North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 15A - Environmental Quality
Chapter 13 - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Subchapter B - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Section .0800 - SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT
Section 13B .0838 - STANDARDS FOR SEPTAGE DETENTION AND TREATMENT FACILITIES
Current through Register Vol. 38, No. 18, March 15, 2024
(a) Septage detention facilities used to meet the requirements of Rule .0842(a)(19) of this Section shall have a minimum size equal to two percent of the maximum annual application rate. The Division shall increase the minimum size requirement for any increase in the maximum annual application rate or if it is demonstrated during site operation that this volume is inadequate or if specific site considerations would warrant such increases. The Division shall notify the owner or operator of the facility of the increase. This Paragraph does not limit the maximum capacity of a septage detention facility.
(b) Each site shall have an all weather access road.
(c) Septage treatment and detention facility containers shall be constructed of steel, concrete, plastic, or fiberglass; and shall be free of evidence of damage or weakness such as holes or cracks that may allow the escape of septage.
If required by G.S. 89C, plans and specifications for proposed containers constructed of materials not specifically addressed in this Rule shall be prepared by a professional engineer. [Note: The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors, has determined, via letter and resolution dated March 11, 2010, that certification of documents pursuant to this Paragraph constitutes practicing engineering, under G.S. 89C.]
(d) A septage treatment and detention facility permit holder and operator shall be responsible for the actions of any septage management firm that uses the detention or treatment facility.
(e) Each detention and treatment facility shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to:
(f) Septage detention and treatment facilities located below grade shall:
(g) The permit holder of a septage treatment or detention facility shall minimize odors from the facility at the property boundary.
(h) The Division may require that groundwater monitoring wells or a leak detection system be installed around treatment or detention systems for protection of public health and the environment if there is evidence of a leaking tank.
(i) The area around tanks shall be free of debris and vegetation to allow for access and inspection for a distance of 5 feet.
(j) Septage shall be transferred to and from a detention system in a manner that prevents leaks or spills of septage onto the ground surface or exterior surface of the detention system, including septage in pipes used for transferring waste to and from vehicles.
(k) Access roads or paths crossing or leading to the facility shall be posted with "NO TRESPASSING" signs.
(l) Requirements for lined lagoons:
(m) Septage detention and treatment facilities shall adhere to the following minimum setback requirements:
(n) At the time of initial permitting, septage detention and treatment facilities shall observe the minimum setback distances specified in this Rule. Minimum setbacks shall be maintained throughout the life of the facility only on land owned, operated, or controlled by the permittee or by the landowner(s) at the time of initial permitting. Any sale, lease, or other conveyance of land by the permittee, or by the landowner(s) if different from the permittee, subsequent to the initial permitting of the facility shall include restrictions to ensure continued maintenance of the setbacks.
(o) The setbacks in Subparagraph (m)(1) through (4) of this Rule shall be increased for storage facilities with a capacity in excess of 25,000 gallons permitted after April 1, 2010 to prevent offsite contamination from major spills, or 100% containment shall be provided. Increased setbacks shall be twice the minimum distance as indicated in Subparagraph (m)(1) through (4) of this Rule, unless the permitted volume and the proximity to residences, wells or water supply springs, surface waters, or property lines dictate a reduced setback determined by the Division on a case-by-case basis.
(p) Storage containers for individual restaurants shall be:
(q) Setbacks for detention tanks at marinas may be reduced for storage capacity of 2000 gallons or less when the facility is designed to prevent leaks or spills or has containment equaling 100% of the storage volume plus rainfall from a 25-year storm event. Setbacks shall in no case be less than what is approved by applicable local government, State, or federal laws or rules.
(r) Permit holders of all septage detention and treatment facilities shall have all records required in accordance with this Section available for review during inspections by the Division or upon the Division's request.
(s) Septage shall not be stored or treated at a new septage treatment or detention facility until a representative of the Division has inspected the facility to determine compliance with these Rules and consistency with the permit application and all permit conditions.
(t) Septage detention and treatment facility closure shall include:
(u) Record keeping for detention facilities that receive septage from more than one septage management firm shall include:
(v) Record keeping for treatment facilities shall include:
(w) Alarms shall be required to detect high liquid levels, leaks and spills, or system operation parameters at detention or treatment facilities when the location, design, capacity, or operational complexities of the facility warrant the additional safety precautions.
Authority
G.S.
130A-291.1;
Eff. April 1,
2010;
Readopted Eff. February 1, 2019 (Recodified from
15A NCAC
13B .0841).