wqcsd0298_NOV-2021-DV-0050 Response_20210401

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal Correctional Complex
Federal Medical Center
A O. Box 1600
Butner, North Carolina 27509
April 1, 2021
Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Re: Notice of Violation NOV-2021-DV-0050
Dear Mr. Vinson,
Please accept this response from the Federal Correctional Complex Butner (FCC Butner)
regarding the incident referenced in NOV-2021-DV-0050, dated January 22, 2021. This response is
to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a safe and environmentally conscious work place, free of
recognized hazards for our staff, inmates, and the environment. An investigation into the incident
was conducted and the findings can be found below.
The specific incident referenced was:
1. Sanitary Sewer Overflow that occurred on December 18, 2020.
Investigation Findings/Observations:
FCC Butner's sewage collection system consists of manholes, gravity fed sewer lines, and
one debris lift station. The sewer overflow event occurred at the #3 manhole, which only receives
sewage from the Federal Medical Center (FMC) facility within FCC Butner. The FMC's gravity
fed sanitary sewer extends south from the FMC and crosses to the southern side of Old HWY 75.
The sewer main then runs east, parallel to Rte. 75 for approximately 2,850 linear feet ending at the
Sanitary Sewer Debris Lift Station. From the Rte. 75 crossover to the lift station, there are 5
manhole access points, #2-6. Each manhole is located approximately 3-12 feet from the road's
southern edge.

On December 18, 2020 at 8:30 am, a sewer system overflow was discovered at the #3
manhole, which is approximately 1,211 ft. from where the FMC sewer line crosses Rte. 75 (See
attachment A). Upon discovery, an outside contractor, Vision -NC LLC, was immediately contacted
to provide vacuuming and sewer line jet flushing services. At 2:00 pm, after numerous failed
attempts to clear the line, the main water supply was shut off for the Federal Medical Center. The
contractor then cleared the manhole of all untreated water and debris. At that time, a piece of
concrete approximately 10 inches in diameter was found in the pipe. No other unusual or
unexpected debris was found in the sewer pipe. Staff determined that a vehicle strike to the
manhole likely dislodged this piece of concrete and caused the sewage backup. The contractor was
able to remove the concrete and clear the entire manhole and sewer line.
The blockage caused an estimated 20,000 gallons of untreated water to spill into the wooded
area across from the FMC, which is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Staff at FCC
Butner attempted to contact the US Army Corps of Engineers several times to make them aware of
the spill, but were unable to reach anyone. The spill extended approximately 60 feet south and 70
feet east from the #3 manhole location (see Attachment B). The area was treated with lime to
provide disinfection following control of the spill. To the best of our knowledge, at no time did the
untreated water come in contact with any streams, ponds, lakes, wetlands, or other body of surface
water. Please see Attachment C for the Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory map
showing no wetlands in the immediate vicinity of the overflow.
After clearing the blockage and gaining control of the spill, the manhole's concrete base was
repaired and the yellow wooden bollard was reinstalled (see Attachment D). While the bollard is
designed to help prevent impacts to the #3 manhole, FCC Butner has also implemented weekly
inspections of each of the manhole covers to check for damage and to ensure that the covers are
still in place.
I hope this helps address any concerns regarding this issue. If there is any additional
information or documentation required, please do not hesitate to contact Famon Dix, Environmental
and Safety Compliance Administrator, 919-575-3900 extension 5348, or Michael Klattenberg, Safety
Compliance Specialist, 919-575-3900 extension 5352.
ince e ,
T. Scar ino, Complex Warden

Attachment A

Attachment B

Attachment C

Attachment D

Repaired concrete base, replaced manhole ring and lid, reinstalled bollard