WQCS00230_Inspection_20240815

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00230 Effective: 07/30/21 Expiration: 06/30/29 Owner: Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: Pluris Webb Creek Collection System
County: Onslow
Region: Wilmington
Contact Person:Jeffrey Lohr Title: Chief of Engineering Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
System Classifications: CS2,
Primary ORC: Donald J Sanderson Certification: 1003895 Phone: [phone]
Secondary ORC(s):
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0089877 Onslow Water and Sewer Authority-Webb Creek WWTP
Inspection Date: 08/15/2024 Entry Time 09:OOAM Exit Time: 11:45AM
Primary Inspector:Jordan Cocanower Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
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 Pump Stations
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 6

Permit: WQCS00230 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 08/15/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
A routine compliance inspection of the Webb Creek Collection System(WQCS00230)was conducted August 15th, 2024.
DWR parties Present: Jordan Cocanower(Inspector)
ONWASA Parties Present: Justin Sanderson (ORC), Jeremy Jones, Luther(unknown last name, safety and compliance
officer)
Thank you to those at ONWASA who accomodated this inspection.
This system was aquired by ONWASA from Pluris at the beginning of 2024. The folks at ONWASA are learning the ins and
outs of the system and compiling the necessary documents for compliance with the permit. The lack of documentation left
by Pluris has been an obstacle that has required a hands on approach when it comes to learning the system.Tropical storm
Debby occurred one week prior to the inspection. No spills were reported and no evidence of overflows were found.
-CIP is being worked on. It should be made available near the one year mark of system ownership. Pump upgrades and
replacements have already been made at PS#1 and PS#2. Other upgrades are in the works.
- Map is available via GIS. The map does not contain all the necessary components but it is being constantly updated as
information is gathered on the system.
-Ordinances and response plans follow suit with what is found in other ONWASA collection systems.
-10% cleaning should occur near the one year mark of system ownership
-The current permit is expired. Pluris did not renew the permit and ownership changed to ONWASA before a renewal
occurred. Steps should be taken to either incorporate this system into another collection system permit or to renew this
permit.
Pump Stations Inspected: PS#1, PS#3, PS#5, PS#6, PS#7, PS#9
All pump stations visited were well maintained and fully compliant with the terms of the permit. All pump stations listed in
the permit are being used. Pump station #9 is not listed in the permit and seems to have been incorporated into the
collection system around 2017. The permit for this pump station is WQ0038477. PS#9 is in good shape and follows all
MDCs for pump stations.
The staff at ONWASA showed a very good understanding of their system given the short time they have had to become
familiar with the system and the lack of documentation left by Pluris. They have been proactive in upgrading their pump
stations and have shown that they are committed to the success of this system. There is work to be done regarding
documentation (CIP,mapping, renewal)but given the circumstances ONWASA has shown to be compliant with the terms of
the permit.
Page 2 of 6

Permit: WQCS00230 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 08/15/2024 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?
#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? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: The current permit is expired. The permit was supposed to be renewed by Pluris when they
took over the system late 2021 but they failed to renew before ONWASA took over the system
January 10th, 2024.
During ownership change ONWASA stated that they had no problems submitting a renewal
application but requested that the system be lumped in with the WQCS00249 permit. My
understanding is that Central Office decided it was best that the system stay under the current
permit.
Given the short time frame between ONWASA's aquisition of the system and the compliance
inspection and the communications between the Central Office it is understandable why the
permit is expired.
WIRO suggests that ONWASA submit a renewal application for the Webb Creek System.
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?
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
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.)
Website
Comment: Sewer and Fog ordinances are have been replicated from WQCS00249
Capital Improvement Plan Yes No NA NE
Page 3 of 6

Permit: WQCS00230 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 08/15/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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 ❑
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: No CIP currently exists for the Webb Creek System under ONWASA. Given the time period
between system aquisition and inspection (currently learning the ins and outs of the system) it
would be unreasonable to demand a CIP on short notice. This is not to say ONWASA has not
been proactive in planning and retrofitting the system. Pump station #2 has had two new
pumps installed and was awaiting an electrical inspection at the time of DWR's inspection.
PS#1 has a new pump on order and upgrades are planned for other stations.
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: The map is a work in progress. Very little documentation was left by Pluris. ONWASA is working
on piecing together maps as they develop further understanding of the system.
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?
Comment:
Inspections
Yes No NA NE
Page 4 of 6

Permit: WQCS00230 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 08/15/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
Are adequate maintenance records maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are pump stations being inspected at the required frequency? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# 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? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the annual inspection documented? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Does the system have any high-priority lines/locations? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Are inspections of HPL documented at least every 6 months? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are new lines being added to the HPL list when found or created? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
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: Procedures seem to have been duplicated from WQCS00249
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
PS#1, PS#3, PS#5, PS#6, PS#7, PS#9.
PS#9(The Pines) is not shown on the permit.
All pump stations listed on permit are in use.
#Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 9
#Number of vacuum stations in system 0
#Number of simplex pump stations in system 3
#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?
# A simple one-way telemetry/communication system (auto-dialer)installed? 9
For pump stations inspected:
Page 5 of 6

Permit: WQCS00230 Owner-Facility:Onslow Water and Sewer Authority
Inspection Date: 08/15/2024 Inspection Type:Collection System Inspect Non Sampling Reason for Visit: Routine
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? ❑ ❑ ❑
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 ❑ ❑ ❑
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: High water alarms were functional and all stations visited were well maintained. Logs were up to
date and available at all stations. Pump station #1 had a bypass pump in place while waiting
for replacement pump on backorder.
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