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Home My WebLink AboutWQCS00284_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220613DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Donald B Dixon Brunswick County PO Box 249 Bolivia, NC 28422-0249 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality June 15, 2022 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Brunswick County Collection System Collection System Permit No. WQCS00284 Brunswick County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Brunswick County Collection System on 6/13/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00284. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report". There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this inspection report is not required. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Perez with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at helen.perez@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, DocuSigned by: Mop cll� SF� Kzs_g E3ABA14ACIDC414... Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS Cc: WQS Wilmington Regional Office File Upload to Laserfiche DE Q��North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington. North Carolina 28405 .�� /`� 910.796.7215 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 D_E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 un.,mamwurywman,i av� /`� 910.796.7215 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Comoliance Insoection Resort Permit: WQCS00284 Effective: 06/01/13 Expiration: 05/31/21 Owner: Brunswick County SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Brunswick County Collection System County: Brunswick Region: Wilmington Contact Person: Donald B Dixon Title: Deputy Utilities Director Phone: 910-253-2485 Directions to Facility: System Classifications: CS2, Primary ORC: John David Gregory Certification: 1005528 Phone: 910-279-7206 Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): On -site representative Tim Costin 910-253-2681 Related Permits: WQCS00277 Town of Ocean Isle Beach - Ocean Isle Beach Collection System WQ0000798 Brunswick County - Shallotte WWTF WQ0006085 Brunswick County - Ocean Isle Beach WWTP WQCSD0530 City of Northwest - Northwest Deemed Municipal Collection System NC0044873 Brunswick County - Carolina Shores WWTP WQCS00202 Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2go - Brunswick Regional W&S Collection System NC0086819 Brunswick County - Northeast Brunswick Regional WWTP WQCS00334 Town of Oak Island - Oak Island Collection System WQCS00340 Town of Holden Beach - Holden Beach Collection System WQCS00333 Town of Leland - Leland Collection System WQ0023693 Brunswick County - West Brunswick Regional WRF WQCS00137 City of Southport - Southport Collection System WQCS00296 Town of Shallotte - Shallotte Collection System WO0012748 Brunswick County - Sea Trail WWTP Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 Entry Time 08:30AM Exit Time: 12:OOPM Primary Inspector: Helen I Perez Docusi9netd�by: Phone: 910-796-7387 Secondary Inspector(s):r 1D645B4A39694BE_ Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant Question Areas: Miscellaneous Questions Map Spill Response Plan Pump Stations General Sewer & FOG Ordinances Reporting Requirements Inspections Spills Lines Page 1 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine (See attachment summary) Page 2 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: A routine compliance inspection of the Brunswick County Collection System was conducted on June 13, 2022. The purpose of the evaluation was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit WQCS00284. Tim Costin, Wastewater Superintendent Collections Division, and John Gregory, ORC, were present during the inspection. Brunswick County currently operates 6 wastewater treatment plants with a permitted sewer treatment capacity of 10,855,000 gallons per day. The County continues to keep their approximately 645 miles of collection system well maintained. The use of the Lucity software allows the County to manage their collection system through work orders. There are dedicated crews to manage different aspects of the system, to include the 159 pump stations, approximately 10,000 grinder pumps, ARVs, 3 vacuum systems and all generators. All pump stations are connected to the SCADA system which is continuously monitored by the West Brunswick Regional WWTF staff. In 2020, the Town of Navassa conveyed its gravity sewer system to Brunswick County. The County has completed a detailed assessment of the Navassa system and has applied for grants to fix any issues found. This inspection included 4 of the Navassa pump stations as well as pump stations in the City of Northwest and Sandy Creek areas. Brunswick County is compliant with the Collection System Permit WQCS00284. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for further details. Page 3 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 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? Yes No NA NE Daily ■❑❑❑ ❑❑■❑ ■❑❑❑ Comment: The Countv's on -site inventory includes pumps of various sizes, pipe in each size, spare grinder pumps as well as a grinder pump repair shop. Turn around time for larger pump repair was said to be reliably quick. Due to issues with low flow and sediment /trash accumulation in some line segments, an Air Release Valve (ARV) program, with a crew of three operators, has been establish to inspect and clean out all the ARVs in the collection system. The permit expired on May 31, 2021. A renewal application was submitted in April 2021 and is still in review. 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.) County website. Comment: The FOG program is implemented by the County's Pretreatment Coordinator. Inspection/record reviews of facilities with required grease traps are done annually. Approximately 60 facilities have been inspected so far during this fiscal year. Map Is there a overall sewer system map? Does the map include: Pipe Type (GS/FM) Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ■❑❑❑ 30 days or more wih a variance. ■❑❑❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ■❑❑❑ ■❑❑❑ Page 4 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Pipe sizes 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Pipe location 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Flow direction 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Approximate pipe age 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Pump station ID, location and capacity 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Force main air release valve location & type 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Location of satellite connections 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the map being updated for changes/additions within 1 year of activation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The GIS map system shows all lines, pump stations, manholes, ARVs and as built drawings. Reporting Requirements Yes No NA NE # 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # How is it being made available? County website Comment: The County has an account with the Public BIMS Portal to enter their 5-Day Report for required SSOs. The Annual Report for the 20-21 fiscal year was submitted to the Division as required and is located on the County website for sewer customers. Inspections Yes No NA NE Are adequate maintenance records maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: There are 159 duplex or larger pump stations. There is a dedicated pump station crew that completes weekly inspections and documents activities in a log book stored at each station. The 3 vacuum systems are inspected daily by a dedicated vacuum crew and documentation stored at the stations. There are approximately 10,000 grinder pump stations that have a dedicated crew for line work, repairs and complaints, all tracked by the Lucity work order system. The ARV crew inspect the high -priority lines through Lucity work orders. 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 ■❑❑❑ ■❑❑❑ Page 5 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 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: No comment. aRiL 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ # Are there repeated overflows/problems (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ ❑ ❑ # If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: The Lucite work order system tracks the non -reportable spills and complaints and the grinder pump alarms and repairs. Repeated issues are investigated further. Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected: Yes No NA NE 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's Operation Services Department maintains the right-of-ways/easements through the Lucite work order system. The County contracted the cleaning and video of 80,000-90,000 feet of lines in the Navassa and Sunset Beach areas. Pump Stations Yes No NA NE Please list the Pump Stations Inspected: Northwest Vacuum System Northern Lights Grainger Circle, Sandy Creek Lena Springs, Navassa Pine Valley, Navassa The Park, Navassa Royster Road Page 6 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine # Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 159 # Number of vacuum stations in system 3 # Number of simplex pump stations in system 10000 # 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? 159 # A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed? 0 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 communication system functional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ If Yes, what resources (Units/StaffNehicles/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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 826EAC55-364F-4D16-802C-7DD5E87CD186 Permit: WQCS00284 Owner - Facility: Brunswick County Inspection Date: 06/13/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: All pump stations have a permanent generator on site except for some of the Navassa pumps stations acquired in 2020. These stations are equipped with a quick hook-up and the county has 10 portable generators in case of a power outage. The County has a dedicated crew for all generator inspections and maintenance. All of the pump stations are connected to the SCADA system that is monitored by the West Brunswick Regional WWTF staff. The ARV crew is responsible for the inspection and exercising of all valves. The Park and Rooster Road Pump Stations have the power disconnect on the outside of the fenced area. Staff indicated that this issue will be addressed in the grant rehab of the Town of Navassa pump stations. Page 8 of 8