WQCS00060_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190709

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
July 09, 2019
Chandra Farmer, Director of Public Utilities
Johnston County Department of Public Utilities
PO Box 2263
Smithfield, NC 27577
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Johnston County Collection System
Permit WQCS00060
Johnston County
Dear Ms. Farmer,
On Monday, June 17, 2019, Zach Thomas and Erin Deck of the Raleigh Regional Office conducted a
compliance evaluation inspection of the collection system for Johnston County. The purpose of this
inspection was to ensure compliance with the subject permit. During the inspection, the presence and
cooperation of Mr. Eric Narron, Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and Mr. James Davis (BUORC)
was helpful and appreciated.
This compliance evaluation inspection consisted of the following:
• Review of the permit;
• Review of the owner/facility information;
• Review of required records and documentation;
• On -site inspection of the collection system and lift station units
Findings during the inspection and file review were as follows:
1. The permit (WQCS00060) was issued effective on May 1, 2015, and will expire on April 30, 2023.
2. The collection system is classified CS-3. As listed in the subject permit, the system contains
approximately 90 miles of gravity sewer, 145 miles of force main, and 83 pump stations with
SCADA (27 simplex & 56 duplex). Documentation from the ORC indicated the system now has
approximately 116 miles of gravity sewer and 149 of force main.
3. Jennifer Doll is responsible for the Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) program and grease trap ordinance.
Materials are distributed twice a year to all users. Johnston County also has a complete Sewer Use
Ordinance that contains a septic tank ordinance.
4. Approximately 62,060 feet of line has been cleaned thus far in 2019. It was stated that no major
issues have been noted due to roots because of how new the system is and that the County is currently
working on a Root Control Program.
DEQ� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
_ Raleigh Regional Office . 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh. North Carolina 27609
�a.wr V 919.791.4200

The Spill Response Plan and SSO records were up to date and complete. All maintenance records
and inspections are kept and performed in compliance with the subject permit.
b. The Capital Improvement Plan was dated September 2017 and extends through 2037. It is updated
annually and includes descriptions of project areas, facilities, deficiencies, and future needs. A total
of $54 million is allotted over this time span for repairs and expansion.
7. The County has GIS based maps of the collection system. All information is present on one map
except for service tap information. These are currently located on their own GIS layer and the ORC
stated they will be added to the complete map soon.
8. Emergency generators are auto tested weekly and are tested under load manually every six months.
All stations are equipped with a generator.
9. It was noted that Johnston County is growing at a rapid rate and that the County is looking into the
purchase and implementation of an Asset Management Program that will assist in consolidating many
of the County's processes, inventory, and records in to one system to help streamline workflow.
DWR has issued multiple sewer extension permits to the County. Please explain to this office how
the newly constructed lines are being accounted for and maintained as part of the County's collection
system permit.
10. Several lift stations, manholes, and high priority lines were inspected:
a) 5 lift stations were inspected. All were in good condition and in compliance with permit
requirements. It is noted that:
i) Selma Lift Station was in need of a minor fence repair to prevent access.
ii) Buffalo Creek and Devil's Race Track Stations 24 HR contact information needed to be
updated.
b) All inspected manholes were found to be in good condition, free of excessive debris and signs of
overflow.
c) High Priority lines are inspected in accordance with permit requirements. Knolls of the Neuse
Subdivision high priority lines were inspected and in good condition at the time of the inspection.
The following items that are underlined above should be addressed in a written response
submitted to this office within 30 days after receipt: 9 & 10.a.i & 10.a.ii .
If you have questions or comments about the inspection, this report or the requirements to take
corrective action (if applicable), please contact:
Zach Thomas at 919-791-4247 or via email at zachary.thomas()ncdenr.gov.
I
&ich,
�LG
Assistant Water Quality Regional Supervisor
Raleigh Regional Office
Attachments: EPA Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: Eric Narron, ORC (via email: [e-mail])
RRO Files
Laserfiche

Permit: WQCS00060
SOC:
County: Johnston
Region: Raleigh
Compliance Inspection Report
Effective: 05/01/15 Expiration: 04/30/23 owner: Johnston County Public Utilities
Effective: Expiration: Facility: Johnston County Collection System
PO Box 2263
Contact Person: Chandra C Farmer
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS3,
Primary ORC: Eric Anthony Narron
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Title: Director of Utilities
Certification: 987977
Smithfield NC 275771049
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Related Permits:
NCO020389 Town of Benson - Benson WWTP
NCO030716 Johnston County Public Utilities - Central Johnston County VWVfP
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 Entry Time: 09:30AM Exit Time: 01:30PM
Primary Inspector: Zachary Thomas Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
Erin M Deck
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
Capital Improvement Plan Map Reporting Requirements
inspections Spill Response Plan Spills
Lines Manholes Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 8

Permit: WQCS00060 Owner • Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On Monday, June 17, 2019, Zach Thomas and Erin Deck of the Raleigh Regional Office conducted a compliance evaluation
inspection of the collection system for Johnston County. The purpose of this inspection was to ensure compliance with the
subject permit. During the inspection, the presence and cooperation of Mr. Eric Narron, Operator in Responsible Charge
(ORC) and Mr. James Davis (BUORC) was helpful and appreciated.
This compliance evaluation inspection consisted of the following:
• Review of the permit;
• Review of the owner/facility information;
• Review of required records and documentation;
• On -site inspection of the collection system and lift station units
Findings during the inspection and file review were as follows:
1. The permit (WQCS00060) was issued effective on May 1, 2015, and will expire on April 30, 2023.
2. The collection system is classified CS-3. As listed in the subject permit, the system contains approximately 90 miles of
gravity sewer, 145 miles of force main, and 83 pump stations with SCADA (27 simplex & 56 duplex). Documentation from
the ORC indicated the system now has approximately 116 miles of gravity sewer and 149 of force main.
3. Jennifer Doll is responsible for the Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) program and grease trap ordinance. Materials are
distributed twice a year to all users. Johnston County also has a complete Sewer Use Ordinance that contains a septic
tank ordinance.
4. Approximately 62,060 feet of line has been cleaned thus far in 2019. It was stated that no major issues have been
noted due to roots because of how new the system is and that the County is currently working on a Root Control Program.
5. The Spill Response Plan and SSO records were up to date and complete. All maintenance records and inspections are
kept and performed in compliance with the subject permit.
6. The Capital Improvement Plan was dated September 2017 and extends through 2037. It is updated annually and
includes descriptions of project areas, facilities, deficiencies, and future needs. A total of $54 million is allotted over this
time span for repairs and expansion.
7. The County has GIS based maps of the collection system. All information is present on one map except for service tap
information. These are currently located on their own GIS layer and the ORC stated they will be added to the complete map
soon.
8. Emergency generators are auto tested weekly and are tested under load manually every six months. All stations are
equipped with a generator.
9. It was noted that Johnston County is growing at a rapid rate and that the County is looking into the purchase and
implementation of an Asset Management Program that will assist in consolidating many of the County's processes,
inventory, and records in to one system to help streamline workflow. DWR has issued multiple sewer extension permits to
the County. Please explain to this office how the newly constructed lines are being accounted for and maintained as part of
the County's collection system permit.
10. Several lift stations, manholes, and high priority lines were inspected:
a) 5 lift stations were inspected. All were in good condition and in compliance with permit requirements. It is noted that:
i) Selma Lift Station was in need of a minor fence repair to prevent access.
ii) Buffalo Creek and Devil's Race Track Stations 24 HR contact information needed to be updated.
b) All inspected manholes were found to be in good condition, free of excessive debris and signs of overflow.
Page 2 of 8

permit: WOCS00060 Owner - Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
c) High Priority lines are inspected in accordance with permit requirements. Knolls of the Neuse Subdivision high priority
lines were inspected and in good condition at the time of the inspection.
The following items that are underlined above should be addressed in a written response submitted to this office within 30
days after receipt: 9 & 10.a.i & 10.a.ii .
Page 3 of 8

Permit: WQCS00060 Owner - Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# What is that frequency? weekly
# 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is permit expiring within the next 6 months? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
If Yes, has the Permittee applied for renewal? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Comment:
Sewer and FOG Ordinances Yes No NA NE
Is Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) or other Legal Authority available? E ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is action taken against violators? ❑ ❑ E ❑
# 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.)
Website
Comment:
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
Has a Capital (CIP) or System Improvement Plan been developed and adopted? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is it designated for wastewater only or does it have a dedicated section? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP cover three to five year period of earmarked improvements? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The Capital Improvement Plan was dated September 2017 and extends through 2037.
A total of $54 million is allotted over this time span for repairs and expansion.
Page 4 of 8

Permit: WOCS00060 Owner - Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Map
Yes No NA NE
Is there a overall sewer system map?
M El El M
Does the map include:
Pipe Type (GS/FM)
Pipe sizes
M
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc)
0 El El M
Pipe location
Flow direction
0 El El 0
Approximate pipe age
0 El El 0
Pump station ID, location and capacity
# Force main air release valve location & type
0
# Location of satellite connections
M 11 El El
Is the map being updated for changes/additions within 1 year of activation?
0 El El M
Comment: The County has GIS based maps of the collection system. All information is Dresent on one
map except for service tap information. These are currently located on their own GIS laver and
the ORC stated they will be added to the complete map soon.
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? Website/Utility Bill
Comment:
Inspections
Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained? 0❑ n ❑
Are pump stations being inspected at the required frequency? 0❑ ❑ ❑
# Is at least one complete functionality test conducted weekly per pump station? 0 11 M ❑
Is there a system or plan in place to observe the entire system annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the annual inspection documented? 0 0❑
# Does the system have any high -priority lines/locations?
Are inspections of HPL documented at least every 6 months? 0❑ El ❑
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created? M 13 ❑ ❑
Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan
Yes No NA NE
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? 0❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 8

permit: WQCS00060 Owner - Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 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 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Response time M ❑ ❑ ❑
Equipment list and spare parts inventory 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Access to cleaning equipment 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Access to construction crews, contractors, and/or engineers 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Source of emergency funds 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Site sanitation and cleanup materials 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Post-overflow/spill assessment 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the Permittee appear to respond within 2 hours of first knowledge of a spill? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Skills Yes No NA NE
Is system free of known points of bypass? ❑ ❑ ❑
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:
Knolls of the Neuse Subdivision lines were inspected and in good condition at the time of inspection.
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, give details on temporary access:
Is maintenance documented? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are gravity sewer cleaning records available? ME][][--]
Has at least 10% of lines older than 5 yrs been cleaned annually? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Were all areas/lines inspected free of issues? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Approximately 62,060 feet of line has been cleaned thus far in 2019
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Multiple manholes were found to be in good condition, free of excessive debris and signs of overflow.
Are manholes accessible? M ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 8

Permit: WOCS00060 Owner- Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Are manhole covers present?
❑
# Are manholes properly seated?
E ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes in good condition?
0 ❑ El ❑
# Are inverts in good condition?
0 ❑ ❑
Is flow unrestricted in manholes?
Are manholes free of excessive amounts of grease?
0 ❑ El ❑
Are manholes free of excessive roots?
0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive sand?
E ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole vents screened?
0 ❑ El M
Are vents free of submergence?
0 ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
❑ ❑
Comment:
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
5 lift stations were inspected (DOT, Selma, Buffalo Creek, Devil's Race Track, and Wilsons Mills)
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
56
# Number of vacuum stations in system
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
27
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
56
# 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 communication system functional?
E ❑ ❑
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
0 El ❑
Does the sign include:
Owner Name?
0❑ El ❑
Pump station identifier?
0❑ El El
# Address?
0 M❑ ❑
Instructions for notification?
❑
24-hour emergency contact numbers?
❑ El
Are audio and visual alarms present?
❑ ❑
Page 7 of 8

Permit: VVQCS00060 Owner • Facility: Johnston County Public Utilities
Inspection Date: 06/17/2019 Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Are audio and visual alarms operable? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is there a backup generator or bypass pump connected? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? M ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is the owner relying on portable units in the event of a power outage? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a distribution plan? ❑ ❑ M ❑
If Yes, what resources (Units/StaffNehicles/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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Do pump station logs include at a minimum:
Inside and outside cleaning and debris removal? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and exercising all valves? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: i) Selma Lift Station was in need of a minor fence repair to prevent access.
ii) Buffalo Creek and Devil's Race Track Stations 24 HR contact information needed to be
updated.
Page 8 of 8