HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCG551388_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231024DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Abbitteen Fore
709 Lakeview Road
Durham, NC 27712
Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
October 24, 2023
Tracking Number: NOV-2023-PC-0528
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
NPDES General Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551388
Facility Name: 709 Lakeview Road
Durham County
Dear Ms. Fore:
On June 29, 2023, Cheng Zhang 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 appreciated.
Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, sand filter, chlorinator/contact
chamber, de -chlorinator, and effluent pipe.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551388 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an
unnamed tributary to Crooked Creek (classified WS-IV, NSW waters) in the Neuse River Basin. The
authorized discharge is in accordance with the effluent limits and monitoring requirements established
within the General Permit. The items below show what conditions were noted at your facility:
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. Treatment system operation: The wastewater treatment system shall be maintained at all times
to prevent seepage of sewage to the surface of the ground. The system was discharging at the
time of inspection. The effluent appeared clear.
2. 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. You stated that the septic tank was last
pumped in 2022. The General NPDES Permit requires the permittee to retain records associated
with sewage disposal activities for a period of at least 5 years.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office I 3800 BarrettDrive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
NORTH CAROLINA ^ 919.791.4200
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DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
Abbitteen Fore, NCG551388
Page 2 of 3
3. 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 prevent/limit harmful bacteria from
discharging to the environment. The product label_for these tablets must indicate the tablets are
approved for wastewater use and not for swimming pools. Part 1, Section D (1) of General
NPDES Permit 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 not observe chlorine tablets in the
chlorinator, and you stated that you did not have a supply of correct chlorine tablets stored
on site. Please ensure the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as
required by the General NPDES Permit when the treatment system resumes operation.
4. 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 not observe any dechlorination tablets in the
treatment unit. Please ensure the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the
dechlorinator as required by the General NPDES Permit.
5. Analyzing the effluent: Part 1. C., Effluent Limitations and Monitoring 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, additional parameters (Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous, and Ammonia
Nitrogen) were added to the current NPDES General Permit NCG550000, which became
effective November 1, 2020 for Freshwater Discharges to High Quality Waters (HQW) and
Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) (including Water Supply Waters (WS-II, WS-III, WS-IV, and
WS-V). You informed the inspector that the effluent has not been monitored within the last
12 months. Please collect a representative sample of the effluent, have it analyzed by a
certified commercial laboratory and submit the results to this office no later than December
24, 2023.
6. 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 at the time of the inspection. Please ensure the
outlet is always visible/maintained and cleared of vegetation, soil and leaves.
7. Part II Section B.14 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 six annual fees have not been paid (see enclosed
invoices), please pay the annual fees within 30 days of receipt of this letter.
D � ��� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NORTH CAROLINA ��` 919.707.9000
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DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
Abbitteen Fore, NCG551388
Page 3 of 3
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 and associated maintenance records onsite for a minimum of three years and
available for inspection.
Please respond in writing to RRO within 30 days of receipt of this letter regarding Items 3, 4, 5,
and 7. If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective
action (if applicable), then please contact Cheng Zhang at 919-791-4259.
Sincerely,
ocu Signed by:
E�D
ale t,SSa, f,
2916E6AB32144F...
Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment(s): EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
Invoices of permit annual fees
Cc: Laserfiche
D � ��� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NORTH CAROLINA ��` 919.707.9000
nnpn .mo EnWromm�nfal nual
DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Form Approved.
EPA Washington, D.C. 20460
OMB No. 2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 IN 1 2 u 3 I NCG551388 111 121 23/06/29 I17 18 I C I 19 I s I 201 I
211111 I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I r6
Inspection
Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ---------------------- Reserved -------------------
67
I 72 I ni I 71 I 74 79 I I I I I I I80
701 I 71 I LL J I I
LJ
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
Entry Time/Date
Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES Dermit Number)
01:01 PM 23/06/29
07/08/01
709 Lakeview Road
709 Lakeview Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Durham NC 277121341
01:21PM 23/06/29
12/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Abbitteen Fore,709 Lakeview Rd Durham NC 277121341///
Yes
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Operations & Maintenar 0 Records/Reports Self -Monitoring Progran
Facility Site Review 0 Effluent/Receiving Wate
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Cheng Zhang signedby: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/
10/24/2023
E7u,
510,E11`EC41 F...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
by: 10/2 5/202 3
FDocuSigned
V t,SS& . Ill A a
"'-916E 1 4F
EPA orm 6-Y (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#
DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCG551388 I11 12I 23/06/29 117 18 i c i
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Current permit expired on 7/31/2012.
The system consists of septic tank, sand filter, chlorinator/contact chamber, and de -chlorinator.
The septic tank was last pumped in 2022.
No tablets were observed in the chlorinator and de -chlorinator.
Effluent has not been sampled and analyzed.
Six permit annual fees were overdue.
Page#
DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
Permit: NCG551388 Owner -Facility: 709 Lakeview Road
Inspection Date: 06/29/2023 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
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application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0
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# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
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0
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Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
0
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Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
0
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Comment: Current permit expired on 7/31/2012
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?
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0
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Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
0
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Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
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■
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Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
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0
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Comment: Septic tank was last pumped in 2022
Sand Filters (Low rate)
Yes
No
NA
NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
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0
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Is the distribution box level and watertight?
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Is sand filter free of ponding?
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0
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Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio?
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■
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# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
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0
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# Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1)
❑
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0
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Comment:
Disinfection -Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 2
Page# 3
DocuSign Envelope ID: C1499329-2782-4EAA-9CBA-52096CFB0276
Permit: NCG551388
Inspection Date: 06/29/2023
Disinfection -Tablet
Owner -Facility: 709 Lakeview Road
Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
Comment: No tablets were observed in the chlorinator.
Effluent Pipe
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris?
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
Comment:
De -chlorination
Type of system ?
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
# Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Are tablet de -chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?
Comment: No tablets were observed in the de -chlorinator.
Effluent Sampling
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
Is proper volume collected?
Is the tubing clean?
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0
degrees Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
representative)?
Comment: Effluent has not been sampled and analyzed.
Yes No NA NE
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Yes
No
NA
NE
Yes No NA NE
Tablet
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6
Yes No NA NE
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Page# 4
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Insaection Date: �Z zStart Time: ` End Time: I
SINGLE FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEM CHECKLIST
09.01.2015
Permittee: "' . Nc�r c,
Permit:__NUP
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93
Address: —7 0 E-mail
Phone: Gil P7-7- �i° ZS� Cell Phone:Lj_[�_jkjy- Z4County: DVA C V-"
The Permittee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire wastewater treatment
and disposal system.
Doesn't
Did Not
Yes
No
Apely
Investigate
1. Is the current resident in the home the Permittee?
2. If not does the resident rent from the permittee?
El
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C2
3. Change of Ownership form needed? (mail the form with the inspection letter)
0
[A
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4. Is there a inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor?
IN
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5. If yes to #4 who is the contractor?
SEPTIC TANK The septic tank and filters should be checked annually and pumped/cleaned as needed.
6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank?
19
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7. Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located?
9
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El
0
8. Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years?
91
9. If yes to #8 date, if known :2,0 2,1/ If proof, describe
10. Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T? (circle one)
11. If Yes to filter when was the filter cleaned? B whom?
SAND FILTER / TREATMENT PODS YES NO Ej
If no proceed to the next section.
Accessible sand filter surfaces shall be raked and leveled every six months and any vegetative growth shall be removed
manually.
12. Is system something other than a sandfilter?
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EM
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13. If yes, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile, Other or brand name - Advantex, etc.)
14. Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located?
15. Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
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If maintenance is required explain in the comment section.
DISINFECTION / UV YES NO
If no proceed to the next section.
The ultraviolet unit shall be checked weekly. The lamps and sleeves should be cleaned or replaced as needed to ensure
proper disinfection.
El
El16.
Is UV working?
17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned?
1:1
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18. Who completes thj&2ekly check for the UV?( Non -Discharge)
DISINFECTION / TABLETS YES NO ,_,
If no proceed to the next section.
The tablet chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation.
AK
19. Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets?(If none, mark No)
20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator?
1:1❑
21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator?
22. Are tablets contacting water? If p ossible poke them to determine.
ElLA
DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES 7 - NO
If no proceed to the next section.
The dechlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation.
23. Does the permittee know where the dechlor is?
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EJ
24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets?
El
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25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlorination chamber?
5�1
1:1
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26. Are tablets contactin water? If possible poke them to determine.
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rGalK,
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PUMP TANK YES M NO
If no proceed to the next section.
All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (non -discharge)
Is the pump working?
28. Are the audible and visual high water alarms operational?
29. Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm?
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11
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30. Last functional test: PUMP AUDIBLE & VISUAL
DISCHARGE ONLY YES R9 NO If no proceed to the next section.
A visual review of the outfall location shall be executed twice each year (one at the time of sampling to ensure no visible solids or evidence of a malfunction.
31. Does the permittee know where the outfall is located? Y� ❑ ❑ ❑
32. Were you able to locate the ouffall? � ❑ ❑
33. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible and accessible? C ] ❑ 0 ❑
34. Is outlet discharging? d r ` �P �J ❑ ❑ ❑
35. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point? ❑ ❑ ❑
36. Any Lab Results available? ❑ ❑ ❑
37. Is there evidence of solids around the dischargepoint? ❑ ❑ ❑
DRIP or SPRAY YES NO
If no proceed to
the next section.
The irrigation system shall be inspected monthly to ensure the system is free of leaks and equipment is
operating as designed.
38. Is the system DRIP or IRRIGATION (circle one)? If irrigation number of sprinkler heads._
39. Are the buffers adequate? ❑ ❑
40. Is the site free of ponding and runoff? ❑ ❑
41. Does the application equipment appear to be working properly? ❑ ❑
42. Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding entire irrigation area? ❑ ❑
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GENERAL
43. Are the treatment units locked and or secured?
44. Has resident had any sewage problems? . If yes explain in the comment section.
45. Does the system match the permit description? If no explain in the comment section.
46. Is the system compliant?
47. Is the system failing? If yes, take pictures if possible.
48. If system is failing, any sign of children or animals contacting sewage?
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NOD Sent #: - NOV Sent #:
-
-
Comments: Photos Taken?
YES
NO
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INSPECTOR: C �' ` ��1� N G SIGNATURE:
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