WQCS00275_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210422

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D01FB87-6F76-468D-AEOF-DO99EE7AD269
ROY COOPER
Governor
DIONNE DELLI-GATTI
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Certified Mail #
Return Receipt Requested
Randy R Hoffer
Pluris LLC
PO Box 856
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460-0856
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NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
May 21, 2021
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
North Topsail Beach & Sneads Ferry Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00275
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the North Topsail Beach &
Sneads Ferry Collection System on 4/22/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility
is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No.
WQCS00275. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed
copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
Please respond in writing to this office within 30 days of your receipt of this letter regarding your plans
or measures to be taken to address the following issues:
•o
There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.
D_E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
910.796,7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D01FB87-6F76-468D-AEOF-DO99EE7AD269
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact John Perry with the Water Quality
Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via email at
[e-mail].
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Upload to Laserfische
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
I ONE �AaM) Oti
7F141E73B6F3456...
Tom Tharrington, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
D_E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional Office 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
ft /`� 910.796,7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00275 Effective: 09/01/13 Expiration: 08/31/21 Owner : Pluris LLC
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: North Topsail Beach & Sneads Ferry Collection
County: Onslow
Region: Wilmington
Contact Person: Randy R Hoffer
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Scott Robert Brandt
Secondary ORC(s):
William Elliott Andrews
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Title: Facility Manager
Certification: 1009903
i11116.16f:
WQ0005849 Pluris LLC - Pluris North Topsail WWTP
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 04:30PM
Primary Inspector: John Perry o� dby: 5/13/2021 Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): E�.EMEF529647B_DocuSignetl by
CE �929 DocuSigned by:
'Ttn�c�
Dean Hunkele ooe�5,9.eabY­3746E oµ u: "� "5/17/2021
Jennifer C Rya6 rl [T71141E73B6F3456..
Reason for Inspection: Routine °198F68A2,6547C Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: 0 Compliant ❑ Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions
Capital Improvement Plan
Inspections
Lines
(See attachment summary)
General
Map
Spill Response Plan
Manholes
Sewer & FOG Ordinances
Reporting Requirements
Spills
Pump Stations
Page 1 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
The facility appeared to be well maintained and well run during the time of the inspection. Pluris has been running this facility
since 2009, during this time there have been no reported SSOs or major issues with the running of the facility. The facility
has a new ORC in Scott Brandt and the new backup is William Andrews. Pluris purchased a Juniper mapping system that
will greatly improve their system map for the North Topsail/Sneads Ferry collection system. An invoice for the system was
sent to DWR on 05/03/2021. Record keeping can be improved for pump stations by providing more details on the following:
when wet wells are cleaned, pumps pulled for maintenence/replacement, alarms serviced, and routine maintenence.
Page 2 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
General
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?
# 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?
Yes No NA NE
❑■❑❑
■❑❑❑
Checked Weekly
Comment: Randy Hoffer submitted the permit application on 04/23/2021. The primary ORC has changed
and the new ORC is Scott Brandt (CS II 1009930), William Andrews (CS IV 1006420) is the back
up ORC for this system.
Sewer and FOG Ordinances
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.)
Door hangers are placed on residences, the webiste has adequate information and the facility currently mails
information bi-annualy. Multiple pamphlets are placed at rental properties during the busy season. The facility
charges rental properties a standard fee for unclogging simplex stations.
Yes No NA NE
❑❑■❑
Pluris is a private
utility. They require
restaruants to
have grease traps
and to clean them
routinely. Pluris
maintains invoices
for cleanings and
performs routine
inspections to
restaruants with
grease traps.
❑❑■❑
■❑❑❑
■❑❑❑
Page 3 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: The facility has pumped out grease traps and charged customers a fee for grease removal.
Golden China has issues with not pumping out the grease traps frequently enough. The facility
can improve record keeping by addinq crease trap inspections details to their records of grease
trap pump/haul records for each restauraunt.
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The CIP includes major/minor projects with timelines that range from 2021-2025.
Map
Yes No NA NE
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?
❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: The facility has paper maps that lacks many of the details required.
An NOD was submitted to
this facility in April of 2018 requiring that an updated map be completed by September of 2019.
The facility does have maps dated to 2007, that are used by
staff for maintainece, and are color
coordinated to identify neighborhoods and the pumps that serve those areas. A follow up visit
with the WIRO assistant supervisor was conducted on 04/27/2021 to inspect the maps and
determine if then meet the minimum guidelines that DWR requires
for a collection system. The
maps were deemed sufficient and deteremined that staff can locate and identify problem areas
with the maps provided. Pluris purchased a mapping system from Juniper Systems on
04/27/2021 and will provide tablets to staff as well as provide digital maps of the entire system. A
invoice for the Durchase was sent to DWR on 05/03/2021.
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
If applicable, is there documentation of press releases and public notices issued? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is an Annual Wastewater Performance Report being filed with the Division, if required? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the report being made available to all its sewer customers? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# How is it being made available? website and upon
request
Comment: The facility sent the annual reports to the Central Office, however, the reports were submitted as
one report and filed incorrectly. Dean Hunkele has corrected the issue. Seperate records by
permit number when submitting annual reports.
Inspections Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: Weekly functionality tests should be documented with more detail. The facility uses daily logs to
show tasks performed on the Colletion System, however, DWR recommends that the facility
utilize the Pump Station Inspection and Maintenance Log to better document inspections and an,
maintenece done on -site. Staff utilize detailed daily log books where tasks/maintainence are
logged.
Spill Response Action Plan
Yes No NA NE
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the plan include:
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?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: The facilities response time is 120 minutes. The facility has a credit
card as wells as lines
of
credit with vendors for their emergency funds. The facility recently
purchased a vac truck that
can be quickly deployed to a spill site.
Page 5 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
aRlL Yes No NA NE
Is system free of known points of bypass? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, describe type of bypass and location
Are all spills or sewer related issues/complaints documented? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are there repeated overflows/problems (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
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: Cleaning records were documented on maps and the areas that were cleaned are shaded.
2020: 4.1 miles of gravity sewer was cleaned.
2019: 5.2 miles of gravity sewer was cleaned.
2018: 3.5 miles of -gravity sewer was cleaned.
Manholes
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
1
Are manholes accessible?
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: The man hole appeared to be clean and free of grease and debris.
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
#49 Main Topsail Pumpstation
#89 Bridge Port
#79 Pamlico
Wagoner Insurance & Reality
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
94
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
756
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
6
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
24
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
70
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
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/StaffNehicles/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?
❑
❑ ❑
Page 7 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6794B3C9-956F-4EFD-B4CB-2113EC7BFOA6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner - Facility: Pluris LLC
Inspection Date: 04/22/2021 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Do pump station logs include at a minimum:
Inside and outside cleaning and debris removal? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Inspecting and exercising all valves? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The facilitv documents weekly inspection. however. improvements in record keepina can be
made for maintainance acitivities in the pump station logs.
#89 had issues with the generator turning over during the inspection, the generator was tested
and functional on 4/21/2021 and a video showed that 20 minutes after the inspection a staff
memeber had the generator running.
The SimDlex station at the Waaoner facilitv needs to have a warnina liaht reDlaced.
Page 8 of 8