WQCS00060_NOV-2022-DV-0051 Response_20220223

fikatow,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
PO BOX 2263
SMITHFIELD, NC 27577
[phone]
February 23, 2022
Mr. Scott Vinson
Raleigh Regional Office
NCDEQ DWR
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Re: Response to NOV-2022-DV-0051
Permit No. WQCS00060 - Johnston County Collection System
Dear Mr. Vinson:
In response to NOV-2022-DV-0051, the County offers the following information:
Incident Number 202200120:
• Staff at Johnston County Public Utilities received a call at approximately 11:45 am on January 19,
2021 about a potential sewer main leak on the West Johnston High School site.
• Johnston County staff immediately responded and arrived on the site at 12:15 pm.
• Upon arriving to the site, staff identified the problem was on the force main from the
wastewater pump station that serves the school site.
• The pump station was shut-off immediately stopping the sewer spill.
• County staff used parts available at the County's maintenance shop to repair a cracked bell on a
joint of the PVC force main.
• After repair, staff lightly limed the area.
• The accidental and unintentional spill was a result of mechanical failure of the force main pipe
material. The County had no means to predict the potential failure of this force main.
Johnston County works aggressively to prevent sanitary sewer overflows and help protect the waters of
our area. Preventative measures include the following:
• Extensive staff training ensures staff is prepared for system operation and response related to
potential sewer spills.
• Staff use laptops to log into the SCADA system and monitor system operation from any location.
• Furthermore, staff is on -call and prepared to respond to any event.
• The County maintains an in-house supply of repair materials for all pipe sizes and many
electrical components and implements a detailed protocol for emergency response.
• The County maintains a close working relationship with several local contractors who provide
emergency response repairs, as needed.
Johnston County takes seriously our responsibility to protect public health and the environment and
strives to prevent sewer spills. Please contact me at [phone] or

Page 2
Mr. Vinson
February 23, 2022
[e-mail] if you have any questions or need additional information regarding
this issue.
Sincerely,
c.Ga,0e.A9. ram. '-AAA..
Chandra C. Farmer, PE
Director of Utilities
cc: Rick J. Hester, County Manager
Eric Marron, Johnston County
Vanessa Manuel, Raleigh Regional Office
Mitchell Hayes, Raleigh Regional Office