WQ0016364_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240424

April 25, 2024
Elaine S. Fletcher and Phillip S. Fletcher
405 Southview Rd.
Durham, NC 27703-9797
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Non-Discharge Permit: WQ0016364
Facility: 405 Southview Rd. SFR
Durham County
Dear Elaine and Phillip Fletcher,

On April 15, 2024, Staff from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family residence (SFR) wastewater
treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject Non-Discharge Permit. Ms. Fletcher’s assistance during
the inspection was greatly appreciated.

Non-Discharge Permit WQ0016364 was issued January 8, 2024 and will expire on December 31, 2031.

Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a 1,200 gallon septic tank with an effluent filter, two 210
square foot (ft2) subsurface sand filters in parallel, a tablet chlorinator, two interconnected 1,500 gallon
storage/pump tanks with audible/visual high-water alarms, an automatic rain shut-off device, a 0.30 acre spray
irrigation area, and all associated piping, valves, controls, and appurtenances.

Non-Discharge Permit WQ0016364 authorizes the operation of up to 480 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:

Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. Treatment system operation: 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. At the time of this inspection the facility appeared to be
effectively maintained.
2. Pumping the 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 determine when pumping is required. Within 30 days of receipt of this letter
please provide this office with documentation that this maintenance item has been completed.

3. Chlorine tablets in the chlorinator: You are reminded that it is required that chlorine tablets be
maintained in the chlorinator to ensure proper disinfection of the wastewater. Chlorine tablets
provide effective disinfection and prevent/limit harmful bacteria from discharging to the
environment. The product label for these tablets must indicate the tablets are approved for
DocuSign Envelope ID: B5F4690F-5530-4AF3-9789-4B158554A28D
Elaine and Phillip Fletcher
WQ0016364
April 25, 2024 Page 2 of 2

wastewater use and not for swimming pools. During this inspection the inspector observed
chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please continue to ensure the correct type of tablets are
used and maintained in the chlorinator as required by the Non-Discharge Permit.

4. Proper Operation and Maintenance: The system shall be inspected monthly to make certain of
the proper operation of the sprinklers, 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. On the day of
the inspection, the spray field appeared to be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or
runoff was observed. The audible and visual alarms functioned properly when using the test
switch and when the float was pulled. The audible alarm was very quiet, and it is
recommended that repairs be made to increase the audibility of the alarm. The pump tank
pump was functioning properly. The spray heads were functioning properly.
Non-Discharge permit WQ0016364 requires the permittee to “pay the annual administering and compliance
monitoring fee within thirty days after being billed by the Division.” 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.

Please continue to periodically inspect the wastewater treatment system to ensure the treatment components are
always maintained and in good operating order. You are also reminded to maintain all monitoring data and
associated maintenance records onsite for a minimum of three years and available for inspection.

If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective action (if
applicable), then please contact Chris Smith at 919-791-4257 or at [e-mail]

Sincerely,

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

Attachment: Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: B5F4690F-5530-4AF3-9789-4B158554A28D