WQCSD0365_Inspection_20220615

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Benny Thomas Pollard
Blue Creek Utilities Inc
2965 Richlands Highway
Jacksonville, NC 28540
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 15, 2022
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Blue Creek Utilities Deemed Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0365
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Blue Creek Utilities
Deemed Collection System on 6/02/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is
operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified within Title 15A of the North Carolina
Administrative Code, Subchapter 2T, Section .0403 as well as the Deemed Collection System Permit No.
WQCSD0365. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed
copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
Please respond in writing to this office within 30 calendar days of your receipt of this letter regarding your plans
or measures to be taken to address the following issues:
• Steps must be taken to clear vegetation from all easements and right of ways to enable inspection of
and quick repairs to all wastewater lines, per 15A NCAC 2T .0403(a)(9).
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Lievre with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
Attachment
cc: Jeffrey Jarman (via email
Laserfiche
E
NORTH CAROI
Sincerely, DocuSigned by:
FlOrdIA Said 1)-ki
E3ABA14AC7DC434...
Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCSD0365 Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration:
SOC: Effective: Expiration:
County: Onslow
Region: Wilmington
Contact Person: Benny Thomas Pollard
Directions to Facility:
Owner : Blue Creek Utilities Inc
Facility: Blue Creek Utilities Deemed Collection System
Title: President Phone: [phone]
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0056952 Blue Creek Utilities Inc - Blue Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 06/02/2022 �D En 9r dTime 08:30AM
Primary Inspector: Bryan Lievre
Secondary Inspector(s):
7327a41.. ierve.
'-74249ABED37443E...
Exit Time: 09:30AM
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
II Spills/Response Plan
▪ Manholes
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Inspections
▪ Pump Stations
▪ Grease Control
▪ Lines
Page 1 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
Permit: WQCSD0365 Owner - Facility: Blue Creek Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 06/02/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Blue Creek Utilities deemed collection system was conducted on June 2, 2022. The
purpose of the inspection was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations
specified within 2T .0403 and the assigned Deemed Permit WQCSD0365. Present during the inspection were Jeffrey
Jarman (ORC) and Bryan Lievre (NCDEQ).
The collection system includes four (4) duplex pump stations, as noted below:
1. Blue Creek Pump Station #1, an 80 gpm pump station located west of Hardees, and physically located at 2965
Richlands Hwy
2. Blue Creek Pump Station #2, a 200 gpm pump station located on south side of Blue Creek Road, approximately 200
feet west of Richlands Hwy
3. Blue Creek Pump Station #3, an 80 gpm pump station located east of and between 225 and 227 Pollard Drive
4. Blue Creek Pump Station #4, a 180 gpm pump station located at 716 Cattail Lane
The system also has a high priority line, due to gravity line crossing of Blue Creek, which is located east of Pump Station
#2. Items also included in the collection system, but maintained by others include:
o A pump station located at a Speedway gas station at 3462 Richlands Hwy. The effluent from this pump station is sent
into a 4" force main that ties into an 8" gravity line at a manhole located near 3257 Richlands Hwy (NC Hwy 24);
o A pump station located at Blue Creek Elementary School at 1420 Burgaw Hwy (NC Hwy 53). The effluent from this
pump station is sent into a 6" which transitions to an 8" line which ties into a manhole at 3171 Richlands Hwy;
o Gravity piping for a strip mall and Walgreens Store, located at the western corner of the intersection with NC Hwy's 24
and 53; and,
o Gravity piping for apartments located at 200 Cordell Circle.
The gas station and school are reportedly responsible for maintaining and operating their pump station. While passing by
the Speedway Station on 5/25/2022, Waste Management, Inc. staff were observed pumping grease out of a kitchen grease
trap and the store's manager confirmed that the company maintains the pump station located on -site (albeit with the aid of a
subcontractor).
It should be noted that although there are concerns about the security at Blue Creek Pump Stations #1 and #2, however
these stations, as well as possibly the high priority line, are expected to be relocated with proposed NCDOT roadway
re -alignment work.
In order to be in compliance with the deemed permit conditions, steps must be taken to clear vegetation from all easements
and right of ways to enable inspection of and quick repairs to all wastewater lines, per 15A NCAC 2T .0403(a)(9). More
specifically, the line leading from Blue Creek Pump Station #3 needs to be accessible. In addition, it is recommended that
proper and legal easements should be established with the county tax department to ensure future unhindered access to
each of the pump stations.
No spills, incidents or violations have been documented since the last inspection. Records were readily available and
complete. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details.
Page 2 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
Permit: WQCSD0365 Owner - Facility: Blue Creek Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 06/02/2022
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: The system map should be updated to include pipe materials and location of air release
valves.
Grease Control
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?
Yes No NA NE
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O 000
O 000
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Comment: Blue Creek Utilities has a FOG and sewer education flier that is reportedly mailed out twice a
year.
Spills and Response Action Plan
# Is system free of known points of bypass?
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page 3 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
Permit: WQCSD0365 Owner - Facility: Blue Creek Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 06/02/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel?
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
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Comment: Operator provided a copy of the Blue Creek Utilities Spill Response Plan during the inspection
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Logs are maintained at each of the pump stations and another book for recording semi-annual
inspections of HPLs and entire system check annually. The HPL crossing Blue Creek was
observed during the recent inspection, although the line was submerged a portion of the hold
down pile and bracket was identified.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
While at Blue Creek Pump Station #3, the right-of-way to and from the station was observed.
Are right-of-ways and easements maintained for the full width for access?
If No, give details on temporary access:
The effluent line leading from the pump station reprtedly travels to the east through thick vegetation which
needs to be cleared to enable inspections and repairs (as needed), per 15A NCAC 2T .0403(a)(9).
Is maintenance documented?
Were all areas/lines inspected free of issues?
Yes No NA NE
❑ • ❑ ❑
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
Permit: WQCSD0365 Owner - Facility: Blue Creek Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 06/02/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: Access to Blue Creek Pump Stations (BCPS) #3 and #4 are questionable. BCPS #3 is only
accessible by Pollard Drive, but Onslow County Tax Department does not indicate that an
easement is provided from the road to access the facility. For this reason, permission must be
provided by the residents of 225 or 227 Pollard Drive to gain access to the pump station.
Actions need to be taken to provide proper access to the pump station.
BCPS #4 is on the same lot as a private residence located at 716 Cattail Lane. Although it is
understood that the current homeowner provides approval to gain access to the pump station,
this may not be the case if there is a change in ownership, etc. For this reason, it is
recommended that legal documentation is prepared to provide for the pump station and access
to it.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
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?
# 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:
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Blue Creek Pump Station #1 - 2965 Richlands Hwy, east side of NC Hwy 24, west of Hardee's
Blue Creek Pump Station #2 - 1111 Blue Creek Rd, south side of Blue Creek Rd, -200' west of Richlands
Hwy
Blue Creek Pump Station #3 - Parcel ID 039977, PIN 435607581892, east of 225 & 227 Pollard Drive
Blue Creek Pump Station #4 - 716 Cattail Lane, southeast of residence on same parcel
# 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?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5E7C12CF-17A4-4619-8BAC-70367D06C7BA
Permit: WQCSD0365 Owner - Facility: Blue Creek Utilities Inc
Inspection Date: 06/02/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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 telemetry 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?
# 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?
# 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?
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Comment: BC PS #1 and #3 have no fencing or other security controls to prevent unauthorized access
except for locks on control panels. The fence for BC PS #2 is in poor condition due to damage
suspected from falling trees and would not inhibit unauthorized access.
BC PS #1 utilizes a portable generator located at the WWTP in the event of local power
outages, BC PS #2 is powered by the service at the WWTP and its emergency generator and
BC PS #3 & #4 have their own emergency generators.
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