WQCSD0621_Inspection_20220516

DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Joel A Mingus
Aqua North Carolina Inc
251 Merchant's Cir
Hampstead, NC 28443
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
May 16, 2022
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Sterling Farms Deemed Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCSD0621
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sterling Farms Deemed
Collection System on 5/05/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified within Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative
Code, Subchapter 2T, Section .0403 and in accordance with the deemed Collection System Permit No.
WQCSD0621. 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
E
NORTH CAROI
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
�E3ABA14AC7DC434...
Morella Sanchez -King, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional Office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405
910.796,7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCSD0621 Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration:
SOC: Effective: Expiration:
County: Onslow
Region: Wilmington
Contact Person: Joel A Mingus
Directions to Facility:
Owner : Aqua North Carolina Inc
Facility: Sterling Farms Deemed Collection System
Title: Coastal Area Manager Phone: [phone]
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
WQ0029475 Aqua North Carolina Inc - Sterling Farms WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/05/2022
Primary Inspector: Bryan Lievre
Secondary Inspector(s):
Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 10:30AM
DocuSigned by:
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74249ABED37443E...
Phone: [phone]
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Deemed permitted collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
II Spills/Response Plan
▪ Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Inspections
▪ Grease Control
▪ Lines
Page 1 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 05/05/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Sterling Farms deemed collection system was conducted on May 5, 2022. The
purpose of the inspection was to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations
specified within 2T .0403 and the assigned Deemed Permit WQCSD0621. Present during the inspection were Joel Mingus
and Mike Cowell (ORC) with Aqua North Carolina, Inc.
The collection system generally consists of approximately 474 simplex pump stations, two (2) duplex pump stations as well
as associated piping and appurtenances. The simplex pump stations are present at private residences, whereas each
residence is equipped with a dedicated E-One grinder pump with either a 500 gallon (for older residences) or 300 gallon
submerged pump tank (for newer residences with low -flow plumbing devices). The pump stations are located behind or
along the side of the residences and are equipped with dedicated individual control panels with audible and visual high liquid
level alarms. The duplex pump stations are located at the common pool house (208 Elk Ct) and Morton Elementary School
(485 Old 30 Rd). The school is reportedly responsible for maintaining and operating their pump station. Although an
inspection of the school duplex pump station was anticipated, it was decided not to inspect the structure due to a large
amount of children present in the area due to some type of field activities.
Construction is ongoing within the subdivision with approximately 60 - 70 more homes to be built before the subdivision
reaches its proposed design capacity. It should be noted that the treatment system (i.e., Sterling Farms WWTF, Permit
No. WQ0029475) was designed for 180,000 gpd and is currently operating at 65,000 gpd, based on average monthly flows
from 1/2019 through 2/2022.
The last sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) reported for the system occurred 10/4/2018 when an estimated 1,200 gallons was
released to the surrounding surface soils when a transfer truck ran over and broke a cleanout at 322 Aquamarine Circle. The
force main was reportedly turned off, repairs were made and the surface area was remediated. No other incidents or
violations have been documented since that time.
Discussions ensued regarding potential problems encountered if local power were temporarily halted. During such an event,
numerous (if not all) pumps might simultaneously activate, thereby overloading the system. Staff were aware of this problem
and are considering resolutions if additional phases of construction are considered in the future.
The facility is well maintained and operated and is in compliance with the deemed permit conditions, as specified within 2T
.0403. Please review the comment sections of the inspection report for more details.
Page 2 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 05/05/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
General
# Is this system a satellite system?
# If Yes, what is system name or permit number?
Is there a overall sewer system map?
Does the map include:
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
Are system maintenance records maintained?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Hard copies of maps are present within the WWTP building and in the Hampstead office for
Aqua. Aqua staff can also view maps through their website. Although the direction of flows are
not depicted on the maps, this information can be easily understood considering the limited
size of the system. Also, although the age of the pipes is also not depicted on the maps, this
information can be estimated based on the dates of the drawings. A recommendation was
reiterated for Aqua to include this information in the future.
Grease Control
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.)
Aqua provides semi-annual mailers regarding oil & grease to all customers. Additional activities performed
by the system to inform customers of associated problems with oil & grease include distributing information
on social media and providing information on their website.
For public systems, is there a Grease Control Program via an ordinance/agreement?
If Yes, does it require grease control devices at applicable locations?
Is the Grease Control Program enforced via periodic inspections/records review?
Is action taken against violators?
Comment: N/A
Spills and Response Action Plan
# Is system free of known points of bypass?
If No, describe type of bypass and location
# Have there been any sewer spills in the past 3 years?
If Yes, were they reported to the Division if meeting the reportable criteria?
Yes No NA NE
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El El El El
El El El El
Yes No NA NE
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 05/05/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
If applicable, is there documentation of press releases and public notices issued?
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?
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
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Comment: A review of the Spill Reponse Plan was conducted while on -site. Although the plan does not
provide a list of spare parts, only one type of pump is installed in the collection system and the
system is currently maintaining approximately 30 spare pumps (i.e. E-One). The system
maintains a budget of approximately $130,000/year to allow for approximately 10% of the
pumps to be replaced.
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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Comment: Staff were reminded of the need to carefully document annual inspections and more frequent
inspections of the duplex pump station at the pool house.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
From Morton Elementary School to the WWTP near the southeast corner of the parcel for the WWTP.
Are right-of-ways and easements maintained for the full width for access?
If No, give details on temporary access:
Is maintenance documented?
Were all areas/lines inspected free of issues?
Yes No NA NE
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Page 4 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 05/05/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment: Although the path had been cut somewhat recently, a tree had fallen across the easement. At
the request of system staff, a subcontractor began maintaining the path during the inspection
but had to halt due to the presence of a fallen tree, but finished clearing activities in
subsequent days.
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
The duplex pump station at pool house at 208 Elk Ct
Simplex pump stations at 520 & 518 Black Pearl Circle
# 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 telemetry 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?
Yes No NA NE
2
0
474
0
0
1
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Page 5 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: 909C7EA6-FF8D-4909-8A79-A4E09CB5AD66
Permit: WQCSD0621 Owner - Facility:Aqua North Carolina Inc
Inspection Date: 05/05/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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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Comment: The E-One pumps utilize a presssure sensor to activate the pumps and sense when a high
level conduition is present. Since the buildings associated with the inspected tanks were not
active, actiavtion of the alarms could not be easily accomplished. The tanks for both simplex
units as well as the duplex unit inspected were installed a few inches above the existing grade
to prevent surface water instrusion. Emergency contact signs have been placed on the
outside of the control panels, as previously requested.
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