HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQ0028785_Other_20190814
August 30, 2019
Kim Quinn
Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
116 Sea Oaks Dr
Surf City, NC 28445
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Queens Grant WWTF
Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0028785
Pender County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Queens Grant WWTF
on 8/14/2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with
the conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0028785. 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.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Lievre with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
bryan.lievre@ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
Morella Sanchez-King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Uploaded to Laserfiche
Mr. Allen Rhue (via email allenrhue@gmail.com)
DocuSign Envelope ID: F835EBAA-E369-4CF6-BD63-868E18E3195A
State of North Carolina
Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Staff Report
FORM: WQROSSR 04-14 Page 1 of 6
To: NPDES Unit Non-Discharge Unit Application No.: WQ0028785
Attn: Erick Saunders Facility name: Queens Grant Recreation Association, Inc.
From: Bryan Lievre
Wilmington Regional Office
Note: This form has been adapted from the non-discharge facility staff report to document the review of both non-
discharge and NPDES permit applications and/or renewals. Please complete all sections as they are applicable.
I. GENERAL AND SITE VISIT INFORMATION
1. Was a site visit conducted? Yes or No
a. Date of site visit: 8/14/2019
b. Site visit conducted by: Bryan Lievre
c. Inspection report attached? Yes or No
d. Person contacted: Allen Rhue and their contact information: (910) 358 - 3254 ext.
e. Driving directions: 116 Sea Oaks Dr., Surf City, NC 28445. Plant is located on the north side of NC Hwy 50,
approximately 4.75 miles south of the Surf City Bridge.
2. Discharge Point(s):
Latitude: Longitude:
Latitude: Longitude:
3. Receiving stream or affected surface waters:
Classification:
River Basin and Subbasin No.
Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream uses:
II. PROPOSED FACILITIES: NEW APPLICATIONS
1. Facility Classification: (Please attach completed rating sheet to be attached to issued permit)
Proposed flow:
Current permitted flow:
2. Are the new treatment facilities adequate for the type of waste and disposal system? Yes or No
If no, explain:
3. Are site conditions (soils, depth to water table, etc) consistent with the submitted reports? Yes No N/A
If no, please explain:
4. Do the plans and site map represent the actual site (property lines, wells, etc.)? Yes No N/A
If no, please explain:
5. Is the proposed residuals management plan adequate? Yes No N/A
If no, please explain:
DocuSign Envelope ID: EB4E207C-67F2-45E4-AAC1-8E114D75F10A
FORM: WQROSSR 04-14 Page 2 of 6
6. Are the proposed application rates (e.g., hydraulic, nutrient) acceptable? Yes No N/A
If no, please explain:
7. Are there any setback conflicts for proposed treatment, storage and disposal sites? Yes or No
If yes, attach a map showing conflict areas.
8. Is the proposed or existing groundwater monitoring program adequate? Yes No N/A
If no, explain and recommend any changes to the groundwater monitoring program:
9. For residuals, will seasonal or other restrictions be required? Yes No N/A
If yes, attach list of sites with restrictions (Certification B)
Describe the residuals handling and utilization scheme:
10. Possible toxic impacts to surface waters:
11. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only):
III. EXISTING FACILITIES: MODIFICATION AND RENEWAL APPLICATIONS
1. Are there appropriately certified Operators in Charge (ORCs) for the facility? Yes No N/A
ORC: Allen Rhue Certificate #: SI-987930, WW4-991815
Backup ORC: Donald Omara Certificate #: SI-22801
Joseph Stutts WW2-992614
2. Are the design, maintenance and operation of the treatment facilities adequate for the type of waste and disposal
system? Yes or No
If no, please explain:
Description of existing facilities:
A 35,400 gallon per day (gpd) wastewater treatment system consisting of: an influent pumping station with dual
61 gallon per minute (gpm) lift pumps; two 15,000 gallon septic tanks with effluent filters, in-series with a 20,000
gallon septic tank with an effluent filter and containing a 5,000 gallon pump chamber with two 61 gpm pumps;
four 40,000 gallon Envirofilter tanks with two 25 gpm dosing pumps and two 90 gpm recirculation pumps; a
NxClear unit consisting of two filter cells; a 1,510 gallon backwash tank with two 151 gpm backwash pumps; a
1,510 gallon backwash holding tank with two 25 gpm return pumps and two 76 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
blowers; a dual ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system with a total of eight lamps; a turbidimeter; a 60 kilowatt (kw)
generator with automatic transfer switch; and all associated piping, valves, controls and appurtenances; and,
A 20,160 gpd high-rate infiltration system consisting of: a 5,000 gallon dosing tank with two 74 gpm field dosing
pumps; an irrigation system filter and backwash flushing unit with a flush flow meter; an effluent surface high-
rate infiltration flow meter; two 0.15 acre high-rate infiltration fields totaling 0.30 acres; three 35,000 gallon
interconnected 5-day upset tanks totaling 105,000 gallons in upset storage and two 61 gpm upset return pumps;
and all associated piping, valves, controls and appurtenances.
The system also utilizes a 15,240 gpd subsurface disposal system which is not included within this permit but has
been permitted by the Pender County Health Department, under Operation Permit #487039. To serve 37 three
bedroom units, a marina restroom, 11 four bedroom units, and 20 marina slips at the Queens Grant WWTP -
Phase II, with no discharge of wastes to surface waters.
Proposed flow: same as permitted
Current permitted flow: 35,400 gpd treatment / 20,160 gpd high-rate drip irrigation / 15,240 gpd to subsurface
disposal system (permitted by Pender Co. Health Dept.)
DocuSign Envelope ID: EB4E207C-67F2-45E4-AAC1-8E114D75F10A
FORM: WQROSSR 04-14 Page 3 of 6
Explain anything observed during the site visit that needs to be addressed by the permit, or that may be important
for the permit writer to know (i.e., equipment condition, function, maintenance, a change in facility ownership,
etc.)
The facility is almost completely built out with only 5 residential lots available. Mr. Kim Quinn, owner of R & Q,
Incorporated is now transferring ownership of the facility to the homeowners association, Queens Grant
Recreation Association, Inc., where he also serves as President.
3. Are the site conditions (e.g., soils, topography, depth to water table, etc) maintained appropriately and adequately
assimilating the waste? Yes or No
If no, please explain:
4. Has the site changed in any way that may affect the permit (e.g., drainage added, new wells inside the compliance
boundary, new development, etc.)? Yes or No
If yes, please explain:
5. Is the residuals management plan adequate? Yes or No
If no, please explain:
6. Are the existing application rates (e.g., hydraulic, nutrient) still acceptable? Yes or No
If no, please explain:
7. Is the existing groundwater monitoring program adequate? Yes No N/A
If no, explain and recommend any changes to the groundwater monitoring program:
8. Are there any setback conflicts for existing treatment, storage and disposal sites? Yes or No
If yes, attach a map showing conflict areas.
9. Is the description of the facilities as written in the existing permit correct? Yes or No
If no, please explain: Should include information pertaining to subsurface disposal system associated with
permit issued by the Pender County Health Department for reference and clarity.
10. Were monitoring wells properly constructed and located? Yes No N/A
If no, please explain:
DocuSign Envelope ID: EB4E207C-67F2-45E4-AAC1-8E114D75F10A
FORM: WQROSSR 04-14 Page 4 of 6
11. Are the monitoring well coordinates correct in BIMS? Yes No N/A
If no, please complete the following (expand table if necessary):
Monitoring Well Latitude Longitude
○ ′ ″ - ○ ′ ″
○ ′ ″ - ○ ′ ″
○ ′ ″ - ○ ′ ″
○ ′ ″ - ○ ′ ″
○ ′ ″ - ○ ′ ″
12. Has a review of all self-monitoring data been conducted (e.g., DMR, NDMR, NDAR, GW)? Yes or No
Please summarize any findings resulting from this review: The review period was from 1/2017 – current. The
facility continues to use the subsurface irrigation system permitted through the county health department and not
the high-rate drip irrigation system due to low flow. Following the last inspection performed on 2/9/2017, the
facility contracted with the current operator and reporting issues have subsided. System still intermittently has
TDS issues in monitoring wells MW-2 and MW-4; however, these may be naturally occurring issues.
Provide input to help the permit writer evaluate any requests for reduced monitoring, if applicable.
13. Are there any permit changes needed in order to address ongoing BIMS violations? Yes or No
If yes, please explain:
14. Check all that apply:
No compliance issues Current enforcement action(s) Currently under JOC
Notice(s) of violation Currently under SOC Currently under moratorium
Please explain and attach any documents that may help clarify answer/comments (i.e., NOV, NOD, etc.)
If the facility has had compliance problems during the permit cycle, please explain the status. Has the RO been
working with the Permittee? Is a solution underway or in place?
Have all compliance dates/conditions in the existing permit been satisfied? Yes No N/A
If no, please explain:
15. Are there any issues related to compliance/enforcement that should be resolved before issuing this permit?
Yes No N/A
If yes, please explain:
16. Possible toxic impacts to surface waters:
17. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only):
DocuSign Envelope ID: EB4E207C-67F2-45E4-AAC1-8E114D75F10A
FORM: WQROSSR 04-14 Page 5 of 6
IV. REGIONAL OFFICE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Do you foresee any problems with issuance/renewal of this permit? Yes or No
If yes, please explain:
2. List any items that you would like the NPDES Unit or Non-Discharge Unit Central Office to obtain through an
additional information request:
Item Reason
3. List specific permit conditions recommended to be removed from the permit when issued:
Condition Reason
4. List specific special conditions or compliance schedules recommended to be included in the permit when issued:
Condition Reason
5. Recommendation: Hold, pending receipt and review of additional information by regional office
Hold, pending review of draft permit by regional office
Issue upon receipt of needed additional information
Issue
Deny (Please state reasons: )
6. Signature of report preparer:
Signature of regional supervisor:
Date:
DocuSign Envelope ID: EB4E207C-67F2-45E4-AAC1-8E114D75F10A
8/30/2019
X
FORM: WQROSSR 04-14 Page 6 of 6
V. ADDITIONAL REGIONAL STAFF REVIEW ITEMS
A routine compliance inspection of the Queens Grant Recreation Association, Inc. was conducted on 8/14/2019. The
purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations
specified in Permit WQ0028785 for which renewal is also being sought. Allen Rhue, ORC, as well as Gary Ange,
assistant to Mr. Kim Quinn, were present during the inspection.
Mr. Kim Quinn, owner of R & Q, Inc. is transferring ownership to Queens Grant Recreation Association, Inc., where
Mr. Kim Quinn currently serves as President. The facility is operating at approximately 10,000 gpd, on average, and
has 5 residential lots available before the area is completely built out.
The existing Permit WQ0028785 provides for the operation of a 35,400 gallon per day (gpd) wastewater treatment
system and 20,160 gpd high-rate infiltration system. It should be noted that the system also utilizes a 15,240 gpd
subsurface disposal system which is not included within this permit but has been permitted by the Pender County
Health Department, under Operation Permit #487039. To date, all effluent water has been sent to the 15,240 gpd
subsurface disposal field. Based on the above information, the facility should be permitted for flows of up to 35,400
gpd.
The facility is compliant with the non-discharge permit WQ0028785. Please review the comments sections of the
inspection report for more details.
DocuSign Envelope ID: EB4E207C-67F2-45E4-AAC1-8E114D75F10A
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0028785 Effective:04/08/15 Expiration:03/31/20 Owner :Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Pender
Wilmington
Kim Quinn
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Queens Grant WWTF
926 N Anderson Blvd
Topsail Beach NC 28445
Title:Phone:910-290-1007
Donald P Omara 22801 252-247-9167
Secondary ORC(s):
910-358-3254Phone:987930Certification:Allen Wayne RhuePrimary ORC:
SI,WW2,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
WQ0036782 Queens Grant Recreation Association Inc - Queens Grant Sewer Collection
System
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
08/14/2019 10:00AM 11:30AM
Bryan Lievre 910-796-7215
Helen I Perez
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
High Rate Infiltration
Compliance Evaluation
Question Areas:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent Treatment Flow Measurement-Influent Miscellaneous Questions
Treatment Flow Measurement-Water
Use Records
Treatment Record Keeping
Treatment Influent Pump Station Treatment Disinfection End Use-Infiltration
Treatment Flow Measurement Standby Power Wells
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0028785
08/14/2019 Compliance Evaluation
Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Queens Grant WWTF – Phase II was conducted on August 14, 2019. The purpose
of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in
Permit WQ0028785. Allen Rhue, ORC, as well as Gary Ange, assistant to Mr. Kim Quinn were present during the
inspection.
Mr. Kim Quinn, owner of R&Q, Inc. is transferring ownership to Queens Grant Recreation Association, Inc., where Mr. Kim
Quinn currently serves as President. The facility is operating at approximately 10,000 GPD on average and has 5 lots
available before the area is completely built out.
Permit WQ0028785 has been established for a 35,400 GPD wastewater treatment plant and a 20,160 GPD high-rate surface
disposal system to serve residential units and a marina within a gated development. Per 2T .0702, disposal is classified as
high-rate since LTAR is 1.51 gpd/ft^2 (i.e. >0.156 gpd/ft^2) with field = 13,350 ft^2. The facility uses a 15,700 GPD
subsurface disposal system which was permitted through Pender County Health Department and, to date, has not used the
high-rate disposal system.
A new collection pump station has been installed and is operating approximately 50 feet northwest of the prior pump station.
The prior pump station remains but the duplex pump system has been removed and the unit operates solely as a collection
device which gravity drains into the new collection station. Solids are generally pumped out of the first of three septic tanks
(installed in series) on a yearly basis by Lewis Farms.
The wastewater system is equipped with an emergency generator, which was observed to operate properly, under load
during the site visit. At the request of the inspectors, the surface infiltration system was activated. Possible leaks were
observed within Zone 4 of the surface infiltration system and a recommendation was provided to regularly operate the
system, even if not being utilized. Mr. Ange requested that the ORC operate the system on a quarterly basis to check for
leaks.
The facility is compliant with the non-discharge permit WQ0028785. Please review the comment sections of the inspection
report for more details.
Page 2 of 6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0028785
08/14/2019 Compliance Evaluation
Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
Routine
Type Yes No NA NE
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
Single Family Spray, LR
Lagoon Spray, LR
Reuse (Quality)
Single Family Drip
Recycle/Reuse
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
Infiltration System
Treatment Yes No NA NE
Are Treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in the current permit?
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? (if no, note below.)
Discussed operation of system with ORC. ORC has expressed desire to alter flow within 4 tank
Envirofilter array. According to ORC flow enters pump chamber within first unit then is pumped
through media within tanks one through four. Liquids flow back to tank number one where it is
thern pumped back to a denitrification filter system. ORC is considering improving system
efficiency by using one or two of the tanks and using the other tanks for high flow conditions.
The thinking here would be that the bacteria in the first tank(s) would remain under more
consistent conditions and operate better. A recomendation was made to the ORC to fully
investigate the flow through the tanks prior to making any alterations in operations, especially
since information is not available in WiRO on how the liquid returns to the first tank after being
pumped to each of the four tanks.
Comment:
Treatment Influent Pump Station Yes No NA NE
Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures?
Is the general housekeeping acceptable?
Are all pumps present?
Are all pumps operable?
Are floats/controls operable?
Are audio and visual alarms available?
Are audio and visual alarms operational?
# Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required?
Are SCADA/Telemetry available?
Are SCADA/Telemetry operational?
Page 3 of 6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0028785
08/14/2019 Compliance Evaluation
Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
Routine
A new pump collection lift station was installed approximately 50 feet north/northwest of the old
unit. The duplex pump system was transfered from the old to the newly installed station and the
old station was not abandoned but is being used as a collection unit. A high level water condition
was simulated and the visual and audio alarms operated properly and an automated message
was sent to the ORCs cell phone.
Comment:
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:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Water Use Records Yes No NA NE
Is water use metered?
Are the daily average values properly calculated?
Comment:
Treatment Flow Measurement-Effluent 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?
Flow meters for the subsurface disposal system as well as total flow (i.e. subsurface disposal
system plus high-rate surface infiltration) were calibrated on 1-23-2019 by Chadwick Instrument
Service Co. The turbidity meter was also calibrated on the same date by Chadwick.
Comment:
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?
The generator automatically activated during inspection activities. The unit has been
programmed to automatically operate every Wednesday under loaded conditions. An automated
message was sent to the ORCs mobile telephone informing him of the status of the generator.
Comment:
Treatment Disinfection Yes No NA NE
Is the system working?
Do the fecal coliform results indicate proper disinfection?
Is there adequate detention time (>=30 minutes)?
Page 4 of 6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0028785
08/14/2019 Compliance Evaluation
Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
Routine
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?
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 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?
Owner is establishing accounts with various equipment providers to allow ORC to order/obtain
equipment and supplies, including spare UV bulbs.
Comment:
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?
Page 5 of 6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0028785
08/14/2019 Compliance Evaluation
Queens Grant Recreation Assoc Inc
Routine
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?
Per the ORC, the system has average influent of 10,000 gallons per day. Treatment system is
currently permitted for 35,400 GPD and the high-rate infiltration system is permitted for 20,160
GPD. A subsurface disposal system designed for 15,700 GPD was permitted by Pender Co
Health Dept and the system has only used this portion of the disposal system. ORC maintains
operation and maintenance logs which are kept on-site.
Comment:
End Use-Infiltration Yes No NA NE
# Is the application High Rate or Low Rate?High 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?
Are GW monitoring wells required?
Are GW monitoring wells located properly w/ respect to RB and CB?
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.?
To date, "high-rate" infiltration fields have not been used for disposal. The surface drip/spray
fields were activated upon request and possible break-out areas were observed within Zone 4
(northwest corner of the infiltration area). The ORC will investigate matter in greater detail and,
at the request of the Presidents representative, ORC will test the infiltration area on a qusarterly
basis. Monitoring wells MW-1 and MW-2 were installed as flush-mount wells and wells MW-3
and MW-4 were installed as stick-up wells. Operator indicated that he was planning on replacing
the outer stick-up casing for MW-4 as it contained a nickel-sized hole in the outer casing and the
hinge on the top was broken. A locked cap was observed on top of the casing inside the outer
casing for well MW-4.
Comment:
Page 6 of 6