20200405 Ver 1_Appendix D_Record of Decision_20200325

Appendix D
Record of Decision

REVISED
RECORD OF DECISION
STOWE REGIONAL WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY
(formerly known as the Long Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant)
CHARLOTTE WATER/CITY OF MOUNT HOLLY/CITY OF BELMONT
MECKLENBURG AND GASTON COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA
DEQ#1603; DENR#1597
PREPARED BY:
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
January 2, 2020
(Replaces the approved March 18, 2015 version)
CONTACT PERSON:
David Wainwright
NCDEQ, Division of Water Resources
Mail Service Center 1611
Raleigh, NC 27699-1611
[phone]
[e-mail]

REVISED -Record of Decision — Charlotte -Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holly Regional Wastewater Treatment
REVISION NOTE
Prior to construction of the proposed project, the applicant contacted the DWR regarding a few minor
changes to the project. Changes include the location of an equalization basin and new access and
construction roads. The preferred alternative has not changed and remains alternative 2. The applicant has
submitted documentation to the Division dated December 20, 2019, with the subject line of "Charlotte -
Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holy+/City of Belmont Regional Wastewater Treatment Final
Environmental Impact Statement Revision Letter" which outlines proposed changes to the project and are
addressed in this revised ROD.
Proposed revisions are only to occur' at the current Long Creek Pump Station site. Proposed project revisions
will include additional impacts to wetlands, prime and unique farmlands, and floodplains; but all will be
minor or negligible impacts. Bridges over Long Creek will result in minor impacts to wetlands (less than
0.1 acre) and potentially minor or negligible impacts to floodways. Clearing of land will increase
(approximately 4.5 acres for temporary construction access, approximately 8.5 acres for a permanent access
road, and approximately 20 acres for the equalization basin). Much of these lands are considered prime and
unique farmlands or farmland of statewide importance. However, these areas are forested and not currently
being farmed, are zoned either industrial or single family residential, and are owned by the City of Charlotte.
Due to these conditions, impacts to prime and unique farmlands is considered minimal. Due to the
additional clearing, impacts to land cover will occur. Wildlife may be impacted by the additional clearing,
but much of the surrounding area will still be forested and it is therefore expected that wildlife will relocate
to those areas.
The proposed changes will impact the Thread Trail (used for walking, hiking, and mountain biking).
Impacted portions of the will be relocated within the remaining 85-acre forested track, thereby mitigating
additional impacts to public lands, scenic, and recreational areas.
No additional impacts rp areas of archeological or historical value; rare or protected species; air quality;
noise; water resources, shellfish, and their habitats; water quality; soils; ground water; water supply; or
impacts from toxic substances are anticipated.
SUMMARY
An EIS has been prepared for the Charlotte -Mecklenburg Utilities Department (CMUD) and the planned
wastewater treatment expansion for the existing service area as well as surrounding service areas. The
proposal considers wastewater treatment at a regional level and includes the City of Mount Holly, the City
of Belmont, Clariant Corporation (Clariant), and CMUD's western Mecklenburg County wastewater
service area. A feasibility study was performed in 2006 for CMUD and the City of Mount Holly to identify
potential alternatives to meet the needs of the projected growth in the service areas. Study results
recommended a regional approach, and that is what is being pursued by CMUD and the City of Mount
Holly. As discussed in the EIS, there has been extensive stakeholder involvement with the public and private
sector as well as government officials throughout project development.
The preferred alternative would include constructing a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) facility
on the Mecklenburg County side of the Catawba River on land near the existing Long Creek pump station.
The new facility would treat wastewater from both CMUD and the City of Mount Holly. Flows from the
City of Mount Holly and the City of Belmont would be pumped under the Catawba River to the new facility.

REVISED -Record of Decision —Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holly Regional Wastewater Treatment
A new force main would be constructed from the City of Belmont WWTP to the Paw Creek lift station.
The existing Long Creek pump station would be modified to serve as the influent pumping station for the
new facility.
PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of the proposed project is to address future wastewater demands in northwestern Mecklenburg
and eastern Gaston Counties. Populations in these areas are expected to grow considerably by 2030.
Population growth in the CMUD service area, which includes the Long Creek Basin, Paw Creek Basin,
Catawba Creek Basin, Gar Creek Basin, and the Lower Mountain Island Lake Basin, is expected to increase
from 43,371 in 2010 to 1 15,580 in 2030. Consequently, wastewater flows in the service area is expected to
increase from 6.44 million gallons per day (mgd) in 2010 to 14.74 mgd in 2030. In order to meet the needs
of these growing areas, without hindering growth, the wastewater capacity of the region will need to be
increased.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
Several alternatives were identified dwing the planning process. A total of seven alternatives were carried
forward and considered in the EIS; the EIS provides a full discussion of these alternatives. A brief statement
on each is below:
No Action: The No Action Alternative does not include construction of a new wastewater Geatment
plant or other associated infrastructure. However, based on a NCDENR requirement, this alternative
would include upgrading the existing City of Mount Holly WWTP (Mount Holly WWTP) and City of
Belmont WWTP (Belmont WWTP). Wastewater from the Long Creek basin would continue to be
piped over 20 miles to the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Management Facility (WWMF). The Mount
Holly WWTP is approaching its maximum design capacity. Without expansion, areas not currently
serviced would likely have to utilize onsite septic systems.
2. Operate ,Tointly at New Reeional WWTP in Mount Holly (Alternative 1): This alternative consists
of constructing a new WWTP facility on land adjacent to the existing Mount Holly WWTP site. This
new plant would serve the City of Mount Holly as well as CMUD. The Belmont WWTP would be
decommissioned and replaced with a new pump station. A new force main would be constructed from
the Belmont WWTP to the Paw Creek lift station. Wastewater From Long Creek would be pumped
across the Catawba River to the new facility. A portion of the wastewater may be treated for reuse or
reclaimed purposes such as landscape irrigation and industrial purposes.
3. Operate Jointly at New Reeional WWTP in Mecklenburg County near Lone Creek (Alternative
2—Preferred Alternative): Under this alternative, a new WWTP facility would be constructed on the
Mecklenburg County side of the Catawba River on land near the existing Long Creek Pump Station.
The new facility would treat wastewater from both CMUD and the City of Mount Holly. Flows from
the City of Mount Holly and/or City of Belmont would be pumped under the Catawba River to the new
facility. A new force main would be constructed from the Belmont WWTP to the Paw Creek lift station.
The existing Long Creek pump station would be modified to serve as the influent pumping station for
the new facility. A portion of the wastewater may be treated for reuse or reclaimed purposes such as
landscape irrigation and industrial purposes.

REVISED -Record of Decision —Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holly Regional Wastewater Treatment
4. Non-Discharge/Land Application Alternative: State law requires land application to be considered
for any WWTP. This option was found to be technically and economically infeasible due to the large
amount of land that would be required. Based on calculations, necessary land requirements would be
between 37 and 230 acres for non -discharge ponds and storage and between 1,000 acres and 13,000
acres for land application. In an urban setting these land requirements would be difficult to achieve and
the cost to purchase suitable land would be prohibitive.
PREFERED ALTERNATIVE
Alternative 2, operate jointly at a new regional WWTP on the Mecklenburg County side of the Catawba
River near Long Creek, was chosen as the preferred alternative. This alternative was selected over the others
because it meets the developing region's need for additional wastewater treatment capacity and results in a
combination of fewer negative environmental consequences. These include comparatively fewer natural
resource and environmental impacts at the building site; fewer construction and operational constraints;
greater public recreation and open space benefits; reduced energy use; increased water volume in Lake
Wylie for local uses such as power generation, cooling water, low flow supplementation, and drinking
water; and concurrence with the planning goals of the affected local governments.
Additionally, the placement of a single W WTP is preferable to other alternatives in terms of compatibility
with existing and future land uses, protection of riparian buffers, and reduced impacts to critical areas such
as streams and wetlands. Advanced treatment at a new facility would produce high quality effluent with
low nutrient concentrations and provide additional water into Lake Wylie for many beneficial uses. The
Preferred Alternative also provides regional wastewater treatment with a single discharge that promotes
efficient planning, design, and permitting; minimizes shoreline and wetland impacts; and cost-effectively
achieves project goals. It also has the potential to eliminate three existing discharges and reduce the risk of
overflows by reducing wastewater pumping distance.
F,NVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
All means of avoiding or minimizing environmental and cultural impacts outlined in the EIS will be
incorporated into the project. Moreover, the project will be designed and constructed to avoid adverse
mpacts to existing environmental features as much as practicable. A summary of impacts to environmental
features and mitigative actions for the preferred alternative is described below:
Topography and soils: There will not be significant long-term impacts as a result of the project. Impacts
include those associated with leveling, excavation, and grading from construction of the project Much of
the preferred alternative would occur on land that has been previously disturbed. Impacts to soils and soil
loss would be controlled through the use of appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPS).
Land Cover and Land Use: The new facility constructed under the preferred alternative would be located
on land currently zoned industrial and the Belmont pump station and face main would be constructed on
previously disturbed land. With the preferred alternative, there would be approximately 85-acres of
undisturbed forested lands adjacent to the National Whitewater Center that could be used for public uses
such as greenways or other recreational activities. Impacts to the Thread Trail would be mitigated by
relocating affected trail portions within the remaining forested tract adjacent to the project.

REVISED -Record of Decision —Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holly Regional Wastewater Treatment
Wetlands and Floodplains: Force mains would cross the Catawba River, Paw Creek, and Long Creek. These
crossings would be within the floodplain and associated wetland areas. Force mains and outfall structure
would be directionally bored, eliminating direct impacts to wetlands. The outfall would be constructed
within the Catawba River floodplain but will not result in an increase in the 100-year flood base flood
elevation. Impacts from access road bridges over Long Creek will minimize impacts to wetlands and
floodplains but will still result in unavoidable but minimal impacts to wetlands and floodplains.
Water Quality: Impacts to surface waters include those from stormwater runoff, riparian buffer impacts,
and wastewater effluent. Increases in stormwater runoff may affect aquatic resources. The project will
require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); the included guidelines will minimize and reduce
the number and amount of pollutants leaving the site through BMPs. Riparian buffer areas may be affected
by force main and outfall crossings. Impacts to these areas will be minimized through the use of directional
boring under streams and associated riparian areas. Additionally, proposed facilities will be located outside
of riparian buffer areas. Wastewater discharge to Lake Wylie will increase. Compliance with all NPDES
permit limits will be required.
Ground Water: No direct impacts to groundwater are expected.
Water Supply: The proposed project will increase the amount of wastewater being discharged into Lake
Wylie. NPDES permit limits will protect the quality of water which will not exceed drinking water
standards.
Wildlife and Aquatic Resource Habitats: Impacts to terrestrial species is expected to be limited to those
areas that will be cleared; impacted wildlife may move to adjacent forested areas. Impacts to aquatic species
are expected to be minimal due to stormwater controls and stringent NPDES discharge limits.
Rare and Protected Species: The preferred alternative will not impact any rare or protected species.
Public, Scenic, and Recreational Areas: A portion of the proposed project is in close proximity to the
National Whitewater Center. The proposed alternative would preserve an approximately 85-acre tract
adjacent to the National Whitewater Center which could be used to provide additional hiking and biking
trails as well as a new canoe launch on Long Creek. Potential adverse impacts include odors and wastewater
spills, which could result in disruption of recreational activities. New facilities would be designed to prevent
storm -flow bypasses and sanitary sewer overflows. Odor control technology would be incorporated into the
project as well. Impacts to the Thread Trail would be mitigated by relocating affected trail portions within
the remaining forested tract adjacent to the project.
Energy Resources: Energy consumption would increase as the new facility comes online, but usage would
partially be offset by not having to pump wastewater from Long Creek pumping station to McAlpine Creek
W WTP. Additional water volume in Lake Wylie could potentially be used for additional power generation,
and it may be possible to use onsite generated methane to partially power the facility and reduce the
consumption of natural gas.
Archeological or Historical Resources: There are no properties registered on the National Sate Register of
Historic Places. State Historic Preservation Office correspondence states that they will not require any
archeological surveys.
Prime Agricultural Lands: Construction of the equalization basin, access roads, and temporary construction
access roads will result in impacts to prime agricultural lands. However, the affected lands are currently
forested and not being used for agriculture, are zoned industrial and single residence, and are owned by the

REVISED - Record of Decision — Charlotte -Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holly Regional Wastewater Treatment
City of Charlotte. Since the City of Charlotte has no intent to sell or farm the land, and based on current
zoning, impacts are deemed minimal.
Air Quality: Direct impacts to air quality will be temporary and minor. During construction, dust control
measures will be employed to limit dust exposure in the project area. Operation of the plant will not produce
any regulated air quality contaminants. Nearby residences and businesses would be buffered by forested
areas surrounding the facility. An air quality permit would be required for the operation of the back-up
generators and methane gas produced onsite would likely be used to generate power for the facility.
Nuisance Conditions: Temporary uoise and dust will be generated as result of construction. Odor conG'ol
measures would be used at the plant and pumping station. Most equipment would be housed in buildings
which will also help reduce noise and odors. A forested buffer around the facility will also help alleviate
potential noise and odor concerns.
Toxic Substances: Toxic substances will not be inu'oduced during construction. All chemical storage and
feed areas at the plant would be provided with secondary containment. Onsite diesel fuel tanks for
generators will have secondary containment and leak detection systems.
SECONDARY AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The secondary and cumulative impacts associated with the preferred alternative would generally be related
to continued urban growth and land use changes associated with population increases in the service area. It
is expected that population increases and associated secondary and cumulative impacts would occur
regardless of whether or not the proposed project is constructed.
The Gar and Catawba Sub -basins and portions of the Mountain Island Lake Sub -basin currently utilize
onsite septic tanks. The preferred alternative may allow these areas to be serviced with the wastewater
facility which would help eliminate the effects of failing septic sewer systems. If these areas were to be
serviced by the new facility, it would allow higher density development than what currently exists in these
areas. This may allow these areas to have more development due to higher density than would be seen if
the area remained on individual septic systems. Growth would continue in other areas of the service areas
as well. Several local and State regulations are in place throughout the project service area that will
minimize secondary and cumulative impacts and include various zoning restrictions, Water Supply
Watershed Protection areas, stormwater BMPS and regulations, riparian buffer rules, NPDES permitting,
floodplain protection ordnances, and municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4). Public sewer
extension projects would be required to apply for and obtain the necessary permits and evaluate, avoid, and
minimize environmental impacts. Water supply watershed protection rules, which limit land use densities
and apply other development restrictions to protect water quality, apply to a large portion of the project
service area in both Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties. Additionally, a number of local policies and
ordinances are in place that would further limit secondary and cumulative impacts.
Beneficial impacts of the proposed project may also Deco. By relocating the discharge point from Long
Creek to Lake Wylie, energy currently being used to pump wastewater 20 miles will be saved. The
additional discharge into Lake Wylie could be used to produce additional electricity. While some of the
treated effluent would be used onsite as reclaimed water, there exists the possibility that the reclaimed water
F7

REVISED - Record of Decision — Charlotte -Mecklenburg Utilities/City of Mount Holly Regional Wastewater Treatment
program could be expanded to include industrial and/or landscape applications, which could, in turn, reduce
the demand for treated drinking water during peak and drought conditions.
NECESSARY ACTIONS
It is ant cipated that the project will require the following actions:
• NPDES Permit
• FERC Permit
• Air Quality Permit
• Dam Permit (for Equalization Basin embankment)
• 401 Water Quality Certification
• 404 Clean Water Act Permit
• Erosion Control Permit
• Mecklenburg County Building Permit
• Authorization to Construct
EIS REVIEW AND COMMENT
The EIS has been properly advertised and reviewed by State and Fedora] agencies. Extensive public input
has been made into the planning process. Comments from agencies and citizens have been incorporated
into the proposed project. A copy of this Revised Record of Decision will be sent to the Clearinghouse, all
review agencies, and a notice of its availability will be published in the Environmental Bulletin.
L tda Culpepper (Date)
Director, Division of Water Resources