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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQCS00299_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190510ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary LINDA CULPEPPER Dlrectar The Honorable Grady N. Smith, Mayor Town of Elm City PO Box 717 Elm City, NC 27822-3970 IL �.. �ww+r*d NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality May 10, 2019 Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Elm City Collection System WWCS Permit WQCS00299 Wilson County Dear Mayor Smith: " 1. M. :lq a-0 On April 25, 2019, Vanessa Manuel from the Raleigh Regional Office conducted an inspection of the town's wastewater collection system to evaluate compliance with the operation and maintenance of the subject wastewater collection system permit. The cooperation and assistance of Thomas Ellis, Envirolink Area Manager, and William Lamm, Operator in Responsible Charge, during the inspection were greatly appreciated. Our records indicate the wastewater collection system consists of approximately 10.13 miles of gravity sewer, approximately 3.22 miles of force main, 4 duplex pump stations, and 2 high priority sewer lines. The subject permit is effective from May 1, 2015 until April 30, 2023, and is subject to specific conditions and limitations. The items below show what conditions were noted during the inspection: 1. Reported Sanitary Sewer Overflows. During the period May I, 2017 through April 10, 2019, there were two SSOs from the town's collection system with a combined estimated volume of 960 gallons, of which 950 gallons reached surface water. No fish kills were reported because of the SSO events. 2. Fats, Oils and Grease Program. The Town of Elm City, hereinafter referred to as the Town has developed and implements an educational fats, oils and grease program that includes at least bi-annual distribution of educational material targeted at both residential and non-residential users. The Town has also developed and implements an enforceable FOG program for non-residential users. 3. CapitaI Improvement Plan. The Town has adopted and implements a Capital Improvement Plan to designate funding for reinvestment into the wastewater collection D North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality division of Water Resources Raleigh Regional Office 3900 Barrett Drive I Raleigh. North Carolina 27609 ra�a.+i r�aa�4 � 919.791,4200 Town of Elm City, WQCS00299 May 10, 2019 system infrastructure. The CIP covers fiscal years 2014 through 2023, includes a goal statement, description of the project area, description of the existing facilities, known deficiencies and forecasted future needs. The approximate capital improvement budget for wastewater and stormwater is $4,526,530.00. 4. Contingency Plan for Pump Failure. The Town maintains a contingency plan for pump failure at each lift station. If one of the pumps in the duplex pump station fails, the process for repairing or replacing the pump shall be initiated immediately and the new parts or pump shall be installed as soon as possible. 5. Pump Stations Inspected. The following duplex pump stations were inspected: Branch Street Lift Station, Cedar Ridge Lift Station (formerly Beavue Lift Station), North Parker Lift Station, and Wilson Street Lift Station. The inspector's observations noted in the next 5 items below refer to the pump stations inspected. Overall, the pump stations were well maintained. The wet wells were free of excessive debris and grease, and the inspector did not observe any signs of recent overflow. The on -site permanent generators were tested during the inspection, and all generators cranked when manually tested except at the Cedar Ridge Lift Station. Within 45 days of receiving this letter, please provide this office with an update on the following: the reason file generator failed to start, an update on the status of the generator, and the actions the Town will implement to ensure the generator starts in the event of power loss. 6. Pump Station Signage. Each pump station has signage clearly and conspicuously posted that identifies the pump station, provides an emergency 24-hour contact telephone number(s), and provides instructions for notification if the visual alarm illuminates and/or the audible alarm sounds, or if an emergency is apparent. 7. Pump Station Restricted Access. The pump station sites, equipment and components were observed to have restricted access. 8. Pump Stations Automatic Polling Feature. The pump stations are equipped with simple telemetry that will notify the Town of an alarm condition or loss of power to the station. 9. Pump Station High Water Alarms. The pump stations are equipped with audible and visual high water alarms. During the inspection, these alarms functioned properly at the Branch Street, North Parker, and Wilson Street Lift Stations. At the Cedar Ridge Lift Station, the visual alarm failed to function. Within 45-days of receiving this letter, please update this office regarding the status of the visual alarm, the cause of the alarm failure, and the actions lite Town will implement to ensure all alarms finiction in the event of high water in the wet well. 10. Pump Station Inspection Program. The Town has developed a routine inspection of each pump station. The inspector observed the following notations within the pump station logbooks: date and time of operator's visit; weather condition; operator's initials; and pump hours. Some of the logbooks observed reflected less than weekly operator visits. The logbook at the North Parker Lift Station indicated operator visits on April 6, 23, 24 and 25. No visits were indicated for the weeks of April 8t' or 15`h. The logbook did not indicate the calendar year. Within 45-days of receiving this letter, please update Town of Elm City, WQCS00299 May 10, 2019 this affrce regarding the status of the Town's pump station inspection program. Please ensure the minimum maintenance activities required by the subject permit are incorporated into the Town's inspection program of the lift stations and the lift stations are inspected at least once a week. 11. Designated Operators. The Town's wastewater collection system is classified as a Grade 11 system, and the designated certified Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and back-up ORC on record are William Lamm and Anthony Branch, respectively. The certification status for each operator is reflected as active in the Division's data system. 12. Cleaning Sewer Lines. The Town has developed and implements a program for cleaning the sewer lines. As required by Section II.8 of the subject permit, at least 10% of the wastewater collection system should be cleaned each year. Preventative cleaning is not required for sewer lines less than five years old, unless an inspection reveals the need for cleaning. As the operator indicated during the inspection, 1.13 miles (5,960 ft.) of sewer line were cleaned during calendar year 2018. 13. Spill Response Action Plan. The Town has developed and maintains a Spill Response Action Plan that includes 24-hour contact numbers, response time, equipment list and spare parts inventory, access to cleaning equipment, access to construction crews, sources of emergency funds, site sanitation and cleanup materials, and post-SSO assessment. 14. SSO Records. The Town has maintained adequate records pertaining to SSOs and sewer complaints for the three-year period ending April 2019. The last reportable SSO occurred on October 9, 2017. 15. Comprehensive Sewer Map. The Town maintains a comprehensive map of its sewer collection system. The map includes pipe size, pipe location, flow direction, and each pump station identification, location and capacity. As required by Section III.3 of the subject permit, please update the Town's sewer collection system map to include pipe material, approximate pipe age and number of active service taps. 16. Inspection of High Priority Lines. As required by Section VA of the subject permit, an inspection of all high priority sewer Iines shall be performed at least once every six - months. During the inspection, the Town's two high priority lines were inspected: North Parker at Bridge and aerial Iine crossing at North Parker and Daniels Drive (across from rest home). The high priority line at the North Parker bridge is a sub -waterway crossing. No exposed pipe was observe and no indication of wastewater spill within the creek was observed. The aerial line crossing the creek at North Parker and Daniels Drive could not be located. Please update this office on the location of this high priority aerial line. Town of Elm City, WQCS00299 May 10, 2019 Within 45-days of receiving this letter, please provide this office with a response to items 5, 9, 10,15 and 16 above. If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action if applicable, please contact Vanessa Manuel at 919-791- 4255. Sincerely, Ok- Rick Bolich, L.G., Assistant Supervisor Water Quality Regional Supervisor Raleigh Regional Office Attachment(s): Collection System Inspection Report Cc; RRO'SWP Files Laserfiche 4 Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WOCS00299 Effective: 05/01/15 Expiration: 04/30/23 owner: Town of Elm City SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Elm City Collection System County: Wilson PO Box 717 Region: Raleigh Elm City NC 278223970 Contact Person: Heather Thomas Adams Title: Phone: 252-235-4900 Directions to Facility: System Classifications: CS2, Primary ORC: William Edward Lamm Certification: 993534 Phone: 252-235-4900 Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: W00003405 Town of Elm City - Elm City WWrF Inspection pate: 04/25/2019 Entry Time: 09 33AM Exit Time: 12 OOPM Primary Inspector, Vanessa E Manuel �Cjyu/S�DC. I Phone: 94t3 O?- 39i6 �f Secondary Inspector(s): q/ %— T x% /— d z T'- 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 E performance Standards Operation & Maint Reqmts Records 0 Manito0g & Rpting Reqmts Inspections Pump Station N trines (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 11 Permit' VVOCS00299 owner • Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 04125J2019 Inspection Type : Collection System inspect Non Sampling Reason For Visit Routine Inspection Summary See attached inspection report. Page 2 of 11 Permit: WQCS00299 Owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 04125/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit Routine Performance Standards Yes No NA NE Is Public Education Program for grease established and documented? What educational tools are used' Bill inserts and door hanger pamphlets. Is Sewer Use Ordinance+Legal Authority available? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Does it appear that the Sewer Use Ordinance is enforced? M❑ ❑ ❑ Is Grease Trap Ordinance available? . ❑ ❑ Is Septic Tank Ord nan--e available (as applicable. i.e annexation) M List enforcement actions by penniltee, if any, in the last 12 months Has an acceptable Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) been implemented? 0 ❑ ❑ Does CIP address short term needs and long term %'master plant" concepts? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does CIP cover three to five year period? Does CIP include Goal Statement? ■ Does CIP include descripl.on of project area? . Does CIP include description of existing facilities? M ❑ Does CIP include known deficiencies? ■ Does CIP include forecasted future needs? ■ Is CIP designated only for wastewater collection and treatment? . Cl ❑ ❑ Approximate capital improvement budget for collection system? 34,526 530.00 Total annual revenue for wastewater collection and treatment? CIP Comments 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? M❑ ❑ # Does the sign include Instructions for notification? 0❑ Pump station identifier? ■ ❑ E3 El 24-hour contact numbers If no, list deficient pump stations # Do ALL pump stations have an "auto polling" feature/SCADA? Number of pump stations 4 Number of pump stations that have SCADA o Number of pump stations that have simple telemetry 4 Number of pump stations that have only audible and visual alarms 0 Number of pump stations that do not meet permit requirements 11 # Does the permittee have a root control program? Page 3 of 11 Permit: WCICso0299 owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection bate: 04125/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Rc.abne # If yes. date implemented? Describe. Comment; YesN oNA HE Inspections 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-SCADAltelemetry equipped pump stations inspected every day? Are records available that document citizen complaints? # Do you have a system to conduct an annual observation 0 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 Ines in last six months? Comment: Oi3eration & Maintenance Requirements Yes _NoNA 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 arcas? What is the schedule for reviewing inspection, maintenance, & operations logs and problem areas? Are maintenance records for equipment available? Is a schedule maintained for testing emergencylstandby equipment? Once per month What is the schedule for testing emergencylstandby equipment? Do pump station logs include: 001113 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? 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? ■ ❑ ❑ ElHas at least 1 o% of system been cleaned annually? What areas are scheduled for cleaning In the next 12 months? Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? Does the plan include: 24-hour contact numbers Page 4 of 11 Permit: W00500299 Owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 0412512019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit Routine Response time ■ ❑ ❑ El Equipment list and spare parts inventory 0 El ❑ ❑ Access to cleaning equipment 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Access to construction crews. contractors andlor engineers 0❑ ❑ ❑ Source of emergency funds ■E3 ❑ ❑ Site sanitation and cleanup materials Post-overflowlspill assessment . ❑ Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel? . Is the spare parts inventory adequate? 13 Comment: Records Yes Ng Are adequate records of all SSOs. spills and compla nts available? 0 1111 El Are records of SSOs that are under the reportable threshold available? M ❑ 11 ❑ Do spill records indicate repeated overflows (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ If yes, is there a corrective action plan? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is a map of the system available? ■ ❑ ❑ Does the map include: Pipe sizes Pipe materials ■ Pipe location Flow direction 0 El 0 ❑ Approximate pipe age El■ ❑ Number of service taps ■ ❑ Pump stations and capacity . ❑ ❑ ri If no, what percent is complete? List any modifications and extensions that need to be added to the map Need to add the following attributes to the comprehensive map pipe material. pipe age. and active number of service taps. # Does the permittee have a copy of their permit? Comment: Need to add the following attributes to the comprehensive map. pipe material: Dine aae. and active number of service taps. Monitoring and Reportincl Requirements Yes No NA NE Are copies of required press releases and distribution lists available? ❑ M Are public notices and proof of publication available? # Is an annual report being prepared in accordance with G.S. 143-215.1C? (] ❑ ❑ # Is permiltee compliant with all compliance schedules in the permits? If no, which one(s)? Page 5 of 11 Permit: WQCS00299 Owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 0412512019 P Type: Inspection 7 e • Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit R outina Comment: NORTH PARKER L. S. - No Pump Station Yes No NA NE Iv uplaM Pump station type 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? [I El ❑ Are upstream manholes free of excessive debrisfsigns of overflow? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are floatsicontrols for pumpslalarms operable? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA present? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA 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? ■ El ❑ ❑ Can the emergency generator run the pumps? ❑ El ■ ❑ Is the pump station equipped for quick hook-up? Is the generator operable? # Is fuel in tank and sufficient? • El ❑ El 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? ❑ ❑ Elis pump station free of overflow piping? Page 6 of 11 Permit; WOCS00299 Owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 04/2512019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Is the pump station free of signs of overflow? 0 Are run times comparable for multiple pumps? Comment: WILSON STREET L.S. - MI Pump Station Yes No NA NE_ Pump station type Duplex Are pump station togs available? 01:11:1 El Is it accessible in all weather conditions? 0❑ ❑ ❑ # Is general housekeeping acceptable? 0❑ ❑ ❑ Are all pumps present? 0 ❑ ❑ El Are all pumps operable? ■ Are wet wells free of excessive debris? ❑ ❑ Are upstream manholes free of excessive debris/signs of overflow? Are floatslcontrols for pumps/alarms operable? Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA present? El 11 M El Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA operational? . Is simple telemetry present? . Is simple telemetry operational? ■11❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms present? 0❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms operable? 0 ❑ ❑ Is the Pump station inspected as required? Are backflow, devices in place? 11❑ . 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? ❑ El Is the pump station equipped for quick hook-up? ❑ ❑ M Is the generator operable? .El ❑ El # Is fuel in lank and sufficient? ■ ❑ Is the generator inspected according to their schedule? 0 ❑ El El Is a 24-hour notification sign posted? 0❑ Does it include Instructions for notification? Pump station identifier? Emergency phone number ■ Page 7 of 11 permit: WQCSV'299 owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date' 0412V2019 inspection Type 'Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine ❑ ❑ ❑ Is public access limited? is pump station free of overflow piping? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ El ❑ Is the pump station free of s gns of overflow? • Are run times comparable for multiple pumps? Comment; CEDAR RIDGE L. S. - Bear Pllmo Station ves Na NA NE Duplex Pump station type ■ Cl ❑ ❑ Are pump station logs available? ■ El ❑ ❑ is it accessible in all weather condit,ons? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Is general housekeeping acceptable? Are all pumps present? M ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ El• ❑ Is "auto polling" feature/SCADA present? Cl ❑ • ❑ Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is simple telemetry present? • ❑ ❑ ❑ 15 simple telemetry operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms present? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms operable? ■ ❑ El ❑ Is the Pump station inspected as required? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Are backflow devices in place? ❑ ❑ El ■ Are backflow devices operable? El El ❑ ■ Are air relief valves in place? ❑ El ❑ ■ Are air relief values operable? El ❑ ElIs # an emergency generator available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Can the emergency generator run the pumps? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the pump station equipped for quick hook-up? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Is the generator operable? El# ❑ ■ ❑ Is fuel in tank and sufficient? ❑ 110 Is the generator inspected according to their schedule? ■ El El ❑ Is a 24-hour notification sign posted? Does it include ❑ ❑ ❑ Instructions for notification? Page 8 of 11 Permit: WOCS00299 Inspection Date: 04125I2019 Owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Pump station identifier? . ❑ 00 Emergency phone number . ❑ 0 El 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? Comment: The visual alarm did not function when the hi h water float was tested The operator said the light bulb will be replaced. The wet well had a significant amount of grease The operator said wet wells are tvoically cleaned twice per year. The Cedar Ridge Lift Station is on schedule to be cleaned. Theoperator could not turn the emergency enerator on manually. The fuel level was observed at less than half full. The operator stated the generator operated okay the morning of the inspection. - N. PARKER AT BRIDGE - L LineslRight-of-WayslAeriel Lines Yes No NA NE Is right-of-way accessible for emergency? M Is right-of-way free of sinkholes or depressions? . Is linelright-of-way free of evidence of leakage? ■11❑ # Are there areas of exposed line? El 0 ❑ El # 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? ❑ ❑ ■ 11 If yes, are they maintained and documented? Comment: Sub -waterway crossing_ N. PARKER/DANIELS DR - LineslRight-of-WayslAeriel Lines —' Yes No NA NE Is right-of-way accessible for emergency? 0 Is right-of-way free of sinkholes or depressions? ■ Is linelright-of-way free of evidence of leakage? # Are there areas of exposed line? 11❑ # Is any exposed line constructed of ductile iron or other approved material? ❑ Are water crossing and supports in good condition? ❑ El # Is right-of-way free of non-ulilily motorized traffic? Is line Free of visible damage? El❑ ❑ # Are there siphons in this system? 11❑ ❑ If yes, are they maintained and documented? Page 9 of 11 Permit: WOCSoi}299 owner - Facility* Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 0412512019 Inspection Type : Coilectson System lnspe:t Nan Sarpl r.g Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: Could not locate the hi h i-riorit. line durin the inspection. BRANCH STIR tS - Branch Pump Station Yes No NA NE Duplex Pump station type 0000 Are pump station logs available? • ❑ ❑ Elis 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 debrisls:gns of overflow? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Are foats/controls for pumpstalarms operable? El ❑ 1 ❑ Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA present? El El ■ ❑ Is "auto polling" featurelSCADA operational? is simple telemetry present? Is simple telemetry operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ElAre audio and visual alarms present? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ Are audio and visual alarms operable? ■ ❑ ❑ ElIs the Pump station inspected as required? El El El M Are backflow devices in place? Are backtlow devices operable? Are air relief valves in place? 0 El El M 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? 11 Cl # 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 M El 0 El Is public access limited? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is pump station free of overflow piping? Page 10 of 1 i permit: WOCS00299 Owner - Facility: Town of Elm City Inspection Date: 0412512019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Is the pump station free of signs of overflow? Are run times comparable for multiple pumps? ■❑❑❑ Comment: The visual and audible alarms did not function when the high water float was triggered. Both alarms were activated when manually tested. Theo erator stated the issue was the float device was not triggering the alarms and will „be investigated and corrected. Page 11 of 11