WQ0012690_Site Visit_20230414

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0012690 Effective:10/01/20 Expiration:09/30/26 Owner :North Carolina Department of Natural and
Cultural Resources
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Yancey
Asheville
Kevin Bischof
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Mount Mitchell State Park WWTF
2388 NC 128
Burnsville NC 28714
Title:Phone:[phone]Superintendent
From ARO take the BRP North to Mt. Mitchell State Park. The maintenance shop is on the right approximately 2 miles from the park
entrance.
Secondary ORC(s):
910-443-3889Phone:[phone]Certification:Eric Nathan James YoungsPrimary ORC:
SI,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
04/14/2023 01:30PM 02:30PM
Melanie Kemp
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Other
Wastewater Irrigation
Reconnaissance
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0012690
04/14/2023 Reconnaissance
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Other
Inspection Summary:
Melanie Kemp, with the ARO, met with Tim Robinson (State Parks Staff) and Keith Webb (McGill Associates) at Mt.
Mitchell state park on April 14, 2023, to discuss modifications and repairs required to the WWTS.
Tim Robinson indicated that site staff are working on replacing all drip lines and solenoids, and they expect to complete this
work in the next month or two. He also indicated that they are working on acquiring funding to install a cover and gated
enclosure over the sand filter so that the black plastic cover can be removed, and the sand filter can breathe as it was
designed to.
Keith Webb is being contracted to put together plans for rerouting the backwash and flush lines (see attached schematic).
This will require a minor modification request with the DEQ.
The short-term and long-term work that is being conducted on site is based on a list compiled by Steven Berkowitz, the
on-site Wastewater Engineer (NC Department of Health and Human Services), on September 2, 2022 – see attached.
Page 2 of 3
Proposed Changes/Repairs: Replumb (1) Sand Filter Flush Line and Field Flush line where they are combined after Flush Solenoid; and
(2) Headworks Flush Line, both to manhole above septic tank, and disconnect both from Manifold Supply Line.
Notes: Will need to add check valve to Headworks Flush Line (to prevent backpressure on spin filters).
These two lines can be joined into single line to be connected to manhole above septic tank
Alternately tie into sewer between manhole and septic tank or into septic tank directly.
If freeze concern, this line could be designed to be able to be drained.

Headworks
Flush Line.
Combined
Sand Filter
+Field Flush
Flush
Solenoid
Sand Filter
Flush Line
Field Flush
Line

Check Valve
Sand Filter
Flush
Manifold
Supply Line
Tee
Connection
Winter Drain Valve: MUST
CLOSE WHEN DRIP IN USE

ROY COOPER • Governor
KODY H. KINSLEY • Secretary
MART T. BENTON • Deputy Secretary for Health
SUSAN KANSAGRA • Assistant Secretary for Public Health
Division of Public Health

NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES • DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
LOCATION: 5605 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
MAILING ADDRESS: 1642 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1642
www.ncdhhs.gov • TEL: [phone] • FAX: [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
September 2, 2022

Mikal Willmer
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
NCDEQ- Division of Water Resources
2090 U.S. Hwy. 70
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Harker’s Island, NC 28531

RE: Inspection Report and Follow-Up Recommendations, Mt. Mitchell State Park
Campground/Maintenance Area System, Yancey County, NC; OWSP Project No. 1985-21-2; DEQ
Permit No. WQ0012690

Dear Ms. Willmer:

We appreciated the opportunity to meet with you, Melanie Kemp and Tim Heim of your office to
inspect the “shared” wastewater system that serves the Campground/Maintenance area at Mt. Mitchell
State Park on August 22, 2022. Also present during this inspection were Amy Heron, Yancey County
Health Department; Alan McKinney and Steven Berkowitz, On-Site Water Protection Branch, DHHS;
Robert McGraw, Park Superintendent; Tim Robinson and Kevin Cox, Mt. Mitchell State Park Staff;
Shane Felts, NC State Parks West District Project Manager; Dave McDaniel and Eric Youngs (ORC),
Envirolink; and Jack Harman, PE, original equipment provider. Assistance provided by all parties during
this inspection was greatly appreciated.

As you know, our interest in this system stems both from its interconnection with the subsurface system,
which was intended to only be used during the “Off-Season” (October 16 through May 14), but perhaps
more importantly, to this Office’s long-time commitment to the proper operation, maintenance and
performance of all wastewater systems serving this treasured resource, and my personal intimate
involvement with this endeavor since the mid 1980’s.

Prior to and after our visit, we reviewed the log sheet of data being routinely collected in the headworks
building and from the exterior (drip-zone) flow meter, as well as the twice/season effluent monitoring
data, with specific results provided under separate cover. This review, in conjunction with inspection
observations and measurements taken during the August 22, 2022 inspection informed this report and
follow-up recommendations.

Major Overall Findings: The system is not performing as designed for a number of reasons:

Mt. Mitchell September 2, 2022 Page 2 of 4

2
1. Multiple leaks were observed in the surface drip tubing in both zones. Some are attributed to bad
emitters, breaks in the lines, and evidence of general deterioration of tubing due to a combination of
age and suspected UV-degradation.
2. The check valve at the distal (return) end of the lower zone was failing, allowing effluent to flow
into this zone when only the upper zone was being dosed, as evidenced by flow clearly being
“heard” to be flowing into this zone through its the air-release valve while the upper zone was being
dosed. We were not able in also determining if the check valve for the upper zone is also failing.
3. At least three of the four solenoid valves present (one for each of the two zone supplies; one for the
flush-valve and one for the sand filter) appeared to only be functioning automatically or manually
intermittently. However, it was concluded that the solenoid valve diaphragms appear to be working,
exhibited by the ability to “dead-head” the system, which would not be possible if the diaphragms
were failing.
4. The 2-inch Ball Valve labeled on plans as a “drain valve” just downstream of the sand filter solenoid
was in the open position, likely directing effluent to the drain discharge point whenever the filter was
being dosed (we did not locate this point during the inspection). We closed this valve during the
inspection. We noted, however, based on flow meter readings, that dosing to the sand filter (and thus
surface discharge) has been minimal (about 12% of the total flow, 6/22/22 through 8/21/2022). Note
that the intended design is for there to be a recirculation ratio of 4:1 (drip zones designed for
maximum of 1800 gpd; sand filter for 7200 gpd).
5. The dosing regime was determined to not be set up per system start-up conditions as are indicated on
notes found in the headworks building (6/17/03: Sand Filter: 12.5-minute doses @ 45 minute
intervals; Field Zones: 16.17-minute doses @ 3 hour intervals; 8/22/22 settings: Sand Filter @ 2-
hour intervals; Field Zones @ 1-hour intervals).
6. Poor effluent quality based on sample results is also attributed to the sand filter being completely
covered with a tight-fitting, water-proof tarp, also preventing access to filter surface and its pressure
dispersal system.
7. By comparing total flows (interior meter) with pump runtimes, average pumping rate (6/22/22
through 8/21/2022) is 34 gpm, compared to design pumping rates of 18 gpm, 11.4 and 11.4 gpm to
the sand filter, and the two field zones, respectively. This discrepancy is likely due primarily to one
of more of the issues described above.

Short-Term Recommendations: Much of the problems identified are believed to be at least
temporarily fixable in a short time period, though this will require a concerted effort by State Parks to do
so. We believe it would be highly beneficial to complete these promptly and in time to demonstrate
effective performance before this season is over, both to rapidly bring the system into compliance, but
also to enable a more comprehensive determination of possible additional long-term repairs/upgrades
needed during the “off-season.”

1. Drip Zones:
a. Replace Check Valves, distal end of both zones (brass recommended) and install shut-off valve
between check valve and return line to enable zones to be manually isolated.
b. Repair all leaky drip tubing (replacing faulty emitters/segments as needed. Note: It may not be
able to fully pressurize field zones until Recommendation 1.a is completed.
c. Solenoids: Replace stainless steel base, 24-volt coil (Gem-sol) and Stem Assembly (both zones).
d. Schrader Valves: Make sure all functional (top and bottom of supply and return: 4 total for each
zone; replace as needed).
Mt. Mitchell September 2, 2022 Page 3 of 4

3
e. Recommend adding shut-off valve between supply line and solenoid valve for each zone. This
could be deferred to be a “long-term” repair/upgrade but would be beneficial to enable zones to
be manually isolated.

2. Sand Filter:
a. Remove the Cover to allow air flow, inspection and servicing of the filter and filter effluent
dispersal system. Cover should be replaced October 15 when the subsurface system is to be put
back online for the next 6-month period.
b. Solenoid: Replace stainless steel base, 24-volt coil (Gem-sol) and Stem Assembly.
c. Determine where line shown downstream of Filter solenoid goes to (identified on plans as a
“drain” valve, but no piping shown to extend beyond the valve).
d. Recommend adding shut-off valve in the supply line just prior to the solenoid valve. This could
be deferred to be a “long-term” repair/upgrade but would be beneficial to enable sand filter
“zone” to be manually isolated.

3. Manhole with Subsurface Interconnections (short-term):
a. Solenoid: Replace stainless steel base and 24-volt coil (Gem-sol).

It is envisioned that these short-term fixes can be addressed as “Maintenance” and can therefore be
expedited by State Parks. We suggest that all necessary parts be obtained either directly from American
Manufacturing Company, Manassas VA (original equipment provider) or through a previous provider of
equipment at Mt. Mitchell with specific expertise in servicing drip equipment such as Jack Harman or
AQWA, Inc. We will be glad to provide State Parks (or Envirolink) with appropriate contact
information.

Operational Verification after Short-Term Repairs Completed: After completion, proper
performance can be verified, and the controls re-adjusted to operate as designed. Recommended steps to
follow are outlined below, but we are also available to “walk” the Operator through these steps, either
by phone or in person.

1. Turn pumps and all Zone Valves to “off” position.
2. Dead-Head pump(s) and verify “0” flow through interior meter.
3. Manually operate a pump and individually operate the Sand Filter, Zone 1 and Zone 2 valves to
verify flow when operating and back to “dead-head” (“0” flow) when valve is shut off.
4. Operate Sand Filter; Zone 1; and Zone 2, individually for at least 2-minutes (or enough time to fully
pressurize). Measure flow rate during operation (by pulses in panel or directly at inside flow meter).
Compare to design: 18gpm (Sand filter); 11.4gpm (Zones 1 and 2), respectively.
5. Repeat Step 4; After sand filter or field zone pressurized, open “Zone Flush” valve. After one
minute, measure and record flushing flow rate. Design flushing rates are approximately 25 gpm.
If successful Steps 4 and 5 results are close to design, go to Step 6, Below. Otherwise, further
troubleshoot.

6. Re-Adjust Timer Control Settings per original Design:
a. Goal is to deliver 4:1 flow to sand filter vs field zones. Initial settings to be restored were to
deliver maximum of 32 225 gallon doses to the sand filter (45-minute intervals) and 8 225 gallon
Mt. Mitchell September 2, 2022 Page 4 of 4

4
doses to the field zones (alternating between zones dosed at 3-hour intervals) per day. “Peak
enable” interval times are typically set at ½ “normal” interval times (e.g., 1.5 hours).
b. Set run-time values based on 225-gallon dose and measured flow rates (gpm) to sand filter and
zones.
c. We have been in communication with American Manufacturing Co. (Panel Supplier), and can
assist ORC with input from them in making the necessary adjustments, once flow-rates to sand
filter and zones have been established.

Long-Term Recommendations: This includes our continued recommendation/requirement to
disconnect the headworks filter backwash and field flush lines from their current direct connection to the
subsurface system supply line, and other system upgrades determined to be warranted (e.g., complete
replacement of drip zone tubing; providing “breathable” and “accessible” cover over sand filter, if
preventing rainfall entry is decided to still be necessary; and installation of additional isolation valves in
the filter/zone supply lines, as discussed above). We understand that engineering plans and permitting
will be required, with the object to have these completed prior to May 15, 2023. Recommended steps to
take for the replumbing:

1. In the interconnection manhole, plumb the field/sand-filter flush line into the headworks flush line,
disconnecting both from their connections to the pressure manifold supply line.
2. Excavate line entering interconnection manhole from headworks and plumb it directly into inlet end
of the septic tank (with discharge point in tank to be visible at inlet compartment manhole). This will
enable proper operation of the field flush valve to be readily verified. Check valves need to be added
on the two lines that connect prior to teeing into the new line installed into the septic tank
(connecting lines from headworks and line from field/filter flush) to isolate these from each other.
Put these checks and tee all in an accessible valve box.

We will be glad to assist the project engineer, State Parks, and your office as needed in the development
and implementation of these long-term recommendations, and will separately provide recommendations
for ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring procedures to assure long term successful system
performance, after all repairs and upgrades are completed.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to this report and recommendations.
We may be reached at the telephone and facsimile numbers or address listed on this letterhead, and I can
be contacted directly at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

Sincerely,
Steven Berkowitz, PE
On-Site Wastewater Engineering
Cc: Amy Heron, Alan McKinney
Robert McGraw, Tim Robinson, Shane Felts, Mark Lyons
Dave McDaniel, Eric Youngs
Jack Harman