NCG550925_2023 Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20231208

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200

December 8th, 2023

Van McCardle
1105 Pine Trail
Clayton, NC 27520

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG550925
Facility: 1105 Pine Trail
Wake County

Dear Mr. McCardle:

On November 21st, 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 with chlorine contact chamber, and discharge pipe.

General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG550925 authorize
the discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated
as Beddingfield Creek (classified C;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. 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. Prior to the inspection,
Cheryl McCardle provided documentation showing Johnson Farms pumped out
the septic tank on 6/29/2022. 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 81C8B313-CA2A-4DBA-B4F3-E7CE577DCB99

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

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.
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 28th, 2024. In the last inspection
letter dated March 28th, 2017, 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.
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 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.” Division records indicate the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending
9/30/2024 and due 11/03/2023, 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: 81C8B313-CA2A-4DBA-B4F3-E7CE577DCB99

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 issue noted in item 3
above.

If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective
action (if applicable), then please contact Kevin Fowler at 919-437-0047.

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

Cc: Laserfiche

DocuSign Envelope ID: 81C8B313-CA2A-4DBA-B4F3-E7CE577DCB99
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