WQCS00186_Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report_20200821

August 21, 2020

Lamar Nix
Town of Highlands
PO Box 460
Highlands, NC 28741-2063

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Highlands Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00186
Macon County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Highlands Collection
System on 8/18/2020. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00186.
The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the
inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lauren Armeni with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Lauren Armeni, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS

Ec: LF

August 21, 2020

Lamar Nix
Town of Highlands
PO Box 460
Highlands, NC 28741-2063

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Highlands Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00186
Macon County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Highlands Collection
System on 8/18/2020. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00186.
The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the
inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lauren Armeni with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Lauren Armeni, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS

Ec: LF
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00186 Effective:02/01/16 Expiration:01/31/24 Owner :Town of Highlands
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Macon
Asheville
Lamar Nix
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Highlands Collection System
PO Box 563
Title:Phone:[phone]Public Works Director
Secondary ORC(s):
828-526-2960Phone:988462Certification:James Stanley HoustonPrimary ORC:
CS1,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0021407 Town of Highlands - Highlands WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
08/18/2020 09:30AM 12:30PM
Lauren E Armeni 828-296-4500
Mikal Willmer
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
Collection system management and operation
Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00186
08/18/2020 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Highlands
Routine
Inspection Summary:
The inspection was conducted by Lauren Armeni and Mikal Willmer.
The collection system consists of approximately 22 miles of sewer lines; 6 duplex pump stations and 13 simplex pump
stations (single building). Manholes are made of pre-cast concrete, brick, and stack rock.
The system is in good condition and well maintained. A few items were noted upon review of the paperwork, and we have
the following recommendations:
1. The Capital Improvement Plan budget for FY 2021 needs to be updated to reflect what has been completed since 2012.
2. Spill Response Action Plan - Add the following items:
a. The timeline of responding to a reported sewage spill. It is recommended that the Permittee responds within 2 hours of
first knowledge of a spill.
b. Add that the City has a budget for emergency spills.
3. Please review and update the Spill Response Action Plan and the Operation & Maintenance Plan for the collection
system to ensure all contact information is up-to-date and all protocols are still the same.
4. Need to inspect the integrity of the concrete at the old WWTP where the Mill Creek pump station is located to verify if
leaks are present. Overflow from the pump station is pumped into this structure.
5. The pump station log books are organized, but detailed information of the maintenance checks needs to be added to the
front of each log book - i.e. valves, floats, alarms, telemetry, etc. Also, if a sewer leak is recorded, please add the volume of
the leak. We observed in the Shelby Place pump station log book that pump #1 failed on 06/26/20. We recommend that if
something is listed as inoperable, that the reason it failed be documented, as well as provide follow-up documentation to
show the issue has been repaired.
6. Please provide more documentation for the semi-annual inspections. Specifically, document that the entire collection
system (including the HPL) is observed when the lines are cleaned.
Page 2 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00186
08/18/2020 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Highlands
Routine
General Yes No NA NE
Is there a properly designated primary ORC and at least one back-up of proper grade?
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis?
# 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:
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?
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.)
The Grease Control Program is listed on their website.
The Local Heath Department oversees the grease traps.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:
Map Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00186
08/18/2020 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Highlands
Routine
Is there a overall sewer system map?
Does the map include:
Pipe Type (GS/FM)
Pipe sizes
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc)
Pipe location
Flow direction
Approximate pipe age
Pump station ID, location and capacity
# Force main air release valve location & type
# Location of satellite connections
Is the map being updated for changes/additions within 1 year of activation?
The map is maintained in the City's GIS system, which is accessible remotely.Comment:
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?The City's website
Comment:
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:
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00186
08/18/2020 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Highlands
Routine
24-hour contact numbers
Response time
Equipment list and spare parts inventory
Access to cleaning equipment
Access to construction crews, contractors, and/or engineers
Source of emergency funds
Site sanitation and cleanup materials
Post-overflow/spill assessment
Does the Permittee appear to respond within 2 hours of first knowledge of a spill?
The Spill Response Action Plan was thorough, but the following items need to be added:
1. The timeline of responding to a reported sewage spill. It is recommended that the Permittee
responds within 2 hours of first knowledge of a spill.
2. Need to add that the City has a budget for emergency spills.
Comment:
Spills 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?
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Aerial Line at the Mill Creek pump station.
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment?
If No, give details on temporary access:
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?
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
1. Carolina Way - Terra Cotta - VCP
2. Laurel - Brick
3. Chestnut - Concrete - Newer
Are manholes accessible?
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
Page 5 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00186
08/18/2020 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Highlands
Routine
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions?
Are manhole covers present?
# Are manholes properly seated?
# Are manholes in good condition?
# Are inverts in good condition?
Is flow unrestricted in manholes?
Are manholes free of excessive amounts of grease?
Are manholes free of excessive roots?
Are manholes free of excessive sand?
Are manhole vents screened?
Are vents free of submergence?
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
All manholes inspected were at grade and did not have vents.Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
1. Mill Creek
2. Mirror Lake
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 6
# Number of vacuum stations in system 2
# Number of simplex pump stations in system 13
# 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?0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer) installed?6
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00186
08/18/2020 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Highlands
Routine
Are audio and visual alarms present?
Are audio and visual alarms operable?
# Is there a backup generator or bypass pump connected?
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?
# 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?
# 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?
Inspecting and exercising all valves?
Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment?
Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment?
All gravity sewer lines are cleaned twice per year by an outside contractor. Roots are removed if
found.
Staff are recording the days the inspection take place, but details of what's being inspected at
the pump stations needs to go in the front of the log books. Log books are kept at the WWTP.
The backup generator fuel tank was a little over 1/4 full. Wilson Gas refuels when needed.
Generator checks are done twice a year by Alan Dearth & Sons.
Spare simplex pumps are located at the WWTP. All simplex pumps have wet wells for 24-hour
storage.
Comment:
Page 7 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: D4192634-1720-4D1C-ACA0-CE0733608AA3
W & S Maintenance Unlimited, Inc.
29 Grandview Circle
Asheville, NC 28806
828-628-3799
[e-mail]
INVC3IGE
BILL TO
Town of Highlands
P.O. Box 460
Highlands, NC 28741
INVOICE # 7929
DATE 04/08/2020
TERMS Due on receipt
REQUESTED BY LOCATION
Lamar Nix Area: Town of Highlands
DATE ACTIVITY AMOUNT
03/31 /2020 Services 12,300.00
Semi-annual jetting Town of Highlands sewer lines.
Services 400.00
Install two riser rings
Services 0.00
Cut roots and remove from Spring Street
In an effort to minimize Covid-19, address to send checks has
changed, as Hated above. We hope all are safe through this trying
period.
r
BALANCE DUE
,
��2700.00

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455 Cane Crsek Rd.
Fletcher, NC 28732
82&628-3799
realestateaddlct(�aol.com
811.1. TG
Town of Highlands
P.O. Box 460
Hfghlands, NC 28741
LOCATION
Town of Highlands Area
DATE
ACTIVITY
10/21 /20 i 9 Services
Semi-annual sewer line cleaning with water jet.
INVOICE # 7865
DATE 10/24/2019
TERMS Due on receipt
AMC3UNT
y2,3oo.00
10/24/2019 Services 200.00
Install two risers on manholes on main line. Parts furnished by
Town of Highlands.
We thank you for your business.
BALANCE DUE
$12,500.00

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regional
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All parts of the form must be com j pil 1 occurrence.
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in detail and
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ion of Water Quality
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S• S• O. Telephone Contact Numbers
State Of North
Wanda Frazier
Carolina Division Of Water Quality
State Of North Carolina Division OF Emergency Management
Public Service Administrator
Water/Sewer Department Head
Stanley Houston
Town Manager
Bab Frye
828-296-4500
828-296-4662
1-800-858-0638
828-526-2118
706-782-4358
828-526-2960
828-526-0381
828-526-2118
828-526-5266

SE'c. 15- 64. Connection to system required; septic tank
exceptions. _�
ia) sc arge lines from dwellings, industries, and
businesses shall be connected to the Town system where reasonably
available except as herein exempted; provided, however, that
properly operating septic tanks may continue in use until such time
that said systems, in the opinion of the Macon County Health
Department, are malfunctioning. � When said systems are
malfunctioning, the service line shall be tapped to the available
sewer line and the septic tank shall be abandoned, pumped, and
properly f filled, unless said septic tank is to be used as a pump
tank or wetwell in accordance with "Town of Highlands Building
Sewer Construction Standards."
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in areas of
Town where the Board of Commissioners has agreed that an overall
problem exists with regard to septic tanks because of malfunction
of systems and inadequate repair areas, and where the Board has
consequently agreed to finance an extension of the sewer system in
accordance with Sections 15-247 and 15-250 of this Code under the
authority of G. S. � 160A-216 through -238, said septic tanks shall
be abandoned, pumped, and properly filled unless said septic tank
is to be used as a pump tank or wetwell in accordance with "Town of
Highlands Building Sewer Construction Standards" and said
dwellings or businesses shall be connected to the town system.
(c)
the Board
Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, whenever
of Commissioners extends a sanitary sewer main on its own
motion, in accordance with Section 15-247, all sewage
lines from dwellings, industries, and businesses shall be
to the Town system; provided, however, that septic
continue in use if the Macon County Health Department
that the septic system is properly operating.
(Cade 1982, � 6.24 (h) , (i) ; Ord. of 3-24-80, � 408)
.�
,�
Sec. 15-165. Open discharge of sewage prohibited.
In no event
be discharged any
surface, stream,
water, storm
discharge
connected
tanks may
certif ies
shall any user be allowed to discharge or cause to
domestic sewage or industrial ers bod o of e ground
watercourse, ditch, lake, oth Y surf ace
sewers, or storm drains.
t
Urd. of 3-24-80 � § 413 )
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