WQCS00109_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220909

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
September 9, 2022
Kimberly T. Pickett, Interim Town Manager
Town of Benson
PO Box 69
Benson, NC 27504
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Benson Wastewater Collection System
Permit Number WQCS00109
Johnston County
Dear Ms. Adcock:
On September 1, 2022, Mitch Hayes of the Division of Water Resources conducted the subject
inspection. The assistance of Jeremy Bryant and other staff was appreciated. Below is a list of
findings from the review of the permit and the inspection:
1. The permit was issued February 10, 2015, became effective July 1, 2015, and will expire
June 30, 2023. Permit renewal is required within 180 days from the expiration date.
2. BIMS list Jeremy Bryant as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and Brian Leavitt
as the back-up ORC.
3. DWR's records indicate that the collection system consists of 32 miles of gravity sewer, 6
miles of force main, 32 simplex pump stations, and 11 duplex pump stations. Mr. Bryant
informed Mitch Hayes that all simplex pump stations have been converted to gravity sewer.
4. Fats, Oil, and Grease Program — 27 establishments are inspected annually. There have been
no enforcements issued for the year. Literature about proper disposal of FOG is mailed out
twice a year.
5. Gravity line cleaning —18,000 feet of line needs to be cleaned annually. Last years records
indicate that 19,489 feet were cleaned.
6. Right-of-way — right of way cutting is done by the Town of Benson staff. 10 rights of ways
are mowed twice a year.
7. An up-to-date map of the collection was available. Newly constructed areas are added daily.
8. A spill response plan was available for review. The plan is available to all staff.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office I 3800 Barrett Dnve I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

9. There are 11 pump stations in the collection system. All have restricted access, audible /
visual alarms, and telemetry. Most pump stations have by-pass pumping capability built in.
Some of the pump stations have on site generators. Pump stations inspected are Wall Street,
West Ridge, Carolyn Drive, and Burris. All lead and lag pumps operated when their
respective floats where lifted. All audible / visual alarms functioned when the high-water
float was lifted. SCADA reported a high-water alarm. The generator at Burris pump station
was not operable. Please state when the generator will be back in service.
10. An aerial creek crossing off Martin Street was inspected. The creek crossing had concrete
piers with no bank erosion. The line appeared straight. The right-of-way was well
maintained.
11. Highway 242 right-of-way was inspected. The right-of-way was well maintained. The
manhole inspected had a broken concrete collar ring. Please state when this collar ring will
be repaired. There was minimum flow present. There was no sand or grease build up.
I would like to thank the staff with their assistance with this inspection. If there any questions
about the inspection or this letter, please contact Mitch Hayes at 919.791.4261 or by email at
mitch.hayes@a,ncdenr.gov
Laserfiche
Sincerely,
Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources NC DEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 1 Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh. North Carolina 27699-1611
919 707.9000

Permit: WQCS00109
SOC:
County: Johnston
Region: Raleigh
Compliance Inspection Report
Effective: 07/01/15
Effective:
Contact Person: Don H Johnson
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Jeremy Alan Bryant
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
24 hour contact name
On -site representative
Related Permits:
Expiration: 06/30/23 Owner : Town of Benson
Expiration: Facility: Benson Collection System
PO Box 69
Title:
Certification: 1003457
Ray Adams
Jeremy Alan Bryant
NC0020389 Town of Benson - Benson WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022 Entry Time 10:00AM
Primary Inspector: Mitchell S Hayes
Secondary lnspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Benson NC 275040069
Exit Time: 12:45PM
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
919-894-3553
919-894-2373 ext 3
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
▪ Capital Improvement Plan
▪ Inspections
ll Lines
❑ Not Compliant
(See attachment summary)
III General
▪ Map
▪ Spill Response Plan
▪ Manholes
▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances
IIII Reporting Requirements
II Spills
▪ Pump Stations
Page 1 of 7

Permit: WQCS00109 Owner -Facility:Town of Benson
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
The permit was issued February 10, 2015, became effective July 1, 2015, and will expire June 30, 2023. Permit renewal is
required within 180 days from the expiration date.
BIMS list Jeremy Bryant as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and Brian Leavitt as the back-up ORC.
DWR's records indicate that the collection system consists of 32 miles of gravity sewer, 6 miles of force main, 32 simplex
pump stations, and 11 duplex pump stations. Mr. Bryant informed Mitch Hayes that all simplex pump stations have been
converted to gravity sewer.
Fats, Oil, and Grease Program — 27 establishments are inspected annually. There have been no enforcements issued for the
year. Literature about proper disposal of FOG is mailed out twice a year.
Gravity line cleaning —18,000 feet of line needs to be cleaned annually. Last years records indicate that 19,489 feet were
cleaned.
Right-of-way — right of way cutting is done by the Town of Benson staff. 10 rights of ways are mowed twice a year.
An up-to-date map of the collection was available. Newly constructed areas are added daily.
A spill response plan was available for review. The plan is available to all staff.
There are 11 pump stations in the collection system. All have restricted access, audible / visual alarms, and telemetry. Most
pump stations have by-pass pumping capability built in. Some of the pump stations have on site generators. Pump stations
inspected are Wall Street, West Ridge, Carolyn Drive, and Burris. All lead and lag pumps operated when their respective
floats where lifted. All audible / visual alarms functioned when the high-water float was lifted. SCADA reported a high-water
alarm. The generator at Burris pump station was not operable. Please state when the generator will be back in service.
An aerial creek crossing off Martin Street was inspected. The creek crossing had concrete piers with no bank erosion. The
line appeared straight. The right-of-way was well maintaind.
Highway 242 right-of-way was inspected. The right-of-way was well maintained. The manhole inspected had a broken
concrete collar ring. Please state when this collar ring will be repaired. There was minimum flow present. There was no sand
or grease build up.
Page 2 of 7

Permit: WQCS00109 Owner - Facility:Town of Benson
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022
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. Permit expires June 30,2023.
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.)
tv, phamplets, posting at town hall.
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?
Does CIP include description of existing facilities?
Does CIP include known deficiencies?
Does CIP include forecasted future needs?
Comment:
Map
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
1 ❑ ❑ ❑
weekly
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑❑
❑ ❑ •❑
❑ ❑ •❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
monthly
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
■ ❑❑❑
Yes No NA NE
1110120
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
111000
III ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7

Permit: WQCS00109 Owner - Facility: Town of Benson
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022 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?
Comment: Changes are made daily.
Reporting Reauirements
# 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?
Does the plan include:
• ❑ ❑❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑❑❑
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
YsN-a _oNANE
❑•❑❑
❑ ❑•❑
❑ ❑W❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
Mailings
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
■ ❑❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 7

Permit: WQCS00109 Owner - Facility:Town of Benson
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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. No repeated overflows.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Highway 242 right of way, Driving Branch creek crossing.
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
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Manhole on Highway 242 ROW.
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
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑❑❑
❑.❑❑
❑ ❑�❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
■ ❑❑❑
Yes No NA NE
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
❑•❑❑
❑ U❑❑
Page 5 of 7

Permit: WQCS00109 Owner - Facility:Town of Benson
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022 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? II ❑ ❑ []
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: Concrete collar ring was broken and needs repair.
Pump Stations
Yea No NAND
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Wall Street, West Ridge, Carolyn Drive, Burris
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 11
# Number of vacuum stations in system 0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system 0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building 0
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed? 0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed? 11
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? MOOD
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? •❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

Permit: WOCS00109 Owner - Facility: Town of Benson
Inspection Date: 09/01/2022 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/StaffNehicles/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?
Comment. Does not have a dedicated connection to a portable generator.
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
❑•❑❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑ ❑
❑❑N❑
• ❑ ❑ ❑
• ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
▪ ❑❑❑
• ❑❑❑
Page 7 of 7