Document gELjDjkKJ7XN82wr42jkq57bN

EPA REGION 5 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division INSPECTION REPORT Inspection Entry Date/Time Inspection Exit Date/Time Weather Media Statute(s)/Program(s) Type of Inspection 08/14/2023 12:00 PM (ET) Announced: No 08/14/2023 04:00 PM (ET) Access: Granted Dry, cloudy, mid-70s Water Clean Water Act, NPDES, WWTP Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) Permittee Name Facility or Site Name Facility/Site Physical Address City, State, Zip Code County/Borough/Parish Facility GPS Coordinates Oak Harbor WWTP Oak Harbor WWTP 355 East Water Street Oak Harbor, OH 43449 Ottawa 41.5076, -83.1369 FRS ID 110006285144 Permit Number(s) (If Applicable) 2PB00032*OD SIC and/or NAICS 4952 Lead Inspector: Megan Zale MEGAN ZALE EPA REGION 5 Digitally signed by MEGAN ZALE Date: 2023.09.25 10:28:02 -04'00' zale.megan@epa.gov Supervisor Review: Brooke Furio BROOKE FURIO EPA REGION 5 Digitally signed by BROOKE FURIO Date: 2023.09.25 10:52:40 -04'00' furio.brooke@epa.gov (440) 250-1711 (440) 250-1705 SECTION I - INTRODUCTION Site Entry and Inspection Objectives EPA Region 5 Lead Inspector, Megan Zale, arrived at the Oak Harbor WWTP, located at 355 East Water Street, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, at 12:00 PM (ET) on 08/14/2023 for an unannounced inspection. EPA Region 5 Lead Inspector presented credentials to the Operator of Record, Melissa Albright, and informed her that this was an EPA Region 5 inspection to determine compliance as authorized by Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 308 and implementing regulations. This report is based on information supplied by Oak Harbor WWTP representatives, direct observations made by the EPA Region 5 inspector, records and reports maintained by the permittee and other information including: photographs taken by EPA Region 5 inspector(s), physical evidence collected by the EPA Region 5 inspector(s), measurements taken by EPA Region 5 inspector(s), verbal or written statements made by information supplied by Oak Harbor WWTP representatives during or subsequent to the on-site Inspection, and materials, processes, data, photographs, or documents shown, demonstrated, or submitted to 1 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 the EPA REGION 5 inspector(s) by Oak Harbor WWTP representatives during or subsequent to the on-site Inspection. In addition, information gathered prior to or subsequent to the inspection from a review of EPA, State, and/or public records may be included in this report. Attendees Organization EPA Region 5 Oak Harbor WWTP Attendee Name Megan Zale Melissa Albright Title Lead Inspector Operator of Record Present in Opening Conf. Yes Yes Present in Closing Conf. Yes Yes Facility/Site Description EPA Region 5 lead inspector confirmed the following facility information: Facility treatment consists of a bar screen and comminutor, a pre-aeration tank, three primary clarifiers, a lift and recirculation building that leads to two trickling filter towers (the east trickling filter's arm is out of service so approximately 75% of flow is being fed to the west trickling filter, and 25% to the east filter), two secondary clarifiers, two settling tanks, ultraviolet ("UV") treatment, three sludge digesters, and a sludge belt press. The facility has an HMI system as opposed to SCADA, so it is a local interface and the assets are not remotely connected. Assets also include four raw (influent) pumps, six trickling filter pumps, two sludge transfer pumps, a sludge box where sludge is held before being pumped to the sludge digesters, and a sludge storage building which holds approximately 22 tons of sludge. Melissa Albright, Operator of Record, does all of the sampling for the facility. Facility/Site Information Responsible official Melissa Albright Type of primary flow Rectangular weir without end contractions and ultrasonic flow meter. meter What sort of failure alarm does the plant have? High/low level alarm and backup power alarm What portion of the All of the plant with minimal lighting plant does the backup power operate? How are biosolids managed? Belt filter press and off-site landfill disposal Have any bypasses or overflows happened at the plant or in the collection system in the last year? Yes; 29 bypasses Backup electrical power source, and Yes; Yes but the trickling filter arms have to be manually restarted after losing power 2 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 does it turn on automatically? What I the overflow/emergency capacity (overflow basins, holding tanks, redundancy) and are there sufficient spare parts? The CSO pond has 5 MG of storage How often are the outfall(s) and flow measuring devices visually inspected? Daily Secondary flow No measuring devices? If so, what type and are comparisons made between the primary and secondary flow measurements? Type(s) of primary flow measuring device(s)? Rectangular weir without end contraction and ultrasonic flow meter Industrial Users No major users - several welding shops Are there any plans for renovation or additional equipment to allow for increased wastewater flow? Plans to replace all mechanical equipment in primary clarifier #3 before the end of 2023, in primary clarifier #2 in 2024, and in primary clarifier #1 in 2025. Leaving current troughs in all of them. Is there currently any Yes, the east trickling filter rotating arm is out of service (approximately 75% of flow is portion of the being directed to the west trickling filter, and the rest to the east strickling filter), and 2 treatment train that is of 4 blowers for the sludge digesters are in the process of being replaced. non-operational? Does the facility No accept waste from septage haulers? If so, what problems have been experienced? Do the facility use inhouse or contract out for laboratory analyses? (including for metals or WET testing?) In-house for pH, D.O., temperature, ammonia, e. coli, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, CBOD. Contract for oil and grease, nitrite/nitrate, total phosphorus, metals, mercury, cyanide. Operation schedule (days of operation, # shifts/day, # Melissa Albright, Operator of Record, is on site 5 days/week, 7am-3:30pm, which is sufficient staffing for proper operation for a Class II facility, which has a requirement of 5 days a week for a minimum of 20 hours per week per Ohio regulations. 3 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 operators/shift, coverage overnight, weekends & emergencies), and is staffing sufficient for proper operation? Outfalls: (and do the numbers, locations, and receiving waters match the permit?) WWTP Approx. # of residents served WWTP Design Capacity & Average Daily Flow Outfall 001 into Portage River (GPS coordinates: 41N 30' 15"; 83W 08' 11"). Location matches permit. 4,800 0.930 MGD peak, 0.912 MGD average SECTION II - OBSERVATIONS OAK HARBOR WWTP Observation #: MZ2-OB-001 Date: 08/14/2023 Weather: Dry, cloudy, mid-70s The east trickling filter arm is not operational and has been out of operation at least since Ohio EPA conducted a facility inspection on October 20th, 2022. The operator of record stated that the reason for all of the facility's ammonia exceedances is that the east trickling filter arm is not operational, in addition to the media in both of the trickling filters being old. She also stated that there are currently no plans to repair or replace the filter arm. She stated that approximately 75% of the plant's flow is being directed to the west trickling filter, with the rest being directed to the east trickling filter. OAK HARBOR WWTP Observation #: MZ2-OB-002 Date: 08/14/2023 Weather: Dry, cloudy, mid-70s The thermometer in the influent automatic sampler refrigerator was not operational at the time of the inspection. OAK HARBOR WWTP Observation #: MZ2-OB-003 Date: 08/16/2023 Weather: Dry, cloudy, mid-70s The operator stated that the facility's history of e. coli exceedances had been due to the UV treatment unit requiring repairs, which were completed the first week of June 2023. The facility's June 2023 Discharge Monitoring Report ("DMR") showed that the facility's e. coli effluent levels lowered to within permit limits in the third week of sampling for the month. They were also significantly lower in the final sampling week for the month, but slightly above permit limits. The operator stated this was due to a new employee cleaning/flushing the primary tanks on the first day of e. coli sampling. The operator's daily log book confirmed this information (photo DSCN0610.JPG). 4 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 OAK HARBOR WWTP Observation #: MZ2-OB-004 Date: 08/14/2023 Weather: Dry, cloudy, mid-70s EPA observed that the final outfall signage was facing away from the receiving stream. The plant operator of record followed up with EPA in an email dated 8/31/2023 with photos of the outfall sign facing toward the receiving stream. SECTION III - RECORDS REVIEW Records may not be in sequential order. Record: DMR Reports Ref #: MZ2-RR-008 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 09/19/2023 Discharge Monitoring Reports for January 2023 through July 2023 Record: Flow Meter Logs Ref #: MZ2-RR-007 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 08/14/2023 Chart recorder logs for January 2023 through July 2023. Record: Laboratory Analysis Reports Ref #: MZ2-RR-006 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 09/13/2023 Laboratory analysis reports from Jones and Henry Laboratories Inc. for April 2023, May 2023, and July 2023. Record: Other - Great Lakes Basin Combined Sewer Overflow Public Notification Plan AOC: No Ref #: MZ2-RR-005 Reviewed By: Megan Zale Reviewed Date: 09/13/2023 Great Lakes Basin Combined Sewer Overflow Public Notification Plan Record: Other - Laboratory Chain of Custody Forms Ref #: MZ2-RR-004 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 08/14/2023 Chain of custody forms for Jones and Henry Laboratories, Inc. for January 2023 through July 2023. Record: Calibration Records Ref #: MZ2-RR-003 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 08/14/2023 Most recent calibration record for flow meter (October 2022) Record: Other - Operator Log Book Ref #: MZ2-RR-002 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 08/14/2023 5 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Operator of Record's daily log book Record: Other - CSO Closures Report and follow-up letter to Ohio EPA Ref #: MZ2-RR-001 Reviewed By: Megan Zale AOC: No Reviewed Date: 09/13/2023 List of currently closed CSOs and expected closure dates of remaining CSOs. Letter dated August 28, 2023 addressed to Ohio EPA stating that all CSOs have been closed except permitted CSO #11 (CSO Basin Overflow). SECTION IV - SAMPLING ACTIVITIES AND ANALYTICAL RESULTS No sampling was conducted. SECTION V - AREA OF CONCERN Area(s) of Concern may not be in sequential order. The presentation of Area(s) of Concern does not constitute a formal compliance determination or violation. AOC Reference #: MZ2-OB-001 Regulation and/or Permit Requirement: According to the facility NPDES permit Part III. 3. A. "All wastewater treatment works shall be operated in a manner consistent with the following: At all times, the permittee shall maintain in good working order and operate as efficiently as possible all treatment or control facilities or systems installed or used by the permittee necessary to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate quality assurance procedures..." AOC: The east trickling filter arm is not operational and has been out of operation at least since Ohio EPA conducted a facility inspection on October 20th, 2022. The operator of record stated that the reason for all of the facility's ammonia exceedances is that the east trickling filter arm is not operational, in addition to the media in both of the trickling filters being old. She also stated that there are currently no plans to repair or replace the filter arm. She stated that approximately 75% of the plant's flow is being directed to the west trickling filter, with the rest being directed to the east trickling filter. SECTION VI - CLOSING CONFERENCE AND FOLLOW UP Closing Conference The EPA REGION 5 Lead Inspector held a closing conference with Facility personnel at 04:00 PM (ET) on 08/14/2023 for the inspection. During the closing conference, EPA REGION 5 Lead Inspector discussed the observations and Area(s) of Concern identified during the inspection. Observations and Area(s) of Concern have not yet been evaluated for a formal compliance determination. EPA discussed with the operator of record the concerns seen at the plant, which were the inoperable trickling filter arm in the east trickling tower, the inoperable thermometer in the influent sampling refrigerator, and the outfall sign not facing the receiving stream. EPA returned to the site on 8/23/2023 to take photos of the outfall 6 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): and upstream and downstream sampling locations. SECTION VII - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Photo Log 08/14/2023 7 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): ATTACHMENT 1: PHOTO LOG 08/14/2023 Laboratory refrigerator 08/14/2023 01:49 PM No CBI No PII Laboratory refrigerator which includes sample storage DSCN0580.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Sludge pumps 08/14/2023 01:56 PM Sludge pumps No CBI No PII DSCN0581.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 8 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Primary pumps 08/14/2023 01:57 PM Primary pumps No CBI No PII DSCN0582.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Influent sample refrigerator 08/14/2023 02:00 PM No CBI Influent sample refrigerator No PII DSCN0583.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 9 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Comminutor 08/14/2023 02:00 PM Comminutor No CBI No PII DSCN0584.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Bar Screen 08/14/2023 02:02 PM Bar screen No CBI No PII DSCN0585.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 10 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Backup Generator 08/14/2023 02:03 PM Backup generator No CBI No PII DSCN0586.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Blowers for Pre-aerator 08/14/2023 02:03 PM Blowers for pre-aerator No CBI No PII DSCN0587.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 11 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Sludge Box DSCN0588.JPG 08/14/2023 02:04 PM No CBI No PII Photographer: Megan Zale Sludge box - sludge is held before being pumped to digesters Pre-aeration tank 08/14/2023 02:05 PM Pre-aeration tank No CBI No PII DSCN0589.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 12 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Primary Clarifier #3 08/14/2023 02:06 PM Primary Clarifier #3 No CBI No PII DSCN0590.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Influent Flow Meter 08/14/2023 02:07 PM Influent flow meter No CBI No PII DSCN0591.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 13 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Primary Clarifier #2 08/14/2023 02:08 PM Primary clarifier #2 No CBI No PII DSCN0592.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Primary Clarifier #1 08/14/2023 02:09 PM Primary clarifier #1 No CBI No PII DSCN0593.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 14 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 East Trickling Filter 08/14/2023 02:10 PM No CBI No PII East trickling filter (rotating arm not operational) DSCN0594.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale West Trickling Filter 08/14/2023 02:11 PM West trickling filter No CBI No PII DSCN0595.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 15 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 West Trickling Filter 08/14/2023 02:11 PM West trickling filter No CBI No PII DSCN0596.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale West Secondary Clarifier 08/14/2023 02:13 PM "West secondary clarifier" No CBI No PII DSCN0597.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 16 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 East Secondary Clarifier 08/14/2023 02:13 PM "East secondary clarifier" No CBI No PII DSCN0598.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Settling Tanks 08/14/2023 02:14 PM No CBI No PII Settling tanks (used to be chlorine contact tanks) DSCN0599.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 17 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 UV Treatment 08/14/2023 02:15 PM UV treatment No CBI No PII DSCN0600.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Effluent Composite Sample Refrigerator 08/14/2023 02:16 PM No CBI Effluent composite sample refrigerator No PII DSCN0601.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 18 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Effluent Grab Sample Location 08/14/2023 02:17 PM No CBI Effluent grab sample location No PII DSCN0602.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Effluent Flow Meter 08/14/2023 02:18 PM Effluent flow meter No CBI No PII DSCN0603.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 19 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Sludge Belt Press 08/14/2023 02:19 PM Sludge belt press No CBI No PII DSCN0604.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Blowers for digesters 08/14/2023 02:20 PM Blowers for digesters No CBI No PII DSCN0605.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 20 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Digester #1 08/14/2023 02:22 PM Digester #1 No CBI No PII DSCN0606.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Digester #2 08/14/2023 02:22 PM Digester #2 No CBI No PII DSCN0607.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 21 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Digester #3 08/14/2023 02:23 PM Digester #3 No CBI No PII DSCN0608.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Sludge Transfer Pump 08/14/2023 02:25 PM Sludge transfer pump No CBI No PII DSCN0609.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 22 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Operator Log Book 08/14/2023 02:29 PM Operator log book No CBI No PII DSCN0610.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Operator Certifications 08/14/2023 02:35 PM Operator certifications No CBI No PII DSCN0611.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 23 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Outfall 001 08/23/2023 10:02 AM Outfall 001 No CBI No PII DSCN0638.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Outfall 001 08/23/2023 10:03 AM Outfall 001 No CBI No PII DSCN0639.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 24 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Outfall 001 Signage 08/23/2023 10:03 AM Outfall 001 signage No CBI No PII DSCN0640.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale Downstream Sampling Location 08/23/2023 10:11 AM No CBI Downstream sampling location No PII DSCN0641.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 25 of 26 Oak Harbor WWTP Inspection Date(s): 08/14/2023 Upstream Sampling Location 08/23/2023 10:22 AM No CBI Upstream sampling location No PII DSCN0642.JPG Photographer: Megan Zale 26 of 26