NC0063321_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20180829

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
2090 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-296-4500
August 29, 2018

Dan Harbaugh, Executive Director
Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority
1246 W Main St
Sylva, NC 28779

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
TWSA Plant #3 (Cashiers)
NPDES WW Permit No. NC0063321
Jackson County

Dear Mr. Harbaugh:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the TWSA Plant #3 (Cashiers)
on 8/16/2018. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0063321. Based on the on-site visit, the
facility was determined to be in compliance.

The following item was noted during the inspection:
 Staffing: ORC oversees two WWTPs approximately 50 minutes apart that require daily visitation.
Recommend additional staffing to help with general maintenance tasks.

Additional findings and comments are provided in the enclosed inspection report under Section D,
“Summary”. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-296-4500 or via
email at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Mikal Willmer, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
2090 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-296-4500
ATTACHMENTS: Compliance Inspection Report

EC: WQS-ARO Server
LF
Stan Bryson-Wastewater Operations Superintendent

20180829_NC0063321_CEI
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Form Approved.
OMB No. 2040-0057
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 N 52 NC0063321 18/08/16 C S31112171819 20
21 66
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved-------------------
N67707172 73 74 75 80
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
TWSA Plant #3
852 Cashiers Lk Rd
Cashiers NC 28717
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
10:50AM 18/08/16 17/11/01
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Ben L Henson/ORC/828-586-5189/
Other Facility Data
11:50AM 18/08/16 22/08/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Stan D Bryson,1246 W Main St Sylva NC 28779//828-586-9318/Contacted
Yes
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenance CSO/SSO(Sewer Overflow)
Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program Sludge Handling Disposal Pollution Prevention
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
Mikal Willmer Division of Water Quality//828-296-4686/
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#1
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
8/29/2018
8/29/2018
NPDES yr/mo/day
18/08/16
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Inspector Mikal Willmer, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a compliance evaluation
inspection of the TWSA #3 Plant (Cashiers WWTP) on August 17, 2018. This inspection was
conducted to determine if the plant is being operated and maintained in compliance with NPDES
Permit No. NC0063321. Ben Henson, ORC, was present and assisted in the inspection.
Overall the plant is being well maintained and operated. The facility appeared to be in compliance at the
time of the inspection. It was noted during the inspection that TWSA is in the process of converting the
effluent sampler to flow proportional. Please notify the ARO when setup is complete.
Currently Mr. Henson is the ORC for two of TWSAs WWTP. It is approximately 50 minutes one way
between facilities that require daily (5xweek) visitation. Recommend additional staffing to help with
general maintenance tasks. Additionally, TWSA's Cashiers collection system staff should review the
current FOGS education program and grease trap/interceptor pumping schedules with users. Peak
season usage in the area has introduced significant grease into the WWTP. This can have a negative
effect on equipment and biological actiivity within the facility.
NC0063321 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
Permit:NC0063321
Inspection Date:08/16/2018
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
TWSA Plant #3
Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
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?
Primarily utilizes MLSS, VSS and DO.Comment:
Permit Yes No NA NE
(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?
ORC reports he is using chlorine sticks instead of liquid chlorine.Comment:
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
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 COCs
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?
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?
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
Permit:NC0063321
Inspection Date:08/16/2018
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
TWSA Plant #3
Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
Samples are brought to TWSA laboratory at Plant #1. Raw laboratory data is maintained at
Plant #1. ORC has a Sample Analysis/Chain of Custody form he maintains on-site with
sample data, time, collector, laboratory personnel and analytical results.
Comment:
Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
Is the flow meter operational?
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
Facility utilizes a flow chart recorder and totalizer unit. Chart is used for reporting.Comment:
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected above side streams?
Is proper volume collected?
Is the tubing clean?
# 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?
Influent sampler is time composite.Comment:
Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
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?
No working floats or alarms present. Influent flow gravity feeds from the first EQ basin to the
second EQ basin. There is approximately 130,000 gallons of EQ capacity.
Comment:
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
Permit:NC0063321
Inspection Date:08/16/2018
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
TWSA Plant #3
Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext. Air
Type of aeration system Diffused
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/l)
DO levels acceptable based on ORC's process control numbers reviewed during the
inspection. Total of three blowers on-site. One blower is continuously running. ORC
alternates blower used.
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?
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?
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately ¼ of the sidewall depth)
ORC wastes from clarifier based on MLSS and Volatile numbers to maintain an appropriate
F/M ratio. Sludge level was not measured during the inspection. Two clarifiers onsite, but
ORC reports he only needs to run one.
Comment:
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)Yes No NA NE
Type of operation:Cross flow
Is the filter media present?
Is the filter surface free of clogging?
Is the filter free of growth?
Is the air scour operational?
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
Permit:NC0063321
Inspection Date:08/16/2018
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
TWSA Plant #3
Compliance Evaluation
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary)Yes No NA NE
Is the scouring acceptable?
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media?
Rotating disk filters are used. Filters have backwashing capabilities for cleaning. Do not air
scour.
Comment:
Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
Are pumps operational?
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
Comment:
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?Liquid
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?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
ORC manually adjust dechlorination feed as needed.Comment:
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational?
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?
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
Flow chart is used for reporting. Chart range is 0-666 gpm.Comment:
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
Is proper volume collected?
Page#6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
Permit:NC0063321
Inspection Date:08/16/2018
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
TWSA Plant #3
Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the tubing clean?
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
representative)?
Sample collection is currently time composite. TWSA is in the process of connecting the
effluent composite samplers to the flow meter. All wiring is run and will be connected by ISI
(calibration company).
Comment:
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
Old mixed media filter basin is used as a reaeration tank and initial chlorine contact.Comment:
Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and
sampling location)?
50' upstream and 500' downstream. New property owner downstream, but ORC reports no
issues gaining access to the sampling location.
Comment:
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available?
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
Is the generator tested under load?
Was generator tested & operational during the inspection?
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?
TWSA staff handle routine maintenance for the generator. Diesel level is maintained at or
above 50%. Self-tests under load every Wednesday at 12 in the summer and 1300 in the
winter.
Comment:
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
Is the mixing adequate?
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
Page#7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8
Permit:NC0063321
Inspection Date:08/16/2018
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
TWSA Plant #3
Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
# Is the odor acceptable?
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
Diffusers are present in the digester; however, it is being utilized as a facultative digester.
ORC reports increased solids breakdown operating the digester in this manner.
Comment:
Grease Removal Yes No NA NE
# Is automatic grease removal present?
Is grease removal operating properly?
Mr. Henson states significant grease enters the facility during summer months. Collection
system staff should review grease education and removal with restaurants in the area.
Comment:
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Are the bars adequately screening debris?
Is the screen free of excessive debris?
Is disposal of screening in compliance?
Is the unit in good condition?
ORC reports minimal debris coming into the facility due to the use of grinder pumps
throughout the collection system.
Comment:
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Number of tubes in use?
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination?
Chlorine tablets are used and added to the reaeration tank before entering the chlorine
contact chamber. Contact chamber has pumps to remove solids.
Comment:
Page#8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 77278171-CF7A-4442-9650-539263F111D8