NCG550627_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230717

DocuSign Envelope ID: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
George Sorrell
1212 Halcyon Pl.
Rougemont, NC 27572
Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
July 17, 2023
Tracking Number: NOV-2023-PC-0391
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
NPDES General Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG550627
Facility Name: 5413 Cheek Rd.
Durham County
Dear Mr. Sorrell:
On March 30, 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 post -inspection phone conversation was appreciated.
Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, sand filter, chlorinator, and
effluent pipe.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG550627 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an
unnamed tributary to Neuse River (Falls Lake) (classified WS-IV, B; NSW CA waters) 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. 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 in May 2022 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: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
George Sorrell, NCG550627
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 October 17,
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.
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: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
George Sorrell, NCG550627
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.
Vaun 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: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
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 NCG550627 111 121 23/03/30 I17 18 I C I 19 I s I 201 I
211111 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 J 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)
11:00AM 23/03/30
22/10/31
5413 Cheek Rd
5413 Cheek Rd
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Durham NC 27704
11:20AM 23/03/30
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
George A Sorrell,1212 Halcyon PI Rougemont NC 27572H919-683-8390/
Yes
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Operations & Maintenar 0 Self -Monitoring Progran 0 Effluent/Receiving Wate
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
cusignedby: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/
7/18/2023
Cheng Zhang E,1,71508E1EC41F
...
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
DocuSigned by:
7/18/2023
Vcunt,SS& f. h4wa
"- B2916E6AB32144F...
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
NCG550627 I11 12I 23/03/30 117 18 i c i
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Current COC was renewed on 10/31/2022, and expires on 10/31/2025.
Treatment system consists of septic tank, sand filter, and chlorinator. The facility discharges to an
unnamed tributary to Neuse River (Falls Lake), classified WS-IV, B; NSW CA waters in the Neuse
River Basin.
The septic tank was last pumped in May 2022.
The permittee had a supply of correct chlorine tablets, tablets were observed in the chlorinator.
Right-of-way to the discharge point was maintained. Discharge pipe was visible and accessible.
Effluent has not been sampled and analyzed since 2015.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
Permit: NCG550627 Owner -Facility: 5413 Cheek Rd
Inspection Date: 03/30/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
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?
0
❑
❑
❑
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
❑
❑
0
❑
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?
❑
❑
❑
❑
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
❑
❑
❑
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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:
Are pumps or syphons operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are high and low water alarms operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Sand Filters (Low rate)
Yes
No
NA NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
❑
❑
M
❑
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?
❑
❑
0
❑
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
❑
❑
■
❑
# 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
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
❑
❑
❑
Page# 3

DocuSign Envelope ID: 02EF1342-D4D0-4194-A047-6E7AFDB3937C
Permit: NCG550627 Owner -Facility:
Inspection Date: 03/30/2023 Inspection Type:
5413 Cheek Rd
Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection -Tablet
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
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?
■
❑
❑
❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly?
❑
❑
❑
Comment:
Effluent Sampling
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
❑
❑
0
❑
Is proper volume collected?
❑
❑
0
❑
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 since 2015
Page# 4

Inspection Date: `3 ( 3 L9 / LJ L �, Start Time: j j:L962 End Time- 11 � Z 0
SINGLE FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEM CHECKLIST
09.01.2015 �
G"7 <
Permit:
C GO Z�Permittee:
v
Address: 1 r oA E-mail-
° C-S ?_ 6—
; ¢—r^ r C,o
Phone:(_ - Cell Phone:( & 2>i 0
County:
Dt� rAam
The Permittee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire wastewater treatment and disposals stem.
Doesn't
Did Not
Yes
No
Apgly
Investigate
1. Is the current resident in the home the Permittee?
0
N
Li
Li
2. If not does the resident rent from the permittee?
❑
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3. Change of Ownership form needed? (mail the form with the inspection letter)
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4. Is there a inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor?
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5. If yes to #4 who is the contractor?
SEPTIC TANK The septic tank and filters should be checked annually and pumped/cleaned as eded.
6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank?
❑
❑
❑
7. Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? IAA ( k/-
(C
m
❑
❑
❑
GQ e,c
8. Has the septic tank been pumpedin the last 5 years?
IN
❑
❑
❑
l
9. If yes to #8 date, if known r/ 166 LZ *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 NO 0
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.
12. Is system something other than a sandfilter?
ElW
4
❑
❑
13. If yes, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile, Other or brand name - Advantex, etc.)
14. Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located?
❑
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15. Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
❑
❑
❑
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If maintenance is required explain in the comment section.
DISINFECTION / UV YES LJ NO PKI
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 er disinfection.
�
16. Is UV working?
Elro
❑
❑
17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned?
❑
❑
❑
❑
18. Who completes the weekly check for the UV?( Non -Discharge)
DISINFECTION / TABLETS YES LN 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)
LA
❑
❑
❑
20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator?
[A
❑
❑
❑
21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator?
1'
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22. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine.
[&
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DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES NO ZI
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?
❑
El
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24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets?
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25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlorination chamber?
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26. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine.
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Doesn't Did Not
Yes No Apply Investigat
PUMP TANK YES Ll NO
If no proceed to the next section.
All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (non4scharge)
27. Is the pump working?
❑
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28. Are the audible and visual high water alarms operational?
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29. Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm?
❑
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❑
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30. Last functional test: PUMP AUDIBLE & VISUAL
DISCHARGE ONLY YES DS NO
If no proceed to the next section.
A v;suai 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 outfall is located? 9 ❑ ❑ ❑
32. Were you able to locate the outfall?
El
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❑
33. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible and accessible?
1�
❑
❑
34. Is outlet discharging?
1�9
❑
❑
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35. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point?
36. Any Lab Results available?
VS
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37. Is there evidence of solids around the discharge point?
❑
®
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DRIP or SPRAY YES Ll NO L61.
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? ❑ El
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40. Is the site free of ponding and runoff?
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41. Does the application equipment appear to be working properly?
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42. Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding entire irrigation area?
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GENERAL
43. Are the treatment units locked and or secured?
❑
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44. Has resident had any sewage problems? If yes explain in the comment section.
❑
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45. Does the system match the permit description? if no explain in the comment section.
❑
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46. Is the system compliant?
❑
14
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47. Is the system failing? If yes, take pictures if possible.
48. If system is failing, any sign of children or animals contacting sewage?
❑
❑
V1
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NOD Sent #: NOV Sent #:
-
Comments: Photos Taken?
YES
Lj
NO
Lj
0 SI.✓- G
INSPECTOR. Cheng Zhang SIGNATURE: