HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQCS00003_NOI_NOV2020DV0345_Response_#1_20200826t
nn-Salem /Forsyth my
N"tor •Wastewater • Sdid Waste
Mau-2.a2d - DV
Administration, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC N<01
O: 336-727-8000, F: 336-727-8432, cityofws.org/utilities
August 26, 2020
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
pUJ
Y �vt_2��
NC Department of
Environmental Quality
Received
AUG 2 8 2020
Winston-Salem
Regional Office
Re: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Civil Penalties Incident #202001566
L`' �,-,HE
Dear Mr. Snider:
This letter serves as the official response from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities (WSFC
Utilities) to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water
Resources Notice of Intent to Enforce Civil Penalt or-t4cL.M 020 sanitary sewer
overflow (SSO), Incident #202001566, located at 3 Green Have Dri in Winston-Salem.
The incident was a direct result of residential grease, wipes andand r� .
On May 26, 2020 at 3:00pm, an SSO occurred in a wooded outfall approximately 50 feet
downstream of an apartment complex. Upon arrival, our crews cleaned seven upstream lines
discovering very heavy amounts of wipes, as well as residential grease and roots. The SSO
lasted until 7:30pm that evening. Bypass pumps were set up at the site because the line
continued to surcharge. After cleaning, we CCTVed the lines and confirmed there was no
damage and no remaining deposits.
WSFC Utilities staff attributes the sanitary sewer overflow on May 26, 2020 to heavy amounts
of wipes and grease from nearby apartment complexes. Tree roots also contributed to the 550.
Can the Grease and No Wipes in Pipes literature and promotional items were distributed to
homes near the spill site.
WSFC Utilities continues to make progress minimizing SSOs and has the proper programs in
place to continue our high level of performance. The FY2019-2020 budget included an increase
in preventative cleaning of the collection system and last year was our lowest year on record
Courwg: Mayor mien Joines; Denise D. Adams, Mayor Pm Tempa,e. North Ward; Dan Besse, Southwest War; Roaert C. Clerk, West Ward; Intern C. Larson,
WRIMCay
South War; Jeff Macintosh, Northwest Ward; Mori 'Tee -Tee" Pamwn, Northeast Ward; Annette S V&, East Want; lames Taylor, Jr., southeast Ward;
City Manager: Lee D. Garrity
County Commissions.: OaNd R. Plyleq Chal,; Don Martin, Vice Chelr; Fleming El -Amin; Ted Karmen; all V. Linville; Toone McDaniel; Gloria D. Whlunhunt;
Call 311 or 336-727-8000
County Manager: Dudley Watts, Jr.
citylink@cityotws.or®
Wl.atoo5akfm/Fa.yq County tall CRrtgnlubn: Randall S. T.114 , Chair; L Wesley Curtis, Jr., V.. Chair; Harold E. Day; Tam Gdfgn; no. H. H.;
Wane Long; Hugh W Jernigan; ChmzPartner; DonaldR.Stewart;ChadesWilson; Allen younger
for SSOs since the baseline year,1999. While we are required to clean 10% of the system each
year, a total of 393 miles were cleaned, which is 22% of the 1,780-mile gravity wastewater
collection system. Of those 393 miles, 303 miles (77%) in the system were proactively cleaned
by in-house and contracted crews. Our team has a system to schedule more frequent cleaning
for areas with higher incident levels.
In addition to this successful strategy, our new No Wipes in Pipes campaign is gaining
awareness with extensive coverage by local media. We are confident this outreach effort is
making an impact.
I hope this information is helpful with your investigation of Incident #202001566. If you require
additional information, please contact me at 336-747-7315.
Sincerely,
Courtney Driver, P.E.
Utilities Director
cc: Michael Stover, P.E., Assistant Utilities Director -Operations
Kenny Atkins, Utilities Field Operations Manager
Antonio Martinez, ORC
File
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Winston Salem/Farsythtounty
Ut1�It1eS
Water • Wasiawater • SDIId,Waste
Administration, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27102
0: 336-727-8000, F: 336.727-8432, cityohvs.org/udlitles
August 26,'2020
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality,
Division of Water Resources
450 West Hanes Mill Road; Suite 300.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Re: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Civil Penalties Incident #202001566
Dear Mr. Snider:
NC Department of .
Environmental Quality
Received.
AUG 2 a 2020
Winston-Salem
Regional Office
This letter serves as the official response from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities (WSFC
Utilities) to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water
Resources Notice of Intent to Enforce Civil Penalty for the May 26, 2020 sanitary sewer
overflow (SSO), Incident #202001566, located at 4093 Green Haven Drive in Winston-Salem.
The incident was a direct result of residential grease, wipes and roots.
On May 26, 2020 at 3:00pm, an S50 occurred in a wooded outfall approximately 50,feet
downstream of an apartment complex. Upon arrival, our crews.cleaned seven upstream.lines
discovering very heavy amounts of wipes, as well as residential grease and roots. The SSO
lasted until 7:30pm that evening. Bypass pumps were set up at the site because the line
continued to surcharge. After cleaning, we CCTVed the lines and confirmed there was no
damage and no remaining deposits.
WSFC Utilities staff attributes the sanitary sewer overflow on May 26, 2020 to heavy amounts
Of wipes and grease from nearby apartment complexes. Tree roots also contributed to the SSO.
Can the Grease and No Wipes in Pipes literature and promotional items were distributed to
homes near the spill site.
WSFC Utilities continues to make progress minimizing SSOs and has the proper programs in
place to continue our high level of performance. The FY2019-2020 budget included an increase
in preventative cleaning of the collection system and last year was our lowest year on record
.. GtTCounvh Mayor AllenJa(ncs; Denise D. Max Mayarpm Tunyora, North Wand; Dan Besse, SouMerest Ward; Robert C. Qok, WotW Rolm G W--,
SwN Wartl;fea Matlnhah, NDrthw Ward; Madsb .Tao-parmmn, NarNeastWartl; Annalte Scopi% Bat Wam;JameaTgwl Jc, Sou antwam:
Gry ManSBa tea D. Ga,nily._ `
Cvunry[ammuderiera: DavW R. ply4r, choir, Dan Mamn, Mce tlulr, namMe n-Amin: Ted Rapbn; RMurd V. WMIIo; Tama McCanleU Glsma D. WhiseNiunt
Call 311or336-727-8000 cauntVMan•Bep.DudmyWatu,Jr.
ci link(G7eit dws.o W "'alam/iomytM1 eaumyutmrymmmivien.Randall& TuWa ctmr L Wesley CLtlts, kv Woo Gnat: Hamm E DW;Tom Gdfrm; Twnme H.Wmm;
h/ '/ r0 °
Duane tang Hugh W.Jemaan; Cher parts.; Doom"tme Oades Won; abn yauoger.
for SSOs since the baseline year,1999. While we are required to clean 10% of the system each
year, a total of 393 miles were cleaned, which is 22% of the 1,780-mile gravity wastewater
collection system. Of those 393 miles, 303 miles (77%) in the system were proactively cleaned
by in-house and contracted crews. Our team has a system to schedule more frequent cleaning
for areas with higher incident levels.
In addition to this successful strategy, our new No Wipes in Pipes campaign is gaining
awareness with extensive coverage by local media. We are confident this outreach effort is
making an impact.
I hope this information is helpful with your investigation of Incident #202001566. If you require
additional information, please contact me at 336-747-7315.
Sincerely,
�w'+.w
Courtney Driver, P.E.
Utilities Director
cc: Michael Stover, P.E., Assistant Utilities Director -Operations
Kenny Atkins; Utilities Field Operations Manager
Antonio Martinez, ORC
File
Winston-Salem / Forsyth Cowry
4uptifflities
Water a Wastewater a Slid Waste
Administration, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27102
O: 336-727-BDOO, F: 336.727-8432, cityofws.org/utilltles
August 26, 2020
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Re: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Civil Penalties Incident #202001566
Dear Mr. Snider:
NC Department of
Environmental Quality
Received
AUG 2 e 2020
Winston-Salem
Regional Office
This letter serves as the official response from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities (WSFC
Utilities) to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water
Resources Notice of Intent to Enforce Civil Penalty for the May 26, 2020 sanitary sewer
overflow (SSO), ffiddent#202001566, located at4093 Green Haven Drive irlWinston-Salem.
The incident was a direct result of residential grease, wipes and roots.
On May 26, 2020 at 3:00pm, an SSO occurred in a wooded outfall approximately 50 feet
downstream of an apartment complex. Upon arrival, our crews cleaned seven upstream lines
discovering very heavy amounts of wipes, as well as residential grease and roots. The SSO
lasted until 7:30pm that evening. Bypass pumps were set up at the site because the line
continued to surcharge. After cleaning, we CCTVed the lines and confirmed there was no
damage and no remaining deposits.
WSFC Utilities staff attributes the sanitary sewer overflow on May 26, 2020 to heavy amounts
of wipes and grease from nearby apartment complexes. Tree roots also contributed to the SSO.
Can the Grease and No Wipes in Pipes literature and promotional items were distributed to
homes near the spill site.
WSFC Utilities continues to make progress minimizing SSOs and has the proper programs in
place to continue our high level of performance. The FY2019-2020 budget included an increase
in preventative cleaning of the collection system and last year was our lowest year on record
Cfto bMHW,Aa la , o,m. o. w.m.,Mmmramom oc.,n Wad, D.mem:asuate.aatwad; xae.nc art,WortW";; cLawn.
pilat TLM
SaMW ;JWM.Vmmk Horffi tWa ;Mmd WTUT.e-.am NHrdart W.N;Armette SdPM, Eat Wad; lameaiWWr. N. SwN Ward:
04 Maft, n Lm D. Gantt
oum, Co..nadan.rs: m H. Nyk,, O.lr. Don M W. V Mal, 9r a ; Ted Uplan; WN14 V. U.ftjas. WD.Mel; Go. D. W mh.m;
Call 311 or 336-727-8000 QxmtYManaaw:D.dWVcra,lr.
cl Imk@cit Ows.or WWr.rvaaNn/ianyN D ft, UUMV CnnatlaWm Randall S TuM Qur.L Wml.yC.dt; Jr, Vice Oral-; Haold E. De; Tom G Hin; Ya H. Hiram;
tV Y 0 Drone Lon, H.ah W. laml ;atria Vakar; Donald a Ste aM Oafs Wkon; alas Vaueaar
for 550s since the baseline year, 1999. While we are required to clean 10% of the system each
year, a total of 393 miles were cleaned, which is 229'0 of the 1,780-mile gravity wastewater
collection system. Of those 393 miles, 303 miles (77%) in the system were proactively cleaned
by in-house and contracted crews. Our team has a system to schedule more frequent cleaning
for areas with higher incident levels.
In addition to this successful strategy, our new No Wipes in Pipes campaign is gaining
awareness with extensive coverage by local media. We are confident this outreach effort is
making an impact.
I hope this information is helpful with your investigation of Incident #202001566. If you require
additional information, please contact me at 336-747-7315.
Sincerely,
Cu+#-'t
Courtney Driver, P.E.
Utilities Director
cc: Michael Stover, P.E., Assistant Utilities Director -Operations
Kenny Atkins, Utilities Field Operations Manager
Antonio Martinez, ORC
File
Winsto"o-5alem / fnrsyth County
N!1 ities
Water • WaatewMer •Send Waste
Administration, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27102
O: 336-727-8000, F: 336-727-8432, cityotws.or8/utilitles
August 21, 2020
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Re: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Civil Penalties Incident #202001505
Dear Mr. Snider:
NC Department of
Environmental Quality
Received
AUG 2 4 2020
Winston-Salem
Regional Office
This letter serves as the official response from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities to the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources Notice of
Intent to Enforce Civil Penalty for the May 21, 2020 sanitary sewer overflow (SSO), Incident
#202001505, located at 4561 Cooper Road near Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in
Winston-Salem. The incident was a result of inflow and infiltration caused by severe natural
conditions.
Normal precipitation at Winston-Salem Airport for the month of May is 3.27 inches. In May
2020, 6.56 inches fell and 4.34 inches of that was during the May 19-22 storm event. Rain
began falling on May 19 and did not subside until May 22. Gage height information for Abbotts
Creek (Lexington) and the Yadkin River (Yadkin College) indicate up to 15.6 and 19.3 feet in
stream level rise during the rainfall period. This heavy rain caused Muddy Creek to flood well
outside of its banks.
On May 21, 2020 at approximately 2:0Opm, during the storm event, Utilities Field Operations
was notified that a manhole near Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant was submerged in
floodwater. Due to a substantial increase in inflow and infiltration, wastewater overflowed the
sewer main, rose up out of the manhole and mixed with the floodwaters. By 7:30am the next
day, after the rain stopped and the creek subsided, the flow of wastewater returned to normal.
MAMMPar Wants: MamraaarrJpkaa: DenW D. Adams, Mayarvmrampara, xords want Dap Raaae, 5•uMnprt Warn; Mbe,tc. cwt, waat ward; Jahn c Larson,
Soath Wad;JeRMatlatmh, N ..t Ward; Mo `T.TW Ferman.NOMeut Ward;MatteSwgo, fart Ward;James TayNI, Jr,5wtheazt Ward;
CRY Maneaer. Lae D. Gadty
Ca aaty fnewNabnam: Da td k PMw. Chak; Pon Marh keu Chan.. R.N FIM Tad Kaplan; R1rhNd V. ILwik•; Tom/a McDaniel; GNM U. fth u t;
Call 311 or 336-727-8000 carom M.naaeco dww n.,r.
cit link0acit afws.or wYMan SaNas/FprayN C•uMy LaNpPCwnmNabn: RandallSTUCIq Char;l Wuky Curtis,Jr.,vice Chair; Herold E. Dry; Tomvfiln; Yaome H. HPe;
y 9 Wana Lory; HUO W. Je Wn;Crh Parka; Donald R. SUWart, Nan You,ka
It was determined by our investigation that severe natural conditions were the cause of this
sanitary sewer overflow. WSFC Utilities continues to make progress in minimizing SSOs and has
the proper programs in place to continue our high level of performance.
I hope this information is helpful with your investigation of incident#202001505. If you require
additional information, please contact me at 336-747-7315.
Sincerely,
Courtney Driver, P.E.
Utilities Director
cc: Michael Stover, Assistant Utilities Director -Operations
Kenny Atkins, Utilities Field Operations Manager
Antonio Martinez, ORC .
File
t
nsto-Salem / rrorsytA Couttty
Nto
er • Wastewater • Solb Waste
Administration, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27102
O: 336-727-8000, F: 336-727-8432, cityofws.org(utilities
August 21, 2020
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Re: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Civil Penalties Incident #202001505
Dear Mr. Snider:
NC Department of
Environmental Quality
Received
AUG 2 4 2020
Winston-Salem
Regional Office
This letter serves as the official response from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities to the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources Notice of
Intent to Enforce Civil Penalty for the May 21, 2020 sanitary sewer overflow (SSO), Incident
#202001505, located at 4561 Cooper Road near Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in
Winston-Salem. The incident was a result of inflow and infiltration caused by severe natural
conditions.
Normal precipitation at Winston-Salem Airport for the month of May is 3.27 inches. In May
2020, 6.56 inches fell and 4.34 inches of that was during the May 19-22 storm event. Rain
began failing on May 19 and did not subside until May 22. Gage height information for Abbotts
Creek (Lexington) and the Yadkin River (Yadkin College) indicate up to 15.6 and 19.3 feet in
stream level rise during the rainfall period. This heavy rain caused Muddy Creek to flood well
outside of its banks.
On May 21, 2020 at approximately 2:00pm, during the storm event, Utilities Field Operations
was notified that a manhole near Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant was submerged in
floodwater. Due to a substantial increase in inflow and infiltration, wastewater overflowed the
sewer main, rose up out of the manhole and mixed with the floodwaters. By 7:30am the next
day, after the rain stopped and the creek subsided, the flow of wastewater returned to normal.
S..ffi n ;JeMw.t.Ke; Della D.Adamy MayorNVTenpore. Ift Wall; Dan Refu�MSdP.t. ut RSM; J Cl.", Wat WaN;JORn Wa., .
Ch Wad;JRR MatlRvnh, North WaN; Mor&4-ra.TT ., No Wh ;W Ar,a Stlppio,East W.M;James Tarlef, Jr,Sa.d ntWaN;
Cxy Meneaer: tae D. GWtaV
caumy faeribbneJ•: OnN 0. nytar, are:; Don Mertiy Yce qWr, naa.y El_MNn; Tatl xaWn; Rl[AWtl V.limae;iony MCDmbI; Ghiia D. WM1iuMUM;
Call 311 or 336-727-8000 cmmnM.R.w wdw Wam.J..
cit links cit ofws.or WYeOa°-y "„°COY Mvaen Ra"aanx TtU1 a ,L W.WVC D,J.mm Dr ..Vaern.; �E rom&imn;w.H. nne.;
V Y 9 ware L.n nopi W. J.4.; OJ Parr, Donato R. St. MN nfta .
10
it was determined by our investigation that severe natural conditions were the cause of this
sanitary sewer overflow. WSFC Utilities continues to make progress in minimizing SSOs and has
the proper programs in place to continue our high level of performance.
I hope this information is helpful with your investigation of Incident #202001505. If you require
additional information, please contact me at 336-747-7315.
Sincerely,
Courtney Driver, P.E.
Utilities Director
cc: Michael Stover, Assistant Utilities Director -Operations
Kenny Atkins, Utilities Field Operations Manager
Antonio Martinez, ORC
File
ROY COOP.Ett
MICHAELSAEGAN'
S; DAM[61�SMITft
r .
CERTIFIED MAIL # 7018 1130 0000 1612 7857
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
August 10, 2020
Courtney Driver, Director Utilities of
City of Winston-Salem
PO Box 2511
Winston Salem, NC 27102
0
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ISSUE CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking No.: NOV-2020-DV70345
Sanitary Sewer Overflows - May 2020
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00003
Winston-Salem Collection System
Forsyth County
Dear Permittee:
0
0
I
A review has been conducted of the self -reported Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO's) 5-Day Report/s submitted by
City of Winston-Salem. The Division's Winston-Salem Regional Office concludes that the City of Winston-Salem
violated Permit Condition I (2) of Permit No. WQCS00003 by failing to effectively manage, maintain, and operate
their collection system so that there is no SSO (Sanitary Sewer Overflow) to the land or surface waters and the
SSO constituted making an outlet to waters of the State for purposes of G.S. 143-215.1(a)(1), for which a permit .'
is required by G.S. 143-215.1.
The Winston-Salem Regional Office is providing the City of Winston-Salem an opportunity to provide evidence and
justification as to why the City of Winston-Salem should not be assessed a civil penalty for the violation(s) that are
summarized below:
r
Total Vol i
Total
Surface I
Incident Start Duration
Vol
Water
'Number Date (Mins) Location
Cause
(Gals)
(Gals) DWRAction
202001505 5/21/2020 1,050 4561 Cooper Road
Inflow and
210,000
210,000 Notice of Intent
Infiltration, Severe
Natural Condition
202001566 5/26/2020 270
'D
4093 Green Heaven Grease, Roots 21,600 21,600 Notice of Intent
Drive
This Notice of Violation / Notice of Intent to Enforce (NOV/NOI) is being issued for the noted violation. 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.
This office requests that you respond to this Notice, in writing, within 10 business days of its
receipt. In your response, you should address the causes of non-compliance, remedial actions, and all other
actions taken to prevent the recurrence of similar situations. The response to this correspondence will be
considered in this process. Enforcement decisions will also be based on volume spilled, volume reaching surface
waters, duration and gravity, impacts to public health, fish kills or recreational area closures. Other factors
considered in determining the amount of the civil penalty are the violator's history of non-compliance, the cost of
rectifying the damage, whether the spill was intentional and whether money was saved by non-compliance.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ron Boone with the Water Quality Section in the
Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336-776-9800 or via email at ron.boone@ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
UoeuSlTgnetllb�y: 1
E
-0M { JMA4'
7d5Bd9E225C94EA..
Lon T. Snider, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Winston-Salem Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
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Courtney Driver, Director of Utilitie, S
City of Winston-Salemds
,PO Box 2511
Winston-Salem, NC 271.02
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