WQCS00318_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210212

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1 DD5E91 CBE6
STA
ROY COOPER_
Covemor
-
Secretary
�"`�
S. DANIEL SMITH
NORTH CAROLINA
Dlre for
EnvixanrhetitalQuality
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.
February 12, 2021
Ronnie Coffey, Public Works Director
Town of Sawmills
E-mail: [e-mail]
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Sawmills Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00318
Caldwell County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sawmills Collection
System on 2/09/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00318.
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 me with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
EDocuSigned by:
fiKA61#Aj (6k
082131105A3CA418...
Tim Heim, P.E., Environmental Engineer
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Ec: Steve Coonse, LF
NortrDEro rsDepartmentofEnvironmental Quslrty I Division of Water Resources
Ashsv..n Rag. na. Off.. 12090 V.S. 70 Htghway I Swan nanoa, North Ca wins 23773
323296-0500

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1 DD5E91 CBE6
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00318 Effective: 06/01/13 Expiration: 05/31/21 Owner: Town of Sawmills
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sawmills Collection System
County: Caldwell
Region: Asheville
Contact Person: Christopher Todd Title: Town Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS1,
Primary ORC: Steve Gary Coonse
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Certification: 995305 Phone:[phone]
Related Permits:
NC0023736 City of Lenoir - Gunpowder Creek WWTP
WQCS00035 City of Lenoir - Lenoir Collection System
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Entry Time 09:OOAM
Primary Inspector: Timothy H Heim Li
Secondary Inspector(s):
Exit Time: 12:OOPM
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions General Sewer & FOG Ordinances
Map Reporting Requirements Inspections
Spill Response Plan Spills Lines
Manholes Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1DD5E91CBE6
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Tim Heim of the Asheville Regional Office performed a Compliance Evaluation Inspection on February 9, 2021. Steve
Coonse (Asst. Public Works Director) and Terry Brown (Public Works Staff) were present at the time of the inspection.
The system appeared well maintained and operated at the time of the inspection, record keeping appeared thorough and up
to date, and staff maintain adequate spare parts and equipment.
The following items were noted during the inspection:
Complete the proposed project at the High School Pump Station to increase the backup generator size and raise the
elevation.
It is recommended that facility staff consider door hangers or flyers for areas experiencing chronic issues with flushable
wipes.
Future improvements the municipality may consider to increase efficiency and maintenance ability include a 2-way App
based SCADA system for the pump stations, and the purchase of a small vac -truck.
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1DD5E91CBE6
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
General Yes No NA NE
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? Daily
# Are there any issues being addressed currently or any in the planning stages?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Permit was renewed last year.
Sewer and FOG Ordinances
Yes No NA NE
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.)
Comment: It is recommended that facility staff consider door hangers or flyers
for areas experiencing
chronic issues with flushable wipes.
Map
Yes No NA NE
Is there a overall sewer system map?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the map include:
Pipe Type (GS/FM)
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe sizes
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc)
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe location
❑ ❑ ❑
Flow direction
❑ ❑ ❑
Approximate pipe age
❑ ❑ ❑
Pump station ID, location and capacity
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1DD5E91CBE6
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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:
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
# How is it being made available? Mailing
Comment:
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan
Yes No NA NE
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
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the Permittee appear to respond within 2 hours of first knowledge of a spill?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1DD5E91CBE6
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment:
alll is Yes No NA NE
Is system free of known points of bypass? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
High School crossing over Gunpowder Creek.
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Manholes
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Manholes in vicinity of Mayfield Drive.
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1DD5E91CBE6
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment:
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Elementary School PS
High School PS
Mayfield Drive PS
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
3
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
0
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
3
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 communication 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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 695F36C5-9B4E-4699-8470-C1DD5E91CBE6
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 02/09/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
Comment:
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 7 of 7