WQCS00225_Inspection_20220610

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Fred Ventresco, Administrator
Town of Pinetops
P.O. Drawer C
Pinetops, NC 27864
Subject:
Dear Mr. Ventresco:
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 10, 2022
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Pinetops Collection System
Permitted Collection System No. WQCS00225
Edgecombe County
On May 26, 2022, Alys Hannum of the Division of Water Resources (Division) conducted an
inspection of the Town of Pinetops' (Town) Collection System to evaluate compliance with the
operation and maintenance of the subject deemed wastewater collection system permit. The
cooperation and assistance Phil Webb, Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), during the
inspection were greatly appreciated.
The Town's Collection System is classified as a CS-1 system. The subject permit is effective
from May 1, 2018, to April 30, 2026.
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. The wastewater collection system consists of approximately 11.3 miles of gravity sewer,
2 pump stations and 3 high priority aerial sewer lines.
2. Both pump stations have restricted access, permanent on -site generators and are
connected to a SCADA remote monitoring system with both audible and visual alarms.
The signage at both pump stations had faded and was no longer clear. Within sixty (60)
days of receipt of this letter, hang clear and conspicuous signs which include both the
pump station identifier and an emergency contact telephone number, coupled with
instructions to call if the alarm is visible, audible, or if an emergency is otherwise
apparent. Provide proof of the new signage to this office.
3. The Town developed a map of the collection system in 2002, but the map has not been
updated since and does not contain all the required information. It was noted in an
inspection report from 2015 that the Town maintained a GIS map, but the Town does not
currently have records of that map. Within one -hundred and twenty (120) days of receipt
of this letter, please update the map to include all current assets and ensure it includes:
pipe material, pipe size, pump station names and capacity, and flow direction.
NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Environmental Quality
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Pinetops Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00225
Page 2 of 3
4. The Town has an educational Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program. It was previously
noted in inspection reports from 2015 and 2018 to include bi-annual distribution of
educational flyers to all customers. However, the Town does not currently have records
of such distribution. Additionally, the FOG program does not have enforcement
capability; i.e. the Town cannot take enforcement against users who have not properly
installed, operated, and/or maintained grease traps or grease interceptors or otherwise
violated the program (Permit Section I.4). Within sixty (60) days of receipt of this letter,
provide this office with a draft FOG program to address the permit requirements.
5. The Town's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was last updated in 2017 and includes
projects for fiscal years 2016 through 2025. Known deficiencies have been identified.
Currently, the Town is working on updating the CIP for future years.
6. An operation and maintenance plan — including pump station inspection, preventative
maintenance, and overflow response — was available. All work orders, complaints,
repairs, maintenance, inspections, SSOs, and line cleanings are maintained in separate log
books which are reviewed weekly. The overflow response plan and spare parts list had
not been updated since 2012 and contained outdated information. Within sixty (60) days
of receipt of this letter, update the overflow response plan, spare parts list, and
emergency contact list to ensure accurate information.
7. No sanitary sewer overflows to State Waters were reported from the Town's collection
system during the most recent 2-year period ending April 2022.
8. Both pump stations were inspected. Both appeared in good condition and were free of
excess debris. Both generators ran when tested, and all audible and visual alarms
functioned when tested. The pump stations inspected were as follows:
a. Second Street
b. E. Burnette Street
9. A logbook for each pump station was available to view during the inspection. Pump station
maintenance logs were reviewed and appeared satisfactory. Pump stations are inspected
at least once a week by the ORC.
10. The Town's three high priority aerial crossing lines were inspected. All three appeared
straight, rust free, and in good condition. The right of ways were being maintained. The
aerial lines inspected were as follows:
a. Pitt Street
b. Pitt Farm Crossing
c. Highway NC 43 N
NORTH CAROLINAD_E
Department of Environmental Quality
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Pinetops Collection System
Permit No. WQCS00225
Page 3 of 3
If you have any questions concerning this report or the required submissions, please contact Alys
Hannum at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
UaUn t,SSu f ili1.A.lndtia,
B2916E6AB32144F...
Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
cc: RRO Files // Laserfiche
Phil Webb, ORC (pwebb(apinetopsnc.com)
Tammy Keesler, Town Clerk ([e-mail])
r;/.E
NORTH CAROLINA
Deparbnent of Environmental Quality
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 13800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00225 Effective: 05/01/18 Expiration: 04/30/26 Owner : Town of Pinetops
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Pinetops Collection System
County: Edgecombe PO Drawer C
Region: Raleigh
Pinetops NC 27864
Contact Person: Phil 0 Webb Title: Utility Director Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS1,
Primary ORC: Phil 0 Webb Certification: 15352 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0020435 Town of Pinetops - Pinetops WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022 Entry Time 01:OOPM
Primary Inspector: Alys K Hannum DocuSigned by:
Secondary Inspector(s): Lair.
4C22170C5AA04F3...
Exit Time: 04:OOPM
6/6/2022
Phone: [phone]
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
II Capital Improvement Plan
▪ Inspections
▪ Lines
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Map
▪ Spill Response Plan
▪ Pump Stations
▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances
▪ Reporting Requirements
▪ Spills
Page 1 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Permit: WQCS00225 Owner - Facility:Town of Pinetops
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Permit: WQCS00225 Owner - Facility:Town of Pinetops
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
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: Note: The spare parts inventory is not up to date and must be updated.
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.)
Comment: The Town's FOG program does not include means of enforcement, and is in need of an
update.
Yes No NA NE
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1/month or 1/week
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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:
Map
Yes No NA NE
N/A
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Permit: WQCS00225 Owner - Facility:Town of Pinetops
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
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Comment: The Town had a physical map from 2002 which has not been updated since. A previous
inspection report in 2015 noted that the Town was maintaining an eletronic GIS map, but the
Town currently has no record of that.
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?
Are inspections of HPL documented at least every 6 months?
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created?
Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel?
Yes No NA NE
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Website
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page 4 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Permit: WQCS00225 Owner - Facility:Town of Pinetops
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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 contact information and spare parts list is outdated and must be updated.
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:
1. Pitt Street // 2. Pitt Farm Crossing // 3. NC HWY 43 N
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:
Pump Stations
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
1. Second Street // 2. E. Burnette Street
# 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:
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
2
0
0
0
Page 5 of 6

DocuSign Envelope ID: F1BD0634-7BC3-4A85-9017-DC4DD9D084B7
Permit: WQCS00225 Owner - Facility:Town of Pinetops
Inspection Date: 05/26/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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?
2
0
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Comment: Signage at the pump stations was faded and not visible or readable from a distance. Please
replace.
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