WQ0011109_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240223

February 23, 2024
Lloyd Allen and Jo Ann G. Massey
685 Upchurch Rd.
Durham, NC 27713
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Non-Discharge Permit: WQ001109
Facility: 685 Upchurch Rd. SFR
Chatham County
Dear Allen and Jo Ann Massey,

On February 21, 2024, Staff from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family residence (SFR)
wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject Non-Discharge Permit. Your
assistance during the inspection was greatly appreciated.

Non-Discharge Permit WQ0011109 was issued June 1, 2018 and expired on May 31, 2023.
A renewal application was received February 21, 2024.

Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a 1,000 gallon baffled septic tank, a 360 square foot
(ft2) subsurface sand filter, a tablet chlorinator, a 1,200 gallon storage tank, a 1,200 gallon pump tank
with a submersible irrigation pump, a 0.24 acre spray irrigation area with four semi-circle and one full-
circle spray irrigation heads, and all associated piping, valves, controls, and appurtenances.

Non-Discharge Permit WQ0011109 authorizes the operation of up to 360 gallons per day (GPD). The
authorized irrigation is in accordance with the effluent limits and monitoring requirements established
within the Non-Discharge 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 effectively
maintained and operated at all times so there is no discharge to surface waters, nor any
contravention of groundwater or surface water standards. At the time of this inspection
the facility appeared to be effectively maintained.
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. A pumping
company can check the status periodically and determine when pumping is required.
During the inspection Mr. and Mrs. Massey provided a receipt documenting that the
septic tank was pumped out by Scotty’s Sanitation on February 20, 2024.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 060D2D35-DBFB-4151-9AE7-171203EC2096
Lloyd Allen and Jo Ann G. Massey
WQ0011109
February 22, 2024 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 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. During the inspection RO staff observed that
the chlorine tablets Mr. and Mrs. Massey had were “melted” together in the storage tub
they were purchased in. Mr. and Mrs. Massey indicated they did not know where to
purchase more tablets. Staff provided Mr. and Mrs. Massey with a source for the tablets
after the inspection. Please continue to ensure the correct type of tablets are used and
maintained in the chlorinator as required by the Non-Discharge Permit.

4. Proper Operation and Maintenance: The system shall be inspected monthly to make
certain of the proper operation of the sprinklers, that the system is free of leaks, that the
vegetative growth allows a proper spray pattern, that the soil is assimilating the disposed
treated wastewater with no surface runoff, and that no objectionable odors are being
generated. Any visible signs of a malfunctioning system shall be documented, and steps
taken to correct the problem. On the day of the inspection, the spray field appeared to
be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. The audible
and visual alarms functioned properly when using the test switch. The alarm float
could not be tested due to repairs being conducted to replace the pump tank pump.
The function of the spray heads could not be assessed due to the malfunctioning
pump. All the spray heads moved freely when rotated by hand. The 2 wire fence
surrounding the spray area was mostly intact except for a few sections.
Within 10 days of receipt of this letter, please take action to return the malfunctioning pump and
the damaged sections of fencing mentioned in Item 4. to proper working order and notify this office
when the repairs have been completed.
Non-Discharge permit WQ0011109 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 June 30, 2024 and due July 1, 2023 has been
paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject Non-Discharge permit.

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.

If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if
applicable), then please contact Chris Smith at 919-791-4257 or at [e-mail]
DocuSign Envelope ID: 060D2D35-DBFB-4151-9AE7-171203EC2096
Lloyd Allen and Jo Ann G. Massey
WQ0011109
February 22, 2024 Page 3 of 3

Sincerely,

Michael Hall, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

Attachment: Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 060D2D35-DBFB-4151-9AE7-171203EC2096