WQCS00318_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240529

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
ROY COOPER
Co,ernor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS,]R.
Director
o-`"` sreve4
l��QWM'�a
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONL Y.' NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED.
May 29, 2024
Chase Winebarger, Town Manager
Town of Sawmills
Email: [e-mail]
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Sawmills Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00318
Caldwell County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sawmills Collection
System on 5/13/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00318.
The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the
inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
The following issue should be addressed:
Manholes: The manhole behind South Caldwell High School showed signs of significant iron material
seepage coming out of the pipe coming from the direction of the High School. The ORC and BORC also
were not completely sure where the flow was coming from. This pipe needs to be maintained, the source
of the iron seepage needs to be looked into, and the source of the flow needs to be determined.
�..tiE'µD IwrlhCarolina Oegarrmen200US-High-1 QuiIh Di—.N.rthc Resources
Ashc+llk Rc9knal Officc 205p U.S. Highway 70 Swannanoa, North Camllna 2876
62&2%45C0

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Rose with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
Ev DocuSigned by:
SACE19D3940C494...
Rachel Rose, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report
Ec: Laserfiche
Steve Coonse (ORC)
QEl
vanDnivl—sWn.North
atCerRe1s1naaurcrs
28TT6
wv.wnwmwa.w o.iNJ-� 62&296.45C0

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQCS00318 Effective: 07/12/21 Expiration: 06/30/29 Owner: Town of Sawmills
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Sawmills Collection System
County: Caldwell
Region: Asheville
Contact Person: Chase Winebarger Title: Town Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS1,
Primary ORC: Steve Gary Coonse Certification: 995305 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0023736 City of Lenoir - Gunpowder Creek WWTP
WQCS00035 City of Lenoir - Lenoir Collection System
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Entry Time 10:OOAM Exit Time: 12:OOPM
Primary Inspector: Rachel Rose Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspectors): Ev
Docusi9ned by:
SACE19D3940C494...
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Permit Inspection Type: Collection system management and operation
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
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 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Rachel Rose, with the Asheville Regional Office (ARO), met with Steve Coonse (ORC, Town of Sawmills) and Terry Brown
(Assistant Public Works Director, Town of Sawmills) to conduct a Compliance Evaluation Inspection on May 13, 2024 for the
Town of Sawmills Collection System. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the system is being operated and
maintained in compliance with Permit No. WQCS00318.
Overall, the system is well -maintained with adequate planning for future needs.
The following item was noted during the inspection:
1. Manholes: Manhole #1 showed signs of significant iron material seepage coming out of the pipe coming from the direction
of the High School. The ORC and BORC also were not completely sure where the flow was coming from. This pipe needs to
be maintained, the source of the iron seepage needs to be looked into, and the source of the flow needs to be determined.
The rest of the manholes inspected were clear and in good condition with no signs of root intrusion or grease build-up.
Page 2 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
General Yes No NA NE
Is there a properly designated primary ORC and at least one back-up of proper grade? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are logs being reviewed by the system management or owner on a regular basis? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# What is that frequency? Yearly
# Are there any issues being addressed currently or any in the planning stages?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
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?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Sewer and FOG Ordinances
Yes No NA NE
Is Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) or other Legal Authority available?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does it appear that the Sewer Use Ordinance is enforced?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a Grease Control Program that legally requires grease control devices?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
What is the standard grease trap cleaning requirement in the FOG ordinance?
Grease traps
maintained by user
Is Grease Control Program enforced via periodic inspections/records review?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Is action taken against violators?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
# Have satellite systems adopted an equivalent or more stringent ordinance?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is grease/sewer education program documented with req'd customer distribution?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are other types of education tools used like websites, booths, special meetings, etc?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, what are they? (This can reduce mailing to annual.)
Available at the Town Hall
Comment: Grease/sewer education materials are mailed 1-2 times annually
and is available at the Town
Hall as well. There has not been any grease issues so far in the system. The restaurant in town
has a separate septic tank for their grease trap.
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
Has a Capital (CIP) or System Improvement Plan been developed and adopted? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is it designated for wastewater only or does it have a dedicated section? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP cover three to five year period of earmarked improvements? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include description of project area? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include description of existing facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include known deficiencies? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does CIP include forecasted future needs? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 3 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Comment:
Map Yes No NA NE
Is there a overall sewer system map? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the map include:
Pipe Type (GS/FM) ❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe sizes ❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe materials (PVC, DIP, etc) ❑ ❑ ❑
Pipe location ❑ ❑ ❑
Flow direction ❑ ❑ ❑
Approximate pipe age ❑ ❑ ❑
Pump station ID, location and capacity ❑ ❑ ❑
# Force main air release valve location & type ❑ ❑ ❑
# Location of satellite connections ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the map being updated for changes/additions within 1 year of activation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: There is an overall sewer system paper map and an online GIS map as well.
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? Available at Town
Hall
Comment: The Annual Wastewater Performance Report is mailed annually. This report has been being
filed with the Division through email to what seems to be an unresponsive email. Please email
future Annual Wastewater Performance Reports to Daniel Boss (Assistant Regional Supervisor,
ARO).
Inspections
Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
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?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Pump stations are inspected twice per week.
Page 4 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Spill Response Action Plan
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel?
Does the plan include:
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: It is recommended to include the source of emergency funds in the Spill Response Action Plan.
Spills
Is system free of known points of bypass?
If No, describe type of bypass and location
Yes No NA NE
■❑❑❑
Are all spills or sewer related issues/complaints documented? ❑ 1:10 ❑
# Are there repeated overflows/problems (2 or more in 12 months) at same location? ❑ ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: There have not been any spills or sewer related issues/complaints so far. Be sure to document
any future spills or sewer related issues/complaints.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
1. Burt Huffman HPL
2. Upstream South Caldwell High School
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: HPL #2 had some stumps washed up to the aerial line from the recent storm. The Town workers
were planning to clear the debris.
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Page 5 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Reason for Visit: Routine
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
1. Behind South Caldwell High School
2. Upstream High School pump station
3. On Mission Road
Are manholes accessible?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of sinkholes and depressions?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole covers present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes properly seated?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are manholes in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Are inverts in good condition?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow unrestricted in manholes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive amounts of grease?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive roots?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manholes free of excessive sand?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are manhole vents screened?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are vents free of submergence?
❑
❑ ❑
Are manholes free of bypass structures or pipes?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The system has vented manholes, but none were observed during the inspection.
See
summary for details.
Pump Stations
Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
1. High School PS
2. Mayfield PS
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system
3
# Number of vacuum stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system
0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building
0
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way "auto polling" communication system (SCADA) installed?
0
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto -dialer) installed?
3
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?
❑ ❑ ❑
Page 6 of 7

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5479413C-06A5-4CB7-8A28-6C9EB7F7F76C
Permit: WQCS00318 Owner - Facility: Town of Sawmills
Inspection Date: 05/13/2024 Inspection Type : Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Is a 24-hour notification sign posted ?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Does the sign include:
Owner Name?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Pump station identifier?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Address?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Instructions for notification?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
24-hour emergency contact numbers?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms present?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Are audio and visual alarms operable?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is there a backup generator or bypass pump connected?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
If tested during inspection, did it function properly?
❑
❑ ❑
Is the back-up system tested at least bi-annually under normal operating conditions?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Does it have a dedicated connection for a portable generator?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
# Is the owner relying on portable units in the event of a power outage?
❑
0 ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a distribution plan?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
If Yes, what resources (Units/StaffNehicles/etc) are included in Plan?
# Does Permittee have the approved percentage of replacement simplex pumps?
❑
❑ 0 ❑
Is recordkeeping of pump station inspection and maintenance program adequate?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Do pump station logs include at a minimum:
Inside and outside cleaning and debris removal?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and exercising all valves?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting and lubricating pumps and other equipment?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Inspecting alarms, telemetry and auxiliary equipment?
0
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: All three pump stations have permanent generators. The generators are automatically
exercised weekly. The valves are exercised three times per year.
Page 7 of 7