WQCS00168_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220819

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. RISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
James Wesley Brown
Town of Star
PO Box 97
Star, NC 27356-0097
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
August 15, 2022
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Star Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00168
Montgomery County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Star Collection System
on 7/14/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with
the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00168. The findings and
comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report
entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
Please respond in writing to this office within 30 days of your receipt of this letter regarding your plans
or measures to be taken to address the following issues:
One pump station is operating on only one pump — this needs to be repaired immediately so that
both pumps at the station are functional. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer of the
transducers used at pump stations to determine a method of testing the alarms at each station.
11E9
North Carolina Deportment of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Fayetteville Regional ice 1225 Green Street Sure 714 I Fayetteville. North Carolina 25201
910.4333300

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Danielle Simpson with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Fayetteville Regional Office at 910-433-3300 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by: Q
A.
5189C2D3DD5C42B...
J. Trent Allen, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Fayetteville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: WQS Fayetteville Regional Office (DS)
PERCS Compliance/Enforcement Unit
11E9
North Carolina Deportment of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Fayetteville Regional ice 1225 Green Street Sure 714 I Fayetteville. Worth Carolina 25201
910.4333300

Compliance Inspection Report
Secondary Inspector(s):
Permit: WQCS00168 Effective: 06/04/18
SOC: Effective:
County: Montgomery
Region: Fayetteville
Contact Person: James Wesley Brown
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS1,
Primary ORC: James Wesley Brown
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Expiration: 03/31/26
Expiration:
Title:
NC0058548 Town of Star - Star WWTP
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022 Entry Time 09:30AM
Primary Inspector: Danielle Simpson
.-DocuSigned by:
.n MA Q-QkeA,
'-5189C2D3DD5C42B...
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Owner : Town of Star
Facility: Star Collection System
PO Box 97
Certification: 14480
8/18/2022
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Exit Time: 11:OOAM
8/15/2022 Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
II Capital Improvement Plan
▪ Inspections
▪ Lines
(See attachment summary)
Not Compliant
▪ General
▪ Map
▪ Spill Response Plan
▪ Manholes
▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances
▪ Reporting Requirements
▪ Spills
▪ Pump Stations
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQCS00168 Owner - Facility:Town of Star
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
All necessary documents were readily available at the time of inspection, including the permit, Sewer Use Ordinance, CIP,
etc. Logbooks track maintenance, inspections, and any other work done within the system. The map is in GIS format.
Grease education is mailed with water bills — make sure this is sent out at least twice yearly. System updates are planned
and awaiting grant money to come in. The Annual Wastewater Performance Report is filed with the Division and is available
for sewer customers at Town Hall. A note is included on water bills to let customers know it is available.
There are 8 duplex pump stations within the Star Collection System. The stations are checked daily. Portable generators
are available in the event of a power outage. The pump stations have transducers to detect high levels as opposed to floats.
One pump station is operating on only one pump — this needs to be repaired immediately so that both pumps at the station
are functional. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer of the transducers used at pump stations to determine a
method of testing the alarms at each station.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCS00168 Owner - Facility:Town of Star
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022
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: Grant money coming soon to be used for system updates.
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: Grease education is distributed with water bills, it is important to make sure this goes out at
least twice a year.
Ca oital 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:
Yes No NA NE
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Following checks
or work.
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Yes No NA NE
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Based upon
establishment.
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Yes No NA NE
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Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCS00168 Owner - Facility:Town of Star
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022
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?
Comment: Map is in GIS format.
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Town Hall
Comment: A note is included with water bills to let sewer customers know that the Annual Wastewater
Performance Report is available at Town Hall.
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: Pump stations are inspected daily. Inspections are recorded in a log book.
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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Yes No NA NE
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Page4of7

Permit: WQCS00168 Owner - Facility:Town of Star
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022
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?
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Comment: Response time to an emergency is less than 30 minutes. Vendors, contractors, emergency
numbers, etc. all included in the plan.
Spills Yes No NA NE
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:
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: Logbooks log maintenance and inspections.
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page5of7

Permit: WQCS00168 Owner - Facility:Town of Star
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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, #3, #4, #5, #8
# 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?
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Page6of7

Permit: WQCS00168 Owner - Facility:Town of Star
Inspection Date: 07/14/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
Portable generators available in the event of a power outage.
# 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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Comment: Transducers used as opposed to floats. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer to find
out how to test the alarms at each station with the transducers.
Page 7 of 7