WQ0000193_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230125

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. RISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Heather Hockaday, Town Manager
Town of Burnsville
e-mail: [e-mail]
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
January 25, 2023
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Tracking Number: NOV-2023-PC-0046
Permit No. WQCS00143 NOV-2023-PC-0046
Burnsville Collection System
Yancey County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Burnsville Collection System on
January 23, 2023. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the
conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00143. A summary of the findings and
comments noted during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report.
The Collection System Non -sampling inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the
Asheville Regional Office. The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection:
Inspection Area Description of Violation
General
Documented excessive I&I shall be specifically addressed. Permit Condition II (2) requires the
permittee to establish a plan for addressing problems in the collection system that are
identified during system inspections. Permit Condition I (5) also recommends continuing
long-term plan o address known deficiencies and forecasted future needs.
Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences in the
future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of
State law. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Timothy Heim with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500.
ATTACHMENTS
Ec: LF, Shane Dale (ORC)
Sincerely,
,-DocuSigned by: J
4-2
"-E397192DABFB4FF...
Daniel Boss, Asst. Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Dualhy I Division of Water Resources
Ashevllk Regional Office 12090 U.S. Highway 70 Swannanoa, North Carolina 28776
625.296.450C

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Compliance Inspection Report
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine
Permit: WQCS00143 Effective: 09/06/18
SOC: S21003 Effective: 01/01/22
County: Yancey
Region: Asheville
Contact Person: Shane Dale
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Michael Shane Dale
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Expiration: 08/31/26
Expiration: 03/31/25
Owner : Town of Burnsville
Facility: Burnsville Collection System
PO Box 97
Title: Public Works Director
Certification: 999213
NC0020290 Town of Burnsville - Burnsville WWTP
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023 Entry Time 10:OOAM
Primary Inspector: Timothy H Heim ,-Docuslgned by:
110,1411th ii
'-08281105A3CA418...
Burnsville NC 287140097
Exit Time: 01:OOPM
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
▪ Miscellaneous Questions
II Capital Improvement Plan
▪ Inspections
▪ Lines
(See attachment summary)
▪ General
▪ Map
▪ Spill Response Plan
▪ Manholes
▪ Sewer & FOG Ordinances
▪ Reporting Requirements
▪ Spills
▪ Pump Stations
Page 1 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Permit: WQCS00143 Owner - Facility:Town of Burnsville
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Tim Heim of the Asheville Regional Office performed a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Burnsville Collection System
on January 23, 2023 (WQCS00143). The previous Collection System inspection conducted in 2020 noted Permit Condition
violations related to the system experiencing severe I&I during rain events, increasing flow to the WWTP by over 100% in
some cases and potential exceedances of the NPDES flow limit, as well as SSOs. M. Shane Dale (ORC & Public Works
Director) was present and assisted with the inspection.
The inspection included a review of all relevant maintenance and operations records, a visit to each pump station owned and
operated by the town, inspection of manholes and gravity sewers in representative areas of town, and a review of flow data a
the WWTP during rain events.
Since the last inspection, the Town has entered into an SOC with DEQ and initiated a number of significant projects to
locate and mitigate defects contributing to I&I. Public Work staff estimate an approximate reduction of 100 kGPD during
rain events thus far, and SSOs reported have dropped significantly. Significant repair and replacement work remains to be
completed however and the system remains classified as non -complaint due to severe inflow and infiltration (I&).
The following items shall be addressed to return the collection system to compliance:
The town should continue to work to achieve the milestones in the SOC and pursue a comprehensive and aggressive
infrastructure assessment and repair program with a qualified engineering firm and contractors.
A general observation of the entire collection system should be performed annually and documented.
Continue to clean and document at least 10% of the collection system on an annual basis, plus problems areas as needed.
Maintain the Spill Response Action Plan (SRAP), Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) and other relevant information in an easy to
access location that all public works staff are made aware of.
The following additional items were noted:
The OMC Pump Station Project was competed as planned and is fully operational as of June 2022.
The interconnect from the OMC pump station to the East Yancey (South Toe) WWTP is still in design phase. DEQ staff are
working with the Burnsville Town Manager and Yancey County Manager to facilitate the town's takeover of the WWTP and
associated collection system.
The CIP is currently being revised and updated by McGill Associates.
Town Public Works staff are now utilizing "Field Maps" software which includes a fully up to date map of water and
wastewater infrastructure accessible by mobile devise in the field.
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Permit: WQCS00143 Owner - Facility:Town of Burnsville
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
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: The town should continue to work to achieve the milestones in the SOC and pursue a
comprehensive and aggressive infrastructure assessment and repair program with a qualified
engineering firm and contractors.
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:
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: The CIP is currently being revised and updated by McGill Associates.
Yes No NA NE
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Monthly or as
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Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Permit: WQCS00143 Owner - Facility:Town of Burnsville
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Comment: Town Public Works staff are now utilizing "Field Maps" software which includes a fully up to
date map of water and wastewater infrastructure accessible by mobile devise in the field.
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?
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?
Yes No NA NE
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Page4of7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Permit: WQCS00143 Owner - Facility:Town of Burnsville
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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?
Comment: Update contact information as appropriate.
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:
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:
Manholes
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Representative MHs in vicinty of downtown area and points west.
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?
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Page5of7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Permit: WQCS00143 Owner - Facility:Town of Burnsville
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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:
OMC Pump Station, Bakers Creek Pump Station, Mayland Pump Station.
# 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?
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 96ECCBDF-96DB-431 F-8649-BCF80833598E
Permit: WQCS00143 Owner - Facility:Town of Burnsville
Inspection Date: 01/23/2023
Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
# 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?
Comment:
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