WQ0016939_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231024

October 24, 2023

Yun Yang and Qian Wang
342 Calico Dr.
Apex, NC 27523
Forwarded via email: [e-mail]

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
Non-Discharge Permit WQ0016939
Facility: 342 Calico Dr. SFR
Chatham County

Yun Yang and Qian Wang,

On October 13, 2023, Staff from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family residence (SFR)
wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject Non-Discharge Permit. Mr. Yang’s
assistance over the phone during the inspection was greatly appreciated.

Non-Discharge Permit WQ0016939 was issued December 18, 2018 and expires on July 31, 2024 and
states “The Permittee shall request renewal of this permit on Division -approved forms no later
than February 2, 2024.” Thank you for your renewal application received September 1, 2023.

Our records indicate the treatment system consists of two 1,200 gallon baffled septic tanks, a 480 square
foot (ft2) subsurface sand filter, a tablet chlorinator, a 48 gallon chlorine contact tank, two 1,900 storage/
pump tanks with a 16.5 gallon per minute (GPM) pump, and audible/visual high-water alarms, a 0.42 acre
spray irrigation area with four 4.6 GPM spray nozzles, and all associated piping, valves, controls, and
appurtenances.

Non-Discharge Permit WQ0016939 authorizes the continued operation of a 480 gallon per day (GPD)
single-family residence wastewater treatment and irrigation facility. The authorized irrigation is in
accordance with the effluent limits and monitoring requirements established within the Non-Discharge
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 effectively
maintained and operated at all times so there is no discharge to surface waters, nor any
contravention of groundwater or surface water standards. At the time of this inspection
the facility appeared to be effectively maintained.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7957E718-8E18-49B4-B7A6-51940F42BC07

Yun Yang and Qian Wang
WQ0016939
October 24, 2023 Page 2 of 3

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. A
receipt provided by Mr. Yang prior to the inspection indicates the septic tank was last
pumped out by Lyons Septic Tank on February 27, 2022.

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 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. 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 Non-Discharge Permit.
4. Proper Operation and Maintenance: The system shall be inspected monthly to make
certain of the proper operation of the sprinklers, that the system is free of leaks, that the
vegetative growth allows a proper spray pattern, that the soil is assimilating the disposed
treated wastewater with no surface runoff, and that no objectionable odors are being
generated. Any visible signs of a malfunctioning system shall be documented, and steps
taken to correct the problem. On the day of the inspection, the spray field appeared to
be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. The spray
heads appeared to be operating properly with an even spray pattern.
5. Permit condition III. 8. states: “The Permittee shall prohibit public access to the
wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities through lockable treatment units and fencing
around the irrigation sites. [15A NCAC 02T .0605(i)].” On the day of the inspection the
2-strand wire fence surrounding the drip field was broken and knocked down in
multiple places. Within 30-days of receiving this letter, please have the fence
surrounding the drip field repaired and notify this office when the repair has been
completed.

6. Permit condition III. 11. states: “Pump tanks shall have audible and visual alarms
external to any structure. [15A NCAC 02T .0605(n)].” On the day of the inspection the
audible and visual alarms were not functioning properly. Within 30-days of receiving
this letter, please have the alarms repaired and notify this office when the repair has
been completed.

Non-Discharge permit WQ0016939 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 November 30, 2023 and due December 2,
2022, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject Non-Discharge permit.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7957E718-8E18-49B4-B7A6-51940F42BC07

Yun Yang and Qian Wang
WQ0016939
October 24, 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.

If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if
applicable), then please contact Chris Smith at 919-791-4257 or at [e-mail]

Sincerely,

Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

Attachment: Compliance Inspection Report

Cc: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 7957E718-8E18-49B4-B7A6-51940F42BC07