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Home My WebLink AboutWQCSD0246_Compliance Inspection_20171127 State of North Carolina | Environmental Quality | Water Resources 2090 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-296-4500 November 27, 2017 Mark Pullium Clay County Water & Sewer District PO Box 118 Hayesville, NC 28904 SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Clay County Water & Sewer District Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0246 Clay County Dear Mr. Pullium: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Clay County Water & Sewer District’s Collection System on 11/16/2017. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0246. Based on the on-site visit, records review and discussions with collection system staff, the facility was determined to be in-compliance. The following additional items were noted during the inspection:  Staffing: Recommend additional staff to help maintain system operations and compliance. Currently four staff operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection.  Emergency Power: Recommend, at a minimum, installing an on-site generator at the highest flow pump station or obtaining an additional portable generator. The District only has one portable generator to serve five of the ten pump stations. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mikal Willmer with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at mikal.willmer@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Mikal Willmer, Environmental Specialist Water Quality Regional Operations Section Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ State of North Carolina | Environmental Quality | Water Resources 2090 U.S. 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 28778 828-296-4500 ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report EC: WQS ARO Server Laserfiche Jason Waldroup, Director Clay County Water and Sewer 20171127_WQCSD0246_CEI Compliance Inspection Report Permit:WQCSD0246 Effective:02/02/07 Expiration:Owner :Clay County Water & Sewer District SOC: Contact Person: Region: County: Directions to Facility: Clay Asheville Michael C Anderson Effective:Expiration:Facility:Clay County Water & Sewer District Title:Phone:828-389-0089County Manager Secondary ORC(s): Phone:Certification:Primary ORC: System Classifications: On-Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Secondary Inspector(s): Primary Inspector: Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time: Phone: 11/16/2017 10:00AM 01:45PM Mikal Willmer 828-296-4686 Facility Status: Permit Inspection Type: Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type: Not CompliantCompliant Routine Deemed permitted collection system management and operation Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Question Areas: Miscellaneous Questions Performance Standards Operation & Maint Reqmts Records Monitoring & Rpting Reqmts Inspections Pump Station Manhole Lines (See attachment summary) Page:1 11/27/2017 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Inspection Summary: Inspector, Mikal Willmer, with the Asheville Regional Office conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Clay County Water and Sewer District's Collection System on November 16, 2017. Jason Waldroup, Director Clay County Water and Sewer, was present and assisted in the inspection. The Clay County Water and Sewer District's Collection System appeared to be in compliance with the deemed permitted regulations. Staff are proactive in maintaining and monitoring the collection system. The following items were noted during the inspection: Currently four staff are responsible for operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection. Recommend additional staff to help maintain system operations and compliance. Clay County Water and Sewer has one portable generator to service 5 pump stations in the event of a power failure. It is highly recommended Clay County Water and Sewer consider installing on-site generators at the highest flow pump stations, or, at a minimum, obtain additional portable generators. The Riverglen pump station does not have a quick hook-up connection. It is recommended a quick hook-up be installed to prevent an SSO in the event of an extended power failure. Page:2 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Performance Standards Yes No NA NE Is Public Education Program for grease established and documented? What educational tools are used? Educational pamphlets are mailed out to customers every October. If not being done already, this should be increased to twice a year as required by 15A NCAC 02T.0403. Is Sewer Use Ordinance/Legal Authority available? Does it appear that the Sewer Use Ordinance is enforced? Is Grease Trap Ordinance available? Is Septic Tank Ordinance available (as applicable, i.e. annexation) List enforcement actions by permittee, if any, in the last 12 months This is a deemed permitted system. The Clay County Water and Sewer District does not have a Grease Trap Ordinance, but does have an active Grease Control Program. Grease traps are inspected approximately every six months. Has an acceptable Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) been implemented? Does CIP address short term needs and long term \"master plan\" concepts? Does CIP cover three to five year period? Does CIP include Goal Statement? Does CIP include description of project area? Does CIP include description of existing facilities? Does CIP include known deficiencies? Does CIP include forecasted future needs? Is CIP designated only for wastewater collection and treatment? Approximate capital improvement budget for collection system?$21,500.00 Total annual revenue for wastewater collection and treatment?$576,500.00 CIP Comments Clay County Water and Sewer is self-funded. County General Funds are not generally used for O&M and collection system improvements. Items are purchased "as needed". Goals currently are not for expansion, but improving current system. The water and sewer district would like to upgrade the older auto-dialers and purchase a jetter as budget allows. Funds are generally allocated to maintaining the current system. It is highly recommended Clay County consider installing dedicated generators at the highest flow lift stations. Is system free of known points of bypass? If no, describe type of bypass and location Is a 24-hour notification sign posted at ALL pump stations? # Does the sign include: Instructions for notification? Pump station identifier? 24-hour contact numbers If no, list deficient pump stations # Do ALL pump stations have an "auto polling" feature/SCADA? Page:3 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Number of pump stations 10 Number of pump stations that have SCADA 0 Number of pump stations that have simple telemetry 10 Number of pump stations that have only audible and visual alarms 0 Number of pump stations that do not meet permit requirements 0 # Does the permittee have a root control program? # If yes, date implemented? Describe: Jason Waldroup, Water and Sewer District Director, reports they have not experienced major problems with roots. The county's lines are mainly ductile iron and PVC. The only terracotta lines are private laterals. The district does use liquid degreaser as needed. All lift stations have Auto-dialers and audio and visual alarms.Comment: Inspections Yes No NA NE Are maintenance records for sewer lines available? Are records available that document pump station inspections? Are SCADA or telemetry equipped pump stations inspected at least once a week? Are non-SCADA/telemetry equipped pump stations inspected every day? Are records available that document citizen complaints? # Do you have a system to conduct an annual observation of entire system? # Has there been an observation of remote areas in the last year? Are records available that document inspections of high-priority lines? Has there been visual inspections of high-priority lines in last six months? County personnel attempt to inspect and flip every manhole throughout the system (approximately 90%). Some of the manholes within the highway require the assistance of the sheriff's office to redirect traffic so are not always checked within the year. Comment: Operation & Maintenance Requirements Yes No NA NE Are all log books available? Does supervisor review all log books on a regular basis? Does the supervisor have plans to address documented short-term problem areas? What is the schedule for reviewing inspection, maintenance, & operations logs and problem areas? District staff recently repaired supports for the Town Creek aerial line and repaired and epoxy coated one of the manholes that receives flow from the riverside and ingles pump stations. Are maintenance records for equipment available? Is a schedule maintained for testing emergency/standby equipment? What is the schedule for testing emergency/standby equipment?annually Do pump station logs include: Inside and outside cleaning and debris removal? Inspecting and exercising all valves? Page:4 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment? Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment? Is there at least one spare pump for each pump station w/o pump reliability? Are maintenance records for right-of-ways available? Are right-of-ways currently accessible in the event of an emergency? Are system cleaning records available? Has at least 10% of system been cleaned annually? What areas are scheduled for cleaning in the next 12 months? The town does not have a jetter, however, they attempt to work with the fire department to flush lines as needed. Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? 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 Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel? Is the spare parts inventory adequate? Make sure all staff have access to relevant DWR contact information in the event of a reportable SSO. Comment: Records Yes No NA NE Are adequate records of all SSOs, spills and complaints available? Are records of SSOs that are under the reportable threshold available? Do spill records indicate repeated overflows (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? If yes, is there a corrective action plan? Is a map of the system available? Does the map include: Pipe sizes Pipe materials Pipe location Flow direction Approximate pipe age Number of service taps Page:5 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Pump stations and capacity If no, what percent is complete?80% List any modifications and extensions that need to be added to the map McGill updated the County Collection System Map in 2015. All new sewer extensions have been included. # Does the permittee have a copy of their permit? This is a deemed permitted collection system. Serve approximately 320 people and flows average about 0.13 MGD. Comment: Monitoring and Reporting Requirements Yes No NA NE Are copies of required press releases and distribution lists available? Are public notices and proof of publication available? # Is an annual report being prepared in accordance with G.S. 143-215.1C? # Is permittee compliant with all compliance schedules in the permits? If no, which one(s)? Clay County Water and Sewer has not had any reportable SSOs within the past five years.Comment: BLAIR CREEK - Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aeriel Lines Yes No NA NE Is right-of-way accessible for emergency? Is right-of-way free of sinkholes or depressions? Is line/right-of-way free of evidence of leakage? # Are there areas of exposed line? # Is any exposed line constructed of ductile iron or other approved material? Are water crossing and supports in good condition? # Is right-of-way free of non-utility motorized traffic? Is line free of visible damage? # Are there siphons in this system? If yes, are they maintained and documented? This is a subwater-way line. CS staff are unsure of the pipe material running under the creek so monitor this section regularly. Comment: TOWN CREEK 2 - Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aeriel Lines Yes No NA NE Is right-of-way accessible for emergency? Is right-of-way free of sinkholes or depressions? Is line/right-of-way free of evidence of leakage? # Are there areas of exposed line? # Is any exposed line constructed of ductile iron or other approved material? Are water crossing and supports in good condition? # Is right-of-way free of non-utility motorized traffic? Page:6 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Is line free of visible damage? # Are there siphons in this system? If yes, are they maintained and documented? This line was recently replaced and the footers were repaired. Repairs reduced the aerial span significantly. Mr. Waldroup states the creek does not rise enough to wash debris into the ductile iron pipe. CS staff are more concerned with erosion along the banks. Comment: RIVERSIDE - Pump Station Yes No NA NE Pump station type Duplex Are pump station logs available? Is it accessible in all weather conditions? # Is general housekeeping acceptable? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are wet wells free of excessive debris? Are upstream manholes free of excessive debris/signs of overflow? Are floats/controls for pumps/alarms operable? Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA present? Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA operational? Is simple telemetry present? Is simple telemetry operational? Are audio and visual alarms present? Are audio and visual alarms operable? Is the Pump station inspected as required? Are backflow devices in place? Are backflow devices operable? Are air relief valves in place? Are air relief valves operable? # Is an emergency generator available? Can the emergency generator run the pumps? Is the pump station equipped for quick hook-up? Is the generator operable? # Is fuel in tank and sufficient? Is the generator inspected according to their schedule? Is a 24-hour notification sign posted? Does it include: Instructions for notification? Page:7 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Pump station identifier? Emergency phone number Is public access limited? Is pump station free of overflow piping? Is the pump station free of signs of overflow? Are run times comparable for multiple pumps?yes This pump station receives approximately 90% of the system flow. The wetwell is cleaned out at least every six months and more often if needed. The county would like to upgrade the auto-dialer and install an on-site generator. The pump station is not easily accessible in the winter time which could be an issue if staff must use the portable generator during a power failure. Comment: RIVERGLEN - Pump Station Yes No NA NE Pump station type Duplex Are pump station logs available? Is it accessible in all weather conditions? # Is general housekeeping acceptable? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are wet wells free of excessive debris? Are upstream manholes free of excessive debris/signs of overflow? Are floats/controls for pumps/alarms operable? Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA present? Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA operational? Is simple telemetry present? Is simple telemetry operational? Are audio and visual alarms present? Are audio and visual alarms operable? Is the Pump station inspected as required? Are backflow devices in place? Are backflow devices operable? Are air relief valves in place? Are air relief valves operable? # Is an emergency generator available? Can the emergency generator run the pumps? Is the pump station equipped for quick hook-up? Is the generator operable? Page:8 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine # Is fuel in tank and sufficient? Is the generator inspected according to their schedule? Is a 24-hour notification sign posted? Does it include: Instructions for notification? Pump station identifier? Emergency phone number Is public access limited? Is pump station free of overflow piping? Is the pump station free of signs of overflow? Are run times comparable for multiple pumps?Does not have pump run times. Recently installed a chain-link fence around the pump station. Moved check valves out of the wetwell to make them more accessible. The panel for this lift station does not display pump runtimes. Pumps are set to alternate. The pump station does not have a dedicated back-up generator or quick hook-up for a portable generator. Recommend installing a quick hook-up connection for the portable generator. Mr. Waldroup reports this pump station receives less than 10% of the collection system flow. He estimates the wetwell has about two to three days of storage in the event of a power failure. Comment: TOWN CREEK 1 - Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aeriel Lines Yes No NA NE Is right-of-way accessible for emergency? Is right-of-way free of sinkholes or depressions? Is line/right-of-way free of evidence of leakage? # Are there areas of exposed line? # Is any exposed line constructed of ductile iron or other approved material? Are water crossing and supports in good condition? # Is right-of-way free of non-utility motorized traffic? Is line free of visible damage? # Are there siphons in this system? If yes, are they maintained and documented? Ductile iron pipe appeared to be in good condition. Footers did not show signs of wear. CS staff check all aerial lines after heavy rain for signs of damage. Comment: RIVERSIDE SEGMENT - Manhole Yes No NA NE Is manhole accessible? # Is manhole cover/vent above grade? Is the manhole free of visible signs of overflow? Page:9 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Is the manhole free of sinkholes and depressions? Is manhole cover present? # Is manhole properly seated? # Is manhole in good condition? # Is invert in good condition? Is line free-flowing and unrestricted in manhole? Is manhole free of excessive amounts of grease? Is manhole free of excessive roots? Is manhole free of excessive sand? Is manhole's extended vent screened? Are vents free of submergence? Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes? Manhole was in good condition. CS staff have placed stakes in front of the manholes to help prevent damage from farm equipment. Comment: BLAIR CREEK - Manhole Yes No NA NE Is manhole accessible? # Is manhole cover/vent above grade? Is the manhole free of visible signs of overflow? Is the manhole free of sinkholes and depressions? Is manhole cover present? # Is manhole properly seated? # Is manhole in good condition? # Is invert in good condition? Is line free-flowing and unrestricted in manhole? Is manhole free of excessive amounts of grease? Is manhole free of excessive roots? Is manhole free of excessive sand? Is manhole's extended vent screened? Are vents free of submergence? Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes? Concrete was in good condition. Manhole is close to creek bank so CS staff monitor bank erosion. Comment: YELLOW JACKET DR. - Manhole Yes No NA NE Is manhole accessible? # Is manhole cover/vent above grade? Page:10 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Is the manhole free of visible signs of overflow? Is the manhole free of sinkholes and depressions? Is manhole cover present? # Is manhole properly seated? # Is manhole in good condition? # Is invert in good condition? Is line free-flowing and unrestricted in manhole? Is manhole free of excessive amounts of grease? Is manhole free of excessive roots? Is manhole free of excessive sand? Is manhole's extended vent screened? Are vents free of submergence? Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes? This manhole receives flow from two of the pump stations. Some evidence of corrosion. Manhole has been epoxy coated to help prevent additional damage from corrosion. The influent pipes were lowered to reduce the impact on the manhole's side walls. Inverts appeared to be in good condition and free of any obstruction. Comment: BLAIR CREEK - Pump Station Yes No NA NE Pump station type Duplex Are pump station logs available? Is it accessible in all weather conditions? # Is general housekeeping acceptable? Are all pumps present? Are all pumps operable? Are wet wells free of excessive debris? Are upstream manholes free of excessive debris/signs of overflow? Are floats/controls for pumps/alarms operable? Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA present? Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA operational? Is simple telemetry present? Is simple telemetry operational? Are audio and visual alarms present? Are audio and visual alarms operable? Is the Pump station inspected as required? Are backflow devices in place? Are backflow devices operable? Page:11 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCSD0246 11/16/2017 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Clay County Water & Sewer District Routine Are air relief valves in place? Are air relief valves operable? # Is an emergency generator available? Can the emergency generator run the pumps? Is the pump station equipped for quick hook-up? Is the generator operable? # Is fuel in tank and sufficient? Is the generator inspected according to their schedule? Is a 24-hour notification sign posted? Does it include: Instructions for notification? Pump station identifier? Emergency phone number Is public access limited? Is pump station free of overflow piping? Is the pump station free of signs of overflow? Are run times comparable for multiple pumps?yes Pump station was installed approximately 10 years ago. A memory care facility discharges directly into this pump station. Collection System staff report issues with flushable wipes and rags from the facility. Collection System personnel have spoken to the facility staff and imposed increased surcharges, however, they still have issues with rags/wipes. Collection system staff have installed a basket under the influent line to the pump station to catch most of the debris coming in. Mr. Waldroup reports they have seen a significant reduction in issues with the grinder pumps since installing the basket. The basket is emptied once a week. Comment: Page:12