WQ0002161_Inspection_20241029

October 29, 2024
Sol C. Osterkatz
7525 Old NC 86
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Wastewater Treatment System
Permit WQ0008073
Facility: 7525 Old NC 86
Orange County

Dear Mr. Osterkatz:

On October 18, 2024, Tyler Clark from the Division of Water Resources, Raleigh Regional Office visited your single-
family residence (SFR) wastewater treatment system to evaluate compliance with the subject non-discharge
permit referenced above (The Permit). The permitee was not present for the inspection.

The Permit authorizes the operation of a 480 gallon per day (GPD) wastewater treatment and irrigation facility
that consists of a 1,200-gallon dual subsurface sand filter with a combined 420-square foot Surface area, a tablet
chlorinator, a 2,400-gallon storage/pump tank with audible/visual high-water alarms, a 0.32-acre spray irrigation
area, and all associated piping, valves, controls, and appurtenances.

The items below summarize the findings of the compliance evaluation for your system:

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 evaluate when pumping is required.

The permitee was not present at the time the inspection, and no records were provided.

Treatment System Operation and Maintenance
As detailed in the permit, 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.

On the day of the inspection, the subsurface sand filter was clear of vegetation.

Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54

Sol C. Osterkatz
WQ0008073
October 24, 2024 Page 2 of 3

Disinfection
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 wastewater use and not for swimming pools.

The inspector did not observe any chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please ensure the correct type of tablets are
used and maintained in the chlorinator as required by your Permit.

Spray Field 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. A perimeter fence
consisting of a minimum of 2-strand wire will be in place surrounding the entire field. This fence will be inspected
and repaired by the permittee, as necessary.

On the day of the inspection, the spray field appeared to be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff
was observed.

Record-Keeping and Payments
You are required to maintain all maintenance records onsite for a minimum of three years and available for
inspection. The permit 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 December 31, 2025 and due
January 6, 2024, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject Non-Discharge permit.

Compliance Issues
The following issues are not compliant with the permit:

1. Permit condition III. 14.b. requires you to “inspect the chlorinator weekly. Add wastewater grade chlorine
tablets (e.g., calcium hypochlorite) as needed. Swimming pool grade tablets are not acceptable.

The inspector did not observe any chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please ensure the correct type of
tablets are used and maintained in the chlorinator as required by your Permit.

Within 30 days of receiving this letter, please submit a written response to the Raleigh Regional Office
indicating the actions you will or have taken to address the compliance issues listed above.

Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54

Sol C. Osterkatz
WQ0008073
October 24, 2024 Page 3 of 3

Please continue to periodically inspect the wastewater treatment system to ensure the treatment components
are always maintained and in good operating order. If you have questions or comments about this inspection or
the requirements to take corrective action (if applicable), then please contact Tyler Clark at 919-791-4242 or at
[e-mail]

Sincerely,

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

Attachments: Compliance Inspection Report
Field Inspection Form

Ec: Laserfiche
Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54
Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0008073 Effective:08/15/19 Expiration:10/31/24 Owner :Sol C Osterkatz
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Orange
Raleigh
Sol C Osterkatz
Effective:Expiration:Facility:7525 Old NC 86 SFR
7525 Old NC 86
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Title:Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
Phone:Certification:Primary ORC:
System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
10/18/2024 12:00PM 01:00PM
Timothy Clark 919-791-4234
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
Single-Family Residence Wastewater Irrigation
Compliance Evaluation
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions Permit Status Septic Tank
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Disinfection Tablets Pump Tank
Drip or Irrigation
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0008073
10/18/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Sol C Osterkatz
Routine
Inspection Summary:
The items below summarize the findings of the compliance evaluation for your system:
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 evaluate when pumping is required.
The permitee was not present at the time the inspection, and no records were provided.

Treatment System Operation and Maintenance
As detailed in the permit, 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.
On the day of the inspection, the subsurface sand filter was clear of vegetation.
Disinfection
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 wastewater use and not for
swimming pools.
The inspector did not observe any chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please ensure the correct type of tablets are used and
maintained in the chlorinator as required by your Permit.

Spray Field 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. A perimeter fence consisting of a minimum of 2-strand wire
will be in place surrounding the entire field. This fence will be inspected and repaired by the permittee, as necessary.
On the day of the inspection, the spray field appeared to be assimilating the waste and no ponding and/or runoff was
observed.
Record-Keeping and Payments
You are required to maintain all maintenance records onsite for a minimum of three years and available for inspection. The
permit 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 December 31, 2025 and due January 6,
2024, has been paid. There are no overdue fees for the subject Non-Discharge permit.
Compliance Issues
The following issues are not compliant with the permit:
Page 2 of 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0008073
10/18/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Sol C Osterkatz
Routine
1.Permit condition III. 14.b. requires you to “inspect the chlorinator weekly. Add wastewater grade chlorine tablets (e.g.,
calcium hypochlorite) as needed. Swimming pool grade tablets are not acceptable.
The inspector did not observe any chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. Please ensure the correct type of tablets are used and
maintained in the chlorinator as required by your Permit.
Within 30 days of receiving this letter, please submit a written response to the Raleigh Regional Office indicating the actions
you will or have taken to address the compliance issues listed above.
Page 3 of 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0008073
10/18/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Sol C Osterkatz
Routine
Permit Status Yes No NA NE
# Is the current resident in the home the Permittee?
# If not, does the resident rent from the Permittee?
Change of Ownership form needed? (Mail the form with the inspection letter)
# Is there an inspection and maintenance agreement with a contractor?
If YES, who is the contractor (include contact info)?
Comment:
Septic Tank Yes No NA NE
*** The septic tank and filters should be checked annually and pumped/cleaned as needed. ***
Is all wastewater from the home connected to the septic tank?
# Does the permittee/resident know where the septic tank is located?
Has the septic tank been pumped in the last 5 years?
If YES, describe if known and proof (include date pumped):
# Does the septic tank have an EFFLUENT FILTER or SANITARY T?
If FILTER, when was the filter cleaned and by who?
Comment:
Sand Filter/Treatment Pods Yes No NA NE
*** Accessible sand filter surfaces shall be raked/leveled every 6 months and vegetative growth shall be
removed manually. ***
# Is system something other than a sand filter?
# If YES, what kind? (examples - Peat, Textile or brand name - Advantex, etc.)
# Does the permittee know where the sandfilter is located?
Does the sandfilter require maintenance?
If maintenace is required, explain:
Subsurface sand filter had no ponding or excessive growth.Comment:
Disinfection Tablets Yes No NA NE
*** Tablet chlorinator unit shall be checked weekly to ensure continuous and proper operation. ***
Does the permittee have the correct chlorine tablets? (If none, mark No)
# Does the Permittee know the location of the chlorinator?
Were chlorine tablets observed in the chlorinator?
Are tablets contacting water? (If possible, poke them to determine.)
No tablets in the chlorinator.Comment:
Pump Tank Yes No NA NE
*** All pump and alarm sytems shall be inspected monthly. (Non-Discharge) ***
Page 4 of 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0008073
10/18/2024 Compliance Evaluation
Sol C Osterkatz
Routine
Is the pump working?
Is the audible and visual high water alarm operational?
# Does the permittee know how to check the pump & high water alarm?
# Last functional test:
Comment:
Drip or Irrigation Yes No NA NE
*** Irrigation sysetm shall be inspected monthly to ensure system is free of leaks and equipment is operating
as designed. ***
# Type of system (DRIP or IRRIGATION):Irrigation
# If IRRIGATION, number of sprinkler heads:3
Are buffers and setbacks adequate?
Is the site free of ponding and runoff?
Does the application equipment appear to be working properly?
Is there a minimum two wire fence surrounding the entire irrigation area?
Comment:
Page 5 of 5
Docusign Envelope ID: 1A02BD7C-5CC3-46FA-9893-959BE0DF9D54