WQCSD0621_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190910

DocuSign Envelope ID: FED131C1-CC04-4565-B380-36E5DBAF3A2E
ROY COOPER
co'verrlor
MIfCHAEL S. R.EGAN
Secr'elar y
LINDA CULPEPPER
Cfr{{tor
Joel A Mingus
Aqua North Carolina Inc
251 Merchants Cir Building 24-1
Hampstead, NC 28443
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Qual"
September 25, 2019
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Sterling Farms Deemed Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0621
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sterling Farms Deemed
Collection System on 9/10/2019. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0621.
The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the
inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
Please respond in writing to this office within 30 days of your receipt of this letter regarding your plans
or measures to be taken to address the following issues:
- Provide proof of emergency contact signs for each of the pump stations.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Lievre with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
EMBAMA=C434...
Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Uploaded to Laserfiche
North CsfoGnaDepart rnentofEnvironmentalQuality I DOAsion of Water Resources
WiirningtonReg•onwOffice I12TCarMiniDrive Extension I Wirnington,North Caro Bns23466
'.• 910-796-T215

Permit: WQCSD0621
SOC:
County: Onslow
Region: Wilmington
Compliance Inspection Report
Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration: Owner: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sterling Farms Deemed Collection System
Contact Person: Joel A Mingus
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications:
Primary ORC:
Secondary ORC(s):
Charles Gardner Bryan
On -Site Representative(s):
Title: Coastal Area Manager
Certification:
1006555
Related Permits:
WQ0029475 Aqua North Carolina Inc - Sterling Farms WWTF
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Entry Time: 11:30AM
Primary Inspector: Bryan Lievre
Secondary Inspector(s):
Phone: [phone]
Phone:
910-431-9265
Exit Time: 01:15PM
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Deemed permitted collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions General Grease Control
Spills/Response Plan Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5

Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Sterling Farms collection system was conducted on September 10, 2019. The
purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified
in Permit WQCSD0621. Charles Bryan, ORC, and Mike with Aqua were present during the site inspection and records were
reviewed with Joel Mingus in their Hampstead office prior to the site visit.
The collection system generally consists of approximately 400 simplex pump systems, 2 duplex pump stations and
associated piping and appurtenaces. The simplex pump systems are present at each of the private residences, whereas
each residence is equipped with a dedicated E One grinder pump with either a 500 gallon (for older residences) or 300 gallon
submerged pump tank (for newer residences with low -flow plumbing devices). The pump systems are located behind or
along the side of the residence and are equipped with dedicated individual control panels with audible and visual alarms.
Two duplex pump systems are also present in the system and they are located at the common pool house for the
subdivision which is located at 208 Elk Ct and the other is located at Morton Elementary School, located at 485 Old 30
Road. It should be noted that the school is reportedly responsible for maintaining and operating their pump station (the
structures for the school were not inspected during these activities).
Records were readily available, organized and complete. Although Aqua also has drawings in a building at the WWTF, hard
copy drawings were present at their Hampstead office and Mr. Mingus illustrated how to gain access to system drawings
on-line through their website. In 2018, Aqua authorized the cleanout of 40 residential pump chambers and they plan on
doing the same amount in 2019. Aqua subcontracts to Quality Septic to install new holding tanks at private residences, set
new pumps with plumbing within the tanks, install new replacement pumps and rebuild old malfunctioning pumps.
Construction is ongoing within the subdivision with approximately 60 - 70 more homes to be built before the subdivision
reaches its proposed design capacity. It should be noted that the treatment system was designed for 180,000 gpd and is
currently operating at 70,000-75,000 gpd.
Sterling Farms is compliant with collection system Permit WQCSD0621. Please review the comment sections of the
inspection report for more details.
Page 2 of 5

Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
General
Yes No NA NE
# Is this system a satellite system?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
# If Yes, what is system name or permit number?
Is there a overall sewer system map?
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the map include:
Pipe sizes
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc)
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe location
❑ ❑ ❑
# Flow direction
❑
❑ ❑
# Approximate pipe age
❑
❑ ❑
# Pump station ID, location and capacity
❑ ❑ ❑
# Force main air release valve location & type
❑ ❑ ❑
# Location of satellite connections
❑
❑ ❑
Are system maintenance records maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Hard coDies of maDs are Dresent within the treatment buildina and in the HamDstead office for
Aqua. The plan view of maps can also be viewed on line through Aqua's website. Although the
flow path is not depicted on the maps, the limited size and configuration of the collection system
enables one to rather quickly ascertain flow direction back to the treatment system. Although the
age of the pipe is not depicted on the maps, Aqua can ascertain the age of the lines based on
the date of the drawing, since the systems are relatively new. A recommendation was made to
Aaua staff to include this information on anv new plans.
Grease Control
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.)
Aqua has information regarding FOG control measures posted on their website and distributes hard copy
brochures semi-annually to each of its customers.
For public systems, is there a Grease Control Program via an ordinance/agreement?
If Yes, does it require grease control devices at applicable locations?
Is the Grease Control Program enforced via periodic inspections/records review?
Is action taken against violators?
Comment:
Spills and Response Action Plan
# Is system free of known points of bypass?
If No, describe type of bypass and location
# Have there been any sewer spills in the past 3 years?
If Yes, were they reported to the Division if meeting the reportable criteria?
Yes No NA NE
❑❑■❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
Page 3 of 5

Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
If applicable, is there documentation of press releases and public notices issued? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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
❑0
❑ ❑
# Site sanitation and cleanup materials
❑ ❑ ❑
# Post-overflow/spill assessment
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Funding information is available in other documents, such as their capital improvement plan,
etc.
Aqua currently has an annual budget of $120,000 per year for the system. The amnount is
rebudgeted every year, based on a five year program.
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Inspected simplex pump at 905 Obsidian Ct & duplex pump at common home owners association pool
house located at 208 Elk Ct, Jacksonville, INC. The only other duplex pump station is located at a nearby
school; however, this station is operated and maintained by the school.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
2
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
400
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
1
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
1
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 telemetry system functional?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
❑
❑ ❑
Does the sign include
Page 4 of 5

Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility: Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 09/10/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Owner Name?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Pump station identifier?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
# Address?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
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?
# 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: Simplex puma systems are present at each private residence either on the side or back of the
house. The pump chambers are sumerged and covered with a fiberglass lid —3' in diameter
which is bolted to a collar a few inches above grade level. Only the duplex pump system at the
pool house is connected to telemetry. Upon request of DWR staff, Aqua intends to install signs
for emergency notification on each of the control panels for the simplex and duplex pump
systems.
Page 5 of 5