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CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD 1N5PECfitON°REPORT 28 September 2017 DISCHARGER: California Concentrate Company LOCATION & COUNTY: 18678 N. Hwy 99, Acampo, San Joaquin County CONTACT(S): Dominic Alexander INSPECTION DATE: 21 September 2017 INSPECTED BY: Brendan Kenny ACCOMPANIED BY: Dominic Alexander INTRODUCTION The California Concentrate Company processes grapes and barley. Production of grape juice and grape juice concentrate occurs from August through early November of each year. Barley processing typically begins in December and continues until July. Wastewater generated from processing grape juice concentrate is pretreated to raise the pH prior to being discharged into the wastewater collection system. Other wastewater (wash down water) is collected in floor drains in the process buildings and gravity flows through a weir with a flow meter before being discharged into three unlined, aerated evaporation/percolation ponds, which are operated in series. After wastewater is treated in the ponds the water may be distributed to a series of percolation beds for disposal. The discharge is regulated under Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) Order 98-136. OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS The purpose of the inspection was to observe the current condition of the wastewater treatment and disposal system, evaluate compliance with the WDRs and assess potential sources of odors in response to odor complaints recently received by Board staff. The inspection began with a brief introduction and sign in at the office. I asked if I could take photographs during the inspection. Dominic agreed and we proceeded to the wastewater ponds. A copy of the photographic log is enclosed. Wastewater Pond No. 1 is the western most pond and had approximately two feet of freeboard. No freeboard gauge was present in the pond. The pond was equipped with two aerators (Figure 1). Both aerators were functioning and reportedly operate continuously. Odors associated with wastewater were observed around the pond perimeter. The pH in the pond was reported to be 4.5 (below the WDR limit of 6.5-8.5). Dominic informed me that he had been adding potassium hydroxide to the pond in an attempt to raise the pH. The cause of the low pH was suspected to be a pH meter in the processing facility that had previously failed allowing low pH wastewater not be adequately neutralized before discharging into the pond. The meter had since been repaired and the Discharger was working with a consultant to schedule a review and evaluation the wastewater system so that a plan to mitigate the low pH and odors from the ponds could be developed. Wastewater Pond No. 2, the middle pond, appeared to have two feet of freeboard. The pond was equipped with two aerators, which were both operational. The water surface was partially covered with Approved: I I CIWQS Inspection ID 30098495