WQ0019547_21 China Doll Court_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_03192024

March 19, 2024

James and Kelly Friedlander
21 China Doll Court
Durham, NC 27713
Sent Via Email

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
Permit WQ0019547
Facility: 21 China Doll Court
Chatham County

Dear Greg and Kelly Friedlander:

On February 23, 2024 Michael Hall and Donald Smith from the Division of Water Resources, Raleigh Regional
Office visited your single-family residence (SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the
subject non-discharge permit referenced above (The Permit). The assistance provided by Jeff Cranmer of Aqwa
during the inspection was greatly appreciated.

The permit was issued February 10, 2016 and expired on January 31, 2021. An application to renew the permit
was provided to Ms. Friedlander following the inspection. You will need to submit the application for a renewal
as soon as possible. Currently you are discharging without a permit, which can result in fines of up to $ 10,000
per day until the permit is reissued.

The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter;
dual recirculating 20 square foot (ft2) Advantex - AX20 Filters with VeriComm control panels; a 7 gallon per
minute (GPM) ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit (International Water-Guard model IWG l-LV-WW-3); a 2,500 gallon
storage tank; a 2,500 gallon dosing tank with a 20 GPM pump, audio and visual high water alarms; a rain sensor;
0.3 7 acre drip irrigation area with approximately 5,399 linear feet (LF) of drip line containing 2,700 emitters; and
all associated piping, valves, controls and appurtenances
The permit authorizes the operation up to 600 gallons per day (GPD). 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:

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 evaluate when pumping is required.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F

Greg and Kelly Friedlander
WQ0019547
March 19, 2024 Page 2 of 4

Following the inspection I requested Ms. Friedlander provide documentation of the last time the septic tank was
pumped. At the time this report was issued, no documentation has been provided. The level in the septic tank is
monitored by Aqwa, who will notify you when the tank requires pumping.

Treatment System Operation and Maintenance
As detailed in the permit, 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.

The permittee has an operation and maintenance contract with Aqwa, who had a technician present at the time of
the inspection. At the time of this inspection the treatment system appeared to be effectively maintained and
operated.

Disinfection
Your system uses an ultra-violet (UV) light system for disinfection of the discharged wastewater. A UV
disinfection system provides effective disinfection and prevents/limits harmful bacteria from discharging to the
environment. Unless the UV disinfection unit is monitored by telemetry, the unit shall be checked weekly. The
lamp(s) and quartz sleeve(s) shall be cleaned or replaced as needed to ensure proper disinfection of the
discharged wastewater.
Aqwa monitors the operation of the UV system through telemetry, and demonstrated during the inspection that
the system was operating as required.

Drip Field Operation and Maintenance
The system shall be inspected monthly to make certain of the proper operation of the drip lines, 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. A perimeter fence
consisting of a minimum of 2-strand wire will be in place surrounding the entire drip field. This fence will be
inspected and repaired by the permittee, as necessary.

On the day of the inspection, two significant leaks were identified in the main lines leading to Zone 1 and Zone 3.
These were immediately repaired by Aqwa, following which the system appeared to be operating without leaks;
although the flow to Zone 1 and 3 was still higher than normal, suggesting to the Aqwa technician that there were
malfunctioning check valves for these systems. The Aqwa technician indicated that this would require a return
visit to repair. The spray field appeared to be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed.
A fence was observed around the property boundary, but there was no fence internal to the property boundary
separating the treatment area from the remainder of the permittee’s property. Fencing is required to prevent
access to the area, which can cause damage to the drip lines and potential exposure to wastewater. At the
time of the inspection, children’s toys and balls were observed in the treatment area and drip field.

Record-Keeping and Payments
You are required to maintain all maintenance records onsite for a minimum of three years and available for
inspection. The permit requires the permittee to “pay the annual administering and compliance monitoring fee
within thirty days after being billed by the Division.”
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F

Greg and Kelly Friedlander
WQ0019547
March 19, 2024 Page 3 of 4

Following the inspection I requested Ms. Friedlander provide documentation of the last time the septic tank
was pumped. At the time this report was issued, no documentation has been provided. Division records indicate
the required annual fee ($60 per year) for the period ending March 31, 2024 and due April 4, 2023 has been paid.
There are no overdue fees for the subject Non-Discharge permit.

Compliance Issues
The following issues are not compliant with the permit:

1. Permit Condition I.1 states “No later than six months prior to the expiration of this permit, the Permittee
shall request renewal of the permit on official Division forms.”

At the time of the inspection, the permit was expired. An application to renew the permit was provided
to Ms. Friedlander following the inspection. You will need to submit the application for a renewal as
soon as possible. Currently you are discharging without a permit, which can result in fines of up to
$ 10,000 per day until the permit is reissued.

2. Permit Condition III.8 states “Public access to the irrigation sites and wastewater treatment facilities shall
be prohibited. Fencing shall be provided to prevent access to the irrigation site (minimum 2-strand wire)
and treatment units shall be secured with locks on all tank accesses and control panels”[15A NCAC
02T .0605(i)]

At the time of the inspection, there was no fencing in place separating the treatment system and drip
field from the remainder of the permittee’s property. Fencing is required to prevent access to the area,
which can cause damage to the drip lines and potential exposure to wastewater. At the time of the
inspection, children’s toys and balls were observed in the treatment area and drip field. As indicated, a
minimum of 2-wire fencing is required surrounding the drip field.

Within 30 days of receiving this letter, please submit a written response to the Raleigh Regional Office
indicating the actions you will, or have taken to address the compliance issues listed above.

Please continue to periodically inspect the wastewater treatment system to ensure the treatment components
are always maintained and in good operating order. 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 at
[e-mail]

Sincerely,

Michael Hall, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F

Greg and Kelly Friedlander
WQ0019547
March 19, 2024 Page 4 of 4

Attachments: Compliance Inspection Report
Field Inspection Form

Ec: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0019547 Effective:02/10/16 Expiration:01/31/21 Owner :Greg D Friedlander
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Chatham
Raleigh
Greg D Friedlander
Effective:Expiration:Facility:21 China Doll Ct. SFR
21 China Doll Ct
Durham NC 277137585
Title:Phone:
I-40, exit 278,S on NC 55, 4.4 mi. L on O'Kelly Church Road,2.5 mi.Rt at Rosemont Drive (locked gate).First Rt on Constance Spry
Way, First Rt on China Doll Ct. Caution! Property is just past 21 Constance Spray Way (a log cabin with gravel rd).
Secondary ORC(s):
252-292-5400Phone:[phone]Certification:Jeffery S CranmerPrimary ORC:
System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
02/23/2024 11:50AM 01:38PM
Michael Hall 919-791-4237
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
Single-Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation
Compliance Evaluation
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions Permit Status Septic Tank
Disinfection UV Pump Tank Drip or Irrigation
General
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
3/19/2024
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019547
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Greg D Friedlander
Routine
Inspection Summary:
On February 23, 2024 Michael Hall and Donald Smith from the Division of Water Resources, Raleigh Regional Office visited
your single-family residence (SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject non-discharge
permit referenced above (The Permit). The assistance provided by Jeff Cranmer of Aqwa during the inspection was greatly
appreciated.
The permit was issued February 10, 2016 and expired on January 31, 2021. An application to renew the permit was provided
to Ms. Friedlander following the inspection. You will need to submit the application for a renewal as soon as possible.
Currently you are discharging without a permit, which can result in fines of up to $ 10,000 per day until the permit is
reissued.
The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter; dual
recirculating 20 square foot (ft2) Advantex - AX20 Filters with VeriComm control panels; a 7 gallon per minute (GPM)
ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit (International Water-Guard model IWG l-LV-WW-3); a 2,500 gallon storage tank; a 2,500
gallon dosing tank with a 20 GPM pump, audio and visual high water alarms; a rain sensor; 0.3 7 acre drip irrigation area
with approximately 5,399 linear feet (LF) of drip line containing 2,700 emitters; and all associated piping, valves, controls and
appurtenances
The permit authorizes the operation up to 600 gallons per day (GPD). 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:
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 evaluate when pumping is required.
Following the inspection I requested Ms. Friedlander provide documentation of the last time the septic tank was pumped. At
the time this report was issued, no documentation has been provided . The level in the septic tank is monitored by Aqwa,
who will notify you when the tank requires pumping.
Treatment System Operation and Maintenance
As detailed in the permit, 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.
The permittee has an operation and maintenance contract with Aqwa, who had a technician present at the time of the
inspection. At the time of this inspection the treatment system appeared to be effectively maintained and operated.
Disinfection
Your system uses an ultra-violet (UV) light system for disinfection of the discharged wastewater. A UV disinfection system
provides effective disinfection and prevents/limits harmful bacteria from discharging to the environment. Unless the UV
disinfection unit is monitored by telemetry, the unit shall be checked weekly. The lamp(s) and quartz sleeve(s) shall be
cleaned or replaced as needed to ensure proper disinfection of the discharged wastewater.
Aqwa monitors the operation of the UV system through telemetry, and demonstrated during the inspection that the system
was operating as required.
Drip Field Operation and Maintenance
The system shall be inspected monthly to make certain of the proper operation of the drip lines, 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. A perimeter fence consisting of a minimum of 2-strand wire
will be in place surrounding the entire drip field. This fence will be inspected and repaired by the permittee, as necessary.
Page 2 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019547
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Greg D Friedlander
Routine
On the day of the inspection, two significant leaks were identified in the main lines leading to Zone 1 and Zone 3. These
were immediately repaired by Aqwa, following which the system appeared to be operating without leaks; although the flow to
Zone 1 and 3 was still higher than normal, suggesting to the Aqwa technician that there were malfunctioning check valves for
these systems. The Aqwa technician indicated that this would require a return visit to repair. The spray field appeared to
be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. A fence was observed around the property boundary,
but there was no fence internal to the property boundary separating the treatment area from the remainder of the permittee’s
property. Fencing is required to prevent access to the area, which can cause damage to the drip lines and potential
exposure to wastewater. At the time of the inspection, children’s toys and balls were observed in the treatment area and
drip field.
Record-Keeping and Payments
You are required to maintain all maintenance records onsite for a minimum of three years and available for inspection. The
permit requires the permittee to “pay the annual administering and compliance monitoring fee within thirty days after being
billed by the Division.”
Following the inspection I requested Ms. Friedlander provide documentation of the last time the septic tank was pumped.
At the time this report was issued, no documentation has been provided. Division records indicate the required annual fee
($60 per year) for the period ending March 31, 2024 and due April 4, 2023 has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the
subject Non-Discharge permit.
Compliance Issues
The following issues are not compliant with the permit:
1.Permit Condition I.1 states “No later than six months prior to the expiration of this permit, the Permittee shall request
renewal of the permit on official Division forms.”
At the time of the inspection, the permit was expired. An application to renew the permit was provided to Ms. Friedlander
following the inspection. You will need to submit the application for a renewal as soon as possible. Currently you are
discharging without a permit, which can result in fines of up to $ 10,000 per day until the permit is reissued.
2.Permit Condition III.8 states “Public access to the irrigation sites and wastewater treatment facilities shall be prohibited.
Fencing shall be provided to prevent access to the irrigation site (minimum 2-strand wire) and treatment units shall be
secured with locks on all tank accesses and control panels”[15A NCAC 02T .0605(i)]
At the time of the inspection, there was no fencing in place separating the treatment system and drip field from the
remainder of the permittee’s property. Fencing is required to prevent access to the area, which can cause damage to the
drip lines and potential exposure to wastewater. At the time of the inspection, children’s toys and balls were observed in the
treatment area and drip field. As indicated, a minimum of 2-wire fencing is required surrounding the drip field.
Within 30 days of receiving this letter, please submit a written response to the Raleigh Regional Office indicating the actions
you will, or have taken to address the compliance issues listed above.
Page 3 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019547
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Greg D Friedlander
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)?
Aqwa
The permittee has a contract with Aqwa, who had a technician on site during the inspection.Comment:
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):
Documentation of the last septic tank pump out was requested from the permittee, but at the time of this
report, has not been provided. As part of their contract, Aqwa monitors the level of the solids in the septic
tank, and notifies the permittee when a pump out is required.
# Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T?
If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who?Aqwa
Aqwa cleans the filter every 6 months.Comment:
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?
Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned?
# Who completes the weekly check for the UV? ( Non-Discharge)Aqwa
Aqwa monitors the UV vial telemetry, and demonstrated that the bulbs were functioning during
the inspection.
Comment:
Pump Tank Yes No NA NE
*** 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:Durign the
inspection
Comment:
Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE
Page 4 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019547
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Greg D Friedlander
Routine
*** 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):Drip
# 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?
The spray field lacked a fence separating it from the remainder of the permittee's property.Comment:
General Yes No NA NE
# Are the treatment units locked and/or secured?
# Has resident had any sewage problems?
If YES, explain:
Does the system match the permit description?
If NO, explain:
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.
NA
There was no fence separating the spray field from the remainder of the permittee's property.
The permit has expired, and needs to be renewed.
Comment:
Page 5 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F
DocuSign Envelope ID: 976852EA-76C7-4C9C-BC25-E7629B5FB35F