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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0021253_CORRESPONDENCE_20071029NPDES DOCUMENT SCANNING COVER SHEET NPDES Permit: NCO021253 Havelock WWTP Document Type: Permit Issuance Wasteload Allocation Authorization to Construct (AtC) Permit Modification Engineering Alternatives Analysis 201 Facilities Plan Instream Assessment (6713) Correspondence re: Modeling Permit History Document Date: October 29, 2007 This docameat is priated on reuse paper -ignore aay ooate mt oa the reverse side Michael F. Easley, Governor State of North Carolina William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary Department of Environment and Natural Resources Coleen H. Sullins, Director Division of Water Quality October 29, 20071IV 0002U j3 Mr. H. Thomas Tant, P. E. Senior Associate HAZEN AND SAWYER, P.C. 4011 WestChase Blvd. Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27607 Subject: City of Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Relocation — River Modeling Approach 30906-005 Dear Mr. Tant: The NPDES Unit and the Modeling Unit have reviewed your proposal for modeling the proposed relocated discharge for the City of Havelock's wastewater treatment plant. The proposal, using Tetra Tech to develop and run the model, includes all elements and parameters requested by the Division during our August 14th meeting. The modeling proposal is hereby accepted and approved; no further pre -modeling meeting will be required. The Modeling Unit has requested that a brief (one to two pages) bullet type summary of the work be provided at the completion of each of the six enumerated tasks. Where appropriate, multiple tasks could be combined for summary. The summaries should be sent to Mr. Gil Vinzani, Supervisor, Eastern NPDES Program. A final report and review meeting may still be required. If there are any questions, please contact me at (919) 733-5083, ext. 595, or by email at jame§.mckay@ncmail.net. Sincerely, A," Jim McKay ✓ Eastern NPDES Program CcOil Vinzani -Eastern NPDES Program Kathy Stecker — Modeling/ TMDL Unit N 11621 ®Tn NCDENR North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 (919) 733-7015 Customer Service 1 800 623-7748 HAZEN AND SAWYER Environmental Engineers & Scientists September 24, 2007 Mr. Gil Vinzani Supervisor, Eastern NPDES Program Division of Water Quality NPDES Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 — 1617 Dear Mr Vinzani: Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. 4011 WestChase Blvd. Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919)833-7152 2 (919) 833-1828 (Fax) SEP 2 5 2001 Di DENR - WATER QUALITY POINT SOURCE BRANCH Re: City of Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Relocation — River Modeling Approach 30906-005 A 1 C00 91 2),s3 On August 14", 2007 we met with you and other members of the Division of Water Quality (the Division) staff to discuss the City of Havelock's future wastewater treatment and effluent discharge needs. A significant component of these future improvements and upgrades will be dealing with effluent discharges in excess of what is currently permitted in the East Prong of Slocum Creek. This need was also considered in light of the Division's desire to eliminate the effluent discharge into Slocum Creek. The concept that is being considered to address both the City of Havelock's needs, and the Division's concerns with effluent discharge into Slocum Creek, is relocation of the City's effluent discharge from the East Prong of Slocum Creek to the main body of the Neuse River. This approach would include a hydraulic capacity expansion, with no net increase in nutrient load on the river basin. The location being considered for the relocated discharge is downstream of the existing Cherry Point wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge, and upstream of Hancock Creek. It was agreed during our August 14`n meeting that modeling of the river discharge would be required to determine the water quality effects of this discharge on the river, as well as identify any impacts the City's discharge may have on the existing Cherry Point discharge. The City of Havelock is proposing to complete this modeling work. As part of our ongoing engineering services to assist the City of Havelock with its long term wastewater needs, we are proposing the employ the services of Tetra Tech to complete the river modeling and water quality evaluations related to the proposed discharge. Tetra Tech has extensive modeling experience with the Neuse River estuary, and we believe are uniquely qualified to complete this work During our meeting, it was agreed that we would provide the proposed river modeling approach to the Division for review and approval in advance of proceeding. If pursued, the City will make a significant investment in this effort to determine the impacts of the relocated discharge. It will be very important that we have the Division's input on this work in advance of proceeding. "I New York, NY • Armonk, NY • Woodbury, NY • Detroit, MI • Raleigh, NC • Charlotte, NC • Atlanta, GA • Fairfax, VA • Hollywooa, FL • Boca Raton, FL • Fort Pierce, FL • Sarasota, FL • Miami, FL • Philadelphia, PA New York, NY • Philadelphia, PA • Raleigh, NC • Charlotte, NC • Greensboro, NC • Charleston, SC • Atlanta, GA • Fairfax, VA • Baltimore, MD - Cincinnati. OR - Hollywood FL • Boca Raton, FL • Sarasota. FL • Miami, FL RvEN AND SAWYER Mr. Gil Vinzani September 24, 2007 Page 2 To that end, we have worked with Tetra Tech to develop a scope of work and modeling approach for this project. We have attached this scope and approach for the Division's review. We will make ourselves available to meet with you to discuss any questions or comments you or other members of the Division staff have. Following reconciliation of any questions or concerns, we request the Division's approval of the river modeling approach so that the City can authorize it to proceed. Please do not hesitate to call Mr. Trevor Clements at (919) 485-8278 ext 100, or me at (919) 833-7152, with any questions or comments. Very truly yours, HAZE�N AND SAWYER, P.C. H. Thomas Tant, P.E. Senior Associate Htt/htt Enclosure cc: Mr. Jim Freeman, City of Havelock Mr. Pete Deaver, City of Havelock Mr. Trevor Clements, Tetra Tech Mr. Ron Taylor, Hazen and Sawyer City of Havelock proposed discharge relocation Subject: City of Havelock proposed discharge relocation From: "Tint. Thomas H." <ttant@hazenandsawyer.com> Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:07:56 -0400 To: " (gil.vinzani@ncmail.net)" <gil.vinzani@ncmail.net> CC: "Clements, Trevor" <Trevor.Clements@tetratech.com>, Jim Freeman <fi-eeman@cityothavelock.com>. "Taylor, Ronald L." <rltaylor@hazenandsawyer.com>. "Pete Deaver (cleaver@cityofhavelock.com)" <deaver@cityolhavelock.com> Gil, we have attached a cover letter and proposal for your consideration with respect to the river modeling efforts for the City of Havelock's proposed wastewater discharge relocation project. Once you and others have had an opportunity to review this, let us know if a follow-up meeting is warranted in advance of receiving the Division's approval of the approach. We are submitting this in response to our meeting with you and other Division staff in August. We are very appreciative of the Division's assistance in this matter and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thanks, Tom H. Thomas Tant, P.E. Senior Associate Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. Raleigh, North Carolina Office: 919-833-7152 Content -Description: vinzani 09 24.07 1trhd.PDF vinzani 09.24.071trhd.PDFI Content -Type: application/pdf Content -Encoding: base64 I of 1 9/27/2007 3:48 PM Scope of Work Water Quality Modeling Analysis for City of Havelock WWTP Discharge to Neuse River Estuary Prepared for Hazen and Sawyer Tetra Tech, Inc. PO Box 14409 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 September 13, 2007 Tetra Tech Scope or Work - Neuse Estuary Modeling 9113107 Table of Contents lntroduction.... .__......... ............... ..._................................... .......................... ....._..... I 2 Description of Work..._.........................._................................................._........_..... I Task I — Existing Data Compilation and Review ................._. ............................... I Task IA - Compile Existim._ Data............................................................................... l Task I B - Compile and Review Existing Studies ............................................. ....... .. I Task 2 - Model Development ........ .._......................... .........._..._.._........._................_.. 2 Task 2A - EFDC Grid Refinement.__.........._....._..................................................... 2 Task 2B - Additional EFDC Setup ...................................... ....... ............. ............ .._... 2 Task2C - WASP Setup............................................................................................... 3 Task 2D — Determination of Critical Period . ...................... ......... ............................. . 3 Task 3 - Model Simulations. ..................................... ................... ................................. 3 Task 4 — Model Output and Results ... ............................................................................. 3 Task6— Modeling Report ._ .... ...............................................................................__...4 Task 5 - Project Management and Coordination............................................................ 4 3 Schedule and Deliverables.........................................................__..............................4 OTETPA TECN.INC Tetra Tech Scope of Work - Neuse Estuary Modeling 9113107 1 Introduction The City of Havelock (City) currently discharges treated waste water to Slocum Creek, which flows to the Neuse River Estuary. The City has contracted with Hazen and Sawyer (1-l&S) to evaluate wastewater treatment options including an expansion and relocation of their existing discharge. Following the guidance from the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ), I &-S is evaluating a relocation of the existing discharge outfall to the Neuse River Estuary downstream of the existing Cherry Point W WTP outfall FI&S has requested a modeling evaluation of the proposed discharge on water quality in the estuary. Quality considerations include the effect of nutrients and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) on response variables: dissolved oxygen (DO) and chlorophyll a (chl a). In addition, the mixing characteristics at the outfall will be evaluated for an understanding of effluent dilution (and any associated chronic and acute toxicity) for the City's outfall as well as potential interaction with the Chevy Point discharge plume. 2 Description of Work TASK 1 — EXISTING DATA COMPILATION AND REVIEW Tetra Tech will perform necessary data gathering and review of past work. Task 1A - Compile Existing Data Existing data for model development will be collected and reviewed. Data categories include discharger, meteorological, hydrodynamic and water quality. Sources of the data may include DWQ, City, MCAS Cherry Point, NCSU CAAE, UNC-CH IMS, USGS, and NCDC. Water quality data will include ambient data, long term BOD, and others as needed to support model development. The bathymetry needed to describe the bottom elevation will be of particular importance (Tetra Tech will work with existing sources no collection of new survey information is implied). Tetra Tech will seek'thorough coordination with Hazen and Sawyer, City, and DWQ to ensure that the best information is incorporated into the model - Task 1B - Compile and Review Existing Studies The available reports and documents related to the MCAS Cherry Point W WTP outfall including the prior mixing zone analysis will be reviewed to represent the outfall in the model. Relevant considerations are the geometric properties of the outfall, discharge characteristics (flow and quality), and ambient conditions. Geometric properties include features such as number of ports, relevant angles, spacing, and diffuser length. Consistency with the past MCAS Cherry Point work will be assessed and incorporated as appropriate. OTETPUTECNJNC. Tetra Tech Scope of Work — Neuse Estuary Modeling 9113107 In addition to the prior Chevy Point analysis, model files and documentation from the Neuse River Estuary TVtDL modeling will be retrieved and organized to provide the foundation for the current work. TASK 2 - MODEL DEVELOPMENT Tetra Tech will build modeling tools for the current effort based on the previous EFDC and WASP models of the Neuse Estuary developed for the existing nitrogen TNIDL. An EFDC application coupled with its near -field mixing sub -model, Jet -Plumes F DC (JPEFDC) will be developed for the project, which will be linked to a WASP model. The EFDC application will represent the hydrodynamic components including near -field mixing and dilution at the edge of the mixing zone, while WASP (Version 7.2) will represent the fate and transport of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and BOD, as well as response variables of DO and chi o. Together, these tools provide a dynamic, three- dimensional, and robust framework to represent the complex Neuse River Estuary and impacts of the City's discharge. Task 2A - EFDC Grid Refinement Using the previous modeling effort as a starting point, the grid for the area of interest will be extracted and modified to a finer resolution using the best bathymetty data available. To address the near -field mixing zone dynamics, a finer model grid in the vicinity of the Neuse Estuary around Slocum Creek tributary and Cherry Point. Implementation of the finer EFDC model grid, combined with use of the JPEFDC sub -model embedded within EFDC, will provide the capability to look at near -field mixing and dilution at the edge of the mixing zone. Use of a conservative tracer in the modeling will also allow for analysis of any relative mixing interaction between the Cherry Point discharge and effluent front the proposed relocated City outfall. Task 2B - Additional EFDC Setup The Neuse River estuary is a shallow system that is poorly connected to the ocean. As a consequence the tidal range is relatively small and the typical patterns and sequence of high tide/low tide are not present. The water level is more highly impacted by the wind forcing. The wind forcing will be constructed by available data with primary focus oil the bend. There is a lack of observed water surface elevation in the Neuse River estuary. Therefore, some effort will need to be applied to review available discontinuous depth observations from various sources in order to assess a critical period as well as construct a continuous open water boundary forcing. Freshwater flows will be dominantly influenced by the Neuse River at the headwater of the estuary. Remaining watershed area, except for Trent River at Trenton, will be represented by area -weighting the daily average flow record from Trent River at Trenton. A salinity forcing will be developed for the open boundary and assigned after a review of observed data from various sources. The water temperature forcing for the open boundary will be developed from observed data in the vicinity of the open boundary of the grid. The water temperature forcings for the freshwater flows may be assigned from a headwater observation station or a sine curve fitting of observed data. Following set up, EFDC will be linked to the WASP model for quality simulation through use of a linkage file. OTETPA iECM.INC K Tetra Tech Scope of Work — Neuse Estuary Modeling 9113107 Task 2C - WASP Setup The EFDC application will produce a hydrodynamic linkage file (HYD) that will pass hydrodynamic forcings to the WASP model. A series of pre-processing steps will then be applied to develop the WASP model input including kinetics constants, weather time functions, point source water quality loadings, and boundary concentration conditions. Tetra Tech will coordinate with Hazen and Sawyer and the City to determine the input forcings for the W WTP effluent. ammonia, niu ite+nitrate, and organic nitrogen, fractioning for orthophosphate and organic phosphorus, and long-term BOD f-ratio. Task 2D — Determination of Critical Period The ambient flow condition, particularly the ambient velocity, is a critical component in the evaluation of mixing. The model will be run for a period, or periods, that represent least ambient velocity and mixing to incorporate critical conditions of greatest impact. fit addition, the ambient density condition will be evaluated by considering a representative winter and summer period. This will broadly cover cool and warm conditions in the ambient receiving water. Furthermore, the historical salinity observations will be reviewed to help assess what time period represents critical conditions and thus define the simulation period(s). The observed and simulated water temperature and salinity as a surrogate for density will enable selection of a critical period. TASK 3 - MODEL SIMULATIONS The City's WWTP expansion and associated relocation is planned to occur in three phases. Model simulations will be based on conditions with and without the discharge and associated effluent flow and quality characteristics (under Phase I, fl, and 111). In addition, a maximum of two outfall configurations to the Neuse River Estuary will be modeled — either two separate diffttser configurations evaluated at one discharge location, or one diffuser configuration evaluated at two separate discharge locations. (FI&S will provide diffuser configurations based on guidance provided by DWQ for diffusers previously approved by DWQ, and guidance from Tetra Tech based on prior diffuser analysis, with modifications if necessary or warranted for enhanced mixing). Further, simulations will focus on critical conditions and will evaluate both winter and summer time periods. TASK 4 - MODEL OUTPUT AND RESULTS Output generated from model simulations will be post -processed, evaluated, and summarized. The primary evaluation metrics for the proposed work include dissolved oxygen and dilution (acute and chronic). Output will also be provided for secondary variables including BOD, nitrogen, phosphorus, chi a. Note that the City has a waste load allocation for nitrogen under the existing TMDL that cannot be increased (21,400 Ibs/yr TN). The DO response to BOD and nutrients will be evaluated at both near -field and far -field points of interest mutually agreed upon in early discussions with DWQ. In addition, Tetra Tech will evaluate dilution and mixing zone issues using the JPEFDC sub -model OTETMTECN.INC 3 Tetra Tech Scope of Work — Neuse Estuary Modeling 9113107 within EFDC. Tetra Tech will work with H&S, the City, and DWQ to determine what time scale is appropriate to evaluate the acute and chronic dilution and the location of the regulatory prescribed area around the outfall. Finally, the values and relative change for seconclary variables of interest (BOD, nitrogen, phosphorus, chl a) will be provided based on model simulations with and without the dischar_e. TASK 5 - MODELING REPORT A report will be developed by Tetra Tech documenting model development, simwlations; and results. It is expected that there will be two draft versions and a final. The first draft will be reviewed by Hazen and Sawyer and the City of Havelock. A second draft incorporating comments from Flazen and Sawyer and the City of Havelock will be prepared for DWQ review. Continents received from DWQ will be incorporated into the final version of the modeling report as appropriate. Tetra Tech will develop a PowerPoint presentation of the results and final report. and deliver it to the City, H&S and DWQ at a mutually convenient meeting time. TASK 6 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION Tetra Tech will need to meet, plan, coordinate and correspond with staff from }lazes and Sawyer, the City, DWQ and others as appropriate. Coordination and management needs will include data collection, further clarification of technical issues and model assumptions, presentation and discussion of progress on work tasks, guidance or direction for modeling assumptions, exchange of data and information, and routine project planning. Communication will take place in the form of in -person meetings, email, conference calls, and written progress reports. Tetra Tech will prepare and transmit to Hazen and Sawyer monthly progress reports and invoices for the project. 3 Schedule and Deliverables The proposed schedule for completion of tasks is as follows: Task l : Complete compilation and review of existing data and modeling reports, and preliminary determination of critical conditions within 30 clays of notice to proceed. Task 2: Complete model set-up within 90 days of notice to proceed (assuming no problems in obtaining data and modeling information under Task I). Task 3: Complete model simulations within 150 days of notice to proceed. Task 5: Complete draft model documentation within 180 days of notice to proceed. A technical memo will be delivered in *.pdf electronic format. A final technical memo will be delivered within 15 business days of receipt of all continents from DWQ. Results will be presented to and discussed with the City, H&S, and DWQ at a mutually convenient date. Task 6: Progress reports will be submitted along with monthly invoices. OTETPA TECM.IXC. have%ck - proposed ouLfalls T 306 ii Iti 1.` Kennel I�It Bamh Arapahoe yP=Come aIt ve ck e�^ got r 1 8/14/2007 8:20 AM havrock - proposed outfalls Subject: havelock - proposed outfalls From: Mike Templeton <Mike.Templeton@ncmaiLnet> Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:56:12 -0400 To: Kathy Stecker <Kathy.Stec ker@ncmaiLnet>, Adugna Kebede <Adugna.Kebede@ncmaiLnet>, Matt Matthews <Matt.Matthews@ncmaiLnet>, Gil Vinzani <Gil.Vinzani@ncmailnet>, Teresa Rodriguez <Teresa.Rodriguez@ncmaiLnet>, Karen Rust <Karen.Rust@ncmailnet>, Ron Berry <Ron.Berry@ncmailnet> The Neuse estuary in the vicinity of Havelock is classified three ways (see the map below): • NEUSE RIVER, 27(96) From Streets Ferry to a line across Neuse River from Johnson Point to McCotter Point: SC Sw NSW • NEUSE RIVER, Segment 27-(104) From a line across Neuse River from Johnson Point to McCotter Point to aline across Neuse River from Wilkinson Point to Cherry Point: SB Sw NSW • NEUSE RIVER, 27(1 18) From a line across Neuse River from Wilkinson Point to Cherry Point to its mouth in Pamlico Sound (mouth of Neuse River described as a line running from Maw point to Point of Marsh): SA HQW NSW The three sites Havelock identified for its new outfall (thanks, Karen) are numbered in the map below. The first two would discharge to SB Sw waters. The #3 site sits more -or -less on the divide between two segments so, given the tidal regime here, would be treated as a discharge to SA HQW to be conservative. rz'c'eQ a,, � V '" J I of 2 8/14/2007 820 AM TETRATECH 3200 Chapel Hill -Nelson Hwy, Suite 105 PO Box 14409 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Tel 919485-8278 Fax 919-485-8280 MEMORANDUM To: Tom Tant, P.E., Project Manager Hazen & Sawyer From: Trevor Clements, Director Watershed Management Services Cc: Steve Davie, P.E., Greg Sousa, P.E., Todd Kennedy, Q.E.P. Date: July 31, 2007 Subject: Advance Materials for Meeting with NCDWQ and City of Havelock Proj. No. H&S# 30906-005 TO 100-RTP-T20804 Please share the following information with the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) in advance of our scheduled meeting for August 14, so that everyone can prepare accordingly. Tetra Tech Conceptual Modeling Approach The final modeling proposal will be developed after the 8/14/07 meeting with DWQ. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss NC regulations, DWQ policies, and DWQ staff expectations regarding the proposed modeling work such that an appropriate modeling effort can be designed and carried out efficiently. However, we understand that it will be helpful for DWQ to know conceptually what we have in mind so that the meeting will be as productive as possible. In that regard, the following conceptual approach is offered. Tetra Tech will build off of the previous EFDC and WASP models of the Neuse Estuary that was t'X15Lt 5 constructed by Tetra Tech for EPA Region IV as part of the nitrogen TMDL development effort. For consistency purposes, it will be best to use the tool that the TMDL (with corresponding point source wasteload allocations and nonpoint source load allocations) is based upon. The model application will be modified to help address the near -field modeling questions. This will be accomplished by creating a finer model grid in the vicinity of the Neuse Estuary around Slocum Creek tributary and Cherry Point. Implementation of the finer EFDC model grid, combined with use of the Jet �t rt2 r Plumes submodel embedded within EFDC, will provide the capability to look at near -field mixing, dilution at the edge of the mixing zone, as well as far -field water quality impacts. Use of conservative p 7 tracers in the modeling will also allow for analysis of any relative mixing interaction between the Cherry Point discharge and effluent from the proposed relocated Havelock outfall. Questions for DWQ to Support Detailed- Model Approach Development In order for Tetra Tech to refine its conceptual approach into a detailed modeling scope, the following questions need to be answered by DWQ: W (,.ate _4� wK w . lvr 1. What are the specific modeling en¢pQints_(list of parameters) that DWQ will want provided for their review? Please note any differences between parameters that will be reviewed in near -field locations versus far -field locations relative to the outfall. complex world CLEAR SOLUTIONS'" ( 1 3 wtk`) Tt Advance Materials for Meetth 31.2007 2. What criteria wilYbe relevant for the modeling endpoints? Again, please clarify any differences between near -field and far -field locations. 3. Are there specific regulatory or policy considerations that DWQ will make between single -port or 7111/0" multi -port diffusers? (If so, please provide a description and explanation of each) " V_UtC4. What DWQ waste load allocation (WLA) policies are applicable given that the discharge will be Mgt CAS'" relocated in addition to being expanded? 5. Are there specific requirements or expectations regarding representative critical conditions that `y1At✓19 need to be considered in setting up boundary conditions and the hydrologic record for driving the model predictions? Please note how these might differ between the upper Neuse River tributary versus the near -field Slocum Creek tributary. 6. Does DWQ have any mixing zone modeling of the Cherry Point discharge that it can provide to Tetra Tech for reference? (Please describe what is available.) 7. Are there any other modeling assumptions or regulatory factors for Tetra Tech to consider in developing its detailed approach? If so, please describe and explain each. Thank you in advance for your efforts to share this with DWQ staff as quickly as possible to provide for better preparation and a successful kick-off meeting. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or need further explanation on anything (485-8278 ext-100). l M17� ✓12 C a f-wu ILA, &tAj OTETMTfCM l- L L- Draft Agenda City of Havelock WWTP Future Needs, Proposed Expansion, and Discharge Relocation Kickoff Meeting with NCDENR DWQ Date: August 14, 2007 Time: 10:00 am Location: 9`h Floor Conference Room, Archdale Building 1. Introductions 2 3 9 a 31 Review meeting purpose Existing conditions/efforts to reduce WWTP flow Proposed Approach and Improvements 'X a. Flow projections b. Review process and capacity evaluations for future needs i) No net increase in mass loading of nutrients ii) BOD permit limit Proposed river modeling for discharge relocation (see attached Tetra Tech July 31, 2007 Memo) Interim solution for Havelock WWTP discharge 7. Permitting process and next steps S/UCUwG Cr�GK `� Ale USG Ve(✓ C6 rw I Y 1201 4 or' 2,5 "'q(2