Document EmdB97wG8bg69M1dJV1YJLj8L

Region 6 - Enforcement & Compliance Assurance Division INSPECTION REPORT Inspection Date(s): Media Program: Regulatory Program(s) 03/11/2025 Water CWA Company Name: Facility Name: Facility Physical Location: (city, state, zip code) Mailing address: (city, state, zip code) County/Parish: Facility Phone Number Facility Contact: Village of Bosque Farms Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant 1355 Desmet Road Bosque Farms, New Mexico 87068 1455 West Bosque Loop Bosque Farms, New Mexico 87068 Valencia County 505-917-2185 Michael Limon Utilities Director clerkadmin@bosquefarmsnm.gov FRS Number: Identification/Permit Number: Media Identifier Number: NAICS: SIC: 110009831058 NM0030279 N/A 221320 4952 Personnel participating in inspection: Roberta Padilla Prodigy (consultant) David A Esparza, P.E. USEPA/ECDWM Operator Environmental Engineer EPA Lead Inspector Signature/Date DAVID ESPARZA Date: 2025.03.24 14:20:29 -06'00' Digitally signed by DAVID ESPARZA David Esparza Date Supervisor Signature/Date ROBERTO BERNIER Date: 2025.03.25 15:24:07 -05'00' Digitally signed by ROBERTO BERNIER Roberto Bernier Date 6ENFORM-020-R8.2 (02/12/2020) 1 Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Section I - INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE INSPECTION United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 inspector David Esparza, PE, arrived at the Village of Bosque Farms (Bosque Farms) Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) at approximately 0930 AM on March 11, 2025, for an unannounced inspection. I presented my credentials to Ms. Roberta Padilla, Prodigy Builders, Inc. (contract operator) and informed her that this was an EPA inspection to determine the facility's compliance under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, in accordance with the CWA. The generation of this report is based on information supplied by Bosque Farms representatives, observations made by the EPA inspector, NMED and records and reports maintained by the permittee (Bosque Farms), and the EPA. Before leaving the facility on March 11, 2025, an exit briefing was held with Ms. Padilla to explain areas of concern noted at the time of the inspection. FACILITY DESCRIPTION The WWTP has a design flow of 0.5 million gallons per day (MGD), the collection inclusive of an average daily flow of roughly half (0.28 MGD). It is located at 1355 Desmet Rd, Valencia County, New Mexico (depicted in Aerial Image #1 below). Coordinates to the Bosque's facility are approximately: Latitude 3445'57.99" North, Longitude 10642'43.34" West. The WWTP facility serves a population of approximately 3,800 residents. The WWTP facility is currently operated under a contract agreement with Prodigy Builders Inc. (circa April 2024), on an approximate 20-hours per week basis and three (3) staff within the Utility Department on an 8AM-5PM Monday-Friday schedule, with on-call schedule as needed. At this juncture it should be noted the Village of Peralta, New Mexico located approximately 1-mile northeast of the WWTP (depicted in Aerial Image #2 below) contributes approximately 0.001 million gallons (MG) (1,200 gpd) of wastewater annually to the WWTP facility. Bosque Farms by ordinance mandates the installation o f grinder pumps, grease traps, and sand traps. The grinder pumps are monitored by individual alarm systems and are installed on both residential and commercial connections. Additionally, these pumps are maintained and/or repaired by WWTP personnel on an as needed basis. The grinder pumps function as the headworks for the WWTP by grinding large debris prior to entering the facility. While sand traps are required for car washes, schools, day care facilities, commercial laundries, and the laundromats. Influent enters the WWTP at the aeration basin; thence utilizing diffused air from one (1) of three (3) alternated blowers at the bottom thus extending aeration time. 2 Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Aerial Image #1- Overall view of the Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant. Aerial from Google Earth. Aerial Image 2- The Village of Peralta, New Mexico in relation to the Village of Bosque Farm's Wastewater Treatment Plant. 3 Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Bosque Farms maintains one (1) lift station located within the secure facility, which together with the WWTP ancillary equipment can operate on a stand-by generator in case of power failure. This on-site generator is typically exercised on a weekly basis. Section II - OBSERVATIONS I observed the following and the following information was provided and/or stated In January 2025 it was stated an approximate 2K-gallon sewage spill on land surface had occurred from a vacuum truck. Furthermore, it was stated the event was not reported and no additional details were provided with respect to containment or how the event was cleaned. After thickening and/or dewatering the WWTP utilizes the three (3) on-site sludge boxes. The boxes are vacuum truck pumped and transported either to the 240-acre Bosque Farms owned unlined fenced disposal facility for surface disposal via injection or to the permitted landfill in Rio Rancho, New Mexico for final disposition. It was previously stated the WWTP has three (3) Industrial User's (IU) contributing to the WWTP and all of which do not currently have individual wastewater discharge agreements for the disposal of effluent into the WWTP. Furthermore, it was unclear if a service agreement existed with the Village of Perlata too. The onsite laboratory was clean and organized. The pH buffers were labeled in accordance with good laboratory practice. However, there was no visible evidence of proper and timely calibration of temperature recording devices (thermometers) within the sample storage refrigerator. Therefore, the integrity or stability of the collected samples cannot be guaranteed; thus, the results could be inaccurate or in error. The WWTP has a laboratory on site, but samples are typically sent to Eurofins Environment Testing, formally Hall Environmental Analysis Laboratory. The WWTP does have an existing operational older type of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in place but is assessing acquisition of a newer system. Prodigy on behalf on Bosque Farms is currently updating and/or preparing their written policies and procedures to address any potential sanitary sewer overflow events (SSOs), standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to facility operations and maintenance (O&M) and looking into updating a Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program with respect to existing and/or new FOG contributors. 4 Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Bosque Farms utilizes two (2) banks of ultra-violet (UV) lights with 6 bulbs each for disinfection and are manually cleaned as needed. After disinfection the effluent traverses through a Parshall flume thence to the outfall and discharge into the Rio Grande. The flume exhibited algae growth which could impair accurate permit sample collection and/or flow measurement. The WWTP has secure perimeter fencing; thus, limiting access. The overall WWTP's operations and maintenance (O&M), and general facility housekeeping appeared to be in good order The Village participated in the FY-22 EPA-Compliance Advisor Program (CAP) and was provided or assisted in the development of the following through the CAP Close-out Report (January 7, 2025): 1. Staffing Ratio of Operators Recommended Improvement #4 Develop a standardized process for onboarding and training new operators - NOT STARTED Bosque Farms is currently contacting out all operations to Prodigy Builders and is not looking to hire internal operators at the time of this report. 2. No ability for process units to be taken offline and bypasses for needed O&M Recommended Improvement #5 Acquire a portable trash pump to bypass certain pieces of critical infrastructure to temporary bypass equipment to perform O&M and install a flow equalization tank- IN PROCESS Bosque Farms can rent trash pumps as needed from a local equipment rental facility but has not purchased its own or moved forward with the design and acquisition of equalization or temporary storage. 3. Lack of control instrumentation technical support from vendor Recommended Improvement #7b Develop an SOP for in-house calibration of sensors and instrumentation where permissible - NOT STARTED Due to the lack of internal Bosque Farms operators, all services are currently being contracted out to Prodigy Builders. 4. Polymer Dosing Recommended Improvement #12a Perform a jar test and adjust polymer dosing to optimize dewatering capabilities and reduce polymer usage, - NOT STARTED A minimal adjustment has been made to the polymer dosing procedure, but no new recipes have been evaluated. 5 Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Section III - SUMMARY/AREAS OF CONCERN The following areas of concern (AOCs) were identified and/or discussed with the contract operator for the Village of Bosque Farms: In January 2025 it was stated an approximate 2K-gallon sewage spill on land surface had occurred from a vacuum truck. Furthermore, it was stated the event was not reported and no additional details were provided with respect to containment or how the event was cleaned. There was no visible evidence of proper and timely calibration of temperature recording devices (thermometers) within the sample storage refrigerator. Therefore, the integrity or stability of the collected samples cannot be guaranteed; thus, the results could be inaccurate or in error. The Parshall flume exhibited algae growth which could impair accurate permit sample collection and/or flow measurement. I conducted a closing conference at the Village of Bosque Farms on March 11, 2025, for the inspection. During the closing conference, I reviewed and discussed the Areas of Concern noted during the inspection with Ms. Padilla. Section IV - RECOMMENDATIONS Completion and implementation of a written Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) protocol and Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program. Preparation of a Sewer Use Ordinance to address the existing and/or future Industrial Users. Follow-up and address the remaining items identified in the CAP January 2025 Close-out Recommendations Report. Section IV - FOLLOW UP Additional information or clarification was requested on March 13, 2025, via electronic mail (email). No additional information was received (copies of email Request for Information (RFI) attached). Section V - LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Photo Log 8 photographs taken 3/11/2025 Appendix 2 - Request for Information (RFI) 6 Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Appendix 1 Photograph Log UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 1 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of thermometer attached to the inside wall of the sample refrigerator. March 11, 2025, 10:55 AM (IMG_0255). Photographed by D Esparza UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 2 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of an additional thermometer laying inside the sample refrigerator door. March 11, 2025, 10:55 AM (IMG_256). Photographed by D Esparza. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 3 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico Another view of the thermometer laying inside the sample refrigerator door. Could not determine calibration dates. March 11, 2025, 10:55 AM (IMG_256). Photographed by D Esparza. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 4 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of the three (3) on-site sludge boxes the WWTP utilizes after thickening and/or dewatering. The boxes are vacuum truck pumped (as pictured) and transported either to the 240-acre Bosque Farms owned unlined fenced disposal facility for surface disposal via injection or to the permitted landfill in Rio Rancho, New Mexico for final disposition. March 11, 2025, 11:03 AM (IMG_260). Photographed by D Esparza. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 5 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of the locked hatchway to the on-site lift station. Note: currently there is not a safety gate in place beneath the hatchway opening, though it was stated that one is waiting to be installed. March 11, 2025, 11:16 AM (IMG_265). Photographed by D Esparza UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 6 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of one instrumentation calibration label indicating a date of July 2022. Note: it was stated that current staff perform necessary calibration updating, though affixed signage does not indicate so. March 11, 2025, 11:20 AM (IMG_268). Photographed by D Esparza UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 7 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of the Parshall flume exhibiting algae growth inside and along the discharge point which could impair accurate permit sample collection and/or flow measurement. March 11, 2025, 11:23 AM (IMG_270). Photographed by D Esparza UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Photo No. 8 Location: Village of Bosque Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant City: Bosque Farms County/Parish: Valencia State: New Mexico View of the WWTP effluent discharge into the Rio Grande. March 11, 2025, 12:06 PM (IMG_272). Photographed by D Esparza Village of Bosque Farms/ Bosque Farms WWTP Permit No: NM0030279 Inspection Date 03/11/2025 Appendix 2 Request for Information (RFI) From: To: Subject: Date: Shaline Lopez Esparza, David; Michael Limn RE: Village of Bosque Farms WWTP (NM0030279) Monday, March 17, 2025 11:10:24 AM Caution: This email originated from outside EPA, please exercise additional caution when deciding whether to open attachments or click on provided links. Good morning Mr. Esparza, I will work with my colleagues and Prodigy and get this information together for you as soon as possible. Have a nice day, Shaline L. Lopez Deputy Clerk, Bosque Farms s.lopez@bosquefarmsnm.gov 505-869-2358 From: Esparza, David <esparza.david@epa.gov> Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 1:14 PM To: Michael Limn <clerkadmin@bosquefarmsnm.gov>; Shaline Lopez <s.lopez@bosquefarmsnm.gov> Cc: Esparza, David <esparza.david@epa.gov> Subject: FW: Village of Bosque Farms WWTP (NM0030279) I apologize for any confusion. I must have entered you respective electronic mail (email) address incorrectly. From: Esparza, David <esparza.david@epa.gov> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:59 PM To: Roberta Padilla <roberta@prodigynm.com>; clerknm@bosquefarms.gov; wwtp@bosquefarms.gov; s.lopez@bosquefarms.gov Cc: Bernier, Roberto <bernier.roberto@epa.gov>; McElroy, Damon <mcelroy.damon@epa.gov>; Matthews, Rachel <Matthews.Rachel@epa.gov>; Esparza, David <esparza.david@epa.gov> Subject: Village of Bosque Farms WWTP (NM0030279) Ms. Padilla: As I discussed, this is my follow-up to our on-site discussion on March 11, 2025. To reiterate my understanding I was informed Prodigy was the Village of Bosque Farms wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) contract operator circa April 2024 and you could provide or make available copies of the information as requested. Additional information might be requested after my review of the received information. The specific request for information (RFI) will be delineated below. Therefore, please forward by email the requested information as soon as possible, but no later than close of business March 20, 2025. Names and/or addresses of any Industrial Users (IUs) discharging to the WWTP. Electronic copies of any applicable Service Agreements with respect to the above IUs . Electronic copies of any applicable Service Agreements with respect to the Village of Peralta and/or any other entities contributing to the WWTP waste stream. An electronic copy of the WWTP process flow diagram with any treatment processes no longer in use or off-line delineated. Clarification of the sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) event circa January 2025. David A. Esparza, P.E. Environmental Engineer U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Enforcement Branch-Municipal/Industrial Section Mail Code: 6-ECDWM 1201 Elm Street, Suite 500 Dallas, Texas 75270 (505) 366-8402 eMail: esparza.david@epa.gov