WQCS00002_NOV-2024-DV-00082_20240328

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Raleigh Water
March 26, 2024
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 NOV-2024-DV-00082
Sanitary Sewer Overflows —January 2024
Permit No. WQCS00002
Dear Mrs. Manuel:
Please allow this letter to respond to the Notice of Violation document (NOV-2024-DV-0082) dated
February 13th, 2024, and received by Raleigh Water on February 26'1, 2024. This document contains the
narrative regarding the pending four Notice of Violation actions of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) incidents
reported in the month of January 2024 within the City of Raleigh Collections System I'l This document also
provides exhibits as proof of our efforts to mitigate the sewer incidents. The noticed incidents occurred while
the City operated its collection system, according to WQCS00002, dated June 06th, 2017. The permit includes
the language outlined in footnote one and applies to the SSOs upon which NOVs with the notice of intent (NOV-
NOI) were based. This document will establish a reasonable explanation of the actions taken to stop the spills,
contain the released untreated wastewater, collect the wastewater and reintroduce it to the collection system;
and finally, restore the possible environmental impacts brought by the release of the SSO incidents, listed with
the intended NOV-NOI action. Please find below the additional information requested for the SSO incidents.
1. "The Director may take enforcement action against the Permittee for SSOs that must be reported to the Division as
stipulated in Condition IV92). This includes SSOs that were caused by severe natural conditions or exceptional events
unless the Permittee demonstrates through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs or other relevant
evidence that:
[a.] The 550 was caused by severe natural conditions; there were no feasible alternatives to the S50, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of
untreated wastewater, reduction of Inflow and infiltration, use of adequate backup equipment, or an increase in the capacity of the system. This provision is not
satisfied if, in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment, the Permittee should have installed auxiliary or additional collections system components, wastewater
retention or treatment facilities, adequate backup equipment, or should have reduced Inflow and infiltration or
[b.] The SSO was exceptional, unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the Permittee; the SSO could not have been prevented
by the exercise of reasonable control, such as proper management, operation, and maintenance; adequate treatment or collection facilities or components (e.g.,
adequately enlarging treatment of collection facilities to accommodate growth or adequately controlling and preventing infiltration and inflow); preventative
maintenance; or installation of adequate backup equipment;"

Incident Number# 202400236 — 1/10/2024 — 4905 North Hills Drive, Raleigh
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; it resulted from root intrusion, which blocked a portion of a 10-in
Vitrified -Clay Pipe gravity sewer main. The root intrusion led to a sewer spill of approximately 1,450 gallons of
untreated wastewater reaching a stormwater channel within the Mine Basin (see exhibit 1— Area of Operation)
On 1/10/2024, at approximately 8:05 AM, Raleigh Water staff responded to a sanitary sewer overflow
emanating from a sanitary sewer manhole (affected sewer asset SMH116395, see Exhibit 2 —Area of
Operations) located near 4905 North Hills Drive, Raleigh, NC. The responding staff took all reasonable steps to
stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge, gaining control of the spill incident by 09:03 AM on the same day.
Crews utilized hydraulic jetting to remove the source of the blockage within the affecting asset, thus restoring
sewer flow.
Containment and collection of this spill incident consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area, restricting sewer flow to downstream surface waters. This approach was
intended to contain wastewater flow and minimize the environmental impact on the surrounding land.
Responding crews employed pumps at the temporary containment site to recover flushed wastewater and any
evidence of sewer completing the operation by reintroducing the wastewater to the collection system. This spill
was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural resources. Visual
inspection of the affected area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative
damage. See Exhibit 3 — Containment and Collection Efforts.
During the restoration phase of the operation, crews utilized ample potable water to flush the affected area and
remove sewer traces from the surrounding area and downstream conveyance. The area around the manhole
was cleared of debris, treated with lime, and restored with grass seed and straw. See Exhibit 4 — Restoration
Efforts.

The cost associated with the mitigation of this incident amounted to $3,154.37. The approximate cost to the
Utility to treat 1,450 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $2.17. Raleigh Water saved no
money from this spill. Its costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of sewage had no spill
occurred. Furthermore, Raleigh Water still had to pay to treat the greater volume of sewage created by the spill.
This section of the collection system is located downstream of a residential area. It provides sewer collection
services to several residences surrounding the spill incident. Within the last ten years, this specific portion of the
collection system has not experienced a root intrusion SSO. Sanitary sewer assets in this area have been
routinely maintained with subsequent chemical root control treatment.
A press release notification was requested to be published in the Raleigh News & Observer as required by NCGS
Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1C. See Exhibit 5 — Press release.
Exhibit 5 - Press Release
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow
On Wednesday Jamey 10. 2024, al approsnnalely 8.05 am. Raleigh Water slut
were mnaed at a senile, sewer overflow in the uidnity at 4905 Notts Rills D,
Rekigh NC. upon ertivel. LUty Responders Idenbfled an amve sewer overflew
..A, home bind.' In to sewer main nomotrausehaabeendeterannedtabe
mob and rags The rapondng staff loaM all reasonaWa steps to stop and mdyefe the
ovedbx's impad as soon as me, arrived The Nml Cemfina Depemnent of
Emtonmenld tTleay, Dh+ion of Water Reaourta ha been mt8ed of the overflow
Raleigh Water staff dimmated dre overtax at apposiwteb 905 am on Jameary
10. 2024. Na aed ann thw the ovedbw lone Creak a dealt
No of etdfi manna 1650
rah.
deeeled watewalar reacting Alone Creak beet,. No vegeltire Oamega or
etas km has been obaeme rellnd to this Want.
palest Water has an aggressive education and anbrcemere program m
p akent Me disdind a of grease. dears. vied, rage. Gapers and of brprope
malalal'w the sewer system andtotake enforcement adbn s ..
appropriate Ilethesehemmakenklothes splm,theymaycausea
spa wbbA oa have an aMene Impadon wane WAp and endanger these
who dome Into coned wlM the aaeded mea.
Water, human wade, and toilet Issue are to only items p mraed on be
6sdarged Into the sewer sydem. All other items We cause damage to the
.b cyder, and to Mt pemalent
N you expand a excessive fewer areas or see same sprang from maMdes
w press, please call 919-908-3245 to raped mmeaelety.
Far more Infi montlon about how you can held boron nt eaMe, save spio
pease vkll: rWWghnc.g Mads,.
Ras dews notes Is requests by NCGS Addle 21. Groper 10215.IC.
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Before this incident, maintenance records show that sections within the zone of influence of this collection
system were assessed within the last ten years as follows:
Flushing
activities
Chemical
Root Control
Inspections Activities
CCTV Activities
Easement
Maintenance
Repair Operations
Activities
2/17/2017
1/20/2023
Easement
Sewer High
5/1/2017
5/8/2017
9/19/2019
12/28/2016
1/19/2023
Inspection
Priority
8/19/2019
2/3/2022
8/25/2022
3/1/2017
4/18/2023
Inspection
8/28/2019
9/6/2022
1/24/2024
3/16/2017
5/1/2023
11/6/2017
2/26/2020
4/11/2023
1/25/2024
9/10/2018
6/1/2023
11/7/2017
7/26/2023
9/11/2019
3/28/2018
7/26/2023
12/27/2019
Manhole
4/9/2018
1/31/2020
Inspection
8/23/2018
2/27/2020
11/9/2020
11/2/2018
2/10/2020
12/17/2020
2/8/2019
2/10/2022
1/4/2021
4/1/2019
10/7/2022
5/4/2021
4/11/2019
1/10/2024
1/5/2022
4/12/2019
3/28/2022
4/15/2019
11/18/2022
7/17/2019
2/8/2024
8/5/2019
1/15/2020
9/17/2020
9/18/2020
3/24/2021
4/8/2021
7/27/2021
8/26/2021
11/2/2021
2/22/2022
2/23/2022
2/23/2022
8/31/2022
9/14/2022
9/15/2022
1/9/2023
2/14/2023
7/7/2023
7/20/2023
1/3/2024
Since the last sewer incident, no additional sewer issues have been associated with this section of the collection
system. This site remains an active maintenance spot pending the completion of further sewer main cleaning
and chemical root control application.
4

Incident Number# 202400280-03/13/2024-4801 Blue Bird Court, Raleigh
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; it resulted from root intrusion, which blocked a portion of an 8-in
Vitrified -Clay Pipe gravity sewer main. The root intrusion led to a sewer spill of approximately 252 gallons of
untreated wastewater in which approximately 126 gallons reached a stormwater catch basin within Simmons
Basin (see exhibit 1—Area of Operation).
On 12/30/2023, at approximately 2:46 PM, Raleigh Water staff responded to a sewage overflow from a sanitary
sewer manhole near 4801 Blue Bird Court, Raleigh, NC. The responding staff took all reasonable steps to stop
and mitigate the impact of the discharge, gaining control of the spill incident by 04:36 PM on the same day.
Crews utilized hydraulic jetting to remove the source of the blockage within the affecting asset, thus restoring
sewer flow.
Containment and collection of this spill incident consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area, restricting sewer flow to downstream surface waters. This approach was
intended to contain wastewater flow and minimize the environmental impact on the surrounding land.
Responding crews employed pumps at the temporary containment site to recover flushed wastewater and any
evidence of sewer completing the operation by reintroducing the wastewater to the collection system. This spill
was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural resources. Visual
inspection of the affected area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative
damage.
During the restoration phase of the operation, crews utilized ample potable water to flush the affected area and
remove sewer traces from the surrounding area and downstream conveyance. The area around the manhole
was cleared of debris, treated with lime, and restored with grass seed and straw.
The cost associated with mitigating this incident amounted to $9,012.59. The approximate cost to the Utility to
treat 252 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $.37. Raleigh Water saved no money from this
spill. Its costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of sewage had no spill occurred.
Furthermore, Raleigh Water still had to pay to treat the greater volume of sewage created by the spill.
This section of the collection system is located downstream of a residential area. It provides sewer collection
services to several residences surrounding the spill incident. Sanitary sewer assets in this area have been
routinely maintained with hydraulic jetting and will be placed for subsequent chemical root control treatment.

Before this incident, maintenance records show that sections within the zone of influence (see exhibit 2 — Zone
of Influence) were assessed within the last ten years as follows:
Flushing
CCTV
Repair
Inspections Contractor Chemical Root
Easement Maintenance
activities
Activities
Activities
Activities Control Initial Treatment
Activities
5/13/2017
1/14/2020
5/16/2019
2/9/2018 1/7/2023
5/23/2019
11/18/2019
3/8/2021
5/17/2019
3/21/2018
7/11/2019
12/10/2019
12/13/2021
5/17/2019
6/4/2018
7/19/2021
12/13/2019
12/14/2021
12/4/2023
11/21/2018
12/5/2023
1/10/2020
12/1/2023
1/26/2024
2/6/2019
1/29/2024
6/30/2020
12/4/2023
1/31/2024
2/19/2019
2/29/2024
7/13/2021
12/6/2023
2/1/2024
6/24/2019
9/3/2021
12/20/2023
2/20/2024
12/19/2019
12/13/2021
1/14/2024
3/21/2024
4/6/2020
11/30/2023
1/25/2024
8/12/2020
12/1/2023
1/26/2024
10/26/2020
12/4/2023
2/1/2024
2/8/2021
12/5/2023
2/5/2024
2/17/2021
1/13/2024
3/11/2024
4/20/2021
1/14/2024
3/15/2024
4/21/2021
1/22/2024
3/18/2024
5/10/2021
1/24/2024
5/12/2021
1/25/2024
5/25/2021
1/31/2024
6/28/2021
10/11/2021
3/15/2022
10/26/2022
4/12/2023
10/10/2023
Exhibit 2-2one of Infl..
Since the last sewer incident, no additional sewer issues have been associated with this section of the collection
system. This site remains an active maintenance spot pending the completion of further sewer main cleaning
and chemical root control application.

Incident Number # 202400326 — 1/19/2024 — 7301 Grist Mill Road, Raleigh
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; it resulted from debris blocking a portion of an 8-in Vitrified -Clay
Pipe gravity sewer main. The root intrusion led to a sewer spill of approximately 1,500 gallons of untreated
wastewater reaching a stormwater channel within Perry Basin (see exhibit 1—Area of Operation).
On 01/19/2024, at approximately 8:33 AM, Raleigh Water staff responded to a sanitary sewer overflow
emanating from a sanitary sewer manhole near 7301 Grist Mill Road, Raleigh, NC. The responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge, gaining control of the spill incident by 09:45
AM on the same day. Crews utilized hydraulic jetting to remove the source of the blockage within the affecting
asset, thus restoring sewer flow.
Containment and collection of this spill incident consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site
downstream of the affected area, restricting sewer flow to downstream surface waters. This approach was
intended to contain wastewater flow and minimize the environmental impact on the surrounding land.
Responding crews employed pumps at the temporary containment site to recover flushed wastewater and any
evidence of sewer completing the operation by reintroducing the wastewater to the collection system. This spill
was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural resources. Visual
inspection of the affected area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative
damage. See Exhibit 2 —Containment and Collection Efforts.
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The'cost associated with the mitigation of this incident amounted to $2,438.37. The approximate cost to the
Utility to treat 1,500 gallons of wastewater would have been approximately $2.25. Raleigh Water saved no
money from this spill. Its costs for cleanup exceeded the cost of treating the volume of sewage had no spill
occurred. Furthermore, Raleigh Water still had to pay to treat the greater volume of sewage created by the spill.
This section of the collection system is located downstream of a residential area. It provides sewer collection
services to several residences surrounding the spill incident. Our maintenance records show that within the last
ten years, this portion of the collection system experienced an unrelated SSO on 1/22/2020, resulting from
grease accumulation.
A press release notification was requested to be published in the Raleigh News & Observer as required by NCGS
Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1C. See Exhibit 4 — Press release.
Exhibit 4— Press Release
Raleigh Water Responds to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow
On Friday, January 191h, 2024. at approximately 8 33 AM, Raleigh Water stag
were notified of a sanitary sewer overflow near 7301 Grist Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC. Upon
arrival, Utility responders identified an active sewer overflow emanating from a sewer
manhole resulting from debris in the 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 stag contained the overflow at approximately 9-45 AM on the same
day. It is esfimated that he overflow discharged approximately 1,500 gallons of
untreated wastewater, which reacted a storm drain and ultimately Perry Creek No
vegetative damage or fish kill was observed related to this event. Restoration for this
Incident was completed on the same day.
• 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 sewer system and to take enforcement action where
appropriate. If these items make it into the sewer system, they may cause a
spill which can have an adverse Impact on water quality and endanger those
who come into comae with the affected areas.
• Water, human waste. and toilet tissue are the only Rena permitted to be
discharged Into the sewer system. All other hems will cause damage to the
sewer system and are not permitted,
• If you experience excessive sewer smells or we 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: releighncgovAvater.
This news release is required by NCGS Article 21, Chapter 143 215.1C
kM#

Before this incident, maintenance records show that sections within the zone of influence (see Exhibit 4 — Zone
of Influence) of this collection system were assessed within the last ten years as follows:
Flushing
Inspections Activities
CCTV Activities
activities
Manhole Inspection
Sewer
High Priority Inspection
3/4/2019
8/10/2017
8/9/2019
11/29/2017
10/7/2019
10/25/2021
10/30/2020
1/12/2018
8/15/2019
11/30/2017
10/10/2019
3/3/2022
6/16/2021
3/1/2019
6/15/2021
12/7/2017
1/2/2020
3/30/2022
1/10/2022
8/9/2019
6/10/2022
12/12/2017
1/28/2020
9/7/2022
5/24/2023
11/17/2020
6/13/2022
3/21/2018
4/23/2020
9/15/2022
11/16/2023
11/18/2020
12/29/2022
4/16/2018
7/29/2020
2/24/2023
11/28/2023
11/19/2020
4/11/2023
10/25/2018
8/27/2020
3/28/2023
1/19/2024
11/23/2020
4/14/2023
11/30/2018
2/8/2021
3/29/2023
1/19/2024
4/27/2023
2/14/2019
2/10/2021
10/9/2023
6/16/2023
3/11/2019
4/6/2021
10/10/2023
Chemical Root
6/20/2023
7/12/2021
2/27/2024
Control
3/1/2024
1/11/2023
Exhibit 5-Zone of Influence
Repair Operations
11/2/2023
11/1/2023
No additional sewer issues have been associated with this section of the collection system since the last sewer
incident. This site remains an active maintenance spot pending further sewer main cleaning and CTV
assessment.
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Incident Number # 202400013-1/2/2024 - 6209 River Jasmine Lane, Raleigh
This spill was neither willful nor intentional; it resulted from a small separation of an 8-inch ductile iron pipe
sewer aerial gravity main. This asset failure led to a sewer spill of approximately 143 gallons of untreated
wastewater, reaching an unnamed tributary within the Neuse Basin. See Exhibit 1—Area of Operations
On 1/2/2024, at approximately 8:58 AM, a Raleigh Water - Sewer Maintenance Division staff was conducting an
easement inspection when he identified sewer emanating from a sewer aerial gravity main near 6209 River
Jasmine Lane, Raleigh, NC. Upon arrival, crews commenced to stop the overflow by placing a containment site
while repair efforts were under way minimizing the potential for continued sewer overflow to downstream
surface water. No sewer blockage was attributed to this incident. See Exhibit 2 — Damaged Section of Gravity
Main. The responding staff took all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as
they arrived, gaining control of the spill incident by 11:21 AM on the same day.
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Containment and collection of this spill incident consisted of employing a temporary spill containment site -
downstream of the affected area, restricting sewer flow to downstream surface waters. This approach was
intended to contain wastewater flow and minimize the environmental impact on the surrounding land.
Responding crews employed pumps at the temporary containment site to recover flushed wastewater and any
evidence of sewer completing the operation by reintroducing the wastewater to the collection system. This spill
was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural resources. Visual
inspection of the affected area and downstream waters confirmed no fish kill or unnecessary vegetative
damage.
Repairing the damaged sewer gravity main involved excavating the affected area and exposing the collapsed
pipe. Crews replaced the damaged section of the failed pipe with ductile iron, restoring the flow of untreated
wastewater. The repair was performed without disrupting sewer services (see Exhibit 3 — Completed Repair).
Sewer flow was restored on the same day.
Exhibit 3 — Completed Repair
This spill was contained without a significant environmental impact on the adjacent area and its natural
resources. Visual inspection of the affected area and downstream waters confirmed that although the spill
reached state surface waters, the immediate containment allowed the overflow to remain within the initial
stormwater conveyance. Crews utilized ample water during the restoration phase of the operation to flush the
surrounding affected area.
The cost associated with the mitigation of this incident amounted to $11,164.98. The approximate cost to the
utility to treat 143 gallons of wastewater would have been $.21. This City saved no money from this spill. Its
costs for cleanup and repair exceeded the cost of treating the volume of sewage had no spill occurred.
Furthermore, the City still had to pay to treat the greater volume of sewage created by the spill.
The incidents leading to this spill can be considered exceptional, unintentional, temporary, and caused by
factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore, the SSO could not have been prevented by exercising
reasonable control, such as routine operations and maintenance, adequate treatment facilities, or collection
system facilities or components. No additional issues have been associated with this section of the collection
system since the last sewer incident.
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Summary
The Sewer Maintenance Division of Raleigh Water strives to develop initiatives that improve operational
reliability to 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 Division 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.
Since July 2023 (Fiscal Year 2024), the Utility has maintained approximately 1252 [i] miles of gravity sewer mains
by flushing with hydraulic jetting, conducting CCTV assessments, and performing repair operations, easement
maintenance, and inspections. The fiscal year-to-date cost of these operations amounts to $2,913,456.22 [2],
approximately 2%of the Division's annual operating budget. The 3,345 gallons of untreated wastewater,
identified as notice of violations in this letter, cost the Utility approximately $25,770.31 to mitigate. The City's
cost of sewer treatment per gallon is $.0015 131. At this rate, treating the untreated wastewater spilled would
cost the City $ 5.01. The City saved no money from these spills. The costs of mitigation well exceeded the cost of
treating the volume of sewage had no spill occurred.
Furthermore, the city still had to pay to treat the greater sewage volume created by these spills. This fiscal
comparison shows the City's commitment to environmental protection, sparing no cost regardless of the spill
incident's severity and complexity. The City continues demonstrating due diligence in environmental
performance by allocating resources to a spill incident regardless of the associated cost. This effort is noted in
the City's SSO performance rate of 1.47 total SSO rate [4] per 100 miles of pipe, compared to the Southeastern
Region of the U.S., of 7.0 spills per 100 miles of line.
[111252 miles represents approximately 47%of the entire sanitary sewer collection system
[2] Associated operational cost year to date for FY2024
OPERATION
LINEAR FEET
Linear Miles
COST
CCTV
449,010
85
$270,804.27
Repair
2280
.43
$2,065,862.65
Flushing
1,683,537
319
$450,633.70
Easement
480,949
91
$126,155.60
Easement Inspection
3,995,104
757
N/A
The total cost of Business to Date is
Total. 6,610,980 Ft /
1252 MILES
$2,913,456.22
13] F.Y. 2024 annual Divisional budget - $15,058,291
[4] $.0015 is based on the annual water treatment operating cost compounded by the total treated effluent.
[5] The current SSO Rate for F.V. 24 is 1.47
Note
In FY-2023, the Raleigh Water -Sewer Maintenance Division spent $2,054,254.45 in operations to maintain, repair, and Inspect approximately 939.95 miles of sanitary sewer
infrastructure.
Additionally, the City of Raleigh 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. PUD 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. PUD has also joined forces
with other utilities nationwide through the National Association of Clean Waters Agencies (NACWA), the Water
13

Environment Foundation (WEF), 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 has an aggressive educational outreach initiative to address illicit discharges to commercial and
residential users, such as wipes, fats, oil, and grease. 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. The educational material and videos can be accessed
through social media and the Raleigh Water website: httos://raleighnc.gov/sewer-maintenance
The City 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, PUD 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.
On behalf of the City of Raleigh, I am requesting that the NOV-2024-DV-0082 issued for the month of January
2024 be fairly reviewed, considering the steps the Department has taken to protect the environment and meet
or 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,
ORC, Assistance Superintendent, at 919-996-5929.
SincerQIY,
/ell6Y
Carlosez, 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. oerezcamacho @ralei¢hnc.Gov
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