WQCSD0243_Collection System Inspection Report - NOD-2020-PC-0441_20200826

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
Certified Mail #7018 1130 0000 1612 7697
Return Receipt Requested
August 26, 2020
Paul Isenhour
Water Quality Utilities, Inc.PO Box 1167
Banner Elk, NC 28604-1167
Subject: Wastewater Collection Systems Inspection Report and Notices of Deficiency
Deemed Permitted Systems No. WQCSD0232, WQCSD0235, WQCSD0235,
WQCSD0239, WQCSD0240, and WQCSD0243
Watauga County
Dear Mr. Isenhour:
On August 6, 2020, Paul DiMatteo of the Division of Water Resources (Division), Winston-Salem
Regional Office met with you to conduct Compliance Evaluation Inspections at the above
referenced Deemed Permitted Wastewater Collection Systems in Watauga County.
This inspection consists of (1) a review of the permit and accompanying documentation to
determine compliance with permit conditions, and (2) an on -site inspection of the systems. The
attached inspection form notes the areas that were evaluated for the inspection, with any items
requiring your attention outlined in the following paragraphs.
Notices of Deficiency
Deemed permitted collection systems are required to adhere to the operational and maintenance
requirements of 15A NCAC 02T .0403, as well as any design requirements specified in 15A
NCAC 02T .0300 et seq. All collection systems inspected were operated in a similar manner, and
noted deficiencies were consistent throughout the systems. Specifically:
1. All pump stations must have restricted access (15A NCAC 02T .0305(h)(4)), which can include
locked components and/or a secured gate surrounding the pump station grounds. None of the pump
stations observed during the inspection had adequately restricted access.
2. Pump stations are to have audible and visual alarms (15A NCAC 02T .0305(h)(1)(17)), and the
alarms should be tested with a sufficient frequency to ensure their continued operation. Only one
pump station had operable alarms when tested during the inspection.
3. Pump stations must have emergency signs posted stating the pump station identifier, 24-hour
emergency number, and instructions to call in case of emergency (15A NCAC 02T .0305(h)(2)).
None of the pump stations observed during the inspection had posted emergency signs.
D � North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office [ 450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
NOh �HCARO UHA
^^ •^^ma^� u�•i` r 336.776.9800

These observations have resulted in the following Notices of Deficiency:
1. WQCSD0235
—The Ponds Collection System: NOD-2020-PC-0437
2. WQCSD0236
— Roaring River Collection System: NOD-2020-PC-0438
3. WQCSD0240
— Willow Valley Collection System: NOD-2020-PC-0440
4. WQCSD0243
— Yonahlossee Collection System: NOD-2020-PC-0441
Additionally, the inspector noted that the Valley Creek Collection System, WQCSD0239, did not
have a map, which is required by 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(2). This has resulted in a further Notice
of Deficiency, NOD-2020-PC-0439.
Required Response
Within 30 days after receipt of this report, please submit a response to this Notice, which details
your plan to attain compliance with the deficiencies noted above.
If you have any questions concerning this report, please contact Paul DiMatteo at [phone]
or Lon Snider at [phone].
Sincerely,
/I D__ocuSiiggned by:
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1 _"49E225C94EA...
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Enclosures — Inspection BIMS Reports
CC: WSRO Laserfiche Files

Permit: WQCSD0243
SOC:
County: Watauga
Region: Winston-Salem
Compliance Inspection Report
Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration: Owner : Water Quality Utilities Inc
Effective: Expiration: Facility: Yonahlossee Collection System
Contact Person: Jadd W Brewer Title:
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications:
Primary ORC:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 08/06/2020 Entry Time 12:OOPM
Primary Inspector: Paul DiMatteo
Secondary Inspector(s):
Certification:
Phone: [phone]
Phone:
Exit Time: 12:30PM
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 Inspections Lines
Manholes Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0243 Owner - Facility: Water Quality Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 08/06/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
I met with Paul Isenhour of Water Quality Labs to inspect several deemed collection systems in Watauga County.
Documentation practices for all the systems were very similar.
Pump station alarms didn't work when tested, and the site was missing signage. I recommended including alarm testing in
the regular inspection program, and noting when alarms are tested in the inspection log.
Page 2 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0243 Owner - Facility: Water Quality Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 08/06/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
General
Yes No NA NE
# Is this system a satellite system?
❑
❑ ❑
# 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:
Grease Control Yes No NA NE
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.)
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Flyers are mailed 2x/year with bills.
Spills and Response Action Plan
Yes No NA NE
# Is system free of known points of bypass?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
If applicable, is there documentation of press releases and public notices issued?
❑
❑ ❑
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 ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 3 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0243 Owner - Facility: Water Quality Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 08/06/2020 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
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Operators should ensure that the spill response plan is up to date (e.g.
with current phone
numbers).
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# 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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Line under a bridge
Are right-of-ways and easements maintained for the full width for access? ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, give details on temporary access:
Is maintenance documented? ❑ ❑ ❑
Were all areas/lines inspected free of issues? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Manhole next to high priority line
Are manholes accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0243 Owner - Facility: Water Quality Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 08/06/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive roots?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive sand?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole vents screened?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are vents free of submergence?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Main pump station
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
1
# 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?
0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
1
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 telemetry system functional?
❑
❑ ❑
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
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0243 Owner - Facility: Water Quality Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 08/06/2020 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# Does it have a dedicated connection for a portable generator?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
# Is the owner relying on portable units in the event of a power outage?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a distribution plan?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, what resources (Units/Staff/Vehicles/etc) are included in Plan?
# Does Permittee have the approved percentage of replacement simplex pumps?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is recordkeeping of pump station inspection and maintenance program adequate?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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: There was a fence and bushes around the pump station but no locks on the equipment
or
entrance. No sign was posted. Alarms didn't come on when tested.
Page 6 of 6