Document jgdE32GX0Dy7q0Nj6EMN3mXq5
DATE: SUBJECT:
FROM:
THRU:
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 5
77 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604
May 20, 2025
CLEAN WATER ACT INSPECTION REPORT Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park, 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940
Megan Zale, CWA (Clean Water Act) NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Inspector WECAB, Multimedia Section
Brooke Furio, Section Supervisor WECAB, Multimedia Section
BASIC INFORMATION Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park
Facility Type: Privately owned treatment works at a mobile home park
NPDES Permit Number: IN0039446
Date(s) of Inspection: 4/1/2025
EPA Inspector(s): 1. Megan Zale, Lead Inspector 2. Jonathan Moody, Inspector
Inspection Attendees:
Name
Title
Matt Corwin Operator
Jen Bush Porfirio Ascencio
Inspector Inspector
Organization
Services by Stouder U.S. EPA Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management
Email
corwinmatt2@gmail.com
Bush.jennifer@epa.gov Pascenci@idem.IN.gov
Phone
765-499-8426
312-886-0879 219-216-3235
Owner: Name
Kellen Buss
Title
Owner
Organization
Jones Estates
Email
kbuss@rentstackhouse.com
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Facility Notification:
Unannounced Inspection Announced Inspection
Arrival Date and Time: 4/01/2025 1:00 PM (ET) Departure Date and Time: 4/01/2025 4:00 PM (ET)
OPENING CONFERENCE
Presented Credentials Stated authority and purpose of inspection
The following information was obtained verbally from Matt Corwin, Operator, unless otherwise noted.
Background: The wastewater treatment plant is an extended aeration plant at a mobile home park. The design flow is 0.0132 million gallons per day (MGD). The population served is 30, according to the Enforcement and Compliance History Online database. The current operators, Services by Stouder, took over operations in February 2024. The operator stated that the aeration air lines will be replaced in summer 2025. He also stated that the plant is original but was unsure of the age of the plant.
Process Description: The wastewater treatment process consists of raw sewage entering a lift station and then flowing to a blower house, then to an aeration tank/mixed liquor tank. After that, it enters a clarifier, flows through three polishing tanks in sequence, then 3 post-aeration tanks, a digester (the sludge decant goes into a surge tank), and finally gets treated with tablet chlorination and sulfur dioxide de-chlorination. The previous operator introduced ferric chloride for phosphorus removal in 2021, which is added at the aeration tank.
Staff Interview(s): The Facility was in violation of its permit for nine of the last twelve quarters (see Appendix C). From 2023 through December 2024, it had 24 ammonia nitrogen
Page 2 of 5
exceedances, 9 total suspended solids exceedances and 2 E. coli exceedances (see Appendix C) which the operator stated were mitigated by more proper use of the chlorine. The operator stated that the ammonia nitrogen issue was caused by previous operators frequently wasting sludge, resulting in inadequate ammonia nitrogen removal. Two of the aeration tanks are not in operation because they are not needed, according to the operator. The operator also stated that solids are sent to the digester, approximately once per week. The operator stated that the flow meter, which is a totalizer, was maximized out on its limit for recording total flow volume between 3/24/2025 and 3/30/2025 so it didn't record those days, but has recorded the total flow since its installment, and to figure out the flow for those days, the operator subtracted the total flows between those days and averaged them out.
The operator Matt Corwin stated he does all sampling at the plant. The plant does not have any backup power but is capable of being hooked up to portable generators. The operator stated that the de-chlorination tablet feeder was sloped backwards, and the plant discharge is intermittent, so the water in the tablet feeder will backwash into the second chlorination chamber, and he needs to remediate this to continue to meet E. coli limits.
FACILITY WALK-THROUGH OCCURRED:
Yes
Data Collected and Observations: EPA Inspectors observed that the operator Matt Corwin takes dissolved oxygen measurements from the flow measurement box (over the final weir) by setting the meter next to the box grate, hanging the meter in the flow measurement box, waiting three to five minutes and then recording the reading. He told EPA that he only takes one measurement for dissolved oxygen.
Upon observance of the clarifier weir, EPA observed that there was a lot of material on the weir which should be cleaned off, and there was material downstream of the weir. (Photo #7 in Appendix B).
Photos and/or Videos: were taken during the inspection. See Appendix B. Field Measurements: were not taken during this inspection.
RECORDS REVIEW
List of Records Reviewed:
1. 6 months of flow data (October 2024 through March 2025) 2. 2 months of mixed liquor tank data for dissolved oxygen and settled sludge volume
measurements (February 2025 and March 2025) 3. 2 months of chain of custody forms for samples (February 2025 and March 2025)
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4. 2 months of laboratory analytics data (February 2025 and March 2025) 5. 10 months of Facility logbook records (July 2024 to April 2025)
CLOSING CONFERENCE Provided U.S. EPA point of contact to the facility. Explained inspection report process Confirm CBI status at end of closing conference. No CBI claimed. Discussed Preliminary Area(s) of Concern
Areas of Concern: 1. The operator stated that the flow meter, which is a totalizer, was maximized out on its limit for recording total flow volume between 3/24/2025 and 3/30/2025 so it didn't record those days but has recorded the total flow since its installment (see photo #2 in Appendix B).
NPDES Permit No. IN0039446 requires a flow measurement frequency of five times weekly.
Additionally, 327 IAC 5-2-13 Sec. 13. (a) states: To assure compliance with permit terms and conditions, all permittees shall monitor, as required in the permit, the following: (2) The volume of wastewater flow at monitoring points specified in the permit, including the final effluent flow from each point source.
2. The operator told EPA during the inspection walk-through that he only takes one measurement for dissolved oxygen.
NPDES Permit No. IN0039446, Part I A states: The daily minimum concentration of dissolved oxygen in the effluent shall be reported as the arithmetic mean determined by summation of the two (2) daily grab sample results divided by the number of daily grab samples. These samples are to be collected over equal time intervals.
3. The operator stated that the de-chlorination tablet feeder was sloped backwards, and the plant discharge is intermittent, so the water in the tablet feeder will backwash into the second chlorination chamber, and he needs to remediate this to meet E. coli limits.
NPDES Permit No. IN0039446 Part II B. 1. states "In accordance with 327 IAC 5-2-8(9), the permittee shall at all times maintain in good working order and efficiently operate all facilities and systems (and related appurtenances, i.e., equipment used for measuring and determining compliance) for collection and treatment..."
Appendices and Attachments A. Aerial Image
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B. Digital Image Log C. Table of Effluent Exceedances
DIGITAL SIGNATURES
Megan Zale, Environmental Scientist
MEGAN
Digitally signed by MEGAN ZALE
ZALE
Date: 2025.05.20 14:53:47 -04'00'
Report Author Signature: _________________________________
Brooke Furio, Multimedia Section Supervisor
BROOKE
Digitally signed by BROOKE FURIO
FURIO
Date: 2025.05.21 08:56:22 -04'00'
Section Supervisor Signature: _________________________________
Page 5 of 5
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
APPENDIX A: AERIAL PHOTO
Appendices Page 1 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
APPENDIX B: DIGITAL IMAGE LOG Salamonie Country Estates
EPA Inspection 4/1/2025 All photos taken by Megan Zale, Clean Water Act Inspector, U.S. EPA
Camera: Nikon Coolpix
1: DSCN0760 Description: Facility maintenance log Location: Inside the shed adjacent to wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: n/a Date/Time: 4/1/2025 13:47
Appendices Page 2 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
2: DSCN0761 Description: Flow meter log for March 2025 Location: Inside the shed adjacent to wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: n/a Date/Time: 4/1/2025 13:50
3: DSCN0762 Description: Plant flow schematic Location: Inside the shed adjacent to wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: n/a Date/Time: 4/1/2025 13:51
Appendices Page 3 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
4: DSCN0763 Description: Operator duties Location: Inside shed adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: n/a Date/Time: 4/1/2025 13:51
5: DSCN0764 Description: Chlorine contact tank and de-chlorination tank Location: Southeast end of wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: down Date/Time: 4/1/2025 14:32
Appendices Page 4 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
6: DSCN0765 Description: Sludge holding tank/digester Location: Wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: down Date/Time: 4/1/2025 14:37
7: DSCN0766 Description: Clarifier weir Location: Wastewater treatment plant Camera Direction: down Date/Time: 4/1/2025 14:44
Appendices Page 5 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
APPENDIX C: TABLE OF EFFLUENT EXCEEDANCES
(TAKEN FROM ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE HISTORY ONLINE)
FOR THE PERIOD 01/01/2020 TO 03/31/2025
Monitoring Period Date Outfall 1/31/2020 001-A 2/29/2020 001-A 2/29/2020 001-A 3/31/2020 001-A 3/31/2020 001-A
Parameter Description
Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, carb-5 day, 20 deg C, percent removal
Solids, suspended percent removal
BOD, carb-5 day, 20 deg C, percent removal
Solids, suspended percent removal
DMR Value
Limit Value Units
78.2
85
%
79
85
%
81
85
%
79.4
85
%
1.2
85
%
4/30/2020 001-A
Solids, total suspended
1.37789
0.908 kg/d
4/30/2020 001-A
Solids, total suspended
37.5
18
mg/L
10/31/2021 001-A
Solids, total suspended
1.11003
0.908 kg/d
5/31/2022 001-A
Solids, total suspended
1.57538
0.5902 kg/d
5/31/2022 001-A
Solids, total suspended
7.4683
0.908 kg/d
5/31/2022 001-A
Solids, total suspended
23
18
mg/L
Appendices Page 6 of 10
% Exceedance 45 40 27 37 575 52 108 22 167 723 28
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
5/31/2022 001-A
Solids, total suspended
15.2
12
mg/L
27
5/31/2022 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.120764 0.0454 kg/d
166
5/31/2022 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.59474
0.0908 kg/d
555
E. coli, colony forming units
5/31/2022 001-A
(CFU)
921
235
CFU/100mL
292
5/31/2022 001-A BOD, carbonaceous, 05-day, 20 C 0.7264
0.4994 kg/d
45
5/31/2022 001-A BOD, carbonaceous, 05-day, 20 C 3.48672
0.7718 kg/d
352
8/31/2022 001-A
Oxygen, dissolved (DO)
4.45
6
mg/L
26
8/31/2022 001-A
Solids, total suspended
20
18
mg/L
11
8/31/2022 001-A
Phosphorus, total (as P)
1.42
1
mg/L
42
9/30/2022 001-A
Oxygen, dissolved (DO)
3.81
6
mg/L
37
9/30/2022 001-A
Phosphorus, total (as P)
1.4
1
mg/L
40
10/31/2022 001-A
Oxygen, dissolved (DO)
4.05
6
mg/L
33
10/31/2022 001-A
Phosphorus, total (as P)
1.17
1
mg/L
17
11/30/2022 001-A
Phosphorus, total (as P)
1.14
1
mg/L
14
Appendices Page 7 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
12/31/2022 001-A
Phosphorus, total (as P)
1.025
1
mg/L
3
E. coli, colony forming units
4/30/2023 001-A
(CFU)
1410
235
CFU/100mL
500
5/31/2023 001-A
Solids, total suspended
1.00334
0.908 kg/d
11
6/30/2023 001-A
Oxygen, dissolved (DO)
4.99
6
mg/L
17
7/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
2.7
1.1
mg/L
145
7/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
6.01
1.6
mg/L
276
8/31/2023 001-A
Oxygen, dissolved (DO)
4.8
6
mg/L
20
8/31/2023 001-A
pH
9.1
9
SU
8/31/2023 001-A
Solids, total suspended
20
18
mg/L
11
8/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
4.2
1.1
mg/L
282
8/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.072186 0.0454 kg/d
59
8/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.318254 0.0908 kg/d
251
8/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
12
1.6
mg/L
650
9/30/2023 001-A
Oxygen, dissolved (DO)
3.75
6
mg/L
38
Appendices Page 8 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
9/30/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
2.1
1.6
mg/L
31
10/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
1.65
1.6
mg/L
3
11/30/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
6.96
1.6
mg/L
335
11/30/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
3.2
1.1
mg/L
191
12/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
9.76
2.4
mg/L
307
12/31/2023 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
6.5
1.6
mg/L
306
1/31/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
9.02
2.4
mg/L
276
1/31/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
6.65
1.6
mg/L
316
1/31/2024 001-A
Phosphorus, total (as P)
1.98
1
mg/L
98
2/29/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
79
18
mg/L
339
2/29/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
26.2
12
mg/L
118
2/29/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
5.7
1.6
mg/L
256
2/29/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
10.5
2.4
mg/L
338
2/29/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.19522
0.1362 kg/d
43
Appendices Page 9 of 10
Facility Name: Salamonie Estates Mobile Home Park Facility Location: 6060 South 800 East, La Fontaine, Indiana 46940 Date of Inspection: April 1, 2025
3/31/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.180692 0.0908 kg/d
3/31/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
3.41
1.6
mg/L
3/31/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.45854
0.1362 kg/d
3/31/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
8.07
2.4
mg/L
4/30/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
24
18
mg/L
4/30/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
0.78996
0.5902 kg/d
4/30/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
1.816
0.908 kg/d
4/30/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N) 0.213834
4/30/2024 001-A
E. coli, colony forming units (CFU)
63200
0.1362 kg/d
235
CFU/100mL
5/31/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
14.25
12
mg/L
6/30/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
5.4
1.6
mg/L
6/30/2024 001-A Nitrogen, ammonia total (as N)
2.4
1.1
mg/L
11/30/2024 001-A BOD, carbonaceous, 05-day, 20 C
21
15
mg/L
12/31/2024 001-A
Solids, total suspended
1.39832
0.908 kg/d
Appendices Page 10 of 10
99 113 237 236 33 34 100 57 26794 19 238 118 40 54