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Home My WebLink AboutNC0047384_CEI_Letter_20230921ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality September 21, 2023 City of Greensboro Attn: Michael Borchers, Water Resources Director P.O. Box 3136 Greensboro, NC 27402-3136 SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection TZ Osborne Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES Permit Number: NCO047384 Alamance County Dear Mr. Borchers: On September 13th, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff, Ron Boone, conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the TZ Osborne Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES permit NC0047384. Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), Bradley Flynt, was present during the inspection. A review of records, data, treatment components, structures, and the outfall was completed. This inspection reflected compliance with the subject permit. The attached inspection report reflects the detailed findings of the inspection. No concerns, deficiencies, or violations were noted. Please feel free to contact Mr. Boone by phone at 336.776.9690, or by email at ron.boone@deg.nc.gov, with any questions or concerns you may have. Attachments: Water Compliance Inspection Report cc: Bradley Flynt, ORC, via email Sincerely, DocuSigned by: OD2D3CE3F1 B7456... Jennifer F. Graznak, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Winston-Salem Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 NoanicaaouNn oep.m.m or em�nmen� Qualm, 336.776.9800 United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved. EPA Washington, D.C. 20460 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/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type 1 IN 1 2 u 3 I NCO047384 111 121 23/09/13 I17 18 LC] I 19 I s I 20L] 21111I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I r6 Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved ------------------- 67 I 72 I ni I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80 701 I 71 I LL -1 I I LJ Section B: Facility Data Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date POTW name and NPDES Dermit Number) 09:30AM 23/09/13 23/09/01 T.Z. Osborne WWTP 2350 Huffin Mill Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Mc Leansville NC 273019304 12:30PM 23/09/13 23/12/31 Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data Bradley Todd Flynt/ORC/336-433-7262/ Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number Contacted Steven Drew,PO Box 3136 Greensboro NC 274023136//336-373-2055/3364126305 No Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit 0 Flow Measurement Operations & Maintenar Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Sludge Handling Dispo: Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Wate Laboratory 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 Ron Boone Doausigned by: DWR/WSRO WQ/336-776-9690/ osiaecl �oonel 9/21/2023 B20FSDD5F2A3460... Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date DOCUSigned by: DwR/WSRo 336-776-9695 9/21/2023 .6 "-0 D3c 3F1 7 56 . EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev �9 9�) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCO047384 I11 12I 23/09/13 117 18 i c i (Cont.) Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) On September 13th, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff, Ron Boone, conducted a routine compliance evaluation inspection at the TZ Osborne Wastewater Treatment Plant, NPDES permit NC0047384. Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), Bradley Flynt, was present during the inspection. A review of records, data, treatment components, structures, and the outfall was completed. This inspection reflected compliance with the subject permit. The permit was last issued in 2014 and expired in 2019. The permit renewal package was received in November 2018, and the permit is currently still under re -write. The plant is currently permitted for 56 million gallons per day. Discharge monitoring reports for May and November 2022 were evaluated along with lab records, chains of custody, etc. No transcription or other errors were noted. Operator logs, operation and maintenance records, and required reports and plans were reviewed. All documentation is complete and current, and no concerns, deficiencies, or violations were noted. Laboratory and DMR records are kept for at least five years, and all other records are kept for at least three years. Flow comes through the equalization basins, which are in excellent condition, and then flows down through the bar screen process. There are four mechanical bar screens and flow is alternated between each of them. They all appear to be in good condition. Screenings are landfilled. From the bar screens, flow goes to a pumpstation where it is then pumped up to the grit removal system. The operator indicated that they are looking at replacing these pumps because they are showing signs of age. The plant has Cyclone grit removal systems that are very effective. The grit appeared asphalt- like and contained no detectable organic matter. From the grit removal system the wastewater goes to the primary clarifiers. There are two circular primaries and four rectangular primaries. The primaries appear to be in very good condition. They had very little floating solids and/or scum. The primary effluent appeared clear with little solids carryover and the weirs appeared level. Primary sludge is sent to the sludge holding tanks. From the primaries, flow goes through the biological nutrient removal (BNR) process. There are eighteen BNR basins. The basin inspected seemed to be operating very well. The mixed liquor was a light brown color and appeared very healthy, imparting a pungent earthy odor. Air appears to be very well diffused throughout the entire water column, and foam was minimal. All the basins appear to be in very good condition. The plant has ten secondary clarifiers, all of which appear to be in very good condition. The water in the clarifiers had very little floating solids/scum in and on it. The effluent channels and weirs are covered to help prevent algal growth on the weir and weir wall, so, the condition of the weirs could not be assessed. Flow then goes to one of six Aqua Diamond cloth filters. These filters use cloth filter media. Wastewater is forced through cloth filters and is then collected at the discharged at the east end of the filters. The filters appear to be in excellent condition, and filter effluent appears to be of very high quality. Flow is then chlorinated using sodium hypochlorite and dechlorinated using sodium biosulfite. The final process is step aeration. All these final processes appear to be in very good condition. The final effluent going into South Buffalo Creek appeared much clearer than the creek water itself. There was no foam or floating solids on the creek at the discharge point caused by the effluent flow at the time of the inspection. Effluent samples are collected after step aeration using a composite sampler set to Page# Permit: NCO047384 Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation collect samples flow proportionally. Primary and secondary waste sludge is collected into sludge holding tanks and then incinerated. All processes and equipment assessed during this inspection appeared to be in very good condition. The inspector noted no concerns, deficiencies, or violations. No concerns, deficiencies, or violations were noted during the inspection. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ron Boone by phone at 336.776.9690, or by email at ron.boone@deq.nc.gov. Page# Permit: NCO047384 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Record Keeping Yes No NA NE Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is all required information readily available, complete and current? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 classification? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ classification? Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 4 Permit: NCO047384 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Laboratory Yes No NA NE Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters) performed by a certified lab? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the facility using a contract lab? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ degrees Celsius)? Incubator (Fecal Coliform) set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/- 0.2 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Incubator (BOD) set to 20.0 degrees Celsius +/- 1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Comment: None 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None 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)? Comment: None 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 5 Permit: NC0047384 Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Equalization Basins Yes No NA NE Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audible and visual alarms operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is basin size/volume adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Controlled/monitored by SCADA. 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is disposal of screening in compliance? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the unit in good condition? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Screenings are landfilled. Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the wet well free of excessive grease? ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are float controls operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 6 Permit: NCO047384 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Grit Removal Yes No NA NE Comment: Grit is also landfilled. Primary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of weir blockage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE Mode of operation Ext. Air Type of aeration system Diffused Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Are the diffusers operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the foam cover less than 25% of the basin's surface? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/1) ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE # Is total nitrogen removal required? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ # Is total phosphorous removal required? EIN ❑ ❑ Type Biological # Is chemical feed required to sustain process? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is nutrient removal process operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 7 Permit: NC0047384 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Nutrient Removal Yes No NA NE Comment: Process is chemical and biological. Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are weirs level? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of weir blockage? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is scum removal adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the drive unit operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the return rate acceptable (low turbulence)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the sludge blanket level acceptable? (Approximately'/4 of the sidewall depth) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Pumps-RAS-WAS Yes No NA NE Are pumps in place? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are pumps operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are there adequate spare parts and supplies on site? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Filtration (High Rate Tertiary) Yes No NA NE Type of operation: Down flow Is the filter media present? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter surface free of clogging? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the filter free of growth? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the air scour operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the scouring acceptable? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the clear well free of excessive solids and filter media? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: These are cloth media filters (Aqua Diamond). Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE Page# 8 Permit: NC0047384 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Inspection Type: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Compliance Evaluation Flow Measurement - Influent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Flow Measurement - Effluent Yes No NA NE # Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is flow meter calibrated annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the flow meter operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ (If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Disinfection -Liquid Yes No NA NE Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ (Sodium Hypochlorite) Is pump feed system operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is bulk storage tank containment area adequate? (free of leaks/open drains) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Liquid Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ MEI # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: None Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Number of tubes in use? Comment: None Page# 9 Permit: NCO047384 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: Effluent water is clearer than creek water. Solids Handling Equipment Yes No NA NE Is the equipment operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the chemical feed equipment operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of high level of solids in filtrate from filter presses or vacuum filters? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the site free of sludge buildup on belts and/or rollers of filter press? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the site free of excessive moisture in belt filter press sludge cake? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ The facility has an approved sludge management plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Chemical Feed Yes No NA NE Is containment adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are backup pumps available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive leaking? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: None Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE Is the capacity adequate? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the mixing adequate? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is the odor acceptable? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: These are storage tanks only, not digesters. Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 10 Permit: NCO047384 Inspection Date: 09/13/2023 Owner -Facility: T.Z. Osborne WWTP Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: pH, DO, mixed liquor suspended solids, etc. Standby Power 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? Comment: None Yes No NA NE ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ EIN ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ EIN ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 11