WQCSD0233_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220622

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. RISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Tony Konsul
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
4944 Parkway Plz Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28217
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 22, 2022
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Hound Ears Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0233
Watauga County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Hound Ears Collection
System on 5/26/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0233.
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 Tricia Lowery with the Division of Water
Resources in the Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336-776-9691 or via email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
ig
1— DocuSigned by:G
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" 145B49E225C94EA...
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
1. Compliance Inspection Report
Ec: Winston-Salem Regional Office — Electronic File
Laserfiche
North Carolina Department of Crwronmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 West Hanes Mill Road,51nae 300 Winston-Salem, Noah Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCSD0233 Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration:
SOC: Effective: Expiration:
County: Watauga
Region: Winston-Salem
Contact Person: Tony Konsul
Directions to Facility:
Owner : Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Facility: Hound Ears Collection System
Title: Operations Director Phone: [phone]
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 11:30AM
Primary Inspector: Patricia Lowery Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Complaint 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
▪ Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Inspections
▪ Grease Control
▪ Lines
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQCSD0233 Owner - Facility: Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Complaint
Inspection Summary:
Tricia Lowery of the NC Division of Water Resources, Winston-Salem Regional Office conducted a compliance evaluation
inspection of WQCSD0233 (Hounds Ear) wastewater collection system on 5/26/2022. Mr. Whittaker (Operations manager)
was present for the inspection. Overall, Mr. Whittaker operates and maintains the collection system very well. Results of
the inspection are summarized in the following paragraphs:
15A NCAC 02T .0403 Permitting By Regulation
(a)(1) The collection system shall be effectively maintained and operated at all times to prevent discharge to land or surface
waters and to prevent any contravention of groundwater standards or surface water standards.
Observations: Overall the collection system is well maintained and operated
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(2) A map of the collection system shall have been developed and shall be maintained.
Observations: Map is detailed and in order. Only parameter missing is pipe age.
Complaint: Compliant
(a)(3) An operation and maintenance plan, including pump station inspection frequency, preventative maintenance schedule,
spare parts inventory, and overflow response shall have been developed and implemented.
Observations: Records are in order and detailed. No issues found during inspection.
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(4) Pump stations that are not connected to telemetry system shall be inspected by the permittee or its representative
every day, 365 days per year, unless the permittee demonstrates that the daily inspections are not necessary because the
pump station has sufficient storage capacity, above the elevation at which the pump activates, to justify a longer inspection
interval. In no case shall the inspection interval exceed seven days. Pump stations that are connected to a telemetry
system shall be inspected once per week.
Observations: Pump stations utilize MISSIONS system. Personnel are alerted immediately of any issues in real time.
Pump station inspection logs are in order and inspections are conducted weekly.
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(5) High -priority sewers shall be inspected by the permittee or its representative once every six months, and inspections
shall be documented.
Observations: HPLs are inspected every 6 months and documented appropriately. No issues found.
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(6) A general observation by the permittee or its representative of the entire collection system shall be conducted once
per year.
Observations: Mr. Whittaker conducts a general observation of collection system on a daily basis. The collection system
serves a small seasonal community. Observation is logged.
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(7) Overflows and bypasses shall be reported to the appropriate Division regional office in accordance with 15A NCAC
02B .0506(a), and public notice shall be provided as required by G.S. 143-215.1 C.
Observations: No SSOs were reported. Spill response plan is in order. Only need to update/change RO phone numbers
(Asheville RO number is listed instead of Winston Salem RO number). Mr. Whittaker was notified of the changes that need
to be made.
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(8)(B) Grease Control Program shall be in place for private owned collection systems that will include bi-annual
distribution of grease education materials to users of the collection system by the permittee or representative.
Observations: Grease control program is conducted and implemented by the central office in Charlotte. FOG education is
mailed annually to residents as the community is seasonal (summer months).
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(9) Right-of-ways and easements shall be maintained in the full easement width for personnel and equipment
accessibility.
Observations: Golf club of the community maintains right of ways. Right of ways and easements are in good order. No
issues found during inspection.
Compliant: Compliant
(a)(10) Documentation of compliance with Subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(9) of this Rule shall be maintained by the
collection system owner for three years with the exception of the map, which shall be maintained for the life of the system.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCSD0233 Owner - Facility: Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Complaint
Observations: Documentation is in good order and comprehensive. Detailed logs are kept of specific areas of operations
and maintenance. Pump contingency plans were lost, however Mr. Whittaker is currently constucting a new plan. See
comments in inspection report for further details.
Compliant: Compliant
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCSD0233 Owner - Facility: Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Complaint
General
# 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: Overall map is comprehensive and detailed. Only thing missing is pipe age.
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?
Comment: Charlotte office handles FOG education for residents. It is mailed out annually (as the
community is seasonal - primarily summer months).
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?
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
Yes No NA NE
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Page4of7

Permit: WQCSD0233 Owner - Facility: Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Complaint
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: Spill response plan is in order. Just need to update regional office number (it had Asheville's
RO number as property is near Avery County line). Mr. Whittaker was notified to update RO
number and will correct.
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 electronic. Mr. Whittaked emailed logs to inspector (as Wifi was down during
inspection). Logs are detailed. No issues found.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
1. Bath House aerial line
2. Cherry Street aerial line
Are right-of-ways and easements maintained for the full width for access?
If No, give details on temporary access:
Is maintenance documented?
Were all areas/lines inspected free of issues?
Comment: Logs were in order, no issues found.
HPL's inspected were free of issues.
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
1. Bath House
2. The Lakes
Both are simplex pumps.
Yes No NA NE
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HPL's are inspected every 6 months and documented.
Yes No NA NE
Page5of7

Permit: WQCSD0233 Owner - Facility: Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Complaint
# 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 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?
Staff, vehicles, equipment list & location
# 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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Page6of7

Permit: WQCSD0233 Owner - Facility: Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Complaint
Comment: Bath House pump station is connected to WWTP generator. The Lakes utilizes a portable
generator if needed. The Lakes pump station only runs approximately 4x/year as this is a
seasonal community. Back up pumps are available. All parts (ie spare pumps, generator, etc)
are stored at a shop located at Sugar Mtn resort.
Mr. Whittaker stated the pump contingency log was lost, however he is currently working on a
new one. Everything is in order and good records of pump stations
(inspections/operations/maintenance) are kept, therefore inspector is confident pump
contingency plan will be finished soon. The emegency/spill response plan is in good order as
well and can serve temporarily until plan is finished.
Page 7 of 7