| Violation ID |
Occurred Date |
Violation Type |
(-) Violation Description |
Corrective Action |
Status |
Classification |
Source |
| 1136730 |
10/02/2024 |
DMON |
On October 14, 2024, Lab Staff discovered that expired IDEXX Enterolert media had been used for the previous two weeks in the analysis of Enterococcus from September 27 - October 11. The laboratory investigated the bench sheets, current inventory, and standards/media inventory management including review of responsibilities and tracking mechanisms for media expiration. The lab was tracking multiple Enterococcus Q-Tray batches on a single benchsheet (B-022) which had only one location for media lot number and expiration date. The lab was not verifying the media lot number & expiration date each time it was used. |
On October 14, 2024, Lab Staff discovered that expired IDEXX Enterolert media had been used for the previous two weeks in the analysis of Enterococcus from September 27 - October 11. The expired media was discarded and removed from inventory. All samples that used the expired media had results invalidated. Update the Q-Tray benchsheet (B-022) to prompt analysts to record all information used in each batch. Additionally, the analysts will be reminded to record all items used during a test on the benchsheets, regardless of whether a prompt exists on the benchsheet or not. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135148 |
09/23/2024 |
OEV |
Fecal Coliform Single Sample Maximum limit is 400 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 3500 MPN/100 mL at M-001. |
Reviewing the sample notes, the laboratory analyst did not note any abnormalities in the sample. Operations staff visually inspected the Chlorine Contact Chamber (CCC) and visually noted some floating solids and debris on the tank surface and confirmed the mixers and diffusers all appeared to be operating properly. Staff also reviewed the results of other analytes on the day of the exceedance and did not see any concerning results that would typically correlate with a treatment upset or loss of disinfection. Laboratory staff reviewed the results and validated the analyses met all QA/QC requirements to rule out a sampling or analysis error.
After being notified of the presumptive test results, Operations staff confirmed the proper dosing of hypochlorite and ammonium sulfate for disinfection and visually inspected the CCC for any potential issues. Staff then increased the hypochlorite dosage as a precaution while waiting for confirmed values. While checking the confirmed values, laboratory staff noted the presumptive values for the following samples appeared to return to normal range. The Chlorine Contact Chamber Rehabilitation Project is expected to mitigate further issues in the CCC by providing staff a redundant disinfection method and giving them the ability to routinely take the CCC out of service for cleaning and maintenance while the plant is still operating. The project has been awarded to Cushman Contracting and is scheduled to occur in calendar year 2025. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135147 |
09/06/2024 |
DMON |
Sample collection for Oil & Grease was missed on September 6, 2024. The sample was collected the next day on Sept 7th and the result was Non-Detect (ND) |
Sample collection for Oil & Grease was missed on September 6, 2024. The lab was undergoing their State ELAP audit earlier in the week and were short-staffed on Friday, Sept 6th. The sample was collected the next day on Sept 7th and the result was Non-Detect (ND). Lab Staff were provided with refresher training on Oil & Grease calendar due dates. As prevention, Outlook calendar reminders were added, and due dates have been posted on their white board and sample cooler. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1131500 |
07/02/2024 |
DMON |
Deficient monitoring violation occurred on 7/2/2024 when the Oil & Grease sample bottle labels came off during transport due to the melted ice in the courier's cooler. Lab invalidated the samples due to varying Reporting Limits of Non-Detected results that could not be matched to the unlabeled sample bottles |
Deficient monitoring violation occurred on 7/2/2024 when the Oil & Grease sample bottle labels came off during transport due to the melted ice in the courier's cooler. Lab staff were directed to label the sample bottle lids with the date collected and tape over the labels to prevent from coming off in transport to the subcontract lab. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1130283 |
06/17/2024 |
DMON |
Deficient monitoring violation occurred on 06/17/24 when field pH probe was not calibrated prior to use. This resulted in lack of valid pH daily result. Lab invalidated the pH result due to missed calibration.
EFF-001A =NV, EFF-001B = NV, RCY-001 = NV |
Lab invalidated the pH result due to missed calibration. Lab staff were provided with refresher training on daily pH calibration duties, and proper communication procedures when handing off tasks. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1130284 |
06/14/2024 |
DMON |
Deficient monitoring violation occurred on 06/14/24 and 06/20/24 when the Oil & Grease sample bottle labels came off during transport due to the melted ice in the courier¿s cooler. Lab invalidated the samples due to varying Reporting Limits of Non-Detected results that could not be matched to the unlabeled sample bottles. |
Deficient monitoring violation occurred on 06/14/24 and 06/20/24 when the Oil & Grease sample bottle labels came off during transport due to the melted ice in the courier's cooler. Lab staff were directed to label the sample bottle lids with the date collected and tape over the labels to prevent from coming off in transport to the subcontract lab. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1125351 |
02/29/2024 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Monthly Average limit is 1.0 ml/L and reported value was 1.4 ml/L at EFF-001B. |
On February 19, 2024, the Santa Barbara area experienced a storm event delivering 3.06 inches of rain. As a result of the storm, instantaneous confluent flows swelled up to 34.09 MGD for over 12 hours producing a total effluent flow of 22.91 MGD, exceeding the design peak flow of 19 MGD. Wastewater staff put all available primary, aeration, and secondary tanks in service through the rainstorm to compensate for high flows. The City is actively working on improving the collection system capacity through capital improvement projects. The City is also conducting an Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) assessment, which will help identify potential sources of I&I within the City to better plan for future projects and coordinate with the on-going Sewer Lateral Inspection Program to encourage rehabilitation of private sewer laterals. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1125350 |
02/24/2024 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Weekly Average limit is 1.5 ml/L and reported value was 6.3 ml/L at EFF-001B. |
On February 19, 2024, the Santa Barbara area experienced a storm event delivering 3.06 inches of rain. As a result of the storm, instantaneous confluent flows swelled up to 34.09 MGD for over 12 hours producing a total effluent flow of 22.91 MGD, exceeding the design peak flow of 19 MGD. Due to the elevated storm water inflows, Wastewater staff put all available primary, aeration, and secondary tanks in service through the rainstorm to compensate for high flows. The City is actively working on improving the collection system capacity through capital improvement projects. The City is also conducting an Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) assessment, which will help identify potential sources of I&I within the City to better plan for future projects and coordinate with the on-going Sewer Lateral Inspection Program to encourage rehabilitation of private sewer laterals. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1136497 |
02/19/2024 |
OEV |
Flow Monthly Average limit is 12.5 MGD and reported value was 12.775 MGD at EFF-001B. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1136498 |
02/19/2024 |
OEV |
Turbidity Maximum Daily (MDEL) limit is 100 NTU and reported value was 150 NTU at EFF-001B. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1125349 |
02/19/2024 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 37 ml/L at EFF-001B. |
On February 19, 2024, the Santa Barbara area experienced a storm event delivering 3.06 inches of rain. As a result of the storm, instantaneous confluent flows swelled up to 34.09 MGD for over 12 hours producing a total effluent flow of 22.91 MGD, exceeding the design peak flow of 19 MGD. Due to elevated storm water inflows, Wastewater staff put all available primary, aeration, and secondary tanks in service through the rainstorm to compensate for high flows. The City is actively working on improving the collection system capacity through capital improvement projects. The City is also conducting an Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) assessment, which will help identify potential sources of I&I within the City to better plan for future projects and coordinate with the on-going Sewer Lateral Inspection Program to encourage rehabilitation of private sewer laterals. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1125352 |
02/19/2024 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Daily Maximum limit is 8260 lb/day and reported value was 12539.1 lb/day at EFF-001A. |
On February 19, 2024, the Santa Barbara area experienced a storm event delivering 3.06 inches of rain. As a result of the storm, instantaneous confluent flows swelled up to 34.09 MGD for over 12 hours producing a total effluent flow of 22.91 MGD, exceeding the design peak flow of 19 MGD. Due to the elevated storm water inflows, Wastewater staff put all available primary, aeration, and secondary tanks in service through the rainstorm to compensate for high flows. The City is actively working on improving the collection system capacity through capital improvement projects. The City is also conducting an Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) assessment, which will help identify potential sources of I&I within the City to better plan for future projects and coordinate with the on-going Sewer Lateral Inspection Program to encourage rehabilitation of private sewer laterals. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123624 |
12/23/2023 |
DMON |
Oil & Grease analyzed past hold time. |
Oil & Grease samples sent to the contract laboratory were analyzed past hold time despite asking for a rush on the analysis. A new sample pick-up schedule has been implemented to send samples every 2-3 weeks to ensure sample hold times are met. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122987 |
11/16/2023 |
DMON |
On 11/16/23 at 11:28am while performing preventive maintenance on the recycled water distribution chlorine analyzers, a valving error occurred causing the Influent to the Chlorine Contact Basin to be analyzed instead of Recycled Water Distribution sample. |
On 11/17/23 at 9:51am the valving error was corrected and chlorine analyzers were reading correctly. Documentation was updated and training was held for Operations staff on proper valving procedures. The piping to the recycled water sample point was recently replaced as part of the Distribution Pump Station Upgrades project and had not not painted with identification yet. The sample line has been scheduled to be painted to ensure with proper identification. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123479 |
09/18/2023 |
DMON |
Ammonia was analyzed on a composite sample instead of a grab sample as required by Table E-5. Composite sample collected on 9/18/23 had a value of <2.0mg/L (or ND). |
Laboratory staff have been reminded of the monitoring requirements and reviewed the NPDES permit. A new process has been developed for the semi-annual sampling event to ensure the correct sample type is analyzed. Calendar reminders have been set-up to review all permit required analyses at the end of every monitoring period. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1119015 |
06/30/2023 |
DMON |
Total Dissolved Solids at RCY-001 has a minimum sampling frequency listed as quarterly. Laboratory collected quarterly RCY-001 samples however, the TDS analysis was missed. |
Laboratory and operations staff have been reminded of the monitoring requirements and reviewed the NPDES permit. Calendar reminders have been set-up to review all permit required analyses and the end of every monitoring period. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1114079 |
01/09/2023 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Daily Maximum limit is 8260 lb/day and reported value was 9079.1 lb/day at EFF-001B. |
On January 9, 2023, the Santa Barbara area experienced a 25 year storm event delivering 5.10 inches of rain to the treatment facility. As a result of the storm, instantaneous influent flows swelled to 36.78 MGD for over 12 hours with a total effluent flow of 23.77 MGD. The final effluent total suspended solids (TSS) was elevated as well at 45.8mg/L. The high flows and high TSS value resulted in a violation of lbs/day of total suspended solids discharged from the treatment facility. Wastewater staff put all available primary, aeration, and secondary tanks in service through the rainstorm to compensate for high flows. The City is actively working on improving the collection system capacity through capital improvement projects. The City is also conducting an Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) assessment, which will help identify potential sources of I&I within the City to better plan for future projects and coordinate with the on-going Sewer Lateral Inspection Program to encourage rehabilitation of private sewer laterals. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1112906 |
12/08/2022 |
OEV |
Fecal Coliform Single Sample Maximum limit is 400 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 16000 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001A. |
The exceedance was thoroughly investigated to determine the cause of the anomalous sample result. Operations staff confirmed there was no loss of disinfection and increased Chlorine and Ammonia dosages in the chlorine contact chamber as a precaution. Total coliform and Fecal Coliform results from the previous day and the following day were within normal operational ranges. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1110870 |
10/11/2022 |
DMON |
Total Coliform on RCY-001 must be analyzed at a daily frequency on a grab sample. Sample invalidated on 10/11/22. Deficient monitoring violation occurred due the lack of a valid sample result. Staff invalidated the sample due to organic and inorganic fouling in the sample line and tubing. The fouling was only occurring at the sample location and the sample was not representative of the water quality in the recycled water distribution system |
Operations and Lab staff were given refresher training on proper sampling techniques and a preventative maintenance task has been created and scheduled to regularly flush sample lines and replace tubing. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1107115 |
08/02/2022 |
LREP |
Quarterly SMR ( MONNPDES ) report for Q2 2022 (2294665) was due on 01-AUG-22 |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1107114 |
08/02/2022 |
LREP |
Semi-Annual SMR ( MONNPDES ) report for H1 2022 (2294458) was due on 01-AUG-22 |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1103671 |
03/11/2022 |
DMON |
Deficient Monitoring of multiple parameters and multiple locations.
Continuous monitoring was lost due to the data servers losing power for approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes on March 11, 2022. Real-time SCADA system operation, including online analyzers, flow monitors, and alarm handling, was unaffected but no historical data was stored. Parameters affected include: Influent pH, Influent Flow, Effluent Flow, Outfall Residual Chlorine (Monitoring location EFF-001A and M-001), Commingled Effluent pH, Recycled Water Chlorine Residual, Recycled Water Flow, Recycled Water Filtrate Turbidity from 3/11/2022 21:50 to 23:17. Flow totalizer data is also stored locally at the PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in the facility so daily total values were unaffected. The loss of power was caused by the main electrical breaker supplying the administration building tripping and the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) providing back up power to the data servers also failing simultaneously. Operations Staff were on-site monitoring the facility and did not report any other process related failures or exceedances. |
Staff bypassed the failed UPS and were able to restore power to the data servers from the emergency generator at 23:17 on March 11. The UPS is regularly maintained and the batteries were replaced on March 2nd however they failed and the batteries to the UPS were replaced again after the failure. The tripped electrical breaker was reset and its settings were adjusted by a licensed contractor on March 12th. A new monitoring trend screen was developed for the SCADA workstations that includes all the permitted continuous monitoring constituents and so data can be retrieved locally even if there are network or server failures. A facility wide electrical upgrade is in final design and is anticipated to start in Fiscal Year 2023. The electrical project will replace the breaker that tripped and provide for improved SCADA resiliency with upgrades like redundant server facilities and an upgraded SCADA network. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1098353 |
11/20/2021 |
DMON |
The auto sampler for EFF-001A produced an unusually high volume of sample, requiring multiple 10L bottles per one sample. One of the sample bottles that belonged to the 11/21 sample was mistakenly hand-composited with the 11/20 sample, causing neither sample to be representative. |
The program on the auto sampler was adjusted and lab analysts were reminded to be extra cautious when hand-compositing samples. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1097377 |
10/08/2021 |
OEV |
Enterococci Monthly 90th% limit is 110 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 2419.2 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001A. |
Chlorine dose target in chlorine contact hamber was increased from 7 mg/L to 8 mg/L on 10/7 after getting results from first day of high enterococcus values. On 10/11 when enterococcus results remained high chlorine residual was again increased from 8 mg/L to 8.5 mg/L.
The staff suspects that Aquabac, a larvicide used for midge fly mitigation, may have
caused falsely high enterococcus results. Operations and laboratory staff found
research papers which identified a non-enterococcus bacterial component of Aquabac as a possible interference for the enterococcus test. Operations staff discontinued the use of Aquabac. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1096062 |
09/13/2021 |
DMON |
The auto sampler for EFF-001A malfunctioned and failed to produce a composite sample. TSS was analyzed on a grab sample instead of a 24hr composite. |
The program on the auto sampler was adjusted. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1100027 |
09/08/2021 |
DMON |
Cyanide and total chlorine residual were collected as a grab sample. The analytical methods used to analyze these pollutants require grab samples however the permit requires a 24hour composite. |
The permit requirements have been reviewed by all operations and laboratory staff to ensure monitoring occurs according to the permit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1100026 |
09/08/2021 |
DMON |
Only 2,3,7,8 TCDD was analyzed for the influent instead of the entire list of TCDD equivalents |
The permit requirements have been reviewed by all operations and laboratory staff to ensure monitoring occurs according to the permit |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1093698 |
07/07/2021 |
OEV |
Fecal Coliform Single Sample Maximum limit is 400 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 1600 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001A. |
Chlorine levels were increased in the chlorine contact chamber. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1092663 |
06/30/2021 |
DMON |
Total Dissolved Solids at RCY-001 has a minimum sampling frequency listed as quarterly.
The laboratory failed to analyze TDS. The laboratory experienced staffing shortages throughout the monitoring period. |
The Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for planning and overseeing sampling events that satisfy NPDES monitoring requirements. The Laboratory Coordinator position has been filled and all lab staff have reviewed the monitoring and frequency requirements. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1092664 |
03/31/2021 |
DMON |
Ammonia on a grab sample at EFF-001B has a minimum sampling frequency list as 2/year and a footnote that specifies semi-annual monitoring shall be conducted during the months of March and September.
The laboratory analyzed ammonia at EFF-001B on a composite sample rather than a grab sample. The laboratory experienced staffing shortages throughout the monitoring period. |
The Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for planning and overseeing sampling events that satisfy NPDES monitoring requirements. The Laboratory Coordinator position has been filled and all lab staff have reviewed the monitoring and frequency requirements. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1089551 |
03/19/2021 |
DMON |
New laboratory staff failed to analyze settleable solids on March, 19th 2021. |
All laboratory staff have been reminded of the monitoring requirements and reviewed the NPDES permit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1089552 |
03/14/2021 |
DMON |
Microbiological contamination in laboratory¿s DI system caused NV results between March 11th ¿ March 14th. |
Ongoing investigation. Sample frequency has increased to daily to ensure valid results are obtained at least once every six days per permit requirements. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1085047 |
12/31/2020 |
OEV |
Enterococci Monthly 90th% limit is 110 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 112.4 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001A. |
Chlorine dosage was increased in the chlorine contact chamber to increase the kill rate. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1085156 |
09/02/2020 |
DMON |
Six parameters listed under Ocean Plan Table 3 were not analyzed this monitoring period. The Remaining Priority Pollutants were collected as a grab sample. The analytical methods used to analyze these pollutants require grab samples however that is not the requirement of the permit |
The permit requirements have been reviewed by all operations and laboratory staff to ensure monitoring occurs according to the permit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075211 |
04/30/2020 |
OEV |
Enterococci Monthly 90th% limit is 110 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 770.1 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001A. |
Chlorine levels were increased in the chlorine contact chamber to increase the kill rate. Sample frequency was increased from weekly to daily. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
|
Report displays most recent five years of violations. Refer to the Interactive Violation Report for more data.
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