NCG551128_NCG551128 CEI Letter and Report 20240920_20240920

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B338B7-8BCA-4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S.BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E.ROGERS.JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
September 20, 2024
Mr. Hector Lopez
1205 N. Mineral Springs Road
Durham NC, 27703
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
General NPDES Permit NCG550000
Certificate of Coverage NCG551 128
Facility: 1205 N. Mineral Springs Road
Durham County
Dear Mr. Lopez:
On September 10, 2024, Donald Smith 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, sub-surface sand filter, tablet
chlorinator with chlorine contact chamber, and discharge pipe. During the inspection you
indicated that you believe that you may be connected to the City of Durham sewer system and
that you believe that you are also paying sewer service charges in addition to water service
charges with the City of Durham. We discussed the need to investigate whether or not your
homes wastewater plumbing system is connected to the City of Durham's system. Please contact
the City of Durham within 30 days from receipt of this letter to determine if they have any
records and dates in which a sewer service connection was made from your home to their
sanitary sewer system. If it is found that your home's plumbing system is not connected to the
City of Durham, the subject general NPDES permit, and certificate of coverage (NCG551 128)
and the following inspection findings and requirements apply.
General NPDES Permit NCG550000 and Certificate of Coverage (COC) NCCJ551128 authorize
the discharge of domestic wastewater from your treatment system to receiving waters designated
as Chunky Pipe Creek (classified Water Source (WS4V); Nutrient Sensitive Waters (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:
North Carolina Mpartu>Lnt�d 1.nvvor.mcntal Quality I Uivtslun of Water KCSOttree5
D Kale gh Kcgtonal Office 1 1900 Barren 1)mc I Kaleigh,North Carolina 27609
E Q
R G
919791 4200

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B33BB7-8BCA-4D39-98E5-C72A9DB424E3
Mr. Hector Lopez,NCG551128
September 20,2024 Page 2 of 4
Findings during the inspection were as follows:
1. NCG550000 Ownership Change Form: According to Durham County deed of
records, Gooding, Pheobe; Lopez, Hector Hugo Lopez own the residence and
property located at 1205 N. Mineral Springs Road in Durham, North Carolina. As
the property owner, you are also the owner of the existing single-family wastewater
treatment system, which treats the domestic wastewater from the residence and
releases the effluent to the receiving waters indicated above. Because the treatment
system makes an outlet to waters of the state, it is an activity for which the subject
permit is required. To comply with North Carolina General Statute § 143-215.](a),
which requires a person to obtain a permit to make an outlet into the waters of the
state, you will need to complete and submit the attached NCG550000 Ownership
Change Form to the Division. If you have any questions regarding change in pen-nit
ownership or completing the form, then please contact Donald Smith at
[phone] or [e-mail].
2. Treatment system operation: The wastewater treatment system shall be maintained
at all times to prevent seepage of sewage to the surface of the ground.
3. 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
indicated that you were unaware of a septic tank or its location and it has not been
cleaned since you have owned the home. Please schedule to have your septic tank
cleaned within 30 days of when it is determined that your wastewater system is
not connected to the City of Durham sewer system. The General NPDES Permit
requires the permittec to retain records associated with sewage disposal activities for
a period of at least 5 years.
4. 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 Phosphorous During the inspection,
you informed the inspector that the effluent has not been monitored within the last
12 months due to no discharge flow being observed. Within 30-days of receiving
this letter, 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
November 1, 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,
Nnrlh C'arohna Department of tinvironnRwal Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 11800 Barr.a Um c I Raleigh.North Carolina:7(M
9197914.10()

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B338B7-8BCA4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
Mr. Hector Lopez, NCG551128
September 20,2024 Page 3 of 4
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.
5. 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 far 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 did not observe chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please purchase and
install chlorine tablets within 10 days of when it is determined that your
wastewater system is not connected to the City of Durham sewer system. and
ensure they are the correct type of tablets as required by the General NPDES Permit.
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 not visible nor accessible
the day of the inspection. To comply with the general permit monitoring
requirements, you need to be able to sample and analyze the effluent from your SFR
system through the discharge pipe. You need to keep the area around the discharge
pipe cleared of vegetation, soil and leaves. Please take the necessary steps to
locate and ensure the discharge outlet is visible and accessible when it is
determined that your wastewater system is not connected to the City of Durham
sewer system. Maintaining the area will allow you to monitor the discharge and to
collect effluent samples as required by the subject permit.
Please inspect the wastewater treatment system periodically 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.
Within 30-days days following a determination that your wastewater system is not connected to
the City of Durham sewer system, please submit a written response to this office indicating the
actions you will take or have taken to comply with or resolve the issues noted items #l, 3, 4, 5,
and 6 above.
t —� Yunh l'arohna bcpanmcnt of I•nvironmcnral Quality I Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 1 38(N)13:rrcu Unvc I Raleigh.Nonh Carolina 27609
_ � � 919 791 4200

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B33887-8BCA4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
Mr. Hector Lopez, NCG551128
September 20, 2024 Page 4 of 4
If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective
action (if applicable), then please contact Donald Smith at 919-791-4234 or
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
Signed by:
u."'SSa f. ha1wa
B291BF6AB32144F
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
Change of Ownership Form
Cc: Lasertiche
DE North l.rohna Department of Frvironmcntal Quality I Divistm;of Water Resources
Rakigh Rcgion.l otrtce I MO Hamit Dnvc I Raleigh,North Carolina 17609
--t � ,��� 914 791 4200

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B338B7-8BCA4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
United Slates Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A:National Data System Coding(i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/molday Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 IN I 2 15 1 3 I NCG551128 I11 121 24/09/10 I17 18[�j 191 S I 201 I
21111111 1111111111111L11111 111111 111111111__t__L_r6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA -------Reserved ----------
671 70 i? 1 71 lii L
I 72 I �, I 731 I 174 79 I I I I I I I80
LJ Section B: Facility Data J I I I
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES Dermil Number) 11:41AM 24/09/10 13/08/01
1205 North Mineral Springs Road
1205 N Mineral Springs Rd Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
12:43PM 24/09/10 18/07/31
Durham NC 27703
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(syPhone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
rrr
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Ttle/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Jimmie B Johnson,1205 N Mineral Springs Rd Durham NC 27703//919-596-6639/
Yes
Section C:Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit 0 Operations&Maintenar 0 Records/Reports 0 Facility Site Review
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Donald Smith Do Signed by: DWR/RRO WQ/919-791.4234J
E �Say."
.;j99/11/2024
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Signed by: 9/1.1/2024
Voun t,SSOL `, k.atan.b d
82916E8AB32144F
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B338B7-8BCA-4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
NCG551128 I11 1 24/09/10 17 18 U
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheetsof narrative and checklists as necessary)
Homeowner was not aware of NPDES permit and the system at his home. Homeowner is under the
impression that they are connected to the City of Durham sewer system. We discussed the need for
the homeowner to investigate with the City of Durham and see if they have records of a sewer
connection and date. If no connection is found with the City of Durham, the NPDES permit and
inspection findings is required.
Page# 2

Docusign Envelope ID:A2B338B7-BBCA-4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
Permit: NCG551128 Owner-Facility: 1205 North Mineral Springs Road
Inspection Date: 09/10/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable ❑ ❑ ❑
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new ❑ ❑ M ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ■ ❑ ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Homeowner indicates wastewater plumbing system may be connected to City of
Durham sewer system. Investigation will be needed to confirm connection with Durham
sewer system.
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? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Are pumps or syphons operating properly? ❑ ❑ 0 ❑
Are high and low water alarms operating properly? ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Homeowner is unaware of a septic tank. Septic tank was not cleaned since current
homeower has owned the home since around 2019.
Sand Filters (Low rate) Yes No NA NE
(if pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Is the distribution box level and watertight? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sand filter free of ponding? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? ❑ ❑ M ❑
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation? ❑ ❑ M ❑
# Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1) ❑ ❑ ■ ❑
Comment: If a sand filter is still in place, it would be a passive inground sand filter.
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are tablet chlorinators operational? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Page# 3

Docusign Envetope ID:A2B33867-88CA-4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
Permit: NCG551128 Owner-Facility: 1205 North Mineral Springs Road
Inspection Date: 09/10/2024 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Tablet Yes No NA NE
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ 0 ❑ ❑
Number of tubes in use?
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? ❑ E ❑ ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? 0 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? ❑ E ❑ ❑
Comment: Chlorinator did not have chlorine tablets. Checking to see if pipe in the yard is a
chlorinator or cleanout pipe - depending on whether there is a connection with the City
of Durham. Standing water noted in the chlorinator/cleanout pipe.
Page# 4

Docusign Envelope ID:A28338B7-8BCA4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
ROY COOPER
r+Or'MROr
ELIZABETH S.BISER
5ocrefory
RICHARD E.ROGERS.JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Urr►cror Environmental Quality
NPDES Certificate of Coverage (CoC)
NCG550000 OWNERSHIP CHANGE FORM
1. Please enter the CoC number for which the change is requested.
Certificate of Coverage
N C G 15 1 5
11. Please provide the following for the requested change(revised CoC).
a. Request for change is a result of: ❑ Change in ownership of the residence/property
❑ Name change of the facility or owner
If other please explain:
b. CoC will be issued to(person's name
or company name, if applicable):
c. Owner: person legally responsible for
CoC:
First MI Last
Title
Permit Holder Mailing Address
City State Zip
1
Phone C-mail Address
d. Facility name(if applicable):
e. Facility address:
Address
City State Zip
f. Facility contact person:
[if different from Owner] First MI Last
C )
Phone F-mail Address
111, Contact person (if different from the person legally responsible for the CoC)
First MI Last
Title
Mailing Address
City State Zip
S
Phone E-mail Address
\'urlh C.:Uulmd 1k�arI111C1111it I:BtIroR11K111aI Ihlatlt\' I IM-mott o1%%,tier Resouteea
Q5
51.'Noah Saii.htir%%Irrel 1 1617\Lul Service tatter I Raleigh,Noah t'arolitta 21M)y-1617
ra j r(:rJ�r D E 4I.1.707 110111011

Docusign Envelope ID.A2B33887-8BCA-4D39-98E5-C72A9D8424E3
Page 2 of 2
IV. Will this permitted facility continue to discharge the same volume and type of wastewater as
prior to this ownership or name change?
❑ Yes
❑ No(please explain)
V. Required Items: THIS APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED UNPROCESSED IF ITEMS
ARE INCOMPLETE OR MISSING:
❑ This completed application is required for both facility-name change and.'or facility ownership
change requests.
❑ Legal documentation of the transfer of ownership(such as a property deed, relevant pages of a
contract, or a bill of sale) is required for an ownership change request.
..................................................................................................................
The certifications below must be completed and signed by the new applicant in the case of an ownership
change request.
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
1, _ , attest that this application for a name ownership change has been reviewed and is accurate and
complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if all required parts of this application are not
completed and that if all required supporting information is not included,this application package will be
returned as incomplete.
Signature Date
...................................
PLEASE SEND THE COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE TO:
Mr. Charles H. Weaver
NC DEQ/DWR/NPDES
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1 b 17
[e-mail]