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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0003628_Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report_20230404ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Mr. Tony M. Williams 927 Old Dam Road Liberty, North Carolina 27298 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality April 4, 2023 SUBJECT: Notice of Deficiency (NOD-2023-PC-0105) Compliance Evaluation Inspection Permit No. WQ0003628 Single -Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation System 927 Old Dam Road Alamance County Dear Mr. Williams: On March 15, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Jim Gonsiewski conducted a routine compliance inspection. Tony Williams, Owner, was present during the entire inspection. A review of all treatment units was completed. This review reflected non-compliance with the subject permit. A follow-up site visit was conducted on March 27, 2023, to review the spray fields. Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle and Jim Gonsiewski and Tony Williams were present. The sprinklers, spray field, and future permitting were discussed. As a reminder, the minimum inspection frequency from the Division is 5 years. Inspections may be more frequent based on compliance status and permit renewal dates. The following violations were noted: 1. At the time of inspection, there was no fence around the spray field. This was also noted in correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Permit Condition III.8 requires a minimum 2- strand wire fence around the irrigation area. Please construct this fence as soon as possible. 2. At the time of inspection, only two sprinkler heads were present in the spray field. Original plans show three sprinkler heads in the spray field. The permitted acreage is based on three sprinklers with a radius of twenty-five feet. This was also noted in correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Please investigate the terminal sprinkler head to determine if a third sprinkler head was initially installed. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources D E Q�� Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 ^OR"' `�"`''I N — 336.776.9800 oe.o ,MMEnvironmanm�OuM�ry The following items of concern were noted: • Mr. Williams stated that he inspects the chlorinator tubes monthly. Permit Condition III.12b. and the Operation Agreement state that the tablet chlorinator shall be inspected weekly. Begin inspecting the chlorinator weekly. • An inspection log has not been maintained. Permit Condition V.2 states an inspection log shall be maintained that includes, at a minimum, the date and time of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taken. Permit Condition III.12 lists inspection frequencies for specific treatment units. Begin maintaining an inspection log as described above. • Small bushes and other vegetation were observed growing on the sand filter for the grey water septic tank. This vegetation could damage the filter if roots begin growing into it. Please take measures to remove this vegetation and ensure the area over the sand filter remains clear. • The two system sprinklers were operational, but the south sprinkler had lower pressure and did not rotate. Mr. Williams stated he had recently replaced both sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads originally installed were model Rain Bird 20L TNT, which are no longer available. Comparable sprinkler heads are the Rain Bird 20JH or 20ADJ-B. Please replace the current sprinkler heads with the mentioned sprinklers as soon as possible. If the sprinkler heads do not rotate after replacement, additional action may be needed. Failure to abide by the conditions contained in your permit may subject the permittee to enforcement action by DWR in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to 143-215.6C and/or revocation of this permit. Please refer to the enclosed compliance inspection report for additional observations and comments. If you have any questions concerning this letter, you may contact Mr. Jim Gonsiewski or me at (336) 776-9800. Sincerely, Docu3tpned by: E 0�. T. JM�ta' 745849E225C94EA... Lon T. Snider Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ - WSRO enc.: Inspection Report cc: Alamance County Environmental Health — (Electronic Copy) D E Q North Carolina Department o£Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources vWinston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 lWinston-Salem, North Carolina 27105 Nyrin� ens; inn �' 336.776.9800 Oeparbnant of EnNronmenlal quel� Compliance Inspection Report Permit: WQ0003628 Effective: 08/01/18 Expiration: 07/31/23 Owner: Tony M Williams SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: 927 Old Dam Rd. SFR County: Alamance 927 Old Dam Rd Region: Winston-Salem Liberty NC 27298 Contact Person: Tony M Williams Title: Phone: Directions to Facility: From Winston-Salem, take US 421 S take exit 180, follow BR 421 S —mi turn L, take E Franklinville St. (becomes Staley Snow Camp then Pleasant Hill Ch Rd) —7.2mi turn R, take Old Dam Rd.—1.9mi, the facility is on the Lt. System Classifications: Primary ORC: Certification: Phone: Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Entry Time 10:20AM Exit Time: 11 A5AM Primary Inspector: Jim J Gonsiewski Phone: 336-776-9704 DocuSigned by: Secondary Inspector(s): I � E, 97e66F179045F... Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Permit Inspection Type: Single -Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant Question Areas: Miscellaneous Questions Permit Status Septic Tank Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Disinfection UV Disinfection Tablets Pump Tank Drip or Irrigation General (See attachment summary) Page 1 of 5 Permit: WQ0003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Inspection Summary: On March 15, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Jim Gonsiewski conducted a routine compliance inspection. Tony Williams, Owner, was present during the entire inspection. A review of all treatment units was completed. This review reflected non-compliance with the subject permit. A follow-up site visit was conducted on March 27, 2023, to review the spray fields. Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle and Jim Gonsiewski and Tony Williams were present. The sprinklers, spray field, and future permitting were discussed. The minimum inspection frequency from the Division is 5 years. Inspections may be more frequent based on compliance status and permit renewal dates. The following violations were noted: 1. At the time of inspection, there was no fence around the spray field. This was also noted in correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Permit Condition 111.8 requires a minimum 2-strand wire fence around the irrigation area. Recommended constructing this fence as soon as possible. 2. At the time of inspection, only two sprinkler heads were present in the spray field. Original plans show three sprinkler heads in the spray field. The permitted acreage is based on three sprinklers with a radius of twenty-five feet. This was also noted in correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Recommended investigating the terminal sprinkler head to determine if a third sprinkler head was initially installed. The following items of concern. were noted: • Mr. Williams stated that he inspects the chlorinator tubes monthly. Permit Condition 111.12b. and the Operation Agreement state that the tablet chlorinator shall be inspected weekly. Recommended inspecting the chlorinator weekly. • An inspection log has not been maintained. Permit Condition V.2 states an inspection log shall be maintained that includes, at a minimum, the date and time of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taken. Permit Condition 111.12 lists inspection frequencies for specific treatment units. Rcommended maintaining an inspection log as described above. • Small bushes and other vegetation were observed growing on the sand filter for the grey water septic tank. This vegetation could damage the filter if roots begin growing into it. Recommended taking measures to remove this vegetation and ensure the area over the sand filter remains clear. • The two system sprinklers were operational, but the south sprinkler had lower pressure and did not rotate. Mr. Williams stated he had recently replaced both sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads originally installed were model Rain Bird 20L TNT, which are no longer available. Comparable sprinkler heads are the Rain Bird 20JH or 20ADJ-B. Recommended replacing the current sprinkler heads with the mentioned sprinklers as soon as possible. If the sprinkler heads do not rotate after replacement, additional action may be needed. Other observations: • Mr. Williams stated that he replaced the system pump six months ago and that he had not had any major problems with the system. • Mr. Williams used the correct type of chlorine tablets. • There were areas of ponding but no runoff was observed. • Mr. Williams stated that the ground across the entire site is usually wet except during extended dry periods. • The house was constructed in 1982 and permitted 7/9/1982 under the 1976 version of 2H. This version had no setback requirements. Mr. Williams purchased it in 1999. • There is no metering equipment in the system. • Original plans (06/9/1982) for the system show three sprinkler heads. A staff report dated 3/26/98 listed three sprinkler heads. Previous inspections noted only two sprinkler heads present (2009, 2015, 2018). • Mr. Williams said there were two sprinkler heads when he purchased the property in 1999. • Mr. Williams pumps both septic tanks yearly. Page 2 of 5 Permit: WQ0003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Mr. Williams cleans the septic tank filters every six months. The alarm for the system is located in the basement. It was tested and works. NOD-2023-PC-0105 issued Page 3 of 5 Permit: WQ0003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Permit Status Yes No NA NE # Is the current resident in the home the Permittee? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # If not, does the resident rent from the Permittee? ❑ ❑ 0 El Change of Ownership form needed? (Mail the form with the inspection letter) ❑ 0 ❑ El # Is there an inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor? If YES, who is the contractor (include contact info)? Comment: See comments Septic Tank Yes No NA NE *** The septic tank and filters should be checked annually and pumped/cleaned as needed. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank? 0 ❑ El ❑ # Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? 0 ❑ El ❑ If YES, describe if known and proof (include date pumped): # Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T? N ❑ ❑ ❑ If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who? semi-annually by the permittee Comment: Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Yes No NA NE *** Accessible sand filter surfaces shall be raked/leveled every 6 months and vegetative growth shall be removed manually. *** # Is system something other than a sand filter? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ # If YES, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.) # Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located? 0 ❑ EJ ❑ Does the sandfilter require maintenance? If maintenace is required, explain: Comment: see comments Disinfection UV Yes No NA NE *** UV unit shall be checked weekly. Lamps/sleeves should be cleaned/replaced as needed to ensure proper disinfection. *** Is UV working? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned? ❑ ❑ N ❑ # Who completes the weekly check for the UV? ( Non -Discharge) Comment: Disinfection Tablets Yes No NA NE *** Tablet chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation. *** Page 4 of 5 Permit: W00003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets? (If none, mark No) M ❑ ❑ ❑ # Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are tablets contacting water? (If possible, poke them to determine.) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Comment: Pump Tank Yes No NA NE *** All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (Non -Discharge) Is the pump working? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the audible and visual high water alarm operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Last functional test: Comment: Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE *** Irrigation sysetm shall be inspected monthly to ensure system is free of leaks and equipment is operating as designed. *** # Type of system (DRIP or IRRIGATION): # If IRRIGATION, number of sprinkler heads: Are buffers and setbacks adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the site free of ponding and runoff? ❑ ❑ ❑ Does the application equipment appear to be working properly? M ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding the entire irrigation area? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Comment: See comments General Yes No NA NE # Are the treatment units locked and/or secured? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ # Has resident had any sewage problems? ❑ M ❑ ❑ If YES, explain: acces to the system is limited Does the system match the permit description? M ❑ ❑ ❑ If NO, explain: Is the system compliant? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the system failing? (If yes, take pictures if possible) ❑ ❑ ❑ If system is failing, describe any exposures to people/animals or environmental risks. Comment: No fence surrounding the system spray heads. Page 5 of 5 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources Water Quality Section NON -DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE —WASTEWATER IRRIGATION General Information Permittee: Tony Williams Permit No: WQ0003628 Telephone No.: 336-269-5424 County: Alamance Issuance Date: 8/1/2018 Expiration Date: Other Contact: Location & Address: Reason for Inspection Telephone No.:. 927 Old Dam Rd, Liberty NC 27298 7/31/2023 ® ROUTINE ❑ FOLLOW-UP ❑ COMPLAINT ® PERMITTING ❑ OTHER: Comments (attach additional pages as necessary) At the site at 10:20 AM. Met with Tony Williams, property owner and permittee. Discussed the system and its ope Mr. Wiiliams stated that the system always had two spray heads ever since he bought the property in 1999. He sa the house was constructed in 1983. Normally there are three people living in the house. Walked around the property and the system. Mr. Williams said he did not have any major problems with the system, although he replaced the system pump six months ago. The correct chlorine tablets are being used. The alarm for the system is located in the basement. It was tested and worked. The water supply well for the house is located in the front yard, south of the residence near Old Dam Road. Mr. Williams stated he has replaced the pump in the system thre times. There are two septic tanks, each are 1,000 gallons. The north line processes gray water from the residence while the south tank processes sanitary waste. The two subsurface sand filters are located east of the septic tanks. The filters are 150 square feet and 255 square feet. The lines from these filters run east where they intersect into a single line. This line runs east to a tablet chlorinator, then east to a 2,000 gallon pump tank. The line from this tank runs to the 0.14 acre spray field with two spray heads. Mr. Turner turned on the system. Both spray heads were operating, but only the north head was spraying properly. Mr. Williams stated that he had recently replaced both heads, but was having problems adjusting them. The fields were wet. Mr. Williams said the fields are commonly wet due to the soil conditions except during extended periods of dry weather. No runoff was noted frorr the fields. There were fence posts but no fencing around the spray field. Mr. Williams stated that the two previous inspectors had given him conflicting information about the size of the spray field fence and its configuration. He wa! not sure as to what he should do. He asked about running the two wires using both trees and fence posts. Told hir I would check. He also mentioned that if a third spray head was installed, it would be located on the adjacent prope The two holes in the area of the sand filters noted in the last inspection were filled. There was vegetation growing over the gray water sand filter. Told Mr. Williams this should be cleared. He also said he has the septic tanks purr yearly. He also said he cleans the filters for the tanks every six months. He said that he inspects the system monthly. Told him the chlorinator should be inspected weekly. Previous inspection in 2018 noted that the system was permitted in 1982. This was permitted under the 1976 versio of the 2H Rules with no setback requirements or minimum system design requirements. Alamance County noted in 1982 that the soil in the spray field and across the site was wet. The area around the spray heads was wet with ponded water at the time of the inspection. Mentioned to him that the recommended interval for pumping the septic tanks is 3 to 5 years. He said he preferred to do it yearly. The permit fees have been paid. According to Mr. Williams, there is no county water or sewer available in this area. Left the residence at 11:45 AM. is a follow-up inspection necessary? ® Yes ❑ No Primary Inspection: Jim Gonsiewski Date of Inspection: 03/15/2023 Secondary Inspector: Entry Time: 10:20 AM Exit Time: 11:45 AM Non -Discharge Compliance Inspection Report Record Keeping Is current permit available upon request? Is the Permittee the current resident? Is a copy of system plans available? Is estimated flow rate less than permitted flow design? Designed flow: 450 GPD (estimated by # bedrooms, # of residents, or water meter readings) Does Permittee/Resident have an inspection log? (date & time of monthly system inspections, observations noted, any maintenance and repairs) Are septic tank pumping receipts available? Date septic tank was last pumped? Metering equipment calibrated? (if any) Free of complaints the last 12 months? Comments: Septic Tank Are tanks properly located? Does septic tank have a filter? Is septic tank checked and pumped as needed? (minimum annually) Comments: 2x1000 gallon septic tanks ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE []Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE ❑ Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE []Yes ®No [_]NA []NE ❑ Yes ❑ No ® NA ❑ NE ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Pump Tank, Pumps, Controls, & Alarms Description: 2000 gallon storage tank, 10 GPM pump Are all pumps present and operational? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Are floats and controls operable? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Are alarms (audible & visible) present and operational? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Are alarms properly located? (where it can be seen and heard) ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE If required, is a rain sensor present and operational? ❑ Yes ❑ No ® NA ❑ NE Are storage tanks, pumps, and alarms checked monthly? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Comments: alarm is in basement Treatment Description: 150 sgft sand filter for gray water, 255 sgft for biackwater Are treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE the current permit? Do all treatment units appear to be operational? If no, note below. Free of bypass lines or structures? Does the treatment unit require an operator? If so, note who below. Are treatment units subsurface? Is the treatment unit free of ponding, algae, or excessive vegetation? Is the treatment unit re -circulated at a valid ration? Is the distribution box level and watertight? Are treatment units locked/public access restricted? Comments: ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ❑ Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ® NE ❑Yes No ❑NA ®NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE Treatment Disinfection Non -Discharge Compliance Inspection Report Description: tablet Is the disinfection system accessible? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Is system checked as needed? (minimum weekly) [:]Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE Are tablets in cylinder(s)? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Are tablets proper type? (wastewater grade calcium ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE hypochlorite) Is UV adequate intensity? UV bulbs clean? []Yes ❑ No ® NA ❑ NE Extra UV bulbs available? ❑ Yes ❑ No ® NA ❑ NE Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth? ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE Comments: Graywater and blackwater tie back together at chlorinator End Use Irrigation ❑Drip ®Spray # of spray heads: 2 # of acres: 0.14 Is access restricted by a fence with at least two strands [:]Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE of wire? Is the cover crop acceptable? Are application rates adhered to? No evidence of ponding, runoff, or limiting slopes? Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized? Are spray heads operational? Are buffers adequate? Are any wells located nearby? If so, how close? ®Inside CB ❑Within 250' Is municipal water available in the area? Comments: System Sketch ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ❑Yes ®No ❑NA ❑NE ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE ®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE ❑Yes ®No ❑NA ❑NE [:]Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE of CB ❑Greater than 250' from CB ❑ Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE