WQ0024756_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190109

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0024756 Effective: 06/05/17 Expiration: 03/31/19 owner: Fmb at the Grove LLC
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: The Grove WWTP
County: Carteret 106 W Bogue Blvd
Region: Wilmington
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
Contact Person: Fred M Bunn Title: Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Stanley Earl Buck Certification: 993396
Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
Karrie O'Mara 14393
252-247-9167
On -Site Representative(s):
On -site representative Stanley E Buck
252-503-5307
On -site representative Karrie O'Mara
252-247-9167
Related Permits:
WQ0018525 Barnes Environmental Waste & Hauling Inc - Barnes Environmental
RLAP
WQ0032160 Fmb at the Grove LLC - The Grove Sewer System
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Entry Time: 10:30AM Exit Time:
12:OOPM
Primary Inspector: Dean Hunkele
CD— i9°ed by
1/23/2019
Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): EiD9294c4D3746E...
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type:
Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: High Rate Infiltration
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Treatment
Treatment Barscreen
Use Records
Treatment Filters Record Keeping
Treatment Activated Sludge
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Treatment Clarifiers
Treatment Disinfection
End Use -Infiltration Treatment Flow Measurement
Treatment Return pumps
Storage Standby Power
Wells
Coastal Requirements
(See attachment summary)
Page: 1

Permit: WQ0024756 Owner - Facility: Fmb at the Grove LLC
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
This compliance inspection was conducted in support of the Permittee's request for permit renewal received 12-3-2018.
A review of monitoring shows that the WWTF's effluent exceeded its Nitrate limit and the GW standard of 10 mg/L in
12-2017, but no other exceedences were noted in the past 2 years. Well #3 has had a couple of TDS values slightly above
the limit, but not deemed to be an issue. It is noted that well data appears to have not been received for Feb and June 2018,
thus these reports should be resubmitted ASAP.
The following items/issues were noted during the WWTF inspection:
Need to ensure that flow meter data is being collected via a chart or datalogger whereby data is downloaded and perserved
for at least 3 years.
The currently active version of the permit dated 6-5-2017 indicates the drip infiltration field's surface is to be comprised of tire
chips over filter cloth. If this is an error and not a required design element, then the Permittee needs to request this be
removed in the renewed permit. The field is currently covered by volunteer grasses and weeds which is surprising given the
granted request not to plant American Beach Grass in 2013 due to anticipated issues with field fouling by it. The current
permit requires the field to be free of vegetation per Condition III 3. Given its current design/installation how access to the
drip lines can be accomplished for periodic inspection and repair if necessary is unclear.
Additionally, access to the field is extremetly difficult requiring the 4-foot masonry wall to be climbed which is not acceptable
for inspection or maintenance. Thus, permanent stairs/ramp with locked gate needs to be installed. The field needs to be
posted with adequate signage identifying what the field is used for, ownership and contact info, and forbidding trespass by
unauthorized persons given its location.
Both the WWTF fencing and sewer system pump station (W00032160) need to be posted with identiying information,
ownership information, and 24-Hour emergency contact (name & full phone #) information. Neither the plant nor the pump
station have adequate lighting for security and safe access at night which should be addressed and is a requirement for the
pump station site.
A fee -based parking lot with travel lane(s) has been constructed completely around the WWTF with no dedicated space for
operations staff to park nor access at key locations by larger trucks needed to pull heavy equipment or remove sludge. This
needs to be addressed.
Page: 2

Permit: WQ0024756 Owner - Facility: Fmb at the Grove LLC
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Infiltration System
Treatment Yes No NA NE
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑
❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ 1:10 ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Calibrated on 10-31-2018. Meter is a digital totalizer and appears that it may have the ability to
datalog flows such that it can be charted. Permittee and operators need to ensure the meter
can either direcltv chart or have data downloaded at least weekly to avoid loss of too much data
should something happen. Information required to be maintained for at least 3 years.
Page: 3

Permit: WQ0024756 Owner - Facility: Fmb at the Grove LLC
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Barscreen
Yes No NA NE
Is it free of excessive debris?
❑
❑ ❑
Is disposal of screenings in compliance?
❑
❑ ❑
Are the bars spaced properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Activated Sludge
Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration basin thoroughly mixed?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration equipment easily accessed?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is Dissolved Oxygen adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Are Settleometer results acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is activated sludge an acceptable color?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment
Treatment Clarifiers
Yes No NA NE
Are the weirs level?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the weirs free of solids and algae?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system operational?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the scum removal system accessible?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket at an acceptable level?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the effluent from the clarifier free of excessive solids?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No incoming flow during visit
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page: 4

Permit: WQ0024756 Owner - Facility: Fmb at the Grove LLC
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the filter media the correct size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the clear well free of excessive solids? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mud well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does backwashing frequency appear adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Treatment Sludge Storage/Treatment Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the aeration pattern even? ❑ ❑ ❑
If required, are Sanitary "Ts" present in tankage? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Facility must hauled its first load out within the last couple of months by Barnes
Treatment Disinfection
Yes No NA NE
Is the system working?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate detention time (-30 minutes)?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the system properly maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
If gas, does the cylinder storage appear safe?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the fan in the chlorine feed room and storage area operable?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible?
❑
❑ ❑
If tablets, are tablets present?
❑
❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
❑
❑ ❑
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth?
❑
❑ ❑
If UV, are extra UV bulbs available?
❑
❑ ❑
If UV, is the UV intensity adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
# Is it a dual feed system?
❑
❑ ❑
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: Had a very high fecal at end of 5-2018, but only incidence of an exceedence
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page: 5

Permit: WQ0024756 Owner - Facility: Fmb at the Grove LLC
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are application rates adhered to?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
❑
❑ ❑
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
❑
❑ ❑ ❑
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are annual soil reports available?
❑
❑ ❑
# Are PAN records required?
❑
❑ ❑
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ ❑
Are operational logs present?
❑
❑ ❑
Are lab sheets available for review?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
❑
❑ ❑
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
❑
❑ ❑
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
❑
❑ ❑
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
❑
❑ ❑
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: Peak 2018 flow in June at approx 18K average.
Database indicates that well data not submitted
for 2-2018 and 6-2018.
End Use -Infiltration
Yes No NA NE
# Is the application High Rate or Low Rate?
High Rate
Are buffers maintained?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells required?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RIB and CB?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed, including screened interval?
❑
❑ ❑
Is a usable green area maintained?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the disposal site acceptable?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Is the distribution equipment acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Page: 6

Permit: WQ0024756 Owner - Facility: Fmb at the Grove LLC
Inspection Date: 01/09/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is the disposal site free of ponding?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal site free of breakout?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are the disposal sites free of solids, algae, etc.?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do the records show that the fields are properly maintained?
❑
❑ ❑
Are the disposal sites free of vegetation?
❑
❑ ❑
Do any surface water features appear to be adversely impacted by GW discharge?
❑
❑ ❑
No chemicals or rototiller used to eliminate vegetation, solids, algae, etc.?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: Current Dermit indicates the infiltration field is suDDosed to have filter cloth covered by tire chips
but chips not present and field covered with vegetation with no evidence of filter cloth. Field is
elevated approx 3 feet above grade and surrounded by a 4-foot masonry wall with no pate, ramp,
or stairs to access it; thus need something installed. Also, the field's wall is not posted as
required to inform the public what the area is being used for and by whom.
Coastal Requirements
Are essential treatment units provided in duplicate?
Is an adequately sized aerated equalization basin present?
If so, is it operable?
If present, are diffusers cleaned regularly?
Is the equalization capacity adequate?
Comment: EQ tank has no audible alarm and the auto-dialer/alarm relay is broken.
Yes No NA NE
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