| Violation ID |
Occurred Date |
Violation Type |
(-) Violation Description |
Corrective Action |
Status |
Classification |
Source |
| 1126355 |
03/31/2024 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 11 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The SLO WRRF upgrade, known as SLO Water+, is nearing completion; however, the facility can only operate on half of its biological treatment process until the completion of the other half. With two of four bioreactors online, hydraulic retention time is limited. Due to the decreased hydraulic retention time and prioritization of nitrification to protect creek health, operations staff changed the aeration blower program to airflow mode, resulting in full blower output. Once conditions allowed, operations staff returned the aeration blower program to ammonia mode, which decreases the quantity of air throughout the aerobic zones of the bioreactors. The decreased airflow results in lower dissolved oxygen carryover into the anoxic zones and more readily promotes denitrification.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1125298 |
02/29/2024 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 16.5 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The SLO WRRF upgrade, known as SLO Water+, is nearing completion; however, the facility can only operate on half of its biological treatment process until the completion of the other half. With two of four bioreactors online, hydraulic retention time is limited. Due to the decreased hydraulic retention time and prioritization of nitrification to protect creek health, operations staff changed the aeration blower program to airflow mode, resulting in full blower output. Once conditions allowed, operations staff returned the aeration blower program to ammonia mode, which decreases the quantity of air throughout the aerobic zones of the bioreactors. The decreased airflow results in lower dissolved oxygen carryover into the anoxic zones and more readily promotes denitrification. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124274 |
02/02/2024 |
LREP |
Annual SMR ( SLUDGE ) (Biosolids (Sludge) Tech Rpt) report for 2023 (2673352) was due on 01-FEB-24 |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1124506 |
01/31/2024 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 15 mg/L at EFF-001. |
: As a part of Solids Phase One of the WRRF Upgrade Project (see email on January 10th, 2024 and attached letter entitled ¿240110 SP1 Cover Letter¿), existing digesters were removed from service and dewatered in preparation for rehabilitation. These dewatering efforts resulted in an increased nitrogen loading to the facility. The additional nitrogen load required operators to prioritize the nitrification process (rather than discharge unionized ammonia to San Luis Obispo Creek) which resulted in dissolved oxygen carryover into the anoxic zones of the WRRF¿s bioreactors. Additional oxygen in these zones resulted in decreased denitrification performance. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124512 |
01/30/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 13 Color Units, RSW-005 29 Color units.
The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. |
The WRRF team attempted to run a chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan potential subsequent bench scale testing. Bench scale testing is scheduled for the end of February, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124503 |
01/30/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 Temp 13.7 Deg C, RSW-005 17.4 Deg C, 7 deg F difference
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe has been installed and is currently awaiting SCADA integration. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August and October of 2023. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124514 |
01/19/2024 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Instantaneous Maximum limit is 0.1 mg/L and reported value was 0.16 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The only sodium hypochlorite used on site is to produce Recycled Water. When the initial test results came in, WRRF staff immediately verified the system was operating as designed and no cross contamination of liquids streams was present. Each ¿maintenance and recovery¿ clean has a neutralization period to ensure no oxidants (hydrogen peroxide) continue in the liquids stream. This neutralization period was doubled as a precaution. As an added precaution, the hydrogen peroxide dose was decreased.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124510 |
01/18/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 8 Color Units, RSW-005 30 Color units.
The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. |
The WRRF team attempted to run a chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan potential subsequent bench scale testing. Bench scale testing is scheduled for the end of February, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124508 |
01/18/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 Temp 13.3 Deg C, RSW-005 18.5 Deg C, 10 deg F difference
not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe has been installed and is currently awaiting SCADA integration. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August and October of 2023. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124511 |
01/16/2024 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Instantaneous Maximum limit is 0.1 mg/L and reported value was .15 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The only sodium hypochlorite used on site is to produce Recycled Water. When the initial test results came in, WRRF staff immediately verified the system was operating as designed and no cross contamination of liquids streams was present. Each maintenance and recovery clean has a neutralization period to ensure no oxidants (hydrogen peroxide) continue in the liquids stream. This neutralization period was doubled as a precaution. As an added precaution, the hydrogen peroxide dose was decreased. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124509 |
01/11/2024 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Instantaneous Maximum limit is 0.1 mg/L and reported value was .12 mg/L. |
The only sodium hypochlorite used on site is to produce Recycled Water. When the initial test results came in, WRRF staff immediately verified the system was operating as designed and no cross contamination of liquids streams was present. Each maintenance and recovery clean has a neutralization period to ensure no oxidants (hydrogen peroxide) continue in the liquids stream. This neutralization period was doubled as a precaution. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124513 |
01/10/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 11 Color Units, RSW-005 27 Color units.
The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. |
The WRRF team attempted to run a chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan potential subsequent bench scale testing. Bench scale testing is scheduled for the end of February, 2024. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124505 |
01/10/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 Temp 12.8 Deg C, RSW-005 17.6 Deg C, 9 deg F difference
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures.
|
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe has been installed and is currently awaiting SCADA integration. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August and October of 2023. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124507 |
01/09/2024 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Instantaneous Maximum limit is 0.1 mg/L and reported value was 0.16 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The only sodium hypochlorite used on site is to produce Recycled Water. When the initial test results came in, WRRF staff immediately verified the system was operating as designed and no cross contamination of liquids streams was present. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1124504 |
01/02/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 Temp 13.7 Deg C, RSW-005 17.8 Deg C, 7 deg F difference
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe has been installed and is currently awaiting SCADA integration. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August and October of 2023. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1126356 |
01/02/2024 |
Surface Water |
RSW-005 annual running mean for sodium was 79 mg/L. WRRF Influent sodium was 110 mg/L and EFF-001 was 101 mg/L on 1/2/2024. |
The Wastewater Division has begun planning and budgeting for a future Local Limits Study. The Local Limits Study will focus on source control for sodium, chloride, and TDS. The WRRF has not used sodium hypochlorite or sodium bisulfite since 7/1/2023. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123548 |
12/30/2023 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as NO3) Monthly Mean limit is 10 % and reported value was 12 % at EFF-001. |
On 12/12/23, the instrumentation technician was onsite to investigate and repair online bioreactor ammonia analyzers. The Operations Team switched the bioreactors to run in an ¿ammonia mode¿. Effluent nitrate samples (7 total), taken between 12/14/23 and 12/28/23, averaged 9.7 mg/L nitrate as N. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123542 |
12/28/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/28/23 RSW-005 19.4 °C, 8°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123541 |
12/20/2023 |
Surface Water |
Color The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. 12/20/23 RSW-005 35 color units, 25 color units greater than RSW-004 |
Color- The WRRF team attempted to run a chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan potential subsequent bench scale testing. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123550 |
12/17/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/17/23 RSW-005 21.1 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123553 |
12/16/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/16/23 RSW-005 21.2 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123552 |
12/15/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/15/23 RSW-005 21.7 °C, 13°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123560 |
12/14/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/14/23 RSW-005 21.7 °C, 13°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123551 |
12/13/2023 |
DMON |
Color The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. 12/13/23 RSW-005 39 color units, 31 color units greater than RSW-004 |
Color- The WRRF team attempted to run a chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan potential subsequent bench scale testing. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123549 |
12/13/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/13/23 RSW-005 21.9 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123547 |
12/12/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/12/23 RSW-005 21.6 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123546 |
12/11/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/11/23 RSW-005 22.0. °C, 13°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123544 |
12/10/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/10/23 RSW-005 22.6 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123556 |
12/09/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/9/23 RSW-005 20.8 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123554 |
12/08/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/8/23 RSW-005 21.6 °C, 11°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123559 |
12/07/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/7/23 RSW-005 22.1 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123562 |
12/06/2023 |
Surface Water |
Color The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. 12/6/23 RSW-005 37 color units, 29 color units greater than RSW-004 |
Color- The WRRF team attempted to run a chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan potential subsequent bench scale testing. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123558 |
12/06/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/6/23 RSW-005 22.1 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123545 |
12/05/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/5/23 RSW-005 22.9 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123543 |
12/04/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/4/23 RSW-005 22.1 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123555 |
12/03/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/3/23 RSW-005 21.9 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123557 |
12/02/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/2/23 RSW-005 22.3 °C, 13°F greater than RSW-004 |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123561 |
12/01/2023 |
Surface Water |
Temperature not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. 12/1/23 RSW-005 22.1 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004. |
Temperature Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123093 |
11/30/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 22.1 °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123102 |
11/29/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 20.2 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123092 |
11/28/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 21.8 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123091 |
11/27/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 21.5 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123101 |
11/26/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 21.2 °C, 11°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123106 |
11/25/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 22.0 °C, 11°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123105 |
11/24/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 21.5 °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123098 |
11/23/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 21.7 °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123104 |
11/22/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 20.0 °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123100 |
11/20/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 20.6 °C, 9°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123097 |
11/19/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 20.6 °C, 8°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123089 |
11/17/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 24.0 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123088 |
11/16/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 24.1 °C, 13°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123087 |
11/15/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 22.7 °C, 14°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123094 |
11/15/2023 |
Surface Water |
Water The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. Result for color analysis: 41 color units, 33 color units greater than RSW-004
|
The WRRF team attempted to run chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan subsequent bench scale testing.
|
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123086 |
11/14/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 22.8. °C, 7°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123103 |
11/13/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 23.0 °C, 15°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123096 |
11/12/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 20.7 °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123099 |
11/11/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 19.3. °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123090 |
11/09/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 22.4 °C, 12°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123083 |
11/08/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 22.8 °C, 7°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123095 |
11/07/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 23. °C, 11°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123107 |
11/07/2023 |
Surface Water |
Water The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. Result for color analysis: 36 color units, 28 color units greater than RSW-004 |
The WRRF team attempted to run chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan subsequent bench scale testing. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123082 |
11/06/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 23.9 °C, 11°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123085 |
11/05/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 23.4 °C, 10°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123084 |
11/04/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 18.2 °C, 6°F greater than RSW-004 |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122850 |
11/01/2023 |
Surface Water |
Not enough cooling towers were in service. The operations team has been balancing elevated effluent pH (see past EFF-001 exceedances on 8/4/23 and 8/17/23) with receiving water temperatures. RSW-005 temp: 20.9 °C, 13°F greater than RSW-004
|
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and 10/29/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122851 |
11/01/2023 |
Surface Water |
The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005. Result for color analysis: 37 color units, 29 color units greater than RSW-004 |
The WRRF team attempted to run chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide.' The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. City staff met with design engineers on 12/14/23 to discuss color removal strategy and plan subsequent bench scale testing. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122311 |
10/29/2023 |
OEV |
pH Daily Maximum limit is 8.3 SU and reported value was 8.38 SU at EFF-001. |
Cooling tower was turned off. Long-term corrective action, pH and temperature probe have been procured. The City is working with the design engineers and programmers to install the probe and build a SCADA control program. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122310 |
10/25/2023 |
Surface Water |
Receiving surface water temperature exceeded 22.5 degrees C at 13:41 on 10/16/23, with a recorded temperature of 23.3 degrees C. EFF-001 temperature was 24.5 degrees C at 13:53. |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23.
Short term corrective action - an additional cooling tower was placed online. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122312 |
10/16/2023 |
Surface Water |
Receiving surface water temperature exceeded 22.5 degrees C at 14:40 on 10/16/23. EFF-001 temperature was 22.5 degress C at 10:53. |
Long term corrective action - The WRRF has procured an online temperature and pH probe to be installed after the cooling towers. The probe is awaiting installation and being integrated into the SCADA system. Running cooling towers has led to effluent pH violations in August 2023 and on 10/29/23.
Short term corrective action - an additional cooling tower was placed online. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1123371 |
10/12/2023 |
Other Water Code Sections |
Discharge of effluent to that altered the quality of its waters to a degree that unreasonably affected warm and cold fresh water habitats, migration, and spawning, reproduction, and development |
|
Violation |
A |
Report |
| 1123374 |
10/12/2023 |
Order Conditions |
Discharge of treated wastewater at an unapproved location |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1123369 |
10/12/2023 |
Surface Water |
Discharge of effluent containing toxic substances in concentrations toxic to aquatic life that produced detrimental physiological responses in steelhead trout |
|
Violation |
A |
Report |
| 1123370 |
10/12/2023 |
Surface Water |
Discharge of waste that caused concentrations of un-ionized ammonia to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as nitrogen) |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1123373 |
10/12/2023 |
Surface Water |
Discharge that increased the concentration of ammonia, an inorganic chemical, and adversely affected warm and cold fresh water habitats, migration, and spawning, reproduction, and development |
|
Violation |
A |
Report |
| 1122314 |
10/12/2023 |
Surface Water |
RSW-005 unionized ammonia as N was 1.42 mg/L on 10/12/23 at 10:00. Effluent - 001 ammonia as N had a reported value of 35 mg/L on 10/12/23 at 10:13. On 10/14/23, RSW-005 unionized ammonia as N was .304 mg/L at 09:25. On 10/15/23, RSW-005 unionized ammonia as N was 0.0124 mg/L at 09:21. Elevated receiving water unionized ammonia levels were due to high effluent ammonia being discharged. High-effluent ammonia was traced back to high solids loading and oxygen demand on the bioreactor. Solids loading was due to construction sequencing, loss of the dissolved air flotation thickener, and solids being unable to be removed from the system. |
With the loss of the dissolved air flotation thickener, Operations staff began chemically enhanced primary treatment in August and September 2023 to remove solids from the liquids treatment process. Chemically enhanced primary treatment was stopped in September 2023 due to negative impacts on the UV disinfection process. On 10/12/23 at 16:23, WRRF effluent flow was diverted to the holding ponds. Also, on 10/12/23, the blower manufacturer was brought onsite to determine if more could be delivered, and the diffuser manufacturer was contacted to determine if the diffusers could deliver additional air. A contractor was hired and began removing solids from the bioreactor and hauling them off-site on 10/13/23. On 10/18/23, Moleaer delivered a system to bring in additional aeration to the liquids process. On 10/19/23, a portable thickening unit was delivered to remove waste-activated sludge and prevent solids build up in the liquid process. Additional hauling and solids removal were contracted to ensure more processing space is available onsite for any future upset. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1122313 |
10/04/2023 |
Surface Water |
RSW-005 exceeded RSW-004 true color units on 10/4/23 (19 units), 10/12/23 (28 color units), 10/18/23 (21 color units), and 10/25/23 (27 color units). |
WRRF staff pilot testing chemically enhanced primary treatment in August and September 2023, compromising the UV disinfection system. The City received a draft technical memorandum from the design engineers on 10/30/23. City staff, with an outside vendor, bench tested a filter aid product to improve membrane performance, and remove color on 11/27/23. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1121453 |
09/27/2023 |
Surface Water |
Unionized ammonia at RSW-005 was 0.0500 mg/L as N on 9/27/23 14:16. All aeration blowers were in use and unable to sustain an elevated dissolved oxygen level in the bioreactor's aeration zone. |
The Operations team contacted design engineers to potentially increase air delivery to the bioreactor. The Operations team confirmed all isolation air valves to the bioreactor are open. Effluent flow was diverted to the diversion pond until adequate dissolved oxygen could be measured in the aeration basin and ammonia levels had dropped. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1121454 |
09/20/2023 |
Surface Water |
RSW-005, exceeded 22.5 Deg C, sample taken at 0948 9/20/23 had a recorded temperature fo 23.7 Deg C. Effluent temperature sampled at 1003 9/20/23 had a temperature of 25.4 Deg C. Operations staff is currently working through programming of the new facility and trying to balance effluent pH compliance with receiving water temperature limits. |
Operations staff brought online an additional cooling tower. The receiving water temperature exceedance ended on 9/20/23 1318 with a temperature of 20.6 Deg C. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1121452 |
09/06/2023 |
Surface Water |
The upgraded liquids treatment process does not use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. True color-causing substances, like humic acids, are not removed by the membrane filtration unit. Elevated EFF-001 color impacted receiving water color quality at RSW-005 |
The WRRF team attempted to run chemically enhanced primary treatment using ferric chloride to remove color from the wastewater. Bench scale testing suggested that ferric chloride could remove color at the primary clarifiers. Fullscale use of ferric chloride was halted after causing a drop in UV intensity. Nalco Labs was brought onsite on 9/7/23 to bench test a 'filter aide'. The bioreactor system is not set up to dose or house this additional chemical currently. Also, on 9/7/23, the WRRF team consulted with the Kadance Corporation to enquire about the rental or use of their Nan O2 system. Kadance Corporation has used the Nan O2 system to remove color from food dye industries but does not have a unit available until early 2024. From 9/12/23 through 9/15/23, an internal study was conducted to investigate the potential source of the influent color. The results suggested that color is coming into the facility from all major trunk lines. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1120441 |
08/17/2023 |
OEV |
pH Instantaneous Maximum limit is 8.3 SU and reported value was 8.31 SU at EFF-001. |
The operations staff turned off a cooling tower. Resampling occurred at 12:15 with an effluent pH of 7.93 su. This violation is not subject to MMPs due to falling within 90 days of the Liquids Phase 1 start-up. The Operations Plan was submitted on April 13, 2023, and the Liquids Phase 1 start-up began on May 30, 2023. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1120440 |
08/04/2023 |
OEV |
pH Instantaneous Maximum limit is 8.3 SU and reported value was 8.40 SU at EFF-001. |
The operations staff turned the cooling towers into auto. Resampling occurred at 14:39 with an effluent pH of 8.14 su. This violation is not subject to MMPs due to falling within 90 days of the Liquids Phase 1 start-up. The Operations Plan was submitted on April 13, 2023, and the Liquids Phase 1 start-up began on May 30, 2023. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1119230 |
08/02/2023 |
LREP |
Monthly SMR ( MONNPDES ) (NPDES Mon Rpt Monthly) report for June 2023 (2705561) was due on 01-AUG-23 |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1116495 |
05/01/2023 |
Deficient Reporting |
Q1 Pretreatment Report was not submitted by the 5/1/2023 deadline. |
The Pretreatment Program manager took an unexpected leave of absence during the report deadline and the acting manager is now submitting the Q1 Pretreatment Report on 5/10/2023. Keith Schwanemann will be filling the role of the managing the Pretreatment Program and will ensure that the Q2 Pretreatment Report is submitted on time. |
Violation |
U |
eSMR |
| 1112441 |
12/03/2022 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Daily Maximum limit is 0.1 mg/L and reported value was 0.76 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The operator lowered ORP the mV setpoint from 75mV to 70mV (increasing sodium bisulfite dose) at 9:52 and cleaned both ORP probes. Compliance was achieved within 48 minutes of detecting a total chlorine residual at Effluent-001. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1111364 |
11/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 42.6 mg/L and reported value was 43.2 mg/L at EFF-001. |
For the complete description of corrective actions taken, please see the cover letter attached to this monitoring report.
The WRRF is engaged in a facility-wide construction project known at SLO Water Plus to ensure compliance with WDR Order No. R3-2014-003/NPDES No. CA0049224. The first major milestone of this project, known internally as Liquids Phase One (LP1), will include the infrastructure necessary to achieve denitrification, a process the WRRF does not currently possess.
Phase 1: On 5/3/2022, WRRF staff implemented the first phase of their nitrate reduction efforts. Staff utilized a pump to return a portion mixed liquor to the influent channel Aeration Basin #1. Staff used Aeration Basin #2 as a control and did not adjust setpoints. While the mixed liquor return pump was operational, the dissolved oxygen setpoint for aeration basin 1N was decreased from 2.2 mg/L to <0.3 mg/L.
The failure of this phase prompted the City to contract an environmental engineering firm, West Yost, to discuss additional approaches.
Phase 2: Studies have shown that water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) have been proven to reduce nitrogen at wastewater facilities. On 5/19/2022, staff implemented Phase 2 of their nitrate reduction efforts and water hyacinth were dosed to the outer ring of Final Clarifier #4. Final Clarifier #5 was used a control, composite samplers were installed and results were monitored. While the water hyacinth flourished, no reduction in nitrogen was observed.
Phase 3: On 6/23/2022, WRRF staff contacted a firm specializing in the microbiological and chemical components of wastewater to deliver a tailored solution to the WRRF. BioAlchemy, Inc. was then contracted to develop a pilot project where specific denitrifying microorganisms would grown in an external reactor and dosed to the aeration basins. On 7/25/2022, WRRF staff implemented the BioAlchemy project. The project took a phased approach to prevent unintended upset of the treatment process.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1112901 |
10/31/2022 |
CAT2 |
Dibromochloromethane Monthly Average limit is 0.40 ug/L and reported value was 2.1 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1112902 |
10/31/2022 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Monthly Average (Mean) limit is 0.56 ug/L and reported value was 17.8 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1112903 |
10/04/2022 |
CAT2 |
Dibromochloromethane Daily Maximum limit is 1.0 ug/L and reported value was 2.1 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1112904 |
10/04/2022 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Daily Maximum limit is 1.0 ug/L and reported value was 17.8 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1109378 |
09/19/2022 |
DMON |
Ammonia as N has a minimum sampling frequency of once per week. Three samples were taken for the month of September, no sample was taken the week of 9/19/22. |
The Water Quality Lab has rescheduled weekly sampling to take place every Tuesday. An Outlook calendar appointment and each Lab cell phone has been updated to include each calendar appointment. The Lab Supervisor has added weekly reminders to ensure the contract laboratory has received weekly ammonia samples. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1105844 |
05/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 47.1 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The WRRF is currently under construction to upgrade the facility to a denitrification process, limiting the amount the future amount nitrate being discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek. The completion of the bioreactor is scheduled to be completed in 2023. The City of San Luis Obispo¿s Pretreatment Program will notify the WRRF Operations or Water Quality Lab staff if any significant industrial user begins to increase discharge of nitrogen containing compounds. On 5/3/2022, WRRF staff implemented phase 2 of the nitrate reduction efforts. Staff utilized a pump to return a portion (~100 gpm) of nitrate-rich mixed liquor back to the beginning of Aeration Basin #1. Staff used Aeration Basin #2 as a control and did not adjust setpoints. While the mixed liquor return pump was operational, the dissolved oxygen setpoint for aeration basin 1N was decreased from 2.2 mg/L to <0.3 mg/L. Staff would conduct this strategy twice daily for 2 hours per cycle. Composite samples were collected and compared against AB2. No significant reduction in nitrate was observed. 47.1On 5/19/2022, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was added to the outer ring of Final Clarifier #4. Water hyacinth have been proven to reduce nitrate in wastewater. Results from this phase are pending.
City of San Luis Obispo staff meet with West Yost on 5/12/22 to discuss multiple approaches to achieve interim nitrate compliance.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1104606 |
04/30/2022 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 45.9 mg/L at EFF-001. |
Nitrate as N The WRRF is currently under construction to upgrade the facility to a denitrification process, limiting the amount the future amount nitrate being discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek. The completion of the bioreactor is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2022. The City of San Luis Obispo¿s Pretreatment Program will notify the WRRF Operations or Water Quality Lab staff if any significant industrial user begins to increase discharge of nitrogen containing compounds.
On 4/25/22, WRRF Operations and Lab staff began bench testing the reduction of nitrate using settled sludge. The testing was designed to mimic the conditions present in the current final clarifiers. Results of the bench testing showed no reduction in nitrate with increased detention times. Operations staff made changes to increase settled sludge concentration on 4/26/22 and 4/27/22. A reduction in nitrate occurred only after the sludge blanket had ¿popped¿ and floated to the surface. This will not be feasible on the large scale, sludge leaving the clarifiers will impact filtration, disinfection, and potentially impact discharge coliform compliance.
On 4/29/22, a request for consultation was sent to West Yost. Data from September 2021 to present and potential compliance strategies were shared with the consultant. City of San Luis Obispo staff meet with West Yost on 5/12/22 to discuss multiple approaches to achieve interim nitrate compliance.
|
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1103059 |
03/31/2022 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 46.0 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The WRRF is currently under construction to upgrade the facility to a denitrification process, limiting the amount the future amount nitrate being discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek. The completion of the bioreactor is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2022 |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1102545 |
02/28/2022 |
DMON |
Eff-001 was not sampled for Oil and Grease in February 2022. |
The Water Quality Laboratory had completed one 5 year contract with a single subcontracted laboratory and had awarded two new contracts to an additional laboratory. The Water Quality Laboratory will add all monthly required constituents to the monthly check list and add calendar appointments to ensure all sampling requirements are met. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1102546 |
02/28/2022 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 46.1 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The WRRF is currently under construction to upgrade the facility to a denitrification process, limiting the amount the future amount nitrate being discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek. The completion of the bioreactor is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2022. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1100636 |
02/02/2022 |
LREP |
Annual SMR ( SLUDGE ) (Biosolids (Sludge) Tech Rpt) report for 2021 (2416393) was due on 01-FEB-22 |
|
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1097917 |
11/30/2021 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 43.5 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The WWTP at City of SLO is currently under construction to upgrade from nitrification to denitrification, with construction expected to be completed by early 2023. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1099145 |
10/31/2021 |
CAT2 |
Dibromochloromethane Monthly Average limit is 0.4 ug/L and reported value was 1.2 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1099147 |
10/31/2021 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Monthly Average limit is 0.56 ug/L and reported value was 10.8 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1109883 |
10/05/2021 |
ENF |
[4 Violations noted here, and any subsequent THM violations that occur during the effect of the TSO] Failed to achieve compliance with permit final effluent limit for dichlorobromomethane by 3/31/2020 in violation of TSO Requirements No. 2 and No. 3. Subjects discharger to mmps based on permit final effluent limits. See Violations 1099144, 1099145, 1099146, and 1099147. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1099146 |
10/05/2021 |
CAT2 |
Dibromochloromethane Daily Maximum limit is 1.0 ug/L and reported value was 1.2 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1099144 |
10/05/2021 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Daily Maximum limit is 1.0 ug/L and reported value was 10.8 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1109903 |
05/31/2021 |
ENF |
[6 Violations noted here, and any subsequent nitrate violations that occur during the effect of the TSO] Failed to comply with interim effluent limit of 42.6 mg/L for nitrate in violation of TSO Requirement No. 1. Subjects discharger to mmps based on permit final effluent limit of 10 mg/L. See Violations 1091389, 1097917, 1102546, 1103059, 1104606, and 1105844. |
The WWTP at City of SLO is currently under construction to upgrade from nitrification to denitrification, with construction expected to be completed by early 2023. |
Violation |
B |
Report |
| 1091389 |
05/31/2021 |
CAT1 |
Nitrate, Total (as N) Monthly Average limit is 10 mg/L and reported value was 43.7 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The WWTP at City of SLO is currently under construction to upgrade from nitrification to denitrification, with construction expected to be completed by early 2023. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1086453 |
01/16/2021 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 pH 7.65 su 1/16/21 10:38
RSW-005 pH 7.10 su 1/16/21 10:35
Effluent 001 pH 6.92 su 1/16/21 10:39
Sodium hydroxide dose to the filter influent channel was set to 50 gallons per day. |
Sodium hydroxide increased to 100 gallons per day to the filter tower influent. Sodium hydroxide pump was inspected, and drawdown testing confirmed pump was dosing accurately. Sodium bisulfite pump was inspected to also confirm dosing was appropriate to chlorine levels in chlorine contact channels. RSW-005 was re sampled on 1/17/21 at 14:35 with a pH of 7.10 su, RSW-004 pH of 7.53 su at 14:35 1/17/21 and EFF-001 pH of 6.87 su at 14:37 1/17/21. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082775 |
11/19/2020 |
Surface Water |
RSW-005 pH was below 7.00 su or was not within 0.5 su units of RSW-004 on 11/19/20 (pH 6.95 su, 6.96 su), 11/20/20 (6.86 su), 11/21/20 (6.86 su), 11/22/20 (6.92 su) , 11/23/20 (7.03 su), 11/28/20 (7.15 su). RSW-005 pH was |
Sodium hydroxide dose to the aeration basins was increased daily. Sodium hydroxide was added to the chlorine contact channels to increase effluent pH and increase RSW-005 pH.
Sodium bisulfite pump rate was decreased, beginning on 11/19/20. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082774 |
11/01/2020 |
Surface Water |
Receiving water color units at RSW-005 exceeded the permit limit of not to exceed 15 units greater than RSW-004 beginning on 10/1/2020. The dates of exceedance include 11/1/2020, 11/2/2020, 10/3/2020, 11/3/2020, 11/4/2020, with compliance 11/6/2020. WRRF was still recovering from non-compliance of September 2020. The WRRF began to show signs of an upset with a loss of nitrification in the activated sludge unit beginning on 9/4/2020. Loss of nitrification was followed by a decease in all sludge quality throughout the activated sludge unit. On 10/1/ 2020, Cal Poly site coordinator informed WRRF staff that nitrification had been impacted with Cal Poly''s onsite algae ponds. RSW-005 color units, 11/1/2020 35 color units, 11/2/20 35 color units, |
On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020.on 10/20/2020 . On 10/22/2020, 25 gallons of CounterQuat, a next generation technology developed to protect wastewater bacteria from toxicity, especially the effects of quaternary amines was dosed to the activated sludge unit. from 10/23/20 through 10/31/2020, 3 gallons of CounterQuat was added per day to the activated sludge unit. WRRF did not fully recover until 11/6/2020. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1083584 |
10/31/2020 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Monthly Average limit is 0.56 ug/L and reported value was 2.5 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1091393 |
10/14/2020 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Daily Maximum limit is 240 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 1600 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001. |
Beginning on 10/1/2020, no solids was wasted from the activated sludge unit to attempt to retain all nitrifying bacteria. On 10/6/2020, the solids retention time was adjusted to 10 days and heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/7/2020 and 10/8/2020, ammonia oxidizing bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1091392 |
10/14/2020 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Not to exceed a specific limit more than once within any 30-day period. limit is 23 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 1600 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001. |
Beginning on 10/1/2020, no solids was wasted from the activated sludge unit to attempt to retain all nitrifying bacteria. On 10/6/2020, the solids retention time was adjusted to 10 days and heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/7/2020 and 10/8/2020, ammonia oxidizing bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082224 |
10/13/2020 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Daily Maximum limit is 240 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 540 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001. |
Beginning on 10/1/2020, no solids was wasted from the activated sludge unit to attempt to retain all nitrifying bacteria. On 10/6/2020, the solids retention time was adjusted to 10 days and heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/7/2020 and 10/8/2020, ammonia oxidizing bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082228 |
10/13/2020 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Not to exceed a specific limit more than once within any 30-day period. limit is 23 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 540 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001. |
Beginning on 10/1/2020, no solids was wasted from the activated sludge unit to attempt to retain all nitrifying bacteria. On 10/6/2020, the solids retention time was adjusted to 10 days and heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/7/2020 and 10/8/2020, ammonia oxidizing bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1083583 |
10/06/2020 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Daily Maximum limit is 1.0 ug/L and reported value was 2.5 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is actively constructing a membrane bioreactor to improve UV transmittance and a new UV disinfection unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082225 |
10/06/2020 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 pH at 15:12 10/6/2020 was 7.68 su. RSW-005 pH at 15:06 10/6/2020 was 7.01 su. The pH value was depressed 0.67 su. |
Sodium bisulfite pump dosing was lowered. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082227 |
10/01/2020 |
Surface Water |
Receiving water color units at RSW-005 exceeded the permit limit of not to exceed 15 units greater than RSW-004 beginning on 10/1/2020. The dates of exceedance include 10/1/2020, 10/2/2020, 10/3/2020, 10/11/2020, 10/23/2020, 10/25/2020, 10/26/2020, 10/27/2020, 10/28/2020, 10/29/2020, 10/30/2020 and 10/31/2020.
WRRF was still recovering from non-compliance of September 2020. The WRRF began to show signs of an upset with a loss of nitrification in the activated sludge unit beginning on 9/4/2020. Loss of nitrification was followed by a decease in all sludge quality throughout the activated sludge unit. On 10/1/ 2020, Cal Poly site coordinator informed WRRF staff that nitrification had been impacted with Cal Poly''s onsite algae ponds. |
Beginning on 10/1/2020, no solids were wasted from the activated sludge unit to attempt to retain all nitrifying bacteria. On 10/6/2020, the solids retention time was adjusted to 10 days and heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/7/2020 and 10/8/2020, ammonia oxidizing bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020.on 10/20/2020 .
On 10/22/2020, 25 gallons of CounterQuat, a next generation technology developed to protect wastewater bacteria from toxicity, especially the effects of quaternary amines was dosed to the activated sludge unit. from 10/23/20 through 10/31/2020, 3 gallons of CounterQuat was added per day to the activated sludge unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1082226 |
10/01/2020 |
Surface Water |
Un-ionized ammonia as N, exceeded 0.025 mg/L as N on 10/1/2020, 10/2/2020, 10/3/2020, 10/2020, 10/21/2020, 10/22/20, 10/23/2020, 10/25/2020, and 10/26/2020. Compliance was achieved on 10/27/2020 with an RSW-005 un-ionized ammonia of 0.015 mg/L as N.
WRRF was still recovering from non-compliance of September 2020. The WRRF began to show signs of an upset with a loss of nitrification in the activated sludge unit beginning on 9/4/2020. Loss of nitrification was followed by a decease in all ammonia oxidizing and nitrite oxidizing activity and sludge quality throughout the activated sludge unit. On 10/1/ 2020, Cal Poly site coordinator informed WRRF staff that nitrification had been impacted with Cal Poly''s onsite algae ponds |
Beginning on 10/1/2020, no solids were wasted from the activated sludge unit to attempt to retain all nitrifying bacteria. On 10/6/2020, the solids retention time was adjusted to 10 days and heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/7/2020 and 10/8/2020, ammonia oxidizing bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/12/2020, heterotrophic bacteria were added to the aeration basin. On 10/15/2020,10/16/20 and 10/17/20, approximately 8500 gallons of activated sludge per day, f was added to the aeration basin rom Paso Robles wastewater facility. Sodium hypochlorite dosing was increased to 2100 pounds per day on 10/15/2020.on 10/20/2020 .
On 10/22/2020, 25 gallons of CounterQuat, a next generation technology developed to protect wastewater bacteria from toxicity, especially the effects of quaternary amines was dosed to the activated sludge unit. from 10/23/20 through 10/31/2020, 3 gallons of CounterQuat was added per day to the activated sludge unit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1080897 |
09/23/2020 |
Surface Water |
RSW-005 pH 6.82 su on 9/23/20 compliance on 9/24/20 ph 7.17 su
Sodium bisulfite pump at high stroke volume to ensure dechlorination. Chlorine dosing at 1276 pounds per day on 9/23/20 to meet all disinfection permit limits. |
Sodium bisulfite pump stroke lowered. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1080898 |
09/16/2020 |
Surface Water |
Violation lasted from 9/16/20 through 9/30/20. Color units at RSW-005 exceeded 15 color units at RSW-004 daily. RSW-005 color ranged from 33 color units to 42 color units with a daily average of 38 color units. RSW-004 color ranged from 5 color units to 8 color units, with a daily average of 7 color units. WRRF suffered upset that began with loss of nitrification on 9/9/20 and accompanied by elevated clarifier turbidity and elevated clarifier total suspended solids. On 10/1/2020, Cal Poly site coordinator informed WRRF staff that nitrification had been impacted in September with their onsite algae ponds. Cal Poly''s wastewater program treats primary clarifier effluent independently of any other WRRF process. |
Solids retention time (SRT) was lowered on 9/19/20 in attempt to improve activated sludge quality and increase food to mass ratio. Consultation with Carollo engineering advised to increase SRT and limit wasting rate of activated sludge on 9/28/20. The SRT was increased to 7 days on 9/29/2020. On 10/1/2020 all activated sludge wasting was shut off to build inventory of activated sludge.
Lab grown microorganisms were added to the aeration basin on 9/16/20, 9/17/20, 9/18/20, and 9/21/20.
Polymer dosing began 9/29/20 to enhance solids capture.
Began investigating for potential toxicants and monitoring specifically for quaternary ammonium compounds throughout the WRRF in October 2020.Carollo engineering and Goleta Sanitation advised of impacts of disinfectants being discharged into the waste stream. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1080896 |
09/11/2020 |
Surface Water |
Violation lasted from 9/11/20 through 9/30/20. Un-ionized ammonia at RSW-005 exceeded 0.0250 mg/L un-ionized ammonia as N. RSW-005 un-ionized ammonia as N ranged from 0.13 mg/L un-ionized ammonia as N (9/13/2020) to 0.030 un-ionized ammonia as N ( 9/30/2020). RSW-004 un-ionized ammonia as N was non-detectable. WRRF suffered upset that began with loss of nitrification on 9/9/20 and accompanied by elevated clarifier turbidity and elevated clarifier total suspended solids. On 10/1/2020, Cal Poly site coordinator informed WRRF staff that nitrification had been impacted in September with their onsite algae ponds. Cal Poly''s wastewater program treats WRRF wastewater independent of any process changes. |
Solids retention time (SRT) was lowered on 9/19/20 in attempt to improve activated sludge quality and increase food to mass ratio. Consultation with Carollo engineering advised to increase SRT and limit wasting rate of activated sludge on 9/28/20. The SRT was increased to 7 days on 9/29/2020. On 10/1/2020 all activated sludge wasting was shut off to build inventory of activated sludge.
Lab grown microorganisms were added to the aeration basin on 9/16/20, 9/17/20, 9/18/20, and 9/21/20.
Polymer dosing began 9/29/20 to enhance solids capture.
Began investigating for potential toxicants and monitoring specifically for quaternary ammonium compounds throughout the WRRF in October 2020.Carollo engineering and Goleta Sanitation advised of impacts of disinfectants being discharged into the waste stream |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075193 |
04/30/2020 |
CAT2 |
Dibromochloromethane Monthly Average (Mean) limit is .4 ug/L and reported value was 5 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is under construction to upgrade to UV disinfection. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075194 |
04/30/2020 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Monthly Average (Mean) limit is .56 ug/L and reported value was 17 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is currently under construction to upgrade to UV disinfection. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075195 |
04/02/2020 |
CAT2 |
Dibromochloromethane Daily Maximum limit is 1.0 ug/L and reported value was 5 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is under construction to upgrade to UV disinfection. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075192 |
04/02/2020 |
CAT2 |
Dichlorobromomethane Daily Maximum limit is 1 ug/L and reported value was 17 ug/L at EFF-001. |
WRRF is under construction to upgrade to UV disinfection. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075234 |
04/02/2020 |
Surface Water |
Sodium at RSW-005 = 103 mg/L on 4/2/20. High influent chloride, sodium, and TDS coupled with plant process precipitate contributed to these violations |
WRRF is under construction to upgrade facility. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1075235 |
04/02/2020 |
Surface Water |
TDS at RSW-005 = 735 mg/L on 4/2/20. High influent chloride, sodium, and TDS coupled with plant process precipitate contributed to these violations |
WRRF is under construction to upgrade facility. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1072141 |
02/26/2020 |
CAT2 |
Chlorine, Total Residual Other limit is 0 mg/L and reported value was .35 mg/L at EFF-001. |
The dechlorination set point of the ORP system was lowered from 100 mV to 70 mV, thus increasing the amount of sodium bisulfite added to the effluent. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1071059 |
01/02/2020 |
Surface Water |
Sodium at RSW-005 had a concentration of 97 mg/L on 1/2/20, with an annual running average of 93 mg/L. Effluent 001 had a sodium concentration of 148 mg/L on 1/2/2020. |
WRRF Upgrade in progress to limit sodium and TDS addition in plant processes. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1071058 |
01/02/2020 |
Surface Water |
TDS at RSW-005 was 730 mg/L on 1/2/20, the annual average running mean was 683 mg/L TDS. Effluent 001 TDS on 1/2/20 was 820 mg/L. |
WRRF Upgrade in progress to limit sodium and TDS addition in plant processes. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1069966 |
12/04/2019 |
OEV |
Total Coliform Daily Maximum limit is 240 MPN/100 mL and reported value was 1600 MPN/100 mL at EFF-001. |
The leaking drain gate on chlorine contact channel 4 was found on 12/11/2019 during morning rounds. It was noticed that water seemed to be flowing into chlorine contact channel number 4 through the drain gate. The drain gate was cycled and reseated. This stopped the unchlorinated flow from the equalization tanks into channel through the drain. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1068180 |
11/04/2019 |
Surface Water |
RSW-004 pH was 7.75 su at 12:42 on 11/4/19 , RSW-005 pH was 6.87 su at 12:40 on 11/4/19, and EFF-001 pH was 6.66 su at 12:45 on 11/4/19. Sodium hydroxide dosing to the aeration basins was 445 gallons on 11/4/19. |
Sodium hydroxide delivery was received at 12:00 on 11/4/19, sodium hydroxide dosing was increased to 748 gallons on 11/5/19. RSW-005 was re sampled on 11/5/19 at 9:15 with a pH of 7.29 su, RSW-004 pH of 7.73 su at 9:24 11/5/19, and EFF-001 pH of 7.14 su at 9:39 11/5/19. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1066959 |
10/07/2019 |
Surface Water |
Temperature at RSW-004 was 16.3 degrees C at 13:39 on 10/7/19, the temperature at RSW-005 was 19.7 degrees C at 13:29 on 10/7/19. The difference between RSW-004 and RSW-005 was 6.1 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Re-sampled on 10/8/19, RSW-004 temperature was 15.8 degrees C at 10:46 and RSW-005 temperature was 17.5 degrees C at 10:24. The difference between RSW-004 and RSW-005 was 3.1 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1066957 |
10/01/2019 |
Surface Water |
Annual running mean of TDS a RSW-005 = 695 mg/L, exceeding the 650 mg/L limit. |
Facility upgrade in progress |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1066958 |
10/01/2019 |
Surface Water |
Annual running mean of sodium at RSW-005 = 97 mg/L exceeding the limit of 50 mg/L. |
Facility upgrade in progress. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1065658 |
09/20/2019 |
Surface Water |
Average plant influent flow from 9/13/2019 to 9/19/19 was 2.84 MGD while influent flow increased to 3.24 MGD for the week of 9/20/19 to 9/27/19. Operations staff brought on second aeration basin to handle increased flow and loads at 16:00 on 9/19/19. |
Primary effluent bypass was closed and supernatant (side stream process) return pump turned off until the aeration basin stabilized. Plant flow was temporarily diverted to pond from 9:44 to 11:45 am. Unit 4 chlorine dose increased to oxidize remaining ammonia. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1061963 |
07/01/2019 |
Surface Water |
Annual running mean of TDS at RSW-005 = 688 mg/L, exceeding 650 mg/L limit. |
Facility upgrade in progress. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
| 1061962 |
07/01/2019 |
Surface Water |
Annual running mean of sodium at RSW-005 = 88 mg/L, exceeding max of 50 mg/L. |
Facility upgrade in progress. |
Violation |
B |
eSMR |
|
Report displays most recent five years of violations. Refer to the Interactive Violation Report for more data.
|
