WQ0023261_Inspection_20190312

DocuSign Envelope ID:OEA87337-A66C-4268-BF21-BC8081877C1F
ROY COOPED
C:�Crry�r
MICHAEL S.R.EGAN .� .
Seer'etQry
LINDA CULPF-PPER NORTH CAROLINA
arrm r Environmental Quallry
March 22, 2019
Edward M Caron
Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
228 Georgetown Rd
Jacksonville, NC 28540
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Swansboro WWTF
Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0023261
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Swansboro WWTF on
3/12/2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0023261. The findings and
comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report
entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.
North Carol"DepsrtmentofEnvironmeatedQua;ity I DWsiorof Water Resources
1i'drnington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinai DFive Extension 11451m:ngton, North Caroma 25405
910-796-7215

DocuSign Envelope ID:OEA87337-A66C-4268-BF21-BC8081877C1F
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Perez with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
E3ABA14AC7DC434...
Morella Sanchez-King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Uploaded to Laserfiche
Mike Lutz — electronic copy
NorthCaroTinaDepartrnentoffnvironmeatadQaadity I Diuisianof Water Resources
Z��p Wilmington Reg•3reIQf i-e 1 127 Cardinr lDriveExtension I Wilwngton. North Caro:ma734CZ
910-796-7215

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0023261 Effective: 10/01/15 Expiration: 09/30/20 owner: Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Swansboro WWTF
County: Onslow 199 Williams Rd
Region: Wilmington
Swansboro NC 28584
Contact Person: Edward M Caron Title: Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
Approximately 0.25 miles southeast of the intersection of SR 1511 and SR 1512 at the Town of Swansboro WWTP site and also
northeast of the intersection of SR 1432 adn SR 1744
System Classifications: WW3•,
Primary ORC: Michael Keith Lutz Certification: 1005688 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On-Site Representative(s):
On-site representative Michael K Lutz 910-937-7563
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Entry Time: 10:OOAM Exit Time: 12:30PM
Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
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
Standby Power Coastal Requirements
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQ0023261 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Swansboro WWTF was conducted on 03-12-2019. The purpose of the evaluation was
to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Permit WQ0023261. Mike
Lutz, ORC,was present during the inspection.
This facility is a dual oxidation ditch treatment process, and disposal includes four infiltration basins located approximately
9 miles off site. Currently,the facility is treating an average of 400,000gpd of the 600,000gpd permitted flow.The facility is
well maintained. Records are detailed and organized and include daily/weekly task check sheets and monthly data
computer spreadsheets to monitor plant operations.There are 3 SCADA control panels located throughout the facility to
make plant adjustments. Because the SCADA system is not tied to the main ONWASA SCADA system,a Verbatum call
out system is in place to alert operators of alarms.
The facility is compliant with non-discharge permit WQ0023261. Please review the comment sections of the inspection
report for more details.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQ0023261 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type Yes No NA NE
Reuse(Quality) ❑
Lagoon Spray, LR ❑
Single Family Spray, LR ❑
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: Oxidation ditch #1 is currently down for repair.
Treatment Flow Measurement-Influent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The flowmeter was calibrated on 12-05-2018 by Carolina Technical Services. This meter is not
used for reporting.
Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the daily average values properly calculated? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The flowmeter was calibrated on 12-05-2018 by Carolina Technical Services.
Standby Power
Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQ0023261 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is automatically activated standby power available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The generator is tested under load every Monday.
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: The headworks consists of a Lakside Raptor mechanical screen with screw conveyer and a
Lakeside Raptor grit classifier, which automatically run every 4 hours. A bypass channel with a
manuel barscreen is also available.
Treatment Activated Sludqe 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The dual oxidation ditches can run in parallel or in series. Rotor brushes are controlled by
variable frequency drives and number of rotors in service. Currently, oxidation ditch#1 was off
line for repair work. Process control includes influent sampling, settleometer, and MLSS. The
ORC also has access to lab results on the ONWASA central lab computer.
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All three clarifiers are peripheral feed. Weirs are cleaned once a week. Daily operation check
sheets document monitoring of sludge blanket, RAS and WAS.
Treatment Return pumps Yes No NA NE
Are they in place? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are they operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No comment.
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQ0023261 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Treatment Filters Yes No NA NE
Is the filter media present? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The dual Aquadisk rotating cloth filters are automatically backwashed approximately once per
hour. The filter tanks are cleaned once a week with a bleach solution. Effluent from the filters
was clear with no solids observed.
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: The facility has an aerobic digester and a larger sludge holding tank with a sludge truck loading
station. Solids are removed from the holding tank 2-3 times a year by Lewis Farms. Inc.
Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE
Is the system working? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chlorinator accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑
If tablets,are tablets present? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
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?(1 000 )
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: The facility has 3 UV banks. A new electrical panel for the UV system was installed recently.
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQ0023261 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR? ❑ ❑ ❑
NDAR? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: Operation/maintenance logs were organized and complete. Daily and weekly data sheets are
entered into computer spreadsheets for monitoring plant operations. Since the last inspection in
2017, there have been 3 limit violations issued for fecal and 2 violations for TSS. There have
been no violations for groundwater or surface water monitoring. The effluent pump station basin
was bypassed in September, 2018, during Hurricane Florence, spilling -5000gal into Foster
Creek.
End Use-Infiltration Yes No NA NE
#Is the application High Rate or Low Rate? Low Rate
Are buffers maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is municipal water available in the area? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQ0023261 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 03/12/2019 Inspection Type:Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Are GW monitoring wells required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/respect to RIB and CB? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are GW monitoring wells properly constructed,including screened interval? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a usable green area maintained? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the disposal site acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the distribution equipment acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑
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.? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Infiltration site has 3 wells for groundwater monitoring as well as a surface water monitoring
sampling point. Measurement of application to the 4 basins is calculated using a formula sheet
based on percentage. A valve at each basin allows manual control of application load. Some
woody vegetation was observed on the berms of the basins. A reminder, the permit states that
trees, shrubs and other woody vegetation shall not be allowed to prow on the earthen dikes or
embankments.
Coastal Requirements Yes No NA NE
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The influent is pumped to the equalization basin before it is fed into the headworks system
causing raps and grit build up. The staff maintains the basin bV pulling the aerator out 2-3 times a
year to remove raps and cleans the grit out of the EQ tank once a year.
Page 7 of 7