WQCS00012_Compliance Report_20220216

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
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ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
NORTH CAROLINA
Director
Environmental Quality
February 16, 2022
Beth Eckert
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
235 Government Center Dr
Wilmington, NC 28403
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
CFPUA Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00012
New Hanover County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the CFPUA Collection
System from 2/07/2022 through 2/09/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is
operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No.
WQCS00012. 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 Bryan
Lievre with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215
or via email at [e-mail].
ATTACHMENT
Cc: Laserfiche
Sincerely,
EW
DocuSigned by:
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Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
D_E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
o�,rft /`� 910.796,7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00012 Effective: 07/01/16 Expiration: 06/30/24 Owner: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: CFPUA Collection System
County: New Hanover
Region: Wilmington
Contact Person: Beth Eckert
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS4,
Primary ORC: Robert Patrick Daughtry
Secondary ORC(s):
Robert C. Mazzeo
William A. Kenan
On -Site Representative(s):
On -site representative
On -site representative
Related Permits:
Title: Environmental Management Dir Phone: [phone]
Certification: 26290
996958
24976
Bob C Mazzeo
Robert P Daughtry
Phone: [phone]
910-798-7139
910-332-6738
910-332-6446
910-332-6637
WQCSD0524 Pender County - Pender County Deemed Municipal Collection System
NC0023965 Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Northside WWTP
NC0023973 Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Wilmington Southside WWTP
WQCS00188 University of NC at Wilmington - UNCW Collection System
WQCS00311 Town of Wrightsville Beach - Wrightsville Beach Collection System
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Entry Time 08:30AM Exit Time: 04:OOPM
DocuSigned by:
Primary Inspector: Bryan Lievre an �� Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspectors): EB74 g9aaE 7443E
Dean Hunkele
Tyler G Benson
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: 0 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 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
An inspection of the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) collection system, Permit Number WQCS00012, was
performed from February 7, 2022 through February 9, 2022 in order to verify compliance with the existing permit. Present
during the procedures were (at times) Beth Eckert, Matthew Tribett, Bob Mazzeo, Robert Daughtry, David Mays, Kevin
Knapp, Mark Kennan and Tara (all with CFPUA) as well as Dean Hunkele, Tyler Benson and Bryan Lievre (all with NCDEQ,
DWR).
The existing permit provides for the operation of a wastewater collection system which serves the New Hanover County area
north of the Snows Cut Bridge. The collection system accepts flows from satellite tributary systems serving the Town of
Wrightsville Beach (Permit WQCS00311), the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (Permit WQCS00188) and Pender
County (Permit WQCSD0524). The CFPUA collection system discharges into either the Northside Wastewater Treatment
Plant (Permit NC0023965) or Wilmington Southside WWTP (Permit NC0023973).
The collection system is currently permitted for 846 miles of gravity sewer, approximately less than 1 mile of pressure
sewer, approximately 134 miles of force mains, 142 duplex pump stations. The system has added structures with proper
permits, which were acquired since the approval of the permit. Some of the approved structures include the inclusion of
approximately 50 simplex pump stations. Staff were reminded that these structures are required to have proper emergency
signage at each location, in accordance with 15A NCAC 2T .0305(h)(2) and within Item 1.5. in Permit WQ0039954 (Porters
Walk LPSS) and Item 1.4. in Permit W00040963 (Windy Woods Subdivision LPSS).
Although a few minor issues were noted during inspection activities, these items were corrected prior to the completion of
field activities. Staff were very knowledgeable of system operations and required activities. Records were reviewed and
found to be well organized and comprehensive, exceeding required information. Please review the comment sections of the
inspection report for more details.
Page 2 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
General
Yes No NA NE
Is there a properly designated primary ORC and at least one back-up of proper grade?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# What is that frequency?
As needed,
but
can be
on a daily
basis
# Are there any issues being addressed currently or any in the planning stages?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a specific pump failure plan available for all pump stations?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does plan indicate if pump parts/new pumps are in spare parts/equipment inventory?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are new/significantly upgraded pump stations equipped with anti -corrosion materials?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the permittee have a copy of their permit?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is permit expiring within the next 6 months?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
If Yes, has the Permittee applied for renewal?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Work activities are performed throuqh the issuance of work orders through a Maximo database
management and operating platform. Once activities are completed, work performed is
reviewed and any required follow up activities are continuously re-evaluated. Current issues
planned to be addressed include the need to replace older clay pipes in the downtown
Wilmington area as well as replacing a number of pump stations. The current permit was
issued 2/11/16, became effective 7/1/16 and expires 6/30/24.
Sewer and FOG Ordinances Yes No NA NE
Is Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) or other Legal Authority available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does it appear that the Sewer Use Ordinance is enforced?
N
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a Grease Control Program that legally requires grease control devices?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
What is the standard grease trap cleaning requirement in the FOG ordinance?
Monthly
unless
variance(s)
granted
Is Grease Control Program enforced via periodic inspections/records review?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is action taken against violators?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Have satellite systems adopted an equivalent or more stringent ordinance?
❑
❑ ❑
Is grease/sewer education program documented with req'd customer distribution?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are other types of education tools used like websites, booths, special meetings, etc?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, what are they? (This can reduce mailing to annual.)
The system provides education materials to customers by distributing information twice per year with
invoices, education materials as handouts to areas with consistent issues documented, (pre-Covid)
presentation provided to HOAs, and maintains information on their website.
Comment: The Sewer Use Ordinanace is incorporated within the systems Pretreatment Program. The
system requires yearly inspections of grease traps with monthly pumps outs, unless a variance
is approved. The system has approximately 790 grease traps documented within their
Pretreatment Program. NOVs are issued as needed to businesses which do not comply with
requirements, although the biggest compliance issue seems to be associated with late or
insufficient payments. Satellite systems include UNCW, Wrightsville Beach and Pender County.
Page 3 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
Has a Capital (CIP) or System Improvement Plan been developed and adopted? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The current CIP covered the period from 2022 through 2031 and although it included water
supply and wastewater systems, it was broken down in sections which included separate
sections for each system, as well as a separate section just for Wastewater Collection and
Conveyance. The CIP is re-evaluated on a yearly basis with priorities constantly being_
re-evaluated with a Find It and Fix It Program in which staff meet on a weekly basis and pass
along recommendations to senior management. The CIP currently has 8 pump station projects
scheduled for fiscal vear 2022.
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The system maintains an electronic GIS mapping system which is continuously updated. The
mapping system is available to crews which are able to log on with laptop computers or tablets.
The maps also contain information on when the lines were last cleaned or lined, provides invert
elevations and has other information which is available and cross -linked to a spreadsheet on
the structure for additional information.
Reporting Requirements Yes No NA NE
# Have there been any sewer spills in the past 3 years? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# How is it being made available?
Printed notice on
sewer bills and on
systems website
Comment: The system has reported 14 spills since the last inspection, which was performed on 4/2/2019.
In each situation, the spills were properly reported to the Division and appropriate steps were
taken to mitigate the releases. All of the releases were at different locations and were
associated with contractor errors, blockages from wipes/FOGs or other materials,
malfunctioning equipment and other various reasons.
Inspections Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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: Pump station inspections are conducted and loqqed onto sheets at each location and
information is also entered within the Maximo management platform. 155 functionality tests are
performed/week. The system currently has 255 line segments that are either permitted as
HPLs or are designated as a high priority by the system for a number of reasons within the
collection system. Lines designated as high priority are typically cleaned twice per year.
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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: The Spill Response Action Plan was prepared in 2008 and revised 9/2020. The source of
funding is maintained within the CIP, although the system sets aside $500,000 each year for
emergency projects that might arise.
SpIIIS Yes No NA NE
Is system free of known points of bypass? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 5 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
If No, describe type of bypass and location
Are all spills or sewer related issues/complaints documented? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Are there repeated overflows/problems (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Spills as well as any complaints are documented within the Maximo System and the issuance of
work orders to investigate and resolve the problem(s).
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
- RW-005, Roger B Haynes Outfall
- RW-035, Laney Outfall
- RW-087, Gum Branch Outfall
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, give details on temporary access:
ROWs are maintained to allow staff/equipment access, but in sensitive areas clearing may be limited in
order to protect wet areas and/or maintain a working relationship with adjacent property owner(s). The
system staff maintain their ROWS and the system has also started subcontracting out some of these
services with—24,000 feet of ROWs cleaned in January 2022 by a subcontractor.
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: As mentioned, maintenance is documented through the issuance and subsequent completion
of work orders through the Maximo System. 118 miles of gravity lines were cleaned from 7/1/20
through 6/30/21 and approximately 65 miles of gravity lines have been cleaned from 7/1/21 to
date.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
#'s 118480, 118479, 113909, 113908 and assorted exterior inspections of manholes along ROWs inspected
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?
Yes No NA NE
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❑ ❑ ❑
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Page 6 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Are manhole vents screened?
Are vents free of submergence?
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The system currently has approximately 24,589 manholes. The system has adopted a root
control and inspection program and utilizes rain guards to reduce inflow and infiltration issues.
#113908 had a Rain Guard assembly and #118480 was somewhat restricted due to the growth
of a wax myrtle tree (although roots did not appear to have penetrated).
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
#9 - Walnut St, 4 pumps, PS to be replaced and to be put out to bid 2022
#10 - Smith St, 4 pumps w/ bar screen, odor control, etc
#11 - Market St, last of the Cantech style PSs, pumps to be removed when PS #9 is replaced
#34 - Hewletts Creek, 3 pumps with submerged inlets, 3 addit diesel ppowered pumps, bar screen, various
odor control equip.
#42 - River's Edge, 2 pumps with flooded suctions
#57 - Wrightsville Sound, 2 pumps with odor control, etc
#71 - Whiskey Creek, 3 pumps with odor control, etc
#92 - Masonboro Harbour, 2 pumps, etc.
#101 - Kerr Ave, 2 pumps, etc
#111 - Lansdowne, "A Dobo Special" with hand built brick wet well under bldg, 2 submersible pumps, etc.
#115 - Intracoastal Watch, 2 pumps, etc.
#122 - River Lights #1, 3 pumps with odor control, etc.
#129 - Lambs Bluff, 2 pumps with odor control, etc.
#134 - Porters Neck 3, 2 pumps, etc.
#140 - Blue Point, 2 pumps, etc.
#147 - Preservation Point (aka Covington)
#150 - Cape Fear CC North, 2 pumps, etc
9030 Saint Georges, simplex pump sta
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
152
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
50
# 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?
152
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
0
For pump stations inspected:
Are they secure with restricted access?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Were they free of by-pass structures/pipes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Were wet wells free of excessive grease/debris?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Do they all have telemetry installed?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is the communication system functional?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the sign include:
Owner Name?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 7 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID: 91 CBE81 F-A4BO-4DAA-BOE4-DED7065B36A1
Permit: WQCS00012 Owner - Facility: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Inspection Date: 02/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
# 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:
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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: High level alarm floats (or similar functioning systems) were elevated at each location inspected
and activated visual and audible alarms. Emergency generators were activated at a few
locations and units seemed to operate properly each time. Generators are run monthly under
load and for diesel units, the system has a procedure in place to test and replace/filter the
product, as needed.
Page 8 of 8