WQ0019470_201 Constance Spry Way_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_03192024

March 19, 2024

James and Becky Taylor
201 Constance Spry Way
Durham, NC 27713
Sent Via Email

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
Permit WQ0019470
Facility: 201 Constance Spry Way
Chatham County

Dear James and Becky Taylor:

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 October 9, 2017 and expired on October 31, 2022. An application to renew the permit was
provided to you following the inspection. On March 1, 2024, you provided an email from the Division of Water
Resources dated March 29, 2023 confirming that a renewal request had been submitted. This has been
forwarded to our central office, and your permit should be in the process of renewal. Please let this office know
if you do not receive a renewed permit.

The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter;
dual recirculating Advantex-AX20 filters with VeriComm control panels; a 2,500 gallon recirculation tank with a
recirculation pump; an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit; a 2,500 gallon storage/dosing tank with a 20 gallon per
minute (GPM) pump, and audio/visual high alarms; a rain sensor; a 0.37 acre drip irrigation area with
approximately 5,368 linear feet (LF) of drip line containing 2,684 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
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4

James and Becky Taylor
WQ0019470
March 19, 2024 Page 2 of 3

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 a receipt was provided documenting that the septic tank was pumped out by McFarland
Septic, LLC on November 2, 2017. The level in the septic tank is monitored by Aqwa, who will notify you when then
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. Two dead trees were observed near the treatment system. These trees should be removed to prevent
potential damage to the system, if they were to fall.

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 2.
These were immediately repaired by Aqwa, following which the system appeared to be operating without leaks.
The spray field appeared to be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. No fence was
observed surrounding the drip field. Also, a number of downed trees and piles of cut brush were observed on the
spray field. The trees and brush should be removed from the field to prevent damage to the drip lines, and to
facilitate inspection of the system.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4

James and Becky Taylor
WQ0019470
March 19, 2024 Page 3 of 3

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.”

Required records were provided, as required by the permittee or by their contractor Aqwa. 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 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 surrounding the drip field. As indicated, a
minimum of 2-wire fencing is required around 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

Attachments: Compliance Inspection Report
Field Inspection Form

Ec: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0019470 Effective:11/01/17 Expiration:10/31/22 Owner :James A Taylor
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Chatham
Raleigh
James A Taylor
Effective:Expiration:Facility:201 Constance Spry Way SFR
201 Constance Spry Way
Durham NC 27713
Title:Phone:[phone]
Take I-40W to Exit 278 (NC 55 South), follow 4.4 mi. to stoplight, turn R onto O’Kelly Chapel Rd., follow 2.4mi turn R onto Rosemont
Dr.(locked gate), follow and turn R onto Constance Spry Way, property is on the left at the Cul-de-Sac
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 10:45AM 11:30AM
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: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
3/19/2024
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019470
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
James A Taylor
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 October 9, 2017 and expired on October 31, 2022. An application to renew the permit was provided
to you following the inspection. On March 1, 2024, you provided an email from the Division of Water Resources dated March
29, 2023 confirming that a renewal request had been submitted. This has been forwarded to our central office, and your
permit should be in the process of renewal. Please let this office know if you do not receive a renewed permit.
The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter; dual
recirculating Advantex-AX20 filters with VeriComm control panels; a 2,500 gallon recirculation tank with a recirculation pump;
an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit; a 2,500 gallon storage/dosing tank with a 20 gallon per minute (GPM) pump, and
audio/visual high alarms; a rain sensor; a 0.37 acre drip irrigation area with approximately 5,368 linear feet (LF) of drip line
containing 2,684 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 a receipt was provided documenting that the septic tank was pumped out by McFarland Septic,
LLC on November 2, 2017. The level in the septic tank is monitored by Aqwa, who will notify you when then 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. Two
dead trees were observed near the treatment system. These trees should be removed to prevent potential damage to the
system, if they were to fall.
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
Page 2 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019470
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
James A Taylor
Routine
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 2. These
were immediately repaired by Aqwa, following which the system appeared to be operating without leaks. The spray field
appeared to be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. No fence was observed surrounding the
drip field. Also, a number of downed trees and cut brush were observed on the spray field. The trees and brush should be
removed from the field to prevent damage to the drip lines, and to facilitate inspection of the system.
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.”
Required records were provided, as required by the permittee or by their contractor Aqwa. 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 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 surrounding the drip field. As indicated, a minimum of 2-wire
fencing is required around 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: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019470
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
James A Taylor
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)?
The permittee has a contract with Aqwa, who had a technician on site during the inspection.
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):
# Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T?
If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who?Every 6 months by
Aqwa
The resident provided an invoice indicating that the septic tank was last pumped November 2,
2017. As part of their contract, Aqwa monitors the level of solids in the septic tank, and notifies
the permittee when a pump out is required.
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 via 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:02/23/2024
Comment:
Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE
Page 4 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0019470
02/23/2024 Compliance Evaluation
James A Taylor
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?
On the day of the inspection, two significant leaks were identified in the main lines leading to
Zone 1 and Zone 2. These were immediately repaired by Aqwa, following which the system
appeared to be operating without leaks. The spray field appeared to be assimilating the waste
and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. No fence was observed surrounding the drip field.
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.
The drip field lacks fencing.Comment:
Page 5 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 83A0ADDA-E681-42AB-92D5-9A71BC4496E4