NC0026441_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190604

ROY COOPER
Cnvetnor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Sccrc'ory
LINDA CULPEPPER
A-, ".I -
Mr. Bryan Thompson
Town Manager
Town of Siler City
PO Box 769
Siler City, NC 27344
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 4, 2019
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Siler City Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
NPDES Permit No. NCO026441
Chatham County
Dear Mr. Thompson:
On May 10, 2019, Cheng Zhang of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) conducted a compliance
evaluation inspection of the subject facility. The assistance provided by Mr. Chris
McCorquodale, the operator in responsible charge (ORC), and Ms. Britney York, the interim
Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, was greatly appreciated as it facilitated the
inspection process. The inspection report is attached. The following observations were made:
Siler City WWTP is permitted to discharge at a rate of 4.0 MGD and consists of: automatic
and manual bar screens, grit collection unit, influent pump station, influent equalization basin
(Zone 2), dual oxidation ditches with surface jet aeration, flow splitter box, alum feed station,
lime feed station, dual secondary clarifiers, dual aerobic digesters, sludge transfer station,
dissolved air flotation (DAI=) unit (Used as needed), sludge thickener basin, influent
equalization or sludge storage basins (Zone 3 A & B used as needed), four tertiary filters,
filter backwash sasin, gaseous chlorine disinfection, chlorine contact chamber, gaseous sulfur
dioxide dechlorination, and step -aeration. The facility discharges into Loves Creek, which is
classified C waters in the Cape Fear Basin.
1. The current permit was modified on April 40, 2019 and expired on May 31, 2019. An
interim total nitrogen load limit was added in the modified permit (effective from January
'14orIh ( ar4.11w I)r11a1 t!rI ni oI IFV,i.U1AT! 1'( 1 11 Qt1,city [)i':i.,iOn )f VV. ttrr A,,it! IItCCs
�� 1,1.r 14, RI ui mal l)i:u:1 r)U 8.irri t! I)1lvr Rtdrigli. N'01III ("dMI :rrr 2iMl+)

1,2020 through December 31, 2022). Lower total nitrogen load limit will become
-�---- eff�cCive-on January 1, 2023.
2. At the time of inspection, all listed treatment units were in operable conditions. Some
treatment units (equalization basins and DAF unit) were not in use. The plant experienced
multiple cadmium violation in the past years, the issue appeared solved after polymer was
fed to clarifier spiitter box.
3. Wasted activated sludge is treated in the two aerobic digesters, and thickened in the
sludge thickener basin. Final sludge is hauled away for land application.
4. The ORC maintains a daily logbook. Lab results, chain -of -custody forms, and DMRs
were complete and current, kept in good order and ready for review. February 2019 DMR
data were compared to lab bench sheets; no data transcription errors were noted. Influent
and effluent flow meters were calibrated annually.
5. The right of way to the outfall was well maintained. No visible impacts were noted
immediately downstream the effluent pipe.
6. Field lab parameter (Certificate No. 132) calibration and analysis records were reviewed
during the inspection.
If you have any questions regarding the attached reports or any of the findings, please contact
Cheng Zhang at: [phone] (or email: cheng.zhang a ncdenr.gov).
Sincerely,
Ri k olich, L.G.
Assistant Supervisor
Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office
ATTACIINILNTS
Compliance Inspection Reports
Cc: Central Files w'attachment
Raleigh Regional Office w/attachment
Chris McCorquodale, Town of Siler City (electronic copy only)

United Stases Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved
EPA Washington, D C 2046p 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 micilday inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 (ti ( 2 u 3 NCO026441 Ill 12 19/05/10 17 18 Ld 19 I .c =1 I 20 IJ
21 L! !6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 OA Reserved
67 70 u 71 ty1 t 72 t LVI 73 I I 174 75Ill 80
Section 8: Facility Data � I I I
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)
11 00AM 19/05110 t 9 O5 0i
Siler City WWTP
Y'tV 12— iExit TimelDatement an Permit Expiration Date
Siler City NC 27344 01 30PM 19/05110 19;05f31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)ffitles(syPhone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
/if
Christopher Michael McCarquodalelORC191 g-742.45811
Name, Address of Responsible OfficialffitlelPhone and Fax Number
Bryan Thompsan,PO Box 769 Siler City NC 27344/Fown Contacted
Manager1919-742-473119196633874 No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Flow Measurement E Operations 8 Maintenance E Records/Reports
Self -Monitoring Program Sludge Handling Disposal E Facility Site Review N Effluent/Receiving Waters
Laboratory
Section D: Summary of FindinglComments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(%) AgencylOfficelPhone and Fax Numbers Date
Cheng Zhang l RRO W011919.791.42001
Gk
Signature of Manageme O A R iewer Agencyl0fficelPhone and Fax Numbers Da
�r
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete,
Page#

Permit: NCOD26441 owner • Facility: der City yW1 TP
Inspection Date: 05110/2019 Inspection Type: Campl ante 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?
Comment: Facility analyzes MLSS. MCRT, settleable solids, pH. DO, and sludge blankets for process
control.
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
❑
❑
e
❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection-,
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment; Current permit expires on May 31, 2019
Flow Measurement - Influent
Yes No NA NE
# Is flow meter used for reporting?
❑
❑
❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually?
❑
❑
❑
Is the flow meter operational?
M
❑
❑
❑
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: Calibrated quarterly, last calibrated on 217/2019.
Pumn Station - Influent
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures?
N
❑
110
Is the wet well free of excessive grease?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are all pumps operable?
❑
❑
❑
Are float controls operable?
❑
❑
❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational?
❑
Cl
0
❑
Comment: Four pumps pump to oxidation ditches or equaliztion basins.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
Page# 3

Permit.- NC0026441
Inspection Date; OS11012019
Owner -Facility, 5iler City V11WTP
Inspection Type• Compliance Evaluation
Bar Screens
Yes No NA NE
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?
Comment: Manual bar screen as backup,
Grit Removal
Yes No NA NE
Type of grit removal
a.Manual
b.Mechanical
Is the grit free of excessive organic matter?
El
El
C1
Is the grit free of excessive odor?
El
El
F1
# Is disposal of grit in compliance?
Comment:
Equalization Basins
Yes No NA NE
Is the basin aerated?
0❑
11
❑
Is the basin free of bypass lines or structures to the natural environment?
M
El
❑
El
Is the basin free of excessive grease?
0
El❑
❑
Are all pumps present?
Are all pumps operable?
M
Are float controls operable?
Are audible and visual alarms operable?
El
❑
0
❑
# Is basin size/volume adequate?
0❑
D
El
Comment: Four EQ basins Zone 2 basin was in use Zone 3A 3B
and Zone 4 basins were not in use.
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Are the aerators operational?
0
El
0
El
Are the aerators free of excessive solids build up?
# Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process?
Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface?
Page# 4

Permit: NCO026441 Owner - Facility: Stier City WWTP
Inspection Date: 05110/2019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Oxidation Ditches
Yes No NA NE
Is the DO level acceptable?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are setlleometer results acceptable (> 30 minutes1l
0
❑
❑
❑
1s the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg11)
0
❑
❑
❑.
Are settelometer results acceptable?(400 to 800 mill in 30 minutes)
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment; Two oxidation ditches.
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of weir blockage?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is scum removal adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the drive unit operational?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/, of the sidewall depth)
M❑
❑
❑
Comment Two secondary clarifiers.
Pumps-RAS-WAS
Yes No NA NE
Are pumps in place?
M
❑
❑
❑
Are pumps operational?
0
❑
❑
❑
Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site?
0
❑
❑
❑
Comment- Three RAS-WAS Dumas.
Filtration (Hi-gh Rate Tertiaryl
Yes No NA NE
Type of operation.
Up flow
Is the filler media present?
M ❑
❑
❑
Is the filter surface free of clogging?
M ❑
❑
❑
Is the filter free of growth?
N ❑
❑
❑
Is the air scour operational?
N ❑
❑
❑
Is the scouring acceptable?
M ❑
❑
❑
Page# 5

Permit: NCO026441 Owner- Facility: Siler City WWrP
Inspection Dale: 051012oig Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE
Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? 00 ❑ ❑
Comment: Backwash at head loss of 10'.
Disinfection -Gas
Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately?
❑
❑
❑
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight?
❑
❑
❑
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant?
❑
❑
❑
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?
❑
❑
❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 Ibs of Chlorine (CAS No. 7792-50-5)?
Cl
❑
❑
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?
C-�6"20r;2-D1
r
Comment:
De -chlorination
Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?
Gas
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?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: Sulfur dioxide gas is used for de -chlorination.
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
❑
❑
❑
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Laboratory
Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory?
■
❑
❑
❑
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Is the facility using a contract lab?
E❑
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
Page# 6

Permit: NCO02644 t owner - Facility: Siler City VVWTP
Inspection Date: 0511012019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +1- 1.0 degrees? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Influent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
# Is composite sampling flow proportional?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is sample collected above side streams?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is proper volume collected?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is the tubing clean?
M
Cl
❑
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
M
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit?
M
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
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
0
❑
❑
❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency sampling type
■
❑
❑
❑
representative)?
Comment:
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? M ❑ ❑ ❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Comment:
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is all required information readily available. complete and current? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 7

Permit NCO026441 Owner -Facility- 5iler City VVWrP
Inspection Date: 0511012019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keening
Yes No NA NE
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 classificat on?
❑
❑
❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the fac lity classificaton?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
M❑
❑
❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
0
❑
❑
❑
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?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: Calibrated guarterly, last calibrated on 21712019.
Aerobic Digester
Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the mixing adequate?
.
❑
❑
❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank?
❑
❑
❑
# Is the odor acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
# Is tankage available for properly waste sludge?
❑
❑
❑
Page# 8

Permit: NC0026441 Owner • Facility: Siler City WWTP
Inspection Date: 0511012019 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Comment:
Chemical Feed
1s containment adequate?
Is storage adequate?
Are backup pumps available?
Is the site free of excessive leaking?
Comment: Alum and polymer are fed into clarifier Witter box.
Yes No NA NE
M ❑ ❑ ❑
M ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
M ❑ ❑ ❑
f ageiJ 1

Regional Inspectors' Checklist for Field Parameters
rrhis checklist is to be completed during regional plant inspections for Field Laboratories. denoted by certification numbers in the 5000s.)
Facility Name: ,'1zr c , t vjtv-,r I Regional Plant inspector: cfh v-,� Zk A. }
Permit #: VC v0 -zb 4q V I Regional Inspector Contact #: I t 7 g 1 — 4r2-3
Field Lab Certification #: 3 2—
Lab Contact: 14,11
Ke ion: Kc,t4r%h
Date: S / ( D / z. 0 t
I. Check the parameter(s) performed at this site for reporting purposes.
® Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) Temperature (TEMP) ❑ Specific Conductance (SC)
pH Dissolved Oxygen (DO) ❑ Settleable Residue (SETT)
II. General Laborato note any exceptions in section XI
Are instruments, meters, probes, photometric cells, etc. maintained in good condition? 1 © Yes ❑ No
Are standards, reagents and consumables used within manufacturer expiration dates? I © Yes ❑ No
RC gel standard is exempt.]
Are the following items documented (q where applicable):
Item
Date of sample collection*
Time of sample collection"
Sample collector's initials or
Date of sample analysis*
Time of sample analysis*
Analyst initials or signature
Sample site i.e., facility name
Instrument ID
Parameter
Data qualifiers, when re uirec
*Date and time of sample collection
TRC
ature
J
location, ID, etc.
and analysis may be the same for in situ or on -site me surements.
Ill. Total Residual Chlorine — reference method:
Total Residual Chlorine meter make and model: HA c' 'PvDv
Is a check standard analyzed each day of use? Circle one: el o li ui standard
Does the check standard recover within ±10% of the known value? t:-. ?j,," c
What is the assi ned/observed value of the daily check standard? w,' 41) :,--tj a 7a
Is a 5-standard calibration verificationperformed? Note date of last verification:
Alternatively, does the lab construct a linear regression, using 5 standards, to calculate
results? Note date of last calibration curve constructed: r �,
True values: Z pg/L mgll_ D •� a : � 3— G . 1 v . — 1—
Obtained values: ® pg/L ®mg/L _0� o i
What program are samples analyzed on? To
Are results reported in proper units? Check one: IL ❑ m /L
Are results reported between the facility's permit limit and the compliance limit of 50 11
Are results less than the low standard reported as "max", where x=1ow standard conc.?
Is DPD/buffer added within 15 minutes of collection?
Is a post -analysis check standard analyzed if samples are analyzed at multiple sites?
IV. pH -- reference method: - -
pH meter manufacturer and model: CQl-,rr f X L 23'o
Is the pH meter calibrated with at least 2 buffers per mfg's instructions each day of use?
Note buffers used: r o
Is the pH meter calibration checked with an additional buffer prior to sample analysis?
Note check buffer used:
Does the check buffer read within t0.1 S.U. of the known value?
Are the following items documented:
Meter calibration?
Check buffer readin s ?
Are samples analyzed within 15 minutes of collection? W ; n l 7 rn; •,rrtu
Are sample results renorieri to n 1 nH rinitc nn tho =nRAPI
NIA
N Yes ❑ No
:fu,L1XJ Yes L1 No
❑ Yes No
(�] Yes ❑ No
L(k Yes ❑ No
?
Yes ❑ No
Yes ❑ No
®Yes ElNo
❑Yes [I No
A
[� Yes ❑ No
❑,Yes ElNo
(� Yes ❑ No
Yes ❑ No
El Yes ❑ No
::Mo.
Yes No
..

V. Temperature — reference method:
What instrument(s) is used to measure temperature? Check all that apply: Lj pH meter
® DO meter ❑ Conductivity meter ❑ Digital thermometer ❑ Glass thermometer
Is the instrument/thermometer calibration checked at least annually against a NIST
traceable thermometer? `2_/lI' / zo 1 1
r%71 Yes
❑ No
Is NIST traceability documentation maintained on site?
Yes
❑ No
Are samples measured within 15 minutes? 'n j ,' fL-,.,
Yes
Li No
Are sample results reported in degrees C?
M Yes
L1 No
VI. Dissolved Oxygen — reference method:
DO meter make and model: -r%7 D-a
Is the air calibration of the DO meter performed each day of use?
ai Yes
❑ No
Is meter calibration documented?
Yes
❑ No
Are samples analyzed within 15 minutes of collection?
Yes
Lj No
Are results reported in m /L?
®Yes
Na
If samples are analyzed at multiple sites, is the meter recalibrated at each site or a post -
analysis calibration verificationperformed? N
❑ Yes
❑ No
Does the post -analysis verification theoretical value agree within 0.5 mg/L of the meter
calibration reading? Nf3
❑ Yes
❑ No
Vll. Conductivity — reference method,
Conductivity meter make and model:
Is the meter calibrated daily according to the manufacturer's instructions? Note standard
Yes
No
used this is generally a one -point calibration):
Is a daily check standard analyzed? Note value:
❑ Yes
❑ No
Is meter calibration documented?
Lj Yes
❑ No
Are samples analyzed within 28 days of collection?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Is a post -analysis check standard analyzed if multiple samples are analyzed?
Are results reported in mhos/cm some meters display equivalent S/cm units)?
❑Yes
❑ No
VIII. Settleable Residue — reference method:
Does the laboratory have an Imhoff Cone in good condition?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Is the sample settled for 1 hour?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Is the sample aitated after 45 minutes?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Are the following items documented:
Volume of sample analyzed? Note volume analyzed must use 1 L :
❑ Yes
❑ No
Date and time of sample analysis(settling start time)?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Time of agitation after 45 minutes of settling?
❑ Yes
No
Sam le analysis completion(settling end time)?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Are samples analyzed within 48 hours of collection?
❑ Yes
❑ No
Are results reported in ml/L?
❑ Yes
❑ No
IX. Was a paper trail (comparing contract lab and on -site data to DMRs)
Yes
No
performed? If so, list months reviewed: Zi -7-�
X. Is follow-up by the Laborator y Certification program recommended?
&Yes
No
Xl. Additional comments:
Please submit a copy of this completed form to the Laboratory Certification program at:
DWR Lab Certification, Water Sciences Section, 1623 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC, 27699-1623
Electronic copies may be emailed to dana.satterwhite cD_ncdenr.gov.
Revision 4/2018