WQCS00060_NOV-2024-DV-0159_20240326

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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
PO BOX 2263
SMITHFIELD, NC 27577
[phone]
March 19, 2024
Ms. Vanessa Manuel
Raleigh Regional Office
NCDEQ DWR
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Re: Response to NOV-2024-DV-0159
Permit No. WQCS00060 - Johnston County Collection System
Dear Ms. Manuel:
In response to NOV-2024-DV-0159, the County offers the following information:
Incident Number 202400486:
• On February 19, 2024, Johnston County wastewater staff were notified by a contractor of a
potential force main failure located in the vicinity of 325 Norris Road.
• Staff immediately shut -of the existing Norris Road School Wastewater Pump Station and visited
the site.
• Staff discovered recent grading over the route of the existing cross-country force main. The
existing force main is planned to be decommissioned within the next 30 days, as the wastewater
pump station is being relocated as part of a new development. However, the developer's
contractor had proceeded with grading to remove cover on the existing water main without
approval from the County. This caused the force main to fail.
• The spilled wastewater was contained on the ground and a vacuum truck was used to recover as
much wastewater as possible.
• The immediate spill area was lightly limed.
• No wastewater reached surface waters.
• County staff repaired the existing 4" PVC force main.
• The County required the contractor to replace the cover over the force main, and stopped
grading in this area until the existing force main is abandoned.
Johnston County works aggressively to prevent sanitary sewer overflows and help protect the waters of
our area. Preventative measures include the following:
• Routine visual inspection of the force main route and air release valves. This section of force
main and air release valves were inspected on November 21, 2023.
• Extensive staff training ensures staff is prepared for system operation and response related to
potential sewer spills.
• Staff use laptops to log into the SCADA system and monitor system operation from any location.
• Staff is on -call and prepared to respond to any event.

Page 2
Ms. Manuel
March 19, 2024
• The County maintains an in-house supply of repair materials for all pipe sizes and many
electrical components and implements a detailed protocol for emergency response.
• The County maintains an Emergency On -Call contract with several contractors to provide
emergency repair services.
Johnston County takes seriously our responsibility to protect public health and the environment and
strives to prevent sewer spills. Please contact me at [phone] or
[e-mail] if you have any questions or need additional information regarding
this issue.
Sincerely,
Chandra C. Farmer, PE
Director of Utilities
cc: RickJ. Hester, County Manager
Eric Narron, Johnston County
Kevin Fowler, Raleigh Regional Office