WQSV00006_Application_20240213 (2)

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February 7, 2024
NCDEQ-DWR
Highfill Infrastructure Engineering, P.C.
2703 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 201
H I G H F I LL Cary, North Carolina 27518
Tel [phone] � NC Firm License No. C5
WQS� (0 0 0 0 6
Attn:PERCS Unit Supervisor
512 N. Salibury St., Ste. 925
Raleigh, NC 27604
RE: Variance Request
Paliouras Force Main Relocation
HIGHFILL Project No.: GEM2201
Dear Reviewer:
["ECEIVED
FEB 13 2024
NCDEQ/DWRNIDES
The Paliouras Pump Station (PS) was constructed in 2014. The pump station conveys flow thru a 3-inch
force main. According to NCDENR Minimum Design Criteria for Permitting of Pump Stations and Force
Mains, a minimum 4-inch force main shall be used unless the force main is served by pumps capable of
grinding, chopping, or cutting solids or a mechanical means of reducing the size of a three-inch solid and
any trash or stringy material that can pass through a 4-inch hose is installed at the pump station.
However, it appears that this requirement was overlooked when the pump station was reviewed and
permitted in 2014. This issue was only realized once the design of the force main relocation had
commenced.
As part of this project, a grinder will be installed. Due to miscommunication, the Aldi Grocery store is
ready to open; however, the grinder has yet to be installed. Due to a lengthy lead time, it is anticipated
that the grinder will be installed in four months. This Variance request is to allow new wastewater flow
produced from the Aldi Grocery store to be conveyed to the existing Paliouras PS prior to the installation
of the grinder.
Currently, it is estimated that the PS is receiving approximately 4,000 GPD from a Sheetz Gas Station that
includes food preparation. The PS has been in operation under the current conditions for 10 years and
there are no records of clogging of the pumps or force main. The Aldi Grocery store is estimated to add
1,921 GPD to the PS. We expect the characteristics of the flow will be very similar to the existing flow.
A recent pump test revealed that the pumps are operating at approximately 100 GPM, which results in a
force main velocity of 4.5 feet per second (fps). A velocity of 4.5 fps is able to clear settled deposits from
the force main.
Considering the historical performance of the PS, and the Aldi sewer will have similar characteristics to
the ex. Sheetz sewer, it is anticipated that the PS will continue to operate as it has for the past 10 years
Engineering is our profession. Service is our passion.

NCDEQ-DWR
February 7, 2024
until the grinder can be installed. However, in the event that a clog occurs, a maintenance company will
be notified by the station's high-level alarm, at which time an emergency pump & haul operation will
commence until the clog can be cleared.
Please find enclosed two copies of each of the following documents for review and approval:
• Request Form VADC 10-23.
• Engineering Plans and Specifications.
a Sewer Extension Application (FTA 10-23) and supporting documentation.
Also, please find the following:
0 Application fee check in the amount of $600.00
Please contact me at 919-481-4342 or [e-mail] if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
HIGHFILL INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, P.C.
V►• api.
Jeremy Allen, PE
Project Manager
enclosures
HIGHFILL I Page 2