WQ0013398_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190816

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0013398 Effective: 06/01/15 Expiration: 05/31/20 owner: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sandpiper Bay WWTF
County: Brunswick 7407 Hermitage Ln
Region: Wilmington
Sunset Beach NC 28468
Contact Person: Timothy P Tilma Title: Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: SI, WW2,
Primary ORC: Sunny Wright
Secondary ORC(s):
Wilburn Allen Williams
On -Site Representative(s):
On -site representative
On -site representative
Related Permits:
Certification: 28813
15664
Timothy P Tilma
Sunny Wright
Phone: [phone]
910-454-0512
910-579-9120 ext 7
910-880-4178
WQCSD0526 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC - Sandpiper Bay Deemed Collection
System
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Entry Time: 09:40AM Exit Time: 11:OOAM
Primary Inspector: Dean Hunkele Docusigned by: Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): EE 10/3/2019
E1 D9294C4D3746E...
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Inspection Type:
Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Reclaimed Water
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 Influent Pump Station
Treatment Clarifiers
Treatment Disinfection
Treatment Flow Measurement
Treatment Return pumps
End Use -Reuse
Standby Power
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
The permit expires at the end of May 2020, thus the Permittee is reminded that application for renewal will be due by the
end of November 2019.
The facility is starting to show its age and is in need of some updating or rehabilitation. As was noted in the last 2
compliance inspections in 2013 & 2014 and the recon visit in 2015, it is time to replace & update the main control panel
serving the plant due to corrosion compromising the cabinet and the antiquated electronic components; may want to
consider relocating the panel to ground level away from the corrosive sewer gases. There are some other electrical items
like junction boxes that should be addressed at the same time. Electrical issues can be a safety issue and need to be
addressed to avoid referral to the NC Dept of Labor.
Another item that should be considered is adding telemetry to tankage such as the EQ tank, etc. to alert the ORC of a
developing issue before it becomes a crisis plus adding an audible alarm to the tanks that only have visuals given the
somewhat isolated nature of the facility.
The filters are apparently past due for cleaning & inspection with possible media replacement according to the ORC. Also
apparently air supply is an issue during high temperatures, thus need to check the system for leaks, diffusers that are
clogged or need replacing, or blowers checked for efficiency or proper sizing if they have been replaced previously.
The influent pump station needs to have its pump rails replaced - see comments in report.
As noted in 4-2015, some tankage is exhibiting more than surface rust and should be addressed before structural integrity is
compromised too greatly which is much more expensive to address and can even require tank replacement. Other items or
areas with corrosion should be addressed at the same time to extend the life of the item.
The effluent meter needs to have true daily data capture ability such as a chart but more modern technology would be a
datalogger; see report for more details.
A Notice of Violation is being issued requiring a Plan of Action to address the key items above and in the report with a
timetable for completion. A follow-up inspection will be conducted prior to permit renewal issuance.
Page 2 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019
Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Type
Yes No NA NE
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
❑
Recycle/Reuse
❑
Single Family Drip
❑
Infiltration System
❑
Lagoon Spray, LR
❑
Single Family Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
❑
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
❑
Reuse (Quality)
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: The influent puma station is not listed in the permit. Also. it appears an error occurred in the the
system description concernig the number/size of aeration basins and number of clarifiers from
the 2004 to the 2006 permit versions. The Permitte shoudl carefully review the facility and
current description to correct this in the upcoming permit renewal. Heavy rainfall had occurred
overnight and that morning prior to inspection but an operational setting caused the clarifiers and
filters to be flooded, thus their operational status couldn't be evaluated.
Treatment Influent Pump Station
Yes No NA NE
Is the pump station free of bypass lines or structures?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are SCADA/Telemetry alarms required?
❑
❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry available?
❑
❑ ❑
Are SCADA/Telemetry operational?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Wetwell was full of arease and solids, at least a month past due for cleanina. At least 50% of the
liquid surface should be visible as a good general rule to prevent float failure. Pump rails and
mounts need replacing - 2 rails were completely sheered off and resting against the interior
sides of the wetwell. Station equipped with an autodialer.
Treatment Flow Measurement -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is flowmeter calibrated annually? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Page 3 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Is flowmeter operating properly? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter record flow? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flowmeter operating properly?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter monitor continuously?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter record flow?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Does flowmeter appear to monitor accurately?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: Flow meter has an instantaneous read and a totalizer. but no chartina or dataloaaina capability to
meet the recording requirement. Would recommend a datalogger with the ability to store and
download data on -site; some can be accessed remotely. Meter last calibrated 11-2-2018.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator tested weekly by interrupting primary power source? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is generator operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does generator have adequate fuel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Battery had died earlier in the week and was replaced durina inspection. Unit ran well. but is
showing its age especially being exposed to the elements. If replaced, definitely would
recommend placing under a shelter.
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: Rocks observed on screen. thus sewer system must be compromised somewhere. Rocks are
not good for pumps, thus source should be located and addressed plus likely contributing to the
plant's issues observed today due to 3-4 inches of rainfall in the preceding 12 hours.
Treatment Activated Sludge Yes No NA NE
Is the aeration mechanism operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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: Activated sludge looked good, basins were higher than normal due to rainfall and operator was
forcing all incoming flow through plant by blocking overflow from splitter back into EQ tank which
is contrary to proper operation of Flow Equalization (EQ).
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: Units were flooded when initially observed, then one was losing blanket as we evacuated the top
of the plant due to lightning in the area. See activated sludge comments
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
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: Units flooded due to the unusual operational setup and rainfall; could also be enhanced due to
clogginq of underdrain system, too infrequent scouring, or plugged media . ORC indicates the
filters haven't been cleaned/rehabbed with new media installed in at least 9 years.; this is usually
an item done about every 5 years.
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: Air wasn't on during visit. Sludge is hauled to SC for disposal by Danny Longs
Septic: no
documentation on where it is going on file which has been requested.
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)?
❑
❑ ❑
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 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:
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 6 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation
Reason for Visit: Routine
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
If so, has it been applied?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are operational logs present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are lab sheets available for review?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
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:
End Use -Reuse
Yes No NA NE
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
❑
❑ ❑
Does the acreage specified in the permit correspond to the measured acreage at the site?
❑
❑ ❑
Are all essential units provided in duplicate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is an automatically activated standby power source available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the equalization capacity adequate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is aerated flow equalization present?
❑ ❑ ❑
Has the turbidity meter been calibrated in the last 12 months?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the turbidity meter have recording capabilities?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is all flow diverted at the appropriate times?
❑
❑ ❑
Is all upset wastewater diverted from reuse storage unit?
❑
❑ ❑
Is all upset wastewater treated, retreated, or disposed of acceptably?
❑
❑ ❑
Is upset wastewater treated prior to discharge to irrigation storage?
❑
❑ ❑
Is public access restricted from irrigation area during active site use?
❑
❑ ❑
If golf course, is a sign posted in plain sight on the club house?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the cover crop acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Are buffers adequate?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the site free of ponding/runoff?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is the acreage in the permit being utilized?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the application equipment acceptable?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the application area free of limiting slopes?
❑
❑ ❑
How close is the closest water supply well?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Are any supply wells within 250' of the CB?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 7 of 8

Permit: WQ0013398 Owner - Facility: 904 Georgetown Treatment Plant LLC
Inspection Date: 08/16/2019 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Turbiditv meter last calibrated 11-28-2018. Operator was forcina the flow throuah the plant by
blocking the overflow back to the EQ in the splitter box. This is highly unusual and contrary to
normal use of flow equalization. In this case it was causing the system to be overloaded
hydraulically not allowing proper evaulation of some treatment units between any increased flow
due to the rain and the EQ pumps usually being too strong in most designs thus the overflow
back to EQ.
Page 8 of 8