The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutWQCS00033_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220407Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQCS00033 Effective: 05/01/15 Expiration: 04/30/23 Owner : City of Mount Airy SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Mount Airy Collection System County: Surry 300 S Main St Region: Winston-Salem Mount Airy NC 270300070 Contact Person: Travis James King Title: Utilities Maintenance Supervisoi Phone: 336-786-3582 Directions to Facility: System Classifications: CS2, Primary ORC: Ricky George Dean Secondary ORC(s): Jimmy Steven Hodges Daniel Ray Jefferson On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Certification: 987503 Phone: 336-786-3580 990695 986859 NC0021121 City of Mount Airy - Mount Airy WWTP Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 01:OOPM 339-786-3580 336-786-3580 Primary Inspector: Patricia Lowery Phone: 336-776-9691 Secondary Inspector(s): Reason for Inspection: Routine 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 ▪ Pump Stations ▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances ▪ Reporting Requirements ▪ Spills Page 1 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: Tricia Lowery of the NC Division of Water Resources, Winston-Salem Regional Office conducted a compliance evaluation inspection of Mt. Airy's wastewater collection system (WQCS00033) on April 7, 2022. Ricky Dean, Daniel Jefferson and Jimmy Hodges were present for the inspection. Results of the inspection are summarized in the following paragraphs: SECTION III, PERMIT PART I: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Part I, Paragraph 2, requires the wastewater collection system shall be effectively managed, maintained and operated at all times. Observations: Overall, the collection system is well maintained and operated. Inspector found no major issues. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 3, the Permittee shall establish an effective sewer use ordinance (SUO). Observations: The SUO is comprehensive. Inspector found no issues with SUO Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 4, requires the Permittee shall develop and implement an educational fats, oils and grease program and an enforceable fats, oils and grease program for non-residential users. Observations: Appropriate educational materials are distributed 2x year through utility bills. This information is also located on the city's website and Facebook page. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 5, requires the Permittee shall adopt and implement a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to designate fundinc for reinvestment into the wastewater collection system infrastructure. Observations: The CIP is specific to wastewater/collection system. The CIP covers short term and long-term plans (extending into 2031). It includes description of project areas and existing facilities. It includes known deficiencies with plans for remediations and forecasts future needs. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 6 requires there be no overflow or bypass structures within the system and if any are discovered that they be immediately eliminated. Observations: No overflow or bypass structures have been discovered in system. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 7 requires the Permittee maintain a contingency plan for pump failure at each pump station. Observations: Permittee has extensive contingency plan for pumps stations in main log. It is not posted at each pump station; however, ORC will post at each pump station as inspector explained this is a requirement. Compliance Status: Non -compliant (but easily remedied to comply) Part I, Paragraph 8 requires each pump station shall be clearly and conspicuously posted with a pump station identifier and an emergency contact telephone number at which an individual who can initiate or perform emergency service for the wastewater collection system 24 hours per day, seven days per week can be contacted. Observations: Pump station inspected has all required information posted at entry gate. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 9 requires pump station sites, equipment and components shall have restricted access, as per 15A NCAC 02T .305(h)(4). Observations: Pump station inspected was secured with strong fencing and locked. Gate doors to wells were locked as well. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 10 requires pump stations that do not employ an automatic polling feature (i.e. routine contact with pump Page 2 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine stations from a central location to check operational status of the communication system) shall have both audible and visual high water alarms. Observations: 4 pumps stations total in collection system. 2 employ auto dialers and 2 employ cellular/modem communication system. Pump station inspected had operational visual and audible alarms. Compliance Status: Compliant Part I, Paragraph 11 requires that for all newly constructed, modified and rehabilitated pump stations, all equipment and components shall be sealed within a corrosion -resistant coating or encasement to the extent practicable and equivalent to the minimum design criteria unless the permittee can demonstrate it is not practicable or another form of corrosion resistance is employed. Observations: No issues found during inspection. Compliance Status: Compliant SECTION IV, PERMIT PART II: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS Part II, Paragraph 1 requires the Permittee shall designate and employ a certified operator to be in responsible charge (ORC,' and one or more certified operator(s) to be back-up ORC(s) of the facilities in accordance with 15A NCAC 8G .0201. The ORC shall visit the system within 24 hours of knowledge of a bypass, spill, or overflow of wastewater from the system, unless visited by the Back -Up ORC, and shall comply with all other conditions of 15A NCAC 8G .0204. Observations: Appropriate ORC and BORCs are in place for this collection system. Logs reviewed showed appropriate response times to SSOs, etc. Details are documented in operational logs and comply with response action plan. Compliance Status: Compliant Part II, Paragraph 2 requires the Permittee shall develop and adhere to a schedule for reviewing all inspection, maintenance, operational and complaint logs. Observations: ORC has a spreadsheet that lists all collection system's operational and maintenance logs in use and initials each month's review of logs. Compliance Status: Compliant Part II, Paragraph 3 requires the Permittee shall develop and adhere to a schedule for testing emergency and standby equipment. Observations: The schedule is listed in emergency/response action plan. Logs are kept and reviewed concerning the testing of all generators and other emergency equipment. Compliance Status: Compliant Part II, Paragraph 4 requires the Permittee shall develop and implement a routine pump station inspection and maintenance program, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following maintenance activities: a. Cleaning and removing debris from the pump station structure, outside perimeter, and wet well; b. Inspecting and exercising all valves; c. Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other mechanical equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations; and d. Verifying the proper operation of the alarms, telemetry system and auxiliary equipment. Observations: Weekly inspection logs are kept at each pump station detailing operations and maintenance. The only item not tested weekly is (d) — alarms, telemetry/aux equipment. Compliance Status: Overall Compliant (**with exception of (d) — alarm system are not tested weekly. This will be remedied as weekly testing of alarms will begin post inspection.) Part II, Paragraph 5 requires for each pump station without pump reliability (i.e. simplex pump stations serving more than a single building or pump stations not capable of pumping at a rate of 2.5 times the average daily flow rate with the largest pump out of service), at least one fully operational spare pump capable of pumping peak flow shall be maintained on hand. Page 3 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Observations: NA No simplex pumps in collection system Compliance Status: NA Part II, Paragraph 6 requires the Permittee shall maintain on hand at least two percent of the number of pumps installed, but no less than two pumps, that discharge to a pressure sewer and serve a single building, unless the Permittee has the ability to purchase and install a replacement pump within 24 hours of first knowledge of the simplex pump failure or within the storage capacity provided in any sewer line extension permit. Observations: NA— no simplex pumps in collection system Compliance Status: NA Part II, Paragraph 7 requires that rights -of -way and/or easements shall be properly maintained to allow accessibility to the wastewater collection system. Observations: Right of way are contracted to Pintail Outfall Svcs for maintenance/cleaning. Chem Pro is contracted for weed/vegetative growth control. Inspector found no issues. Compliance Status: Compliant Part II, Paragraph 8 requires the Permittee assess cleaning needs, and develop and implement a program for appropriately cleaning at least 10 percent of the wastewater collection system each year. Observations: Review of the logs revealed only 22,971 ft of line was cleaned (requirement is approximately 77,616 ft as collection system is 147 miles/776,160 ft total). COVID created severe staffing issues and therefore could not complete requirement. Plans are in place to remedy this issue. Compliance Status: Non- compliant (due to COVID complications — staffing issues) Part II, Paragraph 9 requires adequate measures shall be taken to contain and properly dispose of materials associated with SSOs. The Permittee shall maintain a Response Action Plan that addresses the following minimum items: a. Contact phone numbers for 24-hour response, including weekends and holidays; b. Response time; c. Equipment list and spare parts inventory; d. Access to cleaning equipment; e. Access to construction crews, contractors and/or engineers; f. Source(s) of emergency funds; g. Site sanitation and clean up materials; and h. Post-SSO assessment. Observations: Response Action Plan is thorough and comprehensive. Inspector found no issues. Compliance Status: Compliant Part II, Paragraph 10 requires the Permittee, or their authorized representative, shall conduct an on -site evaluation for all SSOs as soon as possible, but no more than two hours after first knowledge of the SSO. Observations: Documentation reviewed by inspector disclosed all measures taken concerning SSOs were appropriate. Compliance Status: Compliant Part II, Paragraph 11 requires the Permittee, in the event of an SSO or blockage within the wastewater collection system, to restore the system operation, remove visible solids and paper, sanitize any ground area and restore the surroundings. Observations: No issues found during inspection. Compliance Status: Compliant SECTION V, PERMIT PART III: RECORDS Part III, Paragraph 1 requires that records be maintained to document compliance with Conditions I (4), 11(2) - II(4), 11(7) - 11(8) IV(3) and V(1) -V(4). Records shall be kept on file for a minimum of three years. Observations: No issues found during inspection. Records are kept on file for appropriate time. Page 4 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Compliance Status: Compliant Part III, Paragraph 2 requires the Permittee shall maintain adequate records pertaining to SSOs, and complaints for a minimum of three years. These records shall include, but are not limited to, the following information: a. Date of SSO or complaint; b. Volume of wastewater released as a result of the SSO and/or nature of complaint; c. Location of the SSO and/or complaint; d. Estimated duration of the SSO; e. Individual from the Division who was informed about the SSO and/or complaint, when applicable; f. Final destination of the SSO; g. Corrective actions; h. Known environmental/human health impacts resulting from the SSO; and i. How the SSO was discovered. Observations: All relevant information is documented and kept on file as regulations require. Compliance Status: Compliant Part III, Paragraph 3 requires the Permittee shall maintain an up-to-date, accurate, comprehensive map of its wastewater collection system. The comprehensive map shall include, but is not limited to: pipe size, pipe material, pipe location, flow direction, approximate pipe age, number of active service taps, and each pump station identification, location and capacity. Observations: Extensive GIS system in place that all personnel have access to via phone/tablet. All required information can be found in GIS, with exception of pipe age. This information is located on a physical map but will soon be updated in GIS. GIS is maintained and updated monthly. Compliance Status: Compliant Part III, Paragraph 4 requires the Permittee shall maintain records of all of the modifications and extensions to the collection system permitted herein. The Permittee shall maintain a copy of the construction record drawings and specifications for modifications/extensions to the wastewater collection system for the life of the modification/extension. Information concerning the extension shall be incorporated into the map of the wastewater collection system within one year of the completion of construction. The system description contained within this permit shall be updated to include this modification/extension information upon permit renewal. Observations: No issues found during inspection. Compliance Status: Compliant SECTION VI, PERMIT PART IV: MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Part IV, Paragraph 1 requires any monitoring (including, but not necessarily limited to, wastewater flow, groundwater, surface water, soil or plant tissue analyses) deemed necessary by the Division to ensure surface water and groundwater protection will be established, and an acceptable sampling and reporting schedule shall be followed. Observations: No issues found during inspection. All sampling requirements are being conducted. Compliance Status: Compliant Part IV, Paragraph 2 requires the Permittee shall verbally report to a Division of Water Resources staff member at the Winston-Salem Regional Office as soon as possible but in no case more than 24 hours following the occurrence or first knowledge of the occurrence of either of the following: a. Any SSO and/or spill over 1,000 gallons; or b. Any SSO and/or spill, regardless of volume, that reaches surface water. Observations: All SSOs have been reported in compliance with regulations. Compliance Status: Compliant Page 5 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Part IV, Paragraph 3 requires the Permittee shall meet the annual reporting and notification requirements provided in North Carolina General Statute §143-215.1 C. Observations: Annual report reviewed by inspector. Adequate and satisfactory. Compliance Status: Compliant SECTION VII, PERMIT PART V: INSPECTIONS Part V, Paragraph 1 requires the Permittee shall inspect the wastewater collection system regularly to reduce the risk of malfunctions and deterioration, operator errors, and other issues that may cause or lead to the release of wastes to the environment, threaten human health or create nuisance conditions. The Permittee shall keep an inspection log or summary including, at a minimum, the date and time of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taken by the Permittee. Observations: All O&M logs are detailed and inform Page 6 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 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: Permit set to expire 4/30/2023. 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.) SUO can be found on city's website and social media pages. Comment: Pretreatment program in place to enforce SUO 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? Comment: None Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Monthly ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ At least annually to 2x year, and/or as needed • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ▪ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: GIS system is detailed and updated montly. All personnel working in CS has access to GIS through phone/tablet. It is updated monthly. Note: map of pipe age is separate (physical map), but will be implemented into GIS system in future updates. 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: All SSOs were handled appropriately and in compliance with reporting regulations. 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? Comment: Functionality tests are not being conducted weekly. being conducted and logged on a weekly basis. Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ City website and in front lobby of City Utilities Bldg Yes No NA NE • ▪ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Discussed with ORC and test will start Page 8 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 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: Satisfactory 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: Stewart's Creek Outfall, Kester 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? Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑❑❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE • ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Was not able to complete 10% of lines due to issues with COVID - considerable staffing issues inhibited cleaning schedule. Plans are in place to get appropriate amount of cleaning done this year. Pintail Outfall Svcs are contracted for right of way maintenance and cleaning. Chem Pro contracted for growth/weed control. Root control used for lines. Pump Stations Please list the Pump Stations Inspected: 601/Airport Yes No NA NE Page 9 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine # 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? 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? 4 0 0 0 0 2 • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Page 10 of 11 Permit: WQCS00033 Owner - Facility: City of Mount Airy Inspection Date: 04/07/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine Comment: Four pump stations total in system; 3 submersed (below ground) pump stations and 1 above ground. None are on SCADA system. Two pump stations employ auto dialers and the other two cellular/modem. Permanent generators are in place and tested/exercised once a week. Page 11 of 11