WQCS00158_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210625

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.

June 25, 2021

Steve Hooper
Town of Robbinsville
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Robbinsville Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00158
Graham County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Robbinsville Collection
System on 6/15/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00158.
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 me at 828-296-4667 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: Inspection Report

Ec: LF
Chadd Carpenter, ORC
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00158 Effective:06/09/17 Expiration:02/28/25 Owner :Town of Robbinsville
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Graham
Asheville
Michael J Waresak
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Robbinsville Collection System
PO Box 126
Robbinsville NC 287710126
Title:Phone:[phone]Consultant
James Edwin Sharpe 1004968 828-479-8214
Secondary ORC(s):
828-479-8214Phone:[phone]Certification:Chadd Ace CarpenterPrimary ORC:
CS1,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0025879 Town of Robbinsville - Robbinsville WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
06/15/2021 10:00AM 12:15PM
Lauren E Armeni 828-296-4500
Mikal Willmer
Stephanie A Williams
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: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00158
06/15/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Robbinsville
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Lauren Armeni, Mikal Willmer, and Stephanie Williams with the Asheville Regional Office conducted a Compliance
Evaluation Inspection of the Town of Robbinsville's Collection System on June 15, 2021. Steve Hooper (Mayor), Chadd
Carpenter (ORC), and James Sharpe (Backup ORC) were present and assisted with the inspection.
Overall, the system is well-maintained. Improvements to the collection system are on-going and include replacement of
terracotta lines and brick manholes at Laura Street, Main Street, Tapoco Road, and Ford Street.
Additional manhole information:
1.Laura Street - The Town plans to replace the terracotta lines and brick manhole by the end of this year or 2022 at the
latest. According to Mr. Carpenter, this area is a top priority because of ongoing issues here. The terracotta line has
degraded some, causing trash to occasionally catch on the pipe, which in return creates minor back-ups. Because of this
issue, they have to periodically jet the line. Additionally, storm water outlets are nearby that are draining into this line,
increasing flow even more. This sewer line will be rerouted from underneath the ABI building to the roadway between the ABI
Building and the adjacent building. No root intrusion was visible.
2.Knight Street - Manhole is brick and at grade with terracotta lines and an earthen base. No root intrusion was visible.
3.Rodney Orr Bypass - Manhole is brick and at grade with terracotta lines. Root intrusion was visible, so it is recommended
to inspect more frequently.
The following items were noted during the inspection:
Grease Trap Program: We recommend annual inspection of non-residential users with grease trap/interceptors as part of an
enforceable FOG Program.
Pump Failure Plan/Pump Station Logs: We recommended to develop a written protocol that outlines actions to take in the
event of a pump failure. This plan should be stored at the pump station. Additionally, more detail should be added to pump
station logs, as outlined under the "Pump Stations" section of this report.
Page 2 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00158
06/15/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Robbinsville
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?
# 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?
The Collection System is comprised of an influent pump station with mechanical screening, with
approximately 44,500 feet of 8-inch and 11,200 feet of 6-inch gravity sewer lines. Chadd
Carpenter, ORC, continues to record all maintenance activities within a bound notebook. He
maintains the lift station for the collection system. The ORC and Mayor review the logs and
problem areas as they arise. It is recommended to have a written protocol that outlines actions
to take in the event of a pump failure. This plan should be stored at the pump station.
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?Remove any
accumulated
grease cap and
sludge pocket as
required, but at
least intervals of
not longer than
thirty (30) days at
the Users
expense.
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.)
It is recommended to annually inspect non-residential users grease trap/interceptor
maintenance protocols as part of the enforceable FOG Program. Mr. Carpenter indicated that
information regarding their FOG Program is mailed out to residents every six months.
Comment:
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00158
06/15/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Robbinsville
Routine
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
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?
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?Town website
Robbinsville has had one reportable SSO in the past five years. Terracotta lines will continue to
be replaced as outlined in the 2020 Asset Management Plan.
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?
Page 4 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00158
06/15/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Robbinsville
Routine
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:
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?
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:
Knight Road near influent 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:
Page 5 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00158
06/15/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Robbinsville
Routine
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
1. Laura Street near ABI building
2. Knight Street near influent pump station
3. Rodney Orr Bypass near Car Wash
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?
See summary for details.Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Knight Street
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 1
# Number of vacuum stations in system 0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system 0
# 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?1
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?
Page 6 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00158
06/15/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Robbinsville
Routine
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/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?
The generator is serviced annually and self-tests once a week and is tested under load 1-2
times per year. The wet well has an ultrasonic level sensor with float back-ups. Mr. Carpenter
indicated that they have not had any issues with the pump station. It is recommended to
maintain more detailed pump station logs, as indicated above.
Comment:
Page 7 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2706AAE1-92C4-4456-98A4-19842BAA476F