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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0020401_Inspection_20181221NORTH CAROL NA ROY COOPER Enpiranmentaf Qualfiry Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary LINDA CULPEPPER Director 21 December 2018 Mr. Shawn Pennell Assistant Public Services Director/Public Utilities City of Hickory Post Office Box 398 Hickory, North Carolina 28603 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection City of Hickory/Northeast WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO020401 Catawba County Dear Mr. Pennell: Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the subject facility on December 5, 2018, by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Please inform the facility's Operator -in -Responsible Charge (ORC) of our findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report. Should you have any questions concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at (704) 235-2192, or via email at wes.bell(cr�,ncdenr.gov. Enclosure: Inspection Report Sincerely, [DocuSigned by: II-04 v N PU14 F161 FB69A2D84A3... for W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ E11-� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources 610 East Center Avenue I Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.663.1699 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 I 3 I NCO020401 111 12 I 18/12/05 I17 18 I S i 19 i G i 201 I 211111 I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I f6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved ------------------- 67 2.0 70 71 [.. I 72 73 L_LJ74 751 I I I I I I I80 u u 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 oermit Number) 09:30AM 18/12/05 16/11/01 Northeast WWTP 310 Cloninger Mill Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Hickory NC 28601 12:40PM 18/12/05 20/04/30 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Keith Douglas Rhyne/ORC/828-322-5075/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Kevin B Greer,PO Box 398 Hickory NC 286030398/Public Services Director/828-323-7500/8283221405 No 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 EDoby: 12/20/2018 Wes Bell �� �� MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ A61696D90CC343T Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers DocuSigned by: Date *-. w H �+.uft 12/20/2018 Andrew Pitner MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.21 EF1611`1369AMUAI. . EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO020401 I11 121 18/12/05 117 18 JCJ Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) Page# Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP 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 ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ application? 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The last compliance evaluation inspection was performed by DWR staff on 1/24/17. 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)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 CM 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs) were reviewed for the period November 2017 through October 2018. No effluent limit violations were reDorted and all monitorina freauencies were correct. Laboratory Yes No NA NE Page# 3 Permit: NCO020401 Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Influent and effluent analyses (including field) are performed under the City of Hickory's Regional Laboratory Certification #203. Pace Analytical Services, Inc. (metals, PPA), Statesville Analytical (color), R&A Labs (chlorophyll -a), and Blue Ridge Labs (cyanide) have also been contracted to provide analytical support. Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE # Is composite sampling flow proportional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sample collected above side streams? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Celsius)? Is sampling performed according to the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires influent BOD and TSS composite samples. Monthly aliquot calibrations are performed and documented. The sampler was collecting 130 ml. aliquots and the internal ambient sampler temperature was less than four degrees Celsius. Effluent Sampling Is composite sampling flow proportional? Is sample collected below all treatment units? 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 the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type representative)? • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. Monthly aliquot calibrations are performed and documented. The sampler was collecting 130 mi. aliquots and the internal ambient sampler temperature was less than four degrees Celsius. Page# 4 Permit: NCO020401 Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: The wastewater treatment facilitv armeared to be DroDerly oDerated and well maintained The ORC and staff implement a comprehensive process control program with all measurements being properly documented and maintained on -site. The facility is equipped with a SCADA system that is accessible at several locations throughout the plant site. The odor control systems for the influent pump station, grit removal facility, RASMAS pump building, scum/sludge storage tank, and sludge thickening building were operational and in Bar Screens Yes No NA NE Type of bar screen 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on 8/15/18 by Diversified Integration, Inc. Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the wet well free of excessive grease? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Type of grit removal a.Manual ❑ b.Mechanical Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the grit free of excessive odor? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is disposal of grit in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Screenings and grit are disposed at the County Landfill. Oxidation Ditches Yes No NA NE Are the aerators operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are settleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 ml/I in 30 minutes) ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Both oxidation ditches were operational: however. one ditch was in service due to low influent flows. Each oxidation ditch is equipped with anaerobic and anoxic basins (all operational). Sodium hydroxide is available for alkalinitV/pH adjustments. Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO020401 Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Secondary Clarifier 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? Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/ of the sidewall depth) Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: All three secondary clarifiers were operational; however, two secondaries were in service. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Disinfection -Gas Yes No NA NE Are cylinders secured adequately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs 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? Comment: Two of three chlorine contact chambers were in service. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0020401 Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation De -chlorination Yes No NA NE # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Number of tubes in use? 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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The effluent appeared slightly turbid with trace suspended solids and no foam. Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE Is the equipment operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chemical feed equipment operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake? ❑ ❑ ❑ The facility has an approved sludge management plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Both gravity belt thickeners were operational; however, the treatment units were not in service at the time of the inspection. Thickened wastewater solids are transported to the Regional Compost Facility for further treatment/processing. 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 & 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 8 Permit: NC0020401 Inspection Date: 12/05/2018 Standby Power Owner - Facility: Northeast WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Yes No NA NE Comment: Both generators (1-main plant and 1-influent pump station) were operational and in service. The generators are tested weekly and placed under load monthly. A contracted company (Clark Power & Generation) services the generators. Page#