HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCG551588_Compliance Evaluation Inspection_20240906 VATE
ROY COOPER
u .y
Governor
ELIZABETH S.BISER
secrelory
RICHARD E.ROGERS,JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Dlrecror Environmental Quality
September 6, 2024
Gail Rich
2905 S Miami Blvd,
Durham, NC 27703
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551588
Facility: 2905 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, NC
Durham County
Dear Ms. Rich:
On August 28, 2024, Myles and I from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family residence
(SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject General NPDES Permit.
Your assistance during the inspection was greatly appreciated.
Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, pump tank, above ground recirculating
sand filter, tablet chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, tablet dechlorinator, discharge pipe, and
erosion control rip rap.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551588 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an
unnamed tributary to Stirrup Iron Creek (classified C; NSW) in the Neuse River Basin. The authorized
discharge is in accordance with the effluent limits and monitoring requirements established within the
General 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 maintained at all
times to prevent seepage of sewage to the surface of the ground.
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
13 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.
During the inspection, you informed us the septic system was last pumped 4 years ago. The
General NPDES Permit requires the permittee to retain records associated with sewage
disposal activities for a period of at least 5 years.
Gail Rich, NCG551588
September 6, 2024 Page 2 of 3
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 discharged
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 wastewater use and not for swimming pools. Part 1,
Section D (1) of General NPDES Permit NCG550000 requires the permittee to inspect the
tablet chlorinator weekly to ensure there is an adequate supply of tablets for continuous
and proper operation. Section D (4) requires the permittee to maintain all system
components, including...disinfection units...at all times and in good operating order. 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
General NPDES Permit,
4. Dechlorination tablets: You are responsible for always having dechlorination tablets (if a
required part of your system) in place. They must be the kind for wastewater treatment
and not for swimming pools. The inspector observed dechlorination tablets in the
treatment unit. The inspector has received an email from the permittee with an image of
new dechlorination tablets that are approved for wastewater use. Please continue to ensure
the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in the dechlorinator as required by
the General NPDES Permit.
5. Analyzing the effluent: Part 1. C., Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements,
within General Permit NCG550000 requires a permittee to sample and analyze the effluent
leaving his/her treatment system prior to discharge annually. Parameters to be sampled
and analyzed include Flow, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand),Total Suspended Solids,
Fecal Coliform, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and Total
Phosphorus. During the inspection, you informed the inspector that the effluent has not
been monitored within the last 12 months. Please collect a representative sample of the
effluent, have it analyzed by a certified commercial laboratory and submit the results to
this office no later than December 6, 2024. 1f, during this time, you are unable to collect
a representative sample of the effluent discharge due to insufficient flow from the
discharge pipe, then update this office with that information and continue to monitor the
discharge and if conditions for sampling become favorable, then arrange to collect a
sample. Failure to monitor the effluent discharge as required is a violation of NPDES
General Permit NCG550000.
6. Discharge outlet location. The permittee is required to conduct a visual review of the
outfall location at least twice each year(one at the time of sampling) to ensure that no
visible solids or other obvious evidence of system malfunctioning is observed. Any visible
signs of a malfunctioning system shall be documented, and steps taken to correct the
problem. The discharge pipe was visible and accessible the day of the inspection. Please
continue to ensure the outlet is always visiblefmaintained and cleared of vegetation, soil
and leaves.
Part I1 Section B.14 of General Permit NCG550000 requires the permittee to "pay the annual
administering and compliance monitoring fee within thirty days after being billed by the Division."
D QIke.�P
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh.North Carolina 27604
o.v F.ee�W(b 919,791.4200
Gail Rich, NCG551588
September 6, 2024 Page 3 of 3
Division records indicate the required annual fee($60 per year) for the period ending July 31, 2025, and
due August 15, 2024, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
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 ►naintain 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 Myles Parker at 919-791-4236.
Sincerely,
Vanessa E. Manuel, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment(s): EPA Water Compliance Inspection Report
Cc: Laserfiche
D North Carolina Department of rnvironmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Nrrett Drive I Raleigh.North Carolina 27609
o�iwremver"a�«�e.�oiwmr� /''� 919.791.4200
United Slates Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington.D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding(i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/molday Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 [U I 2 15 I 3 I NCG551588 I11 12 24/08/28 17 18 L 191 S U �J
I 201
21 U 1=J 6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating 131 OA --------------------Reserved-----------------
67 70LJ 71 I 72 ti I 73 I 74 71 1 I I I I 80
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES Permit Number) 12:05PM 24/08/28 23/02/03
2905 South Miami Boulevard
2905 S Miami Blvd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Durham NC 27703 12:35PM 24/08128 25/10/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)fiitles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Fac lily Data
9.a 2z�
Name,Address of Responsible OfficialM(le/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Gail Rich,2905 S Miami Blvd Durham NC 27703//J
No
Section C:Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Operations&Maintenar 0 Records/Reports Self-Monitoring Progran
Facility Site Review 0 Effluent/Receiving Wate
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspectors) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Myles Parker DWR/RRO WO1919-791-4200/
Vanessa E Manuel DWR/RRO W01919-791.4200! 9 -202-q
Signature o anagement O A R viewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous ed tions are obsolete.
Page# 1
NPDES yrlmo/day Inspection Type (Cont ) 1
NCG551588 I11 12I 24/08/28 117 18 ICI
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
On August 28, 2024, Myles and I from the Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-family residence
(SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject General NPDES Permit.
Your assistance during the inspection was greatly appreciated.
Our records indicate the treatment system consists of a septic tank, pump tank, above ground
recirculating sand filter, tablet chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, tablet dechlorinator,
discharge pipe, and erosion control rip rap.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCG551588 authorize the
discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated as an
unnamed tributary to Stirrup Iron Creek (classified C; NSW) in the Neuse River Basin. The authorized
discharge is in accordance with the effluent limits and monitoring requirements established within the
General 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 maintained at all times to
prevent seepage of sewage to the surface of the ground.
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. During the inspection, you informed us the septic system was
last pumped 4 years ago. The General NPDES Permit requires the permittee to retain records
associated with sewage disposal activities for a period of at least 5 years.
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 discharged 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
wastewater use and not for swimming pools. Part 1, Section D (1) of General NPDES Permit
NCG550000 requires the permittee to inspect the tablet chlorinator weekly to ensure there is an
adequate supply of tablets for continuous and proper operation. Section D (4) requires the permittee
to maintain all system components, including...disinfection units...at all times and in good operating
order. 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 General NPDES
Permit.
4. Dechlorination tablets: You are responsible for always having dechlorination tablets (if a required
part of your system) in place. They must be the kind for wastewater treatment and not for swimming
pools. The inspector observed dechlorination tablets in the treatment unit. The inspector has
received an email from the permittee with an image of new dechlorination tablets that are approved
for wastewater use. Please continue to ensure the correct type of tablets are used and maintained in
the dechlorinator as required by the General NPDES Permit.
5. Analyzing the effluent: Part 1. C., Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements, within
General Permit NCG550000 requires a permittee to sample and analyze the effluent leaving his/her
treatment system prior to discharge annually. Parameters to be sampled and analyzed include Flow,
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), Total Suspended Solids, Fecal Coliform, Total Residual
Chlorine, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus. During the inspection, you
informed the inspector that the effluent has not been monitored within the last 12 months. Please
collect a representative sample of the effluent, have it analyzed by a certified commercial laboratory
and submit the results to this office no later than December 6, 2024. If, during this time, you are
unable to collect a representative sample of the effluent discharge due to insufficient flow from the
discharge pipe, then update this office with that information and continue to monitor the discharge
and if conditions for sampling become favorable, then arrange to collect a sample. Failure to monitor
the effluent discharge as required is a violation of NPDES General Permit NCG550000.
Page# 2
Permit: NCG551588 Owner-Facility: 2905 South Miami Boule:and
Inspection Date: 08/28/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
6. Discharge outlet location. The permittee is required to conduct a visual review of the outfall
location at least twice each year (one at the time of sampling) to ensure that no visible solids or other
obvious evidence of system malfunctioning is observed. Any visible signs of a malfunctioning system
shall be documented, and steps taken to correct the problem. The discharge pipe was visible and
accessible the day of the inspection. Please continue to ensure the outlet is always
visible/maintained and cleared of vegetation, soil and leaves.
Part I I Section B.14 of General Permit NCG550000 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 July 31, 2025,
and due August 15, 2024, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject COC.
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.
Page# 3
Permit: NCG551588 Owner-Facility: 2905 South Miami Boulevard
Inspection Date: 08/28/2024 Inspection Type: Gnmpliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ❑ E ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ❑ ❑ N ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? IN ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? E ❑ ❑ ❑
Is all required information readily available, complete and current? IN ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years (lab. reg. required 5 years)? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? ❑ ❑ IN ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Dates, times and location of sampling ❑
Name of individual performing the sampling ❑
Results of analysis and calibration ❑
Dates of analysis ❑
Name of person performing analyses ❑
Transported COCs ❑
Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
(If the facility is = or > 5 MGD permitted Flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified ❑ ❑ ❑
operator on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? ❑ ❑ E ❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility ❑ ❑ E ❑
classification?
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? ❑ ❑ ❑ El
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Comment:
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Page# 4
Permit: NCG551588 Owner-Facility: 2905 South Miami Boulevard
Inspection Dale: 08/28/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS MCRT, Settleable ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Septic Tank Yes No NA NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule? ❑ ❑ 00
Are pumps or syphons operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are high and low water alarms operating properly? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Sand Filters (Low rate) Yes No NA NE
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Is the distribution box level and watertight? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sand filter free of ponding? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■
Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
# Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 2
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? ❑ ❑ M ❑
Comment: More tablets need to be added.
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system ? Tablet
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 5
Permit: NCG551588 Owner-Facility: 2905 South Miami Boulevard
Inspection Date: 08128l2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
# Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? Cl ❑ ❑ 0
Comment:
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use? 2
Comment:
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? M ❑ ❑ ❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ E ❑
Comment:
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected? ❑ ❑ ❑ E
Is the tubing clean? ❑ ❑ IN ❑
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 ❑ ❑ M ❑
degrees Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type ❑ E ❑ ❑
representative)?
Comment: The facility has not monitored the effluent in the last 12 months.
Page# 6
Inspection Date: —� _2 Start Time: 12005,pim End Time:
SINGLE FAMILY WASTEWATER SYSTEM CHECKLIST
11912015 �Permittee: GailPermit:NC�SS 1 S U u
Address: q0S .S()A fVl,`G BO(A�CV(JL� E-mail- o,
Phone:(W)I S7 - Q Cell Phone:(I ) Z &- per County:
The Permittee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire wa tewater treatment and disposal system.
}, Doesn't Did Not
C s cz-11 IC Yes No Apply Investigate
1. Is the current resident in the home the Permittee? M Li Li 0
2. If not does the resident rent from the permittee? ❑ ❑ N ❑
3. Change of Ownership form needed?(mail the form with the inspection letter) ❑ 1z ❑ ❑
4. Is there a inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor? ❑ ❑ ❑
5. If yes to#4 who is the contractor?
SEPTIC TANK The septic tank and filters should be checked annua ly and pumpedreleaned as needed
6. Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank? ❑ ❑ ❑
7. Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located? ❑ ❑
8. Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years? 't?cn. . -'fyAs ❑ ❑ ❑
9. If yes to#8 date, if known If proof, describe
10. Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T? (circle one) �r1 Sr,•c,rc�
11. If Yes to filter when was the filter cleaned? By whom?
SAND FILTER/TREATMENT PODS YES NO If no proceed to the next section.
Accessible sand filter surfaces shall be raked and leveled every six months and any vegetative growth shall be removed manually
12. is system something other than a sandfilter? !-;�
13. If yes, what kind?(examples- Peat, Textile, Other or brand name-Advantex, etc.)
14. Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located? y ❑ ❑ ❑
15. Does the sandfilter require maintenance? "' Lr � (.4cY -��^-' 7' ❑ ❑ ❑
If maintenance is required explain in the comment section. h J L,t, V_eo _ �rreC U•^y
DISINFECTION/ UV YES LJ NO 1,4 If no proceed to the next section.
The ultraviolet unit shall be checked weekly.The lamps and sleeves should be cleaned or replaced as needed to ensure proper disinfection.
16. Is UV working? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
17. Has the UV Unit been serviced and bulbs cleaned? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
18. Who completes the weekly check for the UV?( Non-Discharge)
DISINFECTION/TABLETS YES rj
NO LJ If no proceed to the next section.
The tablet chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation. , AV
19. Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets?(If none, mark No) ❑ ❑ ER
20. Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator? +� �z ❑ ❑ ❑
21. Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator? � Al �. ❑ ❑ El
22. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine. ��a7f ❑ ❑ ❑
DECHLOR (Discharge only) YES NO LJ If no proceed to the next section.
The dechlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation.
23. Does the permittee know where the dechlor is? 1. ❑ ❑ ❑
24. Does the permittee have the correct dechlor tablets? N � ( � ❑ ❑ ❑
25. Were dechlor tablets observed in the dechlorination chamber? ❑ ❑ ❑
26. Are tablets contacting water? If possible poke them to determine ❑ ❑ 0
Doesn't Did Not
Yes No Apply Investigate
UMP TANK YES NO LJ If no proceed to the next section.
II pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly (non-discharge;
7. is the pump working? ❑ ❑ ❑
8. Are the audible and visual high water alarms operational? 1K ❑ ❑ ❑
9. Does the permittee know how to check the pump &high water alarm? ❑ ❑ ❑
0. Last functional test: PUMP AUDIBLE & VISUAL
1ISCHARGE ONLY YES NO LJ If no proceed to the next section.
visual review of the outfall location shall be executed twice each year(one at the time of sampling to ensure no visible solids or evidence of a malfunction
1. Does the permittee know where the outfall is located? ❑ ❑ ❑
2. Were you able to locate the outfall? ❑ ❑
3. Is the end of the discharge pipe visible and accessible? M ❑ ❑
4, Is outlet discharging? ❑ ❑
5. Is right of way maintained around the discharge point? ❑ ❑ ❑
6. Any Lab Results available? ❑ ❑
7. Is there evidence of solids around the discharge point? ❑ ® ❑ ❑
,RIP or SPRAY YES LJ NO LIN If no proceed to the next section.
-ie irrigation system shall be inspected monthly to ensure the system is free of leaks and equipment is operating as designed.
8. Is the system DRIP or IRRIGATION (circle one)? If irrigation number of sprinkler heads.
9. Are the buffers adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
0. Is the site free of ponding and runoff? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
1. Does the application equipment appear to be working properly? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
2. Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding entire irrigation area? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
iENERAL
3. Are the treatment units locked and or secured? r❑Ca ❑ ❑
4. Has resident had any sewage problems? If yes explain in the comment section. ❑ r-Ca ❑ ❑
5. Does the system match the permit description? If no explain in the comment section. ® ❑ ❑ ❑
6. Is the system compliant? ,r ��.�,/�,r'�dry� ��;r 1❑j ❑ ❑
7. Is the system failing? If yes,take pictures if possible. ❑ LAJ ❑ ❑
8. If system is failing, any sign of children or animals contacting sewage? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
IOD Sent #: - - - NOV Sent#: - - -
,aE
:omments: Photos Taken? YES ❑ NO
sf.
a-
JSPECTOR: SIGNATURE.-