WQCS00275_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240516

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S.BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E.ROGERS,JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
June 04, 2024
Franky J Howard
Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
228 Georgetown Rd.
Jacksonville, NC 28540
SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
North Topsail Beach & Sneads Ferry Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00275
Onslow County
Dear Permittee:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the North Topsail Beach &
Sneads Ferry Collection System on 5/16/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility
is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No.
WQCS00275. The findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed
copy of the inspection report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".
Please review the entire attached inspection report and ensure that the required map and respective plans are
completed within six months. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Lievre
with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Wilmington Regional Office at 910-796-7215 or via
email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
Toµ 'T1n�l�,�coti
7F141 E731361`3456_.
Tom Tharrington, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENT
Cc: Justin Sanderson (via email)
Upload to Laserfiche
oi...,.D:Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional office 1127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington North Carolina 28405
910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00275 Effective: 09/01/13 Expiration: 08/31/21 Owner: Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: North Topsail Beach &Sneads Ferry Collection
County: Onslow
Region: Wilmington
Contact Person:Randy R Hoffer Title: Facility Manager Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Donald J Sanderson Certification: 1003895 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
Nicholas Adam Evans 1014832 910-937-7560
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
WQ0005849 Onslow Water and Sewer Authority-North Topsail WWTP
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 01:OOPM
DocuSigned by:
Primary Inspector:Bryan Lievre $ "4t Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s): 6AFssoz31BDD428...
DocuSigned by:
Jordan Cocanower EE92CA3CD8FF64F7...
b�� ��hwwReason 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 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the North Topsail Beach&Sneads Ferry Collection System was performed on May 16,
2024. The purpose of the inspection was to verify that the system is operating in compliance with the terms of Permit
WQCS00275. Present during the inspection were Donald ("Justin") Sanderson Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and
Nick Evans (BORC)with Onslow Water and Sewer Authority(ONWASA), as well as Bryan Lievre and Jordan Cocanower
with NCDEQ.
In November 2023, ONWASA purchased the entire collection system and assets from Pluris, LLC. According to the Pluris
collection system permit renewal application, dated 4/23/2021, the collection system has approximately 38 linear miles of
force mains, 54 linear miles of gravity sewer, 94 duplex pump stations, 762 simplex grinder stations, an unknown number of
manholes, as well as associated appurtenances. The collection system discharges into the Topsail Wastewater Treatment
Plant(WWTP), Permit Number WQ0005849, which has also been recently acquired from Pluris,LLC by ONWASA. The
Topsail WWTP has a 542,635 gpd facultative lagoon system with discharge to approximately 129 acres of irrigation area and
a 1,000,000 gpd membrane bioreactor(MBR)system which can discharge to two high-rate infiltration basins. Available
information indicates that the average daily flow in 2023 was approximately 390,000 gpd for the facultative lagoon system
and 520,000 gpd for the MBR system.
In regards to the 9/4/2013 Collection System Permit, Item I. 14., duplex pump stations have been installed to replace the
simplex pump stations that served multiple residential units as follows:
- Duplex Pump Station 87 (PS087) replaced the simplex unit that served 704 through 710 Trade Winds Dr.;
- Duplex Pump Station 93 (PS093) replaced the simplex unit that served 159, 161, 163, 165, 167 & 169Topsail Rd.; and,
- Duplex Pump Station 86 (PS086) replaced the simplex unit that served 2976, 2978, 2982 Island Dr. &200 Ernest Dr.
In regards to Item I. 15 of the 9/4/2013 permit, the 13 simplex units in Attachment B remain as listed in the permit.
Since the date of the last permit was issued (9/4/2013), the system has had 2 reported sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs)and
was issued one Notice of Deficiency, as noted below:
- 7/13/2013 SSO, with a release of approximately 2,000 gallons, but no impacts to surface waters which occurred at the
Main Island Pump Station at the High Rise Bridge (i.e., PSO49)when power to the station was temporarily interrupted,
telephone lines were also apparently affected and the emergency generator lost phase;
- 2/19/2024 SSO (but was filed under the other ONWASA system(WQCS00249))which occurred at 424 Canvasback Ln,
Sneads Ferry after a power outage occurred at a pump station at 246 East Redhead Circle, Sneads Ferry (PS075).
Although the pump station was equipped with an emergency backup generator, the automatic transfer switch failed to
engage and an estimated amount of 17,00 gallons was released to the surface. Ponded materials were reportedly recovered
using a vacuum truck and lime applied to the affected area. Surface water was reportedly not impacted by this release; and,
- 4/17/2018 Notice of Deficiency(NOD-2018-PC-0149)following a compliance inspection, performed on 4/5/2018 for:
Failure to submit annual wastewater report; Need to complete map by 9/2019; Out of 8 stations inspected, 2 audible& 1
telemetry out; and, Pump station records need more detail.
The system needs to be reminded that permits are required from NCDEQ for sewer system extensions, unless the project is
deemed permitted under 15A NCAC 2T .0303. Also, projects not eligible for review via the fast track process (i.e., must be
submitted for full technical review) include:
- Projects that do not meet any part of the minimum design criteria (MDC)documents;
- Projects that involve more than one variance from the requirements of 15A NCAC 02T;
- Pressure sewer systems utilizing simplex septic tank-effluent pumps(STEPs)or simplex grinder pumps;
-Simplex STEP or simplex grinder pumps connecting to pressurized systems(e.g. force mains); and,
-Vacuum sewer systems.
The ONWASA staff's knowledge of the system was beneficial and very helpful during the inspection. It is understood that
ONWASA needs additional time since acquiring the system to prepare the needed reports and map, but having
knowledgeable staff will hopefully ease this burden. Please review the comments sections of the inspection reports for more
details.
Page 2 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 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? Monthly or as
needed
#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? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Does plan indicate if pump parts/new pumps are in spare parts/equipment inventory? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are new/significantly upgraded pump stations equipped with anti-corrosion materials? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the permittee have a copy of their permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is permit expiring within the next 6 months? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If Yes, has the Permittee applied for renewal? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The current permit was issued 9/4/2013 and expired 8/31/2021. ONWASA has a copy of the
most recent 2013 permit. Pluris submitted a permit renewal application on 4/23/2021 and on
10/17/2023 ONWASA submitted a package to request an ownership change from Pluris to
ONWASA. According to DEQ Permits staff, another package needs to be submitted for the
permit renewal since ONWASA acquired the system. Based on the estimated population in the
area, the system has a Grade II Classification and both Justin Sanderson (ORC) and Nicholas
Evans (BORC) hold Grade IV Classification certifications. Spare pumps are available and
plans are being made to upgrade the system and components.
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? NA
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.)
Comment: Due to the relatively new takeover of the system, ONWASA does not vet have all necessary
plans in-place, including a SUO. It should be noted though that ONWASA does have a SUO
and FOG Program for it's other collection system permit (i.e. WQCS00249). The system
anticipates to duplicate the same established procedures for both collection systems.
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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Page 3 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Does CIP cover three to five year period of earmarked improvements? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does CIP include description of project area? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does CIP include description of existing facilities? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does CIP include known deficiencies? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does CIP include forecasted future needs? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Due to the relatively new takeover of the system, ONWASA does not yet have all necessary
plans in-place: however, minor repairs are being performed as they are encountered and plans
are being made to budget for larger projects. The larger future projects are expected to be
included within a CIP for the system. ONWASA has reportedly already committed funds to
replace pumps, pipes and controls for a pump station at the New River inlet.
Map Yes No NA NE
Is there a overall sewer system map? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
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: Currently ONWASA is working off limited maps and information provided by Pluris. ONWASA is
having all structures within the collection system surveyed and when complete, they anticipate
to have an electronic map with all required information available to staff. It is anticipated that it
may take 4 to 5 months to complete surveying and finish the map.
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? NA
Comment: There has been only one sewer spill within the last three years, as noted within the Summary.
ONWASA staff seem to have fulfilled all reporting requirements in regards to the release.
There are no records of past Annual Wastewater Reports being submitted to the Division.
ONWASA is reminded that these reports are required for all systems with an average annual
flow of greater than 200,000 gpd per NCGS 143-215.1 C.
Page 4 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspections Yes No NA NE
Are adequate maintenance records maintained? M ❑ ❑ ❑
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: Log books are maintained at each of the pump stations. ONWASA currently uses Missions for
the Scada system and Sensaphone auto dialer (telemetry) and are attempting to have
everything placed on Scada. The system has three high-priority lines which were all visited
during the inspection without any issues noted, and they include:
o A 12" DIP aerial line located along the south side of the superstructure for the NC Hwy 210
bridge onto North Topsail;
o A 10" DIP aerial line located adjacent to the north side of the Stone Bay Bridge, which is
located on NC Hwy 210, approximately one mile east of its intersection with US Hwy 17; and,
o An 8" DIP aerial located adjacent to the south side of the Grant Creek/Mill Creek Bridge on
Old Folkstone Rd. (SR 1518), approximately 3,275 feet east of its intersection with NC Hwy
210.
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: As mentioned, due to the relatively new takeover of the system, ONWASA does not yet have all
necessary plans in-place; however, ONWASA does have a spill response plan for it's other
collection system permit (i.e. WQCS00249). The system anticipates to duplicate the same
established procedures for both collection systems.
Spllls Yes No NA NE
Is system free of known points of bypass? ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, describe type of bypass and location
Page 5 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Are all spills or sewer related issues/complaints documented? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
#Are there repeated overflows/problems(2 or more in 12 months)at same location? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
# If Yes, is there a corrective action plan? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: No comments.
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Are right-of-ways/easements maintained for full width for access by staff/equipment? ❑ ❑ ❑
If No, give details on temporary access:
ONWASA is currently in the process of contracting with others to maintain right-of-ways and easements.
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: NA
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: No comments.
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Page 6 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
3944&3946 Island Dr., North Topsail Beach, simplex station
Topsail Way#3, 965 Old Foldstone Rd, Sneads Ferry, duplex station
PS#49, Main Lift Station (High Rise Bridge), duplex station with odor control &diesel powered backup pump
PS#91 (Preserves#91), 274 Chadwick Acres Rd., Sneads Ferry, duplex station with diesel powered backup
pump
PS#99 (Wind Point#99), 537 White Shoal Way, Sneads Ferry, duplex station with diesel powered backup
pump
#Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 104
#Number of vacuum stations in system 0
#Number of simplex pump stations in system 900
#Number of simplex pump stations in system serving more than one building 13
How many pump/vacuum stations have:
# A two-way"auto polling"communication system (SCADA)installed?
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer)installed?
For pump stations inspected:
Are they secure with restricted access? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Were they free of by-pass structures/pipes? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Were wet wells free of excessive grease/debris? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Do they all have telemetry installed? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the communication system functional? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
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/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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 7 of 8

DocuSign Envelope ID:79A34E37-662B-43AC-93FD-197EEFA417E6
Permit: WQCS00275 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 05/16/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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: Although some issues were observed at some of the pump stations, ONWASA staff contacted
others within the organization and had each of the issues resolved in a very timely manner.
Page 8 of 8