WQCS00149_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220318

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Mr. Chris Henderson
Lincoln County Public Works
115 West Main St.
Lincolnton NC 28002
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
March 18, 2022
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permittee: Lincoln County Wastewater Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00149
Lincoln County NC
Dear Mr. Henderson;
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 subject wastewater
collection system (WWCS) on March 15, 2022. The assistance provided by Mr. Mike Simmons,
and Mr. Jeff Dean during this inspection is 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 station were inspected. No issues noted.
b. Numerous man holes were inspected. No issues noted.
c. Four outfalls and 1 aerial 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 system'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. These have been
addressed previously under separate cover.
Compliance Status: Compliant
NORTH caaouvnD_E
oep.m.m orEMr nment ou.i�
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office 1601 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, NC 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 digital maps.
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: Pump station logs indicate that the pump stations are being
inspected 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 high priority lines were 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.
DE
NORTH CAROLINA
gaparMeM of Environment,/quay
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office 1601 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, NC 28115
704.663.1699

Observations: SSO's have been reported with this system for this review period
and have been previously 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/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:
1. For publicly 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 as required.
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 were well maintained.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
j. 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 all activities.
D_E
NORTH CARCLINA
gaparMeM of Environment,/quay
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office 1601 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, NC 28115
704.663.1699

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(a,ncdenr. gov.
Attachments: BIMS Inspection Report
CC: DWR files (LaserFiche)
D_E
NORTH CARCLINA
gaparMeM of Environment,/quay
Sincerely,
Docu Signed by:
for
F161FB69A2D84A3...
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 1601 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, NC 28115
704.663.1699

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00149 Effective: 04/06/18
SOC: Effective:
County: Lincoln
Region: Mooresville
Contact Person: Olan Chris Henderson
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Michael P Simmons
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Expiration: 02/28/26
Expiration:
Title:
Owner : Lincoln County
Facility: E Lincoln County Collection System
115 W Main St
Certification: 997855
NC0088722 Lincoln County - Killian Creek WWTP
NC0025496 City of Lincolnton - Lincolnton WWTP
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
Primary Inspector: Tony Parker
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Entry Time 09:45AM
Lincolnton NC 28092
Exit Time: 01:OOPM
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
▪ Capital Improvement Plan
▪ Inspections
▪ Lines
❑ Not Compliant
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Map
▪ Spill Response Plan
▪ Manholes
▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances
▪ Reporting Requirements
▪ Spills
▪ Pump Stations
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
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: The current permit expires 2/28/2026.
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?
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.)
The county uses mail outs, social media and website.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Weekly/monthly
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Yes No NA NE
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variable
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Yes No NA NE
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Comment: The current 5 year sewer collection budget endiing in 2025 totals $ 2,355,000. Most of this
funding is for pump station rehab.
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Map Yes No NA NE
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 • ❑ El El
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 county uses digital 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 county 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: All inpections are conducted and documented as required.
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
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website
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page4of7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
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:
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Spills Yes No NA NE
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? • ❑ El El
# Are there repeated overflows/problems (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ ❑ • ❑
# If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? ❑ El • ❑
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Lift station #1 with 3 outfalls and 1 aerial and North Lincoln High School outfall. No issues noted.
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 county had cleaned and documented their 10% cleaning requirement.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Numerous M/H's inspected with no issues observed.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
Page5of7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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 observed.
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Lift stations # 1, # 22, # 43 and # 44. No issues observed. All stations functioned as required.
# 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:
# A two-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?
Are audio and visual alarms operable?
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Yes No NA NE
49
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34
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Page6of7

Permit: WQCS00149 Owner - Facility: Lincoln County
Inspection Date: 03/15/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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 county has 48 dedicated on -site generators and one dedicated on -site by-pass pump for total coverage
of all duplex L/S's. In addition the County has a portable by-pass pump available.
# 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 were well documented.
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Page 7 of 7