WQCSD0143_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20220915

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
September 15, 2022
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
Joe Desormeaux, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities
Wake County Public School System
1429 Rock Quarry Rd, Suite 116
Raleigh, NC 27610
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Wake County Public School System Deemed Collection System
Collection System Permit Number WQCSD0142
Wake County
Dear Mr. Desormeaux:
On August 11, 2022, Colleen Cohn of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) conducted an
inspection at the subject facility. The cooperation of Todd Kneller, Rodney Ferrell, Mike Smith,
and Mike Poole was greatly appreciated. During the inspection, the following items were noted:
1. Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) operates a deemed collection system
pursuant to 15 NCAC .02T .0403.
2. Wastewater from the system is received and treated by the City of Raleigh, the Town of
Fuquay-Varina, or the Town of Cary, depending on pump station location.
3. The system includes eleven (11) duplex pump stations. Pump stations have audible and
visual alarms, and standby emergency generators. The pump stations at Vance
Elementary School, Mary E. Phillips High School, and Reedy Creek Elementary &
Middle School have landline dialers, and the other eight pump stations have cellular
telemetry.
4. Pump stations are inspected weekly inspections and rights -of -way are maintained at least
quarterly. WCPSS uses a software tracking system and database.
5. Three (3) of the system's pump stations were observed during the inspection. The system
appeared to be well maintained.
a. At the Swift Creek Elementary School Pump Station, no grease was observed, and
the high-level float, audible alarm, and visual alarm were all operational. The
generator was also operational. No flow was observed as school was not in
session.
b. At the Yates Mill Elementary School Pump Station, no grease was observed in the
wet well, and the high-level float and audible alarm were operational. The visual
alarm did not appear operational. Additionally, only one pump was operational.
Parts for the second pump have been ordered, and repairs/replacement will occur
once they arrive. No flow was observed as school was not in session. Within 30-
days receipt of this letter, please provide this office with a written response
DEQNORTH CAROLINA
Department of Environmental Duality
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office I 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Wake County Public School System WQCDS0142
September 15, 2022
indicating the actions WCPSS will take or has taken to repair the visual alarm
and pump at the Yates Mill Elementary School Pump Station.
c. At the Vance Elementary School Pump Station, no grease was observed in the wet
well. The visual and audible alarms and generator were not tested during the
inspection as school was in session with student testing occurring. The Vance
Elementary School Pump Station is located directly outside of a classroom with
the visual alarm visible from the classroom window. The Vance Elementary
School Pump Station uses a landline dialer, but Mr. Kneller and Mr. Ferrell stated
that the school will call if either of the alarms goes off.
6. The system has no high -priority lines.
7. The Swift Creek Elementary School parking lot manhole and the Vance Elementary
School pump station manhole were both inspected. No blockages or grease accumulation
were observed.
8. WCPSS does not use grease in the school kitchens. Grease traps are pumped twice a year.
9. One (1) Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) has been identified or reported in the last 12
months:
a. Incident 202200231: 1,000 gallons spilled at 1220 Pond Street, Cary (Briarcliff
Elementary School) on February 17, 2022 caused by debris in the line.
10. A review of the records indicates the following:
a) A map of the system is actively maintained on the cloud depicting manholes, pump
station locations, right of ways, high priority lines, line size, flow direction, and line
material.
b) Records are maintained for the facility's spare parts inventory, weekly inspections,
annual system observation, and cleaning using a software tracking system/database.
An overflow response plan is kept on site and readily available for viewing.
Within 30-days receipt of this letter, please provide this office with a written response to
address Item 4b.
If you have questions concerning this report, please contact Colleen Cohn at 919-791-4258 or
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
scot l/iA,setA,
BCDA9D825D4A46D...
Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachments: EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
cc: Laserfiche
Todd Kneller, Senior Environmental Administrator (via email)
£ D_E
NORTHCAROLINA
Department of Environmental Deal
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office I 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Wake County Public School System WQCDS0142
September 15, 2022
£ D_E
NORTHCAROLINA
Department of Environmental Duel
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office I 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCSD0142 Effective: 03/01/00 Expiration:
SOC: Effective: Expiration:
County: Wake
Region: Raleigh
Contact Person: Joe Desormeaux
Directions to Facility:
Owner : Wake County Public School System
Facility: Wake County Schools Collection System
Title: Phone: [phone]
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Todd Kneller, Rodney Ferrell, Mike Smith, Mike Poole
Inspection Date: 08/11/2022 Entry Time 09:OOAM
Primary Inspector: Colleen Cohn
Secondary Inspector(s):
1- DocuSigned by:
FBCB8277092044D...
Exit Time: 11:OOAM
9/15/2022 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 General Spills/Response Plan
▪ Manholes Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Permit: WQCSD0142 Owner - Facility: Wake County Public School System
Inspection Date: 08/11/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On August 11, 2022, Colleen Cohn of the Raleigh Regional Office (RRO) conducted an inspection at the subject facility. The
cooperation of Todd Kneller, Rodney Ferrell, Mike Smith, and Mike Poole was greatly appreciated. During the inspection, the
following items were noted:
1. Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) operates a deemed collection system pursuant to 15 NCAC .02T .0403.
2. Wastewater from the system is received and treated by the City of Raleigh, the Town of Fuquay-Varina, or the Town of
Cary, depending on pump station location.
3. The system includes eleven (11) duplex pump stations. Pump stations have audible and visual alarms, and standby
emergency generators. The pump stations at Vance Elementary School, Mary E. Phillips High School, and Reedy Creek
Elementary & Middle School have landline dialers, and the other eight pump stations have cellular telemetry.
4. Pump stations are inspected weekly inspections and rights -of -way are maintained at least quarterly. WCPSS uses a
software tracking system and database.
5. Three (3) of the system's pump stations were observed during the inspection. The system appeared to be well
maintained.
a. At the Swift Creek Elementary School Pump Station, no grease was observed, and the high-level float, audible alarm,
and visual alarm were all operational. The generator was also operational. No flow was observed as school was not in
session.
b. At the Yates Mill Elementary School Pump Station, no grease was observed in the wet well, and the high-level float and
audible alarm were operational. The visual alarm did not appear operational. Additionally, only one pump was operational.
Parts for the second pump have been ordered, and repairs/replacement will occur once they arrive. No flow was observed as
school was not in session. Within 30-days receipt of this letter, please provide this office with a written response indicating
the actions WCPSS will take or has taken to repair the visual alarm and pump at the Yates Mill Elementary School Pump
Station.
c. At the Vance Elementary School Pump Station, no grease was observed in the wet well. The visual and audible alarms
and generator were not tested during the inspection as school was in session with student testing occuring. The Vance
Elementary School Pump Station is located directly outside of a classroom with the visual alarm visible from the classroom
window. The Vance Elementary School Pump Station uses a landline dialer, but Mr. Kneller and Mr. Ferrell stated that the
school will call if either of the alarms goes off.
6. The system has no high -priority lines.
7. The Swift Creek Elementary School parking lot manhole and the Vance Elementary School pump station manhole were
both inspected. No blockages or grease accumulation were observed.
8. WCPSS does not use grease in the school kitchens. Grease traps are pumped twice a year.
9. One (1) Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) has been identified or reported in the last 12 months:
a. Incident 202200231: 1,000 gallons spilled at 1220 Pond Street, Cary (Briarcliff Elementary School) on February 17, 2022
caused by debris in the line.
10. A review of the records indicates the following:
a) A map of the system is actively maintained on the cloud depicting manholes, pump station locations, right of ways, high
priority lines, line size, flow direction, and line material.
b) Records are maintained for the facility's spare parts inventory, weekly inspections, annual system observation, and
cleaning using a software tracking system/database. An overflow response plan is kept on site and readily available for
viewing.
Page 2 of 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Permit: WQCSD0142 Owner - Facility: Wake County Public School System
Inspection Date: 08/11/2022
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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City of Raleigh;
Town of Cary;
Town of
Fuquay-Varina
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Comment: Map stored on the cloud. Receiving waterwater treatment system varies depending on pump
station location.
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?
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
Yes No NA NE
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Page 3 of 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Permit: WQCSD0142 Owner - Facility: Wake County Public School System
Inspection Date: 08/11/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# Site sanitation and cleanup materials
# Post-overflow/spill assessment
Comment:
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Vance Elementary School pump station manhole and Swift Creek Elementary School parking lot manhole
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?
# 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:
Vance Elementary School, Swift Creek Elementary School, Yates Mill Elementary School
# 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?
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Yes No NA NE
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Yes No NA NE
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Page 4 of 5

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6B9BBC1D-78CF-4CE2-87B8-25D1A76BBB4B
Permit: WQCSD0142 Owner - Facility: Wake County Public School System
Inspection Date: 08/11/2022
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
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: Software tracking system for weekly maintenace. Visual alarm not operation at Swift Creek
Elementary School. One pump out of service at Swift Creek Elementary School.
Page 5 of 5