NCG550556_NCG550556-NPDES_SFR-Inspection_Letter_20231006

October 6, 2023
Fred and Donna Walker
1100 Snow Hill Road
Durham, NC 27712
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG550556
Facility: 1100 Snow Hill SFR
Durham County
Dear Permittee:
On September 11, 2023, Ms. Dorothy M Robson 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, above ground recirculating sand filter
or sub-surface sand filter, tablet chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, tablet de-chlorinator,
discharge pipe and a rip-rap apron for post aeration.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG550556 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as Cabin
Branch (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.
During the inspection, the owner stated that the septic tank was pumped in August 2023.
The General NPDES Permit requires the permittee to retain records associated with sewage
disposal activities for a period of at least 5 years.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
PERMITTEE, NCG550556
October 6, 2023 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. 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 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.
5. 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 January 30, 2024. In the last inspection letter dated January 25,
2018, you were requested to sample your effluent and to submit the analytical results to
this office. The Raleigh Regional Office has not received the requested results. Failure to
monitor the effluent discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit
NCG550000.
6. 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 the day of the inspection. Please
continue to ensure the outlet is always visible/maintained and cleared of vegetation, soil
and leaves.

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.” The
annual fee ($60 per year) for the period November 1 2023 through October 31, 2024, is due byNovember
1, 2023. Payment in the amount of $60 must be remitted to the Division as indicated on the attached
Annual Permit Fee Invoice.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
PERMITTEE, NCG550556
October 6, 2023 Page 3 of 3

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 #5 above.

If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if
applicable), then please contact the Raleigh Regional Office at 919-791-4200.

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
Annual Permit Fee Invoice – Due 11/1/2023

Cc: RRO/SWP Files
Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
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 NCG550556 23/09/11 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)
1100 Snow Hill Road
1100 Snow Hill Rd
Durham NC 27712
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
12:30PM 23/09/11 20/03/25
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Other Facility Data
12:45PM 23/09/11 20/10/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Fred Walker,1100 Snow Hill Rd Durham NC 27712///Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Program
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
Dorothy M Robson DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4241/
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
10/04/2023
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
10/4/2023
NPDES yr/mo/day
23/09/11
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On September 11, 2023, Ms. Dorothy M Robson 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, above ground recirculating sand
filter or sub-surface sand filter, tablet chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, tablet de-chlorinator,
discharge pipe and a rip-rap apron for post aeration.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG550556 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as
Cabin Branch (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. During the inspection, the owner stated that the septic tank
was pumped in August 2023. 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 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.
5.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 January 30, 2024. In the last inspection letter dated
January 25, 2018, you were requested to sample your effluent and to submit the analytical results to
this office. The Raleigh Regional Office has not received the requested results. Failure to monitor
the effluent discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit NCG550000.
6.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
NCG550556 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
Permit:NCG550556
Inspection Date:09/11/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
1100 Snow Hill Road
Compliance Evaluation
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 the day of the inspection. Please continue to ensure the outlet is always
visible/maintained and cleared of vegetation, soil and leaves.
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.” The
annual fee ($60 per year) for the period November 1 2023 through October 31, 2024, is due
byNovember 1, 2023. Payment in the amount of $60 must be remitted to the Division as indicated on
the attached Annual Permit Fee Invoice.
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 #5 above.
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
Permit:NCG550556
Inspection Date:09/11/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
1100 Snow Hill Road
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?
No sampling conducted in the past few yearsComment:
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?
Last pumped in August 2023Comment:
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:
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Number of tubes in use?2
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination?
Comment:
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ?Tablet
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033
Permit:NCG550556
Inspection Date:09/11/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
1100 Snow Hill Road
Compliance Evaluation
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
# Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
No IssuesComment:
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?2
No IssuesComment:
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 63C4FBED-EE24-491E-9B49-0B5053B39033