issues were noted during the inspection:
(a) The clarifier's weirs did not appear completely level. Mr. Smith said this may be due to
deterioration with age. Care should be taken to avoid further deterioration and subsequent
effluent violations.
(b) The valve from which effluent samples are collected appeared to be continually leaking.
4. Flow Measurement
Flow is estimated using data from the potable water meter.
5. Effluent/Receiving Waters
The effluent is discharged into the Haw River in the Cape Fear River Basin. A trail running from a
nearby residence to the outfall was well maintained. There was a slight discharge during the
inspection. The stream did not appear to be negatively impacted.
Documentation Review
6. Records/Reports
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and lab data are maintained according to the permit. DMRs
include all permit parameters. Copies of DMRs, operator visitation logs, lab reports and Chain -of -
Custody forms were available for review during the inspection.
7. Self -Monitoring Program
A review of DMRs from January, 2016 through July, 2017 showed no violations, and a comparison
of submitted DMR data and field records showed no errors or concerns.
8. Laboratory
All parameters are analyzed by Research & Analytical Laboratories, Certification #34.ORC measures
pH and temperature at the facility. All other samples are collected from a valve following
disinfection.
Temperature is measured using the digital thermometer on the Dissolved Oxygen meter. The
thermometer was last calibrated on October 12, 2017. pH meter pre -run calibration and sampling
procedures appeared acceptable.
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources
450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

9. Sludge Handling Disposal
Mr. Smith said that sludge is removed from the digester as needed, typically once per year. Records
showed that sludge was last removed in March, 2017.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Paul DiMatteo at [phone] or
our office at [phone].
Sincerely,
'tom "
"'/Sherri V. Knight, P.E., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Enclosures —Inspection Report and Summary
CC: Matthew Smith — by email
WQS Winston-Salem Regional Office - Enforcement File
NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File
Central Files
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources
450 We.et Hanes Mill Rnad. Suite 300. Winston-Salem. NC 27105

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 E 2 15 I 3 I NCO031607 I11 12 17/10/16 17 18 LSJ 19 1 � I 201 I
21111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 r6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating 131 QA ---Reserved--
-Reserved —67
671 70 L 71 Lj 72 N 731 I X74 75 80
LJ I 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)
11 15AM 17/10/18
17/01/01
Western Alamance Middle School
2100 Eldon Dr
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Elon College NC 27244
o1 ooPM 17/10/18
21/05/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Tities(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Matthew P Smith/ORC/336-414-8274/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Jay Fuller,1732 Vaughn Rd Burlington NC 27217//336-570-648213365706485
No
Section C Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports
Self-Monitonng 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
Paul DiMatteo WSRO WQ//336-776-9691/
9 /
7�?
l
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date12
7 12 17
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
31 NCO031607 I11 12 17/10/18 17 18 I c I
Section D. Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional l sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Site Review
1 Permit
The current permit became effective on January 1, 2017 and expires on May 31, 2021 A copy of the
current permit was available for review. Permitted components include a two bar screens, flow
equalization, two activated sludge holding tanks, two aeration chambers, two clarifiers, a dosing tank,
and UV disinfection; however, only one of each of the bar screens, sludge holding tanks, aeration
chambers and clarifiers is currently in use
2. Facility Site Review
The facility was as described in the permit. Access to the site is restricted by a chain link fence Solids
are raked from the bar screen, dried in a basket set on top of the screen, and disposed of in the school
dumpster. Two blowers for the aeration basin are set on a timer so that each one runs on a 12 -hour
shift.
3. Operation and Maintenance
The operator or a properly designated backup visits the site as required. Visitation logs were current
and available during the inspection Mr Smith said that school maintenance staff turned off the UV
alarm because it kept going off after hours. However, lights on the control panel indicated that all bulbs
were operational and the ORC said the bulbs are cleaned regularly In case of a failure of the UV
system, Mr Smith said he could add chlorine tablets to the old chlorine contact chamber in case of UV
system failure The ORC also stated that soda ash is added to the aeration basin to control pH and dog
food is added during the summer months to support the microbial population.
Mr. Smith noted that the clear water decanted from the sludge holding tank is filtered before running
through UV and being discharged. Typically, this water would be returned to the head of the plant or to
some other process in the treatment system. Mr Smith said that when he used to return this water to
the equalization basin it would cause other problems with the plant. We recommend contacting this
office for technical assistance regarding this practice to help ensure effluent limitations are not violated
Please note that Part II, Section CA(a) of the permit allows bypasses to occur if they do not cause
effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if they are also for essential maintenance to assure efficient
operation
The following additional maintenance issues were noted during the inspection -
(a) The clarifier's weirs did not appear completely level. Mr. Smith said this may be due to deterioration
with age Care should be taken to avoid further deterioration and subsequent effluent violations.
(b) The valve from which effluent samples are collected appeared to be continually leaking.
4. Flow Measurement
Flow is estimated using data from the potable water meter.
5. Effluent/Receiving Waters
The effluent is discharged into the Haw River in the Cape Fear River Basin. A trail running from a
nearby residence to the outfall was well maintained. There was a slight discharge during the
inspection. The stream did not appear to be negatively impacted.
Documentation Review
6 Records/Reports
Page#

Permit NCO031607
Owner - Facility. western Alamance Middle School
Inspection Date 10/18/2017 Inspection Type- Compliance Evaluation
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and lab data are maintained according to the permit. DMRs
Include all permit parameters. Copies of DMRs, operator visitation logs, lab reports and
Chain -of -Custody forms were available for review during the Inspection.
7. Self -Monitoring Program
A review of DMRs from January, 2016 through July, 2017 showed no violations, and a comparison of
submitted DMR data and field records showed no errors or concerns.
8. Laboratory
All parameters are analyzed by Research & Analytical Laboratories, Certification #34.ORC measures
pH and temperature at the facility. All other samples are collected from a valve following disinfection.
Temperature is measured using the digital thermometer on the Dissolved Oxygen meter The
thermometer was last calibrated on October 12, 2017. pH meter pre -run calibration and sampling
procedures appeared acceptable
9. Sludge Handling Disposal
Mr. Smith said that sludge Is removed from the digester as needed, typically once per year. Records
showed that sludge was last removed In March, 2017.
Page#

d
Permit NCO031607 Owner - Facility, western Alamance Middle School
Inspection Date: 10/18/2017 Inspection Type- Compliance Evaluation
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: MLSS. DO, pH for process control.
Permit
(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?
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
Yes No NA NE
E ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
E ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ■ ❑ ❑
N ❑ ❑ ❑
N ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Only one bar screen, activated sludge holding tank, aeration chamber, and clarifier is in use
(permit states two of each)
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
E
❑
❑
❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg required 5 years)?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the chain -of -custody complete?
4
❑
❑
❑
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
❑
❑
N
❑
(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?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification?
E
❑
❑
❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
E
❑
❑
❑
Page#
4

Permit- NCO031607 Owner - Facility. western Alamance Middle School
Inspection Date 10/18/2017 Inspection Type. Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment- Compared DMRs from 4/2017 and 10/2016.
Sludae removal - records on site dated back to 2007. Most recent removals occurred in
3/2017,10/2016, 5/2015. and 12/2014. of 1 load each.
Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
E
❑
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?
N
❑
❑
❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment. Outfall is located at 36.163488 N. 79.495154W, +/-10 feet. Outfall Is on private property, a
trail runs from the residence.
Aerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
E
❑
❑
❑
Is the mixing adequate?
E
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the odor acceptable?
N
❑
❑
❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
E
❑
❑
❑
Comment ORC said that he decants "clear" water from the digester
by pumping through a filter and
❑
❑
then directly to UV. He said that when he used to pump
back to the aeration basin or
❑
❑
❑
headworks it would cause other problems in the plant. ORC is advised to contact us for
technical assistance regarding this practice.
Pump Station - Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
N
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps dperable?
E
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
❑
❑
❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
Page# 5

I
Permit. NCO031607
Owner - Facility western Alamance Middle School
Is the basin aerated?
N
Inspection Date: 10/18/2017
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
a.Manual
❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
E
b.Mechanical
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
N ❑
❑
❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
0 ❑
❑
❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
❑
❑
❑
Is the unit in good condition?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Permit lists two bar screens. Only
the stand-alone bar screen Is in use There was a
N
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
second bar screen where the influent enters the equalization basin, but the bars have been
❑
❑
bent back.
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
0
❑
Equalization Basins
Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
E
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
N
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?-
❑
❑
❑
0
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
❑
❑
❑
N
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
N
❑
❑
❑
Comment.
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?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
E
❑
❑
❑
Is scum removal adequate?
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
❑
❑
❑
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 1/4 of the sidewall depth)
❑
❑
❑
0
Page# 6

permit- NCO031607 Owner - Facility- western Alamance Middle School
Inspection Date: 10/18/2017 Inspection Type- Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Comment: Weirs did not appear completely level. ORC said this may be deterioration due to aae This
should be monitored to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate to the point that floating sludge can
easily short circuit the clarifier
ORC did not have a sludge judge available to verify the sludge blanket depth. He said he
hasn't considered what the proper depth should be at this facility
Aeration Basins
Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Ext Air
❑
❑
Type of aeration system
Diffused
❑
❑
Is the basin free of dead spots?
N ❑
❑
❑
Are surface aerators and mixers operational?
0 ❑
❑
❑
Are the diffusers operational?
N ❑
❑
❑
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
0 ❑
❑
❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?
❑ ❑
❑
N
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3 0 mg/1)
❑ ❑
❑
0
Comment: Blowers alternate running on a 12 hour timer.
Disinfection - UV
Yes No NA NE
Are extra UV bulbs available on site?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are UV bulbs clean?
❑
❑
❑
0
Is UV intensity adequate?
❑
❑
❑
0
Is transmittance at or above designed level?
❑
❑
❑
N
Is there a backup system on site?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is effluent clear and free of solids?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment. 4 UV bulbs are in use. In case of failure. the chlorine tablets could be added to the old
chlorine contact chamber.
Laboratory
Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
N
❑
❑
❑
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
N
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
❑
❑
❑
E
Celsius)?
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44 5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
Incubator (BOD) set to 20 0 degrees Celsius +/- 10 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
Page# 7

Permit NCO031607 Owner - Facility western Alamance Middle School
Inspection Date: 10/18/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Comment.
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
❑
❑
M
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
❑
❑
❑
M
Is the tubing clean?
❑
❑
0
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
❑
❑
❑
M
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
0
❑
❑
❑
representative)?
Comment: Effluent samples are collected from a valve immediately after UV disinfection The valve
appeared to be continuously leaking when closed.
Page# 8