WQ0023434_Compliance Inspection Report_20240402

April 2, 2024

Jeff McFarlane
558 Royal Sunset Drive
Durham, NC 27713
Sent Via Email

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
Permit WQ0023434
Facility: 558 Royal Sunset Drive
Chatham County

Dear Mr. McFarlane:

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 July 18, 2023 and will expire on February 28, 2030.
An application to renew the permit should be submitted no later than September 1, 2029.

The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter; two
AX20 Advantex treatment units; a 2,500 gallon storage/pump tank with a filter dosing pump; a 2,500 gallon
storage/dosing tank with a field dosing pump and audible/visual high-water alarms; an ultraviolet (UV)
disinfection system; a precipitation sensor; a 0.35 acre drip irrigation area divided into three zones; 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. Documentation was provided that the tank was last pumped December 14, 2018. The level in the
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B

Jeff McFarlane
WQ0023434
April 2, 2024 Page 2 of 3

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 November 9, 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. The alarm system for the pump tank was found to be running continuously, and someone had removed
a fuse to prevent the light alarm. The alarm was found to be a malfunction, and the pump was activating as-
needed. The system is not equipped with telemetry, which would allow Aqwa to evaluate the operation of the
system remotely. You may wish to consider having telemetry added to allow more efficient operation of the
system.

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 during regular service visits, 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, no leaks were identified in the drip system. The drip field appeared to be assimilating
the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. Limited fencing was observed surrounding the 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: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B

Jeff McFarlane
WQ0023434
April 2, 2024 Page 3 of 3

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 September 30, 2024 and due November 3,
2023has been paid.

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

1. Permit Condition III.11 states “Pump and dosing tanks shall have audible and visual alarms external to
any structure.” [15A NCAC 02T.0605(n)]

At the time of the inspection, it was found that a fuse had been removed from the external alarm for the
pump tank. When replaced, it was observed that the alarm was continuously sounding, regardless of
conditions in the tank. Functional audible and visual alarms are required to identify potential overflow
conditions.

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 limited fencing in place surrounding the drip field. As
indicated, a minimum of 2-wire fencing is required around the entire 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: Tammy Riggan, Aqwa
Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0023434 Effective:07/18/23 Expiration:02/28/30 Owner :Jeffrey J McFarlane
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Chatham
Raleigh
Jeffrey J McFarlane
Effective:Expiration:Facility:558 Royal Sunset Dr. SFR
558 Royal Sunset Dr
Durham NC 27713
Title:Phone:
From Raleigh take I-40W to NC-540S to NC 55N, follow for ~.25mi turn L onto O'Kelly Chapel Rd follow for ~2.2 mi, turm R onto
Royal Sunset Dr. property is on the RT
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 11:11AM 12:20PM
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: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
4/2/2024
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0023434
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Jeffrey J McFarlane
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 July 18, 2023 and will expire on February 28, 2030.
An application to renew the permit should be submitted no later than September 1, 2029.
The permit indicates the treatment system consists of a 1,500 gallon baffled septic tank with an effluent filter; two AX20
Advantex treatment units; a 2,500 gallon storage/pump tank with a filter dosing pump; a 2,500 gallon storage/dosing tank
with a field dosing pump and audible/visual high-water alarms; an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system; a precipitation sensor;
a 0.35 acre drip irrigation area divided into three zones; 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. Documentation was provided that the tank was last pumped December 14, 2018. 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 November 9, 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. The
alarm system for the pump tank was found to be running continuously, and someone had removed a fuse to prevent the light
alarm. The alarm was found to be a malfunction, and the pump was activating as-needed. The system is not equipped with
telemetry, which would allow Aqwa to evaluate the operation of the system remotely. You may wish to consider having
telemetry added to allow more efficient operation of the system.
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 during regular service visits, 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
Page 2 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0023434
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Jeffrey J McFarlane
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, no leaks were identified in the drip system. The drip field appeared to be assimilating the
waste and no ponding and/or runoff was observed. Limited fencing was observed surrounding the 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.”
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 September 30, 2024 and due November 3, 2023has been paid.
Compliance Issues
The following issues are not compliant with the permit:
1.Permit Condition III.11 states “Pump and dosing tanks shall have audible and visual alarms external to any structure.”
[15A NCAC 02T.0605(n)]
At the time of the inspection, it was found that a fuse had been removed from the external alarm for the pump tank. When
replaced, it was observed that the alarm was continuously sounding, regardless of conditions in the tank. Functional audible
and visual alarms are required to identify potential overflow conditions.
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 limited fencing in place surrounding the drip field. As indicated, a minimum of 2-wire
fencing is required around the entire 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: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0023434
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Jeffrey J McFarlane
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
Permit up to date.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):
Invoice for pumping on 12/14/2018
# Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T?
If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who?Aqwa on
11/09/2023
Aqwa regularly checks the septic tank and lets the permittee know when it needs to be pumped
out.
Comment:
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
AX20 Pods
# Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located?
Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
If maintenace is required, explain:
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:
Page 4 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0023434
03/11/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Jeffrey J McFarlane
Routine
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:
Fuse was removed trom the external audible and visual alarm outside of the control panel.
When it was replaced, it was discovered that the alarm was running continuously, although the
pumps were functioning as designed.
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?
Only limited fencing was in place surrounding the 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.
System is not failing
External audible and visual alarms were not functioning, because a fuse had been removed.
When replaced, it was evident tha the system was alarming continuously. Only limited fencing
was in place surrounding the spray field.
Comment:
Page 5 of 5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B
DocuSign Envelope ID: 038FB5CB-32A5-4DBB-9846-F39894F3C56B