NCG551114_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230921

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5FD197D1-CFD4-4224-A241-FE57D844DDE3
ROY COOPER Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
September 21, 2023
Marvin Romero and Zulma Galdamez
5707 Birch Drive
Durham, NC 27712
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551114
Facility: 5707 Birch Drive
Durham County
Dear Mr. Romero:
On September 21, Michael Hall and Kevin Fowler 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, and discharge pipe. The discharge pipe could not be located during the inspection, and
may be common to multiple homes on the street.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551114 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as
unnamed tributary to Crooked 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:
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. Romero indicated that the tank had been pumped
within the last 3 years, and said he would provide documentation confirming the date of
the pumping, and the company that performed it. 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.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
4NORT�HCv Raleigh Regional Office 1 3800 Barrett Drive I Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
NORTHCAROUNA 919.791.4200
Department ofEnvlronmantal Duali�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5FD197D1-CFD4-4224-A241-FE57D844DDE3
2. 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 did not observe any chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please
ensure the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as
required by the General NPDES Permit.
3. 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 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 December 31, 2023. If,
during this time, you are unable to collect a representative sample of the effluent
discharge due to insufficient flow from the discharge pipe, then update this office with
that information and continue to monitor the discharge and if conditions for sampling
become favorable, then arrange to collect a sample. Failure to monitor the effluent
discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit NCG550000.
4. 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.
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 July 31, 2024 and
due August 5, 2023 has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
The wastewater treatment system should be periodically inspected 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 E Q �J North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-161 1
NORrH CAROLINA �/ 919.707.9000
oepanmem or environmental auaii

DocuSign Envelope ID: 5FD197D1-CFD4-4224-A241-FE57D844DDE3
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 1-4 above.
If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action
(if applicable), then please contact Michael Hall at 919-791-4237 or [e-mail].
Sincerely,
ocuSigned by:
E�D
a -e. �l.atn.ttit,(,2916E6AB32144F...
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
Field Inspection Form
Cc: Laserfiche
D E Q�� 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
Depanmem of Envlmnmenml Dual

DocuSign Envelope ID: EC5DA803-B2AC-4DE4-8531-E9961D17ED85
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 2 u 3 I NCG551114 111 121 23/09/21 I17 18 LC] I 19 I s I 20L]
21111I 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 n, I 73 � I 74 79 I I I I I I I80
70 I I 71 I LL -1 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 permit Number)
10:45AM 23/09/21
21/10/29
5707 Birch Drive
5707 Birch Dr
Exit Time/Date
Permit Expiration Date
Durham NC 27712
11:50AM 23/09/21
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
Marvin L Romero,5707 Birch Dr Durham NC 27712///
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Operations & Maintenar 0 Records/Reports Facility Site Review
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
Kevin Fowler Docusigned by: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/
E�AicLa Rw� 9/22/2023
Michael HallDWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4237/
372DCBCB61EE4A8_.
Si d�adusf �gggement Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Vcunt,SSa 9/22/2023
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: EC5DA803-B2AC-4DE4-8531-E9961D17ED85
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type (Cont.)
NCG551114 I11 12I 23/09/21 117 18 i c i
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. 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. Romero indicated that the tank had
been pumped within the last 3 years, and said he would provide documentation confirming the date of
the pumping, and the company that performed it. 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.
2. 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 did not observe any chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please ensure the
correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as required by the General NPDES
Permit.
3. 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 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 December 31, 2023. If, during this time, you are
unable to collect a representative sample of the effluent discharge due to insufficient flow from the
discharge pipe, then update this office with that information and continue to monitor the discharge
and if conditions for sampling become favorable, then arrange to collect a sample. Failure to monitor
the effluent discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit NCG550000.
4. 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.
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 July 31, 2024
and due August 5, 2023 has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
Page#

DocuSign Envelope ID: EC5DA803-B2AC-4DE4-8531-E9961D17ED85
Permit: NCG551114 Owner -Facility: 5707 Birch Drive
Inspection Date: 09/21/2023 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?
■
❑
❑
❑
# 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: Permittee was helpful, and new location of septic tank and chlorinator. Did not know
location of discharge.
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:
Septic Tank
Yes
No
NA
NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational?
❑
❑
■
❑
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
■
❑
❑
❑
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
❑
❑
■
❑
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
❑
❑
■
❑
Comment: Permittee indicated verbally that the septic tank had been pumped in the last 3 years,
and indicated he would send the inspector a copy of the invoice.
Sand Filters (Low rate)
Yes
No
NA
NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
❑
❑
■
❑
Is the distribution box level and watertight?
❑
❑
❑
■
Is sand filter free of ponding?
■
❑
❑
❑
Is the sand filter effluent re -circulated at a valid ratio?
❑
❑
■
❑
# 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)
❑
❑
■
❑
Comment: No ponding or excessive growth observed in general location of sand filter.
Disinfection -Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Page# 3

DocuSign Envelope ID: EC5DA803-B2AC-4DE4-8531-E9961D17ED85
Permit: NCG551114 Owner -Facility: 5707 Birch Drive
Inspection Date: 09/21/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection -Tablet Yes No NA NE
Number of tubes in use? 1
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: Sinqle chlorination tube had no internal screen, and no tablets present. Inspector did
not observe flow within the pipe. Permittee knew location of pipe, and indicated that he
had placed tablets in the pipe in the past.
Effluent Pipe
Yes
No
NA
NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained?
❑
❑
❑
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: Permittee did not know location of effluent pipe, which appears to be a common
discharge for multiple houses on this street. Discussed criticality of locating discharge,
and insuring that it was open to flow.
Page# 4

o9 Z 1 ZoZ3
Date Arrival Time r ID'. `t S Ex. t Time
NON DISCHARGE SINGLE FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
&1&2021
Permittee ImIZ6, +*,i,wt _ _
Permit: 6 Ste'
Address' 6267 _&2C{} \V - _ _-- _ -- E-mail tnt r0Mje4A
Phone:(_)_- Cell Phone:( ) - ]
County:._ u2h4+ 1 -
The Permittee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire wastewater treatment and disposal
system
Jr t-a �- ws —j-
Yes
No
Doesn't Did Not
Apply Investigate
1, is the current resident in the home the Permittee?
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�4
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2. If not does the resident rent from the permittee?
3. Change of Ownership form needed? (mail the form with the inspection letter)
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gi
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SZ]
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El
4. Is there a inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor?
5. If yes to #4 who is the contractor?
SEPTIC Tlil! The septic lank and filters should be r.hecked annually and pumped:c;eaned as ntfeded
El
6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic lank?
❑
❑
El
7. Does the permittee-resident know where the septic tank is located?
8. Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years?
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❑
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9. If yes to #8 date, if known !V "alf proof, describe V4f::>i%6
lvcA,d Sy_�
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 YES b4 NO Lj
If no proceed to the next section.
Accessible sand filte' surfaces shall be raked and leve-ed every six months and any vegetative growth shall be removed Manua ly
12. Is system something other than a sandfilter?
❑
❑
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13. If yes, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile, Other or brand name - Advantex, etc.)
❑
❑
❑
14. Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located?
15. Does the sandfilter require maintenance? N0 o>aUtoJS S 14" OF-
❑
❑
It maintenance is requved explain si tr t: comment section <fy 4
DISINFECTION 1 UV YES LJ NO
If no proceed to the next section.
The ultraviolet unit shall be checked weekly The lamps and sleeves should be cleaned or repraced as needed to ensure proper
disinfection
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❑
❑
❑
16. Is UV work'ng?
❑
❑
❑
❑
17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned?
18. Who com fetes the weekly check for the UV?( Non -Discharge)
DISINFECTION 1 TABLETS YES XL NO
If no proceed to the next section.
T`e tablar chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure r.ont,nuous and proper operation.
19. Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets?(If none, mark No) mitts ❑
54
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20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator?
21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? ice- tN ZCl`rS
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22. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine. r^
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DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES = NO
If no proceed to the next section.
The dechlorinator unit shall be the-ked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operas on
❑
D
El
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23. Does the permittee know where the dechlor is?
24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets?
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25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlor nation chamber?
El
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26. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine.
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0
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0

PUMP TANK YES NO
If no proceed
to the next
section.
All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly (non -discharge)
ElEl27.
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?
30. Last fur PUMP AUDIBLE & VISUAL_
DISCHARGE ONLY YES NO
If no proceed
to the next section.
A visual review of the ouffall location shall be executed twice each year (one at the time �A sampi ng w ensure no visible
solids or ev dence 4 a malfunction.
❑
❑
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31. Does the permittee know where the outfall is located?
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32. Were you able to locate the ouffall? Za )ig 4b tk�• ' °'' fk ` i-
33. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible and accessible?
<]
El
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34. Is outlet discharging?
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`'
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35. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point?
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36. Any Lab Results available?
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K
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37. Is there evidence of solids around the discharge point?
DRIP or SPRAY YES NO
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.
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39. Are the buffers adequate?
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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?
42. Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding entire irrigation area?
❑
GENERAL
43. Are the treatment units locked and or secured?
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t!4
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54
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44. Has resident had any sewage problems? If yes exp am in the comment section.
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45. Does the system match the permit description? I- ro explain in the comment sect on
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igl
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46. Is the system compliant?
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ED
47. Is the system failing? If yes take pictu-es .f po=b:e
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El
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48. If system is failing, any sign of children or animals contacting sewage?
NOD Sent #: - - - NOV Sent #:
Comments: Photos Taken?
YES
µ
NO
1 cr* S A. . __ A &'V+ _P
.
1 ��
)
INSPECTOR: . j� SIGNATURE:-
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