WQCS00017_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20190729

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
LINDA CULPEPPER
Director
Mr. Michael Peoples, City Manager
City of Gastonia
PO Box 1748
Gastonia, North Carolina 28053
NORTH CAROLINA
EM'Oenrr.r,ertMa! Qrtalrfy
July 29, 2019
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permittee: City of Gastonia Waste Water Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00017
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Peoples:
Mr. Tony Parker of the Mooresville Regional Office of the NC Division of Water
Resources (DWR or the Division) conducted a compliance evaluation inspection (CEI) of
the City's wastewater collection system (WWCS) on July 25, 2019. The assistance of Ron
Cook, Brian Potocki, Charlie Graham and Justin Pearson, during the inspection was greatly
appreciated. A copy of the inspection report is attached for your records and inspection
findings are summarized below.
Site/System Review
2. The following system components were inspected:
a. Four pump stations were inspected. Issues noted. See attached report.
b. Numerous manholes were inspected. No issues.
C. Outfall right of ways and aerial crossings were inspected. No issues.
3. As you are aware, owners of permitted collection systems must comply with their permit
and all rules listed under NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02T .0400, et seq. The
Town's compliance status with each of these rules is summarized below:
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(1): Requires that the system be effectively maintained
and operated at all times to prevent discharge to land or surface waters and any
contravention of ground or surface water standards.
Observations: Each pump station for the most part appeared to well maintained
and operated. However, some issues were noted. Please see report for details.
Compliance Status: Compliant
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
610 East Center Avenue I Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
704663-1699

b. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(2): Requires that a map of the wastewater collection
system be developed and actively maintained.
Observations: The City uses a GIS mapping system.
Compliance Status: Compliant
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(3): Requires that an operation and maintenance (O&M)
plan be developed and implemented, which includes pump station inspection
frequency, preventative maintenance schedule, spare parts inventory and overflow
response.
Observations Pump station logs were available. Records were available for
operation and maintenance. Spare parts and pumps are kept in stock. An overflow
response plan was available.
Compliance Status: Compliant
d. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(4): Requires that the permittee or its representative
inspect pump stations that are not connected to a telemetry system (i.e., remote
alarm system) every day (i.e., 365 days per year) and pump stations that are
connected to a telemetry system at least once per week.
Observations: The pump station inspection logs indicate that the pump stations
are visited as required.
Compliance Status: Compliant
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(5): Requires that the permittee or its representative
inspect high -priority sewers (HPS - as defined in 15A NCAC 02T .0402(2)) at least
once every six months and document the inspections.
Observations: All lines are checked and documented.
Compliance Status: Compliant
f. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(6): Requires that the permittee or its representative
conduct a general observation of the entire wastewater collection system at least
once per year and document same.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
g. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(7): Requires that overflows and bypasses from the
system be reported to the Division's Mooresville Regional Office in accordance
with 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a), and that public notice must be provided as required
by G.S. 143-215.1C.

Observations: SSO's have been reported with this system during this review
period. The NC regulations and statutes, which cover the reporting requirements
for SSOs, are found in NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a) and NC
General Statute 143-215.1C, respectively. You may access the NC regulations
online at the NC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) website at:
http://www.oah.state.nc.us/rules/ and the NC General Statutes online at the NC
General Assembly's website at:
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ ag scripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl. You may wish to
review them to ensure you are fully familiar with all requirements.
When reporting SSOs to DWQ, you must call the Mooresville Regional Office
(MRO) at 704-663-1699 during normal business hours. If outside normal business
hours, you must report the spill to the NC Division of Emergency Management at
1-800-858-0368. Please note that all reportable SSOs must be reported within 24
hours of the occurrence, or first knowledge, of the SSO. Please also note that voice
mail or faxed messages are not considered as the initial verbal report. You must
talk to and report the spill to a live person.
Compliance Status: Compliant
h. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(8): Requires that a grease control program be developed
and implemented as follows:
For publicly owned collection systems, the Grease Control Program shall
include at least bi-annual distribution of grease education materials to users
and the legal means to require grease interceptors. The Program shall also
include legal means for inspections, enforcement, and legal means to
control grease entering the system from other public and private satellite
sewer systems.
2. Grease education materials shall be distributed more often than required
above if necessary to prevent grease -related sanitary sewer overflows.
Observations: Educational materials are mailed out to all customers 2/times per
year and the same information is available upon request and is available at Town
Hall and on line.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(9): Requires that right-of-ways (ROW) and easements
be maintained to allow for personnel and equipment accessibility.
Observations: Records were reviewed documenting that the right-of-ways were
mowed, inspected and maintained to provide accessibility.

Compliance Status: Compliant.
15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(10): Requires that documentation be kept for all
activities you undertake to comply with the requirements of 15A NCAC 02T .0403,
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(9), for a minimum of three years, with the
exception of the map, which shall be maintained for the life of the system.
Observations: Records were reviewed for right of way mowing, high -priority line
inspections, and observation of the entire system.
Compliance Status: Compliant
The inspection report should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions
regarding the inspection report or this letter please contact Tony Parker at 704-663-1699
or tony_parkergncdenr. og_v.
Sincerely,
EA
DocuSigned by:
o..l H P44x ft for
F161FB69A2D84A3...
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment:
BIMS Inspection Report
CC: MRO
Central Files
PERCS Unit (e-copy)

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00017
SOC:
County: Gaston
Region: Mooresville
Contact Person: Brian Potocki
Directions to Facility:
Effective: 08/01/17 Expiration: 07/31/25 Owner : City of Gastonia
Effective: Expiration: Facility: Gastonia Collection System
PO Box 1748
System Classifications: CS4,
Primary ORC: Ronald Gene Cook
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Title: Div Mgr Utilities Maintenance
Certification: 991019
Related Permits:
WQCS00058
Town of Cramerton - Cramerton Collection System
NC0074268
City of Gastonia - Crowders Creek WWTP
NC0006033
City of Gastonia - Eagle Road WWTP
NC0020184
City of Gastonia - Long Creek WWTP
Inspection Date:
07/25/2019 EntryTime: 10:OOAM
Primary Inspector:
Tony Parker
Secondary Inspector(s):
Gastonia NC 280531748
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Exit Time: 01:30PM
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: 0 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 7

Permit: WQCS00017 Owner - Facility: City of Gastonia
Inspection Date: 07/25/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCS00017 Owner - Facility: City of Gastonia
Inspection Date: 07/25/2019 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?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑
❑ ❑
Comment: The current Permit expires on July 25, 2025
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? N/E
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.)
2/year mail outs,bill stuffers, school fairs, website and available at pay booths and on request.
Comment:
Capital Improvement Plan
Yes No NA NE
Has a Capital (CIP) or System Improvement Plan been developed and adopted?
❑ ❑ ❑
Is it designated for wastewater only or does it have a dedicated section?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The City has a detailed CIP
Map Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCS00017 Owner - Facility: City of Gastonia
Inspection Date: 07/25/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Is there a overall sewer system map?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the map include:
Pipe Type (GS/FM)
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe sizes
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc)
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe location
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Flow direction
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Approximate pipe age
❑
❑ ❑
Pump station ID, location and capacity
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# 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: The City uses a GIS map system and have various paper maps.
Reportinq 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? Web site
Comment: The City is not free of spills but does a good mob of operating and maintaining their system and
are reporting as required.
Inspections
Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained?
❑ ❑ ❑
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: The City maintains detailed records of all events
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:
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQCS00017 Owner - Facility: City of Gastonia
Inspection Date: 07/25/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
24-hour contact numbers
❑ ❑ ❑
Response time
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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: The City is reporting spills as required
Spllls 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:
Aerial at Riverwood # 1 P/S. No issues noted. Also outfall and aerial crossing at Hickory Hollow and
Hntington Intersection. No issues noted.
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, give details on temporary access:
R/W mowing is conducted and documented at all listed locations
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: The City exceeded the minimum 10% cleaning requirement for the 2017/2018 review period and
appear to be on track for 2019.
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Various manholes were checked and no serious issues were noted.
Are manholes accessible? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQCS00017 Owner - Facility: City of Gastonia
Inspection Date: 07/25/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Are manhole covers present?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes properly seated?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are inverts in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow unrestricted in manholes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive amounts of grease?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive roots?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive sand?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole vents screened?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are vents free of submergence?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Again no serious issues were noted
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Riverwood # 1 P/S, Catawba Reserve P/S, Huntington Forest #1 and # 2 P/S's. The visual and audiable
alarms failed to work properly at 3 of these stations when the alarm float was raised. However they did
activate when the test button feature was used. This was possibly the result of improper instalation of new
enhanced components for the alarms. Repairs scheduled.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
38
# 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?
2
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
36
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WQCS00017 Owner - Facility: City of Gastonia
Inspection Date: 07/25/2019 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Are audio and visual alarms present? ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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?
The 4 sites inspected had 2 on sited dedicated generators and 2 of the sites relied on a portable unit. The
dedicated units functioned properly and the portable units were not on site and are stored at the Public Works
location. The portable units are tested monthly and dedicated units are ran weekly with monthly PM checks.
# 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and exercising all valves? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Grease accumulation was noted in all wet well checks at pump stations.
Page 7 of 7