WQCS00050_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240126

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.

January 26, 2024

Sonny Penson, Public Works Director
Town of Forest City
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Forest City Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00050
Rutherford County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Forest City Collection
System on 1/18/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00050.
The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the
inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-296-4667 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Lauren Armeni, Environmental Specialist II
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report

Ec: Laserfiche
Reid Guffey (ORC)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00050 Effective:04/19/17 Expiration:03/31/25 Owner :Town of Forest City
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Rutherford
Asheville
Melvin Keith Webb
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Forest City Collection System
PO Box 728
Alexander Mills NC 280430728
Title:Phone:[phone]Consultant
Secondary ORC(s):
828-248-5235Phone:[phone]Certification:Brian Reid GuffeyPrimary ORC:
CS2,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0025984 Town of Forest City - Forest City WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
01/18/2024 10:00AM 01:30PM
Lauren E Armeni 828-296-4500
Mara G Chamlee
Rachel Rose
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Lauren Armeni, Mara Chamlee, and Rachel Rose, with the Asheville Regional Office (ARO), conducted a Compliance
Evaluation Inspection of Forest City's Collection System on January 18, 2024. The inspection was conducted to determine if
the system is being operated and maintained in compliance with Collection System Permit No. WQCS00050. Reid Guffey
(ORC) and Darrell Greene (BORC) were present and assisted in the inspection.
The Collection System consists of approximately 95 miles of gravity lines and 11.3 miles of force main. The Town has two
crews that maintain the collection system. The pump maintenance crew (four personnel) are responsible for all pump
stations and force mains within Forest City/Ellenboro (satellite system). The sewer department crew (three personnel) are
responsible for maintaining gravity lines and high priority line inspections.
1. General/Upgrades: Work orders are entered electronically in the Town's GIS system. The 12 Oaks to Golf Street lines
were replaced in early 2022 and Old Caroleen Road lines were replaced in 2023. The Dogwood PS was replaced in 2023.
The Collins Avenue manholes were approved to be replaced, and the ROW for Tate Street will also go into the budget. The
Town is in the planning stages of replacing Erwin PS, and it should be replaced in 2025. Two pump stations will be added by
2026, one of which is for the soccer complex. Mr. Guffey indicated that they are in the middle of updating the budget, which
should include a permanent generator for the Bethany Church Road PS (as mentioned below). The Town will be getting a
new pumper truck this year. They will keep the old one and have two.
2. Spill Response Action Plan: The source of emergency funds need to be added to the Spill Response Action Plan.
3. Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines: The brackets supporting the Pine Street Extension aerial line are rusted. It's
recommended to replace these to ensure the line is supported.
4. Manholes: At the time of the inspection, the Doggett Road manhole lid had excessive rust from a buildup of hydrogen
sulfide and needs replaced.
5. Pump Stations: A spare parts/equipment inventory list needs to be added to the Pump Failure Plan. Additionally, the
contacts list needs to be updated since it was last updated in 2021. Once updated, this contact list should be replaced at
each PS. The collection system has a total of 21 pump stations - 20 duplex and one triplex. Three of the pump stations have
SCADA, one has a dialer, and 17 have one-way radios. Six pump stations have permanent generators and the rest have a
connection for a portable generator. The Town has one portable generator.
The Dogwood PS is the new pump station that was replaced in 2023. This PS has a new permanent generator that
automatically exercises weekly. At the time of the inspection, the fuel level was at 82%, and the visual and audible alarms
both worked when the high level float was lifted.
The Nursery Road PS collects flow from the nearby hospice facility. This PS has a permanent generator that automatically
exercises weekly. At the time of the inspection, the fuel level was 94%, and the visual and audible alarms both worked when
the high level float was lifted.
The Bethany Church Road PS does not have a permanent generator, but does have a connection for a portable one. At the
time of the inspection, there was evidence that the water level in the PS got to the top of the wet well and almost overflowed
during the most recent heavy rain. Mr. Guffey stated that this PS tends to almost overflow whenever there are heavy rains.
Mr. Guffey stated that he has requested to purchase a permanent generator for this PS in the past. It is recommended to
install a permanent generator at this PS to prevent an overflow during heavy rains. The visual and audible alarms both worked
when the high level float was lifted.
The Forrest W. Hunt Drive PS has a connection for a portable generator. Flow from the elementary school goes to this PS.
At the time of the inspection, there was a significant amount of grease that had accumulated in the wet well; however, the
day after the inspection Mr. Guffey sent pictures showing that the wet well had been cleaned out. Mr. Tim Atkins (FOG
Coordinator) checked the grease trap at the elementary school on January 19, 2024 and it was completely free of grease.
Page 2 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
Routine
Mr. Guffey indicated that the grease may be going straight through the grease trap and he's going to look into it further. The
audible alarm worked, but the visual alarm did not work when the high level float was lifted. The visual alarm should be fixed.
Page 3 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
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?monthly
# 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?
A spare parts/equipment inventory list needs to be added to the Pump Failure Plan. See
summary for details.
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?Grease traps must
be cleaned at least
once every 60
days.
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.)
FOG education materials are sent out in customer's bills annually and Mr. Tim Atkins (Pretreatment/FOG
Coordinator) indicated that they will putting the materials on the website.
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?
Page 4 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
Routine
Does CIP include forecasted future needs?
The CIP is currently being updated by McGill Associates.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?
Forest City staff have continued to update the CS GIS map, and during the inspection they
indicated they are in the process of adding the missing items above. Staff also indicated they
are starting to map aerial lines.
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?Town's website
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?
Page 5 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
Routine
Aerial line inspections are documented via GIS and documentation can be exported via Excel.
On January 25, 2024, Mr. Guffey sent me the HPL list and inspections from 2021, 2022, and
2023.
Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
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?
The 24-hour contact numbers have not been updated since 2021 and need to be updated.
See summary for details.
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?
Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
1. Seitz Drive Extension
2. Bethany Church Road
3. Pine Street Extension
4. Bob Rollins Road
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?
Page 6 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
Routine
All aerial lines looked structurally good and clear of debris. The Pine Street Extension aerial
line had some rusted brackets, so it's recommended to replace these. Mr. Guffey indicated that
staff now have a camera to better assess lines. See summary for details.
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
1. Dogget Road
2. M. D. Blanton Road near Mobile Gas Station
3. Pine Street Extension
4. Bob Rollins Road
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?
The Bob Rollins Road manhole had a grease chunk sitting in the invert. Mr. Guffey indicated
that this was probably from the recent heavy rain. It was not enough grease to block flow, but if
grease continues to build up in this manhole it should be removed. See summary for details.
Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
1. Dogwood
2. Nursery Road
3. Bethany Church Road
4. Forrest W. Hunt Drive
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 21
# 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?3
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer) installed?18
Page 7 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00050
01/18/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Town of Forest City
Routine
For pump stations inspected:
Are they secure with restricted access?
Were they free of by-pass structures/pipes?
Were wet wells free of excessive grease/debris?
# Do they all have telemetry installed?
Is the communication system functional?
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
Does the sign include:
Owner Name?
Pump station identifier?
# Address?
Instructions for notification?
24-hour emergency contact numbers?
Are audio and visual alarms present?
Are audio and visual alarms operable?
# 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?
The Forest W Hunt Drive PS had excess grease in the wet well. On January 19, 2024, Mr.
Guffey sent pictures showing that this PS was cleaned out. See summary for details.
Comment:
Page 8 of 8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 10B1E64C-2C41-473A-865D-399406BD35F8