WQCS00004_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20210813

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
5. DANIEL SMITH
Pirerror Environmental Quality
NORTH CAROLINA
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED
August 13, 2021
Ken Stines, ORC
Email: [e-mail]
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
MSD Buncombe County Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00004
Buncombe County
Dear Mr. Stines:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the MSD Buncombe County
Collection System on 8/05/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00004.
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
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
�DocuSigned by:
tin .4 20*,.
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Linda Wiggs
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS — Inspection Report
Ec: Server, LF
John Gosnell, BORC [e-mail]
North Caroltna Department of£nWronmenml Quaky 1 D11sion ofWater Resources
azei9o,lee Regional Office l 2090 USHIgh•ay 70 l S.amlarraa. North Cerollna 28Ti8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00004 Effective: 06/18/21
SOC:
County: Buncombe
Region: Asheville
Effective:
Contact Person: Ed Bradford
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS4,
Primary ORC: C Kenneth Stines
Secondary ORC(s):
John Gosnell
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0024911
Expiration:
Expiration:
Title: Dir of Engineering
Certification: 26989
1002007
05/31/29 Owner : Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe
County North Carolina
Facility: MSD Buncombe County Collection System
2028 Riverside Dr
Asheville NC 288043054
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
828-255-0061
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina - French
Broad River WRF
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021 Entry Time 10:OOAM
Primary Inspector: Linda S Wiggs
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Exit Time: 03:30PM
Phone: [phone] Ext.4653
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: 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 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Permit: WQCS00004 Owner - Facility: Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
The Inspector met with Ken Stines (ORC) and John Gosnell (BORC).
The Cane Creek Sewer District previously permitted under WQCS00204 which was a satellite system to MSD is now owned
by MSD and has been added to the MSD permit.
Notable future projects:
The Carrier Bridge PS/FM, the Biltmore Interceptor and the EQ tank in the Swannanoa sewershed are the next three large
projects to assist with I&I and growth. These projects have an estimated cost of -$100 million and estimated completion
date -2029.
Pump Station's Weaverville #1 & #2 are in design phase to be upgraded in capacity with an estimated completion date of
-2025.
Work on the French Broad line along the Biltmore Estate decreased SSO's at that location. Further improvements are
forthcoming with the Biltmore Interceptor project (Dingle Creek to Carrier PS; -32,000' new lines).
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Permit: WQCS00004 Owner - Facility: Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021
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
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2/wk or daily
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Comment: Permittee just received their permit which now includes the Cane Creek Sewer District system
(flowing to MSD).
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.)
Inspections, door hangers, website, special meetings, planning department approvals (restaurants).
Comment: Food Service inspections generally occur yearly; usually they are conducted more frequently
or as needed.
Food Service is currently working with 86 new food service establishments in MSD area.
NOV's and CPA's issued as needed.
Capital Improvement Plan
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?
Yes No NA NE
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BMP; 30-90 days
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Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Permit: WQCS00004 Owner - Facility: Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Does CIP include forecasted future needs? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Carrier Bridge PS/FM, Biltmore Interceptor and EQ tank in Swannanoa sewershed. See
summary.
Map
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: Cane Creek Sanitary District added.
Reporting Requirements
# 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?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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website
Comment: MSD battles l&I issues like all POTW's, however, their downwards trend of SSO's is significant,
as can be viewed in the MSD Annual Report that is available online.
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? • ❑ El El
Are inspections of HPL documented at least every 6 months? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: MSD performs inspections more frequently than is required at their largest PS's and on HPL's.
Page4of7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Permit: WQCS00004 Owner - Facility: Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Spill Response Action Plan
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: MSD's spill response is exceptional; a component of larger SSO cleanup activities include a
thorough cleaning of the stream.
Spills
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Work on the French Broad line along the Biltmore Estate decreased the number of SSO's at
that location. Further improvements forthcoming with the Biltmore Interceptor project (Dingle
Creek to Carrier PS; -32,000' new lines).
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
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: Any issues found are fixed immediately and/or included in forthcoming repairs/CIP.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
MH up from Erwin Hill PS.
MH's at Otera St project.
MH's Elkwood/Merrimon.
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
Page5of7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Permit: WQCS00004 Owner - Facility: Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
Comment:
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Erwin Hills
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
# Number of vacuum stations in system
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
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?
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 67627227-54E4-462E-AF1 B-F7B99F166930
Permit: WQCS00004 Owner - Facility: Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Inspection Date: 08/05/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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?
Comment: 10 PS were added to MSD from the Cane Creek system.
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