NC0044440_NOV2018PC0023_20180118

watt' -Resources
EN 11 SR 0 N P1; E N T A� .^y ien! 'TY
CERTIFIED MAIL # 70151370 0000 2595 7443
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Larry Wright, Plant Supervisor
City of Cherryville
116 South Mountain Street
Cherryville, NC 28021
Dear Mr. Wright.
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Interim Director
January 31, 2018 RECEIVEMENR/DWR
FEB 0 6 2018
Water Resources
Permitting Section
Subject: Notice of Violation
Compliance Inspection
NOV-2018-PC-0023
City of Cherryville WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NCO044440
Gaston County
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Sampling Inspection for the inspection conducted
at the subject facility on January 30, 2017, by Ori Tuvia and Maria Schutte. Your 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 discovered during the inspection is that the facility has not
conducted quarterly hardness sampling (Effluent and upstream) for the quarter ending in
September 2017 and hardness sampling (upstream) for the quarter ending in December 2017.
Please be advised that this letter is a Notice of Violation. You are requested to respond to
this Notice in writing within fifteen (15) days of receipt indicating your Plan of Action to ensure
future compliance. This Plan of Action should include a timeline within which the items will be
adequately addressed. Failure to respond and/or failure to resolve the violations could subject
you for further action by the Division of Water Resources.
Mooresville Regional Office

The report should be self-explanatori; however, should you have any questions
concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at [phone], or at
ori.tuvia a.ncdenr.Qgov.
Since ely,
0'Z' W. Corey Basinger
Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources
Cc: NPDES Unit
MRO Files
Gaston county Health Department

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 1 2 15 1 3 I NCO044440 111 121 18/01/30 I17 18 I S I 19 ICI 20I
21111111 11111111111 1111111 1 111111 11111111111 166
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA -----Reserved —
72 LNJ 73 I74 751 I I I I 1 _jj80
67 10 70 LJ 71 [n_j
Section B FacilityData
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)
09 45AM 18/01/30
17/08/01
Cherryville WWTP
736 Tot Dellinger Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Cherryville NC 28021
12 45P 18/01/30
20/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
///
Larry Gene Wright/ORC/704-435-1739/
Name, Address of Responsible OfficiaVTitle/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Ben Blackburn, 116 S Mountain St Cherryville NC 280213421/City
No
Managerl704-435-1711 /7044359933
Section C Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance 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
Maria Schutte -- —_— Division of Water Quality//704-663-1699,
On A Tuvia _-� - MRO WQ//704-663-1699/ j
Signature of Manage Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Vent
Andrew Pitner MRO WQH704-663-1699 Ext 21
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete
Page#

NPDES yr/mo/day nspection Type
31 NCO044440 111 121 18/01/30 117 18ICI
Section D Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Page#

I
Permit NCO044440 Owner - Facility Cherryville WWTP
Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
0
❑
Inspection Date 01/30/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
❑
0
❑
❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab reg required 5 years)?
M
❑
Permit
Yes
No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less) Has the permittee submitted a new
❑
❑
M
❑
application?
❑
❑
❑
Dates, times and location of sampling
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the Inspector granted access to all areas for Inspection?
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment The subiect permit expires on July 31, 2020. Under the permit (effective August 1,
2017) the
facility is required to conduct quarterly Hardness sampling of effluent (composite sample)
and upstream (grab sample)
Are DMRs complete do they include all permit parameters?
0
❑
❑
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?
❑
0
❑
❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab reg required 5 years)?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the chain -of -custody complete?
0
❑
❑
❑
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 COCs
Are DMRs complete do they include all permit parameters?
0
❑
❑
❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
0
❑
❑
❑
(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator
❑
❑
M
❑
on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current?
0
❑
❑
❑
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?
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
❑
❑
❑
Page# 3

Permit: NCO044440
Inspection Date 01/30/2018
Record Keeping
Owner -Facility Cherryville WWTP
Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Yes No NA NE
Comment At the time of the Inspection it was discovered that the facility has not conducted quarterl
hardness sampling (Effluent and upstream) for the quarter ending in September 2017 and
hardness sampling (upstream) for the quarter ending in December 2017. Hardness
sampling was added to the facility monitoring requirements on the recent permit effective
August 1 2017 Otherwise, the records reviewed during the Inspection were organized and
well maintained The ORC and staff have implemented a commendable record keeping
system. DMRs COCs Calibration logs ORC visitation logs and process control records,
were reviewed for the period December 2016 through September 2017
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6 0 degrees
M
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
M
❑
❑
❑
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44 5 degrees Celsius+/- 0 2 degrees?
❑
❑
M
❑
Incubator (BOD) set to 20 0 degrees Celsius +/-1 0 degrees?
❑
❑
M
❑
Comment On-site field analyses (dissolved oxygen, PH, total residual chlorine, temperature)
are
performed under the facility's laboratory certification #164 Mentech Labs (BOD, TSS,
ammonia fecal coliform nutrients toxicity) has also been contracted to provide
analytical
support The laboratory instrumentation used for field analyses appeared to be properly
calibrated/verified and documented
Influent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected above side streams?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Is proper tymperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6 0 degrees
M
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment The subject permit requires influent composite BOD and TSS samples
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubirg clean?
0
❑
❑
❑
Page# 4

Permit NCO044440 Owner -Facility Cherryville WWTP
Inspection Date 01/30/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6 0 degrees 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type N ❑ ❑ ❑
representative)?
Comment The subject permit requires effluent composite and arab samples The ORC and staff
perform periodic aliquot verifications on the composite sampler (Influent and effluent)
whenever tubing is replaced (about every 3 months)
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
sampling location)?
Comment
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 The facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained The ORC and staff
incorporate a comprehensive process control program with all measurements being_
Properly documented and maintained on-site The facility is equipped with a computer
monitoring system to assist the wastewater staff in the operation/tracking of treatment
equipment/processes
Bar Screens
Type of bar screen
Yes No NA NE
a Manual
b Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
E
❑
❑
❑
Is the unit in good condition?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment A new mechanical bar screen was installed since the past inspection The new bar screen
has greatly reduced the debris observed in the downstream treatment units
Grit Removal
Type of grit removal
a Manual
b Mechanloal
Yes No NA NE
El
Page# 5

Permit NCO044440 Owner -Facility
Inspection Date 01/30/2018 Inspection Type
Cherrywlle WVVrP
Compliance Evaluation
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
N
❑
Grit Removal
Yes No NA NE
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter's
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Is disposal of grit In compliance?
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment Screenings and grit are disposed at the County Landfill
M
❑
❑
❑
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?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps ooerable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is audible and %jIsual alarm available and operational?
❑
❑
❑
0
Comment The influent pump station has the capatility of diverting influent flows (via
gravity line)
to an
0
❑
equalization basin (lagoon) during high flow events/emergency conditions
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
N
❑
❑
❑
# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
N
❑
❑
❑
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the DO level acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
0
Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)?
❑
❑
❑
0
Is the DO leve acceptable?(1 0 to 3 0 mg/1)
❑
❑
0
❑
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes)
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment The facility is equipped with dual oxidation ditches however, only one train was in service
due to low influent flows The facility staff were In the process of rehabbing one of the two
rotor assemblies
Sodium hydroxide is added on an as -needed basis to maintain appropriate alkalinity/pH
levels
Secondary Clarifier
Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids In center well of circular clarifier?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are weirs level?
0
❑
❑
❑
Page# 6

1
Permit NCO044440
Owner - Facility
Cherryville WWTP
Pumps -RAS -WAS
Inspection Date 01/30/2018
Inspection Type
Compliance Evaluation
❑
❑
❑
Secondary Clarifier
0
Yes No NA NE
Is the site free of weir blockage?
❑
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is scum removal adequate?
E
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the drive unit operational?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately
'/< of the sldewall depth)
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment The facilitv Is equipped with two secondary clarifiers, however, only one clarifier was in
service due to the low flow
Pumps -RAS -WAS
Yes No NA NE
Are pumps In place?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are pumps operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
N
❑
❑
❑
Comment
Disinfection -Gas
Are cylinders secured adequately?
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight?
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
Is the level of chlonne residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 lbs of Chlorine (CAS No 7782-50-5)?
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?
Yes No NA NE
E ❑ ❑ ❑
E ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ■ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment The chlorination/dechlorination systems are serviced annually by a contracted company
De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ❑ ❑ E ❑
Page# 7

Permit NCO044440 Owner -Facility CherryvdleWWfP
Inspection Date 01/30/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? M ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is de-chlorina`ion substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are tablet de-chlonnators operational? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Number of tubes In use?
Comment
Flow Measurement - Effluent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow mete- used for reporting?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
M
❑
❑
❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment The flow meter is calibrated twice per year by CTS. Inc
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
❑
❑
❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operatl-ig properly?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment. The effluent appeared clear with no fioatable solids or foam
The receiving stream did
not
❑
❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
M
❑
❑
❑
appear to be negatively impacted
Aerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the mixing adequate?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming In the tank?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the odor acceptable?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment Aerobicallv digested bio -solids are land applied by a contracted company (Svnagro) under
the authority of Permit No W00000430
Lagoons Yes No NA NE
Type of lagoons?
# Number of lagoons in operation at time of visit?
Page# 8

Permit NC0044440 Owner -Facility Cherryvdle WWTP
Inspection Date 01/30/2018 Inspection Type Compliance Evaluation
La -goons Yes No NA NE
Are lagoons operated In?
# Is a re -circulation line present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is lagoon free of excessive floating materials?
N
❑
❑
❑
# Are baffles between ponds or effluent baffles adjustable?
❑
❑
M
❑
Are dike slopes clear of woody vegetation?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are weeds controlled around the edge of the lagoon?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are dikes free of seepage?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are dikes free of erosion?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are dikes free of burrowing animals?
M
❑
❑
❑
# Has the sludge blanket In the lagoon (s) been measured periodically In multiple
❑
❑
periodically serviced
❑
locations?
# If excessive algae Is present, has barley straw been used to help control the growth?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is the lagoon surface free of weeds?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the lagoon free of short circuiting?
❑
❑
N
❑
Comment
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
N
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested by Interrupting primary power source?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator tested under load?
M
❑
❑
❑
Was generator tested & operational during the Inspection?
❑
❑
❑
0
Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
El
El
El
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment The standby generator is both tested under load (quarterly basis) and
periodically serviced
by a contracted company
Page# 9