2006-09-18 Water & Sewer
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006
BOOK 3
PAGE 191
ASSEMBLY
The District Board of Commissioners of the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District met in
Regular Session on Monday, September 18, 2006, at 12:04 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County
Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: District Chairman William A. Kopp, Jr.; District Vice-Chairman William A.
Caster; District Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; District Commissioner Robert G. Greer; District Commissioner
Nancy H. Pritchett; County Manager Bruce T. Shell; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley and Clerk to the District
Board Sheila L. Schult.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS
District Chairman Kopp announced that time had been reserved for anyone from the public to present an
item that was not listed on the Regular Agenda. He requested all persons to limit their remarks to three minutes.
No items were presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
District Chairman Kopp called for a motion to approve the minutes of the Water and Sewer District
meeting held on September 5,2006, as presented by the Clerk to the District Board.
Motion: District Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Greer, to approve the
minutes of the Water and Sewer District meeting held on September 5, 2006, as presented by the Clerk to the
District Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
District Chairman Kopp announced that Water and Sewer District Agenda Item #3 - Consideration of
Mason Landin/! Yacht Club Water Service has been withdrawn from the agenda and will be brought back to the
Board for their consideration at their October 2, 2006 meeting.
PRESENTATION OF BRADLEY CREEK SEWAGE SPILL REPORTING PROCESS
Assistant County Manager Dave Weaver presented an overview and timeline of the process that is required
by the County when reporting sewage spills to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality Department. The
following steps were completed in reporting the Bradley Creek sewage spill brought on by heavy rains from
Tropical Storm Ernesto:
. The State requires the County to respond to a complaint within two hours of notification - the complaint
was received on September 1, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.; staff was on site to verify the spill within 45 minutes by
11:45 a.m.
. The State requires verbal notification of a spill that either exceeds 1,000 gallons or when sewage is
discharged to the surface water within 24 hours of verification of the spill by the County - staff made
repeated phone calls to the State and were able to connect with State personnel at approximately at 8:30
p.m. on September 1, 2006; within 9 Y2 hours of verifying the spill.
. The State requires issuance of a press release within 48 hours and a subsequent published legal notice of
the spill amount within ten days - a County press release was issued on the day of the spill; the published
legal notice is in the process of being completed within the ten day deadline of establishment of a credible
estimate of spillage.
. The State requires a written report within five days including an estimate of spillage - a written report was
provided to the State within four days of the spill with the original estimate of spillage.
Assistant County Manager Weaver reported that it was very difficult for staff to provide an original
estimate of spillage in that much of the line was underwater and three man-holes were involved. The original
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006
BOOK 3
PAGE 192
estimate was 14,000 gallons. The day of the spill staff immediately contacted the City of Wilmington for assistance
in establishing in-flow and out-flow numbers from the Bradley Creek pump station. These numbers aided County
staff in establishing a more precise estimate of the spillage. There was a delay in connecting with staff from the City
of Wilmington to obtain the numbers.
District Chairman Kopp stated that the consolidation of the water and sewer districts will result in better
communication and operations during such emergencies.
Assistant County Manager Weaver continued reporting that staff is in the processing of refining and
making improvements in the following areas:
. Better logistical coordination with the City of Wilmington to make contact during emergencies.
. Refining protocol when issuing press releases and working with the media.
. Refining protocol when notifying staff outside of the Water and Sewer Department.
In conclusion, he stated that all required reports, both verbal and written, were completed within the
specified deadlines and the publishing of the public notice is being completed within the ten day deadline of a more
precise estimate of the spillage.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
District Chairman Kopp confirmed with County Manager Bruce Shell that staff is continuing to address the
concerns voiced by residents at the September 5, 2006 Water and Sewer District meeting.
District Commissioner Greer confirmed with County Manager Bruce Shell that the company currently
performing water meter reading services is on schedule and that Water Meter Services, Inc. will have the
opportunity to bid during the regular bid process for meter reading services.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, District Chairman Kopp requested a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion: District Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Pritchett, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
District Chairman Kopp adjourned the meeting at 12:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila L. Schult
Clerk to the District Board