HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQCS00003_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20211027ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
October 27, 2021
City of Winston-Salem
Attn: Courtney Driver, Director of Utilities
P.O. Box 2511
Winston-Salem, NC 27107-9998
SUBJECT: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permit No. WQCS00003
Winston-Salem Collection System
Forsyth County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources, Winston-Salem Regional Office, conducted an
inspection of the Winston-Salem Collection System on September 23, 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. WQCS00003.
No significant deficiencies or violations were noted during the inspection. All observations are
summarized in the attached Compliance Inspection Report.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Ron Boone with the
Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336-776-
9800.
Attachments:
Compliance Inspection Report
cc: Laserfiche
NORTH
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n.o.rtm.m of ln.im.mo.tol au.i`
Sincerely,
-DocuSigned by:
Lon T SAiker
145B49E225C94 EA..
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office 1450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 I Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00003 Effective: 06/18/21
SOC: Effective:
County: Forsyth
Region: Winston-Salem
Contact Person: William C Brewer
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS4,
Primary ORC: Antonio Vernis Martinez
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Expiration: 05/31/29
Expiration:
Owner : City of Winston-Salem
Facility: Winston-Salem Collection System
PO Box 2511
Winston Salem NC 271079998
Title: Water Treatment Superintenden Phone: 336-727-8000
Certification: 1005510
NC0050342 City of Winston-Salem - Muddy Creek WWTP
NC0037834 City of Winston-Salem - Archie Elledge WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Primary Inspector: Ron Boone
Secondary Inspector(s):
Entry Time 09:OOAM
Patricia Lowery
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
▪ Capital Improvement Plan
▪ Inspections
▪ Lines
❑ Not Compliant
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Map
▪ Spill Response Plan
▪ Manholes
Exit Time: 02:OOPM
Phone: 336-771-5111
Phone: 336-776-9690
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances
▪ Reporting Requirements
▪ Spills
▪ Pump Stations
Page 1 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Ron Boone and Tricia Lowery of the NC Division of Water Resources, Winston-Salem Regional Office, conducted a
compliance evaluation inspection of the City of Winston-Salem's wastewater collection system on September 23, 2021.
Antonio Martinez, Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), along with several others from various city departments, facilitatec
the inspection. Their time, expertise, and professionalism were greatly appreciated. Results of the inspection are
summarized in the following paragraphs:
PERMIT PART I, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Part I, Paragraph 1, Wastewater Treatment
Observations: All wastewater is treated at Archie Elledge and Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatments Plants.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 2, Operation & Maintenance
Observations: The system is very well operated and maintained. The city has reported the following sanitary sewer overflows
2021 42
2020 61
2019 63
2018 71
2017 47
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 3, Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO)
Observations: The SUO is posted on the town's website and meets requirements.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 4, FOG Program
Observations: The city's FOG program is extensive and well implemented. The ordinance covers requirements for grease
traps and for maintaining and inspecting them regularly. Cleaning/pumping requirements vary by facility and equipment but
facilities are inspected by city personnel and pumping records must be provided. Enforcement action is taken as needed.
As for the educational arm of the city's FOG program the city employs several different components as listed below.
1. "Can the Grease" kits, containing various items advertising "Can the Grease" such as spatulas, pot holders, can lids,
etc, all use proactively and reactively, depending on circumstances of events;
2. The city has wrapped several vehicles in vehicle wraps advertising "Can the Grease";
3. Some of the city's jetter/vac trucks also have "Can the Grease" advertisements on them;
4. The city sends "Can the Grease" handouts with billing statements once annually;
5. The city posts "Can the Grease" information on its website and the website is searchable for the "Can the Grease"
information; and,
6. Winston-Salem University is an educational event held by the city and includes FOG information.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 5, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Observations: The CIP was reviewed and meets requirements.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 6, Overflow/Bypass Structures Prohibited
Observations: No such structures were identified during the inspection and operators stated none exist.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Page 2 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Part I, Paragraph 7, Pump Station Contingency Plan (PSCP)
Observations: The city's PSCP was reviewed and found to be compliant.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 8, Pump Station Signage
Observations: Pump stations inspected had the proper signage and operators indicated all others are similarly posted.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 9, Pump Station Restricted Access
Observations: Stations visited were properly secured. Operators indicated others are similarly secured.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 10, Pump Station Audible/Visible Alarms
Observations: Stations visited have audible/visible alarms in addition to SCADA. Operators indicated all others are similarly
equipped.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part I, Paragraph 11, Pump Station Construction/Modification - Corrosion Resistant Coatings/Equipment
Observations: No conditions demonstrating noncompliance were noted.
Compliance Status: Compliant
PERMIT PART II, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Part II, Paragraph 1, Properly Designated Operators
Observations: Antonio Martinez is designated as ORC and several others, including Kenny Atkins and Keith Foster, are
designated as backup ORCs.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 2, Documentation Review
Observations: Mr. Martinez indicated all documentation is reviewed as it is generated and some of the review is
documented. Recommend in the future that all documentation be signed/initialed and dated as it is generated, turned in to
supervisors, reviewed, and filed, to actually document all such reviews.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 3, Testing of Emergency and Standby Equipment
Observations: Generators are run manually under load for exercise and to check operability, on a monthly basis.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 4, Routine Pump Station Inspection/Maintenance Program
Observations: Pump station inspection logs are sufficient.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 5, Spare Pumps/Station Reliability
Observations: There are no simplex stations and all duplex and greater stations meet reliability requirements.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 6, Spare Pumps for Simplex Stations
Observations: There are no simplex stations in the system.
Compliance Status: Not applicable
Part II, Paragraph 7, Right -of -Way and/or Easement Maintenance
Observations: ROW maintenance is partly contracted and partly done using in-house assets. It is performed on an as
Page 3 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
needed basis. No insufficiently maintained ROWs were identified during the inspection.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 8, Line Cleaning
Observations: The city has 1,782 miles of gravity sewer, according to the permit. The city typically cleans about 250 miles of
gravity sewer per year, consistently exceeding the permit requirement of 178.2 miles per year.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 9, Spill Plan
Observations: Operators presented a spill plan that meets requirements.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 10, On -Site Evaluations of SSOs
Observations: No conditions were observed that indicate noncompliance with this requirement. Operators stated they
respond to all SSOs immediately.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part II, Paragraph 11, SSO Response.
Observations: No conditions were observed during inspection indicating noncompliance with this requirement.
Compliance Status: Compliant
PERMIT PART III, RECORDS
Part III, Paragraph 1, Records
Observations: All required records were readily available, complete, and comprehensive.
Compliance Status: Noncompliant
Part III, Paragraph 2, SSO/Complaint Records
Observations: Most all SSO/complaint calls come in through the city's call -in line known as "CityLink" and all calls generate
the appropriate records.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part III, Paragraph 3, System Map
Observations: The collection system is fully mapped using computer software and ongoing efforts continue to capture and
update information. All required data is available in various record drawings and specifications, as well as the current
computer system.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part III, Paragraph 4, Records of System Modifications/Extensions
Observations: Operators acknowledged requirement. No conditions demonstrating noncompliance were noted.
Compliance Status: Compliant
PERMIT PART IV, MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Part IV, Paragraph 1, Required Monitoring
Observations: No conditions demonstrating noncompliance were observed during the inspection.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part IV, Paragraph 2, Reporting SSOs
Observations: No conditions demonstrating noncompliance were observed during the inspection.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part IV, Paragraph 3, Annual Report
Page 4 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Observations: A fully compliant annual report was provided for review during the inspection.
Compliance Status: Compliant
PERMIT PART V, INSPECTIONS
Part V, Paragraph 1, Collection System Inspection
Observations: Inspectors believe permittee to be compliant with this condition.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part V, Paragraph 2, Pump Station Inspection Frequency
Observations: All stations have audible/visible alarms and SCADA systems and all are inspected daily, Monday through
Friday.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part V, Paragraph 3, Annual System General Observation
Observations: Operators believe the whole system is inspected over the course of each year. Inspectors noted no conditions
indicating otherwise and the city records all activities undertaken to comply with its permit. It is recommended that
operators sign an annual certification stating they believe the entire system has been observed over the course of the
previous year.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Part V, Paragraph 4, High Priority Line (HPL) Inspections
Observations: The city has about 807 HPLs. Records of HPL inspections were reviewed and found to be detailed, complete,
and comprehensive.
Compliance Status: Compliant
Page 5 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
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?
Comment: None
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.)
"Can the Grease" packages (proactive and reactive), city vehicle wraps, Website, Winston-Salem University,
one annual mailing with billing statements.
Comment: None
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?
Does CIP include forecasted future needs?
Yes No NA NE
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II El El El
Page 6 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: None
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: None
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?
Comment: None
Inspections
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Notice of
Availability in
newspaper
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11000
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Comment: Recommend operators certify annually via a signed and dated short internal memo that they
certify the entire collection system has been observed over the course of the previous year.
Page 7 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
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?
Comment: None
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?
Comment: None
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Aerial @ 36.078445, -80.217623
Aerial @ 36.024828, -80.354579
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: None
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
None
Are manholes accessible?
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
Yes No NA NE
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Page 8 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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: None
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Idols Rd Pump Station
Clemmons 1 Pump Station
# 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?
# Address?
Instructions for notification?
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Page 9 of 10
Permit: WQCS00003 Owner - Facility: City of Winston-Salem
Inspection Date: 09/23/2021
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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: None
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Page 10 of 10