WQ0020819_Compliance Inspection Report_20240402

April 2, 2024

Zhiyuan Che
65 Cortland
Irvine, CA 92620
Sent Via Email

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
Permit WQ0020819
Facility: 65 Royal Sunset Drive
Chatham County

Dear Mr. Che:

On March 11, 2024, Michael Hall 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 17, 2017 and expired on January 31, 2022. An application to renew the Permit
was provided to Angel Leung prior to the inspection with instructions to complete and submit the application. At
the time this letter was written, the permit was still expired. If you or Ms. Leung have not submitted the
application for permit renewal, please do so as soon as possible.

The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter; a
dual recirculating tank and recirculation pump; a 20 gallon per minute (GPM) dosing pump; a control panel; audio
and visual high-water alarms; a rain sensor; an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit with a stabilization capacity of 10
GPM; a 0.3 acre drip irrigation area with approximately 4,506 linear feet (LF) of drip line containing 2,253
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: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6

Zhiyuan Che
WQ0020819
April 2, 2024 Page 2 of 3

The permittee has an operation and maintenance contract with Aqwa, who had a technician present at the time of
the inspection. The level in the septic tank is monitored by Aqwa, who will notify you when the tank requires
pumping. The septic filter is cleaned every 6 months by Aqwa, and was last cleaned September 11, 2023.

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 drip 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 small leaks were identified in Zone 3. These were immediately repaired by Aqwa,
following which the system appeared to be operating without leaks. The drip 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 drip 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 April 30, 2024 and due May 5, 2023 has been
paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject Non-Discharge permit.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6

Zhiyuan Che
WQ0020819
April 2, 2024 Page 3 of 3

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. Leung on February 27, 2024. 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 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: Angel Leung
Tammy Riggan, Aqwa
Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0020819 Effective:02/17/17 Expiration:01/31/22 Owner :Zhiyuan Che
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Chatham
Raleigh
Zhiyuan Che
Effective:Expiration:Facility:65 Royal Sunset Dr. SFR
65 Royal Sunset Dr
Durham NC 27713
Title:Phone:
I-40, exit 278 NC-55S, 4.4 mi. Rt on O'Kelly Chapel Rd., 2 mi., Rt on Royal Sunset Dr., First house on the left.
Secondary ORC(s):
Phone:Certification:Primary ORC:
System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
03/11/2024 09:10AM 10:14AM
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
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Disinfection UV Pump Tank
Drip or Irrigation General
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
4/2/2024
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0020819
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Zhiyuan Che
Routine
Inspection Summary:
On March 11, 2024, Michael Hall 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 17, 2017 and expired on January 31, 2022. An application to renew the Permit was
provided to Angel Leung prior to the inspection with instructions to complete and submit the application. At the time this
letter was written, the permit was still expired. If you or Ms. Leung have not submitted the application for permit renewal,
please do so as soon as possible.
The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter; a dual
recirculating tank and recirculation pump; a 20 gallon per minute (GPM) dosing pump; a control panel; audio and visual
high-water alarms; a rain sensor; an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit with a stabilization capacity of 10 GPM; a 0.3 acre drip
irrigation area with approximately 4,506 linear feet (LF) of drip line containing 2,253 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.
The permittee has an operation and maintenance contract with Aqwa, who had a technician present at the time of the
inspection. The level in the septic tank is monitored by Aqwa, who will notify you when the tank requires pumping. The
septic filter is cleaned every 6 months by Aqwa, and was last cleaned September 11, 2023.
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 drip 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: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0020819
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Zhiyuan Che
Routine
On the day of the inspection, two small leaks were identified in Zone 3. These were immediately repaired by Aqwa, following
which the system appeared to be operating without leaks. The drip 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 drip 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 April 30, 2024 and due May 5, 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. Leung on
February 27, 2024. 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 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]
Page 3 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0020819
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Zhiyuan Che
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
Aqwa monitors the system and performs O&M on a regular basis.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?Aqwa 09/11/2023
Aqwa notifies the permittee when the tank needs to be pumpedComment:
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?
# If YES, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.)Two Advantex
AX-20 pods
# Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located?
Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
If maintenace is required, explain:
Permit description of the system does not include the Advantex Pods.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
Comment:
Pump Tank Yes No NA NE
*** All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (Non-Discharge) ***
Page 4 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0020819
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Zhiyuan Che
Routine
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:
Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE
*** 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?
No fence around 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:
Permit description does not include the two Advantex Pods.
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.
System does not have a fence around the drip field.Comment:
Page 5 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC82AC5-31DE-4C0E-86E9-763347161EB6