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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0006033_Permit (Issuance)_20211201DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA Director Environmental Quality December 1, 2021 Two Rivers Utilities (TRU) Attn: Stephanie Scheringer Division Manager Wastewater Treatment P.O. Box 1748 Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Subject: NPDES Permit Renewal Permit NC0006033 Eagle Road WWTP Gaston County Facility Grade IV (4.0 MGD) SIC 4952 Dear Stephanie Scheringer: Division personnel has reviewed and approved your application for renewal of the subject permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding the attached NPDES permit. This permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dated October 15, 2007 (or as subsequently amended). Please note that the receiving stream is listed as impaired for turbidity on the North Carolina [2020] 303(d) Impaired Waters List. Addressing impaired waters is a high priority with the Division, and instream data will continue to be evaluated. If there is noncompliance with permitted effluent limits and stream impairment can be attributed to your facility, then mitigative measures may be required. The following changes were made to the draft permit sent to you on September 7, 2021: • The Facility components list on the Supplement to Permit Cover Sheet (Cover Sheet) were adjusted according to TRU's October 8, 2021, Comments Letter to Draft NPDES Permit. • Part I Section A. (8.) 1 Reporting Requirement of the NPDES permit has been updated to correct language and clarify that the Permittee shall report discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr and signed copies of the eDMR are no longer required. • The Total Phosphorous concentration limit has been removed from Part I Section A. (1.). • The permit's expiration date was updated to January 31, 2027; therefore, the Special Condition A. (7.) was modified with the specific three years in which the Effluent Pollutant Scan shall be performed (2024, 2025, and 2026). G=IIE NORTH CAROLINA Department of Environmental tlualit North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources 512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 919.707.9000 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 The final permit maintains the following significant changes identified in the letter sent to you on September 7, 2021: • The Facility components list on the Cover Sheet were adjusted according to the flow process diagram provided with the permit application renewal and inspection reports. • Parameter codes were included in the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements table [See Section A. (1)]. • Minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) effluent limit has been added to the permit [See Section A. (1.)]. • Since the receiving stream, South Fork Catawba River, was recently listed in the NC draft 2020 303(d) list for turbidity, quarterly turbidity testing has been added to the permit. [See Section A. (1.)]. • As the result of Pharr Yarns' connection to the TRU wastewater system and rescission of its NPDES permit NC0004812, the nutrient allocation previously activated for Pharr Yarns (8,031 lbs/season (TN Summer); 5,667 lbs/season (TN Winter); and 1,522 lbs/season (annual TP)) has been added to Eagle Road WWTP's nutrient allocation and to the combined nutrient limitations for the Long Creek and Eagle Road WWTPs. [See Sections A. (1.), A. (2.), and A. (5.)]. • Language has been added to Footnotes to update information about upstream and downstream sampling locations. [See Section A. (1.) Footnote 2]. • Former Section A. (3.) Instream Sampling was merged into Section A. (1.), in the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements table. • Language has been added to Footnotes to include information on monitoring coalition programs. [See Section A. (1.), Footnote 11]. • Special Condition A. (7.) includes the Effluent Pollutant Scan list was updated to include the pollutant's codes, and a requirement for proper completion of annual pollutant scan in the eDMR system has been included. • A notation was made concerning the Electronic Reporting Rule — Phase 2 Extension. EPA has extended the Phase 2 deadline from December 21, 2020, to December 21, 2025. Effective January 4, 2021, the current compliance date was extended as a final regulation change published in the November 2, 2020, Federal Register. [See Special Condition A. (8.)] If any parts, measurement frequencies, or sampling requirements contained in this permit are unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings (6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699- 6714). Unless such demand is made, this decision shall be final and binding. On August 1, 2022, 180 days after the effective date of this NPDES permit renewal, the City of Gastonia is required to submit to the Division a written technical evaluation of the need to revise local limits (i.e., an updated IWS/HWA-AT/L-STMP, or documentation of why is not needed). This action may include revising, updating, or adding to the list of Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) regardless of timeframe. The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) are the same as in your current permit, except that agency and division names have been updated. The latest version is available at https://bit.ly/3k5NFaL and can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF file. NORTH CAROLIDEN Department of Environmental ouar� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources 512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 919.707.9000 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Please note that this permit is not transferable except after notice to the Division. The Division may require modification or revocation and re -issuance of the permit. This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by the Division of Water Resources or any other Federal, State, or Local governmental regulations. If you have questions concerning this permit, please contact Diana Yitbarek at (919) 707-9130 or by email at diana.yitbarek@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, r �nDoc/,uSiigned byy:p Al • t, f il A ttl -C464531431644FE... for S. Daniel Smith, Director Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Hardcopy: NPDES Files Ecopy: Eagle Road WWTP/ David Shellenbarger, Michael Alexander, Kevin Graves US EPA Region 4 DWR/Mooresville Regional Office/Water Quality/ Corey Basinger and Ori Tuvia DWR/NPDES Pretreatment/Keyes McGee, Charlie Miller, and Wes Bell DWR/NPDES Nutrients/Mike Templeton DWR/Mooresville Regional Office/Water Supply/ Clinton Cook DWR/Aquatic Toxicology Branch/Zach Thomas and Cindy Moore NORTH CAROLINA E _ Department of Environmental ouar� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources 512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 919.707.9000 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES PERMIT TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM In compliance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, City of Gastonia is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the Eagle Road WWTP 661 Eagle Road, Belmont, NC 28012 Gaston County to receiving waters designated as the South Fork Catawba River in the Catawba River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III and IV hereof. This permit shall become effective on February 1, 2022. This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on January 31, 2027 Signed on December 1, 2021 "--DocuSigned by: hicLaJ64WVNi" -C464531431644FE... for S. Daniel Smith, Director Division of Water Resources By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Page 1 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge are hereby revoked. As of this permit issuance, any previously issued permit bearing this number is no longer effective. Therefore, the exclusive authority to operate and discharge from this facility arises under the permit conditions, requirements, terms, and provisions included herein. The City of Gastonia is hereby authorized to: 1. Continue to operate an existing 4.0 MGD extended aeration wastewater consisting of: • Influent mechanical bar screen • Emergency storage basin • Aeration basin, 6.3 MG • Dual secondary clarifiers, 0.69 MG each • Chlorine contact chamber, 94,000 gallons • Dechlorination • Post aeration • Aerobic digester; and • Two backup generators 2. Discharge from said treatment works (via Outfall 001) into the South Fork Catawba River, a Class WS- V water in the Catawba River Basin, at the location specified on the attached map. Page 2 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 PART I A.(1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (4.0 MGD) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 08G .0302] (a.) Beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from Outfall 001, treated municipal wastewater. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored) by the Permittee as specified below: PARAMETER Parameter Code EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average Weekly Average Daily Maximum Measurement Frequency Sample Sample Type Location Z Flow 50050 4.0 MGD Continuous Recording I or E Total Monthly Flow 82220 Monitor and Report Monthly Recorded or Calculated I or E BOD5 (20°C) 3 C0310 10.0 mg/L 15.0 mg/L 2/Week14 Composite I and E Total Suspended Solids3 C0530 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L 2/Week14 Composite I and E Ammonia (NH3 as N) C0610 4.0 mg/L 12.0 mg/L 2/Week14 Composite E Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) 4 50060 28 µg/L Daily Grab E Fecal Coliform (Geometric Mean) 31616 200/100 mL 400/100 mL 2/Week Grab E Dissolved Oxygen 00300 Daily Average >_ 5.0 mg/L Daily Grab E Temperature 00010 Monitor and Report (°C) Daily Grab E Conductivity 00094 Monitor and Report (µmho/cm) Daily Grab E Turbidity 00070 Monitor and Report (µmho/cm) Quarterly Grab E Total Hardness 5[as CaCO3] 00900 Monitor and Report (mg/L) Quarterly Composite E pH 00400 Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units Daily Grab E TKN 6 00625 Monitor and Report (mg/L) Weekly Composite E NO3-N + NO2-N 6 00630 Monitor and Report(mg/L) Weekly Composite E Total Nitrogen 6 (TN) C0600 Monitor and Report(mg/L) Weekly Composite E TN Load 7,8,9 QM600 Monitor and Report (lb/month) Monthly Calculated E TN Load 7,8,9 QS600 Monitor and Report (lb/season) Seasonally Calculated E Total Phosphorus (TP) C0665 Monitor and Report(mg/L) Weekly Composite E TP Load 7,8,9 QM665 Monitor and Report (lb/month) Monthly Calculated E TP Load 7,8,9 QY665 Monitor and Report (lb/year) Annually Calculated E Conductivity 00094 Monitor and Report (µmho/cm) Variable loll Grab U and D Dissolved Oxygen 00300 Monitor and Report (mg/L) Variable loll Grab U and D Temperature 00010 Monitor and Report (°C) Variable loll Grab U and D Total Hardness [as CaCO3] 00900 Monitor and Report (mg/L) Quarterly Grab U Effluent Pollutant Sca n12 NC01 Monitor and Report See Footnote 12 E Chronic Toxicity13 TGP38 See Footnote 13 Quarterly Composite E Footnotes: 1. The Permittee shall submit monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (8.). 2. Sample Location: E - Effluent, I - Influent, U: upstream about 1000 feet above the outfall at Cramerton Bridge on North Main Street, D: downstream about 1.5 miles from the outfall at Armstrong Ford Road. Page 3 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the respective influent value (85 % removal). 4. The Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance with the permit. However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North Carolina certified laboratory (including field certified), even if these values fall below 50 ug/1. 5. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness -dependent metals (cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge. The sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream. 6. For a given wastewater sample, total nitrogen (TN) = TKN + NO3-N + NO2-N, where TKN is total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and NO3-N and NO2-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, respectively. 7. TN or TP Load is the mass quantity of Total Nitrogen or Total Phosphorus discharged in a given period of time. See Special Conditions A.(3.) Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Limits and A.(4.) Calculation of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Loads. 8. The facility is subject to nutrient limitations as specified in Special Condition A.(2.) Combined Limitations for Nutrients - Outfall C01. 9. Summer is defined as April 1 - October 31; winter is defined as November 1 - March 31. Annual means on a calendar year basis, January 1 - December 31. 10. Instream samples shall be grab samples collected three times per week during June 1 through September 30 and once per week October 1 through May 31. 11. If the Permittee is a member of a monitoring coalition program, sampling may be waived as long as the monitoring coalition agrees to sample at a minimum frequency of quarterly, and the Permittee has obtained approval from DWR-NPDES Permitting Unit that the location being monitored by the Coalition and the sampling is representative of the receiving stream for this discharge. The Permittee is responsible for submitting test results with its permit renewal application package. If Coalition membership is canceled or the Coalition terminates sampling at the approved station, the Permittee will immediately notify the Division and resume sampling for upstream and downstream of its discharge. 12. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition A. (7). 13. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F @ 4.7% March, June, September, and December. See Special Condition A. (6). 14. 2/Week sampling must occur on any two non-consecutive days during the calendar week. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam other than trace amounts. Page 4 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 A.(2.) COMBINED LIMITATIONS FOR NUTRIENTS - Outfall CO1 [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] (a.) During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit or as specified below and lasting until permit expiration, the Permittee is further authorized to discharge Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus from the Long Creek WWTP (NC0020184, Outfall 001) and the Eagle Road WWTP (NC0006033, Outfall 001) subject to the following Combined Load Limitations: (b.) Permit Facility Total Nitrogen Summer (lb/season) 1,3 Total Nitrogen Winter (lb/season) 1,3 Total Phosphorus Annual (Ib/yr) 2,3 NC0020184 Long Creek WWTP 171,337 241,793 48,706 NC0006033 Eagle Road WWTP 42,834 (effective through 60,448_ (previously eff. 12,176_ (effective through 10/31/2021) through 3/31/2021) 12/31/2021) Combined Load Limitations 214,171 (effective through 302,242 (previously eff. 60,882 (effective through 10/31/2021) through 3/31/2021) 12/31/2021) NC0006033 Eagle Road WWTP4 50,866_ (revised eff. 66,115_ krei 13,698_ (eff. 1/1/2022) 4/1/2022 eff. 11/1/2021) Combined Load Limitations4 222,203_ (revised eff. 307,908_ revised 62,404_ (eff. 1/1/2022) 4/1/2022 eff. 11/1/2021) Footnotes: 1. In accordance with the 1995 Lake Wylie TMDL, summer values apply April 1 - October 31, and winter values apply November 1 - March 31. 2. Total Phosphorus values apply for the calendar year; January 1 to December 31. 3. All values are displayed to the nearest pound. The Combined Load Limitations may not equal the apparent sum due to the effects of rounding the individual values. 4. Limitations include the addition of Pharr Yarns allocations (8,031 lb/season (TN Summer); 5,6671b/season (TN Winter); and 1,5221b/season (annual TP)) Compliance with these limits shall be determined in accordance with Special Conditions A.(3.), Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Limits, and A.(4.), Calculation and Reporting of Nutrient Loads. (c.) Nutrient monitoring and reporting requirements are specified in Special Conditions A (1), Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements, and A.(4.), Calculation and Reporting of Nutrient Loads. (d.) Pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-215.1 and Part II, Sections B-12 and B-13 of this permit, the Division of Water Resources (Division) may reopen the permits listed above and establish more stringent nutrient limits upon finding that such limits are necessary to prevent the discharges from causing localized water quality impacts in the receiving streams. (e.) The Permittee may request that its permits be modified to rescind these combined limits and establish individual mass discharge limits for each facility. The Division may, after written notification to the Permittee, rescind these combined limits and establish individual mass discharge limits for each facility. A.(3.) TOTAL NITROGEN AND TOTAL PHOSPHORUS LIMITS [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] (a.) Total Nitrogen (TN) allocations and load limits for NPDES dischargers in the Lake Wylie watershed are seasonal (summer and winter) values. Summer is defined as April 1 through October 31, and winter is defined as November 1 through March 31. Total Phosphorus (TP) allocations and load limits are annual values and apply on a calendar year basis, January 1 through December 31. Page 5 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 (b.) The TN (or TP) Load limit in this Permit may be modified as the result of allowable changes in the Permittee's allocation. (i.) Allowable changes include those transfers resulting from the purchase, sale, trade, or lease of allocation between the Permittee and other dischargers assigned allocation under the 1995 Lake Wylie TMDL; regionalization (if both facilities were assigned allocation); and other transactions approved by the Division. (ii.) The Permittee may request a modification of the TN (or TP) Load limit in this Permit to reflect allowable changes in its allocation. (A) The request must include an analysis demonstrating that change in allocations and limits does not have a reasonable potential to cause localized water quality impacts. (B) Upon receipt of timely and proper application, the Division will propose to modify the permit as appropriate and in accordance with state and federal program requirements. (C) Changes in TN or TP limits become effective on the first January 1 (annual limit), the first April 1 (summer limit), or the first November 1 (winter limit) following permit modification. The Division must receive application no later than 180 days prior to the requested effective date for any limit change. (iii.) Any requests for modification should be sent to: NCDEQ/ DWR/ NPDES Programs 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 A.(4.) CALCULATION AND REPORTING OF TOTAL NITROGEN AND TOTAL PHOSPHORUS LOADS [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] (a.) The Permittee shall calculate monthly, seasonal, and annual TN (or TP) Loads as follows: (i.) Monthly TN (or TP) Load (lb/mo) = TN (or TP) x TMF x 8.34 where: TN or TP (b.) the average Total Nitrogen or Total Phosphorus concentration (mg/L) of the composite samples collected during the month TMF the Total Monthly Flow of wastewater discharged during the month (MG/mo); that is, the sum of daily flows in the month 8.34 conversion factor, from (mg/L x MG) to pounds (ii.) Summer TN Load (lb/summer) = Sum of the April - October Monthly TN Loads for the season (iii.) Winter TN Load (lb/winter) = Sum of the November - March Monthly TN Loads for the season (iv.) Annual TP Load (lb/yr) = Sum of the 12 Monthly TP Loads for the calendar year The Permittee shall report monthly Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus results (mg/L and lb/mo) in the appropriate discharge monitoring report for each month: the summer TN results with the October DMR; the winter TN results with the March DMR; and each calendar year's results with the December report for that year. (c.) In the case of combined nutrient limits (see Special Condition A.(2.)): (i.) The Permittee shall report each facility's monthly TN and TP effluent loads in the discharge monitoring report for that facility. (ii.) The Permittee shall report the seasonal or annual combined loads in the discharge monitoring reports for the Long Creek WWTP. (d.) Any addition, deletion, or modification of the listed allocation(s) (other than to correct typographical errors) or any change in status of any of the listed allocations shall be considered a major modification of this permit and shall be subject to the public review process afforded such modifications under state and federal rules. Page 6 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 A.(5.) NUTRIENT ALLOCATIONS [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] (a.) (b.) The following table list the Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) allocations assigned to, acquired by, or transferred to the Permittee in accordance with the 1995 Lake Wylie TMDL and nutrient management strategy and the status of each as of permit issuance. These allocations are not enforceable limits, nor do they supersede any TN or TP limit established elsewhere in this permit. Total Nitrogen Allocation ALLOCATION TYPE SOURCE DATE DISCHARGE ALLOCATION SUMMER1 DISCHARGE ALLOCATION WINTER1 STATUS Base TMDL 1995 42,834 Ib/season 60,448 Ib/season Active Incremental Connection of Pharr Yarns 2021 8,031 lb/season 5,667 lb/season Active 2 Total Allocation 50,865 lb/season 66,115 lb/season Active Footnotes: 1. Summer is defined as April 1- October 31. Winter is defined as November 1 - March 31. 2. Winter and summer allocation increases become effective November 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022, respectively. Total Phosphorus Allocation ALLOCATION TYPE SOURCE DATE DISCHARGE ALLOCATION AN N UAL1 STATUS Base TMDL 1995 12,176 Ib/yr Active Incremental Connection of Pharr Yarns 2021 1,522 Ib/yr Active 2 Total Allocation 13,698 Ib/yr Active Footnotes: 1. Annual means on a calendar year basis, January 1- December 31. 2. Annual allocation increase becomes effective January 1, 2022. The following table lists additional TN and TP allocations for which the Permittee has acquired an exclusive option to purchase from Lowell Investments I, LLC (Seller, formerly NC0005274) per their December 27, 2017, Purchase Contract. The Contract stipulates that the allocations are to be held in reserve until the City exercises its option. Accordingly, the Division will not activate these allocations until the parties provide a Bill of Sale or other suitable document to verify that the sale has been executed consistent with the Contract. The transfer of allocations must also be consistent with the approved TMDL. Additional Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Allocations SOURCE DATE TN DISCHARGE ALLOCATION SUMMER1 TN DISCHARGE ALLOCATION WINTER'. TP DISCHARGE ALLOCATION ANNUAL Purchase Contract with Lowell Investments I, LLC 12/27/2017 144 lb/day 144 lb/day 7.6 lb/day Footnotes: 1. Summer, winter, and annual are as defined in Paragraph (a.) above. Page 7 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 (c.) Any addition, deletion, or modification of the listed allocation(s) (other than to correct typographical errors) or any change in status of any of the listed allocations shall be considered a major modification of this permit and shall be subject to the public review process afforded such modifications under state and federal rules. A.(6.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY) [15A NCAC 02B .0200 et seq.] The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant mortality to Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 4.7 % at 4.0 MGD. The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterly monitoring using test procedures outlined in the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure," Revised December 2010, or subsequent versions or "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised- December 2010) or subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of March, June, September, and December. These months signify the first month of each three-month toxicity testing quarter assigned to the facility. Effluent sampling for this testing must be obtained during representative effluent discharge and shall be performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment processes. If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter results in a failure or ChV below the permit limit, then multiple -concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum, in each of the two following months as described in "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -December 2010) or subsequent versions. All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the months in which tests were performed, using the parameter code TGP3B for the pass/fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value. Additionally, DWR Form AT-3 (original) is to be sent to the following address: Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Resources Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch 1621 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 Or, results can be sent to the email, ATForms.ATB@nedenr.gov. Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Water Sciences Section no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made. Test data shall be complete, accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical measurements and all concentration/response data, and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved designate signature. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported if chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream. Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required, the Permittee will complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity (AT) test form indicating the facility name, permit number, pipe number, county, and the month/year of the report with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the Water Sciences Section at the address cited above. Should the Permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required, monitoring will be required during the following month. Assessment of toxicity compliance is based on the toxicity testing quarter, which is the three-month time interval that begins on the first day of the month in which toxicity testing is required by this permit and continues until the final day of the third month. Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this permit may be re -opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or limits. Page 8 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum control organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring. A.(7.) EFFLUENT POLLUTANT SCAN [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] (a.) The Permittee shall perform a total of three (3) Effluent Pollutant Scans for all parameters listed below. One scan must be performed in each of the following years: 2024, 2025, and 2026. Analytical methods shall be in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136 and shall be sufficiently sensitive to determine whether parameters are present in concentrations greater than applicable standards and criteria. Samples should be collected with one quarterly toxicity test each year, and must represent seasonal variation [i.e., do not sample in the same quarter every year]. Unless otherwise indicated, metals shall be analyzed as "total recoverable." Ammonia (as N) Chlorine (total residual, TRC) Dissolved oxygen Nitrate / Nitrite Kjeldahl nitrogen Oil and grease Phosphorus Total dissolved solids Hardness Antimony Arsenic Beryllium Cadmium Chromium Copper Lead Mercury (Method 1631E) Nickel Selenium Silver Thallium Zinc Cyanide Total phenolic compounds Volatile organic compounds: Acrolein Acrylonitrile Benzene Bromoform Carbon tetrachloride Chlorobenzene Chlorodibromomethane Chloroethane 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether Chloroform Dichlorobromomethane 1,1-dichloroethane 1,2-dichloroethane C0610 50060 00300 00630 00625 00556 C0665 70295 00900 01097 01002 01012 01027 C0034 01042 01051 COMER 01067 01147 01077 01059 01092 00720 32730 34210 34215 34030 32104 32102 34301 34306 85811 34576 32106 32101 34496 32103 Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene 1,1-dichloroethylene 1,2-dichloropropane 1,3-dichloropropylene Ethylbenzene Methyl bromide Methyl chloride Methylene chloride 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane Tetrachloroethylene Toluene 1,1,1-trichloroethane 1,1,2-trichloroethane Trichloroethylene Vinyl chloride Acid -extractable compounds: P-chloro-m-cresol 2-chlorophenol 2,4-dichlorophenol 2,4-dimethylphenol 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol 2,4-dinitrophenol 2-nitrophenol 4-nitrophenol Pentachlorophenol Phenol 2,4,6-trichlorophenol Base -neutral compounds: Acenaphthene Acenaphthylene Anthracene Benzidine Benzo(a)anthracene Benzo(a)pyrene 3,4 benzofluoranthene Benzo(ghi)perylene Benzo(k)fluoranthene Bis (2-chloroethoxy) methane 34546 Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether 34273 34501 Bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether 34283 C0541 Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate CO100 77163 4-bromophenyl phenyl ether 34636 34371 Butyl benzyl phthalate 34292 34413 2-chloronaphthalene 34581 34418 4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether 34641 34423 Chrysene 34320 81549 Di-n-butyl phthalate 39110 34475 Di-n-octyl phthalate 34596 34010 Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene 34556 34506 1,2-dichlorobenzene 34536 34511 1,3-dichlorobenzene 34566 39180 1,4-dichlorobenzene 34571 39175 3,3-dichlorobenzidine 34631 Diethyl phthalate 34336 34452 Dimethyl phthalate 34341 34586 2,4-dinitrotoluene 34611 34601 2,6-dinitrotoluene C0626 34606 1,2-diphenylhydrazine 34346 34657 Fluoranthene C0376 34616 Fluorene 34381 34591 Hexachlorobenzene C0700 34646 Hexachlorobutadiene C0702 39032 Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene 34386 34694 Hexachloroethane 34396 34621 Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 34403 Isophorone 34408 34205 Naphthalene 34696 34200 Nitrobenzene 34447 CO220 N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine 34428 39120 N-nitrosodimethylamine 34438 C0526 N-nitrosodiphenylamine 34433 34247 Phenanthrene 34461 34230 Pyrene 34469 34521 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene C0551 34242 34278 Page 9 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 (b.) Reporting. Test results shall be reported electronically using the Division's eDMR system or on DWR Form DMR-PPA-1(or on a form approved by the Director) by December 31st of each designated sampling year. (c.) The Permittee must at least report completion of the test in the eDMR system by entering "1" or "Y" for parameter code NC01 - Annual Pollutant Scan. If utilizing the DWR Form submit to the following address: NC DEQ / DWR / NPDES Files, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617. Or the form may be uploaded at: https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/NPDES WW-EDMR-Supplemental-Form (d.) Additional Toxicity Testing Requirements for Municipal Permit Renewal. Please note that Municipal facilities that are subject to the Effluent Pollutant Scan requirements listed above are also subject to additional toxicity testing requirements specified in Federal Regulation 40 CFR 122.21(j) (5). The US EPA requires four (4) toxicity tests for a test organism other than the test species currently required in this permit. The multiple species tests should be conducted either quarterly for a 12-month period prior to submittal of the permit renewal application, or four tests performed at least annually in the four and one half year period prior to the application. These tests shall be performed for acute or chronic toxicity, whichever is specified in this permit. The multiple species toxicity test results shall be filed with the Aquatic Toxicology Branch at the following address: North Carolina Division of Water Resources Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch 1621 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621. Or, results can be sent to the email, ATForms.ATB@ncdenr.gov. (e.) Contact the Division's Aquatic Toxicology Branch at 919-743-8401 for guidance on conducting the additional toxicity tests and reporting requirements. Results should also be summarized in Part E (Toxicity Testing Data) of EPA Municipal Application Form 2A, when submitting the permit renewal application to the NPDES Permitting Unit. A.(8.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and program reports. The final NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was adopted and became effective on December 21, 2015. NOTE: This special condition supplements or supersedes the following sections within Part II of this permit (Standard Conditions for NPDES Permits): • Section B. (11.) Signatory Requirements • Section D. (2.) Reporting • Section D. (6.) Records Retention • Section E. (5.) Monitoring Reports 1. Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)1 The Permittee shall report discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application. Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and submitted monthly electronically using eDMR. The eDMR system allows permitted facilities to enter monitoring data and submit DMRs electronically using the internet. The eDMR system may be accessed at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr Page 10 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 If a permittee is unable to use the eDMR system due to a demonstrated hardship or due to the facility being physically located in an area where less than 10 percent of the households have broadband access, then a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements may be granted, and discharge monitoring data may be submitted on paper DMR forms (MR 1, 1.1, 2, 3) or alternative forms approved by the Director. Duplicate signed copies shall be submitted to the following mailing address: NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section ATTENTION: Central Files Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 See "How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting" section below. Regardless of the submission method, the first DMR is due on the last day of the month following the issuance of the permit or in the case of a new facility, on the last day of the month following the commencement of discharge. NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule - Phase 2 Extension. EPA extended the Phase 2 deadline to December 21, 2025. The current compliance date, effective January 4, 2021, was extended as a final regulation change published in the November 2, 2020, Federal Register. Starting on December 21, 2025, the Permittee must electronically report the following compliance monitoring data and reports, when applicable: • Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports; • Pretreatment Program Annual Reports; and • Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 316(b) Annual Reports. The Permittee may seek an electronic reporting waiver from the Division (see "How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting" section below). 2. Electronic Submissions In accordance with 40 CFR 122.41(1)(9), the Permittee must identify the initial recipient at the time of each electronic submission. The Permittee should use the EPA's website resources to identify the initial recipient for the electronic submission. Initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities means the entity (EPA or the state authorized by EPA to implement the NPDES program) that is the designated entity for receiving electronic NPDES data [see 40 CFR 127.2(b)]. EPA plans to establish a website that will also link to the appropriate electronic reporting tool for each type of electronic submission and for each state. Instructions on how to access and use the appropriate electronic reporting tool will be available as well. Information on EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule is found at: http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/final-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system- npdes-electronic-reporting-rule. Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the "Reporting Requirements" section above. 3. How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting The permittee may seek a temporary electronic reporting waiver from the Division. To obtain an electronic reporting waiver, a permittee must first submit an electronic reporting waiver request to the Division. Requests for temporary electronic reporting waivers must be submitted in writing to the Division for written approval at least sixty (60) days prior to the date the facility would be required under this permit to begin submitting monitoring data and reports. The duration of a temporary waiver shall not exceed 5 years and shall thereupon expire. At such time, monitoring data and reports shall be submitted electronically to the Division unless the permittee re -applies for and is granted a new temporary electronic reporting waiver by the Division. Approved electronic reporting waivers are not transferrable. Only permittees with an approved reporting waiver request may submit monitoring data and reports on paper to the Division for the period that the approved reporting waiver request is effective. Page 11 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 Information on eDMR and the application for a temporary electronic reporting waiver are found on the following web page: http:/ / deq.nc.gov/about/ divisions/water-resources/ edmr 4. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and Supersedes Section B. (11.) (d)] All eDMRs submitted to the permit issuing authority shall be signed by a person described in Part II, Section B. (11.)(a) or by a duly authorized representative of that person as described in Part II, Section B. (11.)(b). A person, and not a position, must be delegated signatory authority for eDMR reporting purposes. For eDMR submissions, the person signing and submitting the DMR must obtain an eDMR user account and login credentials to access the eDMR system. For more information on North Carolina's eDMR system, registering for eDMR and obtaining an eDMR user account, please visit the following web page: http: / /deq.nc.gov/about/ divisions/water-resources/edmr Certification. Any person submitting an electronic DMR using the state's eDMR system shall make the following certification [40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED: "I certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." 5. Records Retention [Supplements Section D. (6.)l The permittee shall retain records of all Discharge Monitoring Reports, including eDMR submissions. These records or copies shall be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the date of the report. This period may be extended by request of the Director at any time [40 CFR 122.41]. A.(9.) MERCURY MINIMIZATION PLAN [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] The Permittee developed and implemented a mercury minimization plan (MMP) during the previous permit term, 2017-2021. The MMP shall continue to be implemented and available for inspection on -site. The sample MMP was developed through a stakeholder review process and has been placed on the Division website for guidance (http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/swp/ps/npdes, under Model Mercury Minimization Plan). The MMP should continue to place emphasis on identification of mercury contributors and goals for reduction. Results shall be summarized and submitted with the next permit renewal. Performance of the Mercury Minimization Plan will meet the requirements of the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) for mercury approved by USEPA on October 12, 2012, unless and until a Waste Load Allocation specific to this facility is developed and this NPDES permit is amended to require further actions to address the Waste Load Allocation. Page 12 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 Permit NC0006033 Eagle Road WWTP — NC0006033 Gaston County Receiving Stream: South Fork Catawba River Drainage Basin: Catawba River Basin Permitted Flow: 4.0 MGD State Grid/USGS Quad: F14SE/Mount Holly Outfall Location: 35°14'01"N 81°03'52"W Stream Class: WS-V Sub -Basin: 03-08-36 HUC: 0305010206 TN Facility Location (not to scale) X Latitude 35° 14' 12" N Longitude 81° 03' 40" W Page 13 of 13 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 1 of 18 PART II STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR NPDES PERMITS Section A. Definitions 2/Month Samples are collected twice per month with at least ten calendar days between sampling events. These samples shall be representative of the wastewater discharged during the sample period. 3/Week Samples are collected three times per week on three separate calendar days. These samples shall be representative of the wastewater discharged during the sample period. Act or "the Act" The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended, 33 USC 1251, et. seq. Annual Average The arithmetic mean of all "daily discharges" of a pollutant measured during the calendar year. In the case of fecal coliform, the geometric mean of such discharges. Arithmetic Mean The summation of the individual values divided by the number of individual values. Bypass The known diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility including the collection system, which is not a designed or established or operating mode for the facility. Calendar Day The period from midnight of one day until midnight of the next day. However, for purposes of this permit, any consecutive 24-hour period that reasonably represents the calendar day may be used for sampling. Calendar Week The period from Sunday through the following Saturday. Calendar Quarter One of the following distinct periods: January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December. Composite Sample A sample collected over a 24-hour period by continuous sampling or combining grab samples of at least 100 mL in such a manner as to result in a total sample representative of the wastewater discharge during the sample period. The Director may designate the most appropriate method (specific number and size of aliquots necessary, the time interval between grab samples, etc.) on a case -by -case basis. Samples may be collected manually or automatically. Composite samples may be obtained by the following methods: (1) Continuous: a single, continuous sample collected over a 24-hour period proportional to the rate of flow. (2) Constant time/variable volume: a series of grab samples collected at equal time intervals over a 24 hour period of discharge and combined proportional to the rate of flow measured at the time of individual sample collection, or Variable time/constant volume: a series of grab samples of equal volume collected over a 24 hour period with the time intervals between samples determined by a preset number of gallons passing the sampling point. Flow measurement between sample intervals shall be determined by use of a flow recorder and totalizer, and the preset gallon interval between sample collection fixed at no greater than 1/24 of the expected total daily flow at the treatment system, or (3) Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 2 of 18 (4) Constant time/constant volume: a series of grab samples of equal volume collected over a 24-hour period at a constant time interval. Use of this method requires prior approval by the Director. This method may only be used in situations where effluent flow rates vary less than 15 percent. The following restrictions also apply: ➢ Influent and effluent grab samples shall be of equal size and of no less than 100 milliliters ➢ Influent samples shall not be collected more than once per hour. ➢ Permittees with wastewater treatment systems whose detention time < 24 hours shall collect effluent grab samples at intervals of no greater than 20 minutes apart during any 24-hour period. ➢ Permittees with wastewater treatment systems whose detention time exceeds 24 hours shall collect effluent grab samples at least every six hours; there must be a minimum of four samples during a 24-hour sampling period. Continuous flow measurement Flow monitoring that occurs without interruption throughout the operating hours of the facility. Flow shall be monitored continually except for the infrequent times when there may be no flow or for infrequent maintenance activities on the flow device. Daily Discharge The discharge of a pollutant measured during a calendar day or any 24-hour period that reasonably represents the calendar day for purposes of sampling. For pollutants measured in units of mass, the "daily discharge" is calculated as the total mass of the pollutant discharged over the day. For pollutants expressed in other units of measurement, the "daily discharge" is calculated as the average measurement of the pollutant over the day. (40 CFR 122.2; see also "Composite Sample," above.) Daily Maximum The highest "daily discharge" during the calendar month. Daily Sampling Parameters requiring daily sampling shall be sampled 5 out of every 7 days per week unless otherwise specified in the permit. Sampling shall be conducted on weekdays except where holidays or other disruptions of normal operations prevent weekday sampling. If sampling is required for all seven days of the week for any permit parameter(s), that requirement will be so noted on the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Page(s). DWR or "the Division" The Division of Water Resources, Department of Environmental Quality. Effluent Wastewater discharged following all treatment processes from a water pollution control facility or other point source whether treated or untreated. EMC The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission EPA The United States Environmental Protection Agency Facility Closure Cessation of all activities that require coverage under this NPDES permit. Completion of facility closure will allow this permit to be rescinded. Geometric Mean The Nth root of the product of the individual values where N = the number of individual values. For purposes of calculating the geometric mean, values of "0" (or "< [detection level]") shall be considered = 1. Grab Sample Individual samples of at least 100 mL collected over a period of time not exceeding 15 minutes. Grab samples can be collected manually. Grab samples must be representative of the discharge (or the receiving stream, for instream samples). Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 3 of 18 Hazardous Substance Any substance designated under 40 CFR Part 116 pursuant to Section 311 of the CWA. Instantaneous flow measurement The flow measured during the minimum time required for the flow measuring device or method to produce a result in that instance. To the extent practical, instantaneous flow measurements coincide with the collection of any grab samples required for the same sampling period so that together the samples and flow are representative of the discharge during that sampling period. Monthly Average (concentration limit) The arithmetic mean of all "daily discharges" of a pollutant measured during the calendar month. In the case of fecal coliform or other bacterial parameters or indicators, the geometric mean of such discharges. Permit Issuing Authority The Director of the Division of Water Resources. Quarterly Average (concentration limit) The arithmetic mean of all samples taken over a calendar quarter. Severe property damage Substantial physical damage to property, damage to the treatment facilities which causes them to become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass. Severe property damage excludes economic loss caused by delays in production. Toxic Pollutant: Any pollutant listed as toxic under Section 307(a)(1) of the CWA. Upset An incident beyond the reasonable control of the Permittee causing unintentional and temporary noncompliance with permit effluent limitations and/or monitoring requirements. An upset does not include noncompliance caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation. Weekly Average (concentration limit) The arithmetic mean of all "daily discharges" of a pollutant measured during the calendar week. In the case of fecal coliform or other bacterial parameters or indicators, the geometric mean of such discharges. Section B. General Conditions 1. Duty to Comply The Permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the CWA and is grounds for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or denial of a permit renewal application [40 CFR 122.41]. a. The Permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under section 307(a) of the CWA for toxic pollutants and with standards for sewage sludge use or disposal established under section 405(d) of the CWA within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions or standards for sewage sludge use or disposal, even if the permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement. b. The CWA provides that any person who violates section[s] 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of the Act, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any such sections in a permit issued under section 402, or any requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved under sections 402(a)(3) or 402(b)(8) of the Act, is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $37,500 per day for each violation. [33 USC 1319(d) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] c. The CWA provides that any person who negligently violates sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act, or any condition or limitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of the Act, or any requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved under section 402(a)(3) or 402(b)(8) of the Act, is subject to criminal penalties of $2,500 to $25,000 per day of violation, or Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 4 of 18 imprisonment of not more than 1 year, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a negligent violation, a person shall be subject to criminal penalties of not more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 2 years, or both. [33 USC 1319(c)(1) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] d. Any person who knowingly violates such sections, or such conditions or limitations is subject to criminal penalties of $5,000 to $50,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing violation, a person shall be subject to criminal penalties of not more than $100,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment of not more than 6 years, or both. [33 USC 1319(c)(2) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] e. Any person who knowingly violates section 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of the Act, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of the Act, and who knows at that time that he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fme of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing endangerment violation, a person shall be subject to a fme of not more than $500,000 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 years, or both. An organization, as defined in section 309(c)(3)(B)(iii) of the CWA, shall, upon conviction of violating the imminent danger provision, be subject to a fme of not more than $1,000,000 and can be fined up to $2,000,000 for second or subsequent convictions. [40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] f. Under state law, a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per violation may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of a permit. [North Carolina General Statutes § 143-215.6A] Any person may be assessed an administrative penalty by the Administrator for violating section 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of this Act, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of this Act Administrative penalties for Class I violations are not to exceed $16,000 per violation, with the maximum amount of any Class I penalty assessed not to exceed $37,500. Penalties for Class II violations are not to exceed $16,000 per day for each day during which the violation continues, with the maximum amount of any Class II penalty not to exceed $177,500. [33 USC 1319(g)(2) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(3)] 2. Duty to Mitigate The Permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge or sludge use or disposal in violation of this permit with a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment [40 CFR 122.41(d)]. 3. Civil and Criminal Liability Except as provided in permit conditions on 'Bypassing" (Part II.C.4), "Upsets" (Part II.C.5) and 'Power Failures" (Part II.C.7), nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the Permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties for noncompliance pursuant to NCGS 143-215.3, 143-215.6 or Section 309 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1319. Furthermore, the Permittee is responsible for consequential damages, such as fish kills, even though the responsibility for effective compliance may be temporarily suspended. 4. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the Permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the Permittee is or may be subject to under NCGS 143- 215.75 et seq. or Section 311 of the Federal Act, 33 USG 1321. Furthermore, the Permittee is responsible for consequential damages, such as fish kills, even though the responsibility for effective compliance may be temporarily suspended. 5. Property Rights The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any infringement of Federal, State or local laws or regulations [40 CFR 122.41(g)]. 6. Onshore or Offshore Construction This permit does not authorize or approve the construction of any onshore or offshore physical structures or facilities or the undertaking of any work in any navigable waters. g. Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 5 of 18 7. Severability The provisions of this permit are severable. If any provision of this permit, or the application of any provision of this permit to any circumstances, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby [NCGS 150B-23]. 8. Duty to Provide Information The Permittee shall furnish to the Permit Issuing Authority, within a reasonable time, any information which the Permit Issuing Authority may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The Permittee shall also furnish to the Permit Issuing Authority upon request, copies of records required by this permit [40 CFR 122.41(h)]. 9. Duty to Reapply If the Permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this permit after the expiration date of this permit, the Permittee must apply for and obtain a new permit [40 CFR 122.41(b)]. 10. Expiration of Permit The Permittee is not authorized to discharge after the expiration date. In order to receive automatic authorization to discharge beyond the expiration date, the Permittee shall submit such information, forms, and fees as are required by the agency authorized to issue permits no later than 180 days prior to the expiration date unless permission for a later date has been granted by the Director. (The Director shall not grant permission for applications to be submitted later than the expiration date of the existing permit.) [40 CFR 122.21(d)] Any Permittee that has not requested renewal at least 180 days prior to expiration, or any Permittee that does not have a permit after the expiration and has not requested renewal at least 180 days prior to expiration, will subject the Permittee to enforcement procedures as provided in NCGS 143-215.6 and 33 USC 1251 et. seq. 11. Signatory Requirements All applications, reports, or information submitted to the Permit Issuing Authority shall be signed and certified [40 CFR 122.41(k)]. a. All permit applications shall be signed as follows: (1) For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer. For the purpose of this Section, a responsible corporate officer means: (a) a president, secretary, treasurer or vice president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy or decision making functions for the corporation, or (b) the manager of one or more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities, provided, the manager is authorized to make management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations, and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to assure long term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit application requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures . (2) For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner or the proprietor, respectively; or (3) For a municipality, State, Federal, or other public agency: by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official [40 CFR 122.22]. b. All reports required by the permit and other information requested by the Permit Issuing Authority shall be signed by a person described in paragraph a. above or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if: (1) The authorization is made in writing by a person described above; (2) The authorization specified either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity, such as the position of plant manager, operator of a well or well field, superintendent, a position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company. (A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position.); and (3) The written authorization is submitted to the Permit Issuing Authority [40 CFR 122.22] Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 6 of 18 c. Changes to authorization: If an authorization under paragraph (b) of this section is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section must be submitted to the Director prior to or together with any reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized representative [40 CFR 122.22] d. Certification. Any person signing a document under paragraphs a. or b. of this section shall make the following certification [40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED: "1 certi& under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." 12. Permit Actions This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The filing of a request by the Permittee for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition [40 CFR 122.41(f)]. 13. Permit Modification, Revocation and Reissuance, or Termination The issuance of this permit does not prohibit the permit issuing authority from reopening and modifying the permit, revoking and reissuing the permit, or terminating the permit as allowed by the laws, rules, and regulations contained in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 122 and 123; Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 02H .0100; and North Carolina General Statute 143.215.1 et. al. 14. Annual Administering and Compliance Monitoring Fee Requirements The Permittee must pay the annual administering and compliance monitoring fee within thirty days after being billed by the Division. Failure to pay the fee in a timely manner in accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0105(b)(2) may cause this Division to initiate action to revoke the permit. Section C. Operation and Maintenance of Pollution Controls 1. Certified Operator Owners of classified water pollution control systems must designate operators, certified by the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC), of the appropriate type and grade for the system, and, for each classification must [T15A NCAC 08G .02011: a. designate one Operator In Responsible Charge (ORC) who possesses a valid certificate of the type and grade at least equivalent to the type and grade of the system; b. designate one or more Back-up Operator(s) in Responsible Charge (Back-up ORCs) who possesses a valid certificate of the type of the system and no more than one grade less than the grade of the system, with the exception of no backup operator in responsible charge is required for systems whose minimum visitation requirements are twice per year; and c. submit a signed completed "Water Pollution Control System Operator Designation Form" to the Commission (or to the local health department for owners of subsurface systems) countersigned by the designated certified operators, designating the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and the Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (Back-up ORC): (1) 60 calendar days prior to wastewater or residuals being introduced into a new system; or (2) within 120 calendar days following: ➢ receiving notification of a change in the classification of the system requiring the designation of a new Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) and Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (Back-up ORC) of the proper type and grade; or ➢ a vacancy in the position of Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) or Back-up Operator in Responsible Charge (Back-up ORC). Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 7 of 18 (3) within seven calendar days of vacancies in both ORC and Back-up ORC positions replacing or designating at least one of the responsibilities. The ORC of each Class I facility (or the Back-up ORC, when acting as surrogate for the ORC) must: ➢ Visit the facility as often as is necessary to insure proper operation of the treatment system; the treatment facility must be visited at least weekly ➢ Comply with all other conditions of 15A NCAC 08G .0204. The ORC of each Class II, III and IV facility (or the Back-up ORC, when acting as surrogate for the ORC) must: ➢ Visit the facility as often as is necessary to insure proper operation of the treatment system; the treatment facility must be visited at least five days per week, excluding holidays ➢ Properly manage and document daily operation and maintenance of the facility ➢ Comply with all other conditions of 15A NCAC 08G .0204. 2. Proper Operation and Maintenance The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the Permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the Permittee to install and operate backup or auxiliary facilities only when necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of the permit [40 CFR 122.41(e)]. NOTE: Properly and officially designated operators are fully responsible for all proper operation and maintenance of the facility, and all documentation required thereof, whether acting as a contract operator [subcontractor] or a member of the Permittee's staff. 3. Need to Halt or Reduce not a Defense It shall not be a defense for a Permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the condition of this permit [40 CFR 122.41(c)]. 4. Bypassing of Treatment Facilities a. Bypass not exceeding limitations [40 CFR 122.41(m)(2)] The Permittee may allow any bypass to occur which does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to assure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions of Paragraphs b. and c. of this section. b. Notice [40 CFR 122.41(m)(3)] (1) Anticipated bypass. If the Permittee knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice, if possible at least ten days before the date of the bypass; including an evaluation of the anticipated quality and effect of the bypass. (2) Unanticipated bypass. The Permittee shall submit notice of an unanticipated bypass as required in Part II.E.6. (24-hour notice). c. Prohibition of Bypass (1) Bypass from the treatment facility is prohibited and the Permit Issuing Authority may take enforcement action against a Permittee for bypass, unless: (A) Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury or severe property damage; (B) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate backup equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance; and (C) The Permittee submitted notices as required under Paragraph b. of this section. (2) Bypass from the collection system is prohibited and the Permit Issuing Authority may take enforcement action against a Permittee for a bypass as provided in any current or future system -wide collection system permit associated with the treatment facility. Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 8 of 18 (3) The Permit Issuing Authority may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse effects, if the Permit Issuing Authority determines that it will meet the three conditions listed above in Paragraph c. (1) of this section. 5. Upsets a. Effect of an upset [40 CFR 122.41(n)(2)]: An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with such technology based permit effluent limitations if the requirements of paragraph b. of this condition are met. No determination made during administrative review of claims that noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for noncompliance, is fmal administrative action subject to judicial review. b. Conditions necessary for a demonstration of upset: Any Permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence that: (1) An upset occurred and that the Permittee can identify the cause(s) of the upset; (2) The Permittee facility was at the time being properly operated; and (3) The Permittee submitted notice of the upset as required in Part II.E.6.(b) of this permit. (4) The Permittee complied with any remedial measures required under Part II.B.2. of this permit. c. Burden of proof [40 CFR 122.41(n)(4)]: The Permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof in any enforcement proceeding. 6. Removed Substances Solids, sludges, filter backwash, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or control of wastewaters shall be utilized/disposed of in accordance with NCGS 143-215.1 and in a manner such as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering waters of the State or navigable waters of the United States except as permitted by the Commission. The Permittee shall comply with all applicable state and Federal regulations governing the disposal of sewage sludge, including 40 CFR 503, Standards for the Use and Disposal of Sewage Sludge; 40 CFR Part 258, Criteria For Municipal Solid Waste Landfills; and 15A NCAC Subchapter 2T, Waste Not Discharged To Surface Waters. The Permittee shall notify the Permit Issuing Authority of any significant change in its sludge use or disposal practices. 7. Power Failures The Permittee is responsible for maintaining adequate safeguards (as required by 15A NCAC 02H .0124) to prevent the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastes during electrical power failures either by means of alternate power sources, standby generators or retention of inadequately treated effluent. Section D. Monitoring and Records 1. Representative Sampling Samples collected and measurements taken, as required herein, shall be representative of the permitted discharge. Samples collected at a frequency less than daily shall be taken on a day and time that is representative of the discharge for the period the sample represents. All samples shall be taken at the monitoring points specified in this permit and, unless otherwise specified, before the effluent joins or is diluted by any other wastestream, body of water, or substance. Monitoring points shall not be changed without notification to and the approval of the Permit Issuing Authority [40 CFR 122.41(j)]. 2. Reporting Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and reported on a monthly Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Form (MR 1, 1.1, 2, 3) or alternative forms approved by the Director, postmarked no later than the last calendar day of the month following the completed reporting period. The first DMR is due on the last day of the month following the issuance of the permit or in the case of a new facility, on the last day of the month following the commencement of discharge. Duplicate signed copies of these, and all other reports required herein, shall be submitted to the following address: Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 9 of 18 NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section ATTENTION: Central Files 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 3. Flow Measurements Appropriate flow measurement devices and methods consistent with accepted scientific practices shall be selected and used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements of the volume of monitored discharges. The devices shall be installed, calibrated and maintained to ensure that the accuracy of the measurements is consistent with the accepted capability of that type of device. Devices selected shall be capable of measuring flows with a maximum deviation of less than 10% from the true discharge rates throughout the range of expected discharge volumes. Flow measurement devices shall be accurately calibrated at a minimum of once per year and maintained to ensure that the accuracy of the measurements is consistent with the accepted capability of that type of device. The Director shall approve the flow measurement device and monitoring location prior to installation. Once -through condenser cooling water flow monitored by pump logs, or pump hour meters as specified in Part I of this permit and based on the manufacturer's pump curves shall not be subject to this requirement. 4. Test Procedures Laboratories used for sample analysis must be certified by the Division. Permittees should contact the Division's Laboratory Certification Section (919 733-3908) or visit https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water- resources-data/water-sciences-home-page/laboratory-certification-branch for information regarding laboratory certifications. Facilities whose personnel are conducting testing of field -certified parameters only must hold the appropriate field parameter laboratory certifications. Test procedures for the analysis of pollutants shall conform to the EMC regulations (published pursuant to NCGS 143-215.63 et. seq.), the Water and Air Quality Reporting Acts, and to regulations published pursuant to Section 304(g), 33 USC 1314, of the CWA (as amended), and 40 CFR 136; or in the case of sludge use or disposal, approved under 40 CFR 136, unless otherwise specified in 40 CFR 503, unless other test procedures have been specified in this permit [40 CFR 122.41]. To meet the intent of the monitoring required by this permit, all test procedures must produce minimum detection and reporting levels that are below the permit discharge requirements and all data generated must be reported down to the minimum detection or lower reporting level of the procedure. If no approved methods are determined capable of achieving minimum detection and reporting levels below permit discharge requirements, then the most sensitive (method with the lowest possible detection and reporting level) approved method must be used. 5. Penalties for Tampering The CWA provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fme of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fme of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both [40 CFR 122.41]. 6. Records Retention Except for records of monitoring information required by this permit related to the Permittee's sewage sludge use and disposal activities, which shall be retained for a period of at least five years (or longer as required by 40 CFR 503), the Permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including: ➢ all calibration and maintenance records ➢ all original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation ➢ copies of all reports required by this permit ➢ copies of all data used to complete the application for this permit Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 10 of 18 These records or copies shall be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or application. This period may be extended by request of the Director at any time [40 CFR 122.41]. 7. Recording Results For each measurement or sample taken pursuant to the requirements of this permit, the Permittee shall record the following information [40 CFR 122.41]: a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements; b. The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements; c. The date(s) analyses were performed; d. The individual(s) who performed the analyses; e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and f. The results of such analyses. 8. Inspection and Entry The Permittee shall allow the Director, or an authorized representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the Director), upon the presentation of credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to; a. Enter, at reasonable times, upon the Permittee's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this permit; b. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this permit; c. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this permit; and d. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the CWA, any substances or parameters at any location [40 CFR 122.41(i)]. Section E Reporting Requirements 1. Change in Discharge All discharges authorized herein shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this permit. The discharge of any pollutant identified in this permit more frequently than or at a level in excess of that authorized shall constitute a violation of the permit. 2. Planned Changes The Permittee shall give notice to the Director as soon as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted facility [40 CFR 122.41(1)]. Notice is required only when: a. The alteration or addition to a permitted facility may meet one of the criteria for new sources at 40 CFR 122.29(b); or b. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification applies to pollutants subject neither to effluent limitations in the permit, nor to notification requirements under 40 CFR 122.42(a)(1); or c. The alteration or addition results in a significant change in the Permittee's sludge use or disposal practices, and such alteration, addition or change may justify the application of permit conditions that are different from or absent in the existing permit, including notification of additional use or disposal sites not reported during the permit application process or not reported pursuant to an approved land application plan. 3. Anticipated Noncompliance The Permittee shall give advance notice to the Director of any planned changes to the permitted facility or other activities that might result in noncompliance with the permit [40 CFR 122.41(1)(2)]. 4. Transfers This permit is not transferable to any person without prior written notice to and approval from the Director in accordance with 40 CFR 122.61. The Director may condition approval in accordance with NCGS 143-215.1, in Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 11 of 18 particular NCGS 143-215.1(b)(4)b.2., and may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit, or a minor modification, to identify the new permittee and incorporate such other requirements as may be necessary under the CWA [40 CFR 122.41(1)(3), 122.61] or state statute. 5. Monitoring Reports Monitoring results shall be reported at the intervals specified elsewhere in this permit [40 CFR 122.41(1)(4)]. a. Monitoring results must be reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) (See Part II.D.2) or forms provided by the Director for reporting results of monitoring of sludge use or disposal practices. b. If the Permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by this permit using test procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 and at a sampling location specified in this permit or other appropriate instrument governing the discharge, the results of such monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data submitted on the DMR. 6. Twenty-four Hour Reporting a. The Permittee shall report to the Director or the appropriate Regional Office any noncompliance that potentially threatens public health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the Permittee became aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within 5 days of the time the Permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the noncompliance, and its cause; the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance [40 CFR 122.41(1)(6)]. b. The Director may waive the written report on a case -by -case basis for reports under this section if the oral report has been received within 24 hours. c. Occurrences outside normal business hours may also be reported to the Division's Emergency Response personnel at (800) 858-0368 or (919) 733-3300. 7. Other Noncompliance The Permittee shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under Part II.E.5 and 6. of this permit at the time monitoring reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Part II.E.6. of this permit [40 CFR 122.41(1)(7)]. 8. Other Information Where the Permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect information in a permit application or in any report to the Director, it shall promptly submit such facts or information [40 CFR 122.41(1)(8)]. 9. Noncompliance Notification The Permittee shall report by telephone to either the central office or the appropriate regional office of the Division as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours or on the next working day following the occurrence or first knowledge of the occurrence of any of the following: a. Any occurrence at the water pollution control facility which results in the discharge of significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic, such as the dumping of the contents of a sludge digester; the known passage of a slug of hazardous substance through the facility; or any other unusual circumstances. b. Any process unit failure, due to known or unknown reasons, that render the facility incapable of adequate wastewater treatment such as mechanical or electrical failures of pumps, aerators, compressors, etc. c. Any failure of a pumping station, sewer line, or treatment facility resulting in a by-pass without treatment of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility. Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report within 5 days following first knowledge of the occurrence. Also see reporting requirements for municipalities in Part IV.C.2.c. of this permit. 10. Availability of Reports Except for data determined to be confidential under NCGS 143-215.3 (a)(2) or Section 308 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1318, all reports prepared in accordance with the terms shall be available for public inspection at the offices Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 12 of 18 of the Division. As required by the Act, effluent data shall not be considered confidential. Knowingly making any false statement on any such report may result in the imposition of criminal penalties as provided for in NCGS 143- 215.1(b)(2) or in Section 309 of the Federal Act. 11. Penalties for Falsification of Reports The CWA provides that any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any record or other document submitted or required to be maintained under this permit, including monitoring reports or reports of compliance or noncompliance shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $25,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both [40 CFR 122.41]. 12. Annual Performance Reports Permittees who own or operate facilities that primarily collect or treat municipal or domestic wastewater and have an average annual flow greater than 200,000 gallons per day shall provide an annual report to the Permit Issuing Authority and to the users/customers served by the Permittee (NCGS 143-215.1C). The report shall summarize the performance of the collection or treatment system, as well as the extent to which the facility was compliant with applicable Federal or State laws, regulations and rules pertaining to water quality. The report shall be provided no later than sixty days after the end of the calendar or fiscal year, depending upon which annual period is used for evaluation. The report shall be sent to: NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section ATTENTION: Central Files 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 13 of 18 PART III OTHER REQUIREMENTS Section A. Construction a. The Permittee shall not commence construction of wastewater treatment facilities, nor add to the plant's treatment capacity, nor change the treatment process(es) utilized at the treatment plant unless (1) the Division has issued an Authorization to Construct (AtC) permit or (2) the Permittee is exempted from such AtC permit requirements under Item b. of this Section. b. In accordance with NCGS 143-215.1(a5) [SL 2011-394], no permit shall be required to enter into a contract for the construction, installation, or alteration of any treatment work or disposal system or to construct, install, or alter any treatment works or disposal system within the State when the system's or work's principle function is to conduct, treat, equalize, neutralize, stabilize, recycle, or dispose of industrial waste or sewage from an industrial facility and the discharge of the industrial waste or sewage is authorized under a permit issued for the discharge of the industrial waste or sewage into the waters of the State. Notwithstanding the above, the permit issued for the discharge may be modified if required by federal regulation. Issuance of an AtC will not occur until Final Plans and Specifications for the proposed construction have been submitted by the Permittee and approved by the Division. c. Section B. Groundwater Monitoring The Permittee shall, upon written notice from the Director, conduct groundwater monitoring as may be required to determine the compliance of this NPDES permitted facility with the current groundwater standards. Section C. Changes in Discharges of Toxic Substances The Permittee shall notify the Permit Issuing Authority as soon as it knows or has reason to believe (40 CFR 122.42): a. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result in the discharge, on a routine or frequent basis, of any toxic pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will exceed the highest of the following "notification levels"; (1) One hundred micrograms per liter (100 µg/L); (2) Two hundred micrograms per liter (200 µg/L) for acrolein and acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograms per liter (500 µg/L) for 2,4-dinitrophenol and for 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol; and one milligram per liter (1 mg/L) for antimony; (3) Five times the maximum concentration value reported for that pollutant in the permit application. b. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result in any discharge, on a non -routine or infrequent basis, of a toxic pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will exceed the highest of the following "notification levels"; (1) Five hundred micrograms per liter (500 µg/L); (2) One milligram per liter (1 mg/L) for antimony; (3) Ten times the maximum concentration value reported for that pollutant in the permit application. Section D. Facility Closure Requirements The Permittee must notify the Division at least 90 days prior to the closure of any wastewater treatment system covered by this permit. The Division may require specific measures during deactivation of the system to prevent adverse impacts to waters of the State. This permit cannot be rescinded while any activities requiring this permit continue at the permitted facility. Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 14 of 18 PART IV SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR MUNICIPAL FACILITIES Section A. Definitions In addition to the defmitions in Part II of this permit, the following defmitions apply to municipal facilities: Indirect Discharge or Industrial User Any non -domestic source that discharges wastewater containing pollutants into a POTW regulated under section 307(b), (c) or (d) of the CWA. [40 CFR 403.3 (i) and (j) and 15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(11)] Interference Inhibition or disruption of the POTW treatment processes; operations; or its sludge process, use, or disposal which causes or contributes to a violation of any requirement of the Permittee's (or any satellite POTWs if different from the Permittee) NPDES, collection system, or non -discharge permit or prevents sewage sludge use or disposal in compliance with specified applicable State and Federal statutes, regulations, or permits. [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(14)] Pass Through A discharge which exits the POTW into waters of the State in quantities or concentrations which, alone or with discharges from other sources, causes a violation, including an increase in the magnitude or duration of a violation, of the Permittee's (or any satellite POTWs, if different from the Permittee) NPDES, collection system, or non -discharge permit. [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(23)] Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) A treatment works as defmed by Section 212 of the CWA, which is owned by a State or local government organization. This defmition includes any devices and systems used in the storage, treatment, recycling and reclamation of municipal sewage or industrial wastes of a liquid nature. It also includes the collection system, as defmed in 15A NCAC 2T .0402, only if it conveys wastewater to a POTW treatment plant. The term also means the local government organization, or municipality, as defmed in section 502(4) of the CWA, which has jurisdiction over indirect discharges to and the discharges from such a treatment works. In this context, the organization may be the owner of the POTW treatment plant or the owner of the collection system into which an indirect discharger discharges. This second type of POTW may be referred to as a "satellite POTW organization." [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(26)] "Significant Industrial User" or "SIU" An Industrial User that discharges wastewater into a publicly owned treatment works and that [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(33)]: 1. Discharges an average of 25,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater to the POTW (excluding sanitary, noncontact cooling and boiler blowdown wastewaters); or 2. Contributes process wastewater which makes up five percent or more of the NPDES or non -discharge permitted flow limit or organic capacity of the POTW treatment plant. In this context, organic capacity refers to BOD, TSS and ammonia; or 3. Is subject to categorical standards under 40 CFR Part 403.6 and 40 CFR Parts 405-471; or 4. Is designated as such by the Permittee on the basis that the Industrial User has a reasonable potential for adversely affecting the POTWs operation or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement, or the POTW's effluent limitations and conditions in its NPDES or non -discharge permit, or to limit the POTW's sludge disposal options; 5. Subject to approval under 15A NCAC 02H .0907(b), the Permittee may determine that an Industrial User meeting the criteria in paragraphs 1 or 2 of this defmition above has no reasonable potential for adversely affecting the POTWs operation or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement, the POTWs effluent limitations and conditions in its NPDES or non -discharge permit, or to limit the POTWs sludge disposal options, and thus is not a Significant Industrial User (SIU); or 6. Subject to approval under 15A NCAC 02H .0907(b), the Permittee may determine that an Industrial User meeting the criteria in paragraph 3 of this defmition above meets the requirements of 40 CFR Part 403.3(v)(2) and thus is a non -significant categorical Industrial User. Section B. Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 15 of 18 Section C. Municipal Control of Pollutants from Industrial Users. 1. Effluent limitations are listed in Part I of this permit. Other pollutants attributable to inputs from Industrial Users discharging to the POTW may be present in the Permittee's discharge. At such time as sufficient information becomes available to establish limitations for such pollutants, this permit may be revised to specify effluent limitations for any or all of such other pollutants in accordance with best practicable technology or water quality standards. 2. Prohibited Discharges a. The Permittee shall develop and enforce their Pretreatment Program to implement the prohibition against the introduction of pollutants or discharges into the waste treatment system or waste collection system which cause or contribute to Pass Through or Interference as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .0900 and 40 CFR 403. [40 CFR 403.5(a)(1)] b. The Permittee shall develop and enforce their Pretreatment Program to implement the prohibitions against the introduction of the following wastes in the waste treatment or waste collection system [40 CFR 403.5(b)]: (1) Pollutants which create a fire or explosion hazard in the POTW, including, but not limited to, wastestreams with a closed cup flashpoint of less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Centigrade using the test methods specified in 40 CFR 261.21; (2) Pollutants which cause corrosive structural damage to the POTW, but in no case discharges with pH lower than 5.0, unless the works is specifically designed to accommodate such discharges; Solid or viscous pollutants in amounts which cause obstruction to the flow in the POTW resulting in Interference; (4) Any pollutant, including oxygen demanding pollutants (BOD, etc.) released in a Discharge at a flow rate and/or pollutant concentration which will cause Interference with the POTW; Heat in amounts which will inhibit biological activity in the POTW resulting in Interference, but in no case heat in such quantities that the temperature at the POTW Treatment Plant exceeds 40°C (104°F) unless the Division, upon request of the POTW, approves alternate temperature limits; (6) Petroleum oil, non -biodegradable cutting oil, or products of mineral oil origin in amounts that will cause Interference or Pass Through; Pollutants which result in the presence of toxic gases, vapors, or fumes within the POTW in a quantity that may cause acute worker health and safety problems; or Any trucked or hauled pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the POTW. All POTWs must provide adequate notice to the Director of the following [40 CFR 122.42(b)]: 1. Any new introduction of pollutants into the POTW from an indirect discharger, regardless of the means of transport, which would be subject to section 301 or 306 of CWA if it were directly discharging those pollutants; and 2. Any substantial change in the volume or character of pollutants being introduced by an indirect discharger as influent to that POTW at the time of issuance of the permit. 3. For purposes of this paragraph, adequate notice shall include information on (1) the quality and quantity of effluent introduced into the POTW, and (2) any anticipated impact that may result from the change of the quantity or quality of effluent to be discharged from the POTW. (3) (5) (7) (8) c. The Permittee shall investigate the source of all discharges into the POTW, including slug loads and other unusual discharges, which have the potential to adversely impact the Permittee's Pretreatment Program and/or the operation of the POTW. The Permittee shall report such discharges into the POTW to the Director or the appropriate Regional Office. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the Permittee became aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within 5 days of the time the Permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the discharge; the investigation into possible sources; the period of the discharge, including exact dates and times; if the discharge has not ceased, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance, Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 16 of 18 3. With regard to the effluent requirements listed in Part I of this permit, it may be necessary for the Permittee to supplement the requirements of the Federal Pretreatment Standards (40 CFR, Part 403) to ensure compliance by the Permittee with all applicable effluent limitations. Such actions by the Permittee may be necessary regarding some or all of the industries discharging to the municipal system. 4. The Permittee shall require any Industrial User (IU) discharging to the POTW to meet Federal Pretreatment Standards developed under Section 307(b) of the Act as amended (which includes categorical standards and specific local limits, best management practices and narrative requirements). Prior to accepting wastewater from any Significant Industrial User (SIU), the Permittee shall either develop and submit to the Division a new Pretreatment Program or, as necessary, a modification of an existing Pretreatment Program, for approval as required under section D below as well as 15A NCAC 02H .0907(a) and (b). [40 CFR 122.44(j)(2)] 5. This permit shall be modified, or alternatively, revoked and reissued, to incorporate or modify an approved POTW Pretreatment Program or to include a compliance schedule for the development of a POTW Pretreatment Program as required under Section 402 (b)(8) of the CWA and implementing regulations or by the requirements of the approved State pretreatment program, as appropriate. Section D. Pretreatment Programs Under authority of sections 307 (b) and (c) and 402(b)(8) of the CWA and implementing regulations 40 CFR 403, North Carolina General Statute 143-215.3(14) and implementing regulations 15A NCAC 02H .0900, and in accordance with the approved pretreatment program, all provisions and regulations contained and referenced in the pretreatment program submittal are an enforceable part of this permit. [40 CFR 122.44(j)(2)] The Permittee shall operate its approved pretreatment program in accordance with Section 402(b)(8) of the CWA, 40 CFR 403, 15A NCAC 02H .0900, and the legal authorities, policies, procedures, and fmancial provisions contained in its pretreatment program submission and Division approved modifications thereof. Such operation shall include but is not limited to the implementation of the following conditions and requirements. Terms not defined in Part II or Part IV of this permit are as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .0903 and 40 CFR 403.3. 1. Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) The Permittee shall maintain adequate legal authority to implement its approved pretreatment program. [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(32), .0905 and .0906(b)(1); 40 CFR 403.8(f)(1) and 403.9(b)(1) and (2)] 2. Industrial Waste Survey (IWS) The Permittee shall implement an IWS consisting of the survey of users of the POTW collection system or treatment plant, as required by 40 CFR 403.8(f)(2)(i-iii) and 15A NCAC 02H .0905 [also 40 CFR 122.44(j)(1)1, including identification of all Industrial Users that may have an impact on the POTW and the character and amount of pollutants contributed to the POTW by these Industrial Users and identification of those Industrial Users meeting the defmition of SIU. Where the Permittee accepts wastewater from one or more satellite POTWs, the IWS for the Permittee shall address all satellite POTW services areas, unless the pretreatment program in those satellite service areas is administered by a separate Permittee with an approved Pretreatment Program. The Permittee shall submit a summary of its IWS activities to the Division at least once every five years, and as required by the Division. The IWS submission shall include a summary of any investigations conducted under paragraph C.2.c. of this Part. [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(13), .0905 and .0906(b)(2); 40 CFR 403.8(f)(2) and 403.9] 3. Monitoring Plan The Permittee shall implement a Division -approved Monitoring Plan for the collection of facility specific data to be used in a wastewater treatment plant Headworks Analysis (HWA) for the development of specific pretreatment local limits. Effluent data from the Plan shall be reported on the DMRs (as required by Parts II.D and II.E.5.). [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(16), .0906(b)(3) and .0905] 4. Headworks Analysis (HWA) and Local Limits The Permittee shall obtain Division approval of a HWA at least once every five years, and as required by the Division. Within 180 days of the effective date of this permit (or any subsequent permit modification) the Permittee shall submit to the Division a written technical evaluation of the need to revise local limits (i.e., an updated HWA or documentation of why one is not needed) [40 CFR 122.44]. The Permittee shall develop, in accordance with 40 CFR 403.5(c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0909, specific Local Limits to implement the prohibitions listed in 40 CFR 403.5(a) and (b) and 15A NCAC 02H .0909. Pursuant to 40 CFR 403.5, local limits are Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 17 of 18 enforceable Pretreatment Standards as defined by 40 CFR 403.3(1). [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(10), .0905, and .0906(b)(4)] 5. Industrial User Pretreatment Permits (IUP) & Allocation Tables In accordance with NCGS 143-215.1, the Permittee shall issue to all Significant Industrial Users, permits for operation of pretreatment equipment and discharge to the Permittee's collection system or treatment works. These permits shall contain limitations, sampling protocols, reporting requirements, appropriate standard and special conditions, and compliance schedules as necessary for the installation of treatment and control technologies to assure that their wastewater discharge will meet all applicable pretreatment standards and requirements. The Permittee shall maintain a current Allocation Table (AT) which summarizes the results of the HWA and the limits from all IUPs. Permitted IUP loadings for each parameter cannot exceed the treatment capacity of the POTW as determined by the HWA. [15A NCAC 02H .0906(b)(6), .0909, .0916, and .0917; 40 CFR 403.5, 403.8(f)(1)(iii); NCGS 143-215.67(a)] 6. Authorization to Construct (AtC) The Permittee shall ensure that an Authorization to Construct permit (AtC) is issued to all applicable Industrial Users for the construction or modification of any pretreatment facility. Prior to the issuance of an AtC, the proposed pretreatment facility and treatment process must be evaluated for its capacity to comply with all Industrial User Pretreatment Permit (IUP) limitations. [15A NCAC 02H .0906(b)(7) and .0905; NCGS 143- 215.1(a)(8)] 7. POTW Inspection & Monitoring of their IUs The Permittee shall conduct inspection, surveillance, and monitoring activities as described in its Division approved pretreatment program in order to determine, independent of information supplied by Industrial Users, compliance with applicable pretreatment standards. [15A NCAC 02H .0908(e); 40 CFR 403.8(f)(2)(v)] The Permittee must: a. Inspect all Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) at least once per calendar year; b. Sample all Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) at least once per calendar year for all SIU permit -limited parameters including flow except as allowed under 15A NCAC .0908(e); and c. At least once per year, document an evaluation of any non -significant categorical Industrial User for compliance with the requirements in 40 CFR 403.3(v)(2), and either continue or revoke the designation as non- significant. 8. IU Self Monitoring and Reporting The Permittee shall require all Industrial Users to comply with the applicable monitoring and reporting requirements outlined in the Division -approved pretreatment program, the industry's pretreatment permit, or in 15A NCAC 02H .0908. [15A NCAC 02H .0906(b)(5) and .0905; 40 CFR 403.8(f)(1)(v) and (2)(iii); 40 CFR 122.44(j)(2) and 40 CFR 403.12] 9. Enforcement Response Plan (ERP) The Permittee shall enforce and obtain appropriate remedies for violations of all pretreatment standards promulgated pursuant to section 307(b) and (c) of the CWA (40 CFR 405 et. seq.), prohibitive discharge standards as set forth in 40 CFR 403.5 and 15A NCAC 02H .0909, specific local limitations, and other pretreatment requirements. All remedies, enforcement actions and other, shall be consistent with the Enforcement Response Plan (ERP) approved by the Division. [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(7), .0906(b)(8) and .0905; 40 CFR 403.8(0(5)] 10. Pretreatment Annual Reports (PAR) The Permittee shall report to the Division in accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0908. In lieu of submitting annual reports, Modified Pretreatment Programs developed under 15A NCAC 02H .0904 (b) may be required to submit a partial annual report or to meet with Division personnel periodically to discuss enforcement of pretreatment requirements and other pretreatment implementation issues. For all other active pretreatment programs, the Permittee shall submit two copies of a Pretreatment Annual Report (PAR) describing its pretreatment activities over the previous calendar year to the Division at the following address: Version 11/09/2011.2 DocuSign Envelope ID: 37E3AC5C-6525-4085-B441-484EEF4FD305 NPDES Permit Standard Conditions Page 18 of 18 NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section Pretreatment, Emergency Response, and Collection Systems (PERCS) Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 These reports shall be submitted by March 1 of each year and shall contain the following: a. Narrative A narrative summary detailing actions taken, or proposed, by the Permittee to correct significant non- compliance and to ensure compliance with pretreatment requirements; b. Pretreatment Program Summary (PPS) A pretreatment program summary (PPS) on forms or in a format provided by the Division; c. Significant Non -Compliance Report (SNCR) A list of Industrial Users (IUs) in significant noncompliance (SNC) with pretreatment requirements, and the nature of the violations on forms or in a format provided by the Division; d. Industrial Data Summary Forms (IDSF) Monitoring data from samples collected by both the POTW and the Significant Industrial Users (SIUs). These analytical results must be reported on Industrial Data Summary Forms (IDSF) or on other forms or in a format provided by the Division; e. Other Information Copies of the POTW's allocation table, new or modified enforcement compliance schedules, public notice of IUs in SNC, a summary of data or other information related to significant noncompliance determinations for IUs that are not considered SIUs, and any other information, upon request, which in the opinion of the Director is needed to determine compliance with the pretreatment implementation requirements of this permit; 11. Public Notice The Permittee shall publish annually a list of Industrial Users (IUs) that were in significant noncompliance (SNC) as defined in the Permittee's Division -approved Sewer Use Ordinance with applicable pretreatment requirements and standards during the previous twelve month period. This list shall be published within four months of the applicable twelve-month period. [15A NCAC 02H .0903(b)(34), .0908(b)(5) and .0905 and 40 CFR 403.8(f)(2)(viii)] 12. Record Keeping The Permittee shall retain for a minimum of three years records of monitoring activities and results, along with support information including general records, water quality records, and records of industrial impact on the POTW and shall retain all other Pretreatment Program records as required by 15A NCAC 02H .0908(f). [15A NCAC 02H .0908(f); 40 CFR 403.12(o)] 13. Pretreatment Program Resources The Permittee shall maintain adequate funding and qualified personnel to accomplish the objectives of its approved pretreatment program. and retain a written description of those current levels of inspection. [15A NCAC 02H .0906(b)(9) and (10) and .0905; 40 CFR 403.8(f)(3), 403.9(b)(3)] 14. Modification to Pretreatment Programs Modifications to the approved pretreatment program including but not limited to local limits modifications, POTW monitoring of their Significant Industrial Users (SIUs), and Monitoring Plan modifications, shall be considered a permit modification and shall be governed by 40 CFR 403.18, 15 NCAC 02H .0114 and 15A NCAC 02H .0907. Version 11/09/2011.2