WQCS00132_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220516

DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. RISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.
May 16, 2022
Chad Simons, Town Manager
Town of Murphy
E-mail: [e-mail]
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Murphy Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00132
Cherokee County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Murphy Collection
System on 5/12/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00132.
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 with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].
ATTACHMENTS
Ec: Tyler White — ORC, LF
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
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"-082B1105A3CA418...
Tim Heim P.E., Environmental Engineer
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quelfy I olvtslon of Water Resources
Asheville Regional Office 12090 O.S. Highway 70 I Swannanoa, Noah Carolina 28778
828.296.4500

DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00132 Effective: 05/01/17
SOC: Effective:
County: Cherokee
Region: Asheville
Contact Person: Chad Simons
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS1,
Primary ORC: Tyler B White
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Expiration: 04/30/25
Expiration:
Title:
NC0020940 Town of Murphy - Murphy WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
Primary Inspector: Timothy H Heim
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Entry Time 10:OOAM
11K oflui FFt u
Owner : Town of Murphy
Facility: Murphy Collection System
PO Box 130
Murphy NC 289060130
Certification: 1007802
Exit Time: 02:OOPM
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
II 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: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Permit: WQCS00132 Owner - Facility:Town of Murphy
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Tim Heim of the Asheville Regional Office performed a Compliance Inspection of the Collection System on May12, 2021.
Chad Simons (Town Manager) and Tyler White (Collection System ORC) assisted with the inspection. The collection system
infrastructure appeared well maintained and operated at the time of the inspection, and in compliance with Permit
WQCS00132. A number of significant improvements have been made since the last inspection was performed in March
2019, and all significant deficiencies cited in that report have been corrected.
The following items were noted at the time of the inspection:
The town has converted to Utility Cloud to track inspections, maintenance and work orders, and continues to work with their
consulting engineers to maintain an accurate and up to date map of the system.
Pump Station #1 was upgraded with stainless steel piping in 2020.
Bar Screens installed at the Hospital and County Jail in 2020 have significantly reduced debris in the collection system.
The Ice Plant Pump Station is scheduled for rehabilitation as soon as funding is secured.
The Hwy 64 water and sewer upgrade project is in progress.
The Forest Service project at 123 Woodland Drive have been completed and eliminated the chronic SSO problem in this areE
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Permit: WQCS00132 Owner - Facility:Town of Murphy
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
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? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis? • ❑ ❑ ❑
# What is that frequency? Utility Cloud allows
continuous
review.
# 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: Pump Station #1 was upgraded with stainless steel piping in 2020.
Bar Screens installed at the Hospital and County Jail in 2020 have significantly reduced debris
in the collection system.
The Ice Plant Pump Station is scheduled for rehabilitation as soon as funding is secured.
The Hwy 64 water and sewer upgrade protect is in progress.
The Forest Service project at 123 Woodland Drive have been completed and eliminated the
chronic SSO problem in this area.
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.)
Website.
Comment:
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Monthly
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Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Permit: WQCS00132 Owner - Facility:Town of Murphy
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Does CIP include description of existing facilities?
Does CIP include known deficiencies?
Does CIP include forecasted future needs?
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Comment: CIP lists total revenue requirement for water and sewer as $1,934,437 for FY 2020. The town
continues to make significant progress to adjust rates to appropriate levels.
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
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Comment: The town has converted to Utility Cloud and continues to work with their consulting engineers
to maintain an accurate and up to date map of the system.
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:
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?
Yes No NA NE
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With Drinking
Water Quality
report on town
website.
Yes No NA NE
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Page4of7

DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Permit: WQCS00132 Owner - Facility:Town of Murphy
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Are inspections of HPL documented at least every 6 months?
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created?
Comment: Utility Cloud is being used to track maintenance, inspections and work orders.
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:
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:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Forest Service Area
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:
Manholes
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
Page5of7

DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Permit: WQCS00132 Owner - Facility:Town of Murphy
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Blumenthal Street area, Forest Service area.
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:
#1 PS, Coneheeta PS, Ice Station PS, Casino PS
# 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?
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DocuSign Envelope ID: BOB63BD8-FE8A-44FE-A3B6-4BE5C16ACB3F
Permit: WQCS00132 Owner - Facility:Town of Murphy
Inspection Date: 05/12/2022
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:
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?
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