Document bayokD46dVRvnybrjNyv4e420
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION III
1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2029
Report Title: Inspection Date(s): Regulatory Program(s): Type of Activity: Site/Facility Name:
Permittee(s): Site/Facility Operator: Site/Facility Address:
Latitude: County/Parish: Permit Number: NAICS Code:
Clean Water Act Compliance Inspection Report
09/21/2021 _To_ 09/22/2021
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Conservation
Training Center
USFWS
Snyder Environmental Services (SES) and Raven Services
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
39.490698
Longitude: -77.810817
Jefferson County
WV0105112
921190
SIC: 9199
Site/Facility Representative(s): Paul Wolford - Manager, Facilities Management Branch Phone: (304) 876-7445 Email: paul_wolford@fws.gov
Point of Contact
Alan Stupleman - Acting Project Manager, Raven Services
Jeff Pippel - Lead Plant Operator, SES
EPA Contractors: Jake Albright, Inspector, PG Environmental Phone: (703) 956-1957 Email: jake.albright@pgenv.com
Kelly Davis, Inspector, Eastern Research Group (ERG) Phone: (440) 666-4460 Email: kelly.davis@erg.com
State/Local Inspectors: Mike Kanehl, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) Phone: (304) 549-1733 Email: michael.k.kanehl@wv.gov
Report Preparer Signature/Date
Supervisor Signature/Date
10/22/2021
Jake Albright/jake.albright@pgenv.com
Date
Preparers' address
Digitally signed by JAMES
JAMES BENNETT BENNETT Date: 2021.10.29 12:16:29 -04'00'
James Bennett
Date
USFWS NCTC CEI
09/21/2021_To_09/22/2021
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USFWS NCTC CEI
09/21/2021_To_09/22/2021
Table of Contents
I. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 A. Inspection Opening Conference ....................................................................................... 1 B. Weather and Precipitation Conditions.............................................................................. 1 C. Summary of the Site/Facility............................................................................................ 2
II. Site Activity.......................................................................................................................... 4 III. Observations ......................................................................................................................... 5 IV. Records Review.................................................................................................................. 18 V. Closing Conference ............................................................................................................ 19
Appendices
Appendix A: NPDES Permit No. WV0105112 Appendix B: Photograph Log Appendix C: Exhibit Log
- Exhibit 1: DMR Data from EPA's ICIS Database (September 1, 2016, through date of inspection)
- Exhibit 2: EPA ECHO Detailed Facility Report - Exhibit 3: Operator Certificates - Exhibit 4: Groundwater Protection Plan and Best Management Practices - Exhibit 5: Stormwater Work Order Documentation - Exhibit 6: Engineering Drawings of the Outlet No. 008 Oil/Grit Separator - Exhibit 7: Updated Groundwater Protection Plan and Best Management Practices
USFWS NCTC CEI
09/21/2021_To_09/22/2021
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USFWS NCTC CEI
09/21/2021_To_09/22/2021
I. Introduction
On September 21--22, 2021, an inspection team composed of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contractors (PG Environmental and ERG, hereafter, "Inspectors") conducted a compliance evaluation inspection (CEI) of the USFWS National Conservation Training Center (hereinafter, "the Facility"). The purpose of the inspection was to observe compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and to verify compliance with the Facility's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. WV0105112 (hereinafter, the "Permit"; included as Appendix A) and applicable State and Federal regulations.
A. Inspection Opening Conference
The Inspectors arrived at the Facility at 10:00 a.m. on September 21, 2021, for the inspection. Inspectors met with the following Facility representatives:
Table 1: Inspection Attendee List
Name Jake Albright Kelly Davis Paul Wolford Alan Stupleman
Jeff Pippel
Mike Kanehl
Affiliation
Telephone
Email
EPA Region III Contractors
PG Environmental (703) 956-1957 Jake.albright@pgenv.com
ERG
(703) 633-1646
Kelly.davis@erg.com
Site/Facility Representatives
Manager, Facilities (304) 876-7445
Paul_wolford@fws.gov
Management Branch
Acting Project
--
--
Manager, Raven
Services
Lead Plant Operator,
--
--
SES
State or County Representatives
WVDEP
(304) 549-1733 Michael.k.kanehl@wv.gov
Mr. Jake Albright with PG Environmental displayed his Clean Water Act inspector credential to Mr. Paul Wolford, the primary Facility representative, at the outset of the inspection and explained the purpose of the inspection was to observe compliance with its Permit. A copy of the Permit is provided in Appendix A. Mr. Albright informed Mr. Wolford that any information that the Facility deemed to be confidential business information (CBI) should be identified during the inspection and it would be handled as CBI according to EPA's CBI procedures.
Photographs were taken during the inspection by Jake Albright and Kelly Davis, and are provided in Appendix B, Photograph Log. Supporting documentation is included in Appendix C, Exhibit Log.
B. Weather and Precipitation Conditions
During the inspection, weather was cloudy and overcast, with periods of moderate precipitation. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service precipitation data for the dates of the inspection and 5 days prior are provided in the Table 2 below:
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Table 2: Precipitation Data
Station Name
Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV Auburn 8.3 ENE, WV
Date
9/16/2021 9/17/2021 9/18/2021 9/19/2021 9/20/2021 9/21/2021 9/22/2021
Precipitation Amount (inches)1
0.11 Trace Trace Trace
0 0
0.17
C. Summary of the Site/Facility
The USFWS National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) is federally owned and operated conference center encompassing approximately 540 acres. The Facility is supported by a variety of operations including dorms, food service, classrooms, offices, an auditorium, a day care Facility, and a laboratory. The Facility also has Facility maintenance services, including multiple maintenance yard areas. The inspection focused on wastewater treatment and stormwater management at the Facility, both of which are regulated by the Permit.
Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Wastewater at the Facility originates from a variety of sources related the operations and services provided at the NCTC. There are six main lift stations in the collection system that vary in size and capacity. All wastewater on site is eventually directed to Lift Station No. 3, located approximately mile from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), for final conveyance to the plant.
Under normal circumstances, Facility wastewater is primarily a mix of cooling tower blowdown, cafeteria wastewater, laundry service wastewater, and sanitary sewage. At the time of the inspection, the Facility had not been operational for approximately 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wastewater during that time was primarily composed of cooling tower blowdown and wastewater from cleaning operations. According to the Lead Plant Operator, influent flow to the WWTP averages about 30,000 gallons per day (gpd). If both of the oxidation ditches were online, the WWTP could provide a treatment capacity of up to 82,000 gpd.
Influent flow to the WWTP enters the headworks microscreen for preliminary solids removal (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 1). The microscreen was out of service at the time of the inspection. The headworks is also equipped with a microscreen bypass channel with manual bar screen. Flow was observed going through the bar screen at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 2).
Flow continues to a distribution box that controls flow to two oxidation ditches (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 3 through 7). Oxidation No. 2 was out of service for repair at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 7). The Lead Plant Operator explained that the oxidation ditches should have been alternated every 6 months; however, Oxidation Ditch No.
1 Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/).
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2 had been left to run for 18 months without a maintenance interval, until it failed (see Observation 8).
The oxidation ditches are designed to facilitate nitrogen removal. Aeration is provided by a rotating brush. At the time of the inspection, solids levels and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentration in the influent were low because the majority of the influent was cooling tower blowdown. The Lead Plant Operator explained that this was because there have not been patrons onsite since early 2020 due the COVID-19 pandemic. The low solids and BOD had been causing the plant biology to fail and become less effective. The Lead Plant Operator stated operators started adding a biological supplement to the oxidation ditch in August 2021 and were also costing a carbon source at the time of the inspection, likely MicroC, to help keep the plant biology working more effectively until the conference center begins normal operations and the plant starts receiving normal flows and loading again.
Each oxidation ditch is equipped with a clarifier in the central portion of the tank. As stated previously, Oxidation Ditch No. 2 (including the clarifier) was out of service at the time of the inspection. Solids that settle out during clarification are collected by sludge return or waste pumps and directed back to the oxidation ditch or to the aerated wasted sludge holding tank (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 8), respectively. The Lead Plant Operator stated that the Facility had not been wasting sludge for the majority of the pandemic due to low solids loading in the influent. All sludge from the clarifier was being returned to Oxidation Ditch No. 1 at the time of the inspection.
Clarified effluent flows over the clarifier weirs and is directed to the chlorine contact chamber (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 9). Sodium hypochlorite is injected into the clarified effluent just prior to entering the chamber. After flowing through the chamber, disinfected effluent is dechlorinated with sodium sulfite solution. At the time of the inspection, the Facility had also installed ultraviolet (UV) lamps in the chlorine contact chamber (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 10). The Lead Plant Operator stated that the UV system was being tested to see if it would be effective, however, he believed the effluent was too cloudy for UV to work correctly.
Effluent flow is measured via ultrasonic transducer and v-notch weir prior to entering the discharge pipeline to Outlet No. 001 and into the Potomac River (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 11 through 15). The effluent flow meter was not working properly at the time of the inspection; therefore, the Lead Plant Operator was using water consumption rates at the Facility to estimate effluent flow (see Observation 6).
Facility representatives stated that Outlet No. 002, which was connected to fish tanks in the Facility's laboratory building, used to discharge directly to the Potomac River. However, the Facility modified the discharge from the fish tanks several years prior to the inspection to discharge to the sanitary sewer when in operation. The Inspectors observed that the tanks were not operating at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 16).
Stormwater Management
Stormwater runoff is collected by a network of storm drain inlets located throughout the Facility and is discharged into unnamed tributaries to the Potomac River through five outlets (Outlet Nos. 004 through 008) located at various locations throughout the Facility (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 17 through 25).
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Facility representatives explained that the Facility plugged Outlet No. 009 about 10 years prior to the inspection; the outlet was not discharging at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 26 and 27).
The Facility has four large stormwater ponds that capture all runoff in the drainage areas for Outlet Nos. 004, 005, 006, and 007 (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 28 through 31). Runoff in the Outlet No. 008 drainage area is directed through an oil/grit separator before discharging (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 32 and 33).
II. Site Activity
During the inspection, the Inspectors observed the WWTP and select parts of the wastewater collection system as well as the Facility's Support Services Building, stormwater best management practices (BMPs), and outlets. Inspection observations were made pursuant to the requirements of the Permit. The observations from the inspection are described in detail in Section III of this report.
Wastewater Treatment
The Inspectors started the inspection by visiting the fish tanks in the Facility's laboratory building. The fish tanks did not appear to be in operation.
The Inspectors then visited Lift Station #1 located near the Commons Building. The station appeared to be in good working order.
The Inspectors then visited the WWTP and walked the treatment train from influent to effluent with the Lead Plant Operator. During the walkthrough, the Lead Plant Operator explained that several of the treatment units and associated equipment were out of service for repair (see Section III of this report for observations).
Additionally, the Lead Plant Operator conducted a sludge judge measurement in Clarifier No. 1 for process control as well as took a chlorine residual sample at the Permit-specified effluent monitoring location during the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 6 and 34 through 36). The result exceeded the Permit limit (see Section III of this report for observations).
Following the walkthrough of the treatment train, the Inspectors observed the operator's onsite laboratory, which is used for process control monitoring and field analyses (i.e., no benchtop compliance testing). The Inspectors also observed the chemical feed room and the pump and blower room (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 37 through 41).
Upon leaving the WWTP site, the Inspectors drove to Outlet No. 001, located approximately 650-700 feet north of the WWTP fence line, and observed the WWTP discharge into the Potomac River. Foam was observed at the outlet (see Section III of this report for observations).
Stormwater Management
During the stormwater management portion of the inspection, the Inspectors observed the Facility's Support Service Building, Wage-Grade Building, stormwater basins, and Outlet Nos. 004 through 009. The Facility performs vehicle maintenance inside the vehicle garage at the Support Services Building (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 42). Drains inside the vehicle garage are routed through oil/water separators and connect to the sanitary sewer system (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 43).
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At the Support Services Building, the Inspectors observed a salt and sand pile that was contained and covered; a fueling station; a double-walled fuel tank; two uncovered dumpsters; and vehicle and equipment storage located in the loading dock area (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 44 through 51). A spill kit was observed inside the Support Service Building (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 52). The Inspectors observed aggregates and topsoil stored outdoors at the WageGrade Building, located just north of the Support Services Building (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 53). A newly installed stormwater basin was observed on the south side of the WageGrade Building (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 54 and 55).
The Inspectors observed Outlet Nos. 004 through 009 and the accompanying BMPs. All stormwater basins appeared to be structurally functional, vegetated, free of trash and debris, and outlets appeared to be structurally functional. Flow was not observed at any of the outlets; there was moderate precipitation at the time of the inspection. No sediment, debris, trash, or other pollutants were observed at or downstream of the outlets.
III. Observations
Wastewater Treatment
Permit Section A.001 (Discharge Limitations and Monitoring Requirements)
Permit Section A.001 defines effluent discharge limits and monitoring requirements for Outlet No. 001. Outlet No. 001 is the point of discharge for the WWTP.
Observation 1.
According to the discharge monitoring report (DMR) data in EPA's Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS) database, the WWTP experienced 63 effluent limit exceedances as well as 24 failures to meet minimum percent removal requirements for BOD and TSS between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2021 (refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 1 and Table 3 below). EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database indicates the Facility was in a state of significant noncompliance (SNC) between July 1, 2018, and September 30, 2020, as well as between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021 (refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 2).
Table 3: Summary of WWTP Effluent Exceedances (September 1, 2016, through August 31, 2021)
Permit #
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
WV0105112
WV0105112
Monitoring Period End
Date
8/31/2021 8/31/2021 8/31/2021
8/31/2021
8/31/2021
8/31/2021
Parameter Name
TSS TSS Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
WV0105112 8/31/2021
% Removal TSS
DMR Value
56 98.7 0.19 0.12
0.12
71
14
Permit Limit
20.5 41.1 0.075 0.012
0.023
85
85
Units
lbs/day lbs/day mg/L mg/L mg/L
% %
Limit Type
Ave. Monthly Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum
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Permit #
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
Monitoring Period End
Date
7/31/2021
7/31/2021
7/31/2021
7/31/2021 7/31/2021 6/30/2021
6/30/2021
6/30/2021
Parameter Name
Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Total Residual
Chlorine Total Residual
Chlorine Flow
Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
6/30/2021 5/31/2021 5/31/2021 5/31/2021 5/31/2021 5/31/2021 4/30/2021 4/30/2021 4/30/2021 4/30/2021 4/30/2021
3/31/2021 3/31/2021 3/31/2021 3/31/2021 3/31/2021
2/28/2021 2/28/2021 2/28/2021 2/28/2021
% Removal TSS
Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
DMR Value
0.068 0.068
50 50 0.18 0.053 0.053 52 25 0.084 0.057 0.057 0 80 0.136 0.0292 0.0292 69 65 0.116 0.0468 0.0468 19 42 0.11 0.028 0.028 78
09/21/2021_To_09/22/2021
Permit Limit
0.012 0.023 0.028 0.057 0.082 0.012 0.023
85 85 0.075 0.012 0.023 85 85 0.075 0.012 0.023 85 85 0.075 0.012 0.023 85 85 0.075 0.012 0.023 85
Units
mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L MGD mg/L mg/L
% % mg/L mg/L mg/L % % mg/L mg/L mg/L % % mg/L mg/L mg/L % % mg/L mg/L mg/L %
Limit Type
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum
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Permit #
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
Monitoring Period End
Date
2/28/2021
1/31/2021 1/31/2021 1/31/2021 1/31/2021 1/31/2021
12/31/2020 11/30/2020 11/30/2020 10/31/2020 10/31/2020 9/30/2020 9/30/2020 9/30/2020 8/31/2020 8/31/2020 7/31/2020 7/31/2020 6/30/2020 6/30/2020 6/30/2020
5/31/2020 5/31/2020 4/30/2020 3/31/2020 2/29/2020 2/29/2020 2/29/2020
Parameter Name
% Removal TSS
Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
% Removal TSS
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
% Removal BOD
% Removal BOD
% Removal TSS
Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
TSS Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
DMR Value
50 0.141 0.079 0.079
65 64 0 79 36 37 50 0.091 0.016 27 52 53 0.049 0.049 35 0.095 0.095 0.033 0.033 0.017 0.017 0.094 0.038 0.038
09/21/2021_To_09/22/2021
Permit Limit
85 0.075 0.012 0.023
85 85 85 85 85 85 85 0.075 0.012 85 85 85 0.012 0.023 30 0.012 0.023 0.012 0.023 0.012 0.012 0.075 0.012 0.023
Units
% mg/L mg/L mg/L
% % % % % % % mg/L mg/L % % % mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
Limit Type
Ave. Monthly Minimum
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Minimum Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
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Permit #
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
WV0105112
WV0105112
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
WV0105112
WV0105112
WV0105112
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
WV0105112
Monitoring Period End
Date
1/31/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020
1/31/2020
12/31/2019
12/31/2019 12/31/2019 11/30/2019 8/31/2019 8/31/2019 8/31/2019 8/31/2019
7/31/2019
5/31/2019
2/28/2019
1/31/2019 12/31/2018 3/31/2018 1/31/2018 1/31/2018 3/31/2017 11/30/2016 10/31/2016
10/31/2016
Parameter Name
Zinc, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable
Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Coliform
% Removal TSS
BOD BOD Fecal Coliform
% Removal BOD
Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable Zinc, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable Copper, total recoverable
DMR Value
0.25 0.25 0.03
0.03
0.21
5,000 5,000 49.5 64.7 64.7 600
73
0.039
0.038
0.031
0.034 0.264 0.273 0.344 0.03 0.335 0.29 0.163
0.163
Permit Limit
0.075 0.194 0.012
0.023
0.012
200 400 85 30 60 400 85
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.029 0.24 0.24 0.029
0.067
Units Limit Type
mg/L mg/L mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
#/100mL #/100mL
% mg/L mg/L #/100mL
%
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
mg/L
Ave. Monthly Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly Monthly
Geometric Mean Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly Minimum
Ave. Monthly Max. Daily Max. Daily
Ave. Monthly Minimum
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly
Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly Ave. Monthly
Max. Daily
It should be noted that 20 instances where the WWTP failed to meet percent removal requirements for BOD or TSS from March 2020 through the date of the inspection, the Facility did not exceed effluent loading or concentration limits for those parameters. These instances occurred in months impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, when influent loadings were low, requiring little to no influent wastewater treatment to meet effluent limits for BOD and TSS.
The WWTP failed to meet the percent removal requirement for TSS and exceeded TSS loading limits in August 2021. This corresponds to the general time period when Oxidation Ditch No. 2 failed and operation switched to
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Oxidation Ditch No.1 after 18 months of dormancy (see Observation 8). The Facility was unable to provide the exact timing of this event as it was not documented in the operator log sheets and the previous operator was no longer employed at the WWTP.
Observation 2.
The Lead Plant Operator sampled for and measured chlorine residual in the effluent after dechlorination at the time of the inspection. The result was 0.42 parts per million (ppm), which exceeds the maximum daily effluent limit (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 34 through 36). After the Inspectors left the WWTP, the Lead Plant Operator stated that he was able to find and repair a clog in the sodium sulfite line that was preventing proper dechlorination.
Observation 3.
The notes in Permit Section A.001 state that "This discharge [i.e., from Outlet No. 001] shall not cause violation of Title 47, Series 2, Section 3, of the West Virginia Legislative Rules." Title 47, Series 2, Section 3, Part 3.2 of the West Virginia Legislative Rules states that no sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes present in any of the waters of the State shall cause distinctly visible floating or settleable solids, suspended solids, scum, foam, or oily slicks.
At the time of the inspection, the Inspectors observed foaming in the effluent discharge chamber and at Outlet No. 001 in the Potomac River (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 12 through 15).
Permit Section B (Schedule of Compliance)
The Permittee was required to submit and implement a Plan of Action on obtaining compliance for copper and zinc at Outlet No. 001 according to the schedule in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Outlet No. 1 zinc and copper compliance schedule (Permit Part B). 9
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Observation 4.
At the time of the inspection, the Permittee had not submitted a Plan of Action for obtaining compliance for copper and zinc at Outlet No. 001. The Facilities Management Branch Manager stated that USFWS had hired an engineer to develop the plan, and the project was in a feasibility planning phase at the time of the inspection. As shown in Table 3, the Facility has routinely exceeded copper and zinc effluent concentration limits over the five years preceding the inspection (52 total copper and zinc exceedances in five years).
Observation 5.
While reviewing the Facility's DMR data in ICIS, Inspectors observed that data were not submitted for Outlet No. 002 for the months of January, March, April, May, and June of 2017.
The Permit states that effluent at Outlet No. 002 (laboratory fish tank discharge) must be monitored once per month and effluent at Outlet Nos. 004 through 009 must be monitored once every six months.
Facility representatives stated that Outlet No. 002 effluent had been routed to the sanitary sewer and has not discharged directly to the Potomac River since before the current Permit term; however, Facility representatives did not know the exact date Outlet No. 002 was disconnected.
Permit Section C.7 (Other Requirements)
The required DMRs shall be received by the agency no later than 20 days following the end of the reporting period in accordance with the following requirements.
Observation 6.
While reviewing the Facility's DMR data in ICIS, the Inspectors observed 55 occurrences between all eight outlets of DMRs that were submitted after 20 days following the end of the reporting period (see Table 4). This observation was made during records review following the inspection and was not discussed onsite with Facility representatives.
It is worth noting that the effluent characteristics that are required to be monitored that are not listed in Table 4 during the listed corresponding monitoring periods were not included in the ICIS database. Data that were included in the ICIS database that had not been submitted by the Permittee are described in Observation 5.
Outlet No.
001
002 005/ 006/
008 002
Table 4: Late DMR Submittal Summary
Parameters
DMR Due Date
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
January 31, 2017
February 28, 2017 February 28, 2017
July 31, 2017
DMR Received Date February 21, 2017
April 14, 2017 May 17, 2017 July 19, 2019
Number of days late
1
25 58 698
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Outlet No. 002
004/ 006/ 007/ 008/
009 005
001
002
002
002 004/ 005/ 006/ 007/ 008/ 009 004/ 005/ 006/ 007/ 008/ 009
002
001
002 004/ 005/ 006/ 007/ 008/ 009
001
002
001
Parameters
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Iron, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Iron, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Iron, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
DMR Due Date August 31, 2017 August 31, 2017 August 31, 2017
August 31, 2017
September 30, 2017
October 31, 2017 November 30, 2017 November 30, 2019 May 31, 2020
October 31, 2020
October 31, 2020
November 30, 2020
November 30, 2020
November 30, 2020
January 31, 2021
January 31, 2021
DMR Received Date
Number of days late
July 19, 2019
667
July 19, 2019
667
May 3, 2018
225
November 16, 2017
57
July 19, 2019
637
July 19, 2019
606
July 19, 2019
576
January 23, 2020
34
August 19, 2020
60
November 22, 2020
2
November 27, 2020
7
December 23, 2020
3
January 4, 2021
15
December 23, 2020
3
February 22, 2021
2
February 22, 2021
2
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Outlet No. 002
001
001
002 004/ 005/ 006/ 007/ 008/ 009
001
002
001
001
Parameters
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal/ Lead, total recoverable
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Oil and grease, hexane extr method/ Iron, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Coliform, fecal general
Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal Temperature, water deg. Fahrenheit (all three characteristics)/ BOD, 5-day, 20 deg. C/ pH/ Solids, total suspended/ Nitrogen, total [as N]/ Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, total [as N]/ Phosphorus, total [as P]/ Zinc, total recoverable/ Copper, total recoverable/ Flow, in conduit or thru treatment plant/ Chlorine, total residual/ Coliform, fecal general/ BOD, 5-day, percent removal/ Solids, suspended percent removal
DMR Due Date February 28, 2021 February 28, 2021
March 31, 2021 May 31, 2021 May 31, 2021 May 31, 2021 July 31, 2021 July 31, 2021
August 31, 2021
DMR Received Date March 24, 2021 March 24, 2021
April 21, 2021 June 23, 2021 September 15, 2021 June 23, 2021 August 30, 2021 August 24, 2021
September 23, 2021
Number of days late
4 4
1 3 87 3 10 4
3
Appendix A, Part II.1 (Proper Operation and Maintenance)
The permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls, and appropriate quality assurance procedures. Unless otherwise required by Federal or State law, this provision requires the operation of back-up auxiliary facilities or similar systems which are installed by the permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of the permit. For domestic waste treatment facilities, waste treatment operators as classified by the WV Bureau of Public Health Laws, W. Va. Code Chapter 16-1, will be required except that in circumstances where the
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domestic waste treatment facility is receiving any type of industrial waste, the Director may require a more highly skilled operator.
Observation 7.
The Lead Plant Operator stated that the influent and effluent flow meters were not functioning properly at the time of the inspection. He stated that a calibration contractor had visited the WWTP in the month prior to the inspection and the meters failed calibration/certification. He stated that during August and September 2021, he was using potable water usage rates to estimate flows through the WWTP. Snyder Environmental Services (SES) had only been operating the WWTP since early August 2021, and the Lead Plant Operator was unsure how the previous operator was determining flow or how long the meters had been malfunctioning.
While reviewing the Facility's DMR data in ICIS, the Inspectors observed that for 37 of 38 months between May 2018 and June 2021, the Permittee reported the same value for average monthly and maximum daily flows for each reporting period (see Table 5). This scenario is unlikely due to the changing number of people onsite each day and the dynamic nature of daily flows in the sewer system. This is more likely due to a reporting error or instrument malfunction. This observation was made during records review following the inspection and not discussed onsite with Facility representatives.
Table 5: WWTP Effluent Data Showing Matching Monthly Average and Maximum Daily Flows (September 1, 2016, through August 31, 2021)
Permit No.
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
Monitoring Period End
Date
06/30/2021 05/31/2021 04/30/2021 03/31/2021 02/28/2021 01/31/2021 12/31/2020 11/30/2020 10/31/2020 09/30/2020 08/31/2020 07/31/2020 06/30/2020 05/31/2020 04/30/2020 03/31/2020 02/29/2020 01/31/2020 12/31/2019 11/30/2019 10/31/2019 09/30/2019 08/31/2019 07/31/2019 06/30/2019
Outlet No.
001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001
Parameter
Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow
Ave. Monthly
.0051 .0054 .0048 .003 .0042 .0033 .005 .0058 .0103
.02 .0092 .0169 .0179 .004 .0028 .0102 .009 .0142 .014 .0183 .0258 .0244 .0178 .021 .0141
Max. Daily
.0051 .0054 .0048 .003 .0042 .0033 .005 .0058 .0103
.02 .0092 .0169 .0179 .004 .0028 .0102 .009 .0142 .014 .0183 .0258 .0244 .0178 .021 .0141
Units
MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD
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Permit No.
WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112 WV0105112
Monitoring Period End
Date
05/31/2019 04/30/2019 03/31/2019 02/28/2019 01/31/2019 12/31/2018 11/30/2018 10/31/2018 09/30/2018 08/31/2018 07/31/2018 05/31/2018
Outlet No.
001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001 001
Parameter
Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow
Ave. Monthly
.0182 .016 .0144 .0104 .0073 .0137 .0106 .0299 .0234 .0392 .0364 .019
Max. Daily
.0182 .016 .0144 .0104 .0073 .0137 .0121 .0299 .0234 .0392 .0364 .019
Units
MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD MGD
Observation 8.
The Inspectors observed several issues related to proper operation and maintenance (O&M) at the WWTP, including:
The Lead Plant Operator stated that WWTP O&M manual was not located at the WWTP and he was unsure where it was.
Operator certifications were not kept onsite. Facility representatives provided this documentation following the inspection (refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 3).
The influent and effluent flow meters were not working at the time of the inspection. The Lead Plant Operator stated that the Permittee estimates flow based on water use on campus.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of the influent to the WWTP was cooling tower blow down and cleaning product waste from janitorial operations. The Lead Plant Operator stated that this has resulted in low BOD, low sludge volumes, and failing biology in the plant. The operators started adding a biological supplement to the oxidation ditch in August and are costing a carbon source, likely MicroC, to help keep the plant biology working more effectively until the conference center begins normal operations and the plant starts receiving normal flows again.
The Lead Plant Operator took a clarifier sludge judge measurement of 8 inches at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 6). He stated, ideally, there would be a 12-inch sludge blanket. He also stated he had recently observed measurements lower than the 8 inches observed on the day of the inspection.
The Lead Plant Operator stated that the Facility had not been wasting solids for most of the pandemic due to low solids loadings; however, he was unsure for exactly how long.
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RAS Pump No. 1 was out of service at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 38).
The Facility's influent rotary screen was out of service, and according to Facility representatives, had been for years (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 1).
Oxidation Ditch No. 2 was out of service at the time of the inspection. Facility representatives explained that the bearings in the clarifier drive had failed and the rake apparatus broke. They explained that the oxidation ditches should have been alternated every 6 months; however, Oxidation Ditch No. 2 had been left to run for 18 months without a maintenance interval, until it failed.
As stated previously, after determining disinfection was not working in the chlorine contact chamber, the Lead Plant Operator discovered a clog in the sodium sulfite line that was preventing the solution from injecting into the effluent.
Lock-out tags were not used on the Facility's motor control center (MCC) for the out-of-service Oxidation Ditch No. 2 and associated equipment (e.g., clarifier components; refer to Appendix B, Photographs 39 through 41). Additionally, lock-out tags and locks installed for the waste pumps were not dated or initialed (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 41). It was unclear how long the pumps had been turned off.
At the time of the inspection, the operators were utilizing both chlorine and UV light disinfection in the chlorine contact chamber (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 9). The Lead Plant Operator stated that the UV system was being tested to see if it would be effective; however, he believed the effluent was too cloudy for UV to work correctly.
Observation 9.
The WWTP had undergone recent operational staff changes at the time of the inspection. The contract operator at the WWTP, Raven, had brought on a new subcontract operator, SES, on August 3, 2021, due to an unexpected staff departure. Additionally, a new contract operator (CMI) was scheduled to be taking over on October 1, 2021. It was unclear at the time of the inspection whether CMI would be retaining SES as the operational subcontractor.
Stormwater Management
A.002 through 009 (Discharge Limitations and Monitoring Requirements)
Samples taken: In compliance with the monitoring requirements specified above shall be taken at the following location(s):
[Stormwater Discharge] Effluent samples shall be collected at, or as near as possible to the point of discharge.
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Permit Section C.14.d (Other Requirements)
When the concentration results from a minimum of four consecutive samples of a pollutant are all less than the corresponding benchmark value for the pollutant, additional monitoring for the pollutant is not required (all pH values of the samples must be within the range 6.0 to 9.0 S.U.). The facility shall submit, each year, to the Division of Water and Waste Management, in lieu of the monitoring data, a certification (form will be provided upon request) that there has not been a significant change in the industrial activity or the pollution prevention measures in the area of the facility that drains to the outlet for which sampling is to be waived.
Observation 10.
Based on a review of the ICIS database, DMRs were not submitted for Outlet Nos. 004, 007, and 009 for the first six months of 2017. The Permit states that effluent at Outlet Nos. 004 through 009 must be monitored once every six months.
The Inspectors observed Outlet No. 009 to be plugged at the time of the inspection (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 26 and 27). Facility representatives stated that the outlet pipe was plugged about 10 years prior to the inspection. The Permittee provided a document titled, "Groundwater Protection Plan and Best Management Practices," which Facility representatives explained functions as both the Facility's storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and the Groundwater Protection Plan (GPP) (hereinafter referred to as the GPP/SWPPP document; refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 4). The GPP/SWPPP document states that the Outlet No. 009 pond was originally installed with a sand/peat filter at the southern end of the BMP. The pond receives runoff from surrounding roads, parking lots, and the Ding Darling Lodge; however, at the time of the inspection, all runoff that was captured by the pond infiltrated and did not discharge.
Moderate precipitation was experienced during the inspection, and no flow was observed from any of the outlets. No Discharge was reported during the entirety of the Permit term for Outlet Nos. 004, 007, and 009. Discharge was reported for Outlet Nos. 005, 006, and 008.
At the time of the inspection, the Permittee had not submitted any request or documentation to WVDEP pursuing a waiver for monitoring at Outlet No. 009.
Permit Section C.01 (Other Requirements)
The permittee shall practice good housekeeping including maintaining the facility grounds. There shall be no scattered parts, equipment, debris, etc. Any and all drums shall be either stored in a covered area or kept upon pallets and properly sealed.
Observation 11.
Two uncovered dumpsters were observed in the Support Services Building yard. One dumpster was filled to capacity with trash (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 47). Facility representatives stated that a pick-up had been scheduled for earlier in the week, but a miscommunication led to a cancellation. The other dumpster contained scrap metal; rust stains were observed next to the scrap metal dumpster (refer to Appendix B, Photographs
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48 and 49). Facility representatives stated that they could request covers for the dumpsters from their hauler.
Observation 12. Uncovered material was observed at the Support Services Building on the southern perimeter of the loading dock (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 50).
Permit Section C.13 (Other Requirements)
The permittee shall maintain and implement the storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) for the site. The SWPPP shall be prepared in accordance with good engineering practices. The SWPPP shall identify potential sources of pollution which may reasonably be expected to affect the quality of storm water discharges associated with the industrial activity. In addition, the plan shall describe and ensure the implementation of practices which are to be used to reduce the pollutants in storm water discharges associated with the industrial activity at the facility and to assure compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit.
Observation 13.
The GPP/SWPPP document does not include detailed information on O&M requirements and frequency of maintenance for stormwater infrastructure and BMPs. Specifically, the GPP/SWPPP document does not include a description of the maintenance activities or frequency of maintenance to be performed on the oil/water separators and associated equipment at the Support Services Building, the Wage-Grade Building oil water separator and stormwater basin, the centralized stormwater ponds/BMPs, or at the outlets.
Section 4.1 of the Facility's GPP states, "Runoff control structure maintenance (e.g., cleaning oil-water separators) and regular inspections of runoff management structures (e.g., inspecting condition of swales) are important aspects of stormwater pollution prevention."
The Inspectors observed the following regarding maintenance of stormwater control and pollution prevention practices at the Facility:
The Permittee was able to provide work order documentation showing that Facility representatives conducted quarterly inspections of outlets and ponds in November 2020, February 2021, May 2021, and July 2021, as well as a comprehensive annual inspection in September 2021 (refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 5). Inspection reports and observations from these activities were not provided.
A sand interceptor was observed outside of the Support Services Building garage (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 56). Facility representatives were initially unsure of the structure's function. Upon review of the site plans, it was determined the sand interceptor collected liquids from floor drains inside the garage then discharged into an oil/water separator and ultimately into the sanitary sewer. Facility representatives opened the access manholes for the structure, and the Inspectors observed that the access riser space was flooded. Facility representatives initially started pumping out the riser onto the impervious surface of the yard but observed some sheen on the water surface; the pump was then directed into the downstream manhole of the separator structure (refer to Appendix B, Photographs 57 through
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59). Facility representatives stated they did not believe the sand separator or the two oil/water separators in the vehicle garages had ever been maintained (i.e., inspected or pumped out).
Erosion and scouring were observed on the embankments and filter bed of the newly installed stormwater basin at the entrance of the new Wage-Grade Building. The filter bed also lacked vegetation (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 54). Sediment was observed at the outlet south of the basin that discharges into a grass swale (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 55).
According to Facility representatives, the oil/grit separator that discharges to Outlet No. 008 had not been maintained in at least 18 years. A layer of sediment was observed in the bottom of the influent chamber (refer to Appendix B, Photograph 33). Based on engineering drawings of the structure provided after the inspection, the depth of the sediment layer in the initial chamber was approximately 5 to 6 feet (refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 6).
Observation 14.
The GPP/SWPPP document lists personnel as team members that were no longer employed at the Facility or no longer served in the specified role. Facility representatives provided an updated document after the inspection with an updated list of personnel (refer to Appendix C, Exhibit 7).
Observation 15.
Section 4.1 of the GPP/SWPPP document states. "Many techniques used to reduce stormwater pollution require continuous efforts by on-site personnel. Personnel given responsibilities such as inspections, PM, scheduled maintenance, and emergency response are required to receive specific training in order to effectively accomplish their assignments."
The Facilities Management Branch Manager stated that the Permittee does not conduct routine formalized stormwater pollution prevention and good housekeeping training and that training primarily occurs on the job.
IV. Records Review
As part of the inspection process, the Inspectors reviewed records, which included the following documents:
- EPA ECHO Detailed Facility Report - DMR data from EPA's ICIS database (September 1, 2016, through date of inspection) - Operator log sheets (July 1, 2021, through date of inspection) - Contract laboratory results and chain of custody forms (March 2021 through August
2021) - Facility site maps and engineering drawings - Written descriptions of WWTP flow and sewage collection system - Previous WWTP inspection reports from WVDEP (November 2019 and April 2020) - WWTP operator certifications (for SES) - Facility work orders for WWTP maintenance/repairs and stormwater inspections - GPP/SWPPP document (undated)
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- Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan (dated February 2020)
V. Closing Conference
After the Facility walkthrough, the Inspectors met with the Facility representatives for a closing conference and shared preliminary observations. The Inspectors reiterated to the Facility representatives that all preliminary observations discussed were not compliance determinations. Any and all preliminary observations shared were subject to further investigation by EPA upon the additional review of records and documentation. Additional observations may be contained in this inspection report that were not identified at the time of the closing conference after EPA reviewed additional materials following the inspection.
The inspection concluded at 11:20 a.m. on September 22, 2021.
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