WQCS00004_CEI_20240904

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

September 4, 2024

Thomas E. Hartye, PE
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
MSD Buncombe County Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00004
Buncombe County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the MSD Buncombe County
Collection System on 8/19/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00004.
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 me at 828-296-4686 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Mikal Willmer, Environmental Program Consultant
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report

Ec: LF

Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00004 Effective:06/18/21 Expiration:05/31/29 Owner :Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe
County North Carolina
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Buncombe
Asheville
Hunter Carson
Effective:Expiration:Facility:MSD Buncombe County Collection System
2028 Riverside Dr
Asheville NC 288043054
Title:Phone:[phone]Dir of Engineering
Secondary ORC(s):
828-255-0061Phone:26989Certification:C Kenneth StinesPrimary ORC:
CS4,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0024911 Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina - French
Broad River WRF
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
08/19/2024 09:00AM 04:00PM
Mikal Willmer 828-296-4686
Lauren E Armeni
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 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Mikal Willmer and Lauren Armeni, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the
Metropolitan Sewerage Districts (MSD) Collection System on 8/21/2024. This inspection was conducted to determine
whether the system is being operated and maintained in compliance with Collection System Permit # WQCS00004. Ken
Stines (ORC), John Gosnell (BORC) and Jason Capizzi (BORC), MSD, were present and assisted in the inspection.
Overall, the system is being operated and maintained in compliance with the applicable permit conditions.
Documentation: MSD utilizes an online information management system, City Works, to document required maintenance,
spill and complaint responses. All staff have real-time access to the system in the field and can update the progress of a
response. This allows management to review any ongoing and historical work daily and allows for the generation of reports to
determine priority or problem areas within the system. Spill response and contingency plans are updated as needed. In
addition to the pump contingency plan, there is a bypass plan for each pump station that all staff have access to.
CIP: Updated as needed based on in-house priority rating system and funds available. MSD attempts not to change projects
within the CIP that are scheduled to begin within 1-2 years. In FY25, MSD plans to spend approximately $48 million on
wastewater infrastructure. An 8 MGD EQ tank is planned in the next 1-3 years to be installed near Azaela to help further
shave peak flows into the WWTP. Staff report projects under 2,000 linear feet are typically completed in-house. Division of
Water Resources inspectors visited an improvement project being completed by MSD staff along Depot St. during the
inspection.
Cleaning: MSD attempts to clean over 10% of lines annually. In FY24, approximately 1.4 million linear feet of sewer line
were cleaned.
FOG: Enforcement is handled by the pretreatment staff. MSD is adding an additional staff member to help with FOG
management. A map is retained of all grease traps within the system.
Manholes (MH):
MH Near water wheel (63-5406): invert clear, freely flowing, no root intrusion. MH is above grade.
MH Next to Dobra Tea Downtown: Minor grease noted on manhole benches, free flowing and no root intrusion. MH requires
more frequently cleanings since several of the upstream restaurants only have room for under sink grease traps.
MH Across from Earth Magick- some grease on manhole benches but free flowing
MH Olivette- Woodfin area next to aerial line east side
MH Olivette- near green mind trail
Pump Stations (PS): Generators are tested under load on a rotating list 5 times a year. Contract with Grace Oil for fuel for
extended outages. Fuel is polished once a year at all stations by contract firm with permanent diesel generators.
Carrier PS: This is the largest pump station and has a carbon filtration system for odor reduction. PS log for the morning
check was reviewed while onsite. Wet well has two transducers and a backup float. If the backup float is activated, all three
pumps will kick on. The SCADA system will flag an alert if the transducers are inoperable or not working properly. Generator
test automatically every Monday through the transfer switch. 3,100-gallon tank onsite for generator.
Weaverville #1 PS: Has a permanent generator. Use chemical treatment to help reduce hydrogen sulfide production at the
pumps station. Construction mobilization for the PS upgrades were beginning at the time of the inspection. Upgrades to
this facility will remove the need for the Weaverville # 2 PS.
Page 2 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Routine
Salem Acres: Small pump station with floats. Panel is within property owners’ yard and wet well is within the roadway. Has
quick-connect for portable generator. Only 10 homes connected to pump station. Some minor grease noted in the wet well.
Lee Creek PS: Located in Woodfin. PS has transducers and a permanent generator with adequate fuel. Erwin hills pump
station will eventually be decommissioned and flow into this PS. A build-up of grease was noted in the wet well.
Aerial Lines:
Ferry Rd: This is a high risk high-priority line due to the location. Recently cleared of debris. No visual exterior issues noted
with the line.
Ferry Rd #2: has joint across creek, this is also a priority line. No noted issues at the time of the inspection.
Water Wheel Line: low-risk high priority creek crossing. Visible area of line appeared to be ok. Downstream manhole was
free flowing.
Olivette: Aerial crossing. Development has placed fencing and vegetation around the line, which reduces visibility for visual
inspections. Recommend asking the development to remove the fencing and vegetation, or if attempting to prevent access,
move fence further away from the high priority line.
Page 3 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County 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
# 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?
Areas that receive three or more calls are inspected by camera to help determine the root
cause of the issue.
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?25% rule
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.)
FOG information is available on MSD's website
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?
CIP and annual budget are published on MSD's website.Comment:
Page 4 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Routine
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?
MSD has an in-house GIS department that continually updates the map when lines are
discovered or installed.
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?Bill & Online
Link to annual performance report is in the customer bill and always available on MSD's
website.
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?
All system maintenance is tracked within City Works. HPLs are inspected in sections.Comment:
Spill Response Action Plan Yes No NA NE
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available?
Page 5 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Routine
Is a Spill Response Action Plan available for all personnel?
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?
MSD has approximately $1,000,000 in contingency funds for emergency repairs.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?
Each pump station has a bypass contingency plan.Comment:
Lines/Right-of-Ways/Aerial Lines Yes No NA NE
Please list the Lines/Right of Ways/Aerial Lines Inspected:
Ferry Rd #1 & #2, Water Wheel Line (weaverville), & Olivette aerial.
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?
All work documented in City Works and lines cleaned annually are reported in MSD 's
performance report.
Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
Water Wheel (Weaverville), Dobra Tea Downtown, Earth Magick, Olivette upstream aerial line, & Olivette near
river trail.
Are manholes accessible?
# Are manhole covers/vents above grade?
Are manholes free of visible signs of overflow?
Page 6 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Routine
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:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Carrier, Weaverville #1, Salem Acres and Lee Creek.
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 40
# 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?40
# 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?
Page 7 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00004
08/19/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County North Carolina
Routine
Are audio and visual alarms present?
Are audio and visual alarms operable?
# Is there a backup generator or bypass pump connected?
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?
36 of the lift stations have dedicated generators. All lift stations have a bypass pumping option and access to
portable generators as needed. System contains a combination of diesel and natural gas generators. MSD
trucks contain diesel fuel tanks for emergency refueling during power outages.
# 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?
Weekly pump station inspections are recorded in City Works. The six major lift stations are
visited daily.
Comment:
Page 8 of 8
Docusign Envelope ID: A20EDA5B-701F-4DB6-AA4C-5236F25812A6