WQCS00164_NOV-2020-DV-0156 Response_20200615

To: W. Cory Basinger, Regional Supervisor
NCDEQ
From: Thomas Shrewsbury
City of Lowell
WQCS00164
RE: NOV-2020-DV-0156
MR. Basinger,
6/15/2020
On February 6, 2020 a series of storms came through Gaston County resulting in approximately three inches of
rain in a very short period of time. As a result, we experienced issues at two lift stations within our system. Both
were overwhelmed for a short period of time towards the end of the storms.
The overflows occurred at the Reid St. Lift station, incident #202000295 and the First St. Lift incident
#202000291. During the rain event city staff were seeing major flooding throughout the community. All lift stations
were being monitored and as these two stations became overwhelmed, pump and haul services were contacted.
As the rains subsided the stations were able to maintain control very quickly, even before the contracted help
could arrive to begin pumping.
Both stations were running properly, and all systems were working properly. It was a very high level of flow that
was too much for some areas of town. Management and Council have been made aware of the I&I related
problems in the system and have been taking steps to help combat the issues. Council has approved a camera and
funds to make repairs we identify in the system. We are also still moving forward with the replacement of a large
amount of older sewer mains through a grant we were awarded last year.
Respectfully,
Thomas Shrewsbury
City of Lowell