WQCS00002_NOV-2019-DV-0316 Response_20190903

City of Raleigh
NORTH CAROLINA
September 3, 2019
Mr. Rick Bolich
Surface Water Assistant Supervisor
NCDEQ- DWR
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1628
Re: Response to NOV-2019-DV-0316
Sanitary Sewer Overflows: April -June 2019
Permit No. WQCS00002
Dear Mr. Bolich:
NC Dept of Environmental Quality
SEP - 3 2019
Raleigh Regional Office
Please allow this letter to serve as a response to the Notice of Violation that was received on
August 20, 2019, regarding pending violation actions of (16) Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)
events which occurred during the second quarter of the 2019 calendar year within the City of
Raleigh Collections System[1]. The noticed events occurred while the City operated its
collection system, according to WQCS00002, dated June 6, 2017. The permit includes the
language outlined in footnote 1 and applies to the SSOs upon which NOVs with the notice of
intent (NOV-N01) were based. For the SSO events listed with intended NOV-NOI action, the City
of Raleigh (COR) contends that the defenses in its Permit protect it from any action brought for
an SSO. Please find below, the additional information requested for each of the SSO events.
1. "The Director may take enforcement action against the Permittee for SSOs that must be reported to the Division as stipulated in Condition
IV92]. This includes S50s that were caused by severe natural conditions or exceptional events unless the Permittee demonstrates through
properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence that:
[a.] The 550 was caused by severe natural conditions; there were no feasible alternatives to the SSO, such as the use of auxiliary treatment
facilities, retention of untreated wastewater, reduction of inflow and infiltration, use of adequate back-up equipment, or an increase In the
capacity of the system. This provision is not satisfied if, in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment, the Permittee should have Installed
auxiliary or additional collections system components, wastewater retention or treatment facilities, adequate back-up equipment or should
have reduced inflow and infiltration; or
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

[b.] The SSO was exceptional, unintentional, temporary and caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the Permittee; the SSO could
not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as proper management, operation, and maintenance; adequate treatment
or collection facilities or components (e.g., adequately enlarging treatment of collection facilities to accommodate growth or adequately
controlling and preventing infiltration and inflow); preventative maintenance; or installation of adequate back-up equipment;"
Spill event # 201900703 - 4/8/19 - 1604 Evergreen Ave., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of severe natural conditions and a heavy flooding weather
event that resulted in an unexpected sanitary sewage spill of approximately 6,000 gallons of
untreated sewer from an 8-inch Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP). This spill took place within the Walnut
Basin. The weather event produced a recorded rainfall of 2.2 inches of rain accumulation in a
24-hr period recorded between 4/8/19 and 4/9/2019 (NOOA, Monthly Climatological Report for
Raleigh NC, https://w2.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.phP?wfo=rah ) The rain event started
at approximately 5:00 PM on April 8th, intensifying well into the morning hours of April 9th.
This weather event was responsible for other sewer spill events within the Raleigh service area.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified of the overflow on 04/8/2019 at approximately 11:00
PM. The responding staff took all reasonable steps to mitigate the impact of the discharge as
soon as they arrived, gaining control of the spill event by 11:59 PM. Mitigation of this event was
limited since the rain event was actively ongoing. The rain assisted in defusing the sewage
downstream. There was no indication of solids or debris in the surrounding area. Crews
conducted an area assessment, downstream of the event, to ensure that there were no traces
of sewage and debris associated with the spill. Crews did not find any indication of sewage nor
indications of observed fish kill associated with this SSO. The total cost of the City's response
and remediation effort for this spill event was $350.49.
A press release was issued for this spill event, which also included other simultaneous spills
resulting from this rain event.
The last recorded spill for this section of the sewer system was documented on 08/11/2001.
Prior to the event in 4/8/19, the most recent record of routine maintenance in this area was
conducted on 10/18/2018. This section of the sewer system has been addressed annually since
2002.
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 21900707 - 4/9/19 - 3265 Anderson Ave., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of severe natural conditions and a heavy flooding weather
event that resulted in an unexpected sanitary sewage spill of approximately 36,000 gallons of
untreated sewer from an 18-inch Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC). This spill took place within the
Big Branch Basin. The weather event produced a recorded rainfall of 2.2 inches of rain
accumulation in a 24-hr. period recorded between 4/8/19 and 4/9/2019 (NOOA, Monthly
Climatological Report for Raleigh NC, https-.//w2.weather.gov/climate/­petclimate.php?wfo=rah
The rain event started at approximately 5:00 PM on April 8th, intensifying well into the morning
hours of April 9th. This weather event was responsible for other sewer spill events within the
Raleigh service area.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified of the overflow on 04/9/2019 at approximately 12:00
AM. The responding staff took all reasonable steps to mitigate the impact of the discharge as
soon as they arrived, gaining control of the spill event by 3:00 AM. Mitigation of this event was
limited since the rain event was actively ongoing. The rain assisted in defusing the sewage
downstream. There were minimal traces of sewer debris in the adjacent area. Crews cleared
and disposed of any remaining debris, decontaminated the area with the application of lime,
and applied grass seed and straw where required. Crews conducted an area assessment,
downstream of the event, to ensure that there were no other traces of sewage and debris
associated with the spill. There was no observed fish kill associated with this SSO nor
unnecessary damaged to area vegetation. The total cost of the City's response and remediation
effort for this spill event was $195.55
A press release was issued for this spill event, which also included other simultaneous spills
resulting from this rain event. A copy of this letter is included in this report (Attachment 1).
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201900705 - 4/9/19 -1101 Marlowe Rd., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of severe natural conditions and a heavy flooding weather
event that resulted in an unexpected sanitary sewage spill of approximately 18,000 gallons of
untreated sewer from an 18-inch PVC pipe. This spill took place within the Crabtree Basin. This
weather event produced a recorded rainfall of 2.2 inches of rain accumulation in a 24-hr. period
recorded between 4/8/19 and 4/9/2019 (NOOA, Monthly Climatological Report for Raleigh NC,
https:Hw2.weather.gov/climate/­p,etclimate.php?wfo=rah ) The rain event started at
approximately 5:00 PM on April 8th, intensifying well into the morning hours of April 9th. This
weather event was responsible for other sewer spill events within the Raleigh service area.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified of the overflow on 04/9/2019 at approximately 12:30
AM. The responding staff tools all reasonable steps to mitigate the impact of the discharge as
soon as they arrived, gaining control of the spill event by 2:00 AM. Mitigation of this event was
limited since the rain event was actively ongoing. The rain assisted in defusing the sewage
downstream. There was no indication of solids or debris in the surrounding area. Crews
conducted an area assessment, downstream of the event, to ensure that there were no traces
of sewage and debris associated with the spill. Crews did not find any indication of sewage nor
signs of observed fish kill associated with this 550. The total cost of the City's response and
remediation effort for this spill event was $269.20.
A press release was issued for this spill event, which also included other simultaneous spills
resulting from this rain event. A copy of this letter is included in this report (Attachment 1).
The last recorded spill for this section of the collection system was documented on 03/02/2009.
Prior to the event on 4/9/19, recent routine maintenance in this area was conducted on
08/08/2011, 12/26/2012, 11/18/2013, 09/24/2014, and 12/6/2018.
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201900708 - 04/09/2019 - 3400 White Oak Rd., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of severe natural conditions and a heavy flooding weather
event that resulted in an unexpected sanitary sewage spill of approximately 30,00 gallons of
untreated sewer from a 24-inch PVC pipe. This spill took place within the Beaver South West
Basin. This weather event produced a recorded rainfall of 2.2 inches of rain accumulation in a
24-hr. period recorded between 4/8/19 and 4/9/2019 (NOOA, Monthly Climatological Report
for Raleigh NC, https://w2.weather.gov/climate/getclimate.php?wfo=rah ) The rain event
started at approximately 5:00 PM on April 8th, intensifying well into the morning hours of April
9th. This weather event was responsible for other sewer spill events within the Raleigh service
area.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified of the overflow on 04/9/2019 at approximately 12:00
AM. Responding staff took all reasonable steps to mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon
as they arrived, gaining control of the spill event by 3:30 AM. Mitigation of this event was
limited since the rain event was actively ongoing. The rain assisted in defusing the sewage
downstream. There were no indication of solids or debris in the surrounding area. Crews
conducted an area assessment, downstream of the event, to ensure that there were no traces
of sewage and debris associated with the spill. Crews did not find any indication of sewage nor
indications of observed fish kill associated with this SSO. The total cost of the City's response
and remediation effort for this spill event was $304.98.
A press release was issued for this spill event, which also included other simultaneous spills
resulting from this rain event. Copy of this letter is included in this report (Attachment 1).
The last recorded spill for this section of the collection system was documented on 7/16/2016.
Prior to the event on 4/9/19, recent routine maintenance in this area was conducted on
03/01/2003, 03/31/2004, 06/24/2006, 01/03/2008, 09/28/2009, 02/06/2010, 6/25/10,
10/2/10, 9/28/11, and 8\13\14.
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201900717 - 4/10/19 - 3101 Compatible Way, Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of a build-up of grease blocking a portion of an 8" Ductile
Iron pipe (DIP). This build-up led to a sewer spill of approximately 4,800 gallons of untreated
sewage, in which 1000 gallons reached surface waters though an unnamed tributary in Walnut
basin.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 04/10/2019 at 4:00 PM. The responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 8:30 PM. Cleanup of this spill event consisted of employing
a temporary sewer containing site (dam) downstream from the SSO location with the intent to
minimize the flow of sewer into the unnamed tributary. Crews also employed pumps from the
temporary containment site, pumping remaining sewer back into a downstream sewer
manhole. During restoration operations, crews utilized water from adjacent hydrants to flush
the affected area. The areas around the manhole were cleared of debris, decontaminated with
the application of lime, and restored with grass seed and straw. There was no observed fish kill
or unnecessary vegetative damaged associated with this SSO. The cost associated with the
mitigation of this event amounted to $2,492.17.
This section of the collection system serves a large apartment complex. Prior to this spill event,
this section of the sewer collection system did not show a history of spills associated with
grease accumulation. Sections of this system were last assessed on March of 2018. Sewer
cleaning was concentrated within the immediate zone of the apartment complex at Campus
Crossing of Raleigh.
Outreach information was delivered to the apartment complex addressing the need for
customers to follow proper disposal of the foreign material as well as what steps to take to
protect the City's water quality and the sanitary sewer collection system. An example of this
letter is included in this report.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201900839 - 4/2-5/19 - 4750 Hargrove Rd., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of a build-up of grease and debris, blocking a portion of an
8" vitrified clay pipe. This build-up led to a sewer spill of approximately 4,800 gallons of
untreated sewage, in which 500 gallons reached surface waters though an unnamed tributary
in Walnut basin.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 04/25/2019 at 11:50 AM. The responding staff took
all reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 12:22 PM. Cleanup of this spill event consisted of employing
a temporary sewer containing site (dam) downstream from the SSO location with the intent to
minimize the flow of sewer into the unnamed tributary. Crews also employed pumps from the
temporary containment site, pumping remaining sewer back into a downstream sewer
manhole. During restoration operations, crews utilized water from adjacent hydrants to flush
the affected area. The areas around the manhole were cleared of debris, decontaminated with
the application of lime, and restored with grass seed and straw. There was no observed fish kill
or unnecessary vegetative damaged associated with this 550. The cost associated with the
mitigation of this event amounted to $ $2,640.23.
This section of the collection system serves at least 5 large commercial properties south of
Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh. The last sewer spill near this address was recorded on 12/19/2002.
No other sewer spill events have been recorded since this event. Maintenance records show
that sections of the collection system have been addressed on the following dates: 12/19/2002,
05/16/2004, 02/14/2008 and 6\13\14 and May 2018.
On 5/1/19 outreach information was delivered to 33 addresses that may have contributed to
this SSO. The literature addressed the need for customers to follow proper disposal measure
from the foreign material as well as what steps to take to protect the City's water quality and
the sanitary sewer collection system.
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this 550 was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 - Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201900931- 5/14/19 - 615 W Gannon Ave., Zebullon
This spill event was the direct result of a mechanical failure of force main components within
the wet well in Pump Station -151. This failure resulted in the overflow of approximately 9,400
gallons of sewer reaching an unnamed tributary of Little South Branch.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 05/14/2019 at 5:30 AM responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 8:30 AM. The 151-Hardees Pump Station was shut down,
and flow was diverted to 152-Gannon Pump station to relieve exiting flow. Approximately
126,000 gallons of potable water was utilized to flush the unnamed tributary impacted. Spill
runoff was contained and collected on Sewer Manhole 143629 located in the vicinity of 1415
Smokey Mountain Drive. Utility Contractor (Carolina Civil Works) was summoned to complete
the forced main repair returning the pump station to normal pumping operations at 9:00 PM on
May 14th, 2019. The spill area was cleared of debris, decontaminated with the application of
lime, grass seed, and straw. There was no observed fish kill or unnecessarily damaged to the
surrounding vegetation associated with this SSO. The cost associated with the mitigation of this
event amounted to $21,589.76 for the services of the contractor.
This pump station services a 4-inch Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PCP) force main along with a 12-
inch Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP) gravity sewer line within a commercial area. Current maintenance
records indicate that the station is checked and serviced weekly.
Spill event # 201900944 - 5/16/19 - 2305 lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the direct result of a large buildup of paper debris, rags, flushed
wipes and grease blocking a section of an 8" sewer pipe. This build-up led to a sewer spill of
approximately 4,925 gallons. The sewer accumulated within the natural topography of the
surrounding area and did not enter any surface water. This sewer spill took place within Walnut
Basin.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 05/16/2019 at 3:53 PM responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 7:10:00 PM. The untreated sewer was contained and
recovered into the collection system, by pumping the sewer into an adjacent sewer manhole.
The spill area was cleared of debris, decontaminated with the application of lime, grass seed,
and straw. There was no observed fish kill or unnecessary damage to the surrounding
vegetation associated with this SSO. The cost associated with the mitigation of this event
amounted to $2,218.00.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 - Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

This section of the collection system serves a residential area and traverses through a
community and sports center at Carolina Pines. The last recorded sewer event in this vicinity
occurred on 02/20/2009. This section of the collection system was last assessed on 10/18/2018,
with previous assessments conducted on 02/22/2018, 09/27/2017, 05/9/2017, and
01/26/2017.
Outreach information was delivered to the surrounding neighborhood within the affected area.
This informational literature explains the need for customers to follow the proper use of the
collection system and how to protect the City's water quality and the sanitary sewer collection
system. An example of this letter is included in this report.
Spill event # 201900953 - 5/19/19 - 5012 Winterlochen Rd., Garner NC
This spill event was the direct result of a mechanical failure related to levels, and actuator floats
within the wet well of Pump station 94-Maxwell Drive. This failure resulted in the overflow of
approximately 3,600 of untreated sewer onto the ground. This sewer spill took place within
Upper Swift Basin.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 05/19/2019 at 3:50 PM responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 5:30:00 PM. The mechanical failure was corrected returning
the pump station to normal flow. The untreated sewer was contained and recovered with
hydraulic vacuum trucks. The spill area was cleared of debris, decontaminated with the
application of lime, grass seed, and straw. There was no observed fish kill or unnecessarily
damaged to the surrounding vegetation associated with this SSO. The cost associated with the
mitigation of this event amounted to $1,381.40.
This pump station services an 8-inch force main along with an 8-inch and 10-inch sewer line
within a residential area. The last recorded sewer event related to this pump station was on
10/08/2016 in which 12,625 gallons of sewer was released due to an adverse weather event.
No other sewer events have been recorded since the spill event. Current maintenance records
indicate that the station is checked and serviced weekly.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 - Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201900999 - 6/3/19 - 214 Loft Lane. Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the direct result of a large buildup of debris and grease blocking a
section of an 8" sewer main. This build-up led to a sewer spill of approximately 2,670 gallons
reaching surface waters though a storm water conveyance in Mine Creek Basin.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 06/03/2019 at 2:04 PM. The responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 10:58 PM. The untreated sewer was contained and
recovered into the collection system through an adjacent sewer manhole within the sewer
main. Approximately 18,000 gallons of potable water from adjacent hydrant was utilized to
defuse and clean the spill site. The spill area was cleared of debris, decontaminated with the
application of lime, grass seed, and straw. There was no observed fish !till or unnecessarily
damaged to the surrounding vegetation associated with this SSO. The cost associated with the
mitigation of this event amounted to $1,455.10.
This section of the collection system serves a residential area servicing approximately 80
properties. There are no records of past sewer spill events associated with this portion of the
sewer collection system. Prior to the sewer event on 06/03/2019, this section of the collection
system was last assessed on: 07/05/2018, 01/26/2017, 12\5\14, 12\8\13, 3\10\12, 11/22/10,
8/9/10, 11/18/2009, 05/08/2008, 03/04/2005, 11/05/2004, and 06/23/2003
Outreach information was delivered to the surrounding neighborhood within the affected area.
This informational literature explained the need for customers to follow the proper use of the
collection system and how to protect the City's water quality and the sanitary sewer collection
system.
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201901064 - 6/12/19 - lead Mine Rd. & Strickland Rd., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the direct result of a grease blocking a section of an 8" sewer main.
This build-up led to a sewer spill of approximately 209,993 gallons reaching surface waters
through an unnamed tributary within Mine Basin. Approximately 50,000 gallons was
immediately recovered with a hydraulic vacuum truck and returned to the collection system.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 06/12/2019 at 9:11 AM. The responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 10:00 AM. Crews established a containment site
approximately 3,575 ft downstream of the spill to deter solids from continuing to travel
downstream of the spill site. Nearby hydrants were running for over 24 hours to diffuse and
clean the spill site while untreated sewer was recovered into the collection system by staff. The
area surrounding the spill site was cleared of debris, decontaminated with the application of
lime, grass seed, and straw. There was no observed fish kill or unnecessary damage to the
surrounding vegetation associated with this SSO. The cost associated with the mitigation of this
event amounted to $ $11,124.64.
This section of the collection system traverses a residential area serving over 400 properties.
Prior to the sewer spill event on 06/12/2019, there was a recorded SSO on 12/6/05 in which
1,800 gallons of untreated sewer spilled due to grease build-up. This section of the sewer
system was last assessed on 02/13/2018, 02/01/2017, 12/31/13, 10/11/2010, 01/30/2009,
02/19/2008, and 05/29/2003.
Outreach information was delivered to the surrounding neighborhood within the affected area.
This informational literature explained the need for customers to follow the proper use of the
collection system and how to protect the City's water quality and the sanitary sewer collection
system.
Pursuant to our Sanitary Sewer Collection System Permit, the cause of this SSO was exceptional,
unintentional, temporary, and caused by factors beyond our reasonable control. Furthermore,
the SSO could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control, such as routine
operations and maintenance; adequate treatment facilities or collection system facilities or
components.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 - Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Spill event # 201901112 - 6/26/19 - 2121 Versitile Rd., Raleigh
This sewer spill event was the result of a build-up of grease blocking a portion of an 8" Ductile
Iron pipe (DIP). This build-up led to a sewer spill of approximately 1,500 gallons of which less
than 200 gallons reached surface waters though an unnamed tributary in Walnut Basin.
Sewer Maintenance staff were notified on 06/26/2019 at 9:37 AM. The responding staff took all
reasonable steps to stop and mitigate the impact of the discharge as soon as they arrived,
gaining control of the spill event by 10:50 AM. Cleanup of this spill event consisted of
employing a temporary sewer containing site (dam) downstream from the SSO location with
the intent to minimize the flow of sewer into the unnamed tributary. Crews also employed
pumps from the temporary containment site, pumping remaining sewer back into a
downstream sewer manhole SMH122658. During restoration operations, crews utilized potable
water from adjacent hydrants to flush the affected area. The areas around the manhole were
cleared of debris, decontaminated with the application of lime, and restored with grass seed
and straw. There was no observed fish kill or unnecessary vegetative damaged associated with
this SSO. The cost associated with the mitigation of this event amounted to $1,892.70.
This section of the collection system serves a large residential area covering more than 300
properties, including private dwellings, apartment complexes, and condos. This was the second
grease relaters spill event recorded in this section of the sewer collection system. Attention to
this recurrent spill was extended to other neighborhoods surrounding the spill site of which two
are large apartment complexes with private sewer systems. Routine maintenance has been
extended to these areas to minimize the potential of a recurrence. This section of the sewer
system was last assessed on 8\9\13, 5/9/11, 01/05/2009, 11/04/2007, 10/20/2005,
09/20/2004, 12/15/2003, and 10/05/2001.
Outreach information was delivered to the affected neighborhoods (to include management
staff of private sewer systems) addressing the need for customers to follow proper disposal of
foreign material as well as what steps to take to protect the City's water quality and the
sanitary sewer collection system. An example of this letter is included in this report.
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

Summary
The City of Raleigh has a very aggressive preventative maintenance program to maintain its
2569 miles of sanitary sewer. Since January 2019 (Fiscal Year 2020) the Utility has maintained
approximately 1,266,565.75 feet or 239.88 miles of sanitary sewer by flushing sewer mains with
high-pressure nozzles, CCTV, repair operations, and SSO mitigation. The year to date cost of
these operations amounts to $2,373,263.63, an approximately 17% of the Division's annual
operating budget.
The City of Raleigh maintains approximately 1009 miles of sanitary sewer easements within our
jurisdiction. The manholes within every easement in our service area are inspected at least
once per year and in most cases more frequently. Trees and brush must be cut away from these
areas to maintain access to the sewer line for maintenance work such as inspection and
cleaning, and it removes root materials from the proximity of the sewer mains. We currently
employ five easement maintenance crews that continually cut and maintain easements for
access and inspections. Approximately 110 miles of our sanitary sewer easements have
experienced heavy tree growth and require more extensive clearing operations. The City of
Raleigh Public Utilities Department contracts with a private tree service to assist with those
removal operations, and we have spent over five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)
throughout the past four years on this contract.
Additionally, City of Raleigh Assistant Public Utility Directors and Collections System staff has
become involved in challenging the standards of the nonwoven fabrics industry in an attempt
to bring about a better understanding by consumers of these products and their detrimental
effects to collections systems. PUD staff has personally met with officers of INDA, the leading
association of the non -woven fabrics industry based in Cary, NC, to communicate our concerns
about these fabrics, the current industry standards, and better education for the consumer.
PUD has also joined forces with other utilities nationwide through the National Association of
Clean Waters Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Foundation (WEF), and the American
Public Works Association (APWA) to challenge INDA and current industry standards, recognizing
that they do not support compatibility in sanitary sewer collections systems nationally. These
agencies are working collectively to challenge the testing protocols, assessment guidelines, and
consumer education and labeling of these non -dispersible.
It is also important to mention that the City sees an increase in the trend of SSOs related to
debris. To understand the debris issues the City of Raleigh conducted its own laboratory
experiment at the Neuse River WWTP Laboratory and concluded (as seen in the attached
report) that sales are on the increase for products (wipes) that claim to be flushable, yet do not
break down in the sanitary sewer system. Although the manufacturers claim that the products
are flushable, these same products seem to be the culprit of numerous SSOs. We have
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
I Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

broadcast this information to our customers through public releases of the attached study on
"flushable" as well as during television news interviews as seen on NBC17 at the following link:
http://www2.nbcl7.com/news/2012/may/05/raleigh-sewage-leaks-lead-money-down-drain-
ar-2245813/.
The City has also created an innovative monetary reward program or bounty program which
pays out fifty ($50) dollars to any citizen that observes and reports an SSO or conditions that
may cause a spill event. This program has been advertised via printed material, a television
advertisement campaign, and graphic design "wraps" on Sewer Maintenance vehicles. These
graphics on our vehicles function as mobile billboards spreading our message of prevention and
offering contact information, throughout the service area each day. This program was
developed with the hope that citizens and customers would become more aware of the signs of
an emerging system problem causing the SSO occurrence and become proactive in helping the
City to prevent these occurrences. Additionally, all customers are notified via their water and
sewer utility bills not to discharge improper materials into the sanitary sewer mains. The City
also circulates information regarding discharging of grease into the sewer system and the
effects of such deposits. Whenever possible, and upon the investigation of the root cause of a
spill event, PUD Code Enforcement officers develop and send registered informational letters
about the spill event to the customer base serviced by the line where the SSO has occurred.
This is done to educate our customers in the proper use of the sanitary sewers in an attempt to
prevent disposal of non-flushable items and items harmful to the continuous operation of the
collections system.
Raleigh has also begun a program to begin the collection of residential cooking oils from
curbside along with customer garbage, recycling, and yard waste. The goal of this program is to
prevent these oils from being deposited within the sanitary sewers and to help prevent grease
buildup and blockages leading to SSO's. This program was initiated during 2009-2010 and was
successful in collecting more than 800 gallons of residential cooking oils and has been funded
each year since with similar results. We hope to continue to fund this program each year during
the holiday season due to our success thus far.
In 2018 the Department increased the efforts of community outreach to further inform the
community throughout direct participation in the City's Citizens Advisory Committees. The
Department was able to provide educational material and in -person briefings to committee
members as wells as concerned citizens. By this initiative, the Department has been able to
reach a broader sector of the community. Furthermore, this message has been made available
not only to the community but to City Council officials as well. A sample of this message is
attached to this letter for reference.
On behalf of the City of Raleigh, I am requesting the NOV-1\101 issued for the third quarter of
2018 be rescinded as allowed in the Collections System Permit. If additional information is
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed on Recycled Paper

required, please contact Matthew Vessie, Sewer Maintenance Superintendent [phone]
or T.J. Lynch, Assistant Public Utilities Director, at [phone].
Si rely,
os M Perez, ORC
Assistance Superintendent, Sewer Maintenance Division
City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department
P.Q. Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
919-996-5929 office
919-278-6020 cell
[e-mail]
CC: Robert Massengill, Public Utilities Director
T. J. Lynch, Assistant Public Utilities Director - Wastewater
Matthew P Vessie, Superintendent Sewer Maintenance Division
Attachments:
1. Sample Press Release
2. Sample Letter to customer
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 • Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
!Tinted on Recycled Paper

members as wells as concerned citizens. By this initiative the Department has been able to
reach a broader sector of the community. Furthermore, this message has been made available
not only to the community but to City Council officials as well. A sample of this message is
attached to this letter for reference.
On behalf of the City of Raleigh, I am requesting the NOV-NO[ issued for the third quarter of
2018 be rescinded as allowed in the Collections System Permit. If additional information is
required, please contact Matthew Vessie, Sewer Maintenance Superintendent [phone]
or T.J. Lynch, Assistant Public Utilities Director, at [phone].
Si c rely,
Carlos M Perez, ORC
Assistance Superintendent, Sewer Maintenance Division
City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department
P.O. Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
919-996-5929 office
919-278-6020 cell
Carlos. PerezcamachoCo)raleiehnc.Gov
CC: Robert Massengill, Public Utilities Director
T. J. Lynch, Assistant Public Utilities Director - Wastewater
Matthew P Vessie, Superintendent Sewer Maintenance Division
Attachments:
1. Sample Press Release
2. Sample Letter to customer
One Exchange Plaza City of Raleigh Municipal Building
1 Exchange Plaza, Suite 1020 Post Office Box 590 - Raleigh 222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 North Carolina 27602-0590 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(Mailing Address)
Printed oil Recycled Paper

Perez, Carlos
From:
Dumas, Carolyn
Sent:
Thursday, April 11, 2019 4:17 PM
To:
Perez, Carlos; PLJCommunicationOfficeDL; PUCodeEnforcement
Cc:
Duffy, Peter; Vessie, Matthew P.; Lynch, TI; Massengill, Robert
Subject:
FW: Courtesy Copy: City of Raleigh Corrects Sewer Overflow
Carlos,
Please find below courtesy copy of Compatible Way SSO news release as confirmation of distribution to media and for
your records.
Carolyn
From: City of Raleigh <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2019 4:16 PM
To: Buchan, Edward <[e-mail]>; Ramos, Aliana <[e-mail]>; Murray, Rob
<Rob.Murray@raleighnc,gov>; Ray, Karen <[e-mail]>; Graham, Damien
<[e-mail]>; Getzoff, Pete <Pete. Getzoff@ raleighnc.gov>; Fix, David <[e-mail]>;
Milstead, Julia A <[e-mail]>; Dumas, Carolyn <[e-mail]>; Caplan, Stephanie
<[e-mail]>; Godwin Hyman, Terri <[e-mail]>; Shell, Spencer
<[e-mail]>; Blount, David <[e-mail]>; Felton, Sharon
<Sharon.Felton @raleighnc.gov>
Subject: [BULK] Courtesy Copy: City of Raleigh Corrects Sewer Overflow
This is a courtesy copy of an email bulletin sent by Carolyn Dumas.
This bulletin was sent to the following groups of people:
Subscribers of Media List (122 recipients)
Prepared By: Carolyn B. Dumas, Communications Analyst, Public Utilities Department,
919-996-3473
For More Information: Robert Massengill, Public Utilities Director,or T.J. Lynch,
Assistant Public Utilities Director, 919-996-3245
Apr. 11, 2019

City of Raleigh Corrects Sewer Overflow
The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department was notified of sanitary sewer
overflow at 3101 Compatible Way, Raleigh, NC on Wed., April 10, 2019. The North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources was notified
of�the overflow.
At approximately 4 p.m. on Wed., Apr. 10, a concerned citizen reported a sewer
overflow discharging from two sewer manholes adjacent to each other. Responding crews
stopped the spill at 8:30 p.m. Crews completed cleanup and site restoration the same day.
Tile estimated volume of the overflow was approximately 4,800 gallons which reached an
unnamed tributary within Walnut Creek Basin. No associated Fish -kill were observed
within this body of water. The overflow was the result of grease accumulation on adjoining
lines. A follow up assessment will be conducted to prevent future overflows from
occurring.
The City of Raleigh has an aggressive education and enforcement program to
prevent the discharge of grease, debris, and other improper materials in the sewer
system and to take enforcement action where appropriate. Only water, human waste,
and toilet tissue are permitted to be discharged into the sewer system. If citizens
experience excessive sewer smells or see sewer overflowing manholes or pipes, please
call 919-996-3245 and report immediately.
This news release is required by NCGS Article 21, Chapter 143.215.C. For more
information, contact Public Utilities Director Robert Massengill or Assistant Public Utilities
Director T.J. Lynch at 919-996-3245.
###
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NORTH CAROLINA
Sanitary Sewer Overflow in Your Area
Dear Raleigh Utility Customer:
The City of Raleigh recently had a sanitary sewer overflow in your area. The overflow was caused by materials
such as grease and debris improperly disposed of into the Raleigh sanitary sewer system. You can do some simple
things that will help the City protect water quality and maintain Raleigh's sanitary sewer system.
Do Not pour grease, fats and oils from cooking down the drain
DO Not use the toilet as a wastebasket -no disposable/flushable wipes, paper towels, baby wipes
or diapers, condoms, tampons or personal hygiene products
Do Not use the sewer (kitchen sink) to dispose of food scraps
Please collect cooking oils and grease in a container and dispose of in the garbfugge
place food scraps in a waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid waste or
Please start a compost pile
Most sewer back-ups occur between the house and the City's sanitary sewer main where the property owner is
responsible for maintenance of their sewer service within the street right-of-way or sewer easement
'1'o report a sewer back -tip or overflow, please call the Public Utilities Maintenance Division at 919-996-3245.
For more information on the proper use of your sanitary sewer system, find us on the web at www.raleighne.gov
You may also contact PUCodeEnforcement(r_l�raleiglitte.lov or call 919-996-2465. These suggestions can help save
you money and protect the environment.
Thank you for your help!
Code Enforcement Program
City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department
PUCodeEnfoi•ceinent ralei line. ov
Office: 919-996-2465
PUDI IC UTILtTIF.S DEPARTMENT • ADMINISTRATIVC OFF"IUE - I EXCHANGE PLAZA, SUITE 620 - RAL,EIGF I, NC 2 /601
MAILING - POST OFFICE Box 590 - RALEIGE-i. NC 27602

NORTH CAROLINA
Desbordamiento de alcantarillado en su localidad
Estimado cliente de servicios utilidades:
Recientemente la Ciudad de Raleigh tuvo un desbordamiento de alcantarillado en su localidad. El desbordamiento
fue causado por materiales comp grasa y basura desechada incorrectamente en cl servicio sanitario municipal de la
Ciudad de Raleigh. Se pueden hater algunas cosas simples para proteger la calidad del agua y mantener el servicio
sanitario.
I NO I deseche ]a grass pore[ drenaje
debe usar el inodoro porn desechar basura,
NO tira las toallas sanitarian, puflales, toallitas pars
Jos bcbcs, toallas de pope[, condones, toallas
sanitarias ni tamponcs por el inodoro
NO use el servicio sanitario ni el fregadero para
por guarda la grass y aceite de In cocina
Favor on un recipiente y tira[o on la basura
Por ponga todos Jos desechos de comida
en Una bolsa porn desechor[o on la
Favorl basura
Casi todos los desbordamientos de alcantarillado ocurren entre la casa y la conexibn con el sistema sanitario de la
Ciudad do Raleigh. Como propietario, es su responsabilidad mantener el servicio del sistema de alcantarillado
sanitario desde su casa hasta la conexibn con [a tuberla de la Ciudad de Raleigh.
Para avisarnos de un desbordamiento do
Public Utilities Maintenance Division
alcantarillado, por favor home a:
919-996-3245
Para mas information sobre el use adecuado del
www.raleighnc.gov
servicio sanitario visite:
Tambidn se puede comunicar con nosotros al
PUCodeEnforcemelit a raleighne.gov
siguiente numero o correo electr6nico:
919-996-2465
Estos consejos pueden ayudarle proteger el ambiente y ahorrar dinero.
Gracias por su cooperation.
Code Enforcement Program
City of Raleigh Public [Utilities Department
PIUCodeEnforcement r1 raleiglinc.eov
Office: 9I9-996-2465
PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT • ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE • I EXCHANGE PLAZA, SUITE 620 • RALEIGH. NC 27601
MAILING • POST OFFICE BOX 590 • RALEIGH. NC 27602