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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWI0400551_Permit (Issuance)_20201005ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretory S. DANIEL SMITH Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality October 5, 2020 Mr. James Wells, VP EHS Programs & Env. Sciences Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC 526 South Church Street, Mail Code EC12J Charlotte, NC 28202 Subject: UIC Permit Type Other No. WI0400551 Duke Belews Creek Steam Station Plant Stokes County Sent electronically and via U.S Postal Service Dear Mr. Wells: In accordance with your permit application received June 19, 2020, and additional information received August 12, September 17, and September 25, 2020, we are forwarding this permit for the construction and operation of 74 UIC Type Other infiltration wells. This permit shall be effective, unless revoked, from the date of issuance until September 30, 2025, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations stated therein, including the requirement to submit a Final Project Evaluation (FPE) as stated in PART VI — MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Please read the entire permit to ensure that you are aware of all compliance requirements of the permit. Please note the following: • Per permit condition M.1, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to constructing or operating any injection well, the Permittee shall notify the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Central Office staff, telephone number 919-707-9000, and the Winston-Salem Regional Office staff, telephone number 336-776-9800. • Per permit condition V1.2, sample results shall be submitted to the DWR UIC Program and Winston-Salem Regional Office annually starting from date well construction and/or injection activities commence. However, per requirements in VI.7, the Permittee shall report any monitoring or other information that indicates noncompliance with a specific permit condition, that a contaminant may cause a violation of applicable groundwater quality standards. • Per permit conditions Part V1.3 &4, and IX.2(G), within 30 days after each injection event, if applicable, please provide the well construction (if not previously submitted) and injection information on the applicable forms listed below. These forms are available on the Division of Water Resources' website at https:Hdgq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources- permits/wastewater-branch/ground-water-protection/ground-water-reporting-forms EQ�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources 512 North Salisbury Street 11636 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1636 raonna c'wouNa � 919.707.9000 NCDEQ Division of Water Resources Groundwater Resources Section 10/5/2020 Page 2 of 2 ➢ Injection Event Record ➢ Well Construction Record (GW-1), if applicable ➢ Well Abandonment Record (GW-30), if applicable In order to continue uninterrupted legal use of this well for the stated purpose, you should submit an application to renew the permit 120 days prior to its expiration date. As indicated in the permit, this permit is not transferable to any person without prior notice to, and approval by, the Director of the Division of Water Resources (DWR). If you have any questions regarding your permit or the Underground Injection Control Program, please call me at (919) 707-3668. Best Regards, ' 1A=6 Michael Rogers, P.G. (NC & FL) Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program Manager Division of Water Resources - Groundwater Resources Section cc: Winston-Salem Regional Office, WQROS (sent electronically) WI0400551 Permit File NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA PERMIT FOR THE USE OF A WELL FOR INJECTION In accordance with the provisions of Article 7, Chapter 87; Article 21, Chapter 143; and other applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED TO Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Stokes County W10400551 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF 74 INJECTION WELL(S) TYPE OTHER defined in Title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code 2C .0209(5)(b)(xiii). These injection points are located at the Belews Creek Steam Station, 3195 Pine Hall Road, Belews Creek, NC 27009, and will be constructed and operated in accordance with the permit application received June 19, 2020, and in conformity with the specifications and supporting data submitted August 12, September 17, and September 25, 2020, all of which are filed with the Department of Environmental Quality and are considered a part of this permit. This permit is for construction and operation, and does not waive any provisions of the Water Use Act or any other applicable Laws, Rules, or Regulations. Operation and use of an injection well shall be in compliance with Title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code 02C .0100 and .0200, and any other Laws, Rules, and Regulations pertaining to well construction and use. This permit shall be effective, unless revoked, from the date of issuance until September 30, 2025. Permit issued the day of C L-�. 2020 for S. Daniel Smith, Director Division of Water Resources By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission. Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 1 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other PART I — PERMIT GENERAL CONDITIONS The Permittee shall comply with all conditions of this permit and with the standards and criteria specified in Criteria and Standards Applicable to Injection Wells (15A NCAC 2C .0200). Noncompliance with conditions of this permit constitutes a violation of the North Carolina Well Construction Act and is grounds for enforcement action as provided for in N.C.G.S. 87- 94. 2. This permit shall become voidable unless the facility is constructed in accordance with the conditions of this permit, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting data [ 15A NCAC 02C .0211(k)]. 3. This permit is valid only for construction and operation of the number of injection wells described in the application and other supporting data. Construction of additional injection wells must be approved in advance by the Division of Water Resources (DWR) [15A NCAC .0211(a)]. 4. This permit is not transferable without prior notice and approval. In the event there is a desire for the facility to change ownership, or there is a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit amendment request and any supporting materials must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the change [ 15A NCAC 02C .0211(o)]. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility of complying with any and all statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances that may be imposed by other local, state, and federal agencies having jurisdiction. Furthermore, the issuance of this permit does not imply that all regulatory requirements have been met [15A NCAC 02C .0203). PART II - WELL CONSTRUCTION GENERAL CONDITIONS 1. Each injection well shall be constructed in such a manner that water from land surface cannot migrate into the gravel pack or well screen [15A NCAC 02C .0225(h)(4)]. 2. Bentonite grout shall not be used to seal any water -bearing zone with a chloride concentration equal to or greater than 1,500 milligrams per liter. In areas where elevated chloride levels are known to exist or are probable, such as coastal areas, chloride levels shall be verified in the field to determine existing conditions. [15A NCAC .0225(h)(8)]. 3. Each injection well shall be secured to reasonably insure against unauthorized access and use. Each well shall be permanently labeled with a warning that it is for injection purposes and the entrance to each well shall be -secured with a locking cap as defined in G.S. 87-85(16) [15A NCAC 02C .0225(h)(23)]. 4. Each injection well shall be afforded reasonable protection against damage during construction and use [15A NCAC 02C .02250)(3)]. 5. Each permanent injection well shall have a permanently affixed identification plate [15A NCAC .0225(h)(20)]. 6. If not previously submitted, a copy of the completed Well Construction Record (Form GW-1) Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 2 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other shall be submitted as described in Part VI.3 of this permit (the original document goes to the address indicated on the form). PART III - WELL CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL CONDITIONS At least forty-eight (48) hours prior to constructing or operating any injection well, the Permittee shall notify the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Central Office staff, telephone number 919-707-9000, and the Winston-Salem Regional Office staff, telephone number 336- 776-9800. 2. Included in additional information received by DWR on August 12, 2020, was a written request for a variance to the injection well construction rule 15A NCAC 02C.0225(h), which states that wells shall not hydraulically connect aquifers or zones having differences in water quality. Information provided indicates there exists vertical hydraulic connectivity of hydrostratigraphic zones, and that the distribution of contaminates of interest (COI) crosses the zones. Corrective action has been proposed with infiltration wells constructed with well screen and/or sand pack material across three water -bearing zones (saprolite, transition, and bedrock zones) to better improve the effectiveness of the proposed groundwater remediation system. The proposed infiltration wells are not expected to generate a risk to groundwater or human health and no water supply wells are located within 500 feet of the wells. The factors specified are sufficient to satisfy the conditions for approval of a variance as defined in Rule 15A NCAC 02C .0241. The granting of this variance is for the screened and packed intervals only, and in no way relieves the owner or agent from other requirements of the North Carolina Well Construction Standards, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation that may be regulated by other agencies. PART IV - OPERATION AND USE CONDITIONS The Permittee shall be required to comply with the terms and conditions of this permit even if compliance requires a reduction or elimination of the permitted activity [ 15A NCAC 02C .0211(i)]. 2. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility for damages to surface water or groundwater resulting from the operation of this facility [ 15A NCAC 02C .0206]. 3. The injection facility shall be properly maintained and operated at all times to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit and the rules of 15A NCAC 02C .0200, even if compliance requires a reduction or elimination of th_ e.permitted activity [15A NCAC 02C .0211(i)]. 4. In the event that the facility fails to perform satisfactorily resulting in the creation of nuisance conditions, failure of the injection zone to adequately assimilate the injected fluid, or daylighting, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective actions including, but not limited to, repairs, modifications, or abandonment of the injection facility. The Permitee shall report non-compliance according to Part VI.7 of this permit [15A NCAC 02C .0206]. Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 3 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other PART V - INSPECTIONS [ 15A NCAC 02C .02110)] 1. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Water Resources (DWR) may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property, premises, or place on or related to the injection facility at any reasonable time for the purpose of determining compliance with this permit, may inspect or copy any records that must be maintained under the terms and conditions of this permit, and may obtain samples of groundwater, surface water, or injection fluids. 2. DWR representatives shall have reasonable access for purposes of inspection, observation, and sampling associated with injection and any related facilities as provided for in N.C.G.S. 87- 90. 3. Provisions shall be made for collecting any necessary and appropriate samples associated with the injection facility activities. PART VI - MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS The proposed monitoring plan included in the application and provided through an additional information request received August 12, 2020, (Attachment A) shall be followed. Any additional monitoring, including groundwater, surface water, or soil sampling, deemed necessary to ensure surface water and groundwater protection may be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule shall be followed [15A NCAC 02C .0225(k)]. 2. An Annual Report with all historical monitoring results shall be submitted in bound hard copy format with attached CD or flash drive to the UIC Program Central Office, and Winston-Salem Regional Office starting within one year of the first injection event. Monitoring reports shall include, a summary of injection activities and monitoring results, analytical data presented in a spreadsheet distinguishing between pre -injection and post injection data, and an update on the status and location of monitoring and injection wells. Well locations may be given in a table with the name and geographic coordinates or shown on an updated version of the site map [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)]. 3. Copies of records of well construction, repair, or abandonment shall be submitted within 30 days of completion of such activities [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)]. 4. An Injection Event Record (IER) shall be submitted within 30 days of each individual injection event, if applicable [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)]. 5. The Permittee shall submit a Final Project Evaluation (FPE) within 9 months after completing all injection -related activity associated with this permit or produce an interim evaluation to be submitted with a renewal application for this permit. Both the final project evaluation and interim evaluation shall contain historical monitoring data and updated contaminant plume and potentiometric surface maps. PLEASE NOTE: Inj ectants and related reaction byproducts must attenuate to pre -injection concentrations or garoundwater standards specified in rule 15A NCAC 02L .0202 whichever is greater, in order for this permit to be closed. Otherwise corrective action as described in Part VII maybe required [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)]. Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 4 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other 6. All monitoring results, forms, and reports required in this Part shall be submitted to: UIC Program Water Quality Regional Operations NC Division of Water Resources and WQROS Winston-Salem Regional Office 1636 Mail Service Center 450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 Winston-Salem, NC 27105 7. The Permittee shall report any monitoring or other information that indicates noncompliance with a specific permit condition, that a contaminant may cause a violation of applicable groundwater quality standards, or that a malfunction of the injection system may cause the injected fluids to migrate outside the approved injection zone or area. As specified in rule 15A NCAC 02C .0211(p), noncompliance notification shall be as follows: (A) Oral notification shall be given within 24 hours of the occurrence, or first knowledge of the occurrence, to the Winston-Salem Regional Office, telephone number 336- 776-9800. (B) Written notification shall be made within five days of the occurrence and submitted to the addresses in Item #6 above. (C) The written notification shall contain a description of the noncompliance and its cause; the period of noncompliance, including dates and times; if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and any steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance. PART VII - CORRECTIVE ACTION [15A NCAC 02C .0206] 1. Any injection well not constructed or operated in accordance with this permit, or the criteria and standards specified in 15A NCAC 02C .0200, shall be subject to corrective action as provided under rule 15A NCAC 02C .0206. 2. The following corrective actions shall apply to elevated concentrations of injectants or reaction byproducts resulting from the permitted injection activity: (A) Continued monitoring until concentrations return to pre -injection values or meet the standards specified in 15A NCAC 02L .0202, whichever are greater. The frequency, duration, and location of monitoring shall be appropriate for site specific conditions and potential receptors. (B) Groundwater quality parameters that do not attenuate as described in 2(A) above may warrant a corrective action plan as provided under rule 15A NCAC 02C .0206, depending on the type, concentration, and distribution of the groundwater quality standards being exceeded. PART VIII - PERMIT RENEWAL [15A NCAC 02C .021 I(h)] In order to continue uninterrupted legal use of the injection facility for the stated purpose, the Permittee should submit an application to renew the permit 120 days prior to its expiration date. Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 5 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other PART IX - CHANGE OF WELL STATUS [15A NCAC 02C .0240] 1. The Permittee shall provide written notification within 15 days of any change of status of an injection well. Such a change would include the discontinued use of a well for injection. If a well is taken completely out of service temporarily, the Permittee must install a sanitary seal. If a well is not to be used for any purpose that well must be permanently abandoned according to 15A NCAC 2C .0240, Well Construction Standards. 2. When operations have ceased at the facility and a well will no longer be used for any purpose, the Permittee shall abandon that injection well in accordance with the procedures specified in 15A NCAC 2C .0240, including but not limited to the following: (A) All casing and screen materials may be removed prior to initiation of abandonment procedures if such removal will not cause or contribute to contamination of the groundwaters. (B) The entire depth of each well shall be sounded before it is sealed to insure freedom from obstructions that may interfere with sealing operations. (C) The well shall be thoroughly disinfected, prior to sealing, if WQROS staff determines that failure to do so could lead to the contamination of an underground source of drinking water. (D) Drilled wells shall be completely filled with cement grout or bentonite grout, which shall be introduced into the well through a pipe which extends to the bottom of the well and is raised as the well is filled. (E) In the case of gravel -packed wells in which the casing and screens have not been removed, neat -cement, or bentonite grout shall be injected into the well completely filling it from the bottom of the casing to the top. (F) In those cases when, as a result of the injection operations, a subsurface cavity has been created, each well shall be abandoned in such a manner that will prevent the movement of fluids into or between underground sources of drinking water and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit. (G) The Permittee shall submit a copy of the Well Abandonment Record (Form GW-30) as specified in 15A NCAC 2C .0225(1) within 30 days of completion of abandonment. 3. The written documentation required in Part IX (1) and (2)(G) shall be submitted to: UIC Program DEQ-Division of Water Resources 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 6 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other ATTACHMENT A Clean Water Infiltration Source Monitoring Plan Duke Energy - Belews Creek Steam Station Belews Creek, North Carolina 2021 Constituent Pre -Startup Sample Total Alkalinity (SM-2320-2011) 2021 (—April - December) Alkalinity, Bicarbonate x x Alkalinity, Carbonate x x Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 Nitrate •• x x Nitrite + Nitrate (Calorimetric) x x Total Phosphorus (Calorimetric) Inorganic x x Chloride x x Fluoride x x Sulfate x x Sulfide Site • Lithium x x x 00 x Cobalt x x Manganese x x Thallium x x Beryllium x x 5tron ti um x x CAP Excluded COls [Dissolved and Antimony Total Metals (by ICP x • • 00 x Barium x x Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium (3500Cr B-2011) x x Molybdenum x x Vanadium Dissolved and Total Metals x (by ICP EPA 200.7) x Aluminum x x Calcium x x Iron x x Magnesium x x Potassium x x Sodium Mercury x1 245.1) x (EPA Mercury Geochernical x Parameters x pH x x Oxidation -Reduction Potential x x Dissolved Oxygen (DO) x x Specific Conductivity x x Total Dissolved Solids x x Total Suspended Solids x x Total Organic Carbon x x Biological Oxygen Demand x x Total Hardness x x Ferrous Iron x x Ferric Iron x x Bacterial Counts (biofouling) x x Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 7 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other Constituent i Pre -Startup Sample (—April - December) Total PCBs EPA 8082 x Pesticides EPA 8081 x Lead and Silver 200.7/245.1 x OCs EPA 8260 x VOCs EPA 8270 x PFAS EPA 537.1 aqueous) x Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid PFOSI x Perfuoro-n-octanoic acid PFOAj x Perfluoro-1-butanesulfonic acid PFBS x Notes: a If analytical results show consistent water quality below the applicable groundwater standards, a reduced sampling program may be implemented for future operations. b Unrelated site constituents will be monitored, including select PFAS compounds, at NCDEQ's request. These constituents are unrelated to Duke Energy and the operations and activities at the Belews Creek Steam Station. PFAS = per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PCB = polychlorinated biphenyl SVOC = semi -volatile organic compound VOC = volatile organic compound Permit No. WI0400551 PAGE 8 OF 8 ver. 8-25-2020 UIC-Other