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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCG551298_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231201DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-4lC1-926A-84502EAFE892 ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director Rochelle Wright 8021 Salix Drive Durham, NC 27713 Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality December 1, 2023 Tracking Number: NOV-2023-PC-0593 Compliance Evaluation Inspection Single Family Wastewater Treatment System NPDES General Permit NCG550000 Certificate of Coverage NCG551298 Facility Name: 8021 Salix Drive Durham County Dear Ms. Wright: On September 26, 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 filters, chlorinator, and de - chlorinator. General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551298 authorize the discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an unnamed tributary to Northeast Creek (classified WS-IV; NSW waters) 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 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. It was unknown whether the system was discharging or not at the time of inspection, because the outfall could not be located. 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 septic tank was left open (cap removed) and filled with rainwater. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Raleigh Regional Office 1 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 NORTH CAROLINA ^ 919.791.4200 n�,Mo E,Amnm W1 U-IR, DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 Rochelle Wright, NCG551298 Page 2 of 3 General NPDES Permit requires the permittee to retain records associated with sewage disposal activities for a period of at least 5 years. 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 observed chlorine tablets in the chlorinator, and you stated that you had 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 observed 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 31, 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 outfall could not be located at the time of 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 the required annual fees have been paid. 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: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 Rochelle Wright, NCG551298 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. This inspection letter is being issued as a Notice of Violation due to the conditions noted above (Item 2, 5, and 6) for failure to sample effluent and properly operate and maintain the system. Please respond in writing to RRO within 30 days of receipt of this letter regarding Items 2, 5, and 6. 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, DocuSigned by: Vaun t,SSa f. 62916E6AB32144F... 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 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 enpn .mo EnWromm�nfal nual DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 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 NCG551298 111 121 23/09/26 I17 18 I C I 19 I s I 20L] 21111I 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 -1 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) 11:04AM 23/09/26 21/12/28 8021 Salix Drive 8021 Salix Dr Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date Durham NC 27713 11:21AM 23/09/26 25/10/31 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 Rochelle Wright,8021 Salix Dr Durham NC 27713/// Yes Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated) Permit Operations & Maintenar 0 Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Effluent/Receiving Wate Laboratory 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 Docusignedby: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/ 12/1/2023 E 71508E1EC41F Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date DocuSigned by: 12/4/2023 VcUn.t,SSa �. �l.aln,ltit,�, "-B2916E6AB32144F... EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete. Page# DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type NCG551298 I11 12I 23/09/26 117 18 i c i Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary) System consists of septic tank, sand filters, chlorinator, and de -chlorinator. The septic tank was last pumped in 2022. The septic tank was left open (cap removed) and filled with rain water. Tablets were observed in the chlorinator and de -chlorinator. Outfall could not be located. Effluent has not been sampled and analyzed. Page# DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 Permit: NCG551298 Owner -Facility: 8021 Salix Drive Inspection Date: 09/26/2023 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable? Comment: Permit (If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new application? Is the facility as described in the permit? # Are there any special conditions for the permit? Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? Comment: Septic Tank (If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational? Is septic tank pumped on a schedule? Are pumps or syphons operating properly? Are high and low water alarms operating properly? Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ • ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No NA NE ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Comment: The septic tank was last pumped in 2022. The septic tank was left open (cap removed) and filled with rain water. Sand Filters (Low rate) Yes No NA NE (If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is the distribution box level and watertight? ❑ ❑ ❑ Is sand filter free of ponding? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1) ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Disinfection -Tablet Yes No NA NE Are tablet chlorinators operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Page# 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 Permit: NCG551298 Owner -Facility: Inspection Date: 09/26/2023 Inspection Type: 8021 Salix Drive Compliance Evaluation Disinfection -Tablet Yes No NA NE Number of tubes in use? 2 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: Chlorine tablets were observed in the chlorinator De -chlorination Yes No NA NE Type of system ? Tablet Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is de -chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Are tablet de -chlorinators operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ Number of tubes in use? 2 Comment: Tablets were observed in the de -chlorinator. Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Comment: The outfall could not be located. Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE Is composite sampling flow proportional? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is sample collected below all treatment units? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ Is proper volume collected? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ Is the tubing clean? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ # Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 ❑ ❑ 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. Page# 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 01E849F5-58E4-41C1-926A-84502EAFE892 Permit: NCG551298 Inspection Date: 09/26/2023 Owner -Facility: 8021 Salix Drive Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Page# Inspection Date: /7-4 ` 7,0 �_� Start Time: / / ' `0' q- End Time: / 1 � Z r FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEM CHECKLIST 09.01,2015 j� _ tSNNGLE 'C_4,6 ���Z91� /�oc�►�l�� Permittee: t3 Permit: j],� 1 Address: C? D 2i sa j X D r, 'Vc- E-mail- Phone:L__) - Cell Phone:( Ob 7 L� - % �� County: f--)wr 11-, n) 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? ❑ EX ® ❑ 2. If not does the resident rent from the permittee? ❑ EZ 3. Change of Ownership form needed? (mail the form with the inspection letter) 4. Is there a inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor? 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. 191 El D ID 6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank? 7. Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? 8. Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? 9. If yes to #8 date, if known 'Z0 z 2 _ 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? By whom? SAND FILTER / TREATMENT PODS YES bC NO 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. ❑ D9 0 El 12. Is system something other than a sandfilter? 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? El L El El 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 replac d as needed to ensure proper disinfection. 0 El El El 16. Is UV working? 17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned? 0 El El 18. Who completes the weekly 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. 19. Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets?(If none, mark No) 91 ❑ ❑ ❑ 20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator? [4 ❑ ❑ ❑ 21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? 0 22. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine. IX ❑ ❑ ❑ DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES W -NO Li 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? ❑ 24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets? 25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlorination chamber? ❑ 26. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine. Doesn't Did Not Yes No Apply Investi at PUMP TANK YES 7 NO LA If no proceed to the next section. All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (non -discharge) 27. 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ 30. Last functional test: PUMP AUDIBLE & VISUAL DISCHARGE ONLY YES NO If no proceed to the next section. A visual review of the outfal I location shall be executed twice each ye r 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? El © ❑ El 32. Were you able to locate the outfall? ❑ M ❑ 33. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible and accessible? ❑ ® ❑ 34. Is outlet discharging? ❑ 121 ❑ 35. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point? 36. Any Lab Results available? ❑ ❑ ❑ ® [K] ❑ ❑ ❑ 37. Is there evidence of solids around the discharge int? ❑ ❑ ER ❑ DRIP or SPRAY YES LJ 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 39. Are the buffers adequate? of sprinkler heads. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ GENERAL 43. Are the treatment units locked and or secured? X] ❑ ❑ ❑ 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. El 19: ® ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 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? ❑ ❑ © ❑ ❑ rVNIL ❑ ❑ NOD Sent #: - - NOV Sent - Comments: Photos Taken? YES NO 12 C - ' 10 / 3 1 / yv V -f- C r eei� INSPECTOR: A) G 2-H 14 �G SIGNATURE: L/ —