WQCS00054_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20191025

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
Mr. Mark Watson, County Manager
Union County
500 North Main St.
Monroe, North Carolina 28112
e%
NORTH CAROLINA
EM'Oenrr.r,ertMa! Qrtalrty
October 25, 2019
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permittee: Union County Waste Water Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00054
Union County, NC
Dear Mr. Watson:
Mr. Tony Parker of the Mooresville Regional Office of the NC Division of Water
Resources (DWR or the Division) conducted a compliance evaluation inspection (CEI) of
the County's wastewater collection system (WWCS) on October 21, 2019. The assistance
of Mr. Andrew Neff and Mr. Gregory Morgan and other staff during the inspection was
greatly appreciated. A copy of the inspection report is attached for your records and
inspection findings are summarized below.
Site/System Review
2. The following system components were inspected:
a. Four pump stations were inspected. Some issues noted. See attached report.
b. Numerous manholes were inspected. Some issues noted. See attached report.
C. Two right of way was inspected. No issues.
d. Two aerial crossings were inspected. No issues.
3. As you are aware, owners of permitted collection systems must comply with their permit
and all rules listed under NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02T .0400, et seq. The
Town's compliance status with each of these rules is summarized below:
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(1): Requires that the system be effectively maintained
and operated at all times to prevent discharge to land or surface waters and any
contravention of ground or surface water standards.
Observations: Each pump station appeared to well maintained and operated.
Compliance Status: Compliant
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
610 East Center Avenue I Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
704663-1699

b. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(2): Requires that a map of the wastewater collection
system be developed and actively maintained.
Observations: The County has computerized maps showing locations of lines,
direction of flow, force mains, pump stations, manholes and other information.
Compliance Status: Compliant
C. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(3): Requires that an operation and maintenance (O&M)
plan be developed and implemented, which includes pump station inspection
frequency, preventative maintenance schedule, spare parts inventory and overflow
response.
Observations Pump station logs were available. Records were available for all
maintenance activities. Spare parts and pumps are kept in stock. An overflow
response plan was available.
Compliance Status: Compliant
d. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(4): Requires that the permittee or its representative
inspect pump stations that are not connected to a telemetry system (i.e., remote
alarm system) every day (i.e., 365 days per year) and pump stations that are
connected to a telemetry system at least once per week.
Observations: The pump station inspection logs indicate that the pump stations
are visited as required.
Compliance Status: Compliant
e. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(5): Requires that the permittee or its representative
inspect high -priority sewers (HPS - as defined in 15A NCAC 02T .0402(2)) at least
once every six months and document the inspections.
Observations: All lines are checked and documented.
Compliance Status: Compliant
f. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(6): Requires that the permittee or its representative
conduct a general observation of the entire wastewater collection system at least
once per year and document same.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
g. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(7): Requires that overflows and bypasses from the
system be reported to the Division's Mooresville Regional Office in accordance

with 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a), and that public notice must be provided as required
by G.S. 143-215.1C.
Observations: SSO's have been reported with this system during this review
period. The NC regulations and statutes, which cover the reporting requirements
for SSOs, are found in NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a) and NC
General Statute 143-215.1C, respectively. You may access the NC regulations
online at the NC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) website at:
http://www.oah.state.nc.us/rules/ and the NC General Statutes online at the NC
General Assembly's website at:
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ ag scripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl. You may wish to
review them to ensure you are fully familiar with all requirements.
When reporting SSOs to DWQ, you must call the Mooresville Regional Office
(MRO) at 704-663-1699 during normal business hours. If outside normal business
hours, you must report the spill to the NC Division of Emergency Management at
1-800-858-0368. Please note that all reportable SSOs must be reported within 24
hours of the occurrence, or first knowledge, of the SSO. Please also note that voice
mail or faxed messages are not considered as the initial verbal report. You must
talk to and report the spill to a live person.
Compliance Status: Compliant
h. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(8): Requires that a grease control program be developed
and implemented as follows:
1. For publicly owned collection systems, the Grease Control Program shall
include at least bi-annual distribution of grease education materials to users
and the legal means to require grease interceptors. The Program shall also
include legal means for inspections, enforcement, and legal means to
control grease entering the system from other public and private satellite
sewer systems.
2. Grease education materials shall be distributed more often than required
above if necessary to prevent grease -related sanitary sewer overflows.
Observations: Educational materials are mailed out to all customers. In addition,
the same information is provided in the Annual Report and at festivals, fair events,
school tours and is available upon request and is available and on line.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
i. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(9): Requires that right-of-ways (ROW) and easements
be maintained to allow for personnel and equipment accessibility.

Observations: Records were reviewed documenting that the right-of-ways were
mowed, inspected and maintained to provide accessibility.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(10): Requires that documentation be kept for all
activities you undertake to comply with the requirements of 15A NCAC 02T .0403,
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(9), for a minimum of three years, with the
exception of the map, which shall be maintained for the life of the system.
Observations: Records were reviewed for right of way mowing, high -priority line
inspections, and observation of the entire system.
Compliance Status: Compliant
The inspection report should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions
regarding the inspection report or this letter please contact Tony Parker at 704-663-1699
or tonyparkerkncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
A�w H P44i
for
F161FB69A2D84A3...
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachments:
BIMS Inspection Report
CC: MRO
Central Files
PERCS Unit (e-copy)

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00054
SOC:
County: Union
Region: Mooresville
Contact Person: Bart Farmer
Directions to Facility:
Effective: 07/01/15 Expiration: 06/30/23 Owner: Union County
Effective: Expiration: Facility: Union County Collection System
PO Box 987
System Classifications: CS3,
Primary ORC: Gregory Wayne Morgan
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Title:
Certification: 989865
Related Permits:
NC0024970
Charlotte Water
- McAlpine Creek WWTP
NC0024333
City of Monroe
- Monroe WWTP
NC0085812
Union County -
Grassy Branch WWTP
NC0069523
Union County -
Tallwood Estates WWTP
NC0085359
Union County -
Twelve Mile Creek WWTP
NC0069841
Union County -
Crooked Creek WWTP #2
Inspection Date:
10/21/2019 EntryTime: 10:15AM
Primary Inspector:
Tony Parker
Secondary Inspector(s):
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Exit Time: 03:30PM
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions General Sewer & FOG Ordinances
Capital Improvement Plan Map Reporting Requirements
Inspections Spill Response Plan Spills
Lines Manholes Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County
Inspection Date: 10/21/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County
Inspection Date: 10/21/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
General
Yes No NA NE
Is there a properly designated primary ORC and at least one back-up of proper grade?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# What is that frequency?
weekly/monthly
# Are there any issues being addressed currently or any in the planning stages?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a specific pump failure plan available for all pump stations?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does plan indicate if pump parts/new pumps are in spare parts/equipment inventory?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are new/significantly upgraded pump stations equipped with anti -corrosion materials?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the permittee have a copy of their permit?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is permit expiring within the next 6 months?
❑
❑ ❑
If Yes, has the Permittee applied for renewal?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: The permit expires 3/30/23
Sewer and FOG Ordinances
Yes No NA NE
Is Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) or other Legal Authority available?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does it appear that the Sewer Use Ordinance is enforced?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a Grease Control Program that legally requires grease control devices?
❑ ❑ ❑
What is the standard grease trap cleaning requirement in the FOG ordinance?
varies based on
flow
Is Grease Control Program enforced via periodic inspections/records review?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is action taken against violators?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Have satellite systems adopted an equivalent or more stringent ordinance?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is grease/sewer education program documented with req'd customer distribution?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are other types of education tools used like websites, booths, special meetings, etc?
❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, what are they? (This can reduce mailing to annual.)
Festivals, fair events, school tours and mail outs.
Comment:
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
Has a Capital (CIP) or System Improvement Plan been developed and adopted? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is it designated for wastewater only or does it have a dedicated section? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP cover three to five year period of earmarked improvements? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include description of project area? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include description of existing facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include known deficiencies? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include forecasted future needs? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The County has an extensive 10 year CIP layout for sewer operations..
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County
Inspection Date: 10/21/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Map Yes No NA NE
Is there a overall sewer system map? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the map include:
Pipe Type (GS/FM) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe sizes 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe location 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Flow direction 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Approximate pipe age 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Pump station ID, location and capacity 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Force main air release valve location & type 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Location of satellite connections 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the map being updated for changes/additions within 1 year of activation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The County uses a digitized mapping system that is up to date and complete.
Reportinq Requirements Yes No NA NE
# Have there been any sewer spills in the past 3 years? ❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, were they reported to the Division if meeting the reportable criteria? ❑ ❑ ❑
If applicable, is there documentation of press releases and public notices issued? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is an Annual Wastewater Performance Report being filed with the Division, if required? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the report being made available to all its sewer customers? ❑ ❑ ❑
# How is it being made available? Website
Comment: The County is not free of spills but does a good mob of reporting and documenting all spills and is
addressina areas of concern.
Inspections
Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are pump stations being inspected at the required frequency?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is at least one complete functionality test conducted weekly per pump station?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a system or plan in place to observe the entire system annually?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the annual inspection documented?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Does the system have any high -priority lines/locations?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are inspections of HPL documented at least every 6 months?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All inspections are being performed as required and documented.
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County
Inspection Date: 10/21/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Does the plan include:
24-hour contact numbers
❑ ❑ ❑
Response time
❑ ❑ ❑
Equipment list and spare parts inventory
❑ ❑ ❑
Access to cleaning equipment
❑ ❑ ❑
Access to construction crews, contractors, and/or engineers
❑ ❑ ❑
Source of emergency funds
❑ ❑ ❑
Site sanitation and cleanup materials
❑ ❑ ❑
Post-overflow/spill assessment
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the Permittee appear to respond within 2 hours of first knowledge of a spill?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment
Spllls Yes No NA NE
Is system free of known points of bypass? ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, describe type of bypass and location
Are all spills or sewer related issues/complaints documented? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are there repeated overflows/problems (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The County has a $250,000 on -going construction project to eliminate this trouble spot.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Helmsville Outfall, Hunley Creek Outfall and Shanamra Dr.Outfall. All were mowed except for the Shanamra
Dr Outfall. The only outfall issue was a manhole at 4604 Shanamra Dr. The m/h frame and cover needs to be
reset, sealed and secured to the cone of the manhole.
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, give details on temporary access
Is maintenance documented? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are gravity sewer cleaning records available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Has at least 10% of lines older than 5 yrs been cleaned annually? ❑ ❑ ❑
Were all areas/lines inspected free of issues? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The County had cleaned 110 miles of line for 2018/2019 which is far beyond the minimum 10%
cleaning requirement.
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Numerous manholes were inspected. Several issues were noted as follows: The manhole at the Hunley
Creek P/S with the 15" line had a small leak near the chimmney section of the manhole. The m/h at the
cul-de-sac to the Stevens Mill P/S needs the street ring replaced. The m/h at 4604 Shanamra Dr. needs to be
reset as previously mentioned.
Are manholes accessible? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County
Inspection Date: 10/21/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole covers present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes properly seated?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are inverts in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow unrestricted in manholes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive amounts of grease?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive roots?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive sand?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole vents screened?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are vents free of submergence?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All issues previously noted
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Helmsville P/S, Hunley Creek P/S, Stevens Mill P/S and Poplin Rd. P/S. Issues noted as follows: Some
grease noted in in wet well and one vault needs to be pumped out. The Stevens Mill P/S needs to have all the
gease removed from the wet well.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
67
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
0
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
60
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
7
For pump stations inspected:
Are they secure with restricted access?
❑ ❑ ❑
Were they free of by-pass structures/pipes?
❑ ❑ ❑
Were wet wells free of excessive grease/debris?
❑
❑ ❑
# Do they all have telemetry installed?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the communication system functional?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the sign include:
Owner Name?
❑ ❑ ❑
Pump station identifier?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County
Inspection Date: 10/21/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
# Address?
❑ ❑ ❑
Instructions for notification?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
24-hour emergency contact numbers?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms operable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is there a backup generator or bypass pump connected?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If tested during inspection, did it function properly?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the back-up system tested at least bi-annually under normal operating conditions?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Does it have a dedicated connection for a portable generator?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is the owner relying on portable units in the event of a power outage?
❑
❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a distribution plan?
❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, what resources (Units/Staff/Vehicles/etc) are included in Plan?
Most P/S's have dedicated generators and some rely on portable units of which the County has a fleet of
generators. All are inspected, tested and maintained.
# Does Permittee have the approved percentage of replacement simplex pumps?
❑
❑ ❑
Is recordkeeping of pump station inspection and maintenance program adequate?
❑ ❑ ❑
Do pump station logs include at a minimum:
Inside and outside cleaning and debris removal?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and exercising all valves?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All exceptions previously noted.
Page 7 of 7