WQCS00149_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20200715

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA
DlrWor Environmental Qualify
15 July 2020
Mr. Don Chamblee, Public Works Director
Lincoln County
115 West Main St.
Lincolnton, North Carolina 28092
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permittee: Lincoln County Waste Water Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00149
Lincoln County
Dear Mr. Chamblee:
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 July 14, 2020 The assistance of
Mr. Mike Simmons, Mr. Jeff Dean and others 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. No issues.
b. Various manholes were inspected. No issues.
C. One right of way was inspected. No issues.
d. One aerial crossing was 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: Compli
ME�
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 Town has digital 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 and have previously been addressed. 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:
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 2/year and
the same information is available upon request and is also posted on line.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
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:
A14CC681 AF27425...
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: WQCS00149 Effective: 04/06/18 Expiration: 02/28/26 Owner: Lincoln County
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: E Lincoln County Collection System
County: Lincoln 115 W Main St
Region: Mooresville
Lincolnton NC 28092
Contact Person: Donald V Chamblee Title: Public Works Dir Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Michael P Simmons
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Certification: 997855 Phone:[phone]
NC0088722 Lincoln County - Killian Creek WWTP
NC0025496 City of Lincolnton - Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020 Entry Time 09:30AM
Primary Inspector: Tony Parker
Secondary Inspector(s):
Exit Time: 01:OOPM
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: 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)
DocuSigned by:
7/15/2020
A14CC681AF27425...
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
This inspection revealed that the County is very pro -active in addressing all sewer related issues and are reinvesting in their
collection system. The attention to detail by operations is noteworthy.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020 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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis? ❑ ❑ ❑
# What is that frequency? Weekly
# 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 current permit expires FEB. 28, 2026.
Sewer and FOG Ordinances
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?
Yes No NA NE
N/E
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.)
Mail outs 2/year, facebook, website & annual report.
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 a comprehensive 5 year CIP and it is also posted on their website.
Map
Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
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
❑
❑ ❑
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:
Reporting 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 & Annual
Report
Comment: All spills have been addressed.
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: The County now has a digital map and WO system that was impressive.
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the plan include:
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020
Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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: The County does a good mob of reporting and responding to all spills.
Spills
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?
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
L/S # 11 outfall and 6" aerial F/M. The 6" F/M was attached to a HWY bridge with no issues observed and the
outfall had recently been mowed and cannapoy trimming is being planned.
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment?
If No, give details on temporary access:
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
❑❑■❑
❑❑■❑
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
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 slightly more than the minimum 10% requirement for gravity mains.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Various M/H's were inspected with only a loose ring noted which was repaired during this inspection.
Are manholes accessible?
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions?
Are manhole covers present?
# Are manholes properly seated?
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
US 34, 25, 29 & 28. The only issue nted was the audiable alarm for US # 29 did not function properly and
was being replaced during this inspection.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
46
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
38
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
0
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# Atwo-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
11
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
35
For pump stations inspected:
Are they secure with restricted access?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Were they free of by-pass structures/pipes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Were wet wells free of excessive grease/debris?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Do they all have telemetry installed?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the communication system functional?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the sign include
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
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149
Inspection Date: 07/14/2020
Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
If tested during inspection, did it function properly?
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?
The County has 46 duplex pump stations with on -site dedicated generators at ALL locations. All generators
tested during this inspection were tested under load and all performed W/O issue. In addition most P/S'S if
not all have quick connects assembled inside their valve bank for a bypass pump hook-up.
# 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:
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑❑ME]
❑❑ME]
❑❑ME]
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
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: The County has a contractural arrangement with a private contractor to repair/replace any
simplex Dumb station under Countv control.
Page 7 of 7