WQCS00206_2023 Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231002

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00206 Effective:06/01/18 Expiration:05/31/26 Owner :Town of Spring Hope
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Nash
Raleigh
Andrew Deionno
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Spring Hope Collection System
PO Box 87
Spring Hope NC 27882
Title:Phone:[phone] Ext.225Town Manager
Secondary ORC(s):
Phone:Certification:Primary ORC:
CS1,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0020061 Town of Spring Hope - Spring Hope WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
09/27/2023 08:00AM 09:00AM
Kevin Fowler 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 General Sewer & FOG Ordinances
Capital Improvement Plan Map Reporting Requirements
Inspections Spill Response Plan Spills
Lines Manholes Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Dear Permittee:
On September 27th, Kevin Fowler from the Raleigh Regional Office conducted an inspection of the Town of Spring Hope
wastewater collection system to evaluate compliance with the operation and maintenance of the subject wastewater
collection system permit. The cooperation and assistance of Andrew Deionno (Town Manager), Bobby Ball (ORC), and Matt
Pearce (Back up ORC) during the inspection were greatly appreciated.
Our records indicate the wastewater collection system consists of approximately 10 miles of gravity sewer, approximately 2
miles of force main, 6 duplex pump stations, and 5 high priority sewer lines.
The subject permit is effective from 6/1/2018 until 5/31/2026 and is subject to specific conditions and limitations. The items
below show what conditions were noted during the inspection:
1.Reported Sanitary Sewer Overflows. During the past year from the date of the inspection, there were 0 SSOs from the
town’s collection system. No fish kills were reported because of the SSO events.
2.Fats, Oils and Grease Program. The permittee has developed and implements an educational fats, oils and grease
program that includes at least bi-annual distribution of educational material targeted at both residential and non-residential
users. The permittee has not developed and implements an enforceable FOG program for non-residential users. These
requirements are covered in 15A NCAC 02T .0108 (b).
3.Capital Improvement Plan. The permittee has adopted and implements a Capital Improvement Plan to designate funding
for reinvestment into the wastewater collection system infrastructure. The CIP covers 2022-2032, it includes a goal
statement, description of the project area, description of the existing facilities, known deficiencies and forecasted future
needs. The approximate capital improvement budget for the collection system is 3.9 million, and the total annual revenue for
wastewater collection and treatment is $272,616.
4.Contingency Plan for Pump Failure. The Permittee does not maintain a contingency plan for pump failure at each lift
station.
5.Pump Stations Inspected. The following duplex pump stations were inspected: 581 North, Country Inn LS, Ryans Court,
US 64 Alternate “Nash Street”, and Montgomery Street. The inspector’s observations noted in the next 5 items below refer
to the 5 pump stations inspected.
6.Pump Station Signage. Each pump station has signage clearly and conspicuously posted that identifies the pump
station, provides an emergency 24-hour contact telephone number(s), and provides instructions for notification if the visual
alarm illuminates and/or the audible alarm sounds, or if an emergency is apparent.
7.Pump Station Restricted Access. The pump station sites, equipment and components were observed to have restricted
access.
8.Pump Stations Automatic Polling Feature. The pump stations are equipped with telemetry that contacts parties if high
water float is activated. During the inspection, the telemetry system acknowledged the alarms when the high-water float
was activated.
9.Pump Station High Water Alarms. The pump stations are equipped with audible and visual high water alarms. During
the inspection, the alarms at 581 N., Ryans Court, and Montgomery Street were not functioning. These requirements are
covered in 15A NCAC 02T. 0305(h) (1).
10.Pump Station Inspection Program. The permittee has developed and implements a routine inspection of each pump
station that includes the following maintenance activities: cleaning and removing debris from the pump station area and wet
well; inspecting all valves; inspecting pumps and other mechanical equipment; and verifying the proper operation of the
alarms, telemetry system and auxiliary equipment. The inspector reviewed the inspection logs of the pump stations visited
and observed adequate entries of the date and time of the operator’s inspection, observations made, and any maintenance,
repairs, or corrective actions taken.
11.Designated Operators. North Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A Subchapter 8G Section .0201 requires an owner of
a classified water pollution control system to designate one ORC and one or more Backup ORCs certified by the Water
Pollution Control System (WPCS) Operators Certification Commission (Commission) of the appropriate type and grade for
the treatment system. The rule also requires the owner to submit a signed completed “Water Pollution Control System
Operator Designation Form” to the Commission countersigned by the designated certified operators within 120 calendar
Page 2 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
days following a vacancy in the position of ORC or Backup ORC. In the Division’s data system, the designated ORC for
Moncure is listed as William Edward Lamm, however, Mr. Ball stated that he has assumed the role of the ORC. In addition,
the Division’s data system does not reflect a designated Backup ORC for the system. Please complete the attached
WPCS Operator Designation Form and submit it to the Division.
12.Cleaning Sewer Lines. The permittee has developed and implements a program for cleaning the sewer lines. As
required by Section II.8 of the subject permit, at least 10% of the wastewater collection system should be cleaned each
year. Preventative cleaning is not required for sewer lines less than five years old, unless an inspection reveals the need for
cleaning. As the operator indicated during the inspection, .4 miles of sewer line were cleaned during the year so far.
13.Spill Response Action Plan. The permittee has not developed and maintained a Spill Response Action Plan that
includes 24-hour contact numbers, response time, equipment list and spare parts inventory, access to cleaning equipment,
access to construction crews, sources of emergency funds, site sanitation and cleanup materials, and post-SSO
assessment. The permittee has some of these components documented in various parts their records; however, the
information is not culminated into a Spill Response Action Plan. These requirements are covered in 15A NCAC 025 .0108
(b).
14.SSO Records. The Permittee has not maintained adequate records pertaining to SSOs and sewer complaints for the
three-year period ending 9/27/2023. The last reportable SSO occurred on 3/17/2022. The permittee indicated that the private
group that managed the system prior to the town resuming control in July of 2022 did not leave SSO records. Since the
town resumed control, there have not been any reportable SSO events. These requirements are covered in 15A NCAC 02T
.0108 (b).
15.Comprehensive Sewer Map. The permittee maintains an up-to-date comprehensive map of its sewer collection system.
The map includes pipe size, pipe location, flow direction, and each pump station identification, location and capacity.
However, the map does not include pipe material, pipe age, or the number of active service taps. These requirements are
covered by NCAC 025 .0108 (b).
16.Inspection of High Priority Lines. As required by Section 4.5 of the subject permit, an inspection of all high priority sewer
lines shall be performed at least once every six-months. During the inspection, the following high priority lines were
inspected: Country Inn Lift Station, 581 Lift Station, Poplar Street 8”. No issues were observed at these High Priority Lines
at the time of the inspection.
Please provide this office with a response to items 2, 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 above no later than November 3rd, 2023
If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action if applicable, please
contact Kevin Fowler at 919-791-4261
Page 3 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
General Yes No NA NE
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?Weekly
# 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?
Current ORC and Back Up ORC are not currently reflected in BIMS. A written pump failure plan
is not availalbe for each pump station. Many of the components of a plan are present and in
writing; however, these have not been culminated into a written plan.
Comment:
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.)
Distribution of FOG educational materials is done by twice a year mailings. Non residential
user inspections are not currently taking place. It was noted that grease traps are inspected
by a 3rd party according to the town manager.
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?
Page 4 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
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?
Map did not include pipe material, pipe age, and number of active service taps.Comment:
Reporting Requirements Yes No NA NE
# 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?Mailing
Envirolink managed the system until July 2022. Records before this point were not given to the
town.
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?
Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
Page 5 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
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?
A written plan was not availalbe. Much of the information in a plan was availalbe in the binder
of documents provided by the ORC; however, a plan including all these components has not
been compiled.
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?
No Repeat Flows PresentComment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Country Inn Lift Station, 581 Lift Station, Poplar St. 8"
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?
Envirolink managed system before July 2022 and cleaning records were not left with the town.
10% cleaning can not be confirmed due to this. The Town purchased equipment to do the
cleaning until December of this past year. 4% of system cleaning has taken place since
december.
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Page 6 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Country Inn Lift Station Upstream, Nash Street Lift Station Upstream, Montgomery Upstream, Montgomery
street.
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 Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
581 N., Country Inn LS, Ryans Court, US 64 Alternate "Nash Street", Montgomery Street
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 6
# Number of vacuum stations in system 0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system 0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building 0
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?6
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:
Page 7 of 8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00206
09/27/2023 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Spring Hope
Routine
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?
Audible alarms at 581 N., Ryans Court, and Montogmery street were not working. Generator
for back up power not present all stations. Generators rented from United Rentals if needed.
Comment:
Page 8 of 8
North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board

ORC DESIGNATION FORM

System Name: ____________________________________________________________________ PWS ID: ___________________ County: ________________
Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Tele: Work ( ) ____ _______ Home ( )_________________
Designated ORC Signature _________________________________
“I certify that I agree to my designation as the Operator in Responsible Charge
for the facility noted. I understand and will abide by the rules and regulations
pertaining to the responsibilities of the ORC as set forth in 15A NCAC 18D .0701
and failing to do so can result in Disciplinary Actions by the North Carolina
Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board”.
Name: __________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Tele: Work ( ) ____________ Home ( )__________________
Designated ORC Signature __________________________________
“I certify that I agree to my designation as the Operator in Responsible Charge
for the facility noted. I understand and will abide by the rules and regulations
pertaining to the responsibilities of the ORC as set forth in 15A NCAC 18D
.0701 and failing to do so can result in Disciplinary Actions by the North
Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board”.

If water is treated, a treatment ORC is required.

Distribution ORC is exempt if system has a treatment ORC and serves
100 or fewer connections.

Treatment ORC Distribution ORC

Operator's Certification Level: Operator's Certification
Level:

Certification # Certification #
A B C D Well Surface A B C D Distribution
Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Tele: Work ( ) ____________ Home ( )__________________
Designated ORC Signature __________________________________
“I certify that I agree to my designation as the Operator in Responsible Charge
for the facility noted. I understand and will abide by the rules and regulations
pertaining to the responsibilities of the ORC as set forth in 15A NCAC 18D .0701
and failing to do so can result in Disciplinary Actions by the North Carolina
Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board”.
Cross Connection ORC

Certification #

Owner Name: ____________________________________________
Address:
_________________________________________________________
Tele: ____________________ FAX: __________________________

Owner Email: ____________________________________________

Written permission must be obtained from the Board to use the same
operator as ORC for more than one type of system. The ORC must hold
the proper level of certifications. If you wish an operator to be designated
for more than one type of system, please attach a letter to this form and
it will be submitted for the Board's review at our next quarterly Board
meeting. Board meetings are held March, June, September and
December.
I certify this information is accurate and complete.
Owner Signature__________________________________________
Title: ___________________________ Date: __________________
Date: ____________________________________________________
***Signatures are REQUIRED by owner and ORC(s)***

1635 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1635
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
Revised 4/2018
Owner Information

Cross Connection Control ORC is needed if the distribution system has
a need for five or more testable backflow prevention assemblies as
required by 15A NCAC 18C .0406(b).