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Home My WebLink AboutWQCS00200_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210824 SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED. August 24, 2021 Lee Smith Western Carolina University Email: blsmith@email.wcu.edu SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report Western Carolina University Collection System Collection System Permit No. WQCS00200 Jackson County Dear Permittee: The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Western Carolina University Collection System on 8/04/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00200. 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 828-296-4500 or via email at stephanie.williams@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, Stephanie Williams, Environmental Specialist Water Quality Regional Operations Section Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report Ec: Laserfiche DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0 Compliance Inspection Report Permit:WQCS00200 Effective:06/01/13 Expiration:05/31/21 Owner :Western Carolina University SOC: Contact Person: Region: County: Directions to Facility: Jackson Asheville Lee Smith Effective:Expiration:Facility:Western Carolina University Collection System Physical Plant Cullowhee NC 28723 Title:Phone:828-227-7442Director of Operations and Maintenance Secondary ORC(s): Phone:Certification:Primary ORC: CS2,System Classifications: On-Site Representative(s): Related Permits: NC0020214 Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority - TWSA WWTP#2 Secondary Inspector(s): Primary Inspector: Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time: Phone: 08/04/2021 08:30AM 11:00AM Stephanie A Williams 828-296-4500 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 (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCS00200 08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Western Carolina University Routine Inspection Summary: Stephanie Williams, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of Western Carolina University’s (WCU) Collection System on August 4, 2021. This inspection was conducted to determine if the system is being operated and maintained in compliance with permit no. WQCS00200. Lee Smith (Director of Operations and Maintenance), Dustin Melton (Operations), and Dustin Cabe (Plumbing) were present during the inspection. The Collection System consists of all gravity lines, which are primarily ductile iron with minimal PVC and clay lines. There are no lift stations and no known high priority lines in the system. This is a satellite system to Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority’s (TWASA) Collection System. WCU’s sewer system map indicates 11 points of connection to TWASA. Ongoing Projects: At the time of the inspection, crews were in the process of installing 600 feet of additional line and replacing 200 feet of existing clay line at the new Lower Campus Residence Hall. Additionally, the school is currently in the process of converting maps to GIS for all utilities. Manholes: The manhole below the dining hall was littered with debris that was restricting the flow. The pipe discharges onto a flat portion of the shelf, allowing rags and other debris to build up. Manholes should be kept free of debris to allow water to flow freely. Record Keeping: At the time of the inspection, the permittee was unable to find much of the required documentation. However, documentation was later submitted. It is recommended that documentation be kept more organized and accessible. Page 2 of 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCS00200 08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Western Carolina University 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? The permit expired 5/31/21 and is currently in renewal.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?Quarterly 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.) The Sewer Use Ordinance provided was last updated in 1984. FOG educational material is distributed with incoming student orientation packets. 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? Comment: Map Yes No NA NE Page 3 of 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCS00200 08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Western Carolina University Routine 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? WCU is currently in the process of converting their sewer map to GIS.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? 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: Page 4 of 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCS00200 08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Western Carolina University Routine 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? It is recommended that the Spill Response Plan be modified to reflect the line items in this report. 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: 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: Manholes Yes No NA NE Please list the Manholes Inspected: 427, 420, 233, Dining Hall MH 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? Page 5 of 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0 Inspection Date: Permit: Inspection Type : Owner - Facility: Reason for Visit: WQCS00200 08/04/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Western Carolina University Routine # 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? The manhole below the dining hall was littered with debris that was restricting the flow. See summary for details. Comment: Page 6 of 6 DocuSign Envelope ID: 3E281653-CBD2-44F9-9971-FC36241B81B0