WQCSD0057_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220725

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Mr. P. J Rathbone, Mayor
City of High Shoals
PO Box 6
High Shoals NC 28077
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
July 25, 2022
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permittee: City of High Shoals Wastewater Collection System
Permit No. WQCD0057
Gaston County NC
Dear Mr. Rathbone,
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 July 20, 2022. The assistance provided by yourself and others
during this inspection is greatly appreciated. A copy of the inspection report is attached for your
records and inspection findings are summarized below with action items.
Site/System Review
The following system components were inspected:
a. Two pump station were inspected. Some issues noted. Please see attachment for
details.
b. Various manholes 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 no SSO's for the review period.
Compliance Status: Compliant
NORTH CARntnt Environmental
NA
o�mm�Mm�.onmentai ou.mr
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 City uses paper 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 provided 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: This system has no HPL's.
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.
1:)..E Q?)
NORTH CAROLINA
nepnrhrerrt of Environments) Ouolny
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: No SSO's have been reported with this system for this review
period. 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:
J.
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 are maintained..
Compliance Status: Compliant.
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 Q?)
NORTH CAROLINA
nepnrhrerrt of Environmental Ouolny
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
[e-mail].
Attachments: BIMS Inspection Report
CC: DWR files (LaserFiche)
D_E Q?)
NORTH CAROLINA
o�mm�Mm .�����I o�.i� kswie/�
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
A4%.41,.1-411 H P.:z4.t4
F161 FB69A2D84A3...
for
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: WQCSD0057 Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration:
SOC: Effective: Expiration:
County: Gaston
Region: Mooresville
Contact Person: Dan Weekley
Directions to Facility:
Owner : City of High Shoals
Facility: City of High Shoals Collection System
Title: Mayor Phone: [phone]
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 07/20/2022
Primary Inspector: Tony Parker
Secondary Inspector(s):
Entry Time 09:15AM Exit Time: 12:30PM
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
▪ Spills/Response Plan
▪ Manholes
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Inspections
▪ Pump Stations
▪ Grease Control
▪ Lines
Page 1 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0057 Owner - Facility: City of High Shoals
Inspection Date: 07/20/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0057 Owner - Facility: City of High Shoals
Inspection Date: 07/20/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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: This is a publicly owned deemed system.
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.)
Customers are notified of FOG info on monthly bill. The Town also post info on electronic sign at Town Hall
and on website.
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:
Spills and Response Action Plan
# Is system free of known points of bypass?
# 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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City of Gastonia
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Permit: WQCSD0057 Owner - Facility: City of High Shoals
Inspection Date: 07/20/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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
Comment: No SSO's for the review period.
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: The Town no longer has any HPL's as the old line was
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Most all lines are now along street R/W's.
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: No issues with R/W's.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Various M/H's inspected with no issues noted.
Are manholes accessible?
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions?
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replaced with new underground pipe.
Yes No NA NE
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Page 4 of 6

Permit: WQCSD0057 Owner - Facility: City of High Shoals
Inspection Date: 07/20/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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: No issue with M/H's.
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
River Street P/S and Old Hardin Rd P/S. The alarm light and horn failed to operate when the system was
tested. The Town has already scheduled a repair thru Carolina Lift Stations. Please advise when this is
working. No other isses noted with P/S's.
# 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:
# Atwo-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?
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Permit: WQCSD0057 Owner - Facility: City of High Shoals
Inspection Date: 07/20/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
Both P/S's have dedicated diesel powered on site generators.
# 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: The P/S's for the most part appeared to be adequately operated but could use a little more site
maintenance..
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