HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQCS00068_NOV-2020-DV-0559 RSP_20210121
South Granville Water and Sewer Authority
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January 21, 2021
Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Re: Written Response to NOV-2020-DV-05059
South Granville Water and Sewer Authority
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00068
South Granville Water and Sewer Authority (SGWASA)
Granville County
Dear Mr. Vinson:
I am writing you in response to NOV-2020-DV-0559 which included Incident Numbers: 202003087,
202003089 and 202003090. SGWASA received the NOV-2020-DV-05059 notification letter from NCDEQ on
January 14, 2021. A written response to your office is required within 15 business days following the
receipt of the notification. This response dated January 21, 2021 complies with that requirement. Following
is an overview and response by SGWASA to these incidents.
Incident No. 202003087 (11/12/2020): E. Middleton Rd. Pump Station
The overflow at this location occurred during a prolonged, heavy rainfall event on 11/12/20.
Rainfall recorded during this event was 3-6 inches throughout the service area. The overflow total
at this location (manhole #3089) was 6,600 gallons, of which 6,600 gallons reached surface water.
Crews inspected, cleaned and applied lime to area affected.
SGWASA’s utility engineer continues to perform extensive analysis of the pump stations in the
immediate area to better understand what actions can be taken to eliminate these incidents from
occurring in the future. In a larger perspective, this pump station is also one that has been
recognized as part of the four priority projects surrounding the I-85 sanitary sewer improvement
district. Within the next 30 days, SGWASA will award an engineering design contract for the I-85
sanitary sewer improvements.
Incident No. 2020003089 (11/12/2020): B STREET #2 PUMP STATION
The overflow at this location occurred during a prolonged, heavy rainfall event on 11/12/20.
Rainfall recorded during this event was 3-6 inches throughout the service area. The overflow total
at this location (manhole #1804) was 1,050 gallons, of which 1,050 gallons reached surface water.
Crews inspected, cleaned and applied lime to area affected.
SGWASA’s utility engineer is performing extensive analysis of the pump stations in the immediate
area to better understand what actions can be taken to eliminate these incidents from occurring in
the future. SGWASA will initiate improvements as needed to correct the situations.
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Incident No. 202003090 (11/12/2020): Franklin Street Pump Station
The overflow at this location occurred during a prolonged, heavy rainfall event on 11/12/20.
Rainfall recorded during this event was 3-6 inches throughout the service area. The overflow total
at this location (manhole #4152) was 900 gallons, of which 900 gallons reached surface water.
Crews inspected, cleaned and applied lime to area affected.
SGWASA’s utility engineer is performing extensive analysis of the pump stations in the immediate
area to better understand what actions can be taken to eliminate these incidents from occurring in
the future. SGWASA will initiate improvements as needed to correct the situations.
In general, based on a review of the weather conditions and site conditions observed by staff on initial
arrival to these overflows SGWASA submits that these discharges were unintentional, temporary and
caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of SGWASA and could not have been prevented by the
exercise of reasonable control.
Asset Management/CIP Projects to Mitigate Future Overflows
During the past year SGWASA invested in a new asset management/work management program to better
manage maintenance activities for SGWASA’s utility assets, improve customer service, and provide
forecasts of needed future capital improvement projects. The asset management program, presently in its
initial stages of implementation, will help SGWASA to be more proactive in sanitary sewer maintenance,
including cleaning, televising, root cleaning, pipe repairs, Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) investigations/follow
up, etc.
In addition to the new asset management/work management program, SGWASA is also building a hydraulic
model for the wastewater collection system. The hydraulic model is assisting SGWASA with a better
understanding of hydraulic conditions and restrictions throughout the collection system. Furthermore, the
hydraulic model is assisting SGWASA in identifying priority projects, such as pipe replacements, pump
station upgrades, manhole repairs, I&I problems, etc.
This past year, SGWASA also invested in professional engineering assistance in developing an I&I
issues/mitigation strategy across the sanitary sewer system. These proposed I&I studies, although limited in
scope presently, are focused on areas that are causing issues with overflows, such as those highlighted
above. To enhance these efforts, SGWASA has recently purchased real-time flow monitoring and advance
alarming equipment from ADS Company. These units are being deployed throughout the SGWASA service
area in critical areas. These units will with real-time flow monitoring and alerting of staff prior to collection
system overflows.
Based on the information contained in this letter, I believe it is apparent to the NCDEQ - Division of Water
Resources, that SGWASA is actively, and aggressively pursuing system-wide improvements to the sanitary
sewer collection system. Please take this into account as you determine what actions you will be taking
regarding the sanitary sewer overflows that have occurred, as outlined above.
I look forward to discussing this information further with you. Please contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Scott N. Schroyer
Scott N. Schroyer, Executive Director
South Granville Water and Sewer Authority (SGWASA)
415 Central Avenue, Suite B.
Butner, NC 27509
919-575-3367 Ext. 312
sschroyer@sgwasa.org
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Cc: Fred Dancy, SGWASA Utility Operations Director
Jon Mase, Distribution and Collection System Superintendent
Robert Jackson, Distribution and Collection System Supervisor
Mark Hamlett, PE Utility Engineer-Manager