WQCS00002_Response to Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231018

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Raleigh Water
October 18th, 2023
Vanessa Manuel
Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources NCDEQ
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Re: Response to NCDEQ/DWR - Compliance Evaluation Inspection June 30, 2023
WQCS00002
Dear Mrs. Manuel:
This letter is in response to the findings identified during the compliance evaluation inspection conducted by Mr. Cheng Zhang on
June 30, 2023, for the City of Raleigh Sewer Collection System permit # WQCS00002, effective June 7, 2017, with an expiration
date of January 17, 2024. During this inspection, the following findings were identified:
5.) The system has 123 duplex pump stations; all stations were equipped with SCADA. Major pump stations are inspected daily, others weekly. Five pump stations were visited during
the inspection. It was noted that the visual/audible alarms at Pump Station #53 were not functioning during inspection.
6.) The City has developed and implemented a Fats Oils and Grease (F.O.G.) program. Grease traps/interceptors at restaurants are inspected by the City's Fat/Oil/Grease Program
inspectors. It was noted that distribution/mailing of F.O.G. educational material has not been conducted and documented in the past several years due to the City's information
vetting policy. 15A NCAC 02T .0108 (b) requires at least semiannual distribution of F.O.G. educational material targeted at both residential and non-residential users. It was noted
that F.O.G. educational material and water/wastewater reports are posted on the City's website and available to consumers. The City has implemented an aggressive educational
outreach initiative that addresses illicit discharges such as wipes, fats, oil, and grease to commercial and residential users. The City developed a complimentary property managers
resource kit for residential users that provides best practice resources for establishing a property -specific awareness program. The City continues its monetary reward or bounty
program to promote pollution prevention, which pays out fifty ($ 50) to any citizen who observes and reports an SSO or conditions that may cause a spill incident. This program has
been advertised via printed material, a television advertisement campaign, and graphic design "wraps" on Sewer Maintenance vehicles. The City continuously develops initiatives to
increase residential and commercial customer partnerships to address grease accumulation and prevent illicit incident discharges. The educational material and videos can be
accessed through social media and the Raleigh Waterwebsite. Considering these initiatives, the City has taken, the distribution of F.O.G. educational material can be reduced annually.
This letter intends to provide corrective action for the pump station deficiency noted during the compliance inspection and provide
evidence supporting Raleigh Water's compliance with communications outreach efforts as required in the collections system
permit. This letter validates that our current efforts in outreach communications with residential and non-residential users meet
and exceed the requirements stated in 15A NCAC 02T .0108 (b). Raleigh Water understands that the two findings were isolated,

and immediate corrective action was implemented to rectify the deficiencies. The following narrative will provide the corrective
action for each noted deficiency for DEQ consideration.
Deficiency 1
5.) The system has 123 duplex pump stations; all stations were equipped with SCADA. Major pump stations are inspected daily,
others weekly. Five pump stations were visited during the inspection. It was noted that the visual/audible alarms at Pump Station
#53 were not functioning at the time of inspection.
During the NCDEQ inspection on 6/30/23 of Brandywood Pump Station #54, it was found that the audible alarm horn was not
operational. A work order was immediately written for maintenance crews to mitigate the finding. The audible alarm horn was
replaced the following week, but during subsequent internal inspections, it was found that it was still not functional. A maintenance
electrician was dispatched to troubleshoot the issue and found a bad relay within the pump station controls. The relay was
replaced, and everything was tested satisfactorily.
To ensure these nuisance alarms function properly at every station in the future, criteria were added to weekly pump station
checks within our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to test the visual and audible alarms. These field
criteria were made mandatory, meaning the inspections can only be completed or closed with data input into these fields.
Deficiency 2
Item 6 - It was noted that distribution/mailing of F.O.G. educational material has not been conducted and documented in the past
several years, due to the City's information vetting policy. 15A NCAC 02T .0108 (b) requires at least semiannual distribution of
F.O.G. educational material targeted at residential and non-residential users.
Raleigh Water strives to meet compliance obligations but also to exceed such obligations by implementing approaches and
initiatives consistent with environmental and socially accepted guidelines. Customer outreach has been one of the efforts Raleigh
Water has incorporated into an environmental approach to business practices. Customer outreach has evolved not only to meet
environmental practices but current technological advantages as well. It is important to denote that Raleigh Water provides water
and sewer services to a population of approximately 599,883 citizens (approximately 205,537 metered accounts), which expands
through a service area that covers approximately 298 square miles in Wake County, servicing the towns of Knightdale, Garner,
Wendell, Zebulon, Wake Forest, and Rolesville. Customer outreach to our service area has been implemented through numerous
communications that support environmentally accepted guidelines, such as electronic notifications via Raleigh Water web,
targeted affected area notification by mail, door hangers, and residential resource information packets. These approaches are
defined as follows.
1. Electronic Notifications Via Raleigh Water Web
Raleigh Water has developed a comprehensive information portal that allows customers and citizens to access pertinent
information regarding the sanitary sewer collection system. This portal is maintained and updated as needed, ensuring the most
current information is available to customers across the service area. This page eliminated paper notifications throughout the
service area, adopting an environmentally friendly conservation and pollution prevention approach. Pertinent information found
on the webpage includes the following information:

Sanitary Sewer Collection System (Updated: September 27, 2023)
https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/sanitary-sewer-col lection-system#paragraph--215936
• What could happen if the system fails?
• What causes the sanitary sewer system to have failures?
• What is the City doing to prevent problems within the sanitary sewer system?
• Where are the sanitary sewer mains located?
• What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)?
• Sewer Maintenance Environmental Management System (an ISO -certified management system based on 14001:2015
Environmental Management)
• Policy Statement
Sanitary Sewer Easements (Updated: Feb,1, 2023)
https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/sanitary-sewer-easements#paragraph--219761
• What is a sanitary sewer easement, and how do I know if one exists on my property?
• Why must the City maintain these sanitary sewer mains in my yard?
• What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)?
• Sanitary Sewer Mains and Plants In My Yard
• Why must the City cut trees and plants away from the easement?
• Will new plants and trees be replanted by the City?
• Why do these trees need to be cut down if there is no emergency?
• How does the City select easements for clearing?
• Will the City cut and remove all of the trees and plants from within the easement?
• State Law and Raleigh's Easements
• What laws and regulations apply in these situations?
• What does the City's Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit say?
• What are the City of Raleigh Codes related to these issues?
• If I have fences or sheds in the easement that have been there for a long time, am I "grandfathered" and allowed to keep
them?
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (Updated: MAY 11, 2023)
https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/sanitary-sewer-overflows
• Sewer Backups
• Actions You Can Take to Prevent Sewer Overflows
• Reporting Overflows or Backups
• This electronic information has the potential to reach more customers than any paper -based notification; not only is it
timely, but it effectively reduces paper waste.
3

2. Post SSO Educational Outreach
Raleigh Water also takes a multi -prong approach to educational outreach following an SSO incident. As a standard practice
designed to inform property owners of the environmental impact attributed to sanitary sewer overflows, Raleigh Water routinely
delivers educational outreach information related to fats, oil, and grease. The educational outreach consists of a standard letter
(see exhibit 1- Educational Outreach) targeting residential and non-residential users upstream of an SSO incident. The area
upstream of an SSO incident is designated as the zone of influence. The zone of influence includes properties upstream of the
affected asset (such as an overflowing utility hole). The zone of influence lists properties whose wastewater discharge may have
contributed to a system blockage. Identifying this area is critical to analyzing potential sources of illicit discharges, such as fats, oils,
grease, or flushed wipes, that could result in potential sewer blockages. The zone of influence also assists the Utility in determining
where educational material could be distributed to curtail future SSO re -occurrences while educating residents regarding the
proper use of the sanitary sewer collection system. This communication approach exceeds the minimum requirements of 15A
NCAC 02T .0108 (b) as it is conducted more than semiannually and targets specific influential areas. Since 2020, Raleigh has
delivered over 6,501 letters. The chart below provides evidence of this effort.
The address associated with
Municipality
Estimated Date and Time Sewer
Educational Outreach
the Sewer Incident
Event Originated
Letters sent
7408 Grist Mill Rd
Raleigh
1/21/2020
225
5208 North Hills Dr
Raleigh
2/10/2020
237
5606 Forest Oaks Dr
Raleigh
2/14/2020
86
800 Orleans PI
Raleigh
2/22/2020
10
817 Mcmakin St,
Raleigh
3/12/2020
56
3900 Barrett Drive
Raleigh
4/15/2020
110
808 Navaho Dr
Raleigh
5/6/2020
378
2421 Foxtrot Rd
Raleigh
5/14/2020
170
514 West Cambridge Drive
Zebulon
5/30/2020
38
617 Granite Creek Dr
Rolesville
6/22/2020
214
6012 Viking Dr
Raleigh
11/2/2020
519
1117 Beacon Lake Drive
Raleigh
11/28/2020
268
105 Summershade Ct
Knightdale
12/30/2020
205
600 Rawls Dr.
Raleigh
2/2/2021
73
510 Somerset Dr.
Zebulon
2/16/2021
22
707 S State St
Raleigh
5/17/2021
115
5000 Windy Hill Dr.
Raleigh
5/24/2021
113
0 Harris Rd.
Wake Forest
6/28/2021
432
6601 Times Dr
Raleigh
6/29/2021
228
1401 Wendell Blvd
Wendell
12/1/2021
400
2110 Blackwolf Run Lane
Raleigh
12/28/2021
793
732 Ileagnes Rd
Raleigh
1/7/2022
55
Intersection Of Flamingo Lane
Raleigh
2/20/2022
1
And Crispin Court
2408 Renfrow Rd
Raleigh
2/28/2022
14
12408 Dunard Street
Raleigh
3/20/2022
80
1405 West Hwy 70
Garner
3/20/2022
18
208 Blanchard St.
Raleigh
5/4/2022
88
12408 Village Pines Ln.
Raleigh
6/25/2022
198
4

4609 Oak Park
Raleigh
8/9/2022
285
3809 Mid Lakes Dr.
Raleigh
8/20/2022
390
1705 Tryon Park Dr.
Raleigh
10/25/2022
79
3300 Grove Crabtree Crest
Raleigh
12/12/2022
(6110 Grove Lake Ct)
309
4417 Antique Ln.
Raleigh
5/5/2023
170
4740 Archean Way
Raleigh
6/13/2023
1
7900 Twin Oak Ct
Raleigh
7/31/2023
121
Total letters sent since January
2021- 6,501
Exhibit 1— Educational Outreach
NORTH CAROLINA
Sanimry Sewer Overflow in your Area
Dear Raleigh[Jtiliry Cu t.,
The Ciry of Raleigh ae Ly had a sanitary sew« overflow m ywr saes. The overflow was wuaed by aamteriala
sxh as gr®ae and debris impro-y dispaneil of iNo the R 0 senilsry sewer s,—, You crosdn wax simple
thiogv amt will help the Citypmmn wale r Iity.0 maimaio RWOgbN eani,ary sews eyamm.
Do Not pea. grmae. ran aw.ila anal rooDngdown de amin
DO Not
ae,he mde, asawaslebasketno d'epseble/Ruaheble wipes papw lowel4 l ywryrs
ordiapen, cvMoms.,aarywu n pawval M1ygiene pmducn
DO Not ae rl��ewer[9ir�rea den mdi9pasa aee«da�rapa
Please aalleerawking.11s a.a gmaseNaaaalaiaeramdispaenfiad>cm bees
plara bod unpe m e ware mmsinm w garbage bags fm dispmal wish solid xwe or
Please ,v„a«r,pa�pae
Moss sewn beck -ups occur between the house and Ne Ci Y% suuury sewer main where the Property owns is
assponsiblc Em arein[eauaaa .Itheir sewer souses wiNiu au slacet right-o(--way a xwa wecmcm
To report a sewn beck -up or overflow, plcaec call �Public ll11— M.Nmarid Division at 919-99fi-a245_
For wore information on are proper sac of your sanitary sewer 11919- find m oo the web N www_ralcielmc.eov.
Yw mayalsodP PllCodeEnfnnmcNluaalciehnc.eov or raR 919-99fi-24fi5. Thew suggestions ran M1elp save
yw aawory and paoucl the eoviromnena.
Thankym for your help!
Code Rd [ Pr eamn
City ofRaleigh Pubbc Dhlilia Depaahxnt
Offs— 919-9 rmenr(vlmlcivlsnceov
Office: 919-99fi-2463
Desboraamienm de Ncxlarillado en su 1«slided
P uuud. eh— de eerviaoa unlidadcs:
Reci.m m Ciudad be Raleigh my wdnbord.m do alcamazillado en su loralidad E]dnbordarnicmo
fur ®used. pm mall. coma gmsa y haeusa dasa{aada incmaccmmcnte en el servicio amfimai. municipal de la
Ciudad de Raleigh. S paeden hear a1lu roses si In peas paNcga la elided del ague yar®,dena clemicio
NO
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txbq tmlUade peps!, caaores, IoaRa.
ni mmpv,es pm el uwdono
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Por
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Favor
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Cass mdos foe desbmd.miem.s de alcaumrillado.cuaren cove la case y la eml i— con el sisrema eardtario 11 la
Ciudad am Raleigh. Como propielano, ee w respmuabdidad nunteuer el muses. del sistcmn do alcantadllado
.it . dads su rasa M1ava G co.evdn mn m mbeda de la Ciudad de Raleigh.
Para aviearawa de undesbwdamiemo de
Publk Ddlbia Mniuleosnn Division
a Wotaaillad., por Fawr Rams a:
919-99(3245
Para rise iofoamxifio sohre e] use adecuado del
rttci. saoalan. nsi[e:
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Tawhier upuede mmwirar ruu nawhos a]
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sigdi niuneroowrreo electrdnico:
919-99624fi5
Femme c.nsejns pueden aydarle pmmger el amhicmc y aM1.rmr tlinns.
Grazias pn eu cvoparacidn.
Code Enfwcemem Paogaarn
city of Raleigh Public llaihb® Deparmsut
Olt—Rof emeuNodaalad�nc.eov
OMce: 919-99F240
In addition to providing targeted educational outreach material to residential and non-residential users, Raleigh Water provides
continued F.O.G. messaging in every press release issued by the Raleigh News and Observer (see Exhibit 2 — Sample Press release).
This news release re-emphasizes Raleigh Water's commitment to preventing pollution by asserting the Utility's effort to educate
ratepayers further. The message denotes Raleigh Water's aggressive education and enforcement program to prevent illicit
discharge of grease, debris, wipes, rags, diapers, and other improper materials in the sewer system. The message also states the
potential environmental consequences whenever these items enter the sewer system, which could cause sanitary sewer overflows,
adversely impacting water quality. The educational outreach reinforces that the only permitted items users should discharge in
the sewer system should be untreated wastewater, human waste, and toilet tissue; any other item has the potential to cause
damage to the sanitary sewer infrastructure.
5

Exhibit 2 — Sample Press Release
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow
On Tuesday, August 22, at approximately 12:34 PM, Raleigh Water staff
were notified of a sanitary sewer overflow near 2609 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh NC.
Upon arrival, Utility Responders identified an active sewer overflow resulting from a
blockage of roots in the sewer gravity main. The responding staff took all reasonable
steps to stop and mitigate the overflows impact as soon as they arrived. The North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources, has been
notified of the overflow.
Raleigh Water staff contained the overflow at approximately 1:44 PM on the
same day. n is estimated that the overflow discharged a volume of approximately 1750
gallons of untreated wastewater, which did reach a storm drain and ultimately reached
an unnamed tributary to Marsh Creek. Restoration for this event has been completed.
No vegetative damage or fish kill related to this event has been observed, as the
wastewater did not reach surface water.
Raleigh water has an aggressive education and enforcement program to
prevent the discharge of grease, debris, wipes, rags, diapers and other
improper materials in the sewersystem and to take enforcement action when? -
appropriate. If these items make it into the sewer system, they may cause a
spill which can have an adverse impact an water quality and endanger those
who come into contact with the affected areas.
Water, human waste, and toilet tissue are the only items permitted to he
discharged into the sewer system. All other items will cause damage to the
sewer system and are not permitted.
If you experience excessive sewer smells orsee sewer spilling from
manholes or pipes, please call 919-996-3245 to report immediately.
For more information about how you can help prevent sanitary sewer spills,
please visit: raleighnc.govlwater.
This news release is required by NCGS Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1 C
Note
The News & Observer is the largest newspaper in North Carolina in terms of circulation, audience, and staffing. In 2020, the N&O reached millions of readers. The N&O received over 4.5 million
monthly unique visitors and 25.3 million average monthly pageviews.

3. F.O.G. Resource Kits
In addition to delivering educational outreach literature targeted to residential and non-residential users as part of the
requirements of the law and Raleigh Waters outreach efforts after a sanitary sewer overflow, our Department also implemented
a program to reach private communities. Raleigh Water has developed a complimentary property managers resource kit that
provides best practice resources for establishing a property -specific awareness program. Each kit contains brochures and
complimentary gadgets to help residents manage grease and fat collection and disposal. The resource kit also features a
multimedia flash drive with videos and reproducible educational material that property managers can use to educate tenants to
reduce the risk of sewer backups caused by the introduction of solids through their residential piping. Each kit costs Raleigh Water
approximately $85.00 to produce and is provided free of charge to the property management. Raleigh Water continuously
develops initiatives to increase residential and commercial customer partnerships to address grease accumulation and prevent
illicit incident discharges. Since this program was developed, the Department has delivered 87 resource kits within the service
area. This effort has reduced sewer calls within some of these residential areas. The table below shows when and where some of
these kits have been deployed.
Date Initiated
Complex Name
8/19/2020
Green Meadows Apartment Complex
8/19/2020
Brentwood West Apartments
8/19/2020
Green Castle Apartments
8/25/2020
Cottages at Knightdale Station Apartment Homes
11/6/2020
Glenwood North Townhomes
12/21/2020
Wedgewood Apartments
2/3/2021
Barker Realty (Multiple Properties Woodpecker Ct)
2/4/2021
Crabtree Lakeside homes
3/2/2021
The Standard Apartment Complex
5/6/2021
North Bend Townhomes
6/7/2021
Quail Properties Management office
6/7/2021
Arbor at North Hills Homeowners Association.
7/26/2021
Cedar Point Apartments
8/30/2021
Sunnybrook Apartments
8/30/2021
Capital Flats Apartments
9/22/2021
Wilson Properties University Commons
9/22/2021
Cambridge Village Apartment Homes
10/14/2021
Stony Brook North Community
10/19/2021
Foxhall Village Apartments
10/28/2021
Pine Knoll Apartments
10/28/2021
Pine Knoll Apartments
10/28/2021
Rhyne Gate Apartments
11/1/2021
Walnut Creek Homeowners Association
11/5/2021
Northstone Apartments
12/20/2021
The Pointe at Midtown Apts.
1/24/2022
The Domain Apartments
2/2/2022
The Trails of N Hill
2/2/2022
Bryan Place Apartments
2/2/2022
Westchester Apartments
2/3/2022
Casa Da Luna Apartments
7

2/4/2022
The Groves Apartments
2/5/2022
Lexington on the Green
3/16/2022
Luxury Cary Townhomes
4/22/2022
Kingsborough Estates MHC
7/15/2022
In Town Suites
3/16/2022
Wesley Apartments
10/11/2022
Hunter's Run Apartments
10/12/2022
Edison Loft
10/14/2022
Sky House
10/14/2022
The Lincoln Apartments
10/14/2022
The Line Apartments
10/24/2022
Peace Raleigh Apartments
10/28/2022
The Crossing at Alexander Place
10/28/2022
The Crest at Brier Creek
10/28/2022
Adara Alexander Place
10/28/2022
Fairgate Apartments
10/28/2022
Berkshire Park Apartments
11/4/2022
Capital Flats Apartments
11/8/2022
Brentmoor Apartments
11/8/2022
Northstone Apartments
11/9/2022
Lake Woodard Apartments
11/10/2022
West Morgan Apartments
11/10/2022
Berkshire Village District Apartments
11/10/2022
Courtland Brier Creek
11/10/2022
Clairmont at Brier Creek
11/10/2022
Bexley at Brier Creek
11/10/2022
Ashley Park Apartments
11/10/2022
401 Oberlin Apartments
1/27/2023
Pines of Ashton Apartments
1/30/2023
Arium Lake Lynn
1/30/2023
Bridgeport Apartments
2/3/2023
Uncommon Raleigh Apartments
2/3/2023
Legacy at Six Forks
2/3/2023
The Trials of North Hills
2/22/2023
Jamison at Brier Creek
2/22/2023
The Village Apartments
2/22/2023
Six Forks Station Apartment
3/20/2023
The Exchange at Brier Creek
3/20/2023
M.A.A. Providence
3/21/2023
616 At The Village Apartments
3/21/2023
Link Apartments Glenwood South
3/24/2023
M.A.A. Brier Falls
4/3/2023
Sunnybrook Pointe Apartments
4/14/2023
The Piedmont Raleigh
4/18/2023
712 Tucker Apartments
4/19/2023
Muirfield Village Apartments

4/19/2023
5/9/2023
5/9/2023
5/23/2023
6/12/2023
6/16/2023
6/22/2023
7/6/2023
7/11/2023
7/28/2023
4. Service Connection — Customer Portal
Brookfield Apartments
The Gramercy Apartments
The Devon Apartments
Abberly Grove Apartments
The Edition on Oberlin
Overlook at Simms Creek
River Birch at Town Center Apartments
The Timber Apartments
The Signal Apartments
Laurel Crossing Apartments
As part of Raleigh Water's educational outreach efforts, ratepayers are further informed on news related to the City of Raleigh,
many of which are associated with fats, oil, and grease. "Your Service Connection" is the portal where many utility bill inserts keep
the community connected to public utility news. Many informational inserts are found by accessing the following link:
https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/your-service-connection. Your Service Connection has provided customers with
informative articles on matters such as:
• Water efficiency incentive programs/tips to save money;
• Options for paying your monthly bill;
• Major water and sewer infrastructure projects and updates;
• Department Programs and Services;
• Community Outreach Events, and more.
The examples below provide further evidence of F.O.G. information published within the utility bill inserts routinely. It
demonstrates Raleigh Water's commitment to maintaining constant and direct communication with residential and non-
residential users, exceeding the semiannual requirements.
Note
The following examples contain excerpts of monthly communication issued to ratepayers via electronic or mailed paper bills. The
link below each example directs the reader to the Department webpage, where the entire communication can be seen.
E

The Gift of Protecting Our Pipes?
Keep Grease Out of the Drain
Don't Flush Wipes
This is the season of gift giving. We give gifts and receive them from
family and friends. Some gifts are welcomed and bring great joy.
Other gifts leave us scratching our heads and annoyed. One gift that
Is sure to please everyone this season is safe and clean Raleigh drinking water. One way to make sure that this gift can be accessed by all is
to keep fats, oils, and grease out of our shared water system. It is important to remember that these items should never be poured down any
drain as they will harden and cause damage to our water infrastructure. We here at Raleigh Water enjoy the gift of partnership
with our valued customers who take a few easy steps to help us protect our thousands of miles of water and sewer pipes. These .
steps include scrapping leftover fats, oils, and grease Into a sturdy container before placing that container in the garbage. Also, if
disinfectant wipes are used to clean up during any holiday activities,
they should only be placed in the garbage after use. Never introduce
used disinfectant wipes, or wipes of any kind, into our shared
water system as they will combine with fats, oils, and grease to
cause blockages. Blockages in this system can require vastly repair.
An expensive repair is a 'present' that no one wants to receive.
The partnership between Raleigh Water staff and our wonderful
customers who help ensure that these repairs are infrequent Is truly
a gift for all seasons. Thankyou for taking these steps to protect our
pipes!
To learn more about partnering with us to protect our pipes, please
visit: raleighnc.gov and search 'Sanitary Sewer Overflows.'
https://cityofra leigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection2O2Ol2Ol.pdf
10

City Offers Free Curbside Grease
Collection Through the Holidays
Raleigh Residents only
The City of Raleigh is offering its seasonal grease collection service
from Nov. 11 2020, through jan.15, 202L Raleigh residents and places
of worship may dispose of used cooking grease and cooking oil free
of charge by calling 9t9-996-3245 to schedule a pick-up_ Grease
collectionwill be on the same day as customers' regular garbage pick-
up. Used cooking grease should be placed in clear plastic containers,
sealed, and labeled "used cooling oil" before being placed curbside by
-7:30 a.m, on garbage pick-up day.
Grease down the drain is a top cause of sewer overflows. When people
dispose of cooking ail and other fats in sinks and toilets it enters the
sewer systemand can cling to pipes and congeal with otherwaste
not meant to be flushed, like wipes and diapers_ So-called "fatbergs"
form, blocking pipes and causing sewer overflows.
Grease collected from Raleigh residents and places of worship will
be converted to biofuels, a renewable source of energy used to power
vehicles, heat homes, and cook food.
The program is offered during the holiday season when households
tend to generate more cooking grease. To schedule a grease collection,
contact the City's Customer Care Center at gig-996-3245 and select
Option 2.
Thank You for Protecting Our Pipes!
During this time of year, we have an opportunity to be grateful for
all that we have. We spend more time with family and friends. We
spend more time in the kitchen preparing for a meal that will bring
those we care about closer together. This preparation can produce
more fats, ails, and grease than normal_ It is important to remember
that these items should never be poured down any drain as they will
harden and cause damage to our shared water system.
We here at Raleigh Water are always thankful when our valued
customers take a few easy steps to help us protect our thousands
of miles of water and sewer infrastructure. These steps include
scrapping leftover fats, oils, and grease into a sturdy container
before placing that container in the garbage. Also, if disinfectant
wipes are used to dean up, they should only be placed in the garbage
after use. Never introduce used disinfectant wipes, or wipes of
any kind, into our shared water system as they will combine with
fats, oils, and grease to cause blockages. Blockages in this system
can require costly repair. Raleigh Water staff are grateful for our
wonderful customers who partner with us to make sure these repairs
are infrequent. Thank you for taking these steps to protect our pipes!
To learn more about partnering with us to protect our pipes, please
visit: raleighnc.gov and search `Sanitary Sewer overflows.'
https://citvofra leigh0drupal. blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection2O201101.pdf
11

Protect Pipes: No Frightening -Fats, Oily -Oils, or
Gooey -Grease Down the Drain
Cooldngvrirh family and fdends is one of the besrways on pass thetime as the Heather mole and we.
ready for the holiday season. Although these can be fun times full of wonderful memories, they.— also
produce some i— r arshould remain ourof the drain Fats, oils, and Grease from co &.g should never be
poureddown any drain As these suhstanresmove thmugh our many miles of shared sewer system, they will
cool and causescarydanidge. Even hot water and auapam not enoughtostop them froan resulting in fly
blockages that will cxuseserverbackups and overflows. When you take the step of wiping away esress fats,
.as, and grease into a can or othersturdy mntainerbelcre disposing of it inthe trash, you take abigstep in
protecting on shared eec�rsystem from terrifyingtepairs. Thankyou for an that you do to keep our pipes
flowing and not frightening. Pipe dogged with
Jan, ails and grease
https://citvofra leigh0drupa I. blob. core. usgovclou da pi. net/d ru pa I-prod/COR25/You rServiceCon nection2O201001. pdf
Help Protect Raleigh Water:
Keep Grease Out of the Drain
Fats, oil, and grease (FOG) harm u n water system. They ran dogpipes and lead to
se_r spills. Fats and grease poured dove tbesink congeal and harden over time.
That nasty, oily buildup testrictawater flow through pipes. Eventually, there is
blockage that ran lead to a sewer backup_
Remember m neverput these things down the drain-
. Meat and Food Scraps . Bacon grease& other tat drippings
• LardlShortening . Dairy product likeYogurt, Cheese, Heavy Cream
• oil • Coffee Groundsand Creamer
. Sanoes . Baling Goods
r i -
OV _iwi
FroperlyDispoee of Fat, Oil, and Grease from Cooling
Collectliquid coking oils in oil rendering lank m oil recyckngm Iaioer. Scrape[eftovergreaseandfoodscrapsintoasealable
mntainer m trash bkrL You do NOT want m dealwitha sewer backup —it's expensive and can bea traumatic esperiertcel
Thank you for doing your part to protect Raleigh water.
https://citvofra leigh0drupal. blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection2O200701. pdf
Don't Flush Wipes!
Please remember, you should only flush human waste and toilet paper. °Flushable wipes" are not flushablel
Allvdpes, ltahywrtpes, personal wipes, antihartetialwipes, includingpaper towels, r]ogpipesandrause
mnitarysea+@r overflows. Wipes and paper tondo go in the trash, not the toilet. Doyourpart m protect Raleigtr
water Don't flush wipes I.
https://cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR25/your-service-connection-20200401. pdf
12

Flushable Wipes are Not so Flushable—
Did you know that baby wipes may specify dutLhey are flushable, Irutthey should notbe OlA1 u
put law ourwastewater system?'Tbs also includes adult wipes, cleaning wipes, medical How
wipes, etc In fact, The mlypaper producithat should beflushed is TOILED PAPER Itis
the only paper designed mbreakdewn alit travels thmugh the was[ewatertreatmentprcces=__ we roll...
T[m ishow RaleighWai—ollsl
https://citvofra IeiahOdrupal.blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection20200201.pdf
Haw Can Property Owners Help
Prevent Damage from Sewer Backups?
Make sure your system has a
Backwater Valve installed
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tram ss„iIafy rab—". It ILALLWil. dor —ha[LLp
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https://citvofra leigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection2O210101.pdf
13

Free Curbside Grease Collection Runs Through the
Holiday Season
The City of Raleighis offering free curbside conking grease collechon for residents and places
of worship rhmugh lan. ut simply can 919-996-3245 to mbedulea grease pickup. Used
m"Il+ ggrease should be plued inclear plastic containers, sealed, and labeled "used cooking
oil" before being placed curbside.
Recycling cooling grease does two important things- helps protect the water system and
provides a renewable energysouroe. Pouring fats, outs, and grease down the drain is a top cause
of sewer overflows. Do your part by keeping grease out of the drain) Your collected used grease
is converted to biofuels, a renewable source of energy used m power vehicles, heat homes, and
cookfood.
https:Hcityofra IeighOdrupal.blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection20211201.pdf
Household Seasonal Grease Collection — Nov.1 Through Jan. 14
just in time for the holidays, Raketgh is providing it. annual molungoil and grease collection program This free service helps keep grease out
of the sink to prevent sewer overflows. Seasonal grease conectimr runs from Nor.1 through lan. 14, W23
Raleigh residems can call solid Waste services at 919-996-3145 to schedule a collection date. Places of worship in Raleigh can also participate
in the program at no charge. Collected grease is recycled for other uses. Commercial establishments in Raleigh are not eligible for the service.
You can always recycle your household cooking oil and grease at Wake CwntyAUJLi-Material Recycling Facility. Visit reakegov.cum for
more Mformat—
https://cityofra IeighOdrupal. blob.core.usgovclouda pi. net/drupal-prod/COR25/YourServiceConnection20221101.pdf
14

The Annual Wastewater Collection
and Treatment System l epa rt i
NowAvailablel
Just because it's flushed, yourwastewater's journey is far from over)
You can learn more about how wastewater is collected, cleaned, and
turned into a valuable resource in the 2021-2022 Annual Wastewater
Collection and Treatment System Report_ The report is available
on the City's website at raleighnc.gov, search "Raleigh Water
Reports"_ This report provides information about the performance
of Raleigh Water's three (3) resource recovery facilities: the Neuse
River Resource Recovery Facility, the Smith Creek Resource Recovery
facility, the Little Creek Resource Recovery Facility, and the
wastewater collection system for the period of July 1, 2021—
June 30, 2022.
if you do not have access to the internet or would prefer to receive a
hard copy of this report, you can contact Edward Buchan at
edward_buchan a raleighnc_gov or 919-996-3471 to have a copy
mailed to you_
https://citvofra leigh0drupal. blob.core. usaovclouda pi. net/d ru pal-prod/CO R25/You rServiceConnection20220901.pdf
15

Sanitary Sewer Services and Homeowner Responsibility
It is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain the sanitary sewer sevicr from your house to the connection to the Cityof Raleigh's sanitary
®ewer syshem. When you experience a sanitary sewer senrire backup, itcan be a traumatic experience_ Although nobody wants to deal with
sewage overflowing in their house or yard, here are some tips to consider in the event ihatit ever occurs.
t_ Call a licensed plumber_ Once the plumber ardves atyour properly, theywill diagmse
the issue and attempt to clear the bloclege.
2. Make sum the plumber cleans the sanitary sewerservice from the house to the main in
the street oreasement- Often, plumbers will state ihatihey cannot clean the portion of
the service within the public right-of-way (street). This is incorrect- The entire service
is the property of the homeowner and should he cleaned in its entirety If the service
does not have a sanitary sewer el—t.installed at the property ]ire, you will need
wme installed
3. Ask the plumber to use a camera to inspect the inside of the sevaer service Thisvdll
make sure the entire service is clean and free oldamage. if damage is found in the
portion within the public right-of-way, contact Raleigh Waterimmediatelybycalling
919-996-3245. We will visit your property and with your plumber, verify that your
serrerserwrerequi srepairs,
Homeowner Aespons�6�l,ry
Sewer Service Backup Issues
. Grease is one of the major causes of customer— service backups Please dispose of grease properly and not down the drain.
. Flushed wipes areamajor cause of sewerissues throughout thewurld.While they can be flushed, they do notbreakup, causingblock ges
in seen mains, and pumps
. Rootsseekoutthenutrieniscontalned insanitary sewer. Rootsystemswill infiltrate sewer —ices and mains .
causing blockages.
For more information visitraleighnc.govfwater
https://cityofra leigh0drupal. blob.core.usaovclouda pi. net/d ru pal-prod/COR25/You rServiceConnection2O230501.pdf
16

5. Social Media
Finally, Raleigh Water has expanded our communications efforts using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram. These social platforms allow the delivery of a wide variety of outreach media designed to provide relevant and engaging
information to customers beyond traditional forms such as newspapers and letters. Some media examples include videos, photos,
and conversations about the environment and Raleigh Water's efforts to curtail the damage that fats, oil, and greases cause to the
sanitary sewer collection system. Some examples of these electronic forms of educational outreach are provided below.
Free Curbside Grease
Collection Through the
Holidays
Household SeaeanaI Grease Collection Nea 1 Through
]en. lb
https://raIeighnc.gov/news/curbside-grease-
collectionffbd id =IwAR l6qOmxwh POQ8PCNcFZaO79Zpfoi DOG Bel Npo ryslkyFZ57ezUgUVTrWc#:-:text=Raleigh%20residents%20and%20places°%n20of,'°%20regular°°%n20garbage°°%20pick0°%%2Dup
®Raleigh Water
,�ay i zon O
If you got grease, we want it! We're still picking up grease & cooKing ail from the holidays
through January 15:
http,jjr.Ieghnc.gov/news/curb side-g rea se -collection...
Keeping grease and oils out ofthe sewer system goes a la000nnng way in preventing sewer
blockages and subsequent spills into the environment. Help ns help our local stu,—1
00 5
https://www.fa cebook. com/profi le/100066862391559/sea rch/?g=grease
17

Raleigh Water
D—ber21,2020 Q •••
If you tried a turkey, or really anything, and have excess grease to deal with, we can help. Don't
be like Cousin Eddie and help us keep grease out our pipes. You can call 919-995-3245 (select
option 2) and we will come get your grease if you put it in a labeled, clear plastic container.
Proper disposal of grease helps protect public health and our environment.
https://w .facebook.cam/1870411273039322/videos/251410309735334
I
®Raleigh Water
December 21, 2020 Q
Protect our pipes, keep grease out of them.
00011 6 comments
Eb Like Q Comment ri Share
https://www.facebook.com/RaleighWater/yideos/251410309735334/? cftf01=AZXG1bgKDTiJPQgiFsRWsmnXSrL-iZQI-OaoM2NC06Mu3-bxA HCZIQ5Lii-2G5HYHad-
WMsolfcokvPa8DrS2me9YupNbiWoxBSNa650ar3iUgzm3RzFDR iElk7Ug2wOsO9AXBEC5Ftg88i1CvNu5mk3iwNO4XbyiVMQl9gLFoPt41Lhs2QgD7nVRcCIveENA VdxDXmgWggOgXHHSas O& to
=UK-R
18

Summary
Raleigh Water strives to develop initiatives that improve operational reliability, meet customer expectations, and meet or exceed
the Water Quality Collection System permit requirements. Our operations are focused on continual improvement, the prevention
of pollution, and increased environmental performance efficiency. This endeavor is noted as the Collections System staff operates
an ISO Certified Environmental Management System governed by the 14001-2015 Standards. As part of these initiatives, the
Division operates a comprehensive reactive and preventive maintenance program to maintain over 2,644 miles of sanitary sewer
pipe and minimize the accidental release of untreated wastewater.
Raleigh Water - Assistant Public Utility Directors and Collections System staff have become involved in challenging the nonwoven
fabrics industry standards to better inform consumers of these products and their detrimental effects on the collections systems.
P.U.D. staff has personally met with officers of INDA, the leading association of the nonwoven fabrics industry based in Cary, NC,
to communicate our concerns about these fabrics, the current industry standards, and better education for the consumer. P.U.D.
has also joined forces with other utilities nationwide through the National Association of Clean Waters Agencies (NACWA), the
Water Environment Foundation (W.E.F.), and the American Public Works Association (APWA) to challenge INDA and current
industry standards, recognizing that they do not support compatibility in sanitary sewer collections systems nationally. These
agencies work collectively to challenge the testing protocols, assessment guidelines, and consumer education and labeling of these
non -dispersible.
Raleigh Water continues its monetary reward or bounty program, which pays out fifty ($50) to any citizen who observes and reports
an SSO or conditions that may cause a spill incident. This program has been advertised via printed material, a television
advertisement campaign, and graphic design "wraps" on Sewer Maintenance vehicles. These graphics on our vehicles function as
mobile billboards, spreading our prevention message and offering contact information throughout the service area daily. This
program was developed hoping that citizens and customers would become more aware of the signs of an emerging system problem
causing the SSO occurrence and become proactive in helping the City prevent these occurrences. Additionally, all customers are
notified via their water and sewer utility bills not to discharge materials that could block the flow of the sanitary sewer mains. The
City also circulates information regarding grease discharge into the sewer system and the effects of such deposits. Whenever
possible, and upon investigating the root cause of a spill incident, Raleigh Water Code Enforcement officers develop and send
registered informational letters about the spill incident to the customer base serviced by the line where the SSO has occurred. This
educational outreach is done to educate our customers on the proper use of sanitary sewers to prevent the disposal of non-
flushable items and items harmful to the continuous operation of the collections system.
Raleigh Water's educational outreach efforts go far beyond regulatory requirements, maintaining an open line of communication
with residential and non-residential users throughout the operation. Raleigh Water's inherent communications approaches target
the wide population of the service area more than once a year. Our increase in social media and electronic correspondence has
influenced the Department's environmental approach to waste reduction. The evidence provided in this letter is a testament to
our commitment to green conservation initiatives while promoting the environment's vitality.
19

On behalf of the City of Raleigh, I am requesting that the efforts in mitigating the findings noted in the Compliance evaluation
Inspection issued September 22, 2023, be reviewed, considering the steps the Department has taken to protect the environment
and meet and exceed the requirements of the Collections System Permit. If additional information is required, don't hesitate to
contact Matthew Vessie, Sewer Maintenance Superintendent, at [phone] or Carlos M. Perez, O.R.C., assistant
superintendent, at 919-996-5929.
Sincerely,
C-a-�� /�4Z
Carlos M Perez, ORC
Assistance Superintendent, Sewer Maintenance Division
City of Raleigh, Public Utilities Department
P.O. Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
919-996-5929 office
919-278-6020 cell
Carlos. [e-mail]
20