WQCS00013_NOV-2020-DV-0244 Response_20200610

June 10, 2020
Mr. Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Location: 3800 Barrett Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
CERTIFIED MAIL
Subject: Notice of Violation (NOV-2020-DV-0244) — Sanitary Sewer Overflows — April,
2020, Collection System Permit No. WQCS00013
Dear Mr. Vinson:
On May 26, 2020 the Town of Cary Utilities Department received a Notice of Violation
(NOV) letter dated May 19, 2020 from the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality, Division of Water Resources — Raleigh Regional Office for two sanitary sewer
overflows (SSO) that occurred in the month of April 2020. The NOV letter required a
written response within 60 business days from receipt of the letter with remediation steps
taken to correct the noted noncompliance.
The Town appreciates the opportunity to provide the following remedial actions performed
as a result of the following SSO incident and includes actions to prevent future
occurrences.
Location
incident #
1 Date
4/20/2020
Total
Gallons
50
Gallons to
Surface Water
50
DWR
Action
Notice of
105 Dundee Court
202001235
Deficiency
200 Block Chimney
202001253
4/26/2020
2,000
2,000
NOV
Rise Drive
NC Dept of KnAV01111101taf f�4anl�t+�
JUN 15 2020
Raleigh Regional Offioo
TOWN OfCARY
400 James Jackson Avenue - Cary, NC 27513 - PO Box 8005 - Cary, NC 27512-8005
tel [phone] - fax [phone] - www.townofcary.org

NOV Response Letter INOV-2020-DV-02441 June 10 2020
Background and Follow Up Actions:
105 Dundee Court — On April 22, 2020 Town staff were notified of a sewer cleanout
overflowing at 105 Dundee Court, Cary and immediately responded. The blockage was
cleared in the sewer lateral and the cause was identified as root intrusion. The roots were
cut out and removed from the service later. The sewer overflow reached a small unnamed
tributary to MacGregor Lake that was approximately 20 feet from the sewer cleanout.
Town staff used a conductivity meter to identify the distance the sewer spill traveled in
the creek. Conductivity readings were performed in the creek flow with a measurement
upstream of the spill site of 153 pslcm and a measurement approximately 250 feet
downstream of 169 pslcm. Measurements in between had a maximum measurement of
225 pslcm. Town staff created a small temporary dam and pumped the water content of
the creek and the sewer spill into the sanitary sewer system for treatment. There was
recently a rainfall event that provided sufficient flow in the creek to flush residual
wastewater to the pump for cleaning the creek. After pumping the stream flow a final
reading was obtained at 161 pslcm matching closely to the natural water conductivity. No
fish kill was observed with this event. All sewage debris was picked -up and powdered
lime was applied on the ground around the spill site and raked in to treat the soil.
The sewer main is vitreous clay pipe and is chemically treated for roots every two years.
The root intrusion occurred within the 4-inch sewer lateral just downstream of the sewer
cleanout. Following the removal of the roots from the sewer line lateral, the service was
dug up and repaired to help prevent future root intrusion.
200 Block Chimney Rise Drive — On April 26, 2020 the Town received call of an
overflowing manhole (SP75316121) and responded immediately. The sewer blockage
was cleared shortly after staff arrived on scene. While hydraulically jetting the sewer line
to clear the blockage, a large volume of sanitary wipes and paper debris accumulation
was noted and identified as the primary cause for the blockage. The overflowing manhole
is located approximately 250 feet from Kildaire Farm Lake in which an estimated 2,000
gallons of wastewater escaped and entered the lake. Cary staff performed the following
conductivity testing after the overflow was stopped.
Location (in Lake) Date Distance Conductivity Reading
—Spill Entry
Point
Aril
26
0
315
Left of Ent
Point
Aril
26
25
290
Right of Entry
Point
Aril
26
25
150
Left of Entry
Point
Aril
26
50
180
of Ent Point (Upstream)
Aril
26
50
140
Spill Ent
Point
Aril
27
0
180
Left of Entry
Point
April 27
50
140
As a result of the conductivity readings obtained and no sewage debris entering the lake,
no water was pumped from the lake. No fish kill was observed with this event. There was
no sewage debris that escaped the manhole to be picked up, powdered lime was applied
on the ground around the spill site and raked in to treat the soil. Fecal coliform samples
were collected and analyzed on May 11, 2020 as a water quality indicator and provided

NOV Response Letter NOV-2020-DV-0244 June 10.2020
to members of the lake's homeowners association (HOA). An aerial map that includes
testing locations and results is attached (Attachment A). Following the removal of the
blockage, Cary staff performed video inspection and cleaned surrounding nearby sewer
lines to help ensure there would not be another blockage. Information has been widely
distributed on proper disposal of trash and sanitary wipes and asking citizens/public to
put trash in a trash can not the sewer system in the last 3 months. Our contact with the
Kildaire Farm Lake HOA was very much aware of the information and the education
outreach on not using the sewer system as a trash can. Cary continues to use its
communications and social media outlets to provide information to citizens and users of
our sewer system on best practices and proper use of the sewer system.
The Town of Cary appreciates the opportunity to provide additional information and
remedial actions taken to prevent future occurrences of sewer overflows at this location.
If we can answer any questions or provide additional information, please feel free to
contact Donald Smith, Wastewater Collection System Manager at [phone].
Sincerely,
Donald Smith
Wastewater Collection System Manager/ORC
Cc: Jamie Revels, Utilities Director
Scott Hecht, Public Works Director
Paul Campbell, Wastewater Collection System Operator
Enclosed: Attachment A — Kildaire Farm Lake Fecal Testing Map/Results
Collection System SSO Report #202001253 — Chimney Court
Collection System SSO Report #202001235 — Dundee Court

DWR
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
Division of water Resources Collection System Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reporting Form
Form CS-SSO
PART I:
This form shall be submitted to the appropriate DWQ Regional Office within five business days of the first knowledge of the
sanitary sewer overflow (SSO).
Permit Number: WOCS00013 iWQCS# if active, otherwise use WQCSD#)
Facility: Ca Collection System
Owner: Town of Cary Incident #: 202001235
City: Cary County: Wake Region: Raleigh
Source of SSO (check applicable): 0 Sanitary Sewer ❑ Pump Station I Lift Station
SPECIFIC location of the SSO (be consistent in description from past reports or documentation - i.e. Pump Station 6,
Manhole at Westall & Bragg Street, etc): 105 Dundee Court
Manhole #:
Latitude (Decimal Degrees): Longitude (Decimal Degrees):
Incident Started Dt: 04/20/2020 Time: 4:00 pm Incident End Dt: 04/20/2020 Time. 05:30 pm
(mm-dd-yyyy) (hh:mm AM/PM) (mm-dd-yyyy) (hh:mm AM/PM)
Estimated Volume of the SSO: 50 gallons Estimated Duration (Round to nearest hour): 1:30 hours
Describe how the volume was determined: Visual observation of discharge from cleanout ~—
Weather conditions during the SSO event: Partly Cloudy
Did SSO reach surface waters? 0 Yes []No ❑ Unknown Volume reaching surface waters (gals): 50
Surface water name. MacGregor Downs Lake
Did the SSO result in a fish kill? ❑ Yes oNo ❑ Unknown If Yes, what is the estimated number of Fish killed? 0
SPECIFIC cause(s) of the SSO:
0 Roots
24 hour verbal notification (name of person contacted ): Cheng Zhang
Q DWR ❑ Emergency Mgmt Date (mm-dd-yyy): 04/21/2020 _ Time (hh:mm AM/PM): _ 12:50:00 pm
If an SSO is ongoing, please notify the appropriate Regional Office on a daily basis until SSO can be stopped.
Per G.S. 143-215.1 C(b), the responsible party of a discharge of 1,000 or more of untreated wastewater to surface waters
shall issue a RMELEgtoM within 24-hours of first knowledge to all print and electronic news media providing general
coverage in the county where the discharge occurred. When 15,000 gallons or more of untreated wastewater enters surface
waters, a Rgk&ggo shall be published within 10 days and proof of publication shall be provided to the Division within 30
days. Refer to the reference statute for further detail.
The Director Division of Water Resources maIf take enforcement action for SSOs that are re wired to be re orted to
Division unless it is demonstrated that:
1) the discharge was cause by sever natural conditions and there were no feasible alternative to the discharge; or
2) the discharge was exceptional, unintentional, temporary and caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the
Permittee and/or owner, and the discharge could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control.
Part II must be completed to provide a justification claim for either of the above situations. This information will be the basis
WHETHER OR NOT PART III IS COMPLETED A SIGNATURE IS RE UIRED AT THE END OF THIS FORM
CS-SSO Form
Page: 1

PART )I:
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FOR EACH RELATED CAUSE CHECKED IN PART I OF THIS FORM AND
INCLUDE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION AS REQUIRED OR DESIRED
COMPLETE ONLY THOSE SECTONS PERTAINING TO THE CAUSE OF THE SSO AS CHECKED IN PART I
(In the check boxes below, NA =Not Applicable and NE = Not Evaluated)
A HARDCOPY OF THIS FORM SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE DWR REGIONAL OFFICE UNLESS IS
Roots
Do you have an active root control program on the line I area in question? Yes C] No NA F1 NE
Describe
We have a root control ro ram where we treat for roots eve 2 ears. The location where the root intrusion and blockac
was on a service lateral and not in the sewer main
Have cleaning and inspections ever been increased at this location because of roots- [0 Yes No 0 NA M NE
Explain:
Due to the sewer lines in the area bein vitreous c!a0111IDe we have it included in our root control ro ram
What corrective actions have been accomplished at the SSO location (and
surrounding system if associated with the SSO)?
The service later was cleaned and roots cut out. Blocka a was removed_
What corrective actions are planned at the SSO location to reduce root intrusion?
Additional video inspection will be Derformed on the service lateral to identiff cause for root intrusion and make a repair
Has the line been smoke tested or videoed within the past year? Yes [0 No NA n NE
If Yes, when?
Comments:
The root blockage occurred within a 4 inch sewer lateral between cleanout and sewer main at the residence. The sewer
main was clear and unobstructed.
System Visitation
ORC
Yes
Backup Yes
Name:
Donald Smith
Cert#
1001030
Date visited:
4/20/2020
CS-SSO Form
Page: 2

Time visited:
TOO Pm
How was the SSO remediated (i.e. Stopped and cleaned up)?
setuR awroximately 250 feet down stream of the ml site in the unnamed t butaill ilif�o. Natural ow in the tributa Awas wa
um ed into the sewers stem for dis oral. Conductive readings were collected u stream and downstream of the spill
location. Tribute um In occurred fora roximatel one and a half hours until conductive readin sat the Pumping sit
was similar to u stream readin s. No solids or debris collected in the stream. Powdered lime was a lied and raked in at
the cleanout SICIIIIIII site. AI1 tilumped contents were disposed of in the sanita f sewers stem.
As a representative for the responsible party, I certify that the information contained in this report is true and accurate to the
best of my knowledge.
Person submitting claim: Donald Bradley Smith
Signature:
lieiepnone Number. _ r
Date: 04/24/20 01:10 pm
Title: ( +&P,
Any addition information desired to be submitted should be sent to the appropriate Division Regional Office within five days of t
knowledge of the SSO with reference to the incident number (the incident number is only generated when electronic entry of th
form is completed, if used),
CS-SSO Form
Page: 3

DWR
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
Divlslon of Water Resources Collection System Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reporting Form
Norm CS-SSO
PART I:
This form shall be submitted to the appropriate DWQ Regional Office within five business days of the first knowledge of the
sanitary sewer overflow (SSO).
Permit Number: WQCS00013 (WQCS# if active, otherwise use WQCSD#)
Facility: Cary Collection System
Owner: Town ofCary
Incident #: 202001253
City: Cary County: Wake Region: Raleigh
Source of SSO (check applicable): C1 Sanitary Sewer ❑ Pump Station / Lift Station
SPECIFIC location of the SSO (be consistent in description from past reports or documentation - i.e. Pump Station 6,
Manhole at Westail & Bragg Street, etc): 200 Block Chimney Rise Dr.
Manhole #. SP75316121
Latitude (Decimal Degrees): Longitude (Decimal Degrees):
Incident Started Dt: 04/26/2020 Time: 6:53 pm Incident End Dt: 04/26/2020 Time: 08.13 pm
(mm-dd-yyyy) (hh:mmAMIPM) (mm-dd-yyyy) {hh:mmAMIPM)
Estimated Volume of the SSO: 2,000 gallons Estimated Duration (Round to nearest hour): 1:20 hours
Describe how the volume was determined: Visual observation and calculated area of wastewater discharge
Weather conditions during the SSO event: Cloudy/Overcast
Did SSO reach surface waters? Q Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown Volume reaching surface waters (gals): 2000
Surface water name: Swift Creek
Did the SSO result in a fish kill? ❑ Yes QNo ❑ Unknown If Yes, what is the estimated number of fish killed?
SPECIFIC cause(s) of the SSO:
0 Debris in line
24 hour verbal notification (name of person contacted ): Cheng Zhang
Q DWR ❑ Emergency Mgmt Date (mm-dd-yyy): 04/27/2020 Time (hh:mm AM/PM): 09:10:00 am
If an SSO is ongoing, please notify the appropriate Regional Office on a daily basis until SSO can be stopped.
Per G.S. 143-215.1 C(b), the responsible party of a discharge of 1,000 or more of untreated wastewater to surface waters
shall issue a ress release within 24-hours of first knowledge to all print and electronic news media providing general
coverage in the county where the discharge occurred. When 15,000 gallons or more of untreated wastewater enters surface
waters, a Public notice shall be published within 10 days and proof of publication shall be provided to the Division within 30
days. Refer to the reference statute for further detail.
The Director Division of Water Resources maF take enforcement action for SSOs that are re uired to be re orted to Division unless it is d monstrated that:
1) the discharge was cause by sever natural conditions and there were no feasible alternative to the discharge; or
2) the discharge was exceptional, unintentional, temporary and caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the
Permittee and/or owner, and the discharge could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control.
Part II must be completed to provide a justification claim for either of the above situations. This information will be the basis
WHETHER OR NOT PART III iS COMPLETED A SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED AT THE END OF THIS FORM
CS-SSO Form
Page: 1

PART 11:
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FOR EACH RELATED CAUSE CHECKED IN PART I OF THIS FORM AND
INCLUDE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION AS REQUIRED OR DESIRED
COMPLETE ONLY THOSE SECTONS PERTAINING TO THE CAUSE OF THE SSO AS CHECKED IN PART I
(In the check boxes below, NA = Not Applicable and NE = Not Evaluated)
A HARDCOPY OF THIS FORM SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE DWR REGIONAL OFFICE UNLESS IS
Debris in line
What type of debris has been found in the line?
Buildup of sanitary wipes and pager debris
Suspected cause or source of debris.
Increased use and dis osal of disinfectant/sanita wipes into sewers stem flushin down toilet
Are manholes in the area secure and intact? Yes No NA NE
When was the area last checked/cleaned?
01/28/2020
Have cleaning and inspections ever been increased at this location due to previous Yes No NA NE
problems with debris?
Explain:
After clearing the blockage on 8-inch sewer main. We conducted a video inspection following the blockage to ensure the
sewer line was free flowing.
Are appropriate educational materials being developed and distributed to prevent futi 0 Yes F1 No ❑ NA ❑ NE
similar occurrences?
Comments -
Cary has increased our Rublic service announcements at this time and during COVID-19 res onse with anticipation that
disinfectant wipes and sanitary wipes will increase in use and Possibl find their wa into the sewers stem. We will
continue our efforts in Providingawareness to the Public,especially duringthe COVID-19 response.
System Visitation
ORC
Backup
Name:
Donald Smith
Cert#
1001030
Date visited:
04/26/2020
Time visited:
9:00 PM
0 Yes
❑ Yes
CS-SSO Form
Page 2

How was the SSO remediated (i.e. Stopped and cleaned up)?
round and raked in at the s ill site to treat the soil.
As a representative for the responsible party, 1 certify that the information contained in this report is true and accurate to the
best of my knowledge.
Person submitting claim: Donald Bradley Smith
Signature:
Telephone Number. 11 . 4(A ,-A C%
Date: 04/30/20 10:55 am
Title:
Any addition information desired to be submitted should be sent to the appropriate Division Regional Office within five days of t
knowledge of the SSO with reference to the incident number (the incident number is only generated when electronic entry of th
form is completed, if used).
CS-SSO Form
Page: