NCG551382_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231201

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-1485-4FA3-9E1F-272D588DOAB5
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Helen Council
8499 Wake Rd.
Durham, NC 27713
Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
December 1, 2023
Tracking Number: NOV-2023-PC-0591
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
NPDES General Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551382
Facility Name: 110 Granny's Acres
Chatham County
Dear Ms. Council:
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
effluent pipe.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551382 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an
unnamed tributary to Kit 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. 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 on November 5, 2021. 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
n�,Mo E,Amnm W1 U-IR,

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-1485-4FA3-9E1F-272D588DOAB5
Helen Council, NCG551382
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 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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 4) for failure to sample effluent. Previous inspection letter dated October 31, 2018,
requested you to make arrangements to carry out effluent sampling and submit sampling results
to RRO, but you failed to respond to the request.
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
n—p .m mEnWromm�nfal nual

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-1485-4FA3-9E1F-272D588DOAB5
Helen Council, NCG551382
Page 3 of 3
Please respond in writing to RRO within 30 days of receipt of this letter regarding Item 4. 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:
f.
VoUn t,SSa
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
nnpn .mo EnWromm�nfal nual

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-1485-4FA3-9E1 F-272D588DOAB5
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 NCG551382 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)
11:38AM 23/09/26
21/12/28
110 Granny's Acres
110 Granny's Acres
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Durham NC 27713
11:51AM 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
Helen B Council,8499 Wake Rd Durham NC 27713H919-433-1432/
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
D6171508E1 EC41 F...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
DocuSigned by:
12/4/2023
VcUn t,SSa f,t'l.aln,la
EPA Forrml5 -'T1 ev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-14854FA3-9E1 F-272D588DOAB5
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCG551382 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, and chlorinator.
The septic tank was last pumped in November 2021.
The owner had a supply of chlorine tablets, tablets were observed in the chlorinator.
Effluent has not been sampled and analyzed.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-14854FA3-9E1 F-272D588DOAB5
Permit: NCG551382 Owner -Facility: 110 Granny's Acres
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
Yes
No
NA
NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
❑
❑
0
❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
❑
❑
■
❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
0
❑
❑
❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
0
❑
❑
❑
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
❑
❑
❑
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
❑
❑
■
❑
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
❑
❑
0
❑
Comment: The septic tank was last pumped in November 2021
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?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio?
❑
❑
■
❑
# 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 ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 2
Page# 3

DocuSign Envelope ID: FD60EA5E-14854FA3-9E1 F-272D588DOAB5
Permit: NCG551382 Owner -Facility: 110 Granny's Acres
Inspection Date: 09/26/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection -Tablet Yes No NA NE
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:
Effluent Pipe
Yes
No
NA
NE
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:
Effluent Sampling
Yes
No
NA
NE
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.
Page# 4

/z6/1az� // 1 ` 30
Inspection Date: Start Time: 6 End Time:
SINGLE FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEM CHECKLIST
09.01.2015
Coc`,�l C4
C l
N �S Sir
3 Z
Permittee:
Permit:
Address: 1 O Gr G, n n "d A GY`12, E-mail-
hone:( -q Iq) 0 - 6)lI? Z Cell Phone:(__)
County:
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?
Li
Li
Li
®
❑
❑
2. If not does the resident rent from the permittee?
El
19
❑
3. Change of Ownership form needed? (mail the form with the inspection letter)
El
❑
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.
U
❑
6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank?
1%
❑
L1
❑
7. Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located?
[A
❑
❑
❑
8. Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years?
/
9. If to #8 date, if known ( I / ( Z 1 If describe r h I/ 0 "
L e.
yes proof,
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 Ll NO
If no proceed to the next section.
Accessible sand filler surfaces shall be raked and leveled every six months and any vegetative growth shall
be removed manually.
BE
X)
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?
El
ER
El
D
15. Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
If maintenance is required explain in the comment section.
DISINFECTION / UV YES Ll 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
El
❑
16. Is UV working?
17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned?
❑
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.
❑
El
19. Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets?(If none, mark No)
n
❑
❑
El
20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator?
21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator?
.K
22. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine.
z
DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES -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?
24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets?
El
1:1
EJ
El
25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlorination chamber?
El
El
El
El
26. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine.

Doesn't Did Not
Yes No A221y Investigat
PUMP TANK YES El NO 110j,
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 37 NO
If no proceed to the next section.
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 outfalI is located?
32. Were you able to locate the outfall?
®
❑
❑
❑
ED
❑
❑
33. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible and accessible?
34. Is outlet discharging?
❑
❑
o
❑
❑
❑
35. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point?
36. Any Lab Results available?
®
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
37. Is there evidence of solids around the discharge oint?
®
❑
❑
DRIP or SPRAY YES Ej NO 71
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?
❑
❑
❑
❑
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? It no explain in the comment section.
❑
X�
®
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
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?
❑
❑
❑
NOD Sent #: - - NOV Sent #:
-
- -
Comments: Photos Taken?
YES
NO
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INSPECTOR: CH L N `�` �� A N SIGNATURE:
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