WQCS00227_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240807

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

August 07, 2024

Stacy Adcock
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Fairfield Sapphire (form. Jackson Utility) Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00227
Jackson County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Fairfield Sapphire (form.
Jackson Utility) Collection System on 7/23/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility
is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No.
WQCS00227. 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 Mikal Willmer with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4686 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Daniel Boss, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report

Ec: LF
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00227 Effective:10/17/23 Expiration:Owner :Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Jackson
Asheville
Tony Konsul
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Fairfield Sapphire (form. Jackson Utility) Collection System
PO Box 240908
Charlotte NC 282240908
Title:Phone:[phone]Regional Manager
Secondary ORC(s):
828-226-8538Phone:[phone]Certification:Alex Matthew HutchinsPrimary ORC:
CSNC,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0022985 Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina - Fairfield Sapphire Valley WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
07/23/2024 09:00AM 12:00PM
Mikal Willmer 828-296-4686
Richard Eguino
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 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00227
07/23/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Mikal Willmer and Richard Eguino, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the
Fairfield Sapphire Valley Collection System on July 23, 2024. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the
system is being operated and maintained in compliance with Permit # WQCS00227. Stacy Adcock and Alex Hutchins, with
Carolina Water Service (CWS), were present and assisted in the inspection.
Overall, the facility appeared to be operated and maintained in compliance with Permit #WQCS00227.
Sewer & FOG Ordinances: CWS is a privately owned public utility and cannot implement ordinances. To help enforce
section I.4 of the permit, CWS has an approved Sewer Use Tariff that outlines potential enforcement actions that can be
taken against users in violation of the control program. Staff report no major issues with grease within the system. CWS
does not currently conduct routine inspection of the restaurants on the system but monitors downstream manholes and
talks with the businesses as needed. It is recommended staff formerly document any interactions or maintenance related to
enforcement of the sewer control program.
Annual Performance Report: An annual performance report is not currently required based on annual average flows (<0.2
MGD). It is still recommended CWS provide a performance report for customers describing the status of the WWTP and CS
and any projects that pertain to wastewater infrastructure. This can be made available on CWS’ website.
Line Cleaning: Fairfield/Sapphire collection system consists of three miles of gravity line and 6.2 miles of force main. Staff
report all 3 miles of gravity line are cleaned every year and CCTV approximately every three years.
Manholes: Division staff inspected a MH on Meadow Way and one behind Micas Restaurant.
Meadow Way MH: CWS staff noted excessive flow through this manhole during routine inspection and determined part of
the line runs along the lake edge. This line was recently slip lined to repair and reduce the infiltration.
Micas MH: MH is downstream of Micas Restaurant and receives the most grease in the system. Staff make sure this line is
checked regularly and cleaned annually. Minimal grease buildup within the manhole, at the time of the inspection.
Pump Stations: Division staff inspected PS #s 33, 32, 41, 8 & 40. The audible alarm was inoperable at PS #40 at the time
of the inspection but has been repaired by maintenance staff and verified via video. CWS maintains 47 pump stations. Most
of the pump stations on the system are 2 hp or less and service single buildings. Staff check the pump stations weekly.
Signs were posted at the lift stations, but brief instructions need to be included on the sign for the public. Safety cable nets
are locked on top of every wet well under the wet well lids. This makes flipping floats difficult, but staff also monitor pump
run times and alarms to determine if the floats are operating properly. Each station has a separate SCADA float from the
audible/visual alarm. Carolina Energy checks the generators on a quarterly basis. Generators test under load every
Monday. Freeman gas supplies propane. Approximately 7 of the pump stations have stationary generators and the
remainder have quick connects.
Staff report they are continually adding stationary generator and replacing control panels. Recommend staff modify the
weekly lift station logs to specifically include columns for the items listed under section II.3 of the permit so these
maintenance activities do not need to be handwritten in the “comments” column. The Division’s example spreadsheets will
be provided via email. Please note, the use of these spreadsheets is not required.
Page 2 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00227
07/23/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
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?Daily/Weekly
# 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?
Replacing control panels and adding permanent generators.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?
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.)
Posted on CWS' website.
See summary regarding Sewer Use Tariff.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?
Does CIP include forecasted future needs?
CWS has CIPs broken down for each of their facilities.Comment:
Map Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00227
07/23/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
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?
CWS should add the pump station capacities to the system map.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?
Annual average flow is less than 200,000 GPD so an annual report is not required.
Recommend providing an annual performance report to customers for the WWTP and CS.
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?
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:
Page 4 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00227
07/23/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
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?
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:
Lonesome Valley Rd #1-Line under bridge.
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?
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Meadow Way MH and Micas MH
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?
Page 5 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00227
07/23/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
# 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?
Manholes are at grade.Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
#33, #32, #41, #8 & #40
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 46
# Number of vacuum stations in system 0
# Number of simplex pump stations in system 1
# 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?47
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer) installed?0
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?
Page 6 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00227
07/23/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
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?
See summary for details.
# 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?
See summary for details.Comment:
Page 7 of 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 41432680-6A73-42A7-B04D-981EC0C1388E