NCG551431_2024 Compliance Eval Inspection_20240208

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

Febuary 6th, 2024
Javier Rivera
437 Northside Drive.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551431
Facility: 437 Northside Drive
Orange County

Dear Mr. Rivera:

On 1/23/2024, 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. The assistance you provided over the telephone was greatly appreciated.

Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, above ground recirculating
sand filter, tablet chlorinator, discharge pipe and a rip-rap apron.

General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551431 authorize
the discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated
as an unnamed tributary to Fan Branch (classified WS-IV;NSW ) in the Cape Fear 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. NCG550000 Ownership Change Form: According to Orange County deed of
records, Javier Hector Rivera and Maria Mata Velazquez owns the residence and
property located at 437 Northside Drive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As the
property owner, you are also the owner of the existing single-family wastewater
treatment system, which treats the domestic wastewater from the residence and
releases the effluent to the receiving waters indicated above. Because the
treatment system makes an outlet to waters of the state, it is an activity for which
the subject permit is required. To comply with North Carolina General Statute §
143-215.1(a), which requires a person to obtain a permit to make an outlet into the
waters of the state, you will need to complete and submit the attached
NCG550000 Ownership Change Form to the Division. If you have any questions
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C

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

regarding change in permit ownership or completing the form, then please
contact Kevin Fowler at [phone]
2. Treatment system operation: The wastewater treatment system shall be
maintained at all times to prevent seepage of sewage to the surface of the ground.
The system currently appears to be clogged up/lacks positive drainage. Water
was noted in the chlorinator riser. This water subsequently was leaking out of the
riser onto the ground. Please provide proof within 30-days of receiving this
letter that the issue has been addressed or there is a plan in place to remedy
the issue.
3. 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. 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.
4. 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.
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
After 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 March 30th, 2024If, 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C

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

effluent discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit
NCG550000.
6. Locations of treatment units are unknown: Within 30-days of receiving this
letter, provide this office with a picture of the of the location of the effluent pipe
location. A map of the system was provided to you by DWR staff Kevin Fowler
to help locate this treatment unit.
7. 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
1/31/2025 and due 2/3/2024 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.

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, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, and 7 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

DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C

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

Attachment(s): EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
NCG550000 Ownership Change Form

Cc: Laserfiche

DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C
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 NCG551431 24/02/06 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)
437 Northside Drive
437 Northside Dr
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
12:40PM 24/02/06 20/01/17
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
///
Other Facility Data
12:58PM 24/02/06 20/10/31
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Florencio Gonzalez,4301 Bennett Memorial Rd Durham NC 27705//919-697-1537/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
Kevin Fowler DWR/RRO WQ/919-791-4200/
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
2/6/2024
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C
2/6/2024
NPDES yr/mo/day
24/02/06
Inspection Type
C3111218
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
New owner since last inspection. They knew some of the basic concepts of the system; however,
they were unaware of permit conditions and that they needed to put chlorine in system.
Change of ownership form was provided to the home owner both though a hard copy as well as
email.
Effluent pipe was not located. A map indicates that it is just behind the fence. Water was seen
backing up into the chlorinator so it is believed that the pipe may be clogged. The map of the system
was provided to the home owner with instruction that this issue would need to be addressed as soon
as possible.
NCG551431 17 (Cont.)
Page#2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C
Permit:NCG551431
Inspection Date:02/06/2024
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
437 Northside Drive
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?
Comment:
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:
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit?
Is all required information readily available, complete and current?
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)?
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs?
Is the chain-of-custody complete?
Dates, times and location of sampling
Name of individual performing the sampling
Results of analysis and calibration
Dates of analysis
Name of person performing analyses
Transported COCs
Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters?
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ?
(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified
operator on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current?
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification?
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility
classification?
Page#3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C
Permit:NCG551431
Inspection Date:02/06/2024
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
437 Northside Drive
Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site?
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review?
No lab data or septic tank pumping documentation available. New home owner since
last inspection. Explained permit requirements and they ensured they would get done
as soon as possible.
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?
Effluent pipe not found/visisble. Somewhere just past fence according to map. Home
owner was made aware and said they would locate it.
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?
Owner stated tank had been pumed out when buying the house; however, no proof
has been recieved yet.
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)
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?
Page#4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C
Permit:NCG551431
Inspection Date:02/06/2024
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Type:
437 Northside Drive
Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination?
Chlorinator and associated riser had water in it. This water is presumed to be because
the effluent pipe is not draining properly. There were solids in the chlorinator;
however, no smell was present to the solids may be mud/dirt. Owner has been made
aware that this issue needs to be addressed promptly.
Comment:
Page#5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32305EF8-3985-49EB-B578-10E3545C7C5C