WQCS00140_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220127

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.
June 11, 2021

Timothy Barth, Town Manager
Email: [e-mail]
Town of Columbus

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Columbus Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00140
Polk County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Columbus Collection
System on 5/11/2021. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00140.
The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the
inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-296-4686 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Mikal Willmer, Environmental Specialist II
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: inspection report

Ec: LF
Jason Phillips, ORC
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00140 Effective:02/01/15 Expiration:01/31/23 Owner :Town of Columbus
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Polk
Asheville
Jonathan Kanipe
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Columbus Collection System
PO Box 146
Columbus NC 287220146
Title:Phone:[phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
828-894-8236Phone:990185Certification:Jason Howard PhillipsPrimary ORC:
CS1,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0021369 Town of Columbus - Columbus WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
05/11/2021 10:00AM 01:00PM
Mikal Willmer 828-296-4686
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: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00140
05/11/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Columbus
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Mikal Willmer and Stephanie Williams, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a compliance evaluation inspection of
the Town of Columbus' collection system on May 11, 2021. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the system
is being operated and maintained in compliance permit no. WQCS00140. Jason Phillips, ORC, was present and assisted in
the inspection.
The facility was found to be compliant at the time of the inspection. Please review the comments and recommendations
noted during the inspection.
SUO: The Town's sewer use ordinance allows for the regulation and enforcement of grease traps throughout the collection
system. Mr. Phillips stated he is generating a form for facilities to fill out and submit showing proof of routine grease trap
maintenance. As a reminder, it is within the Towns authority to establish and enforce a required minimum cleaning schedule
of grease traps.
CIP: Town is in the process of finalizing their 10-year CIP (2018-2029). The Draft document was provided to ARO staff after
the inspection.
Map: Map is housed in local GIS software. All manholes, lines and pump stations are visually represented. The Town will
need to add taps and the most recent sewer line project when they obtain updated software. Please note, if the Town does
not want to invest in new GIS software, a system wide map can be created and maintained onsite. The requirements of
system maps can be found within the Town's collection system permit.
Pump Stations: All pump stations are being checked as required by permit. The Hospital Lift station and BP lift station
alarms and pump were operable at the time of the inspection. The hospital lift station had significant grease build up, but
floats still appeared to be operable. Corrosion was occurring within the wetwell and on the wetwell hatch. This should
continue to be monitored to prevent equipment failure. Please note, the Town will need to take steps to further enforce their
grease trap ordinance if this station continues to receive excessive amounts of grease. The wet well should be placed on a
more frequent cleaning schedule until the issues upstream are resolved. Last documented grease removal appeared to be in
August. Mr. Phillips indicated they are in discussion to upgrade the LS this coming year and are revising grease trap
monitoring requirements.
Annual Report: Flows are currently under 0.2 MGD. Should annual average flows increase over 0.20 MGD, an annual
permofance report for the collection system and WWTP will be required and will need to be distributed to system
customers.
Page 2 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00140
05/11/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Columbus
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?
Columbus Public Works staff has reduced from eight employees down to three. The Public
works director is also the back-up ORC. Mr. Phillips indicated they routinely discuss system
issues and projects.
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?Inspect monthly
and pump as
necessary
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.)
FOGs education is posted on the Town's website and sent out with customer bills. The Town is now using
"Nixle" for open communication with Town residents.
Town staff report that all new commercial customers are required to have grease traps or
grease interceptors. Additionally, the Town is working on a form for users to submit showing
proof of pumping. Additional enforcement action will be taken as necessary in accordance with
the Town's "Grease and Oil Control" ordinance. Currently, the Town has not reported any
major obstructions to their lines from excessive grease discharges. Grease is primarily seen
entering the system from homeowners. FOGs education is sent to targeted areas when/where
grease is noted in the collection system.
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?
Page 3 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00140
05/11/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Columbus
Routine
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?
The Town is in the process of adopting the CIP which covers 2018 to 2029 (draft reviewed after
inspection). Previously adopted CIP went through 18-19.
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 Golden Leaf Grant project was just completed and needs to be updated within the ArcGIS
map of the system. CS staff indicated the Town was searching for a company to update their
GIS system or change software. See summary for additional details and recommendations.
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?
Flows to the wastewater treatment plant are currently under 200,000 gallons per day. Please
note, should annual averages flows begin to exceed this threshold, the Town will be required to
begin distributing an system annual report.
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?
Page 4 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00140
05/11/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Columbus
Routine
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?
The ORC is currently recording the required elements for inspections and routinely checking
LS functions. Currently these are kept in a planner for ease of recording during daily
maintenance activities. Recommend transferring the required maintenance activities to a
central and standardized location to ensure HPLs, ROW clearings, pump station checks etc.
are being completed at the required frequency.
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?
Columbus historically has had very few SSO within the system, but appear to respond as soon
as possible. Please review and update any personnel contacts within the spill response plan.
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?
Customer complaints are documented on work order forms and retained by public works staff.Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
HPL crossing horse creek near BP Lift Station (highest flow LS).
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment?
If No, give details on temporary access:
Is maintenance documented?
Page 5 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00140
05/11/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Columbus
Routine
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?
Town has approximately 18 miles of sewer line. Records indicated at least 10% of lines are
being cleaned annually.
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Walker St. and Peak St. Manholes.
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?
Manhole covers are at grade. Walker St. manhole receives flow from the BP Lift station.
Manhole appeared free of obstructions and showed some signs of corrosion. Peak St.
manholes were repaired and realigned. Town moved sewer lines out from under several
buildings to increase accessibility.
Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
BP & Hospital LS
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 5
# 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:
Page 6 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00140
05/11/2021 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Columbus
Routine
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?
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?
Portable generator at HS lift station has a quick disconnect installed.
# 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?
Each pump station has a dedicated generator on-site. The BP lift station receives the heaviest
flow. Variable speed motors were recently installed. The grinder pump is currently bypassed.
The HS lift station receives flow from 70-unit nursing home and the hospital and had excessive
grease build up and corrosion. See summary for details.
Comment:
Page 7 of 7
DocuSign Envelope ID: 70F7AAC8-6317-4C0B-8D03-D1F27D5490D0
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 70F7AAC863174C0B8D03D1F27D5490D0 Status: Completed
Subject: Please DocuSign: WQCS00140_CEI.ltr.docx, WQCS00140_CEI.insp.pdf
Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 8 Signatures: 1 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 2 Mikal Willmer
AutoNav: Enabled
EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled
Time Zone: (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
217 W. Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27699
[e-mail]
IP Address: 149.168.204.10
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Jun 14, 2021 | 09:46
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Mikal Willmer
[e-mail]
Environmental Specialist
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
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[e-mail]
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
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