NCG550020_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231211

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200
December 11, 2023
Leoncio Valladares
653 Donlee Drive
Durham, NC 27712
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG550020
Facility: 653 Donlee Drive
Durham County
Dear Mr. Valladares:
On November 28, 2023, Michael Hall 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, discharge pipe, and a rip-rap apron for post aeration.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG550020 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as
Unnamed Tributary to Crooked Creek (classified water supply IV, nutrient sensitive 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.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. Valladares provided verbal affirmation that the
tank was pumped in October, 2021. 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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1611 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
919.707.9000
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 observed chlorine tablets in the chlorinator; however, the tablets
were bridged off above the bottom of the chlorination pipe. The inspector explained
that the Division of Water Resources recommends no more than 1-2 tablets per tube to
prevent bridging. The permittee indicated that he would clear the pipes, and place
tablets in them. The permittee also showed the supply of tablets he uses for the
system, but these were for pools, and not for wastewater. The inspector described the
difference, and left a packet describing the operation of the chlorination system and
listing suppliers that provide the proper type of tablets. 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 February 28, 2024. 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.

Division records indicate the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending September 30,
2024 and due October 4, 2023, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.

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.

DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1611 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
919.707.9000
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 1-3 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,

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

Ec: Laserfiche

DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
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 NCG550020 23/11/28 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)
653 Donlee Drive
653 Donlee Dr
Durham NC 27712
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
02:00PM 23/11/28 20/11/20
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Other Facility Data
02:21PM 23/11/28 25/10/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Leoncio Valladares,653 Donlee Dr Durham NC 27712//919-323-5571/Contacted
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports Facility Site Review
Effluent/Receiving Waters
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
Michael Hall DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4237/
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
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
12/11/2023
12/13/2023
NPDES yr/mo/day
23/11/28
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On November 28, 2023, Michael Hall 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, discharge pipe, and a rip-rap apron for post aeration.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG550020 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as
Unnamed Tributary to Crooked Creek (classified water supply IV, nutrient sensitive 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.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. Valladares provided verbal
affirmation that the tank was pumped in October, 2021. 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 observed chlorine tablets in the chlorinator; however, the tablets were bridged
off above the bottom of the chlorination pipe. The inspector explained that the Division of Water
Resources recommends no more than 1-2 tablets per tube to prevent bridging. The permittee
indicated that he would clear the pipes, and place tablets in them. The permittee also showed the
supply of tablets he uses for the system, but these were for pools, and not for wastewater. The
inspector described the difference, and left a packet describing the operation of the chlorination
system and listing suppliers that provide the proper type of tablets. 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 February 28, 2024. 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
NCG550020 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
Permit:NCG550020
Inspection Date:11/28/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
653 Donlee Drive
Compliance Evaluation
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.
Division records indicate the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending September 30,
2024 and due October 4, 2023, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
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 1-3 above.
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
Permit:NCG550020
Inspection Date:11/28/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
653 Donlee Drive
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:
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?
Mr Valladares kenw the location of the tank and indicated that it was pumped in
October 2021, but did not provide documentation.
Comment:
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)
Mr. Valladares knew the location and configuration of the sand filter. No ponding or
excessive growth was observed in this area. Several cleanouts were observed
between the area of the sand filter and the chlorinator.
Comment:
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
Permit:NCG550020
Inspection Date:11/28/2023
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
653 Donlee Drive
Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
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?
There were chlorine tablets present in the chlorinator, but they were bridged in the
inner pipe and not at the bottom. I explained the we recommended no more than 1-2
tablets per tube to prevent this. Mr Valladares showed me the chlorine tablets he had,
but they were for pools and not for septic systems. I explained the difference, and he
indicated that he would purchase the tablets required..
Comment:
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?
Area around effluent pipe was clear, with no discharge observed.Comment:
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2
DocuSign Envelope ID: F6CA760B-364B-4E38-A0DC-4D93C4959AE2