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Home My WebLink AboutNC0020664_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190619 June 19, 2019 Scott Webber, Town Manager Town of Spindale PO Box 186 Spindale, NC 28160 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Spindale WWTP NPDES WW Permit No. NC0020664 Rutherford County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Spindale WWTP on 6/11/2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0020664. Please specifically review any findings and comments noted under the “summary” of the inspection report. There were no significant issues noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this inspection report is not required. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-296-4500 or via email at mikal.willmer@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Mikal Willmer, Environmental Specialist I Water Quality Regional Operations Section Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report EC: WQS Asheville Regional Office - Enforcement File NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File G:\WR\WQ\Rutherford\Wastewater\Municipal\Spindale WWTP 20664\Inspections\Inspect. June 11, 2019\20190619_NC0020664_CEI DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 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 NC0020664 19/06/11 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) Spindale WWTP Ecology St Spindale NC 28160 Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date 02:30PM 19/06/11 15/10/01 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) /// Robert Eugene Lipscomb/ORC/828-286-3407/ Other Facility Data 04:40PM 19/06/11 18/07/31 Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Robert Eugene Lipscomb,132 Wilkins St Forest City NC 28043//828-286-3407/Contacted 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 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: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 6/19/2019 6/19/2019 NPDES yr/mo/day 19/06/11 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 Spindale WWTP on June 11, 2019. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the facility is being operated and maintained in compliance with NPDES Permit No. NC0020664. Robert Lipscomb, back-up ORC, was present and assisted in the inspection. Overall the facility is being well operated and maintained. Spindale's WWTP has been undergoing upgrades for over a year and the new basins were recently placed into service. The last few upgrades are currently being finalized (EQ basin mixers, pumps and wiring). Mr. Lipscomb reports the influent composite sampler will be replaced soon due to issues with the old sampler. DMRs since the last inspection in 2017 were reviewed for any violations. No recurring violations or issues noted during the review. Some monitoring and one limit violation due to flow changes during construction. It was noted, at the time of the inspection, the new basins appear to have "dead" spots along the sloped edge. Debris collects along this side and has to be skimmed off by the operators. Currently this does not appear to be affecting treatment. There appears to be adequate mixing and aeration by the fine-bubble diffusers. The DO meters in the basin were reading from 0.8 to 2 mg/L. Operators are slowly regaining a healthy biota within the facility. Some floating solids were noted in the clarifiers, but did not appear to be flowing over the weir. Mr. Lipscomb states the effluent sampler was set to flow proportional by their calibration company. Recommend Spindale staff go over the process for setting the sampler to flow proportional with the calibration firm during their next visit. As a reminder, Spindale should continue to actively seek a Grade IV ORC replacement. Currently the only full-time Spindale operational staff are a Grade III and Grade I. NC0020664 17 (Cont.) Page#2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 Permit:NC0020664 Inspection Date:06/11/2019 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Spindale WWTP 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? Facility staff monitor DO, pH, chlorine residual and utilize a sludge judge as part of their process control. 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? Spindale's permit expired July 31, 2018. The renewal application was submitted on January 26, 2018. The Permit is currently under review in central office. Facility is in the process of finalizing upgrades. Upgrades were added to the permit in 2015. Facility was required to develop a mercury minimization plan within 180 days of the previous permit issuance. 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? Influent flow meter was reading approximately 1 MGD at the time of the inspection. The influent flow meter is used for permit compliance. 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? Mr. Lipscomb indicated a new composite sampler would be installed at the headworks. Influent sampling is time composite. Comment: Page#3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 Permit:NC0020664 Inspection Date:06/11/2019 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Spindale WWTP Compliance Evaluation 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? Comment: Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Type of grit removal a.Manual b.Mechanical Is the grit free of excessive organic matter? Is the grit free of excessive odor? # Is disposal of grit in compliance? Grit removal system was upgraded and appears to handle increased flows better than the previous system. 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? EQ basin was recently used during heavy rains; however, the basin's aerators and pumps are in the process of being wired. EQ basin equipment is not fully operational, but will be soon. Comment: Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Page#4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 Permit:NC0020664 Inspection Date:06/11/2019 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Spindale WWTP Compliance Evaluation Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE 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) Currently only Basin 2 is in use. Diffusers appear to be operating properly and DOs appear adequate for the treatment process (0.8 to 2.3 mg/L). There were dead spots noted along the far wall due to the sloped sides. There is stagnation and collection of pass-through debris which the operators skim off. It currently does not appear to be adversely affecting treatment. 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) Clarifiers 1&2 are in operation. Number 3 clarifier is not currently in use. ORC reports there are very little solids in the facility and they are slowly reestablishing biology. Sludge blankets are only a foot in either clarifier. Some floating solids were noted in the clarifier, but did not appear to be flowing over the weir. 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? # Is the odor acceptable? Page#5 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 Permit:NC0020664 Inspection Date:06/11/2019 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Spindale WWTP Compliance Evaluation Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? Spindale holds a Class B land application permit (WQ0001953) and contracts Southern Soil Builders for land application events. There appears to be adequate storage to properly waste when needed. Facility staff indicated they currently do not have high enough sludge blankets to waste. Comment: 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 lbs 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? Chlorine gas is used on-site. Spindale may eventually move to another means of disinfection. Mr. Lipscomb reports they test residuals prior to dechlorination. No issues reported. 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? Manual feed system currently. Spindale is looking to change this to flow proportional. Facility has not had issues maintaining adequate chlorine feed for disinfection. 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? Page#6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 Permit:NC0020664 Inspection Date:06/11/2019 Owner - Facility: Inspection Type: Spindale WWTP Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE Is flow meter calibrated annually? Is the flow meter operational? (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? Spindale reports influent flow measurements. New effluent meter was calibrated by manufacturer and recently installed as part of the upgrades. 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 Celsius)? Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type representative)? Sampling is occurring as required by permit. Composite sampling is flow proportional. Calibration company programs the auto-sampler. Recommend facility staff go through the programing with the company during the next calibration. Comment: Upstream / Downstream Sampling Yes No NA NE Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type, and 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? New generator tests automatically and is maintained by camp electric.Comment: Page#7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 6956656F-5853-4588-A695-EEFDBBC2ABC9 Certificate Of Completion Envelope Id: 6956656F58534588A695EEFDBBC2ABC9 Status: Completed Subject: Please DocuSign: 20190619_NC0020664_CEI.ltr.docx, 20190619_NC0020664_CEI.pdf Source Envelope: Document Pages: 8 Signatures: 3 Envelope Originator: Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 Mikal Willmer AutoNav: Enabled EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled Time Zone: (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) 217 W. Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27699 Mikal.willmer@ncdenr.gov IP Address: 149.168.204.10 Record Tracking Status: Original Jun 19, 2019 | 09:45 Holder: Mikal Willmer Mikal.willmer@ncdenr.gov Location: DocuSign Signer Events Signature Timestamp Mikal Willmer mikal.willmer@ncdenr.gov Environmental Specialist North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None) Signature Adoption: Drawn on Device Using IP Address: 149.168.204.10 Sent: Jun 19, 2019 | 09:46 Viewed: Jun 19, 2019 | 09:46 Signed: Jun 19, 2019 | 09:46 Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure: Not Offered via DocuSign G. Landon Davidson landon.davidson@ncdenr.gov Asheville Regional Office, Regional Supervisor DEQ, Division of Water Resources, Water Quality Regional Operatoins Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None) Signature Adoption: Uploaded Signature Image Using IP Address: 149.168.204.10 Sent: Jun 19, 2019 | 09:46 Resent: Jun 19, 2019 | 14:39 Viewed: Jun 19, 2019 | 14:42 Signed: Jun 19, 2019 | 14:42 Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure: Not Offered via DocuSign In Person Signer Events Signature Timestamp Editor Delivery Events Status Timestamp Agent Delivery Events Status Timestamp Intermediary Delivery Events Status Timestamp Certified Delivery Events Status Timestamp Carbon Copy Events Status Timestamp Witness Events Signature Timestamp Notary Events Signature Timestamp Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps Envelope Sent Hashed/Encrypted Jun 19, 2019 | 14:39 Certified Delivered Security Checked Jun 19, 2019 | 14:42 Signing Complete Security Checked Jun 19, 2019 | 14:42 Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps Completed Security Checked Jun 19, 2019 | 14:42 Payment Events Status Timestamps