WQCS00174_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240807

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

August 21, 2024

Tony Konsul
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
PO Box 240908
Email: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Sugar Mountain Collection System
Collection System Permit No. WQCS00174
Avery County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Sugar Mountain
Collection System on 8/07/2024. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Collection System Permit No. WQCS00174.
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 Richard Eguino with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Richard Eguino, Environmental Specialist I
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Inspection Report
Ec: Laserfische
Cody Marlowe (BORC), [e-mail]
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQCS00174 Effective:04/22/24 Expiration:03/31/32 Owner :Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Avery
Asheville
Tony Konsul
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Sugar Mountain Collection System
PO Drawer 240908
Charlotte NC 28224
Title:Phone:[phone]Vice President of Operations
Cody Dean Marlowe 1006967 282-552-0934
Secondary ORC(s):
828-559-6032Phone:[phone]Certification:Travis Shane ThomasPrimary ORC:
CS2,System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
NC0022900 Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina - Sugar Mountain WWTP
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
08/07/2024 11:30AM 02:00PM
Richard Eguino 828-296-4500
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
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00174
08/07/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Richard Eguino, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the Sugar Mountain
Collection System on August 7, 2024. The inspection was conducted to determine if the system is being operated and
maintained in compliance with Collection System Permit No. WQCS00174.Cody Marlowe (BORC, Carolina Water Service)
and Cody Greene (Operator, Carolina Water Service) were present and assisted in the inspection.
The collection system consists of approximately 5.6 miles of gravity sewer, two miles of force main, and nine duplex pump
stations. Overall, the facility appears to be operated and maintained in accordance with Permit No. WQCS00174.
General:
Mr. Marlowe explained that he is now the primary ORC for the collections system. An ORC designation form will need to be
submitted so that up to date ORC and BORC information is on file.
Records Review:
Records were available for review and appeared organized and complete. The annual reports to wastewater customers for
2022 and 2023 were not available. A review of average annual flows were approximately 179K GPD for 2022, and
approximately 165K GPD for 2023, which is below the 200K GPD requirement for preparing Annual Performance Reports as
specified in NCGS 143-215.1C, so an annual report is not required for these years.
Sewer and FOG Ordinances:
Carolina Water Service (CWS) has implemented a Sewer Use Tariff that appears to meet the standards of an enforceable
Sewer Use Ordinance and FOG program. The Sewer Use Tariff requires that grease traps be maintained by end users to
prevent discharges of grease but does not specify a minimum pump out/cleaning requirement. It is recommended that the
Sewer Use Tariff establishes a minimum pump out/cleaning requirement for grease traps. Mr. Marlowe explained CWS
personnel inspect grease traps annually and have been finding that grease traps are overall being well maintained.
High Priority Lines:
The collection system has two high priority lines (HPL). The Glen to Golf Course HPL is an aerial stream crossing located
adjacent to a golf course and the Highlands Circle to Ragan Park HPL is positioned parallel to a stream bank in a forested
area. Both HPLs were inspected with no issues observed.
Manholes:
The manhole on Sugar Mountain drive, adjacent to the tennis courts, and the manhole at the intersection of NC HWY 105
and Tynecastle Hwy were visually inspected. Both appeared in good condition with no issues observed.
Pump Stations:
Mr. Marlowe explained that pump station run times are electronically reviewed by supervision daily to capture
inconsistencies before they develop into pump station issues.
Mr. Marlowe explained that three pump stations have diesel emergency generators installed--Sugar Point, Grandfather
Village, and Reserve 1. All other pump stations are equipped with quick connects for emergency generators. CWS
maintenance personnel fill the generators as needed with their own diesel dispenser trailer. If diesel is needed in greater
quantities, then Gouge Oil will be called in to deliver fuel.
Two pump stations were inspected with no issues observed. Grandfather Center #1 pump station receives wastewater from
the main strip of restaurants and had minor grease accumulation. Blue Ridge Village #3 pump station receives wastewater
from the Blue Ridge Village residential community. The float switches, visual and audible alarms, and the SCADA system
were tested satisfactorily.
Page 2 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00174
08/07/2024 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 for run times
& quarterly for
other items
# 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?
One pump station, Grandfather Center, is in the planning stages of being upgraded. It was
discussed that anti-corrosion materials should be used when the upgrade is implemented. See
summary for details.
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?Not specified, see
summary
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
CWS has implemented a Sewer User Tariff which appears to meet the standards of an
enforceable Sewer Use Ordinance and FOG program. It is recommended that the Sewer Use
Tariff include a minimum pump out/cleaning requirement for grease traps. See summary for
details.
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?
Page 3 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00174
08/07/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
Does CIP include description of existing facilities?
Does CIP include known deficiencies?
Does CIP include forecasted future needs?
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?
GIS system map. Pump station capacities are not included and should be added.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?N/A
Annual average flow was reviewed to verify applicability of NCGS 143-215.1C. Annual average
flow is less than 200K GPD, so an annual report is not required. See summary for details.
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?
Page 4 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00174
08/07/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
CWS tracks maintenance through an electronic work order system. There is a reoccuring
annual work order for inspecting the entire collection system.
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:
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:
The Glen to Golf Course (aerial stream crossing)
Highlands Cirlce to Ragan Park (parallel to stream bank)
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?
Records of line cleaning were available for review and meet the 10% minimum requirement.Comment:
Manholes Yes No NA NE
Page 5 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00174
08/07/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
Please list the Manholes Inspected:
MH on Sugar Mountain Drive, adjacent to tennis courts
MH at the intersection of NC HWY 105 and Tynecastle Hwy
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?
Manholes are at grade. See summary for details.Comment:
Pump Stations Yes No NA NE
Please list the Pump Stations Inspected:
Grandfather Center, #1
Blue Ridge Village, #3
# Number of duplex or larger pump stations in system 9
# 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?9
# 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:
Page 6 of 7
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQCS00174
08/07/2024 Collection System Inspect Non Sampling
Carolina Water Service Inc of North Carolina
Routine
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?
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?
Three portable generators. Sugar Point, Grandfather Village, and Reserve 1 pump stations have permanent
generators. 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