HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0081736_Draft Permit_20230315DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR,
Director
Mr. David Andrews, County Manager
Pender County
PO Box 995
Burgaw, North Carolina 28425
Dear Mr. Andrews:
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
March 15, 2023
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit Renewal
Permit NCO08736
Melinda B. Knoerzer WWTF
Pender County
Grade II Biological WPCS
SIC Code 4952
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the Draft NPDES permit renewal for your facility. Please review this
draft carefully to ensure thorough understanding of the requirements and conditions it contains. There are
several changes from the existing permit, including the following:
• Per the County's request, the facility name was changed to Melinda B. Knoerzer WWTF.
• Monitoring frequencies for conventional parameters at 0.5 MGD has been adjusted to weekly in
accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0508 [See A. (1.)].
• Based on Mercury TMDL evaluation showing mercury values reported at levels > 1 ng/L and since the
permitted flow is greater than 2 MGD upon expansion, Special Condition A. (8.) Mercury Minimization
Plan has been added to the permit for the 4.0 MGD flow tier only.
• Pender County reported Total Silver at less than detection, with detection levels < 10.0 µg/L in the
Effluent Pollutant Scans. The County's allowable discharge concentrations are 4.5 µg/L for Total Silver
at 4.0 MGD. DWR's laboratory identifies the target Practical Quantification Limits (PQLs) for Total
Silver as 1.0 µg/L. 15A NCAC 2B .0505 (e) (4) requires that all test procedures must produce detection
and reporting levels that are below the permit discharge requirements and all data generated must be
reported to the approved detection level or lower reporting level of the procedure. If no approved
methods are capable of achieving a detection level below the permit discharge requirement (or
allowable discharge concentration) the method with the lowest detection level must be used. The
County should use sufficiently sensitive test methods for all pollutants, including when performing
Effluent Pollutant Scans.
• Based on silver results at insufficiently sensitive detection levels, quarterly monitoring for Total Silver
has been added to the permit at 4.0 MGD [See A. (2.)].
• Based on detection of PFAS chemicals in the water treatment plant effluent, which the WWTF
receives, a special condition to monitor effluent PFAS chemicals 2/year has been added to the permit,
to be effective six (6) months after EPA has a final wastewater method in 40 CFR136 method
published in the Federal Register [See Special Condition A.(4.) PFAS Monitoring Requirements].
• Language has been added to Footnote 2 to account for influent, effluent, upstream and downstream
abbreviations [See A. (1.) and A. (2.)].
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
4NORT�HCv 512 North Salisbury Street 1 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NORTHCAROUNA 919.707.9000
Department ofEnvlronmantal Duali�
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
• Language in Footnote 4 has been modified to read "The facility shall monitor TRC when using
chlorination for disinfection." for clarity [See A. (L) and A. (2.)].
• Some of the wording has changed in Special Condition A. (3.) Acute Toxicity Permit Limit — 0.5 MGD,
and A. (4.) Chronic Toxicity Permit Limit — 4.0 MGD. Please review each condition carefully.
• Special Condition A. (5.) has been modified to include the specific three years in which the Effluent
Pollutant Scan shall be performed (2024, 2025, and 2026). In addition, at the end of the Special
Condition, 2nd species Toxicity Testing Requirements for municipal permit renewals per Federal
Regulations [40 CFR 122.210)(5)] have been added.
• Based on the facility's operational history since startup and the complex and unique treatment system,
a Wastewater Management Plan special condition with a schedule has been added to the permit [See
A. (9.)].
• Based on the finding that the contribution of an industrial user being more than 5% of the permitted
flow, a special condition to develop a pretreatment program in a timely manner has been added to the
permit [See A. (10.)].
• A notation was made concerning the Electronic Reporting Rule — NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule —
Phase 2 Extension. EPA extended the Phase 2 deadline to December 21, 2025.
• Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and
program reports. The requirement to continue reporting discharge monitoring data electronically using
the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application has been added
to your NPDES permit [See Special Condition A. (11.)].
The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) that are a part of the permit are not included in this
draft document (cover, map, and Part I). The conditions are the same as in your current permit except that
agency and division names have been updated. The latest version is available at hops://bit.ly/3k5NFaL and
can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF file.
Concurrent with this notification the Division is publishing a notice in a newspaper having circulation in
the general Pender County area, soliciting public comments on this draft permit. Please provide any written
comments you may have to the following: NCDEQ/DWR, NPDES Permitting Branch, 1617 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 no later than 30 days after receipt of this draft permit.
Following the 30-day public comment period, the Division will review all pertinent comments and take
appropriate action prior to issuing a final permit. If you have questions concerning this draft permit, please
call me at (919) 707-3611 or by email at gary.perlmutter@ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely, DocuSigned by:
a" MMI[Aff V'
9FBBBC952DF8455...
Gary Perlmutter, Environmental Specialist II
NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
Hardcopy: NPDES Files
eCopy: US EPA Region 4
DWR/Wilmington Regional Office/Water Quality/Morella S. King
DWR/Operator Certification Program/Maureen Kinney
DWR/Basin Planning/Nora Deamer
DWR/Aquatic Toxicology Branch/Cindy Moore
DWR/Municipal Permitting Unit/Keyes McGee
Pender County / Kurt Lonander (ORC)
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NORTH CAROLINA 919.707.9000
Depanmem of Envlmnmenml Dual
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
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, the
Pender County
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Melinda B. Knoerzer WWTF
469 Quality Way
Wilmington, NC 28401
Pender County
to receiving waters designated as the Cape Fear River in the Cape Fear River Basin in accordance with the
effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III, and
IV hereof.
This permit shall become effective Month 01, 2023.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on July 31, 2027.
Signed this day Month xx, 2023.
DRAFT
for Richard E. Rogers, Jr., Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management
Commission
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
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.
Pender County
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate and maintain the wastewater treatment works identified on the Cover, an existing
0.5 MGD facility consisting of the following components:
• Primary screen and grit structure
• Equalization tank
• Three (3) Aerobic Moving Bed Bioreactors (MBBRs) with coarse bubble diffusers
• Three (3) Submerged Fixed Film Reactors (SFFRs) with fine bubble diffusers, covered with
vegetation inside a 3,000 ft2 glass hydroponic greenhouse
• Two (2) 30-ft diameter secondary clarifiers
• Two (2) cloth media filters
• UV disinfection
• Outfall with submerged diffuser
• Aerobic digesters
• Sludge loading station
2. After receiving Authorization to Construct and upon submittal of engineer's certification, operate a 4.0
MGD wastewater treatment system (phase 2) and new outfall 002 located adjacent to existing outfall
001; and
3. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map via Outfall 001 into
the Cape Fear River classified C; Sw waters in the Cape Fear River Basin and 03030005 HUC.
Page 2 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
PART I
A.(1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS [0.5 MGD]
[15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 15A NCAC 02B .0500 et seq.]
Grade II Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 08G .0302]
(a.) During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expansion to 4.0
MGD or permit expiration, whichever is sooner, the permittee is authorized to discharge treated
municipal and industrial wastewater from Outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and
monitored' by the permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PARAMETER
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Measurement
Sample
Sample
Parameter Code
Average
Average
Maximum
Frequency
Type
Location
Flow 50050
0.5 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
BOD, 5 day, 20°C3
C0310
(Apr 1 - Oct 31)
5.0 mg/L
7.5 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
I and E
BOD, 5 day, 20°C 3
(Nov 1 - Mar 31) C0310
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
I and E
Total Suspended Solids' C0530
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
I and E
Ammonia (NH3 as N)
C0610
1.0 mg/L
3.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
E
(Apr 1 - Oct 31)
Ammonia (NH3 as N)
C0610
2.0 mg/L
6.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
E
(Nov 1 - Mar 31)
Fecal Coliform 31616
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
Weekly
Grab
E
(geometric mean)
Dissolved Oxygen 00300
Daily Average > 6.0 mg/L
Weekly
Grab
E
pH 00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 Standard Units
Weekly
Grab
E
Temperature (°C) 00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Total Residual Chlorine 50060
1 1 28 µg/L
Weekly
Grab
E
Oil & Grease (mg/L) 00556
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Grab
Footnote 5
Conductivity (µmhos/cm) 00094
Monitor and Report
Weekly
Grab
E
Total Phosphorus (mg/L) C0665
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Total Nitrogen (mg/L) 6 C0600
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Calculated
E
Acute Toxicity ' TGE6C
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Effluent Pollutant Scan 8 NCO]
Monitor and Report
Footnote 8
Footnote 8
E
PFAS, ng/L various
Footnote 9
2/year
Grab
E
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
(mg/L)10 00900
Monitor and Report
P
Quarterly
Q Y
Composite
E
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
(mg/L) i � 00900
Monitor and Report
P
Quarterly
Q Y
Grab
U
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 00300
Monitor and Report
Variable'
Grab
U and D
Temperature °C 00010
Monitor and Report
Variable'
Grab
U and D
Footnotes on the next page.
Page 3 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NC0081736
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit Discharge Monitoring Reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application
system. See Special Condition A. (9.).
2. Sample locations: I = Influent; E = Effluent; U = Upstream = at least 50 ft upstream of discharge; D = Downstream
= at least 500 ft from the discharge. Upstream and downstream samples shall be grab samples collected 3/week
during June, July, August, and September and 1/week during the remainder of the year. Instream sampling
requirements are provisionally waived in light of the Permittee's participation in the Lower Cape Fear River
Program (LCFRP). Should participation in the LCFRP cease, all instream sampling requirements are immediately
reinstated.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and Total Suspended Solids concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the
respective influent value (85% removal).
4. The facility shall monitor TRC when using chlorination for disinfection. The Division shall consider all effluent
total residual chlorine values reported below 50 µg/L 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 µg/L.
5. The Permittee shall sample and report oil and grease concentrations at the influent (post equalization basin) and
the effluent. In addition, a visual inspection of the receiving stream shall be conducted immediate downstream to
assess and report any oil leaks or the presence of an oil sheen [see A. (6.)].
6. For a given wastewater sample, TN = TKN + NO3-N + NO2-N, where TN is Total Nitrogen, TKN is Total Kjeldahl
Nitrogen, and NO3-N and NO2-N are Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen, respectively.
7. Acute Toxicity (Fathead Minnow 24-hr) P/F at 90% with testing in March, June, September, and December. See
Special Condition A. (3.).
8. The permittee shall perform three effluent pollution scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition
A. (5.).
9. Follow Special Condition A. (8.).
10. Effluent hardness shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness dependent metals (cadmium,
copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc).
11. The permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge. The sample shall be
representative of the hardness in the stream. Instream sampling requirements are provisionally waived in light of
the Permittee's participation in the Lower Cape Fear River Program (LCFRP). Should participation in the LCFRP
cease, all instream sampling requirements are immediately reinstated.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 4 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
A.(2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS [4.0 MGD]
[15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 15A NCAC 02B .0500 et seq.]
Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 08G .0302]
(a.) During the period beginning on expansion to 4.0 MGD and lasting until permit expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge treated municipal and industrial wastewater from Outfall 002.
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
Type
Sample
Location 2
Flow 50050
4.0 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
BOD, 5 day, 20°C3
(Apr 1 - Oct 31) C0310
5.0 mg/L
7.5 mg/L
Daily
Composite
I and E
BOD, 5 day, 20°C 3
(Nov 1 - Mar 31) C0310
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
I and E
Total Suspended Solids 3 C0530
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
I and E
Ammonia (NIb as N)
(Apr 1 - Oct 31) C0610
1.0 mg/L
3.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
E
Ammonia (NH3 as N)
(Nov 1 - Mar 31) C0610
2.0 mg/L
6.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
E
Fecal Coliform 31616
(geometric mean)
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
Daily
Grab
E
Dissolved Oxygen 00300
Daily Average > 6.0 mg/L
Daily
Grab
E
pH 00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 Standard Units
Daily
Grab
E
Temperature (°C) 00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Total Residual Chlorine 4 50060
1 1 28 µg/L
Daily
Grab
E
Oil & Grease (mg/L) 00556
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Grab
Footnote 5
Conductivity (µmhos/cm) 00094
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Total Phosphorus (mg/L) C0665
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
TKN (mg/L) 6 00625
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
NO3-N + NO2-N (mg/L) 6 00630
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
Total Nitrogen (mg/L) 6 C0600
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Calculated
E
Chronic Toxicity? TGP3B
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Effluent Pollutant Scan 8 NCO]
Monitor and Report
Footnote 8
Footnote 8
E
PFAS, ng/L various
Footnote 9
2/year
Grab
E
Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 00900
(mg/L) 11
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Total Silver (µg/L) 01077
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
(mg/L) n 00900
Report
Monitor and Re P
Quarterly
Q Y
Grab
U
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 00300
Monitor and Report
Variable
Grab
U and D
Temperature °C 00010
Monitor and Report
Variable
Grab
U and D
Footnotes on the next page.
Page 5 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NC0081736
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit Discharge Monitoring Reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application
system. See Special Condition A. (9.).
2. Sample locations: I = Influent; E = Effluent; U = Upstream = at least 50 ft upstream of discharge; D = Downstream
= at least 500 ft from the discharge. Upstream and downstream samples shall be grab samples collected 3/week
during June, July, August, and September and 1/week during the remainder of the year. Instream sampling
requirements are provisionally waived in light of the Permittee's participation in the Lower Cape Fear River
Program (LCFRP). Should participation in the LCFRP cease, all instream sampling requirements are immediately
reinstated.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and Total Suspended Solids concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the
respective influent value (85% removal).
4. The facility shall monitor TRC when using chlorination for disinfection. The Division shall consider all effluent
total residual chlorine values reported below 50 µg/L 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 µg/L.
5. The Permittee shall sample and report oil and grease concentrations at the influent (post equalization basin) and
the effluent. In addition, a visual inspection of the receiving stream shall be conducted immediate downstream to
assess and report any oil leaks or the presence of an oil sheen [see A. (6.)].
6. For a given wastewater sample, TN = TKN + NO3-N + NO2-N, where TN is Total Nitrogen, TKN is Total Kjeldahl
Nitrogen, and NO3-N and NO2-N are Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen, respectively.
7. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia dubia) P/F at 0.7% with testing in March, June, September, and December. See
Special Condition A. (4.).
8. The permittee shall perform three effluent pollution scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition
A. (5.).
9. Follow Special Condition A. (8.).
10. Effluent hardness shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness dependent metals (cadmium,
copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc).
11. The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge. The sample shall be
representative of the hardness in the stream. Instream sampling requirements are provisionally waived in light of
the Permittee's participation in the Lower Cape Fear River Program (LCFRP). Should participation in the LCFRP
cease, all instream sampling requirements are immediately reinstated.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 6 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
A.(3.) ACUTE TOXICITY PASS/FAIL LIMIT (QUARTERLY) - 0.5 MGD
[ 15A NCAC 02B .0200] [15A NCAC 02B .0500 et seq]
The Permittee shall conduct acute toxicity tests on a quarterly basis using protocols defined in the North
Carolina Procedure Document entitled "Pass/Fail Methodology for Determining Acute Toxicity In A Single
Effluent Concentration" (Revised December 2010, or subsequent versions). The monitoring shall be
performed as a Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) 24-hour static test. The effluent concentration at
which there may be at no time significant acute mortality is 90% (defined as treatment two in the procedure
document). 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.
Should any single quarterly monitoring indicate a failure to meet specified limits, then monthly monitoring
will begin immediately until such time that a single test is passed. Upon passing, this monthly test
requirement will revert to quarterly in the months specified above.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered electronically using the
Division's eDMR system for the month in which it was performed, using the parameter code TGE6C.
Additionally, DWR Form AT-2 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
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 via e-mail: ATForms.ATB@ncdenr.gov.
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be fled 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, then monthly
monitoring will begin immediately until such time that a single test is passed. Upon passing, this monthly
test requirement will revert to quarterly in the months specified above. 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.
Page 7 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
Should any test data from either these monitoring requirements 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.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum control
organism survival 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.(4.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY) - 4.0 MGD
[15A NCAC 02B .0200] [15A NCAC 02B .0500 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 0.7%.
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 11 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 electronically using the
Division's eDMR system 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:
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@ncdenr.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.
Page 8 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NC0081736
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.
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.
Page 9 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
A.(5.) ADDITIONAL MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMIT RENEWAL
[NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
(a.) Effluent Pollutant Scans. 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. Each annual sample shall coincide with one quarterly toxicity test
each year [see Conditions A. (3.) and A. (4)], and each must be collected in a different calendar
quarter to 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) C0610 Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene 34546 Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether 34273
Chlorine (total residual, TRC) 50060 1,1-dichloroethylene 34501 Bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether 34283
Dissolved oxygen 00300 1,2-dichloropropane C0541 Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate C0100
Nitrate / Nitrite 00630 1,3-dichloropropylene 77163 4-bromophenyl phenyl ether 34636
Kjeldahl nitrogen 00625 Ethylbenzene 34371 Butyl benzyl phthalate 34292
Oil and grease 00556 Methyl bromide 34413 2-chloronaphthalene 34581
Phosphorus
C0665
Methyl chloride
34418
4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether
34641
Total dissolved solids
70295
Methylene chloride
34423
Chrysene
34320
Hardness
00900
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
81549
Di-n-butyl phthalate
39110
Antimony
01097
Tetrachloroethylene
34475
Di-n-octyl phthalate
34596
Arsenic
01002
Toluene
34010
Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene
34556
Beryllium
01012
1, 1, 1 -trichloroethane
34506
1,2-dichlorobenzene
34536
Cadmium
01027
1,1,2-trichloroethane
34511
1,3-dichlorobenzene
34566
Chromium
C0034
Trichloroethylene
39180
1,4-dichlorobenzene
34571
Copper
01042
Vinyl chloride
39175
3,3-dichlorobenzidine
34631
Lead
01051
Acid -extractable compounds:
Diethyl phthalate
34336
Mercury (Method 1631E)
COMER
P-chloro-m-cresol
34452
Dimethyl phthalate
34341
Nickel
01067
2-chlorophenol
34586
2,4-dinitrotoluene
34611
Selenium
01147
2,4-dichlorophenol
34601
2,6-dinitrotoluene
C0626
Silver (PQL < 1 ug/L)
01077
2,4-dimethylphenol
34606
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
34346
Thallium
01059
4,6-dinitro-o-cresol
34657
Fluoranthene
C0376
Zinc
01092
2,4-dinitrophenol
34616
Fluorene
34381
Cyanide
00720
2-nitrophenol
34591
Hexachlorobenzene
C0700
Total phenolic compounds
32730
4-nitrophenol
34646
Hexachlorobutadiene
C0702
Volatile organic compounds:
Pentachlorophenol
39032
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
34386
Acrolein
34210
Phenol
34694
Hexachloroethane
34396
Acrylonitrile
34215
2,4,6-trichlorophenol
34621
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
34403
Benzene
34030
Base -neutral compounds:
Isophorone
34408
Bromoform
32104
Acenaphthene
34205
Naphthalene
34696
Carbon tetrachloride
32102
Acenaphthylene
34200
Nitrobenzene
34447
Chlorobenzene
34301
Anthracene
CO220
N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
34428
Chlorodibromomethane
34306
Benzidine
39120
N-nitrosodimethylamine
34438
Chloroethane
85811
Benzo(a)anthracene
C0526
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
34433
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
34576
Benzo(a)pyrene
34247
Phenanthrene
34461
Chloroform
32106
3,4 benzofluoranthene
34230
Pyrene
34469
Dichlorobromomethane
32101
Benzo(ghi)perylene
34521
1,2,4-tichlorobenzene
C0551
1,1-dichloroethane
34496
Benzo(k)fluoranthene
34242
1,2-dichloroethane
32103
Bis (2-chloroethoxy) methane
34278
Page 10 of 17
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NC0081736
(b.) Effluent Scan Reporting. Test results shall be reported electronically via eDMR by December 31 st
of each designated sampling year, except that, subject to prior written approval by the Director, results
can be reported on DWR Form DMR-PPA-1 or other form approved by the Director. The Permittee
must at least report completion of the test in the eDMR system by entering "1" or "Y" for parameter
code NCO - Annual Pollutant Scan. If written reports are approved, the report shall be submitted to
the following address:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Or the form may be uploaded at: https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/FOnns/NPDES_WW-EDMR-
Supplemental-Form
(c.) 2"d_Species Toxicity Testing and Reporting.
(i.) In addition to the quarterly toxicity tests required in Conditions A. (3.) and A. (4.), the Permittee
shall perform and report the results of four (4) toxicity tests using the same test methods using
a second species of test organism suitable to the tests being conducted.
(ii.) The 2nd species toxicity tests shall be conducted either:
(A) Once per quarter in a single 12-month period (four samples); if this option is chosen, the
sample for each 2nd species test shall coincide with the quarterly samples collected for
(tox condition title); or
(B) Once per 12-month period in the four -and one-half year period prior to the scheduled
application for permit renewal (four samples); if this option is chosen, three of the sample
for the 2nd species test shall coincide with those for the annual effluent scans and the
coincident quarterly toxicity test, and each of the four annual samples shall be collected
in a different calendar quarter in order to represent seasonal variation.
(iii.) The results of the toxicity tests shall be submitted to 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 via email: ATForms.ATB@ncdenr.gov.
(iv.) Results of the 2nd species tests shall also be summarized in Part E (Toxicity Testing Data) of
EPA Municipal Application Form 2A when submitting the permit renewal application to the
NPDES Wastewater Program.
The Permittee may contact the Division's Aquatic Toxicology Branch at 919-743-8401 for
guidance on conducting the additional toxicity tests and reporting of the results.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
A. (6.) OIL AND GREASE RE -OPENER
[I 5A NCAC 02B .0200] [NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
The discharge of oil and grease from Outfall 001 and 002 shall not cause a film or sheen upon or
discoloration of the surface of the water or adjoining shorelines pursuant to 40 CFR 110.3 (a)-(b). The
permittee shall monitor for oil and grease at both influent (post equalization basin) and effluent. In addition,
the permittee shall visually monitor for oil and grease in the Cape Fear River immediate downstream of
Outfall 001 and Outfall 002, and report the monitoring results in Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR). If
visible oil film or sheen is reported, this permit may be reopened by the Division and oil and grease limit
may be added.
A.(7.) MERCURY MINIMIZATION PLAN (MMP) — 4.0 MGD
[NCGS 143-215.1 (b)]
The Permittee shall develop and implement a mercury minimization plan (MMP) within 180 days upon the
facility's expansion to 4.0 MGD flow and have the MMP available for inspection on -site. A sample MMP
was developed through a stakeholder review process and has been placed on the Division website for
guidance (https://deq.nc.gov/document/nc-model-mercury-minimization-plan-dwr-npdes-swp-20130801).
The MMP should 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.
A. (8.) PFAS MONITORING REQUIREMENT
[NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
This reporting requirement for the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) parameters listed under
Table 1 of the Final Method 1633 takes effect the first full calendar quarter following six (6) months after
EPA publishes a 40 CFR part 136 Final PFAS Method for wastewater in the Federal Register. Monitoring
will be at a 2/year frequency.
Find the current parameters listed under Table 1 of the 3rd Draft Method 1633 Analysis of Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC-MS/MS at:
https://www. gpa. gov/system/files/documents/2022-
12/3rd%20Draft%20Method%201633%20December%202022%2012-20-22_508.pdf
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DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
A. (9.) WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
[NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
(a.) Within 180 days of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall have a North Carolina Licensed
Professional Engineer evaluate the structural integrity and operational efficiency of this facility to
ensure the integrity of the treatment system and submit to the Division a wastewater management
plan. The plan shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:
(i.) Facilities Assessment. Describe deficiencies and operational difficulties in the existing
collection system or treatment facility which affects performance or permit compliance, and
identify potential improvements to correct those. At a minimum, evaluate the following
considerations:
(A) Inflow and infiltration (I&I),
(B) Headworks performance,
(C) Diversion of wasteloads during peak flows,
(D) Equipment repairs and preventative maintenance,
(E) Removal of accumulated solids, wastes, and other debris,
(F) Address the impact of the Water Treatment Plant discharge on the Wastewater Treatment
Facility performance.
(ii.) Optimization Plan. Develop a strategy for optimization, rehabilitation, expansion, and/or
replacement of the collection and/or treatment system to achieve optimal performance. Identify
specific measures and key tasks, including those in the above facilities assessment, and provide
an estimated schedule for completion of each.
(b.) Within one month of Division approval of the submitted management plan, the Permittee shall
implement the actions identified in the Optimization Plan.
(c.) Within one year of the permitted effective date, the Permittee shall achieve compliance with all
limitations specified in Section A. (L).
(d.) Within one year of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division on an annual
basis a summary of actions taken, including those identified in the optimization plan, towards
achieving and maintaining compliance with the limitations specified in Section A. (1.).
Annual summaries and the waste management plan shall include the owner's name, NPDES permit number,
and a Permittee contact person, and shall be submitted to:
NCDEQ / Division or Water Resources
NPDES Permitting
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Page 13 of 17
NCDEQ / Division of Water Resources
Wilmington Regional Office
127 Cardinal Drive Ext.
Wilmington, NC 28405
DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
A. (10.) SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE FOR PRETREATMENT PROGRAM
[NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
a) Within one (1) month of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division a Short
Term Monitoring Plan (STMP).
b) Within one (1) month of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall begin implementation of the
STMP. Monitoring shall take place for one year, and all data shall be submitted to the Division
within 15 months of the start of data collection.
c) Within three (3) months of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division a
Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) & Enforcement Response Plan (ERP).
d) Within six (6) months of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division an
Industrial Waste Survey (IWS).
e) Within fifteen (15) months of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division
a completed design -based Headworks Analysis (HWA) for development of local permit limits for
Significant Industrial User(s) (SIUs).
f) Within fifteen (15) months of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall issue local Industrial
User Permit(s) (IUPs) (using the limits allocations from the HWA).
g) Within eighteen (18) months of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit all documents
necessary to start a pretreatment program per 15A NCAC 02H .0906.
A. (11.)ELECTRONIC REPORTING - DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS
[NCGS 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.)
• Section D. (6.)
• Section E. (5.)
Reporting
Records Retention
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.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NC0081736
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 address:
NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
See "How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting" section below.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and
reported via the eDMR system no later than the last calendar day of the month following the completed
reporting period. 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.
Starting on December 21, 2025, the permittee must electronically report the following compliance
monitoring data and reports, when applicable:
Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports; and
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: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/10/22/2015-24954/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
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DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NC0081736
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.
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)1
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.)]
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].
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DocuSign Envelope ID: E834D256-E397-4A84-93F1-CC9AEAD46799
Permit NCO081736
__ _ WWTF WTP
Outfalls
61
LAKE
L'
SUTTON
LAXE Si7rrON
LAKE
TIS GAME LAN
SUrT0N
NCO081736
Facility
Melinda K. Knoerzer Adaptive Ecosystem WWTF
Location
Latitude34'19'26" Longitude' 78°00'50"
x
Receiving Stream Cape Fear River Sub -Basin 03-08-17
Af_-.i/L
JVWLL�L
Facility is in Fender County
USGS quad Leland. N C
Stream Class. C-Swamp, PNA 8-dig005
it HUC 03030
Map not to scale
Page 17 of 17