HomeMy WebLinkAboutEHPR-12-2022-43040.TIF ?-2 y- zc23
catawba county
public health
February 21,2023
Tim and Lisa Oefelein
3665 Buffalo Shoals Rd,
Maiden,NC 28650
Re: Application for Improvement Permit for property site 3643 Buffalo Shoals Rd, Maiden NC 28650
Health Department file number EHPR-12-2022-43040.
Dear Mr.and Mrs.Oefelein:
The Catawba County Health Department, Environmental Health Division on 02/10/2022,evaluated the above
referenced property at the site designated on the plat/site plan that accompanied your Improvement Permit
application. According to your application the site is to serve a 3-bedroom home with a design wastewater flow of
360 gallons per day. The evaluation was done in accordance with the laws and rules governing wastewater
systems in North Carolina General Statute 130A-333 including related statutes and Title 15A,Subchapter 18A,of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, Rule.1900 and related rules.
Based on the criteria set out in Title 15A,Subchapter 18A,of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Rule.1940
through .1948,the evaluation indicated that the site is UNSUITABLE for a sanitary system of sewage treatment and
disposal. Therefore,we must deny your request for an improvement permit. A copy of the site evaluation is
enclosed. The site is unsuitable based on the following:
Unsuitable soil topography and/or landscape position (Rule.1940)
X _Unsuitable soil characteristics(structure or clay mineralogy)(Rule .1941)
X Unsuitable soil wetness condition(Rule.1942)
Unsuitable soil depth(Rule.1943)
Presence of restrictive horizon(Rule.1944)
Insufficient space for septic system and repair area(Rule.1945)
Unsuitable for meeting required (Rule .1950)
Other(Rule.1946)
These severe soil or site limitations could cause premature system failure,leading to the discharge of untreated
sewage on the ground surface, into surface waters,directly to ground water or inside your structure.
The site evaluation included consideration of possible site modifications,as well as use of modified,innovative,or
alternative systems. However,the Health Department has determined that none of the above options will
overcome the severe conditions on this site. A possible option might be a system designed to dispose of sewage to
another area of suitable soil or off-site to additional property.
catawbacountync.gov
Environmental Health
CctcwIn County Government Censer
25 Government Drive I PO Box 389 I Newton NC 28658 1828.465.82/0
MAKING. LIVING. BETTER.
(i°
catawba county
public health
February 21,2023
Tim and Lisa Oefelein
3665 Buffalo Shoals Rd,
Maiden, NC 28650
Re: Application for Improvement Permit for property site 3643 Buffalo Shoals Rd,Maiden NC 28650
Health Department file number EHPR-12-2022-43040.
Dear Mr.and Mrs.Oefelein:
The Catawba County Health Department, Environmental Health Division on 02/10/2022,evaluated the above
referenced property at the site designated on the plat/site plan that accompanied your Improvement Permit
application. According to your application the site is to serve a 3-bedroom home with a design wastewater flow of
360 gallons per day. The evaluation was done in accordance with the laws and rules governing wastewater
systems in North Carolina General Statute 130A-333 including related statutes and Title 15A, Subchapter 18A,of
the North Carolina Administrative Code, Rule.1900 and related rules.
Based on the criteria set out in Title 15A,Subchapter 18A,of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Rule.1940
through .1948,the evaluation indicated that the site is UNSUITABLE for a sanitary system of sewage treatment and
disposal. Therefore,we must deny your request for an improvement permit. A copy of the site evaluation is
enclosed. The site is unsuitable based on the following:
Unsuitable soil topography and/or landscape position (Rule.1940)
X Unsuitable soil characteristics(structure or clay mineralogy) (Rule.1941)
X Unsuitable soil wetness condition (Rule .1942)
Unsuitable soil depth (Rule.1943)
Presence of restrictive horizon (Rule.1944)
Insufficient space for septic system and repair area (Rule.1945)
Unsuitable for meeting required(Rule.1950)
Other(Rule.1946)
These severe soil or site limitations could cause premature system failure, leading to the discharge of untreated
sewage on the ground surface, into surface waters, directly to ground water or inside your structure.
The site evaluation included consideration of possible site modifications,as well as use of modified,innovative,or
alternative systems. However,the Health Department has determined that none of the above options will
overcome the severe conditions on this site. A possible option might be a system designed to dispose of sewage to
another area of suitable soil or off-site to additional property.
catawbacountync.gov
Environmental Health
Cctowho County Government Center
25 Government Drive ( PO Box 389 I Newton NC 28658 1828.465.8270
MAKING. LIVING. BETTER.
Page 2
For the reasons set out above, the property is currently classified UNSUITABLE,and no Authorization to Construct-
Relocation shall be issued for this site in accordance with Rule.1948(c).
Note that a site classified as UNSUITABLE may be classified as PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE if written documentation
is provided that meets the requirements of Rule.1948(d). A copy of this rule is enclosed. You may hire a
consultant to assist you if you wish to try to develop a plan under which your site could be reclassified as
PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE.
You have a right to an informal review of this decision. You may request an informal review by the soil scientist or
environmental health supervisor at the local health department. You may also request an informal review by the
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services regional soil scientist. A request for informal review
must be made in writing to the local health department.
You also have a right to a formal appeal of this decision. To pursue a formal appeal,you must file a petition for a
contested case hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings,6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-
6714. To get a copy of a petition form,you may write the Office of Administrative Hearings or call the office at
(919)431-3000 or download it from the OAH web site at http://www.ncoah.com/forms.html . The petition for a
contested case hearing must be filed in accordance with the provision of North Carolina General Statutes 130A-24
and 150E-23 and all other applicable provisions of Chapter 150B. N.C. General Statute 130A-335 (g) provides that
your hearing would be held in the county where your property is located.
Please note: If you wish to pursue a formal appeal,you must file the petition form with the Office of Administrative
Hearings WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS LETTER. The date of this letter is 2/21/2023. Meeting the 30 day
deadline is critical to your formal appeal.
If you file a petition for a contested case hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings,you are required by
law(N.C.General Statute 150B-23)to serve a copy of your petition on the Office of General Counsel, N.C.
Department of Health and Human Services,2001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C.27699-2001.
Do not serve the petition on your local health department. Sending a copy of your petition to the local health
department will not satisfy the legal requirement in N.C. General Statute 150B-23 that you send a copy to the
Office of General Counsel, N. C. Department of Health and Human Services.
You may call or write the local health department if you need any additional information or assistance.
Sincerely,
James R Ross, REHS
Environmental Health Specialist
Enclosures: Site evaluation
Rule .1941, .1942 and .1948
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Sheet._of/"
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH,ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SECTION PROPERTY ID#:
ON-SITE WATER PROTECTION BRANCH COUNTY: Catawba
SOIIJSITE EVALUATION
for ON-SITE WASTEWATER SYSTEM
(Complete all fields in MI)
OWNER: f--:S 0e 1 r ek;),\ APPLICATION DATE
ADDRESS: ^DATE EVALUATED:
PROPOSED FACILITY — P O OS D DE N FLO (.1949: i PROPERTY SIZE:
LOCATION OF SITE: isdelPROPERTY RECORDED:
WATER SUPPLY: 0 Private 0 Public eil 0 Spring ❑Other
EVALUATION METHOD: 0 Auer Boring ICL,Ptf ❑Cut TYPE OF WASTEWATER ewage ❑Industrial Process ❑Mixed
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Available Space(.1945) SITE CLASSIFICATION(.1948):_ __
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COMMENTS:
Updated February 2014
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Sheet gof
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH,ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SECTION PROPERTY ID#:
ON-SITE WATER PROTECTION BRANCH COUNTY:_Catawba
SOIL/SITE EVALUATION
for ON-SITE WASTEWATER SYSTEM
(Complete all fields in full)
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OWNER: L1 t7� Oe t�f / 1117) _ APPLICATION DATE
ADDRESS: DATE EVALUATED: ]
PROPOSED FACILITY: P S D DESI FLOW(.1949Nee), PROPERTY SIZE: /`' '�
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LOCATION OF SITE: J 1ROPERTY RECORDED:
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Updated February 2014
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Catawba County Environmental Health
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l apl`riort product was prepare from the Catawba County,NC Geospatlal Information_Services. Catawba Countyhas made substantial to ensure the accuracy of location and labeling Information contained on this mapor data on this re bss and reoo, i1 eforts
the independent verification of any data contained on this map/report product byhe user.The County of CattawbaC is employees agents,artd nds
personnel,disclaim,and shall not be held fable for any .and all damages,loss or liability,whether direct,Indirect or consequential which arises or may
arise from this map/report product or the use thereof by any person or entity.
Copyright 2021 Catawba County NC
12/19/2022
ISA NCAC 18A.1941 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS(MORPHOLOGY)
(a) The soil characteristics which shall be evaluated by the local health department arc as follows:
(1) Texture-The relative proportions ot'sand,silt.and clay sized mineral particles in the fine-earth fraction of
the soil arc referred to as soil texture. The texture ofthc different horizons of soils shall be classified into
four general groups and 12 soil textural classes based upon the relative proportions of sand.silt,and clay
sized mineral particles.
(A) SOIL GROUP I -SANDY TEXTURE SOILS. The sandy group includes the sand and loamy
sand soil textural classes and shall be considered SUITABLE with respect to texture.
(B) SOIL GROUP II • COARSE LOAMY TEXTURE SOILS. The coarse loamy group includes
sandy loam and loam soil textural classes and shall be considered SUITABLE with respect to
texture.
(C) SOIL GROUP Ill -FINE LOAMY TEXTURE SOILS. The fine loamy group includes silt,silt
loam, sandy clay loam,clay loam,and silty clay loam textural classes and shall be considered
PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE with respect to texture.
(D) SOIL GROUP IV-CLAYEY TEXTURE SOILS. Thc clayey group includes sandy clay, silty
clay, and clay textural classes and shall be considered PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE with
respect to texture.
(E) Thc soil textural class shall be determined in the field by hand texturing samples of each soil
horizon in the soil profile using the following criteria:
Ii) Sand: Sand has a gritty feel,does not stain the fingers.and does not form a ribbon or
ball when wet or moist.
(ii) Loamy Sand: Loamy sand has a gritty feel, stains the fingers(silt and clay),forms a
weak ball,and cannot be handled without breaking.
1 iii) Sandy Loam: Sandy loam has a gritty feel and forms a ball that can be picked up with
the fingers and handled with care without breaking.
(iv) Loam: Loam may have a slightly gritty feel but does not show a fingerprint and forms
only short ribbons of fiom 0.25 inch to 0.50 inch in length. Loam will form a ball that
can be handled without breaking.
(v) Silt Loam: Silt loam has a floury feel when moist and will show a fingerprint but will
not ribbon and forms only a weak ball.
(vi) Silt: Silt has a floury feel when moist and sticky when wet but will not ribbon and
forms a ball that will tolerate some handling.
(vii) Sandy Clay Loam: Sandy clay loam has a gritty feel but contains enough clay to form a
firm ball and may ribbon to form 0.75-inch to one-inch long pieces.
(viii► Silty Clay Loam: Silty clay loam is sticky when moist and will ribbon from one to two
inches. Rubbing silty clay loam with the thumbnail produces a moderate sheen. Silty
clay loam produces a distinct fingerprint.
(ix) Clay Loam: Clay loam is sticky when moist. Clay loam forms a thin ribbon of one to
two inches in length and produces a slight sheen when rubbed with the thumbnail. Clay
loam produces a nondistinci fingerprint.
(x) Sandy Clay: Sandy clay is plastic,gritty.and sticky when moist and forms a firm ball
and produces a thin ribbon to over two inches in length.
(xi) Silty Clay: Silty clay is both plastic and sticky when moist and lacks any'itty feeling.
Silty clay forms a firm ball and readily ribbons to over two inches in length.
(xii) Clay: Clay is both sticky and plastic when moist, produces a thin ribbon over two
inches in length,produces a high sheen when rubbed with the thumbnail,and forms a
strong ball resistant to breaking.
(F) The Department may substitute laboratory determination of the soil textural class as defined in
these Rules by particle-size analysis of the tine-earth fraction(less than 2.0 mm in size)using the
sand, silt. and clay particle sizes as defined in these Rules for field testing when conducted in
accordance with ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials)D-422 procedures for sieve
and hydrometer analyses which arc hereby adopted by reference in accordance with G.S.
150B-14(c). For tine loamy and clayey soils(Groups III and IV).the dispersion time shall be
increased to 12 hours. Copies may be inspected in and copies obtained from the Department of
Environment. Health,and Natural Resources,Division of Environmental Health,P.O.Box 27687.
Raleigh.North Carolina 27611-7687.
(2) Soil Structure -The following types of soil structure shall be evaluated:
(A) CRUMB AND GRANULAR SOIL STRUCTURE-Soils which havc crumb or granular stmcturc
shall be considered SUITABLE as to structure.
(B) BLOCK-LIKE SOIL STRUCTURE-Block-Like Soil Structure with pods 2.5 cm(1 inch)or less
in size shall be considered PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE as to structure. Block-like soil
structure with pcds greater than 2.5 cm(I inch)in size within 36 inches of the naturally occurring
soil surface shall be considered UNSUITABLE as to structurc.
(CI PLATY SOIL STRUCTURE - soils which have platy soil structure within 36 inches of the
naturally occurring soil surface shall be considered UNSUITABLE as to structure.
(D) PRISMATIC SOIL STRUCTURE-Soils which have prismatic soil structure within 36 inches of'
the naturally occurring soil surface shall be considered UNSUITABLE as to structure.
(E) ABSENCE OF SOIL STRUCTURE- Soils which arc single graincd and exhibit no structural
aggregates shall be considered SUITABLE as to structure. Soils which arc massive and cxhibit
no structural pods within 36 inches of the naturally occurring soil surface shall be considered
UNSUITABLE as to structure.
(F) Structure shall be evaluated using Soil Taxonomy, Appendix I. which is hereby adopted by
reference in accordance with G.S. I50B-14(c). Copies may be inspected in,and copies obtained
from,the Department of Environment,Health,and Natural Resources,Division ofEnvironmcntal
Health,P.O.Box 27687.Raleigh.NC 2761 1-7687.
(3) Clay Mineralogy-Along with soil texture,the mincralogy of the clay-sized fraction determines the degree
to which some soils swell when wetted and thereby affects the size and number of pores available for
movement of sewage effluent through the soil. Thcrc arc two major types of clays.including the I:1 clays.
such as Kaolinite, which do not shrink or swell extensively when dried or wetted: and the 2:1 clays,
including mixed mineralogy clays,such as clays containing both Kaolinitc and Mon tmorillonitc that will
shrink and swell when dried and wetted. The type of clay minerals in the clay-sized fraction shall be
determined by a field evaluation of moist soil consistence or of wet soil consistence using Soil Taxonomy.
Appendix I,which is hcrcby adopted by reference in accordance with G.S. 150B-14(c). The Department
may substitute laboratory determination of the expansive clay mineralogy as defined in these Rules for
field testing when conducted in accordance with ASTM D-4318. procedures A and B. for the
determination of liquid limit,plastic limit,and plasticity index of soils. These procedures are hereby
adopted by reference in accordance with G.S. 150B-14(c). lithe liquid limit exceeds 50 percent and the
plasticity index exceeds 30,the soil shall be considered as having an cxpansivc clay mincralogy. Copies
may be inspected in,and copies obtained from,the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources.Division of Environmental Health.P.O.Box 27687. Raleigh.NC 27611-7687.
(A) SLIGHTLY EXPANSIVE CLAY MINERALOGY-Soils which have loose,very friable.friable
or firm moist soil consistence,or have slightly sticky to sticky or nonplastic,slightly plastic to
plastic wet soil consistence,arc considered to have predominantly I:I clay minerals and shall be
considered SUITABLE as to clay mineralogy.
(B) EXPANSIVE CLAY MINERALOGY - Soils which have cithcr very firm or extremely firm
moist soil consistence, or have cithcr very sticky or very plastic wet soil consistence. arc
considered to have predominantly 2:1 clay minerals(including mixed mineralogy clays)and shall
be considered UNSUITABLE as to clay mineralogy_
(4) Organic Soils-Organic soils shall be considered UNSUITABLE.
(b) Where the site is UNSUITABLE with respect to structure or clay mineralogy,it may be reclassified PROVISIONALLY
SUITABLE after an investigation indicates that a modified or alternative system may be installed in accordance with Rule
.1956 or Rule.1957 of this Section.
Hi.ston•Note: Authority G.S. 130A-335(e);
Eli Jule 1. 1982:
Amended Er Jarman'1. 1990.
I5A NCAC 18A.1942 SOIL WETNESS CONDITIONS
(a) Soil wctncss conditions caused by seasonal high-water table,perched water table.tidal water,seasonally saturated soil or
by lateral water movement shall be dctcrmincd by field evaluation for soil wetness colors and field observations,and may be
assessed by well monitoring,computer modeling.or a combination of monitoring and modeling as required by this Rule.All
sites shall be evaluated by an Authorized Agent of the Department using Basic Field Evaluation Procedures pursuant to
Paragraph(b)of this Rule.
(b) Basic Field Evaluation Procedures:
(I) A soil wetness condition shall be determined by the indication of colors of chroma 2 or less(Munscll Color
Charts)at>2%of soil volume in mottles or matrix of a horizon or horizon subdivision. However,colors of
chroma 2 or less which arc relic from minerals of the parent material shall not be considered indicative ofa
soil wetness condition.
(2) A Soil wetness condition shall also be determined by the periodic direct observation or indication of
saturated soils or a perched water table,or lateral water movement flowing into a bore hole, monitoring
well,or open excavation above a less permeable horizon or horizon subdivision.that may occur without
the presence of colors of chroma 2 or less. A soil wetness condition caused by saturated soils or a perched
water table shall be confirmed to extend for at least three consecutive days.The shallowest depth to soil
wetness condition dctcrmincd by Subparagraph(b)(I)or(b)(2)of this Rule shall take precedence.
(c) Site Suitability as to Soil Wetness: Initial suitability of the site as to soil wetness shall be determined based upon the
findings of the Basic Field Evaluation Procedures made pursuant to Paragraph(b)of this Rule. Sites where soil wetness
conditions arc greater than 48 inches below the naturally occurring soil surface shall be considered SUITABLE with respect
to soil wetness.Sites where soil wetness conditions arc between 36 and 48 inches below the naturally occurring soil surface
shall be considered PROVISIONALLY SUITABLE with respect to soil wetness. Sites where soil wetness conditions arc less
than 36 inches below the naturally occurring soil surface shall be considered UNSUITABLE with respect to soil wctncss.
Sites whcrc a soil wetness condition is determined based upon the observation or indication oflatcral water movement within
48 inches of the naturally occurring soil surface shall be considered UNSUITABLE, except when such water can be
intercepted in accordance with I SA NCAC I HA.1956(4).
(d) Alternative Procedures for Soil Wetness Determination: The Owner or the Owner's Legal Representative(Applicant)
shall have the opportunity to submit documentation that the soil wetness condition and resultant site classification be
alternately determined and reclassified by direct monitoring- computer modeling, or a combination of monitoring and
modeling,in accordance with a Direct Monitoring Procedure.Monitoring and Modeling Procedure,or Modeling Procedure
made pursuant to Paragraphs(c).(I),or(g)of this Rule. This determination shall take precedence over the determination
made pursuant to the Basic Field Evaluation Procedures[Paragraph(b)of this Rule],when the conditions of Paragraphs(e),
(I),or(g)of this Rule arc met. Determination by one of these Monitoring or Modeling procedures shall also be required
when:
(l) the Owner proposes to use a wastewater system requiring a deeper depth to a soil wetness condition than
the depth determined by the Basic Field Evaluation Procedures pursuant to Paragraph(b)of this Rule:or
(2► the Owner proposes to use sites with Group ICI or IV soil within 36 inches of the surface and where
drainage modifications arc proposed to be made, including the installation of subsurface drain tile,open
drainage ditches,or surface landscape modifications,or on such sites when fill is proposed to be used in
conjunction with existing or proposed drainage modifications. Final determination of soil wetness
condition for these sites shall be made pursuant to the Modeling Procedure in Paragraph(g)of this Rule
(e) Direct Monitoring Procedure. Soil wetness conditions may be determined by direct observation of the water surface in
wells during periods of typically high water elevations utilizing the following monitoring procedures and interpretation
method.
(1) The applicant shall notify the local health department of the intent to monitor water surface elevations by
submitting a proposal that includes a site plan. well and soil profile at each monitoring location,and a
monitoring plan no later than 30 days prior to the monitoring period. An applicant other than the property
owner shall have written authorization from the owner to be the owner's legal representative.Soil wetness
and rainfall monitoring shall be conducted under the responsible charge of a third-party consultant or by
the property owner or the owner's agent_ A third party consultant is qualified when licensed or registered
in accordance with G.S.89C(Engineers),G.S.89E(Geologists).G.S.89F(Soil Scientists),or G.S.90A
Article 4 (Registered Sanitarian).if required_ The Owner shall submit the name(s)of the consultant(s)
performing any monitoring on their behalf to the local health department.
(2) The applicant shall submit a site plan showing proposed sites for wastewater system. shall provide the
longitude and latitude ofthe site,location of'monitoring wells.and all drainage features that may influence
the soil wctncss conditions,and specify any proposed fill and drainage modifications.
(3) The applicant shall submit a monitoring plan indicating the proposed number,installation depth.screening
depth,soil and well profile,materials and installation procedures for each monitoring well,and proposed
method of analysis.A minimum of three water level monitoring wells shall be installed for water surface
observation at each site. Additional wells shall be required for sites handling systems with a design flow
greater than 60O gallons per day(minimum of one additional well per 600 gallons per day increment).
(4) The local health department shall be given the opportunity to conduct a site visit and verify the
appropriateness of the proposed plan. Well locations shall include portions of the initial and replacement
drainficld site(s)containing the most limiting soil/site conditions.Prior to installation of the wells the local
health department shall approve the plan. If the plan is disapproved, the local health department shall
include specific changes necessary for approval of the monitoring plan.
(5) Wells shall extend at least five feet below the natural soil surface,or existing soil surface for fill installed
prior to July I, 1977 meeting the requirements for consideration of a site with existing till of G.S. 130A-
341 and the rules adopted pursuant thereto. However,a well or wells which extcnd(s)down only 40 inches
may be used if they provide a continuous record of the water table for at least half of the monitoring
period-and one or more shallower wells may be required on sites where shallow lateral water movement or
perched soil wetness conditions arc anticipated.
(6) Water surface in the monitoring wells shall be recorded at least daily from January' I to April 30.taken at
the same time during the day(plus or minus three hours).A rain(precipitation)gauge is required within
one-half mile of the site. At least daily rainfall shall be recorded beginning no later than December l
through April 30(the end of the well monitoring period).
(7) Interpretation Method for Direct Monitoring Procedure:The following method ofdctcnnining depth to soil
wetness condition from water surface observations in wells shall be used when the 60-day weighted
rainfall index for the January through April monitoring period equals or exceeds the site's long-term
(historic) 60-day weighted rainfall index for January to April rainfall with a 30 percent recurrence
frequency(wetter than the 9th driest year of 30,on average). The 60-day weighted rainfall index for the
monitoring period and historic rainfall record shall be computed as:
V�'RIM = 0.5P1) — Pi +P5t +0.5P..
Where = 60-day weighted rainfall index for January to April
Po = Total December rainfall
P� = Total January rainfall
Pt = Total February rainfall
Psi = Total March rainfall
PA = Total April rainfall
The Department shall prepare contour maps for each county where this interpretation procedure is
proposed. Contours shall be prepared following standard interpolation procedures using normalized data
collected from all National Weather Service Stations, or equivalent, from which appropriate data arc
available,at least prior to February I of the monitoring season. Data from each station shall be normalized
by fitting a 2-parameter gamma distribution to the 60-day weighted rainfall index computed for at least the
most recent thrcc decades of historic data, in accordance with procedures outlined in Chapter 18 of the
National Engineering Handbook,NRCS.USDA.From this fitted distribution,the 60-day weighted rainfall
index for January through April rainfall with a 30%.50%,70%and 80%recurrence frequency shall be
computed for each Station.to provide the raw data points from which the contour maps shall be prepared.
From these maps.the site's 60-day weighted rainfall index for the January through April monitoring period
shall be compared to the long-term(historic)January to April 60-day weighted rainfall index at different
expected recurrence frequencies. The soil wetness condition shall be determined as the highest level that is
continuously saturated for the number of consecutive days during the January through April monitoring
period shown in the following table:
Recurrence Frequency Range Number of Consecutive Days
January to April 60-Day of Continuous Saturation
Weighted Rainfall Index for Soil Wetness Condition
30%to 49.9°%b 3 days or 72 hours
50%to 69.9°0 6 days or 144 hours
70%to 79.910 9 days or 216 hours
80%to 100% 14 days or 336 hours
(8) If monitoring well data is collected during monitoring periods that span multiple years,the year which
yields the highest(shallowest)soil wetness condition shall be applicable.
(f) Monitoring and Modeling Procedure: A combination of monitoring and modeling may be used to determine a soil
wetness condition utilizing the following monitoring procedures and interpretation method.
(I) Thc procedures described for the Direct Monitoring Procedure in Subparagraphs(c)(I).(2).(3).(4),(5).
and(6)of this Rulc shall be used to monitor water surface elevation and precipitation for determining soil
wetness conditions by a combination ofdircct observation and modeling.except that the rainfall gauge and
each monitoring well shall use a recording device and a data file (DRAINMOD-compatible) shall be
submitted with the report to the local health department(devices shall record rainfall at least hourly and
well water level at least daily).
(2) The ground water simulation model DRAINMOD shall be used to predict daily water levels over at least a
30 year historic time period after the model is calibrated using the water surface and rainfall observations
made on-site during the monitoring period. The soil wetness condition shall be determined as the highest
level predicted by the model to be saturated for a 14-day continuous period between January 1 and April
30 with a recurrence frequency of 30 percent(an average of at least 9 years in 30).
(A) Wcathcr input files. required to run the DRAIN MOD,shall be developed from hourly rainfall
gauge data taken within a half-mile of the site and from daily temperature and hourly or daily
rainfall data collected over a minimum 30-year period from the closest available National
Wcathcr Service.or equivalent,measuring station to the site. DRAINMOD weather data files on
file with the Department shall be made available upon request to the applicant or applicant's
consultants. Daily maximum and minimum temperature data for the January 1 through April 30
monitoring period,plus for at least 30 days prior to this period,shall be obtained from the closest
available weather station.
(B) Soil and Site inputs for DRAINMOD. including a soils data file closest to the soil series
identified,depths of soil horizons.estimated saturated hydraulic conductivity of each horizon.
depth and spacing of drainage features and depression storage,shall be selected in accordance
with procedures outlined in the DRAINMOD Users Guide. and guidance is also available in
Reports 333 and 342 of the University of North Carolinas Water Resources Research Institute.
DRAINMOD soils data files on file with the Department shall be made available upon request to
the applicant or applicant's consultants.
(C) Inputs shall be based upon site specific soil profile descriptions Soil and site input factors shall
be adjusted during the model calibration process to achieve a best fit by least squares analysis of
the daily observations over the whole monitoring period (mean absolute deviation between
measured and predicted values no greater than eight inches), and to achieve the best possible
match between the highest water table depth during the monitoring period (measured-vs-
predicted)that is saturated for 14 consecutive days.
(D) For sites intended to receive over 1500 gallons per day. the soil wetness determination using
DRAINMOD shall take into consideration the impact of wastewater application on the projected
water table surface.
(F) The ground water simulation analysis shall he prepared and submitted to the local health
department by individuals qualified to use DRAINMOD by training and experience and who arc
licensed or registered in North Carolina if required in G.S. 89C (Engineers). G.S. 89E
(Geologists).and G.S.89F(Soil Scientists).The local health department or Owner may request a
technical review by the Department prior to approval of the soil wetness condition determination.
(g) Modeling Procedure: A soil wetness condition may be determined by application of DRAINMOD to predict daily water
levels over at least a 30 year historic time period after all site specific input parameters have been obtained.as outlined in the
DRAINMOD Users Guide. This modeling procedure shall be used when a ground water lowering system is proposed for a
site with Group III or IV soils within 36 inches of the naturally occurring soil surface.This procedure shall also be used to
evaluate sites with Group III or IV soils within 36 inches of the naturally occurring soil surface, where the soil wetness
condition was initially determined using a procedure described in Paragraphs(c)or(f) of this Rule and where drainage
modifications are proposed or when fill is proposed to be used in conjunction with existing or proposed drainage
modifications.The soil wetness condition shall be determined as the highest level predicted by the model to be saturated fora
14-day continuous period between January 1 and April 30 with a recurrence frequency of 30 percent(an average ofat least 9
years in 30).
(1) Weather input files.required to run DRAINMOD,shall consist of hourly rainfall and daily temperature
data collected over the entire period of record but for at least a 30-year period from the closest available
National Weather Service.or equivalent,measuring station to the site. DRAINMOD weather data files on
file with the Department shall be made available upon request to the applicant or applicant's consultants.
(2) Soil and Site inputs for DRAINMOD.including a soils data file closest to the soil series identified,depths
of soil horizons,hydraulic conductivity of each horizon,depth and spacing of proposed drainage features
and surface storage and drainage parameters.shall be selected in accordance with procedures outlined in
the DRAINMOD User's Guide. DRAINMOD soils data files on tile with the Department shall be made
available upon request to the applicant or applicant's consultants. Inputs shall include:
(A) Soil input tile with the soil moisture characteristic curve and data for the soil profile that is closest
to the described soil profile that is present on the site:
(B) Soil horizon depths determined on site:
(C) Site measured or proposed drain depth and spacing.and drain outlet elevation:
(D) In-situ saturated hydraulic conductivity measurements for at least three representative locations
on the site and at each location for at least three most representative soil horizons within five feet
of the surface. Conductivity measurements shall be for one representative soil horizon at or
above redoximorphic depletion features and two representative soil horizons at and below
redoximorphic concentration features at each location on the site:
(E) All other model parameters based upon the DRAINMOD User's Guide,or other accepted values
consistent with the simulation model:and
(F) A sensitivity analysis shall be conducted for the following model parameters:
(i) Soil input tiles for at least two other most closely related soil profiles:
(ii) Saturated hydraulic conductivity of each of horizons measured on-site:
(iii) Drain depth and spacing:and
(iv) Surface storage and depth of surface flow inputs.
Thc sensitivity analysis shall be used to evaluate the range of soil and site characteristics for choosing
input parameters related to the soil profiles,hydraulic conductivity input values based upon the range of
hydraulic conductivity values measured on the site.and inputs for surface and subsurface drainage features
based upon the range of possible elevations and distances that occur or may occur after installation of
improvements. The sensitivit y analysis shall establish which parameters are most critical for determination
of the depth to soil wetness condition. Conservative values for the most critical parameters shall be used in
applying the model to the site.
(3) For sites designed to receive over 600 gallons per day.the soil wetness determination using DRAINMOD
shall take into consideration the impact of wastewater application on the projected water table surface.
(4) The ground water simulation analysis shall be prepared and submitted to the local health department by
individuals qualified to use DRAINMOD by training and experience and who arc licensed or registered in
North Carolina if required in G.S.89C(Engineers).G.S.89E(Geologists),and G.S.89F(Soil Scientists).
The local health department shall submit the ground water simulation analysis to the Department for
technical review prior to approval of the soil wetness condition determination.
(h) A report of'the investigations made for the Direct Monitoring Procedure, Monitoring and Modeling Procedure or
Modeling Procedure pursuant to Paragraphs(c).(f),or(g)of this Rule shall be prepared prior to approval of the soil wetness
condition determination. Reports prepared by a licensed or registered professional shall bear the professional seal of the
person(s)whom conducted the investigation(Engineer,Geologist. Soil Scientist or Registered Sanitarian). A request for
technical review of'the report by the Department shall include digital copies of'monitoring data and digital copies of model
inputs,output data,and gaphic results,as applicable.
(j) Where the site is UNSUITABLE with respect to soil wetness conditions. it may be reclassified PROVISIONALLY
SUITABLE ifa modified,alternative or innovative system can be installed in accordance with I 5A NCAC 18A.1956,.1957.
or.1969.
lliclor'Note: Authority G.S. 130A-335/e/:
Elf.Judy 1. 1982:
Amended Elf January 1. 1990;
Tenrpornn'Amendment Eff June 24.2003:April 17.2002:
Amended Eff.. May 1. 2004.