WQ0029893_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20230201

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
February 1, 2023
Mr. Alexander Heitbrink and Ms. Laura Haskin via Email
1125 Crowell Dairy Road
Indian Trail, North Carolina 28079
Subject: Non -Discharge Permit Follow-up Inspection
Wastewater Surface Irrigation System
Permit #WQ0029893
Union County
Dear Mr. Heitbrink and Ms. Haskin:
Mooresville Regional Office (MRO) staff conducted a compliance inspection on January 10th, 2023, in
coordination with the routine maintenance visit of your system contractor, AQWA. The MRO would like to
thank your AQWA technician, Mr. Paul Smith, for his time during the inspection.
While the system units appeared to function appropriately at the time of inspection, the following items of
concern were noted:
• Approximately half the irrigation site appeared very wet (near saturation), from the centerline of zone
2 through zone 3, with potential runoff outside the fenced area. It is uncertain how much of this was
due to recent rain. Per discussion with Mr. Smith, this site is the worst he'd seen in the area. And,
per the 2019 inspection, when this region experienced very wet conditions, the field site did NOT
show signs of ponding, but the system was only operational for a couple of months at that time.
There may be potential issues with the irrigation / soil assimilation. MRO staff recommends
discussion with AQWA (and / or your soil scientist or system designer) to adjust application rates as
necessary to allow zones 2 and 3 to dry sufficiently. MRO staff plans to reassess with follow-up
inspection during the next AQWA visit.
• Two dripline breaks at return end (both at the U-turns) in zone 1 were detected and repaired (glued)
at the time of inspection. When irrigation was restarted to attempt assessment, the repair did not
hold due to insufficient time for adhesive to set per Mr. Smith. The MRO recommends you assess
and contact AQWA for further assistance as needed.
In addition, ponding or run-off conditions should be reported to the MRO in accordance with Permit
Condition IV.2.
• The Division recommends that the planted fruit trees, chickens, and coop be relocated away from the
irrigation site, as first notified in the 2021 inspection report. During this inspection, Mr. Smith noted
concern of how he (or other AQWA staff) could adequately assess and repair driplines when
chickens were roaming the field. Here are the MRO comments from the 2021 report:
o The presence of chickens in the application area creates the potential for problems with the
wastewater irrigation system. They can obstruct regular maintenance activities by your
contractors and cause unnecessary damage to the drip lines and emitters. Chicken litter can
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D E Q Mooresville Regional Office 1 601 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, NC 28115
NORTH CAROLINA 704.663.1699

also lead to excess nutrient loading in the application area. These concerns could lead to
permit non-compliance issues and undesired environmental discharges and exposure to
wastewater.
o Planted fruit trees are also problematic because your wastewater is not treated to standards
compatible with production of food crops. Wastewater irrigation of food crops is regulated
under 15A NCAC 02U for reclaimed water and requires treatment to standards that are
beyond the currently permitted system. It is our understanding the fruit is not intended for
human consumption, but there is no way to prohibit that in the future to avoid potential human
exposure.
The permit renewal is currently in process with our Central Office staff. Questions specific to the renewal
may be directed to AIys.Hannum(cD_ncdenr.gov, the permit writer assigned to your project.
The inspection report is attached and should be self-explanatory; however, please contact Maria Schutte by
email or phone (Maria.SchutteCa)-ncdenr.gov or 704-235-2184) with any questions.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
E
w w N P44-ft
Andrew H. Pitner, P.G., Assistant Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment: WQ0029893 Inspection Report
CC: Tammy (Sanders) Riggan, AQWA (Email)
David Finley, Union County Environmental Health (Email)
Alys Hannum, Central Office Non -Discharge Permitting (Email)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
RE Q�n Mooresville Regional Office 1 601 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, NC 28115
NORTH CAROLINA �1/ 704.663.1699

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: WQ0029893 Effective: 11/02/17 Expiration: 10/31/22 Owner : Alexander M Heitbrink
SOC: Effective: Expiration: Facility: 1125 Crowell Dairy Rd. SFR
County: Union 1125 Crowell Dairy Rd
Region: Mooresville
Indian Trail NC 28079
Contact Person: Alexander M Heitbrink Title: Phone:
Directions to Facility:
From 1-85 take 1-485S toward Matthews, take exit 44 and turn onto NC 218S (Fairview Rd.), follow NC 218S for --4.1 mi., turn R onto
Crowell Dairy Rd and follow for —0.3 mi., the Heitbrink Property is on the left.
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 01/10/2023 Entry Time 01:OOPM Exit Time: 03:30PM
Primary Inspector: Maria Schutte Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Routine Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Single -Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions Permit Status Septic Tank
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Disinfection UV Pump Tank
Drip or Irrigation General
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5

Permit: WQ0029893 Owner - Facility: Alexander M Heitbrink
Inspection Date: 01/10/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Inspection Summary:
Mooresville Regional Office (MRO) staff conducted a compliance inspection on January 10th, 2023, in coordination with the
routine maintenance visit of your system contractor, AQWA. The MRO would like to thank your AQWA technician, Mr. Paul
Smith, for his time during the inspection.
While the system units appeared to function appropriately at the time of inspection, the following items of concern were
noted:
• Approximately half the irrigation site appeared very wet (near saturation), from the centerline of zone 2 through zone 3, with
potential runoff outside the fenced area. It is uncertain how much of this was due to recent rain. Per discussion with Mr.
Smith, this site is the worst he'd seen in the area. And, per the 2019 inspection, when this region experienced very wet
conditions, the field site did NOT show signs of ponding, but the system was only operational for a couple of months at that
time.
There may be potential issues with the irrigation / soil assimilation. MRO staff recommends discussion with AQWA (and / or
your soil scientist or system designer) to adjust application rates as necessary to allow zones 2 and 3 to dry sufficiently.
MRO staff plans to reassess with follow-up inspection during the next AQWA visit.
• Two dripline breaks at return end (both at the U-turns) in zone 1 were detected and repaired (glued) at the time of
inspection. When irrigation was restarted to attempt assessment, the repair did not hold due to insufficient time for adhesive
to set per Mr. Smith. The MRO recommends you assess and contact AQWA for further assistance as needed.
In addition, ponding or run-off conditions should be reported to the MRO in accordance with Permit Condition IV.2.
• The Division recommends that the planted fruit trees, chickens, and coop be relocated away from the irrigation site, as first
notified in the 2021 inspection report. During this inspection, Mr. Smith noted concern of how he (or other AQWA staff)
could adequately assess and repair driplines when chickens were roaming the field. Here are the MRO comments from the
2021 report:
o The presence of chickens in the application area creates the potential for problems with the wastewater irrigation system.
They can obstruct regular maintenance activities by your contractors and cause unnecessary damage to the drip lines and
emitters. Chicken litter can also lead to excess nutrient loading in the application area. These concerns could lead to
permit non-compliance issues and undesired environmental discharges and exposure to wastewater.
o Planted fruit trees are also problematic because your wastewater is not treated to standards compatible with production of
food crops. Wastewater irrigation of food crops is regulated under 15A NCAC 02U for reclaimed water and requires
treatment to standards that are beyond the currently permitted system. It is our understanding the fruit is not intended for
human consumption, but there is no way to prohibit that in the future to avoid potential human exposure.
The permit renewal is currently in process with our Central Office staff. Questions specific to the renewal may be directed to
[e-mail], the permit writer assigned to your project.
The inspection report is attached and should be self-explanatory; however, please contact Maria Schutte by email or phone
([e-mail] or 704-235-2184) with any questions.
Page 2 of 5

Permit: WQ0029893 Owner - Facility: Alexander M Heitbrink
Inspection Date: 01/10/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Permit Status Yes No NA NE
# Is the current resident in the home the Permittee? ❑ ❑ ❑
# If not, does the resident rent from the Permittee? ❑ ❑ ❑
Change of Ownership form needed? (Mail the form with the inspection letter) ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is there an inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor? ❑ ❑ ❑
If YES, who is the contractor (include contact info)?
Permittee resides in home and has an agreement w/ AQWA for 2x/yr. routine visits plus emergency repairs.
System is connected to telemetry.
Comment: See Summary Section and Cover Letter for items of concern / interest. Current permit expired
in Oct. 2022 is in the renewal Drocess.
Septic Tank Yes No NA NE
*** The septic tank and filters should be checked annually and pumped/cleaned as needed.
Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank? ❑ ❑ ❑
# Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? ❑ ❑ ❑
Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? ❑ ❑ ❑
If YES, describe if known and proof (include date pumped):
Septic tank sludge depth approx. 14" of 3.5' total liquid est. by AQWA Tech - stated they recommend pumping
at 15" of sludge depth.
# Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who? 1-10-2023 by
AQWA tech at this
insp.
Comment: Both system filters cleaned and somewhat heavy w/growth given only two adults in home.
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Yes No NA NE
*** Accessible sand filter surfaces shall be raked/leveled every 6 months and vegetative growth shall be
removed manually. ***
# Is system something other than a sand filter? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# If YES, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.) Textile
# Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located? ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the sandfilter require maintenance? ❑ ❑ ❑
If maintenace is required, explain:
Owner knows basic layout of system, but does not remove tank covers to access filters, etc. themselves.
Currently all filter cleaning is performed by AQWA technicians.
Comment: No additional comments.
Disinfection UV Yes No NA NE
*** UV unit shall be checked weekly. Lamps/sleeves should be cleaned/replaced as needed to ensure
proper disinfection. ***
Is UV working? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 3 of 5

Permit: WQ0029893 Owner - Facility: Alexander M Heitbrink
Inspection Date: 01/10/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned?
# Who completes the weekly check for the UV? ( Non -Discharge)
■❑❑❑
Owner
Comment: Per previous inspection reports, the owner knows to view UV intensity inside the control panel.
The owner was unavailable at the time AQWA planned this site visit. MRO staff spoke with
owner day before and was informed AQWA does not tell them when they will be onsite. MRO
staff was unaware and will provide better notice to owner so they may be present if possible.
Pump Tank
*** All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (Non -Discharge)'*
Is the pump working?
Is the audible and visual high water alarm operational?
# Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm?
# Last functional test:
Comment: Owner was not present. MRO staff met with AQWA tech.
Drip or Irrigation
*** Irrigation sysetm shall be inspected monthly to ensure system is free of leaks and equipment is operating
as designed. ***
# Type of system (DRIP or IRRIGATION):
# If IRRIGATION, number of sprinkler heads:
Are buffers and setbacks adequate?
Is the site free of ponding and runoff?
Does the application equipment appear to be working properly?
Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding the entire irrigation area?
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
By AQWA at this
insp 1-10-2023
Yes No NA NE
Drip
NA
■❑❑❑
❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Two dripline breaks at return end in zone 1 were detected and replaced (qlued) at the time of
inspection. About half the irrigation site appeared saturated, from the centerline of zone 2
through zone 3, with potential runoff outside the fenced area. It is uncertain how much of this
was due to recent rain. Per discussion with the AQWA tech, this site is the worst seen in the
area. And, per the 2019 inspection, when region experienced very wet conditions, the field site
did NOT show signs of ponding, but the system was only operational for a couple of months at
that time. There may be a potential issue with the irrigation / assimilation. MRO staff
recommends discussion with AQWA (and / or your soil scientist or system designer) to adjust
application rates as necessary to allow zones 2 & 3 to dry sufficiently. MRO staff plans to
reassess with follow-up during next AQWA visit. These items also highlighted in Cover Letter &
Summary Section.
General Yes No NA NE
# Are the treatment units locked and/or secured? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Has resident had any sewage problems? ❑ ❑ ❑
If YES, explain:
None reported.
Does the system match the permit description? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page 4 of 5

Permit: WQ0029893 Owner - Facility: Alexander M Heitbrink
Inspection Date: 01/10/2023 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Routine
If NO, explain:
System went through a slight redesign from original to the 2019 installation w/ home, units and irrigation
readjusted.
Is the system compliant?
Is the system failing? (If yes, take pictures if possible)
If system is failing, describe any exposures to people/animals or environmental risks.
Wet field conditions at the time of inspection may partly be from recent rain events. MRO staff plans a
follow-up inspection during the next AQWA site visit to reassess.
Comment: See items of concern / interest in the Summary Section and Cover Letter.
❑■❑❑
❑■❑❑
Page 5 of 5