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Home My WebLink AboutWQ0015714_NOD-2023-PC-0225_20230828ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Dicer for Gary and Kathryn Smith 508 Willowbend Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27517-7432 NORTH CAROL INA Environmental Quality August 28, 2023 Subject: NOTICE OF DIFICENCY Tracking Number: NOD-2023-PC-0225 Compliance Evaluation Inspection Single Family Wastewater Treatment System Permit No. WQ0015714 Facility: 508 Willowbend Drive Chatham County Dear Gary and Kathryn Smith: On August 25, 2023, Jane Bernard, from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family residence (SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject General NPDES Permit. I would like to thank you for your assistance during the inspection, it was greatly appreciated. Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a 1,250 gallon septic tank, a 1,200 gallon tank with a 12 gallon per minute (GPM) dosing pump, a 180 square foot pressure dosed surface above ground sand filter, a tablet chlorinator, a 3,000 gallon storage? pump tank with a 20.9 GPM pump, and audible/visual alarms; a 0.36 acre spray irrigation area with 11 overlapping, 60 foot diameter, 1.9-GPM spray heads; a soil moisture sensor, a precipitation sensor, and all associated piping, valves, controls and appurtenances. This inspection was completed as a result of the Renewal Application signed by you on June 26, 2023. At the time of this compliance inspection, the sand filter dosing tank was activated to try and transfer enough wastewater to charge the spray field. The alarms were working in hand. Tablets were in the chlorinator and appeared to be contacted the wastewater. The spray field was cleared and appeared well maintained, however the pump would not pressurize the field enough to run all 11 sprinklers. Several sprinklers would not turn, and one sprinkler never appeared to receive any wastewater. Currently the house is empty. In addition to the pressure issues, the soil moisture sensor and a precipitation sensor did not appear to be present. Findings during the inspection were as follows: 1. II. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, 6., which states, "The irrigation system shall be connected t a rain or moisture sensor, which shall indicate when effluent application is not appropriate in accordance with Conditions 1I1.4. and 1II.5. of this permit. [15A NCAC North Carolina Department of E-nvironmenlal Quality I Division ofWater Resources Raleigh Regional Office 1 1800 Barrett Drive I Ralcigh, North Carolina 27M19 ua.•enre�M[nfironnw�ue ths�Y� 919 791 4200 02T .0115 (2)]" Permit identifies the use of both rain and moisture sensors, neither sensor appeared to be present. Please contact an installer and repair/replace the required sensors in accordance with the approved plans within 60 days of receipt of this letter. 2. III.OPERATION AND MAINTENCE REQUIREMENTS, 1. Which states, "The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated as all times.... The Permittee shall maintain an Operation and Maintenance Plan pursuant to 15A NCAC 02T .0604(f). The agreement was signed May 10, 2018, and again for the current renewal on June 26, 2023. Failure to maintain the rain sensor, the moisture sensor and the pressure in the spray field is a violation of the agreement. Please contact an installer and repair/replace the required sensors and the sprinklers/pressure in accordance with the approved plans within 60 days of receipt of this letter. Division records indicate the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending November 30, 2023, and due December 22, 2022, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject permit. The wastewater treatment system should be periodically inspected to ensure the treatment components are always maintained and in good operating order. Please refer to the Operation and Maintenance Agreement (attached) completed and signed by you on June 26, 2023. You are also reminded to maintain all monitoring data and associated maintenance records onsite for a minimum of five years and available for inspection. This inspection report is being issued as a Notice of Deficiency because the pump would not pressurize the field enough to run all 11 sprinklers. The soil moisture sensor and a precipitation sensor did not appear to be present. Currently the residence is vacant. The facility must be working as designed prior to new tenants. 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 #1 and #2 above. If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if applicable), then please contact Jane Bernard at 919-791-4233. Sincerely, �� Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor Division of Water Resources -Raleigh Regional Office Department of Environmental Quality Attachment(s): Compliance inspection Report Operation and Maintenance Agreement North Carolina Department of 1=nairunrncntal Qua.'uy I Division of Water Resources Q� 512 Norlh Salisbury Sirccl 1 1611 Mail Sen ice Center I Kaleigh North Carolina 27699.1611 919.707.9000 Oap.rlmsl..' Im[n,mx xts! R.P� Compliance Inspection Report Permit:WO0015714 Effective: 09/04/18 Expiration: 08/31/23 Owner: Gary Smith 5OC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: 508 Willowbend Dr. SFR 508 Willowbend Dr County: Chatham Region: Raleigh Chapel Hill NC 275177432 Contact Person:Gary Smith Title: Phone: 919-369-3999 Directions to Facility: From Raleigh, US 64 W. to Wilsonville. Rt on Farrington Rd, 6.5 mi. First Rt after BP gas station at light (Lystra/McGhee Rd) onto Willowbend Dr (locked gate). Pass Steeple Chase Ln, next driveway on Rt. System Classifications: Primary ORC: Certification: Phone: Secondary ORC(s): On -Site Representative(s): Related Permits: Inspection Date: 08/25/2023 Entry Time:09:00AM Exit Time: 10:OOAM Primary Inspector:Jane Bem d Phone: 919-791-4200 Secondary Inspector(s): Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Permit Inspection Type: Single -Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation Facility Status: ❑ Compliant 0 Not Compliant Question Areas: Miscellaneous QuestionsPermit StatusSeptic Tank Sand Filter/Treatment PodsDisinfection TabletsPump Tank Drip or IrrigationGeneral Page 1 of 5 Permit: WQ0015714 Owner - Facility:Gary Smith Inspection Date: 08/25/2023 Inspection Type :Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine (See attachment summary) Inspection Summary: Findings during the inspection were as follows: 1. II. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, 6., which states, "The irrigation system shall be connected t a rain or moisture sensor, which shall indicate when effluent application is not appropriate in accordance with Conditions 111.4. and 111.5. of this permit. [15A NCAC 02T .0115 (2)]" Permit identifies the use of both rain and moisture sensors, neither sensor appeared to be present. Please contact an installer and repair/replace the required sensors in accordance with the approved plans within 60 days of receipt of this letter. 2. III. OPERATION AND MAINTENCE REQUIREMENTS, 1. Which states, "The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated as all times.... The Permittee shall maintain an Operation and Maintenance Plan pursuant to 15A NCAC 02T .0604(f). The agreement was signed May 10, 2018, and again for the current renewal on June 26, 2023. Failure to maintain the rain sensor, the moisture sensor and the pressure in the spray field is a violation of the agreement. Please contact an installer and repairlreplace the required sensors and the sprinklers/pressure in accordance with the approved plans within 60 days of receipt of this letter. Division records indicate the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending November 30, 2023, and due Decembe 22, 2022, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject permit. Page 2 of 5 Permit: W00015714 Owner - Facility:Gary Smith Inspection Date: 08/25/2023 Inspection Type :Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine Permit Status Yes No NA NE # Is the current resident in the home the Permittee? [IN ❑ ❑ # If not, does the resident rent from the Permittee? ❑ ❑ N ❑ Change of Ownership form needed? (Mail the form with the inspection letter) # Is there an inspection and ❑ ❑ s ❑ maintenance agreement with a contractor? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ If YES, who is the contractor (include contact info)? Comment: How is vacant at this time 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? # Does the permitteelresident know where the septic tank is located? Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? If YES, describe if known and proof (include date pumped): # Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T? If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who? 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. *** Page 3 of 5 Permit: WO0015714 Owner - Facility:C,ary Smith Inspection Date: 0EY25/2023 Inspection Type :Compl:ance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine # Is system somethin2 other than a sand filter? 0000 # If YES, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.) # Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located? ❑ Cl ❑ ❑ Does the sandfilter require maintenance? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ If maintenace is required, explain: Comment: Disinfection Tablets Yes No NA NE *** Tablet chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation. ««* Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets? (If none, mark No) # Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator? Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? Are tablets contacting water? (If possible, poke them to determine.) Comment: Pump Tank *** All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (Non -Discharge) «** Yes No NA NE Is the pump working? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is the audible and visual high water alarm operational? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Last functional test: Comment: Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE Page 4 of 5 Permit:W00015714 Owner - Facility:Gary Smith Inspection Date: 08/25/2023 Inspection Type :Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine *** 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? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding the entire irrigation area? 0000 Comment: General Yes No NA NE # Are the treatment units locked and/or secured? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ # Has resident had any sewage problems? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ If YES, explain: Does the system match the permit description? 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 peoplelanimals or environmental risks. Comment: Page 5 of 5 NS13 ction Date: Start Time: q '. 06 End Time: 11.E SINGLE FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEM CHECKLIST Permittee: &a r•.r ka+ A t-y In Permit: Li Q O a 8' 1 V2022 Address:. 0_6__L}t' I Iat.A)'Pe Ind �2 tom_ E-mail- Phone:(IL?_),10- Cell Phone:(_)_- County:Gh The Permittee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire wastewater treatment and disposal system. Doesn't Did Not Yes No Apply Investi ate 1. Is the current resident in the home the Permittee? 2. If not does the resident rent from the Permittee? 3. Change of Ownership form needed? (mail the form with the inspection letter) 19 ❑ ❑ Li ❑ ❑ Li �--,/ hJ B, Li ❑ ❑ 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 ne ed. 6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank? 7. Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ [ 1 ❑ 8. Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? ❑ ❑ 9. If yes to #8 date, if known If proof, describe IIf 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 who? SAND FILTER 1 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 12. Is system something other than a sand filter? be removed mar}dally. 91 ❑ 13. If yes, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.) 14. Does the permittee know where the filter is? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ 15. If above ground does the filter require maintenance? j0 ❑ Of ❑ ❑ If mainlenace is required explain in the comment section. DISINFECTION 1 UV YES NO If no proceed to the next section. The ultraviolet unit shall be checked weekly The lamps and sleeves shau d be cleaned or replayed as needed to ensure pro er disinfection. 16. Is UV working? ❑ ❑ ❑ 17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 18. Who completes the weekly check for the UV?( Non -Di charge) DISINFECTION 1 TABLETS YES LZ NO Lj 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) 20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator? 21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? IYJ E ❑ El ❑ ❑ ❑ . ❑ ❑ 22. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine. UZI/ ❑ ❑ ❑ DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES NO If no proceed to the next section. The dechlorinator un t shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper Qperation. 23. Does the permittee know where the dechlor is? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlorination chamber? ❑ ❑ El Ll 26. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine. 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ Doesn't Did Not Yes No Apply Investigate PUMP TANK YES LJ NO LJ If no proceed to the next section. All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (non -discharge) El ❑ ❑ 27. Is the pump working? VIJN4� the visual high water alarm operational? 1 El El El 28. Is audible and r�f U El 29. Did the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm? 30. Last functional test? DISCHARGE ONLY ES LJ NO LJ If no proceed to the next section. A 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 outfall is? ❑ 32. Were you able to locate the outfall? ❑ ❑ 33. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible? If not, explain why. El 34. Is outlet discharging? 1:1 El ❑ 35. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 36. Any Lab Results available? ❑ ❑ 37. Is there evidence of solids around the discharge point? DRIP or SPRAY YES 0 NO LJ If no proceed to the next section. The irrigation sysetm 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 sprinkleyheads. f ds EJ ❑_ 39. Are the buffers adequate? 40. Is the site free of ponding and runoff? 1 `�" ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ El application equipment a ear to be working Y �C `U! 41. Does the apppp 9 ❑ El 42. Is there a two wire fence? GENERAL 43. Are the treatment units locked and or secured? EZ E El ED ❑Z ❑ 44. Has resident had any sewage problems? If yes explain in the comment section. [0' ❑ ❑ ❑ 45. Does the system match the permit description? If no explain in the comment section. d ❑ ❑ ❑ 46. Is the system compliant? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ 47. Is the system failing? If yes, take pictures if possible. [Z' ❑ 48. If system is failin , any sign of c ildren or animals contacting sewage? NOD Sent #:-0)_- ONOV Sent #: - - Comments: Photos Taken? YES NO . a ' h iINSPECTOR:2aj!2SIGNATURE: