WQCS00002_NOV-2022-DV-0109 Response_20220810

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Raleigh Water
August 10th, 2022
Mr. Scott Vinson
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources NCDEQ
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Re: Response to NOV-2022-DV-0109
Sanitary Sewer Overflows — March 2022
Permit No. WQCS00002
Dear Mr. Vinson:
NC Dept of Environmental Qualit}
AI#G 10 2022
Regional Office
NC Dept of Environmental Quality
AUG 10 2022
Raleigh Regional Office
Please allow this letter to serve as a response to the Notice of Violation & Intent to Issue Civil
Penalty document (NOV-2022-DV-0109) received on May 4th, 20[. This document contains the
narrative regarding a pending violation action of (5) Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) events, which
occurred during the month of March 2022 within the City of Raleigh Collections System [1]. This
document also provides exhibits as proof of our efforts to mitigate the sewer event. The noticed events
occurred while the City operated its collection system, according to WQCS00002, dated June 6th, 2017.
The permit includes the language outlined in footnote 1 and applies to the SSOs upon which NOVs with
the notice of intent (NOV-NOI) were based. This document will establish a reasonable explanation of the
actions taken to stop the spills; contain the released wastewater; collect the wastewater and
reintroduce it to the collection system; and finally, restore the possible environmental impacts brought
by the release of the S5O events, listed with the intended NOV-NOI action. Please find below, the
additional information requested for the single 550 event.
1. "The Director may take enforcement action against the Permittee fer SSOs that must be reported to the Division as stipulated in Condition IV92). This includes
550s that was caused by severe natural conditions or exceptional events unless the Permittee demonstrates through properly signed, contemporaneous
operating logs, or other relevant evidence that:
(a.] The 550 was caused by severe natural conditions; there were no feasible alternatives to the SSO, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention
of untreated wastewater, reduction of inflow and infiltrat ::n, use of adequate backup equipment, or an increase in the capacity of the system. This provision is
not satisfied if, in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment, the Permittee should have installed auxiliary or additional collections system components,
wastewater retention or treatment facilities, adequate backup equipment or shou'd have reduced inflow and infiltration; or
lb.] The 550 was exceptional, unintentional, temporary, ai d caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the Permittee; the SSO could not have been
prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as proper management. operation. and maintenance, adequate treatment or collection facilities or
components (e.g., adequately enlarging treatment of collection faclities to accommodate growth or adequately controlling and preventing infiltration and
inflow); preventative maintenance; or installation of adequate back-up equ pment;"
Page 1 of 18

incident Number # 202200334 — 03/07/2022 — Intersection of W. Young St. and Granit Falls Blvd.,
Rolesville, NC
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; this incident was the result of directional drilling by
a private contractor boring under W. Young 5t., Rolesville, NC. The bore -through caused interruption to
sewer flow in a portion of a 2" sewer force main. The bore -through resulted in the sewer spill of
approximately 6,450 gallons of untreated wastewater in which approximately 3,450 gallons reached
surface waters of an unnamed tributary within the Smith Creek basin. Approximately 3,000 were
contained within the natural topography preventing further spreading downstream. This event occurred
within Smith Creek N. Raleigh. See exhibit 1— Area of Operation
Exh1 art 1 Ar.ra of Operation
On 03/7/2022, at approximately 3:00 PM, Raleigh Water staff was notified of a bore -through and a
subsequent sewer spill affecting the immediate area of the directional drilling. The responding staff took
all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived, gaining
control of the spill event by 7:30 PM on the same day. Crews utilized vacuum trucks to remove the
sewer while repairs to the damaged force main were being completed. See Exhibit 2 — Repair Efforts
Exhibit 2 - Repair Efforts
Page 2 of 18

Containment and collection of this spill event consisted of throttling down the sewer pressure at the
upstream pump station while operators employed vacuum trucks to contain the flow within the
temporary excavation thus minimizing the environmental impact on the surrounding land. Responding
crews initiated the collection of untreated wastewaters from the containment site to re -introduced it to
the collection system downstream. See Exhibit 3 — Containment and Collection Efforts.
Exhibit 3 —Containment and Collection Efforts
Cleanup consisted of removing and disposing of sewer debris from the excavation. The area around the
bore -through pipe was cleared and decontaminated with the application of lime, grass seed, and straw.
This spill was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural
resources. There was no observed fish ki€I associated with this SSO nor unnecessary damage to area
vegetation.
Raleigh Water Repair Crews were able to repair the damaged section of forced main restoring
operations at the lift station. Raleigh Water Code Enforcement group was summoned to assess the
damage and to assign the associated cost of the incident against the contractor. The total cost of the
City's response and remediation effort for this spill event was $5,814.22
A press release notification was requested to be published in the Raleigh News & Observer as required
by NCGS Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1C, see Exhibit 4 — Press Release
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore, the SSO
could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine operations and
maintenance, adequate treatment facilities, or collection system facilities or components.
Page 3 of 18

Exhibit 4 Press Release
4 ;, Raleigh
NEWS RELEASE
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
March 8, 2021
For more information:
Matthew P Vessie, Sewer Maintenance Manager, Raleigh Water 919-996-3245
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Spill
On Monday, March 7 2022 at approximately 3 00 PM, Raleigh Water - Sewer
Maintenance Division staff responded to a sanitary sewer spill located at the
Intersection of Granite Falls Blvd & West Young Street, Rolesville, NC The cause
of the spill was related to contractor damage disrupting the collection system The
responding staff took all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the spill as
soon as they arrived The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division
of Water Resources was notified of the spill
Raleigh Water staff contained the spill at approximately 7 30 PM on the same
day. It is estimated that the spill discharged a volume of approximately 6,450 gallons of
untreated wastewater which reached an unnamed tributary of Smith Creek Basin
Restoration for this event was completed on the same day No vegetative damage or
fish kin has been observed related to this event.
• Raleigh Water has an aggressive education and enforcement program to
prevent the discharge of grease, debris, wipes, rags, diapers and other
improper materials in the sewer system and to take enforcement action
where appropriate. If these items make it into the sewer system, they may
cause a spill which can have an adverse impact on water quality and
endanger those who come into contact with the affected areas.
• Water, human waste, and toilet tissue are the only items permitted to be
discharged into the sewer system. All other items will cause damage to the
sewer system and are not permitted.
• If you experience excessive sewer smells or see sewer spilling from
manholes or pipes, please call 919-996-3246 to report immediately.
• For more information about how you can help prevent sanitary sewer
spills, please visit raleighnc.govlwater.
This news release is required by NCGS Article 21, Chapter 143 215.1C
Page 4 of 18

Incident Number # 202200374 — 03/12/2022 — 504 Hertford St., Raleigh, NC
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; it resulted from a damaged section of an 8-inch PVC
sewer gravity main (see exhibit 1— Damaged Pipe). This damaged pipe was identified through a CCTV
assessment on 03/12/2022. The damaged section of pipe resulted in the sewer spill of approximately
3,375 gallons of untreated wastewater, which was contained within the natural topography without
reaching surface waters. This event occurred within the Crabtree Basin.
Exhibit 1 Damaged Pipe
surv.yar: Whits
Q. 3'IZ2027 2:32:1
City. RALEIGH
Street: Aliphany Or
USMH; siamosirws
OSMH: SMHt57818
. i 0ueclion: I7nwnaeam •
Shape; Circular
2 Material: PolyVinyl Chlorld.
Height: 8
Width:
USMH: SMH109738
DSMH: SMH157818
USMH: SMH109738
DSMH: SMH157818 •
118.8 It.
On 3/12/22 at approximately 8:08 AM, Raleigh Water Staff were notified of a sanitary sewer overflow
near 504 Hertford St., Raleigh, NC. Utility responders were immediately summoned to respond and
mitigate the overflow. The responding staff took all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of
the discharge as soon as they arrived, gaining control of the spill event by 10:23 PM on the same day.
Utility Responder utilized hydraulic jetting to rid the source of the blockage within the affecting asset,
thus restoring sewer flow.
Containment and collection of this spill event consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area. This approach was intended to contain sewer flow and minimize the
environmental impact on the surrounding land. Responding crews initiated the collection of untreated
wastewaters from the containment site to re -introduced it to the collection system downstream. This
spill was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural
resources.
During the restoration phase of the operation, crews utilized several thousand gallons of potable water
to assist in washing the affected area and removing all evidence of sewer downstream of the affected
asset. The area around the manhole was cleared of debris, treated with an application of lime, and
restored with grass seed and straw. Visual inspection of the affected area and downstream waters
confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative damage occurred.
A follow-up CCTV investigation, completed on March 15, 2022, identified several segments of the sewer
main requiring attention. The assets identified within the CCTV assessment have been recommended for
rehab through a Capital Improvement Project. These assets have been placed in the hot spot
management program for recurrent 60-90 assessments while the project is underway.
The cost associated with the mitigation of this event amounted to $1,303.15. The approximate cost to
the Utility to have treated 3,375 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $5.06. The City
saved no money from this spill. The costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of
sewage had no spill occurred. Furthermore, the City still had to pay the cost to treat the greater volume
of sewage created by the spill and the cost of potable water used to mitigate the event.
Page 5 of 18

This portion of the sanitary sewer collection system serves a residential. Portions of this sewer collection
system have been assessed as follows:
Flushing activities CCTV Activities Repair Activities Inspections
2018-02-12 2017-12-27 2018-08-03 2022.08-04
2019-09-18 2022-03-12 2019-06-19 2022-01-01
2020-02-05 2022-03-14 2022-08-05
2020 01-28
2020-02-05
2020-01-28
2022-03-12
2022-03-14
A press release notification associated with this event was published in the Raleigh News & Observer on
03/12/2021 (Exhibit 2 — Press release).
h 4��
„A!' Raleigh
NEWS RELEASE
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMElIT
Match 52, 2022
For more hnt0rmahs0n
Matthew P Vessre Sewer Maintenance Manage,. Raleigh Water 919-996_32TS
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Spill
On Saturday March 12 2022 at approxknatey 5:08 a m . Raleigh Water staff
were nailed of a sanitary sewer overflow in the vicinity of 504 Hertford Street. Raleigh
NC Upon arrival. start Identified an attire sewer overflow The respondkrg staff took al
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the overflow's impact as soon as they arrived
The north Carolina Department of Environmental Malty, Division of Water Resources
has been notated of the overtax
Rabtgh Water staff removed the blockage source and contained the overflow at
approximately 10.22 a.m on the same day Nis estimated that the overflow discharged
a volume of approximately 3,375 ;pions of untreated wastewater remaining within the
natural topography and not reaching surface waters of the state. Restoration for t ire
avert has been completed There was ing observed fish kill or unnecessary vegetative
damage resulting from this sewer event
Raleigh Water has an aggressive education and enforcement program to
prevent the discharge of grease, debris, wipes, rags, dlepers and other
hnproper materials In the sewer system and to take enforcement action
where appropriate. If these Items make it Into the sewer system, they may
cause a spill which can have an adverse Impect on water quality and
endanger those who come Into contact** the affected areas.
Water, human waste, and toilet tissue are the only Items permitted to be
discharged Into the sewer system. All other items will cause damage tot e
sewer system arid are not permtted.
• If you experience excessive sewer smells or see sewer apllllnp from
manholes or pipes, please call 919-996-324510 report immediately.
For more Information about how you can help prevent sanitary sewer
spills, please visit releighne.govlwater.
r by news release ,s required in NEGS Article 21 Chapter 143 215 IC
Ida
Page 6 of 18

Incident Number # 202200388 — 03/14/2022 — 5901 Falls of The Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; it resulted from debris accumulation not consistent
with regular wastewater debris such as toilet paper. The debris identified caused a partial blockage in a
portion of an 8-inch gravity sewer main. The blockage led to a sewer spill of approximately 1,765 gallons
of untreated wastewater in which approximately 800 gallons reached an unnamed tributary through a
stormwater system within the Marsh Basin.
On 03/14/2022, at approximately 11:17 AM, Raleigh Water staff were notified of a sanitary sewer
overflow emanating from a sewer manhole (SMH156340, see Exhibit 1— Affected Asset, below). Utility
responders were immediately summoned to respond and mitigate the spill. The responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived, gaining
control of the spill event by 12:00 PM on the same day. Utility response crews utilized hydraulic jetting
and manual removal of the debris to eliminate the source of the blockage within the affecting asset,
thus restoring sewer flow.
Exhibit 1 — Affected Asset
Containment and collection of this spill event consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area. This approach was intended to contain sewer flow and minimize the
environmental impact on the surrounding land. Responding crews initiated the collection of untreated
wastewaters from the containment site to re -introduced it to the collection system downstream. This
spill was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural
resources.
During the restoration phase of the operation, crews utilized ample potable water to remove evidence
of sewer downstream of the affected area. The area around the manhole was cleared of debris, treated
with an application of lime, and restored with grass seed and straw. Visual inspection of the affected
area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative damage occurred.
The cost associated with the mitigation of this event amounted to $711.37. The approximate cost to the
Utility to have treated 15,625 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $2.64. The City
saved no money from this spill. The costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of
sewage had no spill occurred. Furthermore, the City still had to pay the cost to treat the greater volume
of sewage created by the spill as well as the cost of potable water used to mitigate the event.
Page 7 of 18

A follow-up close circuit television (CCTV) assessment did not find any infrastructure issues that may
have contributed to this event. This assessment confirms that the foreign debris caused the sewer
backup and the subsequent overflow. The source of the debris could not be identified.
This section of the collection system serves a vast commercial area of Falls of the Neuse Rd. A press
release notification was requested to be published in the Raleigh News & Observer as required by NCGS
Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1C. See Exhibit 2 — Press release.
Exhibit 2— Press Release
NEWS RELEASE
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
March 16 2021
For more ntormaben.
Matthew P_ Vessie, Sewer Maintenance Manager, Raleigh Water, 919-99G-3245
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Spill
On Tuesday, March 15.2022 at approximately 12.36 PM Raleigh Water -
Sewer Maintenance Division staff responded to a sanitary sewer spill located at 5901
Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC Upon arrival, UtTrty responders Identified an active
sewer spit affecting the sewer flow of an 8-inch gravity sewer main The responding
staff took all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the spill as soon as
they arrived The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of
Water Resources was notified of the spill
Raleigh Water staff removed the blockage source and contained the spill at
approximately 1 32 PM on the same day It is estimated that the spill discharged a
volume of approximately 1.120 gallons of untreated wastewater of which S00 gallons
reached an unnamed tributary within Marsh Basin No vegetative damage or fish kit
has been observed related to this event
• Raleigh Water has an aggressive education and enforcement program to
prevent the discharge of grease, debris, wipes, rags, diapers and other
improper materials in the sewer system and to take enforcement action
where appropriate. if these items make it into the sewer system, they may
cause a spill which can have an adverse impact on water quality and
endanger those who come into contact with the effected areas.
• Water, human waste, and toilet tissue are the only items permitted to be
discharged into the sewer system. All other items will cause damage to the
sewer system and are not permitted.
1 you experience excessive sewer smells or see sewer spilling from
manholes or pipes, please call 919-996-3245 to report immediately.
• For more Information about how you can help prevent sanitary sewer
spills, please visit raleighnc.govhvater.
This news release is required by NCGS Article 21 Chapter 143 215.1C
Page 8 of 18

Before this event, maintenance records show that sections of this collection system were assessed
within the last 10 years as follows:
Flushing activities CCTV Activities
7/16/2020 5/2/2017
12/21/2020 5/18/2020
3/14/2022 3/18/2022
3/15/2022
Repair
Activities
NA
Maintenance records show that this portion of the sanitary sewer collection system has not experienced
debris related SSO in the past ten years. This site has been added to recurrent maintenance efforts as
this incident was identified as an isolated event.
Page 9 of 18

Incident Number # 202200438 — 03/20/2022— 12408 Dunard St., Raleigh, NC
This spill was neither willful nor intentional. it resulted from a grease build-up, restricting the
sewer flow within a section of 8" Polyvinyl Chloride pipe gravity sewer main. This build-up led to a sewer
spill of approximately 989 gallons of untreated wastewater reaching an unnamed tributary within
Richland Basin. (See Exhibit 1—Area of Operation)
Exhibit 1- Area of operation
On 03/20/2022, at approximately 10:44 AM, Raleigh Water Staff was notified of a sanitary sewer
overflow emanating from a manhole located near 12408 Dunard St., Raleigh, NC. The responding staff
arrived shortly after and commenced taking all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the
discharge, gaining control of the spill event by 11:25 AM on the same day. Crews utilized hydraulic
jetting to remove the source of the blockage within the affecting asset, thus restoring sewer flow.
Containment and collection of this spill event consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area. This approach was intended to contain wastewater flow and minimize
the environmental impact on the surrounding land. Responding crews employed pumps at the
temporary containment site to recover flushed wastewater and any evidence of sewer completing the
operation by re -introducing the wastewater to the collection system. This spill was contained without a
significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural resources. Visual inspection of the
affected area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative damage.
During the restoration phase of the operation, crews removed sewer -contaminated soil from the
affected area. The areas around the manhole were cleared of debris, washed with potable water,
treated with an application of lime, and finally restored with grass seed and straw.
A follow-up CCTV assessment was conducted on 3/20/2022 to identify the root cause of the SSO. The
CCTV assessment recommended that the manhole's channel/invert, be repaired to minimize grease
accumulation within the sewer manhole (see Exhibit 2 — Invert). The assessment also identified a
moderate infiltration (see Exhibit 3 — Moderate infiltration) that may lead to future root intrusion.
grease. A subsequent repair work order has been established for correction. This asset will be placed on
a recurrent service rotation.
Page 10 of 18

Exhibit 2 - Invert
f
Exhibit 3 - Mod
Infiltration
The cost associated with the mitigation of this event amounted to $2,283.42. The approximate cost to
the Utility to have treated 1,525 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $1.48. The City
saved no money from this spill. Its costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of sewage
had no spill occurred. Furthermore, the City still had to pay the cost to treat the greater volume of
sewage created by the spill.
This section of the collection system is located within a residential area North of Falls of Neuse Rd. It
provides sewer collection services to approximately 78 properties upstream of the spill event (see
Exhibit 4- Zone of Influence). Within the last ten years, this portion of the collection system has not
experienced a grease related 550.
Exhibit 4- Zone of Influence
Page 11of18

Before this event, maintenance records show that sections within the zone of influence of this collection
system were assessed within the last 10 years as follows:
Flushing activities CCTV activities
10/24/17 9/21/17
11/21/17 9/22/17
3/20/22 9/28/17
10/24/17 9/29/17
3/22/22 3/20/22
Repair
5/26/22
Inspections
6/12/2018
12/13/2018
5/10/2019
10/10/2019
10/7/2019
There have been no additional issues associated with this section of the collection system since the last
sewer event.
Page 12 of 18

Incident Number # 202200439 — 03/20/2022-1405 West HW 70, Garner, NC
This spill was neither willful nor intentional. It resulted from a grease build-up, restricting the
sewer flow within a section of 8" ductile iron pipe gravity sewer main. This build-up led to a sewer spill
of approximately 2,720 gallons of untreated wastewater remaining within the natural topography not
reaching surface waters of the state. See Exhibit 1— Area of Operation
Exhibit 1—Area of operation
On 03/20/2022, at approximately 3:17 PM, Raleigh Water Staff was notified of a sanitary sewer overflow
emanating from a manhole located near 1405 West HW 70, Garner, NC. The responding staff arrived
shortly after and commenced taking all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the
discharge, gaining control of the spill event by 4:25 PM on the same day. Crews utilized hydraulic jetting
to remove the source of the blockage within the affecting asset, thus restoring sewer flow.
Containment and collection of this spill event consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area. This approach was intended to contain wastewater flow and minimize
the environmental impact on the surrounding land. Responding crews employed pumps at the
temporary containment site to recover flushed wastewater and any evidence of sewer completing the
operation by re -introducing the wastewater to the collection system. This spill was contained without a
significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural resources. Visual inspection of the
affected area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative damage.
During the restoration phase of the operation, crews removed sewer -contaminated soil from the
affected area. The areas around the manhole were cleared of debris, washed with potable water,
treated with an application of lime, and finally restored with grass seed and straw.
Page 13 of 18

A follow-up CCTV assessment was conducted on 3/28/2022 to identify the root cause of the SSO. The
CCTV assessment identified that the root cause of the blockage was determined to be a sag found within
the affecting asset, SGMN145453, starting 9' downstream from SMH118845. Sag terminates at 72'
downstream. A subsequent repair work order has been established for correction. This asset will be
placed on a recurrent service rotation. See Exhibit 2 — CCTV Assessment.
Exhibit 2 — CCTV Assessment
USMH: SMH118845
DSMM: SMH163331
The cost associated with the mitigation of this event amounted to $3,696.62. The approximate cost to
the Utility to have treated 1,525 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $4.08. The City
saved no money from this spill. Its costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of sewage
had no spill occurred. Furthermore, the City still had to pay the cost to treat the greater volume of
sewage created by the spill.
This section of the collection system is located within of a commercial area on HW 70, Garner.
Approximately 18 commercial properties have been placed within the Zone of Influence for further
assessment and educational outreach (see Exhibit 3- Zone of Influence). Within the last ten years, this
portion of the collection system has not experienced a grease -related SSO.
Exhibit 3- zone of Influence
•
Page 14 of 18

Before this event, maintenance records show that sections within the zone of influence of this collection
system were assessed within the last 10 years as follows:
Flushing activities CCN activities Chemical Root FOG GGI Inspection / Sewer High
Control Priority Inspection
7/13/2018 12/13/2019 12/6/2018 7/5/2022 7/18/2018 2/21/2022
8/14/2017 7/12/2018 12/6/2018 7/7/2022 7/17/2018 2/21/2022
12/21/2018 1/16/2019 12/6/2018 7/18/2018 4/18/2022
7/13/2018 11/25/2019 3/21/2022 7/16/2018 4/22/2022
8/14/2017 7/12/2018 3/28/2017 6/10/2019 6/23/2022
11/25/2019 8/14/2017 3/21/2022 7/23/2018 6/23/2022
4/7/2022 1/16/2019 12/6/2018 5/31/2019 7/17/2018
12/13/2019 11/25/2019 12/17/2018 9/6/2019 7/18/2018
12/13/2019 7/12/2018 3/21/2022 12/12/2019 5/17/2019
8/14/2017 8/14/2017 12/17/2018 6/11/2021 5/31/2019
1/14/2019 12/18/2018 12/5/2018 4/22/2022 6/24/2019
11/25/2019 11/25/2019 12/11/2018 7/16/2018 8/28/2019
4/1/2022 8/14/2017 12/17/2018 7/16/2018 9/6/2019
8/14/2017 1/15/2019 12/6/2018 7/18/2018 9/9/2019
7/13/2018 8/14/2017 12/6/2018 5/17/2019 2/17/2020
12/13/2019 8/14/2017 6/18/2019 6/16/2021
4/1/2022 11/25/2019 8/28/2019 10/12/2021
5/25/2022 8/14/2017 8/28/2019 10/13/2021
11/25/2019 8/14/2017 12/12/2019 3/2/2022
8/14/2017 1/15/2019 2/17/2020 4/18/2022
1/15/2019 12/1/2018 2/17/2020 6/23/2022
8/14/2017 3/18/2017 3/13/2020 8/9/2022
7/13/2018 3/23/2022 9/9/2020 6/10/2019
9/9/2020 5/24/2021
2/25/2021 2/16/2022
2/25/2021 2/23/2018
5/24/2021 5/31/2018
5/24/2021 11/16/2018
6/11/2021 6/12/2019
9/27/2021 12/4/2019
9/27/2021
There have been no additional issues associated with this section of the collection system since the last
sewer event.
A press release notification was requested to be published in the Raleigh News & Observer as required
by NCGS Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1C. Outreach information literature was requested to be sent to
the immediate -affected area. The requested outreach literature explains the need for customers to use
the sanitary sewer collection system properly. It also serves as an opportunity for citizens to partner
with Public Utilities to protect the City's water quality and the sewer collection infrastructure. See
Exhibit 4 - Press release.
Page 15 of 18

Exhibit 4 - Press release
`
.:',1111y, Raleigh
NEWS RELEASE
commtirncArious DEPARTMENT
March 22 2021
For more nfoimAtian
M.dhew P Vesshe. Sewer Mahntemame Manager, Raierh Water 919-99G-3745
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Spill
On Sunday March 20 2022 at appmdmate 1 3-17 PIA Raleigh Water - Sewer
Maintenance Division staff responded to a sanitary salver sp0 located al 1406 West
Hwy 70, Gamer, MC Upon arrival. Utility respornders Identified an active sewer sp0
The responding staff took all reasonable steps te slop and mi0gats the impact of the
spa as soon as they arrived The Narbn Cawsna Department of Envkoseen ia! 0uaply
Division of Water Resources was notified of the mil.
Raleigh Water staff removed She blockage source and contained the spill at
apprminialey 425 PM on the same day 11 is estimated that die sp0 disrhaged a
volute of approrimarey 2.720 galena of unheated wastewater as of which remained
within the natural topography and did nal reach sudue WOW' or the stall. Restoration
for 1N3 event has been compacted No vegetative damage or ash MI has been observed
related to Mai event
Raleigh Water Ms an a00reesNe edneapon and enforcement program to
prevent the discharge of grease, debris, vdpes, rags, diapers and other
iliproper materials in dal sewer eyewn and to take ehiacemeM action
where appropriate. if these llama make It into to sewer system, they may
cause a spill which can have an adverse Impact en water gustily and
e ndanger those who Cane into contact with the affected areas.
Water, human waste, and total dame are Me ordy Items parrnIted to be
discharged into the sewer system. Al other Mum will car se damage to the
server system and ars not psrm*hd.
O you experience excessive sewer smells or see sewer spilling from
manholes or pipes, please cell 9195963245 to report immediately.
For more information about how you can help prevent sanitary sewer
apull, please visit rllerghnmpovlwater.
This news release Is requited by NCGS Article 21 Chapter 143.2t5 tC
l
Page 16 of 18

Summary
The Sewer Maintenance Division of Raleigh Water strives to develop initiatives that improve
operational reliability to meet customer expectations and meet or exceed the Water Quality Collection
System permit requirements. Our operations are focused on continual improvement, the prevention of
pollution, and increased environmental performance efficiency. This endeavor is greatly noted as the
Division operates an ISO Certified Environmental Management System governed by the 14001-2015
Standards. As part of these initiatives, the Division operates a comprehensive reactive and preventative
maintenance program whose goal is to maintain over 2600 miles of sanitary sewer pipe and minimize
the accidental release of untreated wastewater.
Additionally, the City of Raleigh Assistant Public Utility Directors and Collections System staff
have become involved in challenging the nonwoven fabrics industry standards to better inform
consumers of these products and their detrimental effects on the collections systems. PUD staff has
personally met with officers of INDA, the leading association of the nonwoven fabrics industry based in
Cary, NC, to communicate our concerns about these fabrics, the current industry standards, and better
education for the consumer. PUD has also joined forces with other utilities nationwide through the
National Association of Clean Waters Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Foundation (WEF),
and the American Public Works Association (APWA) to challenge INDA and current industry standards,
recognizing that they do not support compatibility in sanitary sewer collections systems nationally.
These agencies work collectively to challenge the testing protocols, assessment guidelines, and
consumer education and labeling of these non -dispersible.
Raleigh Water has an aggressive educational outreach initiative to address illicit discharges such
as wipes, fats, oil, and grease to commercial and residential users. Raleigh Water has developed a
complimentary property managers resource kit that provides best practice resources for establishing a
property -specific awareness program. Each kit contains brochures and complimentary gadgets to help
residents manage grease and fat collection and disposal. The resource kit also features a multimedia
flash drive with videos and reproducible educational material that property managers can use to
educate tenants to reduce the risk of sewer backups caused by the introduction of solids through their
residential piping. Each kit costs Raleigh water approximately $85.00 to produce and is provided free of
charge to the property management. Raleigh Water is continuously developing initiatives to increase
residential and commercial customer partnerships to address grease accumulation and prevent illicit
discharges. The educational material and videos can be accessed through social media and the Raleigh
Water website https://raleighnc.gov/sewer-maintenance
The City continues its monetary reward program or bounty program, which pays out fifty ($50)
dollars to any citizen that observes and reports an SSO or conditions that may cause a spill event. This
program has been advertised via printed material, a television advertisement campaign, and graphic
design "wraps" on Sewer Maintenance vehicles. These graphics on our vehicles function as mobile
billboards spreading our message of prevention and offering contact information throughout the service
area each day. This program was developed hoping that citizens and customers would become more
aware of the signs of an emerging system problem causing the SSO occurrence and become proactive in
helping the City prevent these occurrences. Additionally, all customers are notified via their water and
sewer utility bills not to discharge improper materials into the sanitary sewer mains. The City also
circulates information regarding the discharge of grease into the sewer system and the effects of such
deposits. Whenever possible, and upon investigating the root cause of a spill event, PUD Code
Enforcement officers develop and send registered informational letters about the spill event to the
customer base serviced by the line where the SSO has occurred. This is done to educate our customers
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on the proper use of sanitary sewers to prevent the disposal of non-flushable items and items harmful
to the continuous operation of the collections system.
On behalf of the City of Raleigh, I am requesting that the NOV-2022 NOI-0109 issued for the
month of March 2022 be fairly reviewed, considering the steps the Department has taken to protect the
environment and meet or exceed the requirements of the Collections System Permit. If additional
information is required, please contact Matthew Vessie, Sewer Maintenance Superintendent (919) 996-
2312, or John Kiviniemi, Assistant Raleigh Water Director, at [phone]
riii
.vV
S ricerely,
Carlos M Perez, ORC
Assistance Superintendent, Sewer Maintenance Division
City of Raleigh, Public Utilities Department
P.O. Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
919-996-5929 office
919-278-6020 cell
Carlos.Derezcamacho raleighnc.Gov
Page 18 of 18