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Home My WebLink AboutWQCS00054_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210722ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH Director Mr. Greg Morgan Union County Government 4600 Goldmine Rd Monroe, NC 28112 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality July 22, 2021 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Permittee: Union County Government Wastewater Collection System Permit No. WQCS00054 Union County, NC Dear Mr. Morgan: 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 20, 2021. The assistance you and your staff provided during this inspection was greatly appreciated. A copy of the inspection report is attached for your records and inspection findings are summarized below. Site/System Review The following system components were inspected: a. Four pump stations were inspected. No issues noted. b. Numerous manholes inspected. No issues noted. c. Several outfall R/W's. were inspected. No issues noted. d. Several aerial HPL's were inspected. No issues noted. 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 County's compliance status with each of these rules is summarized below: a. 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: The system had SSO's for the review period and these have previously been addressed. Compliance Status: Compliant fictE NORTH CAROLINA NeeerimuI oyR wlmnmeMel Wally\ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.663.1699 b. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(2): Requires that a map of the wastewater collection system be developed and actively maintained. Observations: The County uses GIS and paper maps showing the pump station locations, lines, flow direction and other characteristics. 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 inspection frequency, preventative maintenance schedule, and overflow response. Observations Records were available for all activities. 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 stations are being inspected and monitored 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: The system has high priority lines and logs indicate they are inspected and documented as required. 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. g- Compliance Status: Compliant. 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. LD_E NORTI-I CAAOUNA ��`��` 3M ep.nnt or 4nvlmnmwMl Ouetl North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.6631699 Observations: SSO's have been reported with this system for 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/gascripts/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: J. 1. For publically owned collection systems, the Grease Control Program shall include at least bi-annual distribution of grease education materials to users. 2. Grease education materials shall be distributed more often than required above if necessary to prevent grease -related sanitary sewer overflows. Observations: Educational info is provided to all customers via mail outs to all customers 2/year and posted on website. Info is also listed on the County's Annual Report. In addition, the County conducts educational tours. 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: Lines and R/W's are maintained per requirements. 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. DENOR m Upat ot&,.immm�t.i w�nry North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.663.1699 Observations: Records were reviewed for high -priority line inspections, and observation of the entire system. Compliance Status: Compliant The attached 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 tony.parker@ncdenr.gov. Attachments: BIMS Inspection Report CC: DWR files (LaserFiche) LD_E NORTI-I CAROL NA ��`��` 3M ep.rtnt or 4nvlmnmwMl Ouetl Sincerely, �DocuSigned by: A+41244, N P;x>,,t,. �F161FB69A2D84A3... for W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor Mooresville Regional Office Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704.6631699 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQCS00054 Effective: 07/01/15 SOC: Effective: County: Union Region: Mooresville Expiration: 06/30/23 Expiration: Contact Person: Bart Farmer Title: Directions to Facility: System Classifications: CS3, Primary ORC: Gregory Wayne Morgan Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: NC0024970 NC0024333 NC0085812 NC0069523 NC0085359 NC0069841 Owner : Union County Facility: Union County Collection System PO Box 987 Certification: 989865 Charlotte Water - McAlpine Creek WWTP City of Monroe - Monroe WWTP Union County - Grassy Branch WWTP Union County - Tallwood Estates WWTP Union County - Twelve Mile Creek WWTP Union County - Crooked Creek WWTP #2 Inspection Date: 07/20/2021 Entry Time 09:30AM Primary Inspector: Tony Parker Secondary Inspector(s): Exit Time: 01:30PM Phone: 704-296-4227 Phone: 704-289-3288 Phone: 704-663-1699 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 ▪ Capital Improvement Plan ▪ Inspections ▪ Lines (See attachment summary) ▪ General ▪ Map ▪ Spill Response Plan ▪ Manholes ▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances ▪ Reporting Requirements ▪ Spills ▪ Pump Stations Page 1 of 7 Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County Inspection Date: 07/20/2021 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: 07/20/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine General 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? # 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: Current Permit expires 01/30/2023. 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? 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,social media and educational events. Comment: Capital Improvement Plan 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? Comment: The city has an extensive CIP budget targeted to address I/1 and future infrastructure improvements. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ daily • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ •❑ ❑ • ❑•❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ varialbe • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 3 of 7 Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County Inspection Date: 07/20/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Map Is there a overall sewer system map? Does the map include: Pipe Type (GS/FM) 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 Is the map being updated for changes/additions within 1 year of activation? Comment: The City uses digital GIS Maps. Reporting Requirements # 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? Comment: The City is not free of SSO's but are reporting as required. Inspections 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? Comment: The City has digital records via a Lucitity W/O system. Spill Response Action Plan Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Web Site Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 4 of 7 Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County Inspection Date: 07/20/2021 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: 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? • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The City made improvements to their system to prevent repeated SSO's at the same location. The City is also making continous improvemts system wide to reduce I/1 and other issues. Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected: Huntley Creek gravity main & force main aerials. Helmsville outfall R/W, Poplin Rd outfall and Fairfield Plantation. Inspection and observations revealed no issues. All aeras were well maintained. Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? 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? Comment: The City exceeded the minimum 10% cleaning requirement for the review period. Manholes Please list the Manholes Inspected: Numerous M/H's inspected and no issues discovered. Are manholes accessible? # Are manhole covers/vents above grade? Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow? Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 7 Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County Inspection Date: 07/20/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Are manhole covers present? # Are manholes properly seated? # Are manholes in good condition? # Are inverts in good condition? Is flow unrestricted in manholes? 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: No issues with the M/H's inspected. Pump Stations Please list the Pump Stations Inspected: Sun Valley Place, Helmsville, Poplin Rd and Hunley Creek Lift Stations. No issues with any of the pump stations visited. # Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system # Number of vacuum stations in system # Number of simplex pump stations in system # Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building How many pump/vacuum stations have: # Atwo-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed? # A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed? 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? # Address? Instructions for notification? 24-hour emergency contact numbers? Are audio and visual alarms present? • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑• ❑ ❑ ❑• • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE 53 0 0 0 53 0 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 6 of 7 Permit: WQCS00054 Owner - Facility: Union County Inspection Date: 07/20/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Are audio and visual alarms operable? # Is there a backup generator or bypass pump connected? 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 majority of the City's P/S's have a dedicated generator on -site. The City has several portable generators and several by-pass dry prime pumps available. The 4 systems visited during this inspection had a dedicated generator on -site and all functioned W/O issue when tested. # 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? Inspecting and exercising all valves? Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment? Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment? Comment: All activities are well documented. • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ •❑ ❑ ❑ •❑ ❑ ❑ •❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 7