WQCS00370_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20221019

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

October 18, 2022

CERTIFIED MAIL # 7020 3160 0000 4115 2909
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

Mayor Robert Williams
Town of Sharpsburg
PO Box 1759
Sharpsburg, NC 27878

Subject: Notice of Violation-Notice of Intent to Enforce
NOV-2022-PC-0639
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Town of Sharpsburg Wastewater Collection System
Permit Number WQCS00370
Nash County

Dear Mr. Williams:

On September 19, 2022, Stephanie Goss of the Division of Water Resources conducted the subject
inspection. The assistance of Brian Sullivan and Jason Landvater during the inspection was
appreciated. Below is a list of findings observed during the inspection:

1. The permit became effective June 9, 2017 and expires on February 28, 2025.

2. The Town of Sharpsburg’s wastewater collection system has approximately 14 miles of
gravity sewer, approximately 8 miles of force main, 1 simplex pump station and 8 duplex
pump stations.

3. Mr. Sullivan stated that the Town’s Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) program is currently not
in use. Educational materials are not being mailed out twice a year to both residential and
non-residential users as required by the subject permit requirements. Please provide a
written response within 30-days of receipt of this letter detailing actions the Town will take
to comply with permit requirements [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)].

4. A copy of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was not available for inspection. In the
inspection letter dated May 10, 2019, the Town was informed an updated CIP should be
developed. Please provide a written response within 30-days of receipt of this letter
detailing actions the Town will take to comply with permit requirements. A CIP must
address the short-term needs and long-term “master plan” concepts. This plan should cover
a three-to-five-year period and include a goal statement, description of the project area,
description of existing facilities, known deficiencies and forecasted future needs including
cost analysis [G.S. 143-215.9B]
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

WQCS00370: Town of Sharpsburg Wastewater Collection System
NOV-2022-PC-0639
Page 2 of 4

5. Records for Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO’s) were not available for inspection. In the
inspection letter dated May 10, 2019, the Town was informed to keep SSO 5-day reports
and any associated press releases and public notices (Section III.2 & IV.2 of permit).
Adequate records pertaining to SSO’s must be documented and kept for a minimum of
three years and must contain the information as detailed in 15A NCAC 02T .0108(b).
Please provide a written response within 30-days of receipt of this letter detailing actions
the Town will take to comply with permit requirements.

6. Per the subject permit, there are approximately 8 miles of gravity line. According to Mr.
Sullivan’s records, approximately 2.1 miles of gravity sewer line were cleaned in 2021
which is 26.5% and 2.3 miles of gravity sewer line were cleaned in 2020 which is 29%.
7. During the subject inspection, six of the Town’s nine pump stations were visited: Batchelor
Road, Brickyard, Barnhill, RBI, Taylor Woods, and Pine Needles. All pump stations have
identification signs, secured access, and audio/visual alarms. The SCADA system was not
in operation during the time of the inspection. Mr. Landvater stated the pump stations are
checked daily. Six of the nine pump stations have an on-site generator except for Batchelor
Road, RBI and Taylor Woods which have portable generators and are tested weekly. The
following deficiencies were noted during the inspection.
• Batchelor Road Pump Station: the visual alarm functioned when the high-water float
was activated; however, the audio alarm did not function. The wet well contained a
buildup of grease. Mr. Landvater stated the wet wells are sprayed down twice a year,
but the grease and debris are not pumped out.
• Brickyard Pump Station: the visual alarm functioned when the high-water float was
activated; however, the audio alarm did not function. The generator was tested, and it
did not operate successfully. The wet well contained a buildup of grease and debris.
• RBI Pump Station: The audio and visual alarms did not function as required.
• Taylor Woods Pump Station: The audio and visual alarms do not function as required.
Mr. Landvater stated the visual alarm stays on permanently and audio is kept off
otherwise the audio alarm stays activated. The pumps do not operate as required and
need to be turned on manually.
• Pine Needles Pump Station: The audio and visual alarms are kept turned off at the pump
station. Mr. Landvater stated they are turned off because the pumps will run all the time
if they are left on. The wet well contained a significant amount of grease and debris.
The generator did not operate when tested.
• Barnhill Pump Station: The audio and visual alarms did not function as required when
the high-water float was activated. The visual alarm stays on permanently. The wet
well was full of grease and debris (See Photograph 1). The generator did operate
successfully when tested. Mr. Landvater stated the pump station required a constant
source of attention. The wet well stays inundated with grease, rags and debris which
prohibits the pumps from operating successfully.
The wastewater collection system shall be effectively managed, maintained and operated at all
times to prevent discharge to land or surface waters, and prevent any contravention of groundwater
standards or surface water standards [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)]. Please provide a written response
within 30-days of receipt of this letter detailing actions the Town will take to comply with permit
requirements. This response must include a timeline detailing when the items described above will
be fixed.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

WQCS00370: Town of Sharpsburg Wastewater Collection System
NOV-2022-PC-0639
Page 3 of 4

Photograph 1: Barnhill Pump Station Wet Well (September 19, 2022)

8. An inspection and maintenance log for each pump station was available to view during the
inspection. The logs include a check list for items such as inspecting the fence, testing the
floats and audio/visual alarms, and checking for oil leaks.

9. An overall map of the collection system was not available during the time of the inspection.
Mr. Sullivan provided scaled down maps of the collection system that included pipe
direction and pump station locations. Within 30-days of receipt of this letter, please provide
a copy of a comprehensive up-to-date map which includes pipe size, pipe material, flow
direction, and approximate pipe age [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)].

10. A Response Action Plan was not available for review during the inspection. Within 30-
days of receipt of this letter, please provide a written response detailing actions the Town
will take to comply with permit requirements [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)].

A Notice of Violation/Intent to Issue Civil Penalty is being issued for the noted violation of North
Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not
more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who
violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit
issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.

Within 30-days receipt of this letter, please submit a written response to this office indicating
the actions you will take or have taken to comply with or resolve the issues noted in items 3-5
7, 9 and 10 above.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

WQCS00370: Town of Sharpsburg Wastewater Collection System
NOV-2022-PC-0639
Page 4 of 4

If you have any questions concerning this report, please contact Stephanie Goss at 919-791-4256
or by e-mail at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

cc: Laserfiche

DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00370 Effective:06/09/17 Expiration:02/28/25 Owner :Town of Sharpsburg
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Nash
Raleigh
Brian Richard Sullivan
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Sharpsburg Collection System
Title:Phone:[phone]Public Works Director
Secondary ORC(s):
252-908-3612Phone:[phone]Certification:Brian Richard SullivanPrimary ORC:
CS2,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0030317 City of Rocky Mount - Tar River Regional WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
09/19/2022 09:30AM 11:30AM
Stephanie Goss 919-791-4200
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
Collection system management and operation
Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions Sewer & FOG Ordinances Capital Improvement Plan
Map Inspections Spill Response Plan
Spills Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 6
10/18/2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00370
09/19/2022 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Sharpsburg
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Page 2 of 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00370
09/19/2022 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Sharpsburg
Routine
Sewer and FOG Ordinances Yes No NA NE
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.)
Mr. Sullivan stated that their Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) program is not in use. Educational
materials are not being mailed out twice a year per permit requirements.
Comment:
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
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?
A copy of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was not available on the date of the inspection.Comment:
Map Yes No NA NE
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?
Page 3 of 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00370
09/19/2022 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Sharpsburg
Routine
An overall map of the collection system was not available during the time of the inspection. Mr.
Sullivan provided scaled down maps that included pipe direction and pump station locations.
Comment:
Inspections Yes No NA NE
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?
Documentation is not being kept for when rig-of-ways are being mowed.Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
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
Site sanitation and cleanup materials
Post-overflow/spill assessment
Does the Permittee appear to respond within 2 hours of first knowledge of a spill?
Spill Response plan was not available.Comment:
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?
Records for SSO’s are not documented.Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Page 4 of 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00370
09/19/2022 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Sharpsburg
Routine
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
7.Six of the Town’s nine pump stations were inspected: Batchelor Road, Brickyard, Barnhill, RBI,
Taylorwoods and Pine Needles. All pump stations have identification signs, secured access, and
audio/visual alarms. The SCADA system was not in operation during the time of the inspection. Mr. Landvater
stated the pump stations are checked daily. Six of the nine pump stations have an on-site generator except
for Batchelor Road, RBI and Tayorwoods which have portable generators and are tested weekly.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 8
# Number of vacuum stations in system
# Number of simplex pump stations in system 1
# 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?0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer) installed?0
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:
Page 5 of 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00370
09/19/2022 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Sharpsburg
Routine
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?
See inspection letter for detailsComment:
Page 6 of 6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 08231119-FEFE-458A-AA10-4BE7241CA01C