HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQCS00233_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210806
August 6, 2021
Mr. Tony Konsul
Carolina Water Systems, Inc.
PO Box 240908
Charlotte NC 28224
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permittee: Hemby Acres Wastewater Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00233
Union County, NC
Dear Mr. Konsul:
Mr. Tony Parker of the Mooresville Regional Office of the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR
or the Division) conducted a compliance evaluation inspection (CEI) of the utilities wastewater
collection system (WWCS) on August 4, 2021. The assistance Mr. Larry Henry and Mr. Frank
Wood provided during this inspection was greatly appreciated. A copy of the inspection report is
attached for your records and inspection findings are summarized below.
Site/System Review
The following system components were inspected:
a. Two pump stations were inspected. No issues noted.
b. Numerous manholes inspected. No issues noted.
c. Several outfall R/W’s. were inspected. No issues noted.
As you are aware, owners of permitted collection systems must comply with their permit and all
rules listed under NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02T .0400, et seq. The utilities compliance
status with each of these rules is summarized below:
a. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(1): Requires that the system be effectively maintained
and operated at all times to prevent discharge to land or surface waters and any
contravention of ground or surface water standards.
Observations: The system had no SSO’s for the review period
Compliance Status: Compliant
b. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(2): Requires that a map of the wastewater collection
system be developed and actively maintained.
Observations: The utility uses digital and paper maps showing the pump station
locations, lines, flow direction and other characteristics.
Compliance Status: Compliant
c. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(3): Requires that an operation and maintenance (O&M)
plan be developed and implemented, which includes inspection frequency,
preventative maintenance schedule, and overflow response.
Observations Records were available for all activities.
Compliance Status: Compliant
d. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(4): Requires that the permittee or its representative
inspect pump stations that are not connected to a telemetry system (i.e., remote
alarm system) every day (i.e., 365 days per year) and pump stations that are
connected to a telemetry system at least once per week.
Observations: The pump stations are being inspected and monitored as required.
Compliance Status: Compliant
e. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(5): Requires that the permittee or its representative
inspect high-priority sewers (HPS - as defined in 15A NCAC 02T .0402(2)) at least
once every six months and document the inspections.
Observations: The system has high priority lines and logs indicate they are
inspected and documented as required.
Compliance Status: Compliant
f. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(6): Requires that the permittee or its representative
conduct a general observation of the entire wastewater collection system at least
once per year and document same.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
g. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(7): Requires that overflows and bypasses from the
system be reported to the Division's Mooresville Regional Office in accordance
with 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a), and that public notice must be provided as required
by G.S. 143-215.1C.
Observations: No SSO’s have been reported with this system for this review
period. The NC regulations and statutes, which cover the reporting requirements
for SSOs, are found in NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a) and NC
General Statute 143-215.1C, respectively. You may access the NC regulations
online at the NC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) website at:
http://www.oah.state.nc.us/rules/ and the NC General Statutes online at the NC
General Assembly's website at:
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl. You may wish to
review them to ensure you are fully familiar with all requirements.
When reporting SSOs to DWQ, you must call the Mooresville Regional Office
(MRO) at 704-663-1699 during normal business hours. If outside normal business
hours, you must report the spill to the NC Division of Emergency Management at
1-800-858-0368. Please note that all reportable SSOs must be reported within 24
hours of the occurrence, or first knowledge, of the SSO. Please also note that voice
mail or faxed messages are not considered as the initial verbal report. You must
talk to and report the spill to a live person.
Compliance Status: Compliant
h. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(8): Requires that a grease control program be developed
and implemented as follows:
1. For privately owned collection systems, the Grease Control Program shall
include at least bi-annual distribution of grease education materials to users.
2. Grease education materials shall be distributed more often than required
above if necessary to prevent grease-related sanitary sewer overflows.
Observations: Educational info is provided to all customers via mail outs to all
customers 2/year and posted on website.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
i. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(9): Requires that right-of-ways (ROW) and easements
be maintained to allow for personnel and equipment accessibility.
Observations: Lines and R/W’s are maintained per requirements and documented.
Compliance Status: Compliant.
j. 15A NCAC 02T .0403(a)(10): Requires that documentation be kept for all
activities you undertake to comply with the requirements of 15A NCAC 02T .0403,
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(9), for a minimum of three years, with the
exception of the map, which shall be maintained for the life of the system.
Observations: Records were reviewed for high-priority line inspections, and
observation of the entire system.
Compliance Status: Compliant
The attached inspection report should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions
regarding the inspection report or this letter please contact Tony Parker at 704-663-1699 or
tony.parker@ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachments: BIMS Inspection Report
CC: DWR files (LaserFiche)
for
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00233 Effective:10/10/13 Expiration:11/30/21 Owner :Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Union
Mooresville
Lane Chilton
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Hemby Acres Collection System
PO Box 240908
Charlotte NC 282240908
Title:Phone:252-723-8953Eastern NC Manager
Secondary ORC(s):
704-361-0641Phone:1004209Certification:Larry Darnell HenryPrimary ORC:
CS2,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0035041 Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina - Hemby Acres WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
08/04/2021 09:45AM 12:30PM
Tony Parker 704-663-1699
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
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00233
08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00233
08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
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?
Current permit expires 11/30/2021. The utility indicated a renewal application was submitted on
April 7, 2021.
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?variable
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.)
Mail outs 2/year and posted on web site.
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?
Page 3 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00233
08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
The 2021 CIP budget included rebuild and move 2 P/S's out of Rd., the rehab of 12 M/H's and
replacing of 360' of gravity main.During this visit the 2 pump station rebuils and relocation were
under construction and were not inspected.
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?
The utility uses digital and paper maps.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?
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?
Reports were available for all activities.Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
Page 4 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00233
08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
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?
No SSO's reported for the review period.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:
Oak Grove outfalls. No issues noted.
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?
The utility cleaned 11.9 % of lines for the review period.Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Numerous M/H's inspected with no issues observed.
Are manholes accessible?
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
Page 5 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00233
08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
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?
Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
WWTP influent P/S and Oak Grove P/S #3. No issues observed.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 4
# 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?4
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer) installed?0
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
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00233
08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
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?
The utility uses dedicated and portable units for B/U. The utility has a fleet of portable units. The 2 P/S's
inspected during this visit had dedicated units on site and both functioned W/O issue when tested.
# 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?
Maintenance records were available for all activities.Comment:
Page 7 of 7