| Violation ID |
Occurred Date |
Violation Type |
(-) Violation Description |
Corrective Action |
Status |
Classification |
Source |
| 1143743 |
04/30/2025 |
DMON |
During 04/27/25 the turbidity grab samples for both Effluent and Influent were not processed by the PLWTP laboratory (ELAP Cert. 2474); Therefore, the PLWTP daily monitoring during the mentioned date is not in compliance with the ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ definition stated in the ORDER NO. R9-2017-0007; NPDES NO. CA0107409; Table E-2. Influent and Emergency Connection Monitoring and Table E-4. Effluent Monitoring.
The PLWTP monitoring for Benzidine is not in compliance with the ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ definition stated in the ORDER NO. R9-2017-0007; NPDES NO. CA0107409; Table E-2. Influent and Emergency Connection Monitoring and Table E-4. Effluent Monitoring. Due to the QC accuracy percent recoveries for the EPA 625.1 Base Neutral analysis for both 04/09/25 PLWTP Effluent and Influent were below the acceptance criteria stated in SOP ID 6144 revision 10 section 16.3.2, hence the results for the mentioned analyte are not reportable.
|
The PLWTP laboratory (ELAP Cert. 2474) will implement workload distribution improvements and supply additional training to personnel on the NPDES permit NO. CA0107409 ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ definitions through the Corrective Action request #23968 to ensure proper daily monitoring at the PLWTP. Additionally, the WWTD Operations section validated the 04/27/25 turbidity historian trend at the PLWTP effluent. The highest turbidity point value at the PLWTP effluent during 04/27/25 was 65 NTU at 09:07 am. No abnormalities were identified during the plant¿s operating hours.
The Alvarado Wastewater Chemistry Lab (ELAP Cert. 1609) will conduct a study to evaluate the benzidine stability ensuring lower detection limits during the EPA 625.1 Base Neutral analysis extraction and solvent concentration. Any procedure improvement will be reflected in the Standard Operational Procedure ID 6144; plus, training to personnel will be supplied to ensure effective NPDES permit NO. CA0107409 ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ monitoring at the PLWTP.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1143744 |
04/30/2025 |
DMON |
During 04/27/25 the turbidity grab samples for both Effluent and Influent were not processed by the PLWTP laboratory (ELAP Cert. 2474); Therefore, the PLWTP daily monitoring during the mentioned date is not in compliance with the ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ definition stated in the ORDER NO. R9-2017-0007; NPDES NO. CA0107409; Table E-2. Influent and Emergency Connection Monitoring and Table E-4. Effluent Monitoring.
The PLWTP monitoring for Benzidine is not in compliance with the ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ definition stated in the ORDER NO. R9-2017-0007; NPDES NO. CA0107409; Table E-2. Influent and Emergency Connection Monitoring and Table E-4. Effluent Monitoring. Due to the QC accuracy percent recoveries for the EPA 625.1 Base Neutral analysis for both 04/09/25 PLWTP Effluent and Influent were below the acceptance criteria stated in SOP ID 6144 revision 10 section 16.3.2, hence the results for the mentioned analyte are not reportable.
|
The PLWTP laboratory (ELAP Cert. 2474) will implement workload distribution improvements and supply additional training to personnel on the NPDES permit NO. CA0107409 ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ definitions through the Corrective Action request #23968 to ensure proper daily monitoring at the PLWTP. Additionally, the WWTD Operations section validated the 04/27/25 turbidity historian trend at the PLWTP effluent. The highest turbidity point value at the PLWTP effluent during 04/27/25 was 65 NTU at 09:07 am. No abnormalities were identified during the plant¿s operating hours.
The Alvarado Wastewater Chemistry Lab (ELAP Cert. 1609) will conduct a study to evaluate the benzidine stability ensuring lower detection limits during the EPA 625.1 Base Neutral analysis extraction and solvent concentration. Any procedure improvement will be reflected in the Standard Operational Procedure ID 6144; plus, training to personnel will be supplied to ensure effective NPDES permit NO. CA0107409 ¿Minimum Sampling Frequency¿ monitoring at the PLWTP.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1142755 |
03/31/2025 |
DMON |
Due to a power outage at the PLWTP and an autosampler sensor malfunction, the composite effluent samples from the 03/30/25 and 03/31/25 collections may have been affected. The collected sample during 03/30/25 may differ from the composite sample definition stated in the ORDER NO. R9-2017-0007; NPDES NO. CA0107409 Part 2. ¿ Glossary of Common Terms ¿Daily Discharge¿. The 03/30/2025 effluent composite sample was obtained from a combination of at least eight sample aliquots of at least 100 mL at periodic intervals during the time frame from 12:00 am to 09:30 am; therefore, the sample not necessarily reflects the plant¿s operating hours over a 24-hour period for the following analyses: Floatable solids, BOD, TDS, TSS_VSS.
The 03/31/2025 effluent composite sample was obtained from a combination of at least eight sample aliquots of at least 100 mL at periodic intervals during the time frame from 12:00 am to 23:59 pm. Due to autosampler sensor malfunction it¿s possible that the effluent composite sample collected during 03/31/25 may differ from the ¿flow proportional¿ composite sample definition stated in the ORDER NO. R9-2017-0007; NPDES NO. CA0107409 Part 2. ¿ Glossary of Common Terms ¿Daily Discharge¿; affecting the following analyses: Floatable solids, BOD, TDS, TSS_VSS.
|
A NPDES Permit No. R9-2017-0007 ¿daily discharge¿ and ¿composite sample¿ definitions reminder was distributed among PLWTP¿s WWTD OPS and EMTS Laboratory personnel.
To ensure collecting representative samples regardless of a possible autosampler sensor malfunction and engaging the manual composite ¿ flow proportional sampling procedure as soon as an autosampler compositing deficiency emergency is identified. The PLWTP Laboratory personnel will supply the WWTD OPS team a previously prepared sampling package (labeled bottles plus Chains of Custody) for both sources to be located in the plant¿s control room.
The PLWTP laboratory personnel successfully updated the composite-flow based calculation file to be used for when an autosampler compositing deficiency emergency is identified and the WWTD OPS team are required to engage the manual composite ¿ flow proportional sampling procedure.
WWTD Operations section validated the turbidity 03/30/25 historical trend at PLWTP. The highest turbidity point at the PLWTP during 03/30/25 was 66.77 NTU at 08:00 am, which occurred during the composite sample collection mentioned time frame. No abnormalities were identified during the plant¿s operating hours.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1140744 |
01/17/2025 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3 ml/L and reported value was 8 ml/L at EFF-001. |
The PLWTP laboratory personnel followed work instruction #22714 ¿Settleable Solids Analysis on PLE¿ and re-collected a second PLE grab sample which was processed in batch 25017SET24 on 1/17/2025 at 14:15. The obtained value for the mentioned PLE sample (unique id P1507237) was 0.5 mL/L which is within the effluent limitation permit criteria. Subsequent settleable solids data to batch 25017SET28 (01/17/25) was monitored to identify any possible analytical and/or systematic problem in the PLWTP. Additionally, the plant discharge tendency was evaluated through TSS, BOD, TDS, and floatable solids PLE 01/17/25 composite samples analyses. No other non-conformances and/or fluctuations were determined. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1139565 |
12/31/2024 |
DMON |
1. Due to the matrix sample nature the percent RPD value in batch 24341BOD55 was outside the method acceptance criteria stated on SOP (1467) BOD_WW_SED_SLDS Revision 10; Section 16.1.4; For the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) analysis of Effluent samples, collected on 12/04/24 and 12/05/24. The analytical batch was deemed non-reportable. Due to the nature of BOD testing, the sample could not be reanalyzed after the 5-day incubation period when results become known. Therefore, the permit BOD frequency requirements of 1/Day were not met.
2. Base Neutral analysis under EPA 625.1 results showed %RPD outside of criteria for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. The results for effluent, effluent duplicate where all not-detected (ND). The Internal Check 1, Matrix Spike 1 and Matrix Spike duplicate were within acceptance recovery limits. Batch met accuracy but not precision criteria therefore, per QA criteria the results in SOP ID 6144 revision 10 section 16.8 and 16.9, the results for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene are not reportable.
|
1. Subsequent data to batch 24341BOD55 (12/06/24) was monitored to identify any possible analytical and/or systematic problem. No other non-conformances and/or RPD > 10% fluctuations were determined.
2. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene stability during extraction is currently being studied by the laboratory. Compound as noted in the EPA 625.1 published method is particularly sensitive to thermal, chemical, and photochemical decomposition introducing variable recoveries that are reflected by the %RPD failures. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1139564 |
12/31/2024 |
DMON |
1. Due to the matrix sample nature the percent RPD value in batch 24341BOD55 was outside the method acceptance criteria stated on SOP (1467) BOD_WW_SED_SLDS Revision 10; Section 16.1.4; For the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) analysis of Influent samples, collected on 12/04/24 and 12/05/24. The analytical batch was deemed non-reportable. Due to the nature of BOD testing, the sample could not be reanalyzed after the 5-day incubation period when results become known. Therefore, the permit BOD frequency requirements of 1/Day were not met.
2. Base Neutral analysis under EPA 625.1 results showed %RPD outside of criteria for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. The results for influent, influent duplicate where all not-detected (ND). The Internal Check 1, Matrix Spike 1 and Matrix Spike duplicate were within acceptance recovery limits. Batch met accuracy but not precision criteria therefore, per QA criteria the results in SOP ID 6144 revision 10 section 16.8 and 16.9, the results for Hexachlorocyclopentadiene are not reportable.
|
1. Subsequent data to batch 24341BOD55 (12/06/24) was monitored to identify any possible analytical and/or systematic problem. No other non-conformances and/or RPD > 10% fluctuations were determined.
2. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene stability during extraction is currently being studied by the laboratory. Compound as noted in the EPA 625.1 published method is particularly sensitive to thermal, chemical, and photochemical decomposition introducing variable recoveries that are reflected by the %RPD failures.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1138564 |
11/30/2024 |
DMON |
For the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) analysis of Influent and Effluent samples, collected on 11/08/24 and 11/09/24, the Method blank value in batch 24315BOD26 was outside the method acceptance criteria stated on SOP (1467) BOD_WW_SED_SLDS Revision 10; Section 16.1. The analytical batch was deemed non-reportable. Due to the nature of BOD testing, the sample could not be reanalyzed after the 5-day incubation period when results become known.
Therefore, the permit BOD frequency requirements of 1/Day were not met. |
Subsequent data to batch 24315BOD26 (11/10/24) was monitored to identify any possible analytical system contamination. No other non-conformances and/or method blank contaminations were determined. Plus, the PLWTP laboratory staff will be reminded to engage the proper BOD labware cleaning protocols as rinsing the BOD Carboys for the dilution water to discard and/or reduce any possible contamination source. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1138563 |
11/30/2024 |
DMON |
For the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) analysis of Influent and Effluent samples, collected on 11/08/24 and 11/09/24, the Method blank value in batch 24315BOD26 was outside the method acceptance criteria stated on SOP (1467) BOD_WW_SED_SLDS Revision 10; Section 16.1. The analytical batch was deemed non-reportable. Due to the nature of BOD testing, the sample could not be reanalyzed after the 5-day incubation period when results become known. Therefore, the permit BOD frequency requirements of 1/Day were not met. |
Subsequent data to batch 24315BOD26 (11/10/24) was monitored to identify any possible analytical system contamination. No other non-conformances and/or method blank contaminations were determined. Plus, the PLWTP laboratory staff will be reminded to engage the proper BOD labware cleaning protocols as rinsing the BOD Carboys for the dilution water to discard and/or reduce any possible contamination source. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1138562 |
11/30/2024 |
DMON |
PLWTP experienced a power outage November 2-3, 2024 which affected effluent autosamplers. As a result of the outage, the autosamplers remained inoperable on November 3 - 4, 2024. Operations staff manually collected and composited 200 mL of both effluent and influent samples every 2 hours for 24 hours on November 3 ¿ 4, 2024; however the resulting composites were not flow proportioned as required by the permit. Analyses affected include BOD, TSS, VSS, TDS, and Floatables. |
The PLWTP power outage procedure has been modified by Operations staff to include a flow proportional manual sampling procedure and PLWTP operations staff received training November 8 ¿ 21, 2024 on this procedure. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1138561 |
11/30/2024 |
DMON |
PLWTP experienced a power outage November 2-3, 2024 which affected the influent autosamplers. As a result of the outage, the autosamplers remained inoperable on November 3 - 4, 2024. Operations staff manually collected and composited 200 mL of both effluent and influent samples every 2 hours for 24 hours on November 3 ¿ 4, 2024; however the resulting composites were not flow proportioned as required by the permit. Analyses affected include BOD, TSS, VSS, TDS, and Floatables. |
The PLWTP power outage procedure has been modified by Operations staff to include a flow proportional manual sampling procedure and PLWTP operations staff received training November 8 ¿ 21, 2024 on this procedure. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1135094 |
09/04/2024 |
DMON |
Organophosphorus Pesticides: PLR and PLE samples collected on 9/4/2024 were outsourced to Weck Laboratory and the analyte Parathion was analyzed using EPA method 625.1 instead of method 614 as required under 40 CFR part 136. |
Organophosphorus Pesticides: The City has identified and contracted with a new laboratory that is certified to perform EPA method 614 as required for specific organophosphorus compounds under 40 CFR part 136. Samples for the month of October have been sent to the new laboratory. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1132922 |
08/31/2024 |
DMON |
1. Organophosphorus Pesticides: PL Influent samples collected on 8/7/2024 were outsourced and the analyte Parathion was analyzed using EPA method 625.1 instead of method 614 as required under 40 CFR part 136.
2. TCDD Equivalents: PLR collected on 8/7/24 was outsourced and analyzed for Dioxins method 1613B. The laboratory report revealed the analytical batch internal check recovery for 2,3,7,8-TCDF was non-detect and the analyte was therefore deemed non-reportable. |
1. Organophosphorus Pesticides: The City is currently searching for alternative laboratories that are certified to perform EPA method 614. One laboratory has been identified in California and staff are in the process of determining if they can meet our requirements for future analyses.
2. TCDD Equivalents: The City will work with the external laboratory in order to be notified of QC failures immediately in order to attempt to re-sample and re-analyze to fulfill the monthly requirement with acceptable QC. The 2,3,7,8-TCDF was not included in the sum for TCDD Equivalents. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1132921 |
08/31/2024 |
DMON |
1. Organophosphorus Pesticides: PL effluent samples collected on 8/7/2024 were outsourced and the analyte Parathion was analyzed using EPA method 625.1 instead of method 614 as required under 40 CFR part 136. |
1. Organophosphorus Pesticides: The City is currently searching for alternative laboratories that are certified to perform EPA method 614. One laboratory has been identified in California and staff are in the process of determining if they can meet our requirements for future analyses. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1134375 |
04/30/2024 |
DMON |
Parathion was not run with the appropriate method due to difficulties finding a lab certified to run the appropriate method (influent and effluent). |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1126788 |
03/15/2024 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3 ml/L and reported value was 4 ml/L at EFF-001. |
Operations was notified and an additional grab sample was taken later and re-analyzed with the result of 0.1 mL/L. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124676 |
01/31/2024 |
DMON |
Pesticides listed at 40 CFR section 125.58 (P) for Demeton, Guthion, Malathion, and Parathion were not analyzed or reported for PL influent of effluent due to incorrect method of 8270 and not 625.1 listed on chain of custody for January 2024 sample. When this error was discovered, the outsourced lab was contacted and informed to update the requested analysis. The outsourced lab was experiencing personnel issues and the request for the method correction was miscommunicated, although the correct method of 625.1 was annotated on the quote for services. Frequent correspondences with the lab were not effective due to staff changes where three lab mangers cycled through. |
To avoid this reoccurrence will include a thorough review of the chain of custody will be performed by the project support group and the supervisor of the ECS pesticides group prior to sample outsourcing. Also, direct communication with outsourced lab will be documented and included as an attachment with the chain of custody. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123527 |
12/29/2023 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 4.25 ml/L at EFF-001. |
Laboratory staff waited an additional hour before collecting another sample to allow the system to return to normal after disruption. This sample result was 0.1 ml/L. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1143571 |
12/13/2023 |
LREP |
The report was submitted on December 13, 2023, 12 days after the deadline of December 1, 2023. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1134374 |
11/30/2023 |
DMON |
Method blank was contaminated for di-n-butyl phthalate (effluent and influent) and discharger wasn't able to resample within the month. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1134373 |
09/30/2023 |
DMON |
Method was contaminated for di-n-butyl phthalate (influent and effluent) and discharger was not able to resample within the month. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1120817 |
08/22/2023 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 3.2 ml/L at EFF-001. |
1. CAR 20035 Was initiated.
2. The QA TRAINING Review took place on 083023.
3. Master edited on 08/24/23. New update includes the comment/reminder:
"PLE > Inst. Max; Follow work instruction PL-21349-3" for whenever the PLE value is > than 3.0 mL/L.
4. A remark / flag was included both in the report and in LIMS during the report review on 08/23/23 (attached). Plus a
notification email (attached) was sent to our customer (OPS) and QADM [analyst & assigned OCA].
5. Settleable solids set up was relocated in order to provide the analyst:
5a. A bigger analytical space to be able locate the written instructions - PL-21349-3.
5b. A ergonomic environment improvement (light) to be able to make a better determination of the SS value.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1134372 |
07/31/2023 |
DMON |
Method blank was contaminated for di-n-butyl phthalate and discharger wasn't able to resample within the month (effluent and influent). |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1134371 |
05/31/2023 |
DMON |
Deficient monitoring for benzidine (effluent) and 1,2-diphenylhydrazine (effluent and influent). |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1119778 |
03/31/2023 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 80 % and reported value was 79.8 % at EFF-001. |
Progress has been observed and the plant anticipates the following month¿s solids removal to be within the guidelines of the permit. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1121327 |
12/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
BOD5 @ 20 Deg. C, Percent Removal Annual Average (Mean) limit is 58 % and reported value was 56.5 % at EFF-001. |
Normal operations resumed in June and systemwide and facility %BOD removals returned to prior levels. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1112917 |
12/21/2022 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 5.0 ml/L at EFF-001. |
Subsequent daily analytical results for this parameter were within historically low values. Laboratory staff resampled at approximately 1250 p.m. and the reanalysis yielded sample and duplicate results of 0.6 mL/L and 0.7 mL/L (or an average of 0.65 mL/L). The settleable solids measurement is, therefore, not deemed indicative of the treatment performance of the plant, but rather is associated with a likely flow disturbance to the plant on this particular day at the time of sample collection |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1111623 |
11/30/2022 |
DMON |
Salinity is calculated by the laboratory based on the conductivity and temperature of a sample. Results for Salinity could not be calculated for the weekly effluent samples collected on 11/17/2022 and 11/21/2022 due to missing temperature values of the samples during the conductivity analysis. |
The Conductivity analytical batch 22326CON80 analyzed on 11/22/2022 with both the 11/17/22 and 11/21/22 effluent samples was reported without the sample temperature values. This was discovered to be due to the loss of connection for unknown reasons between the daily bench PC and the Winwedge software, which automatically uploads the data from the conductivity meter to the bench PC. The issue was not determined quickly enough, and the samples were already discarded, so reanalysis was not possible. Because salinity is a new monitoring parameter for the facility, the requirement was not yet fully entrenched in the lab analysts. The supervisor worked to restore the connection and reminded the analysts to make sure that temperature is recorded and/or available for every conductivity value. Further, the supervisor initiated a Corrective Action Report (CAR # 18196) to document and prevent recurrence of this event. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1111624 |
11/30/2022 |
DMON |
There is deficient monitoring due to the unavailability of the November monthly influent and effluent radioactivity results for this month's reporting. |
The November monthly influent and effluent samples for radioactivity analysis were collected per the permit-prescribed sampling frequency and were promptly outsourced to an external laboratory; however, the external laboratory report has not been received by the City in-house laboratory to date. Per the external laboratory, results will be sent as soon as possible; unfortunately, data will not meet the reporting deadline. The monitoring result for radioactivity analysis will be reported in CIWQS as soon as the external lab report is received. The City of San Diego in-house laboratory has started to look into outsourcing permit-required radiation samples to other external laboratories. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1110861 |
10/24/2022 |
DMON |
Ammonia was not analyzed on the weekly influent samples collected on 10/24/2022.
The laboratory updated the Point Loma sampling routine with the additional parameter requirements as soon as the permit amendment became effective on 9/25/2022. However, during this Sample Control update to include the add-on influent nutrients monitoring, the influent ammonia parameter was inadvertently changed from weekly to quarterly frequency as aligned with the other nitrogen species. |
Lab supervisors and staff have been reminded to increase communication when samples anticipated for permit monitoring analysis are missing. While lab analysts are expected to be cognizant of the frequency requirements in their assigned analysis and are consistently and promptly informed of regulatory changes, lab supervisors will also provide supplemental group training to reinforce awareness of permit requirements. An additional supervisor position has also been requested by the laboratory for increased oversight to sample control activities. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1110863 |
10/19/2022 |
DMON |
Ammonia was not analyzed on the weekly influent samples collected on 10/19/2022. The laboratory updated the Point Loma sampling routine with the additional parameter requirements as soon as the permit amendment became effective on 9/25/2022. However, during this Sample Control update to include the add-on influent nutrients monitoring, the influent ammonia parameter was inadvertently changed from weekly to quarterly frequency as aligned with the other nitrogen species. |
Lab supervisors and staff have been reminded to increase communication when samples anticipated for permit monitoring analysis are missing. While lab analysts are expected to be cognizant of the frequency requirements in their assigned analysis and are consistently and promptly informed of regulatory changes, lab supervisors will also provide supplemental group training to reinforce awareness of permit requirements. An additional supervisor position has also been requested by the laboratory for increased oversight to sample control activities. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1110860 |
10/10/2022 |
DMON |
Ammonia was not analyzed on the weekly influent samples collected on 10/10/2022. The laboratory updated the Point Loma sampling routine with the additional parameter requirements as soon as the permit amendment became effective on 9/25/2022. However, during this Sample Control update to include the add-on influent nutrients monitoring, the influent ammonia parameter was inadvertently changed from weekly to quarterly frequency as aligned with the other nitrogen species. |
Lab supervisors and staff have been reminded to increase communication when samples anticipated for permit monitoring analysis are missing. While lab analysts are expected to be cognizant of the frequency requirements in their assigned analysis and are consistently and promptly informed of regulatory changes, lab supervisors will also provide supplemental group training to reinforce awareness of permit requirements. An additional supervisor position has also been requested by the laboratory for increased oversight to sample control activities. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1110859 |
10/07/2022 |
DMON |
The daily influent and effluent samples for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) analysis were collected on 10/7/2022 with other daily required parameters from the 24-hour composites to comply with the permit-prescribed sampling frequency. However, due to the inexperience of the new analyst, a ¿unique constraint error¿ was received in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database when the analyst tried to reassign TSS to the monitoring samples after inadvertently deleting this specific parameter that is initially and automatically added by the sampling routine. |
increase communication when samples anticipated for permit monitoring analysis are missing. While lab analysts are expected to be cognizant of the frequency requirements in their assigned analysis and are consistently and promptly informed of regulatory changes, lab supervisors will also provide supplemental group training to reinforce awareness of permit requirements. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1110862 |
10/07/2022 |
DMON |
The daily influent and effluent samples for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) analysis were collected on 10/7/2022 with other daily required parameters from the 24-hour composites to comply with the permit-prescribed sampling frequency. However, due to the inexperience of the new analyst, a ¿unique constraint error¿ was received in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database when the analyst tried to reassign TSS to the monitoring samples after inadvertently deleting this specific parameter that is initially and automatically added by the sampling routine. |
increase communication when samples anticipated for permit monitoring analysis are missing. While lab analysts are expected to be cognizant of the frequency requirements in their assigned analysis and are consistently and promptly informed of regulatory changes, lab supervisors will also provide supplemental group training to reinforce awareness of permit requirements. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1109707 |
09/30/2022 |
Deficient Reporting |
There is deficient monitoring due to the unavailability of the September monthly influent and effluent radioactivity results for this month¿s reporting. |
The September monthly influent and effluent samples for radioactivity analysis were collected per the permit-prescribed sampling frequency and were promptly outsourced to an external laboratory; however, the external laboratory report has not been received by the City in-house laboratory to date. Per the external laboratory, results will be sent as soon as possible; unfortunately, data will not meet the reporting deadline. The monitoring results for radioactivity analysis will be reported in CIWQS as soon as the external lab report is received. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1109858 |
09/01/2022 |
SSOS |
SSO |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1110834 |
08/31/2022 |
Deficient Reporting |
Radioactivity monitoring results were not included in the August 2022 monthly self-monitoring report |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1108792 |
07/31/2022 |
Deficient Reporting |
Effluent radioactivity results were not included in the July 2022 monthly monitoring report because they were analyzed late by the City's contract lab. A revised July 2022 monthly monitoring report will be submitted by the City. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1107679 |
07/08/2022 |
DMON |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were not analyzed on 7/8/2022. |
The group supervisor will reinforce awareness of permit requirements among staff and will include this important topic in the periodic and/or refresher training of the group¿s laboratory analysts. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1107680 |
07/08/2022 |
DMON |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were not analyzed on 7/8/2022. |
The group supervisor will reinforce awareness of permit requirements among staff and will include this important topic in the periodic and/or refresher training of the group¿s laboratory analysts. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1106735 |
06/30/2022 |
OEV |
Turbidity Monthly Average limit is 75 NTU and reported value was 82.1 NTU at EFF-001. |
1. Vivianite Build-Up in the Sludge Piping:
To overcome this, Operations staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time to increase pumping capacity. Plant staff have removed some build-up themselves and are in the process of getting a contract to have a vendor continue vivianite removal from the sludge piping.
2. Extra Solids Coming In:
The chemical dose at PLWTP was increased during these evolutions to improve solids settling.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1106736 |
06/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Monthly Average limit is 60 mg/L and reported value was 79.8 mg/L at EFF-001. |
1. Vivianite Build-Up in the Sludge Piping:
To overcome this, Operations staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time to increase pumping capacity. Plant staff have removed some build-up themselves and are in the process of getting a contract to have a vendor continue vivianite removal from the sludge piping.
2. Extra Solids Coming In:
The chemical dose at PLWTP was increased during these evolutions to improve solids settling.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1106737 |
06/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average limit is 80 % and reported value was 79.1 % at EFF-001. |
1. Vivianite Build-Up in the Sludge Piping:
To overcome this, Operations staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time to increase pumping capacity. Plant staff have removed some build-up themselves and are in the process of getting a contract to have a vendor continue vivianite removal from the sludge piping.
2. Extra Solids Coming In:
The chemical dose at PLWTP was increased during these evolutions to improve solids settling. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105874 |
05/31/2022 |
OEV |
Turbidity Monthly Average limit is 75 NTU and reported value was 90.4 NTU at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105873 |
05/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Oil and Grease Monthly Average limit is 25 mg/L and reported value was 30 mg/L at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105877 |
05/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Monthly Average limit is 60 mg/L and reported value was 118 mg/L at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105876 |
05/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average limit is 75 % and reported value was 66.2 % at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105875 |
05/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average limit is 80 % and reported value was 66.8 % at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105879 |
05/07/2022 |
OEV |
Turbidity Weekly Average limit is 100 NTU and reported value was 107 NTU at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105871 |
05/07/2022 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Weekly Average limit is 1.5 ml/L and reported value was 1.8 ml/L at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105878 |
05/04/2022 |
CAT1 |
Oil and Grease Instantaneous Maximum limit is 75 mg/L and reported value was 85.5 mg/L at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105872 |
05/04/2022 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 7.0 ml/L at EFF-001. |
1) While Operations staff have removed some build up themselves, they await the City vendor to conduct more line cleaning. For the meantime, Operations staff resorted to a temporary solution, i.e. staff are currently feeding two digesters at a time instead of one.
2) The polymer dose was increased to improve solids settling. To increase the velocity in the tanks and flush out suspended solids through the system, eight tanks were also placed in service. It is projected that once the other facilities return to normal operations, this would help alleviate the PLWTP issue.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104711 |
04/30/2022 |
OEV |
Turbidity Monthly Average limit is 75 NTU and reported value was 83.4 NTU at EFF-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issues by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. The repair to the plant¿s dewatering line was completed on April 29, 2022. The work completion at NCWRP¿s influent pump station in May 2022 should help lower the solids. The plant superintendent spoke with the Regional Board¿s Fisayo Osidobu who confirmed that aside from continuing remedial actions, the City needs to also continue noting the problems, exceedances/violations and corrective actions being taken in the monthly regulatory self-monitoring reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104713 |
04/30/2022 |
OEV |
Turbidity Weekly Average (Mean) limit is 100 NTU and reported value was 108 NTU at EFF-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issues by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. The repair to the plant¿s dewatering line was completed on April 29, 2022. The work completion at NCWRP¿s influent pump station in May 2022 should help lower the solids. The plant superintendent spoke with the Regional Board¿s Fisayo Osidobu who confirmed that aside from continuing remedial actions, the City needs to also continue noting the problems, exceedances/violations and corrective actions being taken in the monthly regulatory self-monitoring reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104709 |
04/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Oil and Grease Monthly Average limit is 25 mg/L and reported value was 28.5 mg/L at EFF-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issues by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. The repair to the plant¿s dewatering line was completed on April 29, 2022. The work completion at NCWRP¿s influent pump station in May 2022 should help lower the solids. The plant superintendent spoke with the Regional Board¿s Fisayo Osidobu who confirmed that aside from continuing remedial actions, the City needs to also continue noting the problems, exceedances/violations and corrective actions being taken in the monthly regulatory self-monitoring reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104710 |
04/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Monthly Average limit is 60 mg/L and reported value was 128 mg/L at EFF-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issues by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. The repair to the plant¿s dewatering line was completed on April 29, 2022. The work completion at NCWRP¿s influent pump station in May 2022 should help lower the solids. The plant superintendent spoke with the Regional Board¿s Fisayo Osidobu who confirmed that aside from continuing remedial actions, the City needs to also continue noting the problems, exceedances/violations and corrective actions being taken in the monthly regulatory self-monitoring reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104712 |
04/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average limit is 75 % and reported value was 62 % at EFF-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issues by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. The repair to the plant¿s dewatering line was completed on April 29, 2022. The work completion at NCWRP¿s influent pump station in May 2022 should help lower the solids. The plant superintendent spoke with the Regional Board¿s Fisayo Osidobu who confirmed that aside from continuing remedial actions, the City needs to also continue noting the problems, exceedances/violations and corrective actions being taken in the monthly regulatory self-monitoring reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104714 |
04/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average limit is 80 % and reported value was 62.7 % at EFF-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issues by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. The repair to the plant¿s dewatering line was completed on April 29, 2022. The work completion at NCWRP¿s influent pump station in May 2022 should help lower the solids. The plant superintendent spoke with the Regional Board¿s Fisayo Osidobu who confirmed that aside from continuing remedial actions, the City needs to also continue noting the problems, exceedances/violations and corrective actions being taken in the monthly regulatory self-monitoring reports. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1103678 |
03/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Monthly Average limit is 60.0 mg/L and reported value was 83.7 mg/L at E-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issue by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. However, parts to repair the dewatering line break have been delayed due to supply chain issues. The work completion at NCWRP's influent pump station anticipated by May 2022 should help lower the solids. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1103679 |
03/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Percent Removal Monthly Average limit is 80 % and reported value was 75.5 % at E-001. |
Operations staff immediately addressed the issue by line cleaning to remove the vivianite buildup in the lines. However, parts to repair the dewatering line break have been delayed due to supply chain issues. The work completion at NCWRP's influent pump station anticipated by May 2022 should help lower the solids. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1100006 |
12/14/2021 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 3.5 ml/L at EFF-001. |
A repeat sample was collected at 1340 p.m. with analysis duplicate results of 0.1 mg/L. Subsequent daily analytical results for this parameter were within historically low values. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1094764 |
08/30/2021 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 4.0 ml/L at EFF-001. |
Laboratory staff will rely on Operations staff to give them the green light on when to collect a grab sample for settleable solid testing during times when maintenance work or other non-routine events, e.g. changes in flow, among others that affect this particular test procedure, are happening at the plant. The plant superintendent resent the Operations SOP on Laboratory Communications Protocol for Sampling Events (PL-SOP-066.0) to reinforce communication between laboratory and Operations staff. The laboratory supervisor discussed with the new analyst the importance of the work instruction to determine the time that the plant returns to compliance. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1094763 |
08/12/2021 |
CAT1 |
Settleable Solids Instantaneous Maximum limit is 3.0 ml/L and reported value was 6.5 ml/L at EFF-001. |
Laboratory staff will rely on Operations staff to give them the green light on when to collect a grab sample for settleable solid testing during times when maintenance work or other non-routine events, e.g. changes in flow, among others that affect this particular test procedure, are happening at the plant. The plant superintendent resent the Operations SOP on Laboratory Communications Protocol for Sampling Events (PL-SOP-066.0) to reinforce communication between laboratory and Operations staff. The laboratory supervisor discussed with the new analyst the importance of the work instruction to determine the time that the plant returns to compliance. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1094110 |
04/26/2021 |
Order Conditions |
On April 26, 2021, a power outage at the Facility resulted in the discharge of approximately 107.5 million gallons of partially treated wastewater (as reported by the Discharger) through the Point Loma Ocean Outfall to the Pacific Ocean. While the Discharger has a standby emergency generator, the emergency generator was insufficient to power all treatment processes. |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1094109 |
01/28/2021 |
Order Conditions |
On January 28, 2021, a power outage at the Facility resulted in the discharge of approximately 45 million gallons of partially treated wastewater (as reported by the Discharger) through the Point Loma Ocean Outfall to the Pacific Ocean. While the Discharger has a standby emergency generator, the emergency generator was not functioning at the time of the power outage. The failure to maintain in good working order a sufficient alternative power source is in violation of section VI.C.4.a of the Order. |
|
Violation |
B |
Inspection |
| 1087006 |
08/12/2020 |
UAUTHDISC |
On August 12, 2020, the City reported a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) occurring on the same day that resulted in the discharge of 3,850 gallons of untreated wastewater to a storm drain. The City recovered 2,050 gallons of the SSO; however, the remaining 1,800 gallons reached Torrey Pines State Beach, causing the closure of the beach. |
|
Violation |
A |
Report |
|
Report displays most recent five years of violations. Refer to the Interactive Violation Report for more data.
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