NCG550954_NOD-2020-PC-0075_20200304

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretory
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Jack D. Griffith
7515 Kennebec Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
March 4, 2020
Subject: NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY
Tracking Number: NOD-2020-PC-0075
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG550954
Durham County
Dear Mr. Griffith:
On February 27, 2020, Vanessa Manuel from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family
residence (SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject General NPDES
Permit. Your assistance during the inspection was greatly appreciated.
Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, distribution box, primary sub -surface
sand filter, tablet chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, and discharge pipe. Since the issuance of the
subject Certificate of Coverage (COC), a dechlorinator unit has been installed and placed into service.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and COC NCG550954 authorize the discharge of domestic
wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an unnamed tributary to Little
Creek (classified WS-IV; NSW; CA) in the Cape Fear River Basin. The authorized discharge is in
accordance with the effluent limits and monitoring requirements established within the General Permit.
The checked boxes below show what conditions were noted at your facility:
N Pumping the septic tank: You are required to inspect the septic tank at least yearly to
determine if solids must be removed or if other maintenance is necessary. Septic tanks should be
pumped out every five years or when the solids level is found to be more than 1{3 of the liquid
depth in the septic tank compartment, whichever is greater. A pumping company can check the
status periodically and determine when pumping is required. During the inspection, you provided
documentation showing John Bryd septic tank company pumped out the septic tank on June 10,
2019. Please continue to monitor your septic tank as required by the General NPDES Permit
N Chlorine tablets in the chlorinator: You are reminded that it is required that chlorine tablets
be maintained in the chlorinator to ensure proper disinfection of the discharged wastewater.
Chlorine tablets provide effective disinfection and preven0imit harmful bacteria from discharging
to the environment. The Product label for these tablets must indicate the tablets are a roved
or wastewater use and not for sivinnning pools. Part 1, Section D (1) of General NPDES Permit
TM �.,J North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D. ,�Jyi Raleigh Regfonal Office 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
°\ r 919.791.4200

Jack D. Griffith (7515 Kennebec Drive), NCG550954
_. March.4, 2020 H
Page 2 of 3
NCG550000 requires the permittee to inspect the tablet chlorinator weekly to ensure there is an
adequate supply of tablets for continuous and proper operation. Section D (4) requires the
permittee to maintain all system components, including... disinfection units ... at all times and in
good operating order. The inspector did observe chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please
continue to ensure llte correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as
required by tlfe General NPDES Permit.
® Dechlorination tablets: You are responsible for always having dechlorination tablets (if a
required part of your system) in place. They must be the kind for wastewater treatment and not for
swimming pools. The inspector did observe dechlorination tablets in the treatment unit. Please
continue to ensure the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the dechlorinator as
required by the General NPDES Permit.
® Analyzing the effluent: Part 1. C., Effluent Limitations and Ifonitoring Requirements, within
General Permit NCG550000 requires a permittee to sample and analyze the effluent leaving
his/her treatment system prior to discharge annually. Parameters to be sampled and analyzed
include Flow, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), Total Suspended Solids, Fecal Coliform and
Total Residual Chlorine. During the inspection, you informed the inspector that the effluent has
not been monitored within the last 12 months. Please collect a representative sample of life
effluent, have it analyzed by a certified commercial laboratory and submit life results to this
office no later than June 12, 2020. In the last inspection letter dated May 19, 2016, you were
requested to sample your effluent and to submit the analytical results to this office. The Raleigh
Regional Office has not received the requested sampling results. Failure to monitor fife effluent
discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit NCG550000.
® Discharge outlet location. The permittee is required to conduct a visual review of the outfall
location at least twice each year (one at the time of sampling) to ensure that no visible solids or
other obvious evidence of system malfunctioning is observed. Any visible signs of a
malfunctioning system shall be documented and steps taken to correct the problem. The discharge
pipe was visible and accessible the day of the inspection. Please continue to ensure the outlet is
alivays maintained and cleared of vegetation, soil and leaves.
Part II, Section B.12 of General Permit NCG550000 requires the permittee to `-pay the annual
administering and compliance monitoring fee within thirty days after being billed by the Division."
Division records indicate the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending September 30, 2020
and due October 5, 2019, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
Please continue to periodically inspect the wastewater treatment system to ensure the treatment
components are always maintained and in good operating order. You are also reminded to maintain all
monitoring data onsite for a minimum of three years from date of sampling and available for inspection.
This inspection report is being issued as a Notice of Deficiency because of the failure to monitor the
effluent as required by the NPDES General Permit. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not
more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or
fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S.
143-215.1.

Jack D. Griffith (7515 Kennebec Drive), NCG550954
March 4, 2020
Page 3 of 3
Within 30-days receipt of this letter, please submit a written response to this office indicating the
actions you will take or have taken to comply with effluent monitoring requirement noted above.
If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if
applicable), then please contact Vanessa Manuel at 919-791-4255.
Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment(s): EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: RRO.:SWP Files
Laserfiche

United Stales Env:ronmemal Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington D.0 20460 OMB No 2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 6-31-98
Section A. National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yrlmalday Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 IN ( 2 15 1 3 1 NCG550954 111 12 20/02/27 17 18 �1 I �.. I 19 I C I 20ILJ
i
21 I !=! 6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 CIA Reserved
67 70 U 71 Lj 72 I I 73 L_U74 751 1 I I I I I I80
Section B: Facility Data LI
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
10 25AM 20/02/27 13108r01
7515 Kennebec Road
7515 Kennebec Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Chapel Hill NC 27517 10 55AM 20102127 18f07; 31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)lPhone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
N
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Jack D Gnfftth,7515 Kennebec Rd Chapel Hill NC 27517r:919-967-10 iG Contacted
Yes
Section C- Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only (hose areas evaluated)
Permit N Operations & Maintenance N Records Reperts Self -Monitoring Program
Facility Site Review N EfiluentlReceiv- ng Waters
Section D: Summary of FindinglCommenls (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s) Agency/OfficelPhone and Fax Numbe•s Date
Vanessa E Manuel s lRRO W01919-791-42001
Signalure of Management 0 A Reviewer Agency;Office;Phcne and Fax N.,mbern Date
2_, Zu
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
F%efl

NPDES ydmolday Inspection Type
3 NCG550954 11 12 20/02'27 17 is I S I
Section D Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
See attached inspection letter.
paw

Permit: NCGS50954 Owner - Facility: 7515 Kennebec Road
Inspection Date: 02/27/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit
Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
❑
❑
M
❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
❑
0
❑
❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
M❑
❑
❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
❑
❑
❑
Comment: A dechlorinator unit has been added to the treatment system
Record Keeping
Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
M
❑
L1
❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
0
❑
❑
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Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
❑
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❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
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M
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Is the chain -of -custody complete?
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M
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Dates, times and location of sampling
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Name of individual performing the sampling
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Results of analysis and calibration
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Dates of analysis
❑
Name of person performing analyses
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Transported COCs
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Are DMRs complete do they include all permit parameters?
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M❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
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M
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(If the facility is = or n 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24f7 with a certifed operator
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0
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on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current?
❑
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M
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Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification?
❑
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M
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Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
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Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
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■
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Comment: The oermittee maintains a too showing operation and maintenance performed on the
treatment system. The Permittee checks the disinfection unit (chlorinatorldechlorinator)
1-2
times per month and indicates observations and maintenance Performed.
Operations & Maintenance
Yes No NA NE
Page# 3

Permit: NCG550954 Owner - Facility: 7515 Kennebec Road
Inspection Dale: 02127/2020 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Septic Tank
Yes No NA NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
0
Cl
Cl
❑
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
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❑
0
❑
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
Cl
❑
M
❑
Comment: The nermittee provided a receipt showing John Brvd
septic tank comoany serviced the
se tic tank on June 10 2019,
Sand Filters Low rate
Yes No NA NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
❑
❑
M
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Is the distribution box level and watertight?
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❑
❑
0
Is sand filter free of ponding?
❑
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0
❑
Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio?
❑
❑
❑
M
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
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M
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# Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1)
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M
Comment: The inspector did not observe any evidence of the sub -surface sand filter failure.
Disinfection -Tablet
Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
M
❑
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Are the tablets the proper size and type?
M
❑
❑
❑
Number of tubes in use?
2
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
M
❑
❑
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Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
M
❑
❑
❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
0
❑
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❑
Comment:
De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ? Tablet
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4

Permit: NCG550954 owner - Facility: 7515 Kennebec Road
Inspection Dale: 02/27I2020 Inspection Type: Comp) ante Evaluation
De -chlorination Yes No NA NE
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? M❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? M❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 2
Comment:
Effluent Pipe
Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
❑
❑
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Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
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❑
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If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
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M
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Comment: The inspector observed a discharcie from the effluent pipe during
the inspection. The
discharge was clear and free of visible solids and foam. No evidence of solids observe
in
the receiving ditch.
Effluent Sampling
Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
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Is proper volume collected?
❑
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0
Is the tubing clean?
❑
❑0
❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
❑
❑
0
❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
❑
■
❑
❑
representative)?
Comment: The effluent discharge has not been monitored in the last_12 months. In the inspection
letters dated Ma 19 2016 and February 10 2011. this office notified the permittee of the
re uirement to monitor the effluent dischar a at least annually and reguested the permittee
sample the discharge and send copies of the lab results to the Division. A review of the
ermittee's file showed this office has not received the requested lab results. Failure to
monitor the effluent discharcie is a violation of the General NPDES Permit.
The Permittee will need to make arrangements to sample the effluent discharge and provide
the lab results to NC DWR's Raleigh Regional office no later than June 12 2020.
Page* 5