HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQ0003628_Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report_20230404ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Mr. Tony M. Williams
927 Old Dam Road
Liberty, North Carolina 27298
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 4, 2023
SUBJECT: Notice of Deficiency (NOD-2023-PC-0105)
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Permit No. WQ0003628
Single -Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation System
927 Old Dam Road
Alamance County
Dear Mr. Williams:
On March 15, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Jim Gonsiewski conducted a routine
compliance inspection. Tony Williams, Owner, was present during the entire inspection. A
review of all treatment units was completed. This review reflected non-compliance with the
subject permit.
A follow-up site visit was conducted on March 27, 2023, to review the spray fields. Division of
Water Resources staff Caitlin Caudle and Jim Gonsiewski and Tony Williams were present. The
sprinklers, spray field, and future permitting were discussed.
As a reminder, the minimum inspection frequency from the Division is 5 years. Inspections may
be more frequent based on compliance status and permit renewal dates.
The following violations were noted:
1. At the time of inspection, there was no fence around the spray field. This was also noted
in correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Permit Condition III.8 requires a minimum 2-
strand wire fence around the irrigation area. Please construct this fence as soon as
possible.
2. At the time of inspection, only two sprinkler heads were present in the spray field.
Original plans show three sprinkler heads in the spray field. The permitted acreage is
based on three sprinklers with a radius of twenty-five feet. This was also noted in
correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Please investigate the terminal sprinkler head to
determine if a third sprinkler head was initially installed.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D E Q�� Winston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 1 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
^OR"' `�"`''I N — 336.776.9800
oe.o ,MMEnvironmanm�OuM�ry
The following items of concern were noted:
• Mr. Williams stated that he inspects the chlorinator tubes monthly. Permit Condition
III.12b. and the Operation Agreement state that the tablet chlorinator shall be inspected
weekly. Begin inspecting the chlorinator weekly.
• An inspection log has not been maintained. Permit Condition V.2 states an inspection
log shall be maintained that includes, at a minimum, the date and time of inspection,
observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taken. Permit
Condition III.12 lists inspection frequencies for specific treatment units. Begin
maintaining an inspection log as described above.
• Small bushes and other vegetation were observed growing on the sand filter for the grey
water septic tank. This vegetation could damage the filter if roots begin growing into it.
Please take measures to remove this vegetation and ensure the area over the sand
filter remains clear.
• The two system sprinklers were operational, but the south sprinkler had lower pressure
and did not rotate. Mr. Williams stated he had recently replaced both sprinkler heads.
The sprinkler heads originally installed were model Rain Bird 20L TNT, which are no
longer available. Comparable sprinkler heads are the Rain Bird 20JH or 20ADJ-B. Please
replace the current sprinkler heads with the mentioned sprinklers as soon as
possible. If the sprinkler heads do not rotate after replacement, additional action
may be needed.
Failure to abide by the conditions contained in your permit may subject the permittee to
enforcement action by DWR in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to
143-215.6C and/or revocation of this permit.
Please refer to the enclosed compliance inspection report for additional observations and
comments. If you have any questions concerning this letter, you may contact Mr. Jim Gonsiewski
or me at (336) 776-9800.
Sincerely,
Docu3tpned by:
E
0�. T. JM�ta'
745849E225C94EA...
Lon T. Snider
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ - WSRO
enc.: Inspection Report
cc: Alamance County Environmental Health — (Electronic Copy)
D E Q North Carolina Department o£Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
vWinston-Salem Regional Office 1 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 lWinston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
Nyrin� ens; inn �' 336.776.9800
Oeparbnant of EnNronmenlal quel�
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0003628 Effective: 08/01/18 Expiration: 07/31/23 Owner: Tony M Williams
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: 927 Old Dam Rd. SFR
County: Alamance 927 Old Dam Rd
Region: Winston-Salem
Liberty NC 27298
Contact Person: Tony M Williams Title: Phone:
Directions to Facility:
From Winston-Salem, take US 421 S take exit 180, follow BR 421 S —mi turn L, take E Franklinville St. (becomes Staley Snow Camp
then Pleasant Hill Ch Rd) —7.2mi turn R, take Old Dam Rd.—1.9mi, the facility is on the Lt.
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Entry Time 10:20AM Exit Time: 11 A5AM
Primary Inspector: Jim J Gonsiewski Phone: 336-776-9704
DocuSigned by:
Secondary Inspector(s): I
�
E, 97e66F179045F...
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Single -Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions Permit Status Septic Tank
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Disinfection UV Disinfection Tablets
Pump Tank Drip or Irrigation General
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5
Permit: WQ0003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams
Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
On March 15, 2023, Division of Water Resources staff Jim Gonsiewski conducted a routine compliance inspection. Tony
Williams, Owner, was present during the entire inspection. A review of all treatment units was completed. This review
reflected non-compliance with the subject permit.
A follow-up site visit was conducted on March 27, 2023, to review the spray fields. Division of Water Resources staff Caitlin
Caudle and Jim Gonsiewski and Tony Williams were present. The sprinklers, spray field, and future permitting were
discussed.
The minimum inspection frequency from the Division is 5 years. Inspections may be more frequent based on compliance
status and permit renewal dates.
The following violations were noted:
1. At the time of inspection, there was no fence around the spray field. This was also noted in correspondence dated April
16, 2018. Permit Condition 111.8 requires a minimum 2-strand wire fence around the irrigation area. Recommended
constructing this fence as soon as possible.
2. At the time of inspection, only two sprinkler heads were present in the spray field. Original plans show three sprinkler
heads in the spray field. The permitted acreage is based on three sprinklers with a radius of twenty-five feet. This was also
noted in correspondence dated April 16, 2018. Recommended investigating the terminal sprinkler head to determine if a third
sprinkler head was initially installed.
The following items of concern. were noted:
• Mr. Williams stated that he inspects the chlorinator tubes monthly. Permit Condition 111.12b. and the Operation
Agreement state that the tablet chlorinator shall be inspected weekly. Recommended inspecting the chlorinator weekly.
• An inspection log has not been maintained. Permit Condition V.2 states an inspection log shall be maintained that
includes, at a minimum, the date and time of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective
actions taken. Permit Condition 111.12 lists inspection frequencies for specific treatment units. Rcommended maintaining an
inspection log as described above.
• Small bushes and other vegetation were observed growing on the sand filter for the grey water septic tank. This
vegetation could damage the filter if roots begin growing into it. Recommended taking measures to remove this vegetation
and ensure the area over the sand filter remains clear.
• The two system sprinklers were operational, but the south sprinkler had lower pressure and did not rotate. Mr. Williams
stated he had recently replaced both sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads originally installed were model Rain Bird 20L
TNT, which are no longer available. Comparable sprinkler heads are the Rain Bird 20JH or 20ADJ-B. Recommended
replacing the current sprinkler heads with the mentioned sprinklers as soon as possible. If the sprinkler heads do not rotate
after replacement, additional action may be needed.
Other observations:
• Mr. Williams stated that he replaced the system pump six months ago and that he had not had any major problems
with the system.
• Mr. Williams used the correct type of chlorine tablets.
• There were areas of ponding but no runoff was observed.
• Mr. Williams stated that the ground across the entire site is usually wet except during extended dry periods.
• The house was constructed in 1982 and permitted 7/9/1982 under the 1976 version of 2H. This version had no setback
requirements. Mr. Williams purchased it in 1999.
• There is no metering equipment in the system.
• Original plans (06/9/1982) for the system show three sprinkler heads. A staff report dated 3/26/98 listed three sprinkler
heads. Previous inspections noted only two sprinkler heads present (2009, 2015, 2018).
• Mr. Williams said there were two sprinkler heads when he purchased the property in 1999.
• Mr. Williams pumps both septic tanks yearly.
Page 2 of 5
Permit: WQ0003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams
Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Mr. Williams cleans the septic tank filters every six months.
The alarm for the system is located in the basement. It was tested and works.
NOD-2023-PC-0105 issued
Page 3 of 5
Permit: WQ0003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams
Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Permit Status Yes No NA NE
# Is the current resident in the home the Permittee? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# If not, does the resident rent from the Permittee? ❑ ❑ 0 El
Change of Ownership form needed? (Mail the form with the inspection letter) ❑ 0 ❑ El
# Is there an inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor?
If YES, who is the contractor (include contact info)?
Comment: See comments
Septic Tank Yes No NA NE
*** The septic tank and filters should be checked annually and pumped/cleaned as needed.
Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank? 0 ❑ El ❑
# Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? 0 ❑ El ❑
If YES, describe if known and proof (include date pumped):
# Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T? N ❑ ❑ ❑
If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who? semi-annually by
the permittee
Comment:
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Yes No NA NE
*** Accessible sand filter surfaces shall be raked/leveled every 6 months and vegetative growth shall be
removed manually. ***
# Is system something other than a sand filter? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
# If YES, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.)
# Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located? 0 ❑ EJ ❑
Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
If maintenace is required, explain:
Comment: see comments
Disinfection UV Yes No NA NE
*** UV unit shall be checked weekly. Lamps/sleeves should be cleaned/replaced as needed to ensure
proper disinfection. ***
Is UV working? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned? ❑ ❑ N ❑
# Who completes the weekly check for the UV? ( Non -Discharge)
Comment:
Disinfection Tablets Yes No NA NE
*** Tablet chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation. ***
Page 4 of 5
Permit: W00003628 Owner - Facility: Tony M Williams
Inspection Date: 03/15/2023 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets? (If none, mark No) M ❑ ❑ ❑
# Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are tablets contacting water? (If possible, poke them to determine.) 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Pump Tank Yes No NA NE
*** All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (Non -Discharge)
Is the pump working? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the audible and visual high water alarm operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Last functional test:
Comment:
Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE
*** Irrigation sysetm shall be inspected monthly to ensure system is free of leaks and equipment is operating
as designed. ***
# Type of system (DRIP or IRRIGATION):
# If IRRIGATION, number of sprinkler heads:
Are buffers and setbacks adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of ponding and runoff? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the application equipment appear to be working properly? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding the entire irrigation area? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Comment: See comments
General Yes No NA NE
# Are the treatment units locked and/or secured? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Has resident had any sewage problems? ❑ M ❑ ❑
If YES, explain:
acces to the system is limited
Does the system match the permit description? M ❑ ❑ ❑
If NO, explain:
Is the system compliant? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the system failing? (If yes, take pictures if possible) ❑ ❑ ❑
If system is failing, describe any exposures to people/animals or environmental risks.
Comment: No fence surrounding the system spray heads.
Page 5 of 5
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Section
NON -DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE —WASTEWATER IRRIGATION
General Information
Permittee: Tony Williams
Permit No: WQ0003628
Telephone No.: 336-269-5424
County: Alamance
Issuance Date: 8/1/2018 Expiration Date:
Other Contact:
Location & Address:
Reason for Inspection
Telephone No.:.
927 Old Dam Rd, Liberty NC 27298
7/31/2023
® ROUTINE ❑ FOLLOW-UP ❑ COMPLAINT ® PERMITTING ❑ OTHER:
Comments (attach additional pages as necessary)
At the site at 10:20 AM. Met with Tony Williams, property owner and permittee. Discussed the system and its ope
Mr. Wiiliams stated that the system always had two spray heads ever since he bought the property in 1999. He sa
the house was constructed in 1983. Normally there are three people living in the house. Walked around the
property and the system. Mr. Williams said he did not have any major problems with the system, although he
replaced the system pump six months ago. The correct chlorine tablets are being used. The alarm for the system
is located in the basement. It was tested and worked. The water supply well for the house is located in the front
yard, south of the residence near Old Dam Road. Mr. Williams stated he has replaced the pump in the system thre
times.
There are two septic tanks, each are 1,000 gallons. The north line processes gray water from the residence while
the south tank processes sanitary waste. The two subsurface sand filters are located east of the septic tanks. The
filters are 150 square feet and 255 square feet. The lines from these filters run east where they intersect into a
single line. This line runs east to a tablet chlorinator, then east to a 2,000 gallon pump tank. The line from this tank
runs to the 0.14 acre spray field with two spray heads. Mr. Turner turned on the system. Both spray heads
were operating, but only the north head was spraying properly. Mr. Williams stated that he had recently replaced
both heads, but was having problems adjusting them. The fields were wet. Mr. Williams said the fields are
commonly wet due to the soil conditions except during extended periods of dry weather. No runoff was noted frorr
the fields. There were fence posts but no fencing around the spray field. Mr. Williams stated that the two previous
inspectors had given him conflicting information about the size of the spray field fence and its configuration. He wa!
not sure as to what he should do. He asked about running the two wires using both trees and fence posts. Told hir
I would check. He also mentioned that if a third spray head was installed, it would be located on the adjacent prope
The two holes in the area of the sand filters noted in the last inspection were filled. There was vegetation growing
over the gray water sand filter. Told Mr. Williams this should be cleared. He also said he has the septic tanks purr
yearly. He also said he cleans the filters for the tanks every six months. He said that he inspects the system
monthly. Told him the chlorinator should be inspected weekly.
Previous inspection in 2018 noted that the system was permitted in 1982. This was permitted under the 1976 versio
of the 2H Rules with no setback requirements or minimum system design requirements. Alamance County noted
in 1982 that the soil in the spray field and across the site was wet. The area around the spray heads was wet with
ponded water at the time of the inspection.
Mentioned to him that the recommended interval for pumping the septic tanks is 3 to 5 years. He said he preferred
to do it yearly. The permit fees have been paid. According to Mr. Williams, there is no county water or sewer
available in this area.
Left the residence at 11:45 AM.
is a follow-up inspection necessary? ® Yes ❑ No
Primary Inspection: Jim Gonsiewski
Date of Inspection: 03/15/2023
Secondary Inspector:
Entry Time: 10:20 AM
Exit Time: 11:45 AM
Non -Discharge Compliance Inspection Report
Record Keeping
Is current permit available upon request?
Is the Permittee the current resident?
Is a copy of system plans available?
Is estimated flow rate less than permitted flow design?
Designed flow: 450 GPD
(estimated by # bedrooms, # of residents, or water meter readings)
Does Permittee/Resident have an inspection log?
(date & time of monthly system inspections, observations noted, any
maintenance and repairs)
Are septic tank pumping receipts available?
Date septic tank was last pumped?
Metering equipment calibrated? (if any)
Free of complaints the last 12 months?
Comments:
Septic Tank
Are tanks properly located?
Does septic tank have a filter?
Is septic tank checked and pumped as needed?
(minimum annually)
Comments: 2x1000 gallon septic tanks
®Yes
❑No
❑NA
❑NE
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
[]Yes
® No
❑ NA
❑ NE
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
❑ Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE
[]Yes ®No [_]NA []NE
❑ Yes ❑ No ® NA ❑ NE
® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
®Yes
❑No
❑NA
❑NE
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Pump Tank, Pumps, Controls, & Alarms Description:
2000 gallon storage tank, 10 GPM pump
Are all pumps present and operational?
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Are floats and controls operable?
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Are alarms (audible & visible) present and operational?
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Are alarms properly located? (where it can be seen and heard)
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
If required, is a rain sensor present and operational?
❑ Yes
❑ No
® NA
❑ NE
Are storage tanks, pumps, and alarms checked monthly?
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Comments: alarm is in basement
Treatment Description: 150 sgft sand filter for gray water, 255 sgft for biackwater
Are treatment facilities consistent with those outlined in ® Yes ❑ No ❑ NA ❑ NE
the current permit?
Do all treatment units appear to be operational? If no,
note below.
Free of bypass lines or structures?
Does the treatment unit require an operator? If so, note
who below.
Are treatment units subsurface?
Is the treatment unit free of ponding, algae, or excessive
vegetation?
Is the treatment unit re -circulated at a valid ration?
Is the distribution box level and watertight?
Are treatment units locked/public access restricted?
Comments:
®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE
®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE
❑ Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE
®Yes
❑No
❑NA
❑NE
®Yes
❑No
❑NA
❑NE
❑ Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
® NE
❑Yes
No
❑NA
®NE
®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE
Treatment Disinfection
Non -Discharge Compliance Inspection Report
Description: tablet
Is the disinfection system accessible? ® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Is system checked as needed? (minimum weekly) [:]Yes
® No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Are tablets in cylinder(s)? ® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
Are tablets proper type? (wastewater grade calcium ® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
hypochlorite)
Is UV adequate intensity? UV bulbs clean?
[]Yes
❑ No
® NA ❑ NE
Extra UV bulbs available?
❑ Yes
❑ No
® NA ❑ NE
Is contact chamber free of sludge, solids, and growth?
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA ❑ NE
Comments: Graywater and blackwater tie back together at chlorinator
End Use Irrigation ❑Drip ®Spray # of spray heads: 2
# of acres: 0.14
Is access restricted by a fence with at least two strands
[:]Yes
® No
❑ NA ❑ NE
of wire?
Is the cover crop acceptable?
Are application rates adhered to?
No evidence of ponding, runoff, or limiting slopes?
Is the acreage specified in the permit being utilized?
Are spray heads operational?
Are buffers adequate?
Are any wells located nearby?
If so, how close? ®Inside CB ❑Within 250'
Is municipal water available in the area?
Comments:
System Sketch
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
®Yes
❑No
❑NA
❑NE
❑Yes
®No
❑NA
❑NE
® Yes
❑ No
❑ NA
❑ NE
®Yes ❑No ❑NA ❑NE
❑Yes ®No ❑NA ❑NE
[:]Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE
of CB ❑Greater than 250' from CB
❑ Yes ® No ❑ NA ❑ NE