NCG551633_Inspection_20240509

May 9, 2024
Alison Bowes
811 Valmet Drive
Durham, NC 27703
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551633
Facility: 811 Valmet Drive, Durham, NC 27703
Durham County
Dear Ms. Bowes:

On April 26, 2024, Mr. Tyler Clark 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 greatly appreciated.

Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, sub-surface sand filter, tablet
chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, tablet dechlorinator, discharge pipe and a rip-rap apron for post
aeration.

General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551633 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as unnamed
tributary to Chunky Pipe Creek (classified WS-IV, NSW) 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.
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.
Within 30-days of receiving this letter, please send a copy of the most recent
receipt/invoice to this office showing the date the septic tank was last checked and/or
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734
Alison Bowes, NCG551633
May 9, 2024 Page 2 of 3

pumped out. The 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. Please continue to ensure the
correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as required by the
General NPDES Permit.
4. Dechlorination: Your system was installed after August 1, 2007, so must have a means of
dechlorination located downstream of the chlorinator and its contact chamber. See
Disinfection paragraph above. Please submit a schedule to this office within 20 calendar
days of receipt of this letter stating your plan for correcting this deficiency.
5. 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 continue to ensure the correct type of tablets are used and
maintained in the dechlorinator as required by the General NPDES Permit.
6. 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, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and Total
Phosphorous. During the inspection, you informed the inspector that the effluent had been
monitored within the last 12 months. You provided a copy of the effluent sampling results
provided by Pace Laboratory dated 12/14/2023.

7. 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 end of discharge pipe was not visible nor accessible the day of the
inspection. To comply with the general permit monitoring requirements, you need to be
able to sample and analyze the effluent from your SFR system through the discharge pipe.
You need to keep the area around the discharge pipe cleared of vegetation, soil and leaves.
Please take the necessary steps to ensure the discharge outlet is visible and accessible.
Maintaining the area will allow you to monitor the discharge and to collect effluent
samples as required by the subject permit.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734
Alison Bowes, NCG551633
May 9, 2024 Page 3 of 3
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 fee ($60 per year) for the period ending 1/31/2025 and due
2/3/2024, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
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.
Within 30-days receipt of this letter, please submit a written response to this office indicating the
actions you will take or have taken to comply with or resolve the issues noted items #2 & #7 above.
If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if
applicable), then please contact Tyler Clark at 919-791-4242.
Sincerely,
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: RRO/SWP Files
Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Form Approved.
OMB No. 2040-0057
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 N 52 NCG551633 24/04/26 C S31112171819 20
21 66
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------------------Reserved-------------------
N67707172 73 74 75 80
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
811 Valmet Drive
811 Valmet Dr
Durham NC 27703
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
09:00AM 24/04/26 21/08/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Other Facility Data
09:30AM 24/04/26 25/10/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Alison S Bowes,811 Valmet Dr Durham NC 27703//919-358-3658/Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Facility Site Review
Effluent/Receiving Waters
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
Timothy Clark DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4234/
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#1
5/8/2024
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734
5/9/2024
NPDES yr/mo/day
24/04/26
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. NCG550000 Ownership Change Form: According to Durham County deed of records, Alison
Bowes owns the residence and property located at 811 Valmet Drive in Durham, North Carolina. As
the property owner, you are also the owner of the existing single-family wastewater treatment system,
which treats the domestic wastewater from the residence and releases the effluent to the receiving
waters indicated above. Because the treatment system makes an outlet to waters of the state, it is an
activity for which the subject permit is required. To comply with North Carolina General Statute §
143-215.1(a), which requires a person to obtain a permit to make an outlet into the waters of the
state, you will need to complete and submit the attached NCG550000 Ownership Change Form
Alison Bowes, NCG551633
May 9, 2024 Page 2 of 3
to the Division. If you have any questions regarding change in permit ownership or completing the
form, then please contact Tyler Clark at 919-791-4242. 2. Treatment system operation: The
wastewater treatment system shall be maintained at all times to prevent seepage of sewage to the
surface of the ground.
3. 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. Within 30-days of receiving this letter, please send a copy of
the most recent receipt/invoice to this office showing the date the septic tank was last checked and/or
pumped out. The General NPDES Permit requires the permittee to retain records associated with
sewage disposal activities for a period of at least 5 years.
4. 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. Please continue to ensure the
correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as required by the General NPDES
Permit.
5. Dechlorination: Your system was installed after August 1, 2007, so must have a means of
dechlorination located downstream of the chlorinator and its contact chamber. See Disinfection
paragraph above. Please submit a schedule to this office within 20 calendar days of receipt of this
letter stating your plan for correcting this deficiency.
6. 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 continue to ensure
the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the dechlorinator as required by the General
NPDES Permit.
7. 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, Total Residual Chlorine,
Total Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and Total Phosphorous. During the inspection, you informed the
inspector that the effluent had been monitored within the last 12 months. You provided a copy of the
effluent sampling results provided by Pace Laboratory dated 12/14/2023.
Alison Bowes, NCG551633
May 9, 2024 Page 3 of 3
8. Discharge outlet location. The permittee is required to conduct a visual review of the outfall
NCG551633 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734
Permit:NCG551633
Inspection Date:04/26/2024
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
811 Valmet Drive
Compliance Evaluation
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 end of discharge pipe was not
visible nor accessible the day of the inspection. To comply with the general permit monitoring
requirements, you need to be able to sample and analyze the effluent from your SFR system through
the discharge pipe. You need to keep the area around the discharge pipe cleared of vegetation, soil
and leaves. Please take the necessary steps to ensure the discharge outlet is visible and accessible.
Maintaining the area will allow you to monitor the discharge and to collect effluent samples as
required by the subject permit.
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 fee ($60 per year) for the period ending 1/31/2025 and
due 2/3/2024, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734
Permit:NCG551633
Inspection Date:04/26/2024
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
811 Valmet Drive
Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
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
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:
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C6A9013-6738-4B0D-BC37-4E6D7CE4B734