NC0020401_201 FACILITIES PLAN_20070320

NPDES DOCUMENT SCANNIN& COVER SHEET
NPDES Permit:
NCO020401
Hickory - Northeast WWTP
Document Type:
Permit Issuance
Wasteload Allocation
Authorization to Construct (AtC)
Permit Modification
Speculative Limits
201 Facilities Plan 1
Instream Assessment (67B)
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Permit
History
Document Date:
March 20, 2007
This dasssumeat Is pr.lmte& oa rezaaa pokp4wr - ignara aay
oast WMt 9:03M the X-ft Wa Se 01de

ADDENDUM
-- ENVIRONMENTAL AsS]ESSM]ENT
RECEIVED
FOR
R 15 2007
ne' WOW01 GRAXTSfITY OF HiCKoRY9 No Co
LOAN SECDON
ARCHITECTS
FIANNERS
NORTHEAST
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
H[SMM Commission No. 60402A
September 10, 2004
Revision 1: ]February 1, 2005
Revision 2: November 18, 2005
Revision 3: March 14, 2007
@ �wg
MAR 2 0 2007
DEER - VJATE=rt QUALITY
Prepared by:
_ AL i
02725
7
ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS
14►8111110"
HAYES, SLAY, MATTERN H MAT -TERN, INC.
181 EAST EVANS STREET SUITE 23
BTC-105
FLORENCE, SC 29506
Hayes, -Seav, nAattem -� ,'Vatiem, iF.c

' ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
' 11.0. PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................... A-1
12.0 ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS...........................................................................A-6
13.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PROJECT AREA ........... A-14
' 14.0 PREDICTED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROJECT .................................. A-23
15.0 MITIGATIVE MEASURES.............................................................................A-33
16.0 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE......................................................................... A-42
17.0 REFERENCES.............................................................................................. A-44
' 18.0 FIGURES..................................................................................................... A-45
' 1. SITE LOCATION..................................................................... ........ A-46
2. WETLANDS LOCATION MAP ................................................. ........ A-47
3. DRAINAGE BASIN AND SEWER MAP........................................................................... A-48
1 4. NFIP FI_ooD INSURANCE RATE MAP.......................................................................... A-49
5. SOILS MAP A-50
6. ZONING MAP.............................................................................................................. A-51
' 7. FORMALLY CLASSIFIED LANDS.................................................................................. A-52
8. NORTH CAROLINA RIVER BASINS.............................................................................. A-53
9. CENSUS MAPS ................... ......................................................................................... A-54
19.0 APPENDIX.................................................................................................. A-55
' A. HICKORY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE...................................................................... A-56
B. CORRESPONDENCE . A-93
C. OPINIONS OF PROBABLE COSTS............................................................................... A-139
201 FACILITIES PLAN NORTHEAST W WTP UPGRADE
' 111CKoRy, NC PAGE ill

ADDENDUM TABLES
TABLE 16.1 - SLOCKGROUP DEMOGRAPHIC DATA .............................................. A-43
............................
201 FACILITIES PI,AN NORTHEAST W WIT UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE lV

11.0 PROPOSED PROJECT' DESCRIPTION
The City of Hickory, NC owns and operates the Northeast WWTP (NPDES Permit No.
NC0020401). The WWTP was upgraded and expanded to a capacity of 6 MGD in 1988.
The plant currently receives an average daily flow of 3.97 MGD and a calculated peak
flow of 15 MGD during significant rain events. The peak flow is calculated based on a
peaking factor of 2.5 and the addition ofaverage infiltration/inflow. The plant discharges
treated effluent into Lake Hickory.
The Northeast WWTP is bordered by Cloninger Mill Road to the cast, Falling Creek to
the south, and developed communities to the north and west of the facility. The WWTP
site consists of approximately 10 acres of land, where all major construction and
demolition will take place during the proposed project. The drainage basin for the
Northeast WWTP, Figure 3 in Section 18, encompasses approximately 19,200 acres. The
drainage basin is bounded by Lake Hickory to the north, Springs Road to the east,
Highland Avenue to the south, and US 321 to the west.
Rain events over the past hive years have overloaded the influent pump station and'eaused
non-compliance with the City's NPDES permit due to solids washout. Also, the plant
processes currently in operation are in need of replacement in order to ensure reliable
wastewater treatment. The proposed project will upgrade the existing treatment process
' and incorporate a 2.2 MGD flow equalization basin to handle excess inflow received at
the plant. The construction of three (3) 3 MGD biological aeration wastewater treatment
systems within the current WWTP property boundaries is also proposed. After
installation of all plant processes and upgrades, one extended aeration basin will be
' converted to a 2.2 MG equalization basin to handle system inflow.
The first extended aeration reactor would be erected south of the oldest existing primary
clarifier and aeration basin in order to allow continuous operation of the plant. After
placing this unit online, the aeration basin and primary clarifier would be taken out of
service in order to make room for the remaining reactors.
201 FACILITIESPLAN-ADDENDUM NO RTI I FAST W WTP U PG RA DE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-1

A new licadworks facility would be constructed and contained in a single story brick
masonry building with a concrete foundation and an area of 1,800 square feet. This
facility would contain a once -through Odor Control Scrubber manufactured .of High
Density Cross -linked Polyethylene, which would replace the existing Pepcon odor
control system. The Odor Control Scrubber would be installed in order to prohibit excess
odor from affecting residential areas surrounding the WWTP.
The existing influent pump station (IPS) would be upgraded to eliminate the hydraulic
overloading of the pump station during significant rain events. The pump station would
be upgraded to a rated capacity of 12 MGD.
The remaining aeration basin, primary clarifier and the single stage anaerobic digester at
' the existing plant would be removed and two (2) new final clarifiers and a waste
activated sludge (WAS) storage tank would be constructed. The onsitc CRP digester and
secondary containment would be removed to allow space for construction of an
additional waste activated sludge storage tank.
The existinggravity belt thickeners would be removed and replaced by new rotating
g Y p
drum thickeners capable of thickening the waste activated sludge from a 12 MGD
oxidation ditch. A separate thickened sludge holding tank would be constructed on site.
The thickened sludge holding tank would allow for more economical operation of the
thickening system than the current practice of only operating long enough to fill a single
tanker truck.
1 The WWTP chlorine contact chamber would also need to be enlarged in order to provide
adequate contact time. Existing gaseous chlorine and sulfur dioxide equipment would be
' removed and replaced by liquid sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite for
chlorination and dechlorination applications. The liquid sodium hypochlorite would be
generated on site. Adequate aeration equipment will be included to ensure the effluent
dissolved oxygen limits are met.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTIIEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-2

Influent piping around the plant would be upgraded to include approximately 700 linear
feet of 18-inch force main that would parallel an existing 14-inch force main. In
addition, approximately 400 linear feet of 30-inch force main and approximately 300
linear feet of 42-inch gravity sewers would be placed within the WWTP boundaries.
Approximately 500 linear feet of 30-inch gravity sewers would nearly parallel existing
gravity sewer lines entering the WWTP. The combined length of influent piping is
approximately 1,900 linear feet or approximately 0.4 miles of pipe.
Tile construction of a maintenance building on the existing WWTP site will be included
as a portion of the proposed project. The maintenance building would be a single story
building of approximately 1,900 square feet.
The proposed project would also include the construction of an administration building
and a laboratory building. The original plans proposed construction of these buildings
adjacent to the WWTP south of Falling Creek; however, after the collection of additional
information the proposed buildings will be constructed on the existing WWTP site. The
site: location for the administration and lab buildings is adjacent to the WWTP north of
Falling Creek. The administration building would have a floor plan of approximately
4,100 square feet, and the laboratory building would require floor space of roughly 3,000
square feet. Both buildings would be single story buildings.
The total footprint for the proposed project would be approximately 135,000 square feet,
and will disturb approximately 5 acres. The construction and demolition associated with
the proposed project would take place within the boundaries of the current Hickory NE
WWTP property or in the area of existing influent pump station. This is an area of
approximately 10 acres. The disturbance of no more than 3 acres would be necessary to
allow construction of the laboratory and administration buildings on the WWTP site.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-3

l 1.01 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROPOSED PROJECT
The purpose of the project is to update the Northeast WWTP processes, and to replace
old, inefficient equipment. The proposed upgrades and additions will improve the plant's
ability to handle large inflows seen at the plant and its capability to reliably treat all
influent wastewater.
The current average daily flow for the Northeast WWTP is 3.97 MGD, with a peak flow
of 15 MGD calculated for significant rainfalls. This peak flow hydraulically overloads
the secondary clarifiers, causing solids to wash out of the system. The Northeast WWTP
has been issued five notices of non-compliance with their NPDES perinit since August
23, 1999 due to inflow and infiltration of stone water into the sanitary sewer. Extended
rain events also hydraulically overload the influent pump station, resulting in three spill
events since 4 998.
The current WW'CP configuration employs two parallel treatment trains. Neither process
train is able to adequately treat the present average daily flow; therefore it is not feasible
to take one side of the treatment plant offline for maintenance and repairs. Hence, many
of the mechanical components throughout the plant are in need of repair to ensure
efficient operation.
There is also a deficiency in the amount of unthickened sludge storage space and a lack
of any thickened sludge storage. The shortage of sludge storage forces the gravity belt
thickeners to be started up when a tanker truck arrives for loading, and shut down after
the truck is loaded. This is an inefficient operation. Additional sludge storage would
allow for the thickening process to be run as necessary.
As stated by NCDENR personnel in a letter dated September 1, 2004, Lake Hickory is
showing signs of nutrient enrichment. While this nutrient enrichment may be attributed
to non -point source discharges, it is possible the State may regulate point source
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WW'IT UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A4

' discharges as a way to lower the overall impact. The plant as currently configured is
incapable of achieving; nutrient removal,
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality issued a compliance schedule within the
City of Hickory's System -Wide Wastewater Collection System Pen -nit. The compliance
schedule was set to address hydraulic capacity problems at the Northeast WWTP's
influent pump station. The City of Hickory requested an extension in the compliance
schedule on June 27, 2005. The extension of the compliance schedule was requested so
the necessary pump station modifications can be completed as a portion of the project as
presented herein.
The proposed project as described above will allow the City of Hickory to adequately
treat the current and future wastewater demands placed on the system by area residents in
a more efficient and economical manner. The incorporation of the 1,200 residents in
Alexander County with failing septic tanks into the sewer service area will not
' necessitate an expansion in plant capacity. The inclusion of these residents is not a
portion of the project as outlined herein. The modifications will also allow for
stabilization of flows during rain events, thereby eliminating discharge non-compliance
and spill events. This will be accomplished through proposed maintenance, renovations,
' and construction previously outlined.
1
201 FACILITIES PLAN --ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W WTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-5

12.0 ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
1 12.01 Alternative 1— No Action
The Northeast WWTP currently receives an average influent flow of 3.95 MGD, or 66%
of the design plant capacity. However following periods of significant rains, the
calculated peak flow is approximately 15 MGD.
The current plant configuration cannot efficiently handle this flow. The lack of sufficient
hydraulic capacity throughout the plant has resulted in five (5) notices of NPDES permit
non-compliance issued by the plant over the past five years. Following significant rain
events, the influent pump station hydraulically overloads the secondary clarifiers, causing
washout of solids.
In addition to the overloading of the secondary clarifiers, the Northeast Plant influent
pump station hydraulically overloads during extended rain events. The peak capacity of
pump stations and gravity sewer lines received by the influent pump station is 10.4 MGD,
while the pump station capacity is 4.7 MGD. The pump station is unable to handle these
flows for extended periods. This inadequacy has resulted in a compliance schedule being
issued for the City's collection system permit. The City of Hickory requested an
extension in the compliance schedule on June 27, 2005 so the necessary pump station
modifications can be completed as a portion of the proposed project as presented herein.
Plant equipment is also in need of repairs that cannot be completed because neither
Streatment train is able to adequately handle the entire plant flow. Some plant
components have been in place since the expansion in 1988 while other components have
been in operation for over 35 years, Many of these components are in need of
replacement. Due to the current condition of the Northeast WWTP, taking no action is
not a feasible alternative.
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHERS"I' WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-6

12.02 Alternative 2 — Optimizing Operation of Existing Facilities
Due to the many inadequacies of plant processes to handle the hydraulic capacity
entering the plant, the optimization of plant operations would have very little impact on
the NPDES violations experienced at Hickory's Northeast WWTP. Furthennore, some
equipment in use at the plant has been in place for over 35 years, and is need of
replacement. In addition to these limitations, the current treatment processes are
inadequate in their ability to provide the level of treatment that may be required to meet
future NPDES permit limits. Therefore, this alternative may be eliminated as a viable
alternative.
12.03 Alternative 3 — Ladd Application
Analysis of land application of wastewater as a practical alternative included three
application processes: rapid infiltration into soils, slow rate processes, and overland flow.
The use of a rapid infiltration system would require the presence of rapidly permeable
soils. —According to the soil survey for Catawba County, the dominant soil type at the
WWTP site is leveled clayey land, which is characterized by moderate or slow
permeability. As such, rapid infiltration was eliminated as an option.
Likewise, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
manual, Cost of Land Treatmehl Systems, an overland flow system should be comprised
of soils with slopes oft-8%. The areas feasible to utilize a land treatment system consist
of slopes predominantly greater than 8%, therefore an overland flow operation was also
eliminated from consideration.
Based on these preliminary evaluations the option of a slow rate process was chosen for
further analysis. The land application cost analysis assumed the following conditions
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-7

could be met: (1) Adequate land available to handle an average flow of 6 MGD, and (2)
Secondary treatment of wastewater prior to land application.
The aforementioned USEPA manual was used as a reference for cost estimation. Based
on Figure 7 on page 23 of the EPA manual approximately 1,400 acres of contiguous land
would be needed in order to land apply the treated effluent, provide adequate buffers, and
provide storage ponds. Contiguous land tracts of this magnitude are not readily available
in the area surrounding the WWTP.
Neglecting the lack of adequate land, the cost analysis was perfonned assuming a land
cost of $5,000 per acre in order to examine the financial feasibility of land application_
All other monetary values of land applying the treated wastewater were taken from
Section 3 of Cost of'l and Treatment Svsteins manual. Costs were adjusted to account for
price changes from 1980 to 2004.
Design assumptions made to perform the land application cost analysis included: (1) Two
miles of 24-inch pipe would be required to transport treated effluent to the land
application site, (2) Adequate storage for two weeks of treated effluent, (3) A solid set
sprinkling system would be used to land apply treated effluent, (4) A nonoperating time
of 2 weeks is used for area of land, and (5) The design application rates are 0.2 inches per
hour and 1.5 inches per week per acre.
Secondary treatment of wastewater is necessary for land application. Therefore, the
installation of a land application process would still require plant upgrades in order to
provide sufficient treatment. It is assumed that the best alternative for upgrading the
WWTP is identical to the plan developed in Section 1 1.0. Based oil the above
assumptions, total capital costs for land application, including construction and design
was estimated at nearly $44,000,000. The operation and maintenance costs for a land
application facility, including the secondary WWTP, were estimated to be approximately
$2,400,000 per year. As a result of the large cost to land apply secondary treated
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-8

wastewater and the lack of sufficient land in the surrounding area; land application is not
a feasible alternative.
12.04 Alternative 4 — Downtown Sewer System Construction
The City of Hickory's downtown area currently utilizes a sewer system receiving
stormwater, which increases the waste stream volume during periods of rain. The
downtown sewer system consists of both roof drains and storm drains emptying directly
into sewers. Portions of the downtown sewer system have been in place in excess of 100
years. Therefore there are also deficiencies in the sewer system that increases the
amount of inflow entering the system.
An alternative to treating the stormwater as if it was wastewater is to eliminate the
introduction of the stormwater into the waste stream. This would require the removal of
all roof and storm drains discharging directly to sewage lines,
An additional storm water system would need to be installed in order to properly drain
storm water. This would include design of the system, installation of the storm drain
lines, owner compensation, and replacement/repaving any roads or sidewalks damaged
during installation. A preliminary cost estimate for this work is outlined in Appendix C.
According to City of Hickory personnel the approximate area of the downtown sewer
system is a 5 block by 5 block area. The estimated construction cost of a separate storm
sewer system in the downtown area is approximately $11,870,000. Inclusion of
engineering costs brings the total costs for sewer rehabilitation to an estimated $13
million. Assuming operation and maintenance to be 1.5% of the total construction costs,
the annual costs are approximately $178,000 per year. This cost estimate includes only
removal of stonnwater from the sewer system and does not address the need for plant
rehabilitation to replace processes that have been in operation for 35 years.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGG A-9

It is assumed that the cost estimate for upgrading plant equipment would be similar in
capital costs as those outlined in Section 11.0, with the elimination of the equalization
basin. The cost estimate presented in Appendix C includes the additional costs. The
overall cost of constructing a downtown sewer system and ensuring reliable treatment at
the plant is estimated at approximately $33,720,000. Operation and maintenance costs
for the associated project are estimated at $1,015,000,
As a result of the downtown sewer system being located in the congested business area,
the difficulties of implementing a construction plan in the area must be considered.
Construction of a new stormwater system in the downtown area would require rerouting
of traffic and demolition of sidewalks throughout the area, thereby potentially crippling
business owners in the thriving business districts.
Apart from the monetary damage to downtown business owners, the construction of a
separate sewer system in the area would include numerous complications. The
cooperation of property owners in the area would be required to effectively remove all
roof drains entering the downtown sewer system.
Also, the majority of public utility lines in this area are underground, which would
require extreme caution during planning and construction to ensure that lines are either
circumvented or rerouted. Extensive surveying would be required to determine the actual
areas using the downtown sewer system.
Based on extensive costs, disruptions to business owners in the area, and complications
with installation; construction of a separate sewer system is not an attractive alternative
for residents in the Northeast WWTP drainage area.
12.05 Alternative 5 — Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility
The City of Hickory is divided into three distinct drainage areas: Lake Hickory, Henry
Fork, and Clark Creek basins. The Northeast WWTP is the sole provider of wastewater
201 FACILMES PLAN- ADDENDUM NOR'rHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
1-1ICKORY, NC PAGE A-10

treatment in the Lake Hickory drainage area, thereby essentially establishing the plant as
a regional wastewater treatment facility for the drainage basin. In order to establish a true
regional WWTP serving multiple drainage basins, an existing facility site would have to
be abandoned. The alternative of a regional WWTP was examined as a portion of the
201 Facilities Planning Study for the Hickory -Newton Complex as submitted to the
Western Piedmont Council of Government in 1980. The alternatives analysis in the
referenced study concluded that the use of a regional WWTP was not economically
advantageous.
The most likely scenario for implementation of a regional WWTP would eliminate the
Northeast WWTP. Construction of the regional WWTP would have to be completed at
the Henry Fork site due to the lack of adequate space at the Northeast WWTP. In order
for this to happen approximately 59,000 If of 42-inch force main would have to be
installed. The topography of the region would place in excess of 150' of static head on
pumping wastewater from the Lake Hickory Drainage Basin to the Henry Fork Drainage
Basin. The installation of multiple pump stations capable of transporting wastewater in
these conditions would be financially prohibitive. In addition to the long pipe runs and
the high static head that must be overcome the force main would have to pass through
congested areas of the City. This would make the securing of right of ways for the large
force main much more difficult. Additionally, A regional WWTP at the Henry Fork
WWTP would require plant construction costs similar to an upgrade of the Northeast
WWTP.
In addition to the financial difficulties relating to the implementation of a regional
WWTP, the elimination of one of the City's treatment plants would increase the
environmental impacts to the area. The waste loadings seen by either the Henry Fork
River or Lake Hickory would increase drastically due to the increase in wastewater pow_
Also, by concentrating the waste treatment into one facility a previously undisturbed area
would have to be disturbed to provide adequate treatment capacity. Additionally,
incorporation of 11 miles of new force main would likely impact wetlands, forest
resources, soil, topography, and water resources to a much greater extent than upgrading
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHI-AST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PACE A-1 1

' the existing facility_ The associated construction could also potentially impact prime
agricultural lands, archaeological areas, and scenic or recreational lands.
Based on the financial, technical, and environmental drawbacks to instituting a regional
' wastewater treatment facility in place of the existing facilities, and the findings of the 201
Facilities Planning Study for the Hickory -Newton Complex submitted in 1980, this
alternative is not considered a reasonable alternative and therefore a detailed present
worth analysis was not performed for the alternative.
12.06 Alternative 6 — Water Reuse System
The largest industry discharging to the Hickory Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant is
Hickory Dyeing and Winding who contributes approximately 0.054 MGD of wastewater
to the facility. There are no facilities with a process water demand significant enough to
reuse the amount of flow currently seen at the Northeast WWTP, Also this option would
not address the treatment processes at the treatment plant. Therefore, reuse of treated
wastewater is not a viable option.
12.07 Alternative 7 — Northeast Plant Upgrade
The final alternative evaluated was to upgrade the City of Hickory's existing Northeast
WWTP, including the installation of an equalization basin. Preliminary design
calculations were performed in an effort to establish a cost basis for analysis. The
proposed project entails significant renovations and the installation of a 2.2 MGD
equalization basin on the site of the Northeast WWTP. Tile design upgrades and
modifications included in this analysis are outlined in Section 11.0.
The proposed plant upgrades will occur on existing City of Hickory property with
minimal additional land disturbance. The construction and engineering costs for the
proposed project as outlined above is estimated to be approximately $22.9 million.
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTI' UPGRADE
HICKORY. NC PAGE A-12

Operation and maintenance costs for the associated project are .estintated. at
approximately $ 1.125 million.
I2.08 Recommendations
Based on the alternative analysis outlined above, it is recommended that the best
alternative to handle plant inflow and process limitations at the Northeast Plant be
' through upgrade and modification of the existing plant With the addition of an
equalization basin.
201 FACILITIFS PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHFAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-13

13.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF'PROJECr AREA
13.01 Topography
Catawba County is in the Piedmont physiographic province. Interstream areas represent
a peneplain that has been dissected by moderately swift streams, most of which flow
eastward and southeastward. The average elevation in the county is 1,165 feet above sea
level. Elevations within the City of Hickory Northeast Wastewater 'treatment Plant
Project area range from 952 to 1016 feet above sea level. The treatment plant site is
relatively flat, with some areas of relief. The slopes range from approximately 2% to
20%.
Erosion has greatly altered the topography of the county. In most places a thick layer of
soil and soft weathered rock overlie bedrock. Stone lines in many places, at varying
' depths in the soil material, indicate that repeated cutting and filling have occurred until
the present landscape of broad, gently sloping ridges and smooth slopes has become
more or less stable.
Area flood zones are delineated on NFIP Flood Insurance Rate Map Community - Panel
Number 370054-OOIOC and are presented as Figure 4 in Section 18. Base flood
elevations as called out on the NFIP map were interpolated to establish the base flood
elevation range from the southwestern corner of the site to the southeastern corner.
These elevations are estimated to be approximately 966 feet above sea level on the
southwest corner, and 960 feet on the southeast corner.
Survey points were then assimilated to establish whether the current plant site is within
the 100-year flood plain. The survey elevations, based on the National Geodetic Vertical
Datum of 1929 as referenced on the NFIP map, ranged from approximately 968 feet on
the southeast corner to 980 feet on the southwest corner. This range confirms the plant
site is not located within the 100-year flood plain based on elevations.
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W WTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGI: A-14

' 13.02 Soils
- The Soil Survey of Catawba County, NC, distributed by the United States Department of
1 Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) indicates the
dominant soil types of the proposed project area are classified as Leveled clayey land,
Pacolct soils, Pacolct gravelly tine sandy loam, and Chewacla loam.
1 According to the Soil Survey of Catawba County, Leveled clayey land consists of areas
on uplands that have been cut or filled and altered to such an extent that the original soils
' cannot be recognized. In some places the surface layer, the subsoil, and part of the
underlying material have been removed. In other places the till is 6 to 8 feet thick.
' Leveled clayey land is used chiefly for parking lots, playgrounds, and industrial sites.
The area of Leveled clavey land is the land on which the WWTP currently sits.
Pacolct soils are well -drained soils on uplands. They occupy fairly long, narrow bands
along drainage ways or between the milder and steeper slopes. Areas are 5 to 50 acres in
size, and the slopes are between 10 to 25 percent for this soil type.
Pacolct gravelly fine sandy loam is a well -drained soil in long narrow bands on upper
slopes of the uplands. Areas are 4 to 30 acres in size, and the soil type typical of the
project area has slopes of G to 10 percent.
Chewacla loam is a somewhat poorly drained soil on flood plains. It is very frequently
flooded. It is along streams in strips up to 2 miles long, 200 to 600 feet wide, and 2 to 40
acres in size. Slopes for this soil type are 0 to 2 percent. Portions of the soils map for the
project area are included as Figure 5 in Section 18.
13.03 Land Use
The area to be impacted during the Hickory Northeast WWTP Project is currently owned
by the City of Hickory and is zoned as Secondary Residential. Areas immediately
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHI=As'r WWTP UPGRADE
1.1ICKORY, NC PAGE A-15

surrounding the project area are zoned as Secondary Residential and Neighborhood Core
Commercial. The City of Hickory's zoning map is included as Figure 6 in Section 18.
' 13.04 Wetlands
1 A review of the United States Department of Interior (USDI) Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wetlands online map service indicates that there are two classified wetlands
' within 1,000 feet of the project area. These classifications are PFOIA (Palustrine
System, Forested, Broad -Leaved Deciduous, Temporarily Flooded) and PFO1Ch
' (Palustrine System, Forested, Broad -Leaved Deciduous, Seasonably Flooded,
Diked/Impounded). Wetlands surrounding the proposed project site are shown on a
USGS map in Figure 2 of Section 18.
' A preliminary wetlands delineation was conducted in October 2004. A letter was mailed
to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on November 11, 2004 requesting a site
' visit and confirmation of the preliminary delineation. The preliminary wetlands
delineation showed that the location of the wastewater treatment plant is not within
jurisdictional wetlands. The vegetation, soils and hydrology were found to have
characteristics indicative of an upland area. As a result of the wetlands delineation and
consultation of existing USDI map services the till of jurisdictional wetlands is not
anticipated in this project.
13.05 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands
Prime farmland as defined by the USDA are areas where the soils are best suited for
producing food, feed, fiber, forage and oilseed crops_ These areas have good qualities,
are favorable for all the major crops common to the county, have a favorable growing
season, and receive the available moisture needed to produce high yields on an average
of 8 out of every 10 years. According to the above description, none of the dominant soil
types within the proposed project area can be classified as prime farmland.
1
201 i=ACILITIESPLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-16

13.06 Public Lands and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural Areas
' Formally classified lands include national parks, national monuments, national natural
landmarks, national battlefields, wilderness areas, scenic rivers, recreational rivers,
wildlife refuges, national seashores, lakeshores, state parks, BLM administered lands,
' national forests, national grasslands, and Native American owned lands. Lake Hickory's
shoreline is approximately 1,500 feet from the proposed Hickory NE WWTP Upgrade
1 site. There are no other formally classified lands within a fifteen -mile radius of the
proposed project. The United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey
' (USGS) Maps covering the project area includes the Hickory, NC Quadrangle, Figure 7
in Section 18 presents the proximity of the proposed plant site to formally classified
lands.
13.07 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value
As documented in a letter dated April 21, 2004, from the North Carolina Department of
Cultural Resources State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), there are no known
historic resources that would be affected by this project.
13.08 Air Quality
According to EPA Region 4, Catawba County has an attainment classification for all
pollutants. Current air emissions for the site are Iimited to rural road traffic. Following
the installation of scrubber systems on the headworks, primary clarifier, sludge
recirculation building, and belt press building, the plant has been abic to eliminate the
majority of odor complaints from residents in close proximity to the plant_
The WWTP received 8 odor complaints in 2002, 10 in 2003, and have yet to receive any
odor complaints in 2004. The majority of complaints fielded by plant staff have been
from the influent wastewater releasing hydrogen sulfide in close proximity to the plant.
The discharge of hydrogen sulfide is a result of the wastewater passing through two lift
201 FACILITIES PLAN --ADDENDUM NORTIAEAs"r WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY. NC PACE. A-l7

stations in series and passing through a long forcemain, wherein the waste may become
septic. The City of Hickory ha handled this problem via the addition of chemicals which
' bind the sulfides, thereby reducing the formation and subsequent release of hydrogen
sulfide. This practice has reduced the hydrogen sulfide concentrations from 60 ppm to
approximately 3 ppm
1 13.09 Noise Levels
1 Noise levels within the City of Hickory Northeast WWTP project area are limited to
' vehicular activities in the surrounding area and operation activities within the WWTP.
The plant currently utilizes one onsite diesel generator. The generator is tested weekly,
' and run under full load monthly.
1 13.10 Water Resources
' The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade project is located in the
Catawba River Basin. A list of North Carolina Water bodies, listed by county, was
' reviewed. Surface waters within the project area include:
' Surface Water Nante Classification Flow Type
Falling Creek C Perennial
Lake Hickory WS-V, B Perennial
(From NC Hwy 127 To Oxford Dam)
Uses of the above classifications are as follows:
Class B:
Freshwaters protected for primary recreation, secondary recreation, fishing,
aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife. Primary recreation
includes swimming on a frequent or organized basis. Secondary recreation
1
201 FACILITIES PLAN --ADDENDUM NORTHEASTWW`ITUPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-I8

includes wading, boating, other uses not involving human body contact with
water, and activities involving human body contact with water where such
activities take place on an infrequent, unorganized, or incidental basis.
Class C:
Freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life Including
propagation and survival, and wildlife. Secondary recreation includes wading,
boating, other uses not involving human body contact with water, and activities
involving human body contact with water where such activities take place on an
infrequent, unorganized, or incidental basis.
Class WS-V-
North Carolina's DENR defines class WS-V waters as freshwaters protected as
water supplies which are generally upstream of and draining to Class WS-IV
waters. No categorical restrictions on watershed development or treated
wastewater discharges sliall be required. However, the Commission or its
designee may apply appropriate management requirements as deemed necessary
for the protection of downstream receiving waters (1 5A NCAC 2B .0203). Class
WS-V waters are suitable for all Class C uses_
A USCS map of the surface waters and their relation to the project area is presented in
Figure 1. The surface waters listed above are part of the Catawba River Basin. A map of
North Carolina River Basins is presented in Figure 8 in Section 18. The Catawba River
Basin encompasses 3,285 square miles and contains 3,042 miles of streams. The train
channel of the Catawba River has seven hydropower reservoirs beginning with Lake
James and continuing to Lake Wylie and the South Carolina border. These reservoirs
provide electrical power, water supplies, and recreation for people living in the most
densely populated watershed of the state.
201 FACILITIES PLAN- ADDENDUM NORTHEAsr WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGF A-19

There are two aquifer systems in the Northeast WWTP service areas, -the Piedmont and
Blue Ridge Mountain crystalline rock aquifer, and the Carbonate rock aquifer. These
aquifers are not used to supply potable water to Northeast WWTP customers. Lake
Hickory serves as the sole drinking water source for the area, Water withdrawn from
Lake Hickory is treated at the Hickory Water Treatment Plant, which has a rated capacity
of 32 MGD.
13.11 Forest Resources
' Forest resources within the proposed project area are very minimal with the majority of
construction taking place on previously disturbed land. Forest resources within the area
' mainly consist of hardwoods, including maple and tupelo. No more than three (3) acres
of trees will be disturbed to complete the project as proposed.
13.12 Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats
The area along Falling Creek adjacent to the existing Hickory Northeast WWTP was
traversed as a component of the wetlands delineation and site visit in October 2004. It
was noted that the forested buffer along the area near the WWTP provides healthy fish
habitat. On the contrary, upstream of the WWTP on Falling Creek there is no forested
buffer. Minnows were noted in the portion of Falling Creek adjacent to the WWTP, but
no life was sited upstream. The City of Hickory proposes to purchase conservation
easements upstream of the plant so that trees can be replanted and fish habitat restored.
The modifications to the WWTP are not expected to impact fish habitat as the forested
buffer along Falling Creek will remain. In fact, the WWTP upgrade will probably
improve fish habitat since storm water management will be provided to reduce the runoff'
from the property to pre -developed velocities.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W W't'P UPGRADE
H ICKORY, NC PACE A-20

13.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program's County Species List there
are three species in Catawba County that are on the Federal List ofEndangered and
Threatened Wildlife and Plants or federal species of concern. One of the three species,
the dwarf -flowered heartleaf (Hexa.stylis nana flora), is recognized as a threatened species.
The remaining two species are federal species of concern, the Catawba crayfish ostracod
(Dactylocyihere isabelae) and sweet pincsap (Monotropsi.s odorata).
Sweet pinesap is not likely to be found on the proposed construction site due to the
preferred habitat of the perennial plant being; pine forests. The construction site is only
moderately forested, with a majority of forest resources being hardwoods.
According; to the Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Animals of North Carolina,
Catawba crayfish ostracods are found solely in Lyle Creek of the Catawba drainage
basin. While Lyle Creek is within Catawba County, the creek is approximately three (3)
miles from the proposed construction site.
The environmental conditions favored by the dwarf -flowered heartleaf are likely to be
found within the perimeter of the proposed construction site. The preferred habitat for
this species is along bluffs and north -facing slopes and boggy areas along streams with
acid, sandy loam soils in deciduous forests. All of these conditions exist within the
proposed construction site boundaries.
The forested canopy at the WWTP site consists of sycamore, white aster, tulip poplar,
red maple, pin cherry, river birch, and holly. The majority of the canopy is open, with
the understory consisting of the following species: soft rush, flat sedge, goldenrod,
kudzu, joe pyc weed, lespedeza, queen anne's lace, giant kane, poison ivy, and
blackberry. Significant wildlife species were not found in the project area. Squirrels, the
great blue heron and small song; birds were noted during a site visit. Minnows and
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WVIT UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-21

macroinvertabrates were sited in the stream. The rock outcropping downstream of the
wastewater treatment plant on Falling Creek probably prevents fish in Lake Hickory
from traveling upstream to the wastewater treatment plant to spawn.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -- ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W WTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-22

14.0 PREDICTED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROJECT
14.01 Topography
Direct Impacts — The direct environmental impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's
Northeast WWTP Upgrade on topography includes the installation of large plant
processes. The large unit operations and pipe installations will require cut areas in the
existing topography. Topography surrounding the unit processes and the installed pipe
will be restored to pre -construction contours where possible.
The 100-year flood plain surrounding the plant site should not be affected directly as the
entire site was established through surveyed elevations as being above the flood plain.
Therefore fill within Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodways will
not occur as a portion of this project.
Indirect Impacts — Construction activity may indirectly impact the existing topography
from unexpected erosion, and the possible depositing of silt within the 100-year flood
plain. The contractor shall minimize this occurrence by using silt fencing to retain any
erosion possible, and the contractor shall also overseed the site following construction.
Cumulative Impacts — The area to be served by the proposed project is expected to
increase by a population of approximately 14,500 over the next 20 years. However, the
projected population increase is not a component of the proposed project, because there
is no expansion in plant capacity or sewer service area is included as a part of the
proposed project. Therefore there are no cumulative or secondary impacts anticipated
from the project on topography due to the proposed project. The expected cumulative
impacts to topography related to the proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP
project are limited to the temporary disturbance of existing topography to install the new
plant processes and associated piping.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEASTWWTPUPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-23

1
14.02 Soil
Direct Impacts — The direct impacts of the proposed City of Hickory Northeast WWTP
Upgrade project on soils includes moving a moderate amount of soil during construction
of new plant processes. These operations should not result in soil contamination;
however the erosion of some soils may occur during construction. The magnitude of
erosion shall be controlled by the contractor through the use of silt fencing and
overseeding of disturbed soil after completion of construction.
Approximately 183,000 cubic yards of soil will be moved during construction.
Following construction the soil will be compacted and graded to restore pre -construction
contours where possible.
Indirect Impacts — There are no anticipated indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on soils in the service area.
Cumulative Impacts — The area to be served by the proposed City of Hickory's
Northeast WWTP upgrade is expected to increase in population by over 14,000 over the
' next twenty years. Although this increase in population may affect the soil
characteristics within the drainage basin, the population increase is not related to the
' project in that no expansion in capacity is being proposed. Therefore the cumulative
impacts on soils within the region relating to the proposed project are anticipated to be
' minimal.
1 14.03 Land Use
Direct Impacts — The direct impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's Northeast
WWTP Upgrade Project on land use are predicted to be minimal. The area to be served
' by the treatment plant is primarily zoned for commercial and residential use. There is no
201 FACILITIES PLAN-Al7DENDUM NORTHEAST W WIT UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-24

increase in plant capacity proposed. Therefore, the proposed upgrade will not promote
growth above the potential already accommodated by the present plant capacity.
Indirect Impacts — There are no anticipated indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on land use in the Lake Hickory drainage area.
Cumulative Impacts — Although the service area of the Northeast WWTP is expected to
increase in population over the next twenty years, the cumulative impacts of the proposed
WWTP Upgrade project are anticipated to be minimal. This expectation is because there
is no increase in plant capacity being proposed as a portion of this project.
14.04 Wetlands
Direct Impacts — A preliminary wetlands delineation conducted in October 2004
exhibited that the existing WWTP site is comprised of conditions characteristic of an
upland area. Therefore there are no direct impacts likely on jurisdictional wetlands.
Indirect Impacts — There are no expected indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on wetlands in the service area.
Cumulative Impacts — Although the service area of the Northeast WWTP is expected to
increase in population over the next twenty years, there are no cumulative impacts on
wetlands resulting from the proposed WWTP Upgrade project. The population increase
expected is not a result of the project, and are not enhanced by an increase in flow.
14.05 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands
Direct Impacts — The proposed City of Hickory WWTP Upgrade Project will not have
any adverse direct impacts on Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-25

Indirect Impacts — The proposed City of Hickory WWTP Upgrade Project will not have
any adverse indirect impacts on Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands.
Cumulative Impacts — There are no apparent cumulative impacts of the proposed City
of Hickory WWTP Upgrade Project on Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands.
14.06 Public Lands, Scenic or Recreational Areas
Direct Impacts — The shoreline of Lake Hickory is located within approximately 1,500
feet of the project site. The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Project should
not have any adverse direct impacts on the lake or other Public Lands, Scenic Areas, or
Recreational Areas given the fact that the WWTP will be in the same location as the
existing plant.
Indirect Impacts — The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project
should not have any adverse indirect impacts on Public Lands, Scenic or Recreational
areas.
Cumulative Impacts — Although the project site is within approximately 1,500 feet of
Lake Hickory's shoreline, there are no anticipated adverse cumulative impacts of the
proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project on Public Lands, Scenic
or Recreational areas. The proposed project is expected to increase the level of
protection for Lake Hickory by minimizing the potential for solids washout and process
overflows resulting from periods of heavy rains.
14.07 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value
Direct Impacts — As documented in a letter dated April 21, 2004, from the NC
Department of Cultural Resources State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) there are
no known historic resources that would be affected by the proposed project.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-26

Indirect Impacts — The proposed WWTP Upgrade will have no indirect impacts on
cultural resources.
Cumulative Impacts — There are no anticipated cumulative impacts of the proposed
' City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project on cultural resources.
14.08 Air Quality
Direct Impacts The direct impact of the City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade
Project on air quality in the surrounding area will include a temporary increase in dust
and exhaust emissions from construction activities. Also, there will be clearing activities
to allow for construction of a laboratory and office space on the existing WWTP site. If
the material generated from clearing; this property is disposed of by open burning, the
burning will be conducted in compliance with G.S. 113-60.21 through G.S. 113-60.31
and all other applicable federal, state and local ordinances. Catawba County is
considered a non -high hazard county under these regulations and a regular burning;
pen -nit applies.
After construction is complete for the City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade
Project, a positive impact on the surrounding air quality is expected due to the
installation of a new modular design, three stage, once -through Odor Control Scrubber.
The Odor Control Scrubber is constructed of High Density Cross -linked Polyethylene
and will replace the Pepcon odor control system currently in place. The new Odor
Control Scrubber is expected to reduce the offensive odor that may affect the
surrounding residential areas.
Indirect Impacts — There are no apparent indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on air quality in the region.
Cumulative Impacts — The cumulative impacts of the proposed project on the
surrounding area include a temporary increase in dust and exhaust emissions during; the
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PACE A-27

construction phase of the project. The proposed project will also eliminate some of the
odor associated with a WWTP due to the installation of a new Odor Control Scrubber.
14.09 Noise
Direct Impacts — During the construction of the City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP
Upgrade Project, there will be a temporary increase in the amount of noise in and around
the construction areas due to construction equipment. Construction activities will take
place between dawn and dusk, Monday through Friday.
Indirect Impacts — There are no apparent indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on noise levels in the area.
Cumulative Impacts — The cumulative impacts of the City of Hickory's Northeast
WWTP Upgrade on noise levels include a temporary increase in noise; during
construction at the plant site.
14.10 Water Resources
Direct Impacts — The direct impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's Northeast
WWTP Upgrade will include the protection of surface and ground water quality from
sanitary sewer overflows which have been encountered during periods of extreme rain.
Overall the plant upgrades arc expected to protect and enhance the quality of surface
waters in the area, through the elimination of solids washout during significant rain
events and the discharge of an improved effluent into Lake Hickory.
Indirect Impacts — Indirect impacts of the proposed project on water resources in the
Lake Hickory drainage basin arc not anticipated.
Cumulative Impacts — The cumulative impacts of the proposed project on surrounding
water resources include a positive impact by eliminating sanitary sewer overflows, which
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NOIt'n-i[-'AST W WTP UPGRADE
1.1ICKORY, NC PAGE A-28

have been encountered during periods of extreme rain. The positive impact is a result of
an enhanced ability to dampen the effects of large rain events, as well as a higher quality
effluent being discharged to Lake Hickory.
14.11 Forest Resources
Direct Impacts The direct impact of the proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP
Upgrade Project on forest resources will be the clearing of approximately three (3) acres
of land. The clearing of this land will allow construction of office buildings and a
laboratory on the existing WWTP site.
Following; construction of the laboratory and administration buildings, landscaping will
be utilized to enhance the site. The landscaping will improve the aesthetics and
neighborhood acceptability through the planting of new trees.
Indirect Impacts — There are no apparent indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on forest resources in the area.
Cumulative Impacts — The cumulative impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's
Northeast WWTP Upgrade project include the minimal clearing of trees on the existing
WWTP site. A positive impact will be the landscaping of the area, to include the
planting of new trees, which will augnnent the aesthetics and neighborhood acceptability.
14.12 Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats
Direct Impacts — The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project
should not have any adverse direct impacts on shellfish or fish and their habitats.
Indirect Impacts — The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project
should not have any adverse indirect impacts on shellfish or fish and their habitats. The
upgrade will protect surface and ground water quality from sanitary sewer overflows
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WW'IT UPGRADE.
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-29

which have been encountered during periods of extreme rain. Overall the plant upgrades
are expected to protect and enhance the quality of surface waters in the area, through the
elimination of solids washout during significant rain events and the discharge of an
improved effluent into Lake Hickory.. The enhanced water quality will improve fish
habitat.
Cumulative Impacts — The only anticipated cumulative impact of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project will be enhanced water quality and fish
habitat.
14.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation
Direct Impacts — The direct impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's Northeast
WWTP Upgrade Project should be minimal, because the proposed project will be taking
place at a previously disturbed site. A possible direct impact is the disturbance of a
threatened plant, dwarf -flowered heartleaf. However, this plant was not noted on the
property during the wetlands delineation. A negative impact on this plant is not
anticipated due to the preferred habitat of the plant being on the north slopes in boggy
areas of a creek bed. The existing creek bed is extremely entrenched, and not good
habitat for the dwarf -flowered heartleaf, or any vegetation for that matter. As such,
restoration including tree plantings is proposed to improve the habitat in the stream.
Indirect Impacts — There are no apparent indirect impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade on wildlife and natural vegetation in the area.
Cumulative Impacts — The cumulative impacts of the proposed project include the
possible disturbance habitat suitable for dwarf -flowered heartleaf. The disturbance of the
habitat, which is located on the north slope of the creek bed, is not anticipated as the
entire plant site is situated well above the 100-year floodplain and therefore should not
affect the vegetation contained within the creek bed.
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-30

c
14.14 Introduction of Toxic Substances
Direct Impacts — The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade should not
directly introduce any toxic substances into the project area. Chlorination of wastewater
will be in use at the WWTP; however, dechlorination operations are designed and
operated in an attempt to eliminate all chlorine residuals leaving; the plant.
The use of chlorination/dechlorination is currently practiced at the WWTP; therefore no
increase in toxic substances is expected. The proposed change from gaseous chlorine to
onsite sodium hypochlorite generation will eliminate potential hazards associated with
current chlorination processes. Another benefit suggested by existing information on
onsite sodium hypochlorite generation, is the reduction of disinfection byproducts
formed through chlorination with respect to gaseous chlorine.
Alternatives to the proposed disinfection strategy, including UV disinfection and
treatment with ozone, were examined during; preliminary design work. Similar to
chlorinationldechlorination, these disinfectants form disinfection byproducts when used
on wastewaters. The byproducts formed are different than chlorinationldechlorination
byproducts; however, they may be similarly toxic to aquatic species. Due to this fact and
the reliability of disinfection via chlorination/dechlorination, onsite sodium hypochlorite
generation followed by dechlorination is the chosen disinfection practice for the
Northeast WWTP upgrade.
Indirect Impacts -- As with any large scale construction project, the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP project may introduce toxic substances into the environment
from heavy machinery being used onsite. These toxic substances include diesel fuel, oil,
and hydraulic fluid. Although a large scale leak or spill of these substances is not
expected, corrective measures shall be in place.
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTI IEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-31

' Cumulative Impacts — There are no known cumulative impacts of the proposed City of
Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade concerning the introduction of toxic substances
' into the project area.
201 FACILITIES PLAN"- ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-32

1 15.0 MITIGATIVE MEASURES
15.01 Topography
Topography altered during; construction of plant processes and the associatdd piping will
' be restored to pre -construction contours where possible. Also the existing; City of
Hickory nand Development Code regulates the filling in of 1 UO-year floodways that will
' alter or restrict a floodway as described in Section 12.3.2 below:
12.3.2 Development Permit and Certification Requirements
Application for a development permit shall be made to the Zoning Administrator on forms provided by the
Planning Director prior to any development activities. The development permit may include, but not be
' limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing: the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the
area in question; existing or proposed structures and the location of fill materials; storage areas and
' drainage facilities. Specifically, the following; information is required:
(a) Where base flood elevation data is provided in accordance with Sec. 12.3.30), the application for a
development permit within the ;Gone A on the Flood Insurance Rate Map shall show:
(1) the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of'the lowest floor (including basement) of all new
and substantially improved structures, and
(2) if the structure has been flood -proofed in accordance with Sec. 12.4.2(b), the elevation (in
relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was flood proofed.
(b) Where the base flood elevation data is not provided, the application for a development permit must
show construction of the lowest floor at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
' (e) Where any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development, the application
for a development permit shall include: a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation,
an engineering report on the effects of the proposed project on the flood -carrying capacity of the
' watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and downstream, and a map showing the
location of the proposed watercourse alteration or relocation.
(d) When a structure is flood -proofed, the applicant shall provide a certificate from a registered
professional engineer or architect that the nonresidential flood proofed structure meets the flood -proofing
criteria in Sec_ 12.4 2(b).
(e) A floor elevation or flood-proofing'certification is required after the lowest floor is completed. Within
21 calendar days of establishment of the lowest floor elevation, or flood-peoofing by whatever construction
means, whichever is applicable, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Planning Director a
certification of the elevation of the lowest floor, or flood -proofed elevation, whichever is applicable, as
201 FACILITIES PLAN —ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-33

built, in relation to mean sea level. Said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of
a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. When flood proofing is utilized
for a particular building, said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a
professional engineer or architect. Any work done within the 21-day calendar period and prior to
submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder's risk. The Planning Director shall review the
floor elevation survey data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the
permit holder immediately and prior to further progressive work being permitted to proceed. Failure to
submit the survey or failure to make said corrections required herby shall be cause to issue a stop -work
order for the project.
The City of Hickory Land Development Code also provides in Article 1, Section 1.11
that "If the provisions of this Land Development Code are inconsistent with those of the
state or federal government, the more restrictive provision will control, to the extent
permitted by law." Therefore, any development within the City of Hickory land
development jurisdiction, must comply with the most stringent local, state or federal
regulations regarding flood plains.
The Applicability and Jurisdiction of the City of Hickory Land Development Code is
addressed as follows:
1.31 Applicability and Jurisdiction
This Land Development Code shall apply to all development, public and private, throughout the City of
Hickory and its extraterritorial planning jurisdiction. No building, structure, land or .eater shall hereafter
be used or occupied, and no building, structure, of part thereof shall hereafter be erected, reconstructed,
moved, located or structurally altered except in conformity with this [.and Development Code. It is the
specific intent of the City Council that all floating structures and buildings, as well as buildings and
structures built over or in water, shall meet all the requirements of this Land Development and other
applicable ordinances and regulations of the City of Hickory_ A map showing the boundaries of the city's
planning jurisdiction shall be available for public inspection in the Planning Department.
Enforcement of the City of Hickory Land Development Code is described in Article 16
(see Appendix) of the Code.
201 FACILITIES PLAN-- ADDENDUM NORTI4EAST WWTP UPGRADE
1-IICKORY, NC PAGE A-34

In addition to the regulations contained within the Land Development Code, the City of
Hickory is also applying for a grant from the Clean Water Trust Fund to help purchase
conservation easements along Falling Creek. The inclusion of conservation easements
along the creek will allow for forested buffers to be incorporated, which will enhance the
ability of the topography of the land to remain in tact by decreasing the amount of
erosion along the creek banks.
The proposed project will also improve stormwater management at the plant, including
the removal of storm drains causing erosion in Falling Creek. The City anticipates
restoring the banks to pre -development conditions following removal of these storm
drains. Where they are feasible, Low Impact Development (LID) practices will be
incorporated in an attempt to reduce the quantity of runoff leaving the site. Stormwater
management structures will be provided if required so that the post -development 10 year
peak flow is equal or less than the pre -development 10 year peak flow.
1 15.02 Soil
All disturbed soils will be compacted and overseeded in an effort to minimize the amount
of erosion seen at the plant immediately following construction. Stonnwater
management at the Northeast WWTP will be improved as part of the project. Where
feasible, Low- Impact Development (LID) will be provided to reduce the quantity of
runoff leaving the site. Where feasible, Low Impact Development (LID) will be provided
by lengthening the time of concentration and using permeable pavement and/or other
technologies which reduce the Curve Number and thus reduce the quantity of runoff
leaving; the site. Stormwater management will be provided, if required, so post -
construction 10-year peak flow is equal or less than pre -construction 10 year peak flow.
15.03 Land Use
No mitigation measures are proposed for this area, because there are no direct or indirect
impacts of the proposed project on land use in the service area.
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-35

15.04 Wetlands
Preliminary delineation of wetlands and consultation with available USDI mapping;
services demonstrate the sites of the proposed project will not interfere directly with
wetlands. Therefore, there are no mitigation measures being; proposed. In the event
wetlands are found prior to site construction the proper permits will be secured by the
City and corresponding mitigation measures will be enacted.
15.05 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands
No mitigation measures are proposed for this area, because there is no direct conversion
of prime or unique agricultural lands to another land use as a part of this project. ,
15.06 Public Lands, Scenic or Recreational Areas
Since the proposed project will not have a direct impact on public lands and scenic,
recreational, or state natural areas, no mitigation measures are proposed.
15.07 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value
As stated in a letter dated April 21, 2004, from the NC Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), there are no known historic resources that
would be affected by the proposed project. However, the NC Department of Cultural
Resources shall be contacted if properties (district, site, building, or structure) and/or
archaeological materials are encountered prior to or during; construction of the project. In
order to limit the direct environmental impact/effect, the owner or contractor shall
request that a State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or designated cultural resource
specialist visit the project site if these properties and/or archaeological materials are
encountered. During; this particular site visit, the SHPO or cultural resource specialist
could identify/document the historic property and/or material, and discuss the
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDI7NDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PACE A-30

alternatives (i.e. realignment of structures) in order to limit environmental impacts. Any
questions pertaining to the 36 CFR Part 800 (Section 106 Regulations) should be directed
at either the NCDAH and/or SHPO. The contract documents for project construction
will include this requirement.
15.08 Air Quality
'The contractor, as required by the contract documents, will make sure that any dirt/debris
is either swept off the road or dampened down to reduce the amount of dust in the air. It
should be noted that the roadway should be swept daily if dirt has accumulated because
of construction. All trenches shall be closed and covered at the end of each workday as
required by the construction documents. This will reduce possible nuisance dust from
construction activities. If any material generated fron, clearing this property is disposed
of by open burning, the burning will be conducted in compliance with G.S. 113-60.21
through C.S. 1 13-60.31 and all other applicable federal, state and local ordinances.
Odor concerns surrounding the upgrade of the WWTP will be mitigated via the
installation of odor control throughout the plant. Odor control to be installed is a new
modular design, three stage, once -through Odor Control Scrubber. The scrubber is
constructed of High Density Cross -linked Polyethylene and will replace the Pepcon odor
control system currently in place.
15.09 Noise
In an effort to minimize the impacts of noise levels on the surrounding area, the
contractor- shall schedule work during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. The
contractor shall also comply with local noise ordinances and become familiar with any
restrictions.
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWT!' UPGRADE
1-1ICKORY, NC PAGE A-37

The design of plant processes will include the installation of sound abatement measures
to reduce the impact to surrounding residential areas_ These sound abatement techniques
' include the enclosure of excessively noisy plant equipment in soundproof housing.
15.10 Water Resources
■ Construction activities associated with the project will be performed using appropriate
' sedimentation control measures to minimize or avoid impacts of sedimentation on the
creek adjacent to the project area. Adequate sedimentation and erosion control measures
will be in place prior to any ground disturbing activities.
' A Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan will be prepared for the City of Hickory's
Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project. This plan will be submitted to the North Carolina
' Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Division of Land Resources and the
Catawba County Planning Commission for review and approval. The plan will include
temporary or permanent vegetation to be planted within 15 days of ground disturbing
activities to provide long-term erosion control.
1 In addition the contractor shall minimize the amount of disturbed area during
construction. All other construction activities will utilize Best Management Practices for
sediment and erosion control. The contractor will be aware that direct, indirect, or
' cumulative impacts/effects to water quality may result from sedimentation, ground
clearing, or creek flow impedance.
For future development, waterway protection buffers as required by the state and the
Land Development Code will be used to protect waterways. Buffers are described in
Section 9.17.2 & 3 of the Code as follows:
9.17.2 Preservation of Waterways and Water Areas
Where a proposed subdivision is traversed by or includes in whole or in part a watercourse, marsh, pond or
lake that is of substantial significance in the ecology of the general area, such water body shall to the
maximum extent reasonably feasible be maintained in its natural state. together with bordering lands likely
201 FACILITIES PLAN — ADDFNDUM NORTHEAST W W"IT UPGRADE
l-IICKORY, NC PAGE A-38

to be inundated at the period of high water during periods of rainfall of I0-year return frequency and other
suitable protective strips. The phrase "substantial significance" in the ecology of the general area" means
waterways shown of the Floodway Maps of the City of Hickory and its extraterritorial planning
jurisdiction.
9.17.3 Waterway Buffers
(a) During subdivision development, land within 50 feet of the banks of all streams with flood plains
shown on the foodway Boundary and Floodway Maps shall be preserved in its natural state and shall not
be disturbed except for the installation of permitted or required improvements are re -vegetation in
accordance with an approved planting plan which in the opinion of SRB provides equal or better erosion
protection than the existing vegetation. Any areas disturbed as a result of these activities shall be
revegetated with erosion resistant vegetation as approved.
As mentioned above, the City of Hickory Land Use Flan has incorporated both Flood
Protection and Storni Watcr Management into the focal development code (see City of
Hickory Land Development Code, Article 12. Flood Protection and Article 12: Stonn
Water Management, in the Appendix). The complete City of Hickory Land Development
Code can be viewed at:
littp://www,ci,hickory.nc.us/publ icdoes/otheipubllcdocs/landdevelopiiietit.pdf
The Land Development Code requires that any development project and installation of
improvements shall provide erosion control as described in Section 9.12:
9.12j F,rosion Control
9.12.1 In general, during the preparation of the subdivision or any other development project and
installation of improvements, appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent erosion and damaging siltation
on the property and on adjoining land or water areas in accordance with the "Rules and Regulations for
Erosion and Sediment Control" published by the North Carolina Sedimentation Control
Commission.
9.12.2 In any grading or filling operations, desirable topsoil shall be conserved and redistributed as such,
particularly to cover exposed subsoils.
9.12.3 The City Engineer shall not issue a Land Development Permit until he has received a copy of
the Certificate of Compliance with the provisions of Chapter 113A, Article 4 of the North Carolina
General Statutes, Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973, as amended, issued by the
appropriate office of the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.
201 FACILrr1E5 PLAN —ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-39

In addition, the Land Development Code addresses specific design criteria in Section
13.9 as follows:
13.91 Peak Flow Reducing Storm Water Control Facilities Requirements
13.9.1 Generally, storm water control facilities shall be required for nonresidential development and
multiple family residential development as noted below.
(a) The minimum peak flow reducing storm water control requirements shall provide control
measures necessary to control velocities of flow from storm water management facilities to a level
which will not cause erosion or other velocity related problems at the exit of all storm water
management facilities and downstream. In addition, storm water control measures shall be provided to
limit the 2-year and 10-year developed peak discharge rates to pre -developed peak discharge rates. The
design of these facilities shall be based on guidelines contained in the Manual of Practice.
The sections of the Land Development Code listed above and other related sections in the
Code shall be used to mitigate impacts to water resources. The City of Hickory Land
Development Code also provides in Article 1, Section 1.1 1 that "If the provisions of this
Land Development Code are inconsistent with those of the state or federal government,
the more restrictive provision will control, to the extent permitted by law." Therefore,
any development within the City of Hickory land development jurisdiction, must comply
with the most stringent local, state or federal regulations regarding water resources.
In addition to the measures required by the Land Development Code, the City of Hickory
is applying for a grant from the Clean Water Trust Fund, to assist in the purchase of
conservation easements on Falling Creek. During an October 2004 site visit, the stream
was noted as being greatly impaired from upstream development and deforestation. The
stream is currently protected by a forested buffer only in the area adjacent to the water
plant. The procurement of conservation easements will allow the City to incorporate a
50' forested buffer along a larger portion of the creek.
201 FACILITIES PLAN —ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W WTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-40

15.11 Forest Resources
The contractor will be instructed to minimize clearing and to avoid clearing larger trees
when possible. If the clearing debris is not used to create wildlife habitat, the woody
products will be sold as sawtimber, pulpwood, or wood chips. ,
15.12 Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats
The City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP Upgrade Project is anticipated to improve fish
habitat due to the restoration of a forested buffer along a greater length of Falling Creek.
Additionally, the discharge of a higher quality, better controlled effluent is anticipated to
enhance these habitats.
15.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation
The Contractor shall employ enhanced erosion and sedimentation control to limit
sedimentation within the creek banks. The contractor will also be instructed to minimize
clearing and avoid clearing large trees when possible. Stream restoration including; tree
plantings will improve wildlife habitat along the stream.
15.14 Introduction of Toxic Substances
Although the introduction of toxic substances into the environment are not anticipated, in
the event that a large scale leak or spill of diesel fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, or any other
toxic substance occurs during plant construction it shall be the responsibility of the
contractor to provide adequate cleanup. The contractor shall also contact all relevant
agencies and adhere to any regulations governing; the nature of the spill.
Chlorination will be in use at the plant; however, dechlorination facilities will be
designed and operated in an effort to remove all chlorine residuals from the effluent by
using; sodium bisulfate.
201 FACILITINS PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-41

16.0 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
16.01 Environmental Justice
The United States' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires "fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income
with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations, and policies." The proposed City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP
Upgrade project would have no negative impacts to the surrounding communities based
on race, color, national origin, or income. All demographic data used to support this
conclusion may be found using the EPA Environmental .Justice Geographic Assessment
Tool, located at http.//www.eRa.gov/enviro/ej/.
The proposed project will be constructed on existing city property located within Census
2000 map blockgroup number 370350103021. Based on 2000 census data, the resident
population in this blockgroup consists of 3.94% minority and 5.12% of the population
below poverty. All sludge leaving the Northeast WWTP is transported outside of the
service area to Newton, NC. There are eleven (11) blockgroups within the Northeast
WWTP service area with a resident population greater than 10% minority and/or greater
than 10% below poverty. The data for these blockgroups can be observed in Table 16.1
below.
The documented blockgroups are dispersed throughout the service area, where adequate
sewer service is available to the resident population with the exception of blockgroup
370350103031. This blockgroup is comprised of 26.09% minority and only 2.88%
below poverty. Figure 9 in Section 18 depicts the demographic characteristics of the
census blockgroups.
A review of Superfund sites revealed no sites within the treatment plant service area.
Based on this information it is suggested that no environmental impact has been unfairly
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W WTI' UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGFA-42

levied on minority or poverty populations within the proposed construction area or the
surrounding service area.
TABLE 16.1
Blockgroup Demographic Data
! 0• , a
PERCENTMINORITY r RCENToFPoP
f / 1
,
'
370350103012
23.09% j
12.50%
370350103031
26.09%
2,88%
370350103042
27.61 %
1 1.49%u
370350104011
19.27%
7.98%
370350104013
19,19%
6.25%
370350104021
37.54%
17.32%
370350104022
40.38%
8.47%
370350105002
11.48%
3.92%
370350105003
14.44%
7.96%
370350106002
24.69%
11.90%
370350106004
39.90%
9 27%0
201 PAU.rni-S PLAN-ADJ)FNl)UM Nop'nu-AST wWT1' UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC , PAGii A-43

1 7.0 REI{ ERENCES
1) Combined Seaver Overflow Technology Fciet Sheet. EPA-832-F-99-035. United States
Environmental Protection Agency. September 1999.
2) Reed, C.S. et al. Cost of Land Treatment Systems. EPA-430/9-75-003. United States
Environmental Protection Agency, September 1979.
201 FACILITIES PLAN —ADDENDUM NORTHEAST WW'IT UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-44

18.0 FIGURES
Figure 1 — Site Location..............................................................................
A-46
Figure 2 — Wetlands Location Map............................................................ A-47
Figure 3 — Drainage Basin and Sewer Map ................................................
A-48
Figure 4 — NFIP Flood Insurance Rate Map ...............................................
A-49
Figure5 — Soils Map................................................................................... A-50
Figure6 — Zoning Map............................................................................... A-51
Figure 7 — Formally Classified Lands......................................................... A-52
Figure $ — North Carolina River Basins .....................................................
A-53
Figure 9 — Census Maps.............................................................................. A-54
201 FACILITIES PLAN - ADDENDUM NoRTHFAST WWTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE A-45

�sonEcrs ►yva�aes
NAY.c$, SEAy, mATTERN h mA7rERN. WC.
181 E. EVANS ST. STC-105 SUr7E 23
FLORENCE. SC 29506
(W) 669-4491 —.h mm.com
SCALE: 1 "=4000'
COMM. NO.: 60402A
DATE: 2/2/2005
LOCATION MAP
NORTHEAST HICKORY
HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA
FIGURE 1
i
ci:,
.SAG
!
DWG.
VVYVTP NO.
OF 2
HSM,M-Fuii.ctb RF: NONE IMO: HiCKORY.L-'.'-:,T37 i 407.TiF

der ,a _ �V.
/
44
R
_ • + E it 's
t f • ..�
Fig
LEGEND
M WETLANDS
11 J u J Lk
AN30WIS eiDlesls RANNIX
HAYES. SEAY, WATTERN do WTTERN, INC.
181 E. EVANS ST. WM-105 SUTTE 23
(043) Sft- LI ww ha mxom
SCALE: NO SCALE
COMM. NO.: 60402A
DATE: 2/2/2005
%
WETLANDS LOCATION MAP DWG,
NORTHEAST HICKORY WWTP NO.
HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA
FIGURE 2 OF\�1

IaF
iL
Y •
PeE r CmC2
1'r.0 Par CmB2
PcB, Pal CdU2
PCC ` PcC YcH'
• � •,;� � `' ,-� 'I, �1'CC CmC2Pe
r
�- 41''Cmh7 Cw.
1 mill f '�\ cmcz Pam€
Will
f "4mc1 11. 4 c - jj
/ '+ MgC2
1 Pee awlF'nC
x A �MRE2 • � ! li ..
:._
F _ PCs�� �C Cm6
_ E Cm •'a N• s'mC2
`•„ � �� � CmB2 �� i
Pc[;
nB2 •
(I� •, CnC2
CM82 nE3 f \
Cnr,2 CmC2
� cmcz . c
L, mB2
�CmC2 � CmC2 + <
�I CmB2 / 1
CA I9
CmC2 Got
i
Lc
11 1`�,_ Cnlat jf l' The 5. r }
Chv—
Cin
Cm62
FmU
Crc2li r • U2. �" �� any..
• iCmB2 ,' . C f .
Crol
i;mC7 - - - • CmC2 _
Cmc2 a � ` CmB2 i
4'r ~Y4 ry n 7 a CmB2 fmC2
HSMM
SCALE: N 0.
SCALE SOILS LOCATION MAP
COMM. NO.:.: Ni 60402A HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA
�vrcsnscas eua+r+�s nAreaers
HAYES. SEAY, MATiERN k MATTERN, INC. PATE: Z/Z/ZOOS
181 E. EYANS St. 6EC-1 as SYATE 23 FIGURE 5
�Lol:, satin+ caRouru z�sos
B01 8 -4491 wxw.h m.co

I M M M M M M M M M� M m m m==�
�' l• I PISGAH NATIONAL rugs Creek Love VilIleytl
Tranquil Hill
• FOREST _-
4Cedsr Rook ( Roc rings.
90 Estate
��" VaTr�itgad,
Radius: 15 rrsi[4
Leno LeMar Park Ellendale Taylorsville
Area: 7QG-5 square {stiles
,�.Eollettsville Honey Hills � .Tremont Park �,,�-� _ "�i� 1
_ - _ -
Britishtiods Cedar Valley.- Q- `'$4_� l a Q ddenite
"Adak, Llledoun Midway 15
tAihitnel Oak Hill r' o I� 115
�hQut#enz ° .Mount Herrman Dovonsville, pLittle River ! 0 4
132$ , �Gamewell, Fairview
_1 Isenhour Par1q
3ohnsori- ,Dudley Shoals o Park gStorly Point t
Hartland, evelopmentp y
Hamp n Heishts° —Hudson pPetra Mills Taylorsuille 4IS and I`
Morga n Sawmills. 6ethlehem Beach
Lenoir irport o G
't.
eBaton
Granite Fallsp 52 Waste Water"Freatment Plant ,
Rhod1iss 127 } 1453~�
cats e a I 1400 18-__ Sharon
321 , - �r10t7t1
Oxford Park 1 ;
i611 �--_ 1502 9CitasYilla Covain,e
Drexel G o nn e�(ys r_ TI +( q -
• 5 rinks Hldckry Regional Airport `�_ 1709 Catfish uniaptl-
`` 1, aides ��,•�V + 1481, •ems Airport
�'' �d Pen+elopeo _e{yy 71,I Kyles Crossroads 21
�J r 14$8 `�`'.1 ti .Buffalo
P to urg k �70 �` _ onover °
Claremont a Trautman
Sa1�1ti - Henry River, Brookfor I`ai �rb�,00k r — C wba
' - . 1148 I
i822 1t3 ewton ° DUKE
t Wilsorts '', 11` 9 = Witherspoon Monbo, POWER
"- Airport Crossroad STATE. PARK
1924 _
_ - Propst iu Startown -
Crossroads Nums
�`-'r 4 ,SherrillS Fard, Lake Nairman
AirpAr
SOUTH Cross oads
MOUNTAIN',�--
STATE PARK Shoups Ford`
Ramseya HW anoak Maiden ill idence Laneys . 150
L1G ° Airport r f�
Camp Creek _
10 1999 Morosott Corp. Al n hts reserved. Heniy
FIGURE 7 I FORMALLY CLASSIFIED LANDS

� r r r r r r r r� � r rr r ■r r r r� r
PROJECT LOCATION
Legend
Broad
Gape Feat
Catawba
chowan
French Bread
HW ssee
Little Tennessee
Lumber
Neuse
River Basins
in North Carolina
Nov
Pa*Wotank
Rnawke
Savannah
Tar Pamlico
Wh fte Oak
Yadkin - Pee Dee
September 1997
FIGURE 8 I NORTH CAROLINA RIVER BASINS
• •••, •.. 'SYu>Xan_y�.{$,pphnh,. AF: NONi iMG- NC—zw. wJpG

19.0 APPENDIX
A. Hickory Land Development Code
B. Correspondence
C. Opinion of Probable Cost
201 FACILITIES PLAN -ADDENDUM NORTHEAST W WTP UPGRADE
HICKORY, NC PAGE• A-55

AP PENDix A
CITY OF HICKORY
LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE

n
' 'c Flo-odPr'otettion
Sec.12.1 General
i12.1.1 Statutory Authorization
The Legislature of the State of North Carolina has in Part 6, Article 21 of Chapter
' 143, Parts 3, 4, Article 18 of Chapter 153A, and Article 6 of Chapter 153A of the
North Carolina General Statutes, delegated the responsibility to local governmental
units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety and general
welfare of its citizenry.
' 12.1.2 Findings of Fact
The City Council of the City of Hickory, North Carolina has made the following
' findings:
(a) the flood hazard areas of the City of Hickory and Hickory Regional Planning
Area are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life, property,
' health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services,
extraordinary public expenditures of flood protection and relief, and impairment of
the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general
welfare; and
' (b) these flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in
floodplains causing increases in flood heights and velocities, and by the
occupancy in flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods or hazardous to
other lands which are inadequately elevated, flood -proofed, or otherwise
unprotected from flood damages.
' 12.1.3 Purpose
The regulations of this article are intended to promote the public health, safety and
general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in
specific areas by provisions designed to:
1 (a) restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due
to water or erosion hazards or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in
flood heights or velocities;
(b) require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such
uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
' (c) control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels and natural
protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
' (d) control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase
erosion or flood damage waters;
(e) prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally
' divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
12.1.4 Objectives
The objectives of this article are as follows:
(a) to protect human life and health;
(b) to minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
Hickory 1 Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
307

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.1 1 General
(c) to minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and
generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
(d) to minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(e) to minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas
mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in
floodplains;
(f) to help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and
development of flood prone areas in such a manner as to minimize flood blight
areas; and
(g) to ensure that potential homebuyers are notified that property is in a flood area.
12.1.5 Applicability; Development Permits
The regulations of this article apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the
jurisdiction of the City of Hickory and the Hickory Regional Planning Area. No
structure- or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted, or structurally
altered without full compliance with the terms of this article and all other applicable
regulations. A-deve►opment permit shall be required in conformance with the
provisions of this article prior to the commencement of any development activities.
12.1.6 Basis For Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard
(a) The areas of special flood hazard are those identified by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in its Flood Hazard Boundary Map or Flood
Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the City of Hickory, dated
December 8, 1998, which with accompanying maps and other
supporting data, and any revision thereto, including Letters of Map Amendments
or Revision, are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Article.
(b) The Areas of Special Flood Hazard also include those defined through standard
engineering analysis for private development or by governmental agencies, but
which have not yet been incorporated in the Flood Insurance Rate Map. This
includes detailed flood information generated as a requirement of this article.
(c) Upon annexation to the City of Hickory, or inclusion in the city's extraterritorial
jurisdiction, the Areas of Special Flood Hazard identified by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in its Flood Hazard Boundary Map or Flood
Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Catawba, Burke and
Caldwell Counties, along with accompanying maps and other supporting data,
and any revisions thereto, including Letters of Map Amendments or Revision, are
adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Article.
12.1.7 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability
The degree of flood protection provided by this article is considered reasonable for
regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering consideration.
Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased
by manmade or natural causes. This article does not imply that land outside the
areas of special flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from
flooding or flood damages. This article shall not create liability on the part of the
City of Hickory or by any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that
308 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition 40

' Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.2 1 Definitions
' result from reliance on this article or any administrative decision lawfully made
hereunder.
' Sec. 12.2 j Definitions
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this article shall be interpreted so
as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this article its most
' reasonable application. The definitions of this section shall be used solely for the purpose of
interpreting and administering the Flood Protection provisions of this article.
Uierillr�.t
ppeal
A request for a review of the Planning Director's interpretation
lof
any provision of this article.
Addition (to an existing
Any walled and roofed expansion to the perimeter of a building
building)
in which the addition is connected by a common load -bearing
all other than a firewall. Any walled and roofed addition that is
connected by a firewall or is separated by independent
perimeter load -bearing walls is new construction.
[Area of shallow flooding
designated AO or VO Zone on a community's flood insurance
rate map (FIRM) with base flood depths from one to 3 feet
here a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path
of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate, and where
elocity flow may be evident.
Area of special flood hazard
The land in the floodplain within the Hickory Regional Planning
Area subject to a one percent or greater chance or being
equaled or exceeded in any given year.
Base flood
he flood having a one percent chance of being equaled o
exceeded in any given year.
Basement
That lowest level or story which as its floor subgrade on all
sides.
Breakaway wall
A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building
and is intended through its design and construction to collapse
under specific lateral loading forces without causing damage to
he elevated portion of the building or the supporting foundation
system. A breakaway wall shall Have a design safe loading
resistance of not less than 10 and no more than 20 pounds per
square foot. A wall with loading resistance of more than 20
pounds per square foot requires a professional engineer or
architect's certificate.
Building
Any structure built for support, shelter or enclosure for any
loccupancyor
storage.
Development
Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures,
mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling
operations, or storage of equipment or materials.
1
4 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1
309

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.2 1 Definitions
IN
Elevated building
A non -basement building:
1. built, in the case of a building in Zones Al-A30, AE, A,
99, AO, AH, B, C or X to have the top of the elevated floor, o
in the case of a building in Zones V1-V30, VE or V to have the
„
bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the
elevated floor above the ground by means of pilings, columns
(posts and piers), shear walls parallel to the flow of water; and
2. adequately anchored so as not to impair the structural
integrity of the building during a flood up to the magnitude o
the base flood. In the case of Zones Al-A30, AE, A, A99, AO,
H, B, C, and X, "elevated building" also includes a building
elevated by of fill or solid foundation perimeter walls with
opening sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement o
flood waters. In the case of Zones V1430, VE or V, "elevated
building" also includes a building otherwise meeting the
-
definition of "elevated building" even though the area below is
enclosed by means of breaking away walls if the breakaway
walls meet the standards of Sec. 12,4.2(e).
Existing manufactured home
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the
park or manufactured home
construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
subdivision
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a
minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets,
and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
completed before [insert effective date of city's flood hazard
prevention re s].
Expansion to an existing
manufactured home park or
the preparation of the additional sites by the construction o
facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured
subdivision
homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the
,pou6ng of concrete slabs).
Flood or flooding
a general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from:
1. the overflow of inland or tidal waters; and,
2. the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface
aters from any source.
Flood Hazard Boundary Map
n official map of a community, issued by the Federal
(FHBM)
Emergency Management Agency, where the boundaries of the
areas of special flood hazard have been defined as Zone A.
Flood Insurance Rate Map
An official map of a community on which the Federal
(FIRM)
Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the
areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium zones
applicable to the community.
Flood Insurance Study
The official report provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The report contains flood profiles, as well
as the Flood Boundary Floodway Map and the water surface
elevation of the base flood.
310 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

1
' Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.2 1 Definitions
Floodway
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent
land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base
flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface
elevation more than one foot.
Floor
The top surface of an enclosed area in a building (including
basement), i.e., top of slab in concrete slab construction or slab
construction or top of wood flooring in wood frame construction.
The term does not include the floor or a garage used solely for
parking vehicles.
Functionally Dependent Facility
A facility which cannot be used for its intended purposes unless
it is located or carried out in close proximity of water, such as a
docking or port facility necessary for the loading and unloading
of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, ship repair, or seafood
processing facilities, The term does not include long-term
storage, manufacturing, sales or service facilities.
Highest Adjacent Grade
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to
construction, next to the proposed walls of the structure.
Historic Structure
Any structure that is:
1. listed individually in the National Register of Historic
Places (a listing maintained by the US Department o
Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary o
Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing
on the National Register;
2. certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary o
Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a
registered historic district or a district preliminarily
determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered
historic district;
3. individually listed on a state inventory of historic places;
or
4. individually listed on a local inventory of historic places
in communities with historic preservation programs that
have been certified:
(a) by an approved state program as determined
by the Secretary of Interior, or
(b) directly by the Secretary of Interior in states
without approved programs.
Levee
A manmade structure, usually an earthen embankment,
designed and constructed in accordance with sound
engineering practices to contain, control or divert the flow o
water so as to provide protection from tempora floodin .
Lowest Floor
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including
basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable
solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an
area other than a basement area is not considered a building's
lowest floor provided that such an enclosure is not built so as to
render the structure in violation of the applicable non -elevation
desi n requirements of this Land Development Code.
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.2 I Definitions
T,erm�';:;t�v�'• •a.•�,„{��.yc,�..gx�a=
,..—�T.. _J.VI' r. �cSl
©efinition��=`' �. ,`'�,� tip,"}+a��.�:=Y�;� E��k=�,g..,�; �f�,t{..,,���.
V J �n � 9r.%' _'R .. N:. . • �EL`!�� �. {`Mt n.Y11 }.: _ � ;{.4ila.v�a t4+.:'/
Manufactured Home
structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built
on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or
without a permanent foundation when connected to the
required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not
include a "recreational vehicle."
Manufactured Home Park o
parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or
Subdivision
more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
Mean Sea Level
he average height of the sea for all stages of the tide. It is
used as a reference for establishing various elevations within
the floodplain. For purposes of this article, the term is
synonymous with National Geodetic Vertical Datum NGVD .
National Geodetic Vertica
A vertical control used as a reference for establishing varying
Datum (NGVD}
elevations within the flood lain.
New Construction
Structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on
or after [insert effective date of city's flood hazard prevention
regs] and includes any subsequent improvements to such
structures.
New Manufactured Home Park
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the
or Subdivision
construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum,
the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either
final site grading or the pouring of concrete slabs) is completed
on or after [insert effective date of city's flood hazard prevention
re s].
Nonconforming Building or Use
Any legally existing building or use that fails to comply with the
Vrovisions of this article.
Recreational Vehicle
A vehicle which is:
1. built on a single chassis;
2. 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest
horizontal projections;
3. designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable
by a light duty truck; and
4. designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling,
but as temporary living quarters for recreational,
camping, travel or seasonal use.
Remedy a Violation
To bring the structure or other development into compliance
with state or local floodplain management regulations or, if this
is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its noncompliance.
Ways that impacts may be reduced include protecting the
structure or other affected development from flood damages,
implementing the enforcement provisions of this article o
otherwise deterring future similar violations or reducing federal
financial exposure with regard to the structure or other
-development.
312 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

I
I
Article 12 i Flood Protection
Sec. 12.2 I Definilions
61,
IT
Start of Construction (for other
The date the building permit was issued, provided the actual
than new construction or
start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation,
substantial improvements)
addition or improvement was within 180 days of the permit
date. The actual start means the first placement of permanent
construction of a structure (including a manufactured home) on
a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings, installation of
piles, construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of
excavation or the placement of a manufactured home on a
foundation. Permanent construction does not include land
preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, nor does it
include the installation of streets and/or walkways, nor does it
include excavation for a basement, footings, piers or
foundations, or the erection of temporary forms, nor does it
include the installation on the property of accessory buildings,
such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not
part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the
actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall,
ceiling, floor or other structural part of the under the Coastal
Barrier Resources Act (P.L. 97-348), includes substantial
improvement building, whether or not that alteration affects the
external dimensions of the building. The term includes
"substantial improvement."
Structure
A walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, including a
gas or liquid storage tank, or other manmade facilities or
infrastructures that are principally above ground.
Substantial Damage
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition
would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the
structure before the damage occurred. See definition of
"substantial improvement."
Substantial Improvement
Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other
improvements of a structure, the cost of which equals or
exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before
the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term
includes structures that have incurred "substantial damage"
regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does
not, however, include either:
1. any project of improvement of a structure to correct
existing violations of state or local health, sanitary or
safety code specifications which have been identified
by the local code enforcement official and which are
the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions;
or
2. any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the
alteration will not preclude the structure's continued
designation as an historic structure.
I
+ Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
313

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.3 1 Administration
5
r.....w.*•t.:�r�n�...ut..[I�k4ei.�..±..&v— ...j{.. ..a.3.a .?�AN'.'i�s'-
Substantially improved existing
Where the repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement
manufactured home park or
of the streets, utilities and pads equals or exceeds 50 percent
subdivision
of the value of the streets, utilities and pads before the repair,
reconstruction or improvement commenced.
Variance
A grant of relief to a person from the requirements of these
regulations which permits construction in a manner otherwise
prohibited by these regulations where specific enforcement
would result in unnecessary hardship.
Violation
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully
compliant with the City of Hickory and Hickory Regional'
Planning Area's floodplain management regulations. A
structure or other development without the elevation certificate,
Cher certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in
Sec. Sec. 12.3 and Sec. Sec. 12.4 is presumed to be in
violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
Sec. 12.3 1 Administration
12.3.1 Designation of Local Administrator
The Planning Director is hereby appointed to administer and implement the
provisions of this article.
12.3.2 Development Permit and Certification Requirements
Application for a development permit shall be made to the Zoning Administrator on
forms provided by the Planning Director prior to any development activities. The
development permit may include, but not be limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to
scale showing: the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the area in
question; existing or proposed structures and the location of fill materials; storage
areas and drainage facilities. Specifically, the following information is required:
(a) Where base flood elevation data is provided in accordance with Sec. 12.3.30),
the application for a development permit within the Zone A on the Flood
Insurance Rate Map shall show:
(1) the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including
basement) of all new and substantially improved structures, and
(2) if the structure has been flood -proofed in accordance with Sec. 12.4,2(b),
the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was flood -
proofed.
(b) Where the base flood elevation data is not provided, the application for a
development permit must show construction of the lowest floor at least 2 feet
above the highest adjacent grade.
(c) Where any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed
development, the application for a development permit shall include: a
description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation, an engineering
report on the effects of the proposed project on the flood -carrying capacity of the
watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and
downstream, and a map showing the location of the proposed watercourse
314 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
11
11
11
11
11
1
J

' Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.3 1 Administration
' alteration or relocation.
(d) When a structure is flood -proofed, the applicant shall provide a certificate from
a registered professional engineer or architect that the nonresidential flood -
proofed structure meets the flood -proofing criteria in Sec. 12.4.2(b).
(e) A floor elevation or flood -proofing certification is required after the lowest floor is
' completed. Within 21 calendar days of establishment of the lowest floor
elevation, or flood -proofing by whatever construction means, whichever is
applicable, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Planning
Director a certification of the elevation of the lowest floor, or flood -proofed
' elevation, whichever is applicable, as built, in relation to mean sea level. Said
certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered
land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. When flood
' proofing is utilized for a particular building, said certification shall be prepared by
or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect. Any work
done within the 21-day calendar period and prior to submission of the certification
' shall be at the permit holder's risk. The Planning Director shall review the floor
elevation survey data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be
corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to further progressive work
being permitted to proceed. Failure to submit the survey or failure to make said
corrections required hereby shall be cause to issue a stop -work order for the
project.
12.3.3 Duties and Responsibilities of the Planning Director
' Duties of the Planning Director shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) reviewing all development permits to assure that the requirements of this article
have been satisfied;
(b) advising the permittee that additional federal or state permits may be required,
and if specific federal, or state permits are known, require that copies of such
' permits be provided and maintained on file with the development permit;
(c) notifying adjacent communities and the North Carolina Department of Crime
Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, State
' Coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program prior to any alteration or
relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency;
' (d) assuring that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of
said watercourse so that the flood -carrying capacity is not diminished;
' (e) preventing encroachments within floodways unless the certification and flood
hazard reduction provisions of Sec. Sec. 12.4 are met;
(f) obtaining actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor
' (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures, in
accordance with Sec. 12.3.2(e);
(g) obtaining the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the new or
' substantially improved structures have been flood -proofed, in accordance with
Sec. 12.3.2(e);
(h) when flood -proofing is utilized for a particular structure, obtaining certifications
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1
315

316
Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.3 1 Administration
from a registered professional engineer or architect in accord with Sec. 12.4.2(b);
(i) when interpretation is needed as to the exact location of boundaries of the
areas of special flood hazard (for example, where there appears to be a conflict
between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions), making the necessary
interpretation;
Q) when base flood elevation data or floodway data has not been provided in
accordance with Sec. 12.3.2, obtaining, reviewing and reasonably utilizing any
base flood elevation data and floodway data available from a federal, state or
other source, including data developed pursuant to Sec. 12.4.4(d), in order to
administer the provisions of this article;
(k) making on -site inspections of projects in accordance with Sec. 12.3.4;
(1) serving notice of violations, issuing stop -work orders, revoking permits and
taking corrective actions in accordance with Sec. 12.3.4;
(m)maintaining all records pertaining to the administration of this article and making
these records available for public inspection; and
(n) providing the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety,
Division of Emergency Management, State Coordinator for the National Flood
Insurance Program with 2 copies of the maps delineating new corporate limits
within 6 months of date of annexation or change in corporate boundaries.
12.3.4 Inspections, Violations and Enforcement
(a) Inspections of Work in Progress
As the work pursuant to a permit progresses, the Planning Director shall make
as many inspections of the work as may be necessary to ensure that the work
is being done according to the provisions of this article and the terms of the
permit. In exercising this power, the administrator has a right, upon presentation
of proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the territorial jurisdiction
at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement
action.
(b) Stop -Work Orders
Whenever a building or part thereof is being constructed, reconstructed, altered
or repaired in violation of this article, the Planning Director may order the work
to be immediately stopped. The stop -work order shall be in writing and directed
to the person doing the work. The stop -work order shall state the specific work
to be stopped, the specific reasons for the stoppage, and the conditions under
which the work may be resumed. Violation of a stop -work order constitutes a
misdemeanor.
(c) Revocation of Permits
The Planning Director may revoke and require the return of the development
permit by notifying the permit holder in writing stating the reason for the
revocation. Permits shall be revoked for any substantial departure from the
approved application, plans or specifications; for refusal or failure to comply
with the requirements of state or local laws; or for false statements or
misrepresentations made in securing the permit. Any permit mistakenly issued
in violation of an applicable state or local law may also be revoked.
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.3 1 Administration
' (d) Periodic Inspections
The Planning Director shall have a right, upon presentation of proper
credentials, to enter on any premises within the territorial jurisdiction of the
' department at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection of other
enforcement action.
(e) Violations to be Corrected
When the Planning Director finds violations of applicable state and local laws,
the Planning Director shall notify the owner or occupant of the building of the
violation. The owner or occupant shall immediately remedy each of the
' violations.
(f) Actions in Event of Failure to Take Corrective Action
If the owner of a building or property fails to take prompt corrective action, the
' Planning Director shall give written notice, by certified mail, registered mail or
personal service, to the owner's last known address. The notice shall state:
(i) that the building or property is in violation of the Flood Protection regulations
of this article;
(2) that a hearing will be held before the Planning Director at a designated
place and time, not later than 10 days after the date of the notice, at which
time the owner shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel and to
present arguments and evidence pertaining to the matter; and
(3) that following the hearing, the Planning Director may issue such order to
alter, vacate, or demolish the building; or to remove fill as appears
appropriate.
' (g) Order to Take Corrective Action
If, upon a hearing held pursuant to the notice prescribed above the Planning
Director shall find that the building or development is in violation of the Flood
' Protection regulations, the Planning Director shall make an order in writing to
the owner, requiring the owner to remedy the violation within such period, not
less than 60 days, the Planning Director may prescribe; provided that where the
Planning Director finds that there is imminent danger to life or other property,
' the Planning Director may order that corrective action be taken in such lesser
period as may be feasible.
(h) Appeals
Any owner who has received an order to take corrective action may file an
appeal from the order to the Superior Court by giving notice of appeal in writing
to the Planning Director and the City Clerk within 10 days following issuance of
the final order. In the absence of an appeal, the order of the Planning Director
shall be final. The Hickory City Council shall hear an appeal within a reasonable
time and may affirm, modify and affirm, or revoke the order.
' (i) Failure to Comply With Order
If the owner of a building or property fails to comply with an order to take
corrective action from which no appeal has been taken, or fails to comply with
' an order of the Hickory City Council following an appeal, the owner shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in the discretion of the court.
(j) Penalties for Violation
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1
317

318
Article 12 1 Rood Protection
Sec. 12.3 I Administrotion
Penalties for violations of the provisions of this article may be assessed in
accordance with the provisions of Article 16.
12.3.5 Waivers
(a) The Hickory City Council shall hear and decide requests for waivers and partial
waivers from the requirements of this article.
(b) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Hickory City Council may appeal
such decision to the courts, as provided in Chapter 7A of the North Carolina
General Statutes.
(c) Waivers may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon
the City Council's determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not
preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure and the
waiver is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of
the structure.
(d) In passing upon such applications, the Hickory City Council shall consider all
technical evaluations, all relevant factors, all standards specified in other sections
of this article and: '
(1) the danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of
others;
(2) the danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(3) the susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage
and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(4) the importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the
community;
(5) the necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(6) the availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion
damage for the proposed use;
(7) the compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated
development;
(8) the relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and
floodplain management program for that area;
(9) the safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and
emergency vehicles;
(10) the expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment
transport of the flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable,
expected at the site; and
(11) the costs of providing governmental services during and after flood
conditions including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities
such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, and streets and bridges.
(e) Upon consideration of the factors listed above and the purposes of this article
the Hickory City Council may attach such conditions to the granting of waivers as
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.4 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Standards
it deems necessary to further the purposes of this article.
(f) Waivers shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in
flood Levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(g) Limitations on Waivers
(1) Waivers may not be issued when the waiver will make the structure in
violation of other federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
(2) Waivers shall only be issued upon a determination that the waiver is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(3) Waivers shall only be issued upon (i) a showing of good and sufficient
cause; (ii) a determination that failure to grant the waiver would result in
exceptional hardship; and (iii) a determination that the granting of a waiver will
not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety,
extraordinary public expense, create nuisance, cause fraud on or victimization
of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(4) Any applicant to whom a waiver is granted shall be given written notice
specifying the difference between the base flood elevation and the elevation to
which the structure is to be built and a written statement that the cost of flood
insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the
reduced lowest floor elevation. Such notification shall be maintained with a
record of all waiver action.
(6) The Planning Director shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and
report any waivers to the Federal Emergency Management Agency upon
request.
Sec. 12.4 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Standards
12.4.1 General Standards
The general standards of this subsection shall apply in all areas of special flood
hazard.
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to
prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure;
(b) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with
materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
(c) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by
methods and practices that minimize flood damages;
(d) Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, and other
service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding;
(e) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize
or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system;
(f) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize
or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the
systems into flood waters;
4 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22. 2003 Edition
319

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.4 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Siordcrds
(g) On -site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid
impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding; and
(h) Any alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvements to a structure, which is
in compliance with the provisions of this article, shall meet the requirements of
"new construction" as contained in this article.
(i) Nonconforming buildings or uses may not be enlarged, replaced, or rebuilt
unless such enlargement or reconstruction is accomplished in conformance with
the provisions of this article. Provided, however, nothing in this article shall
prevent the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of a building or structure
existing on the effective date of this article and located totally or partially within
the floodway zone, provided that the bulk of the building or structure below base
flood elevation in the floodway zone is not increased and provided that such
repair, reconstruction, or replacement meets all of the other requirements of this
article.
12.4.2 Specific Standards
The standards of this subsection shall apply in all areas of special flood hazard
where base flood elevation data -has been provided, as set forth in Sec.12.1.6 or
Sec. 12.3.30).
(a) Residential Construction
New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure
(including manufactured homes) shall have the lowest floor, including
basement, elevated no lower than 2 feet above the base flood elevation. Should
solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings
sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of floodwaters shall be
provided.
(b) Nonresidential Construction
New construction or substantial improvement of any commerciai, industrial, or
nonresidential structure (including manufactured homes) shall have the lowest
floor, including basement, elevated no lower than 2 feet above the level of the
base flood elevation. Structures located in A -Zones may be flood -proofed in lieu
of elevation provided that all areas of the structure below the required elevation
are watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water,
using structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A registered professional
engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are
satisfied_ Such certification shall be provided to the Planning Director as set
forth in Sec. 12.3.2(e).
(c) Manufactured Homes
(1) Manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved on sites (i)
outside a manufactured home park or subdivision; (ii) in a new manufactured
home park or subdivision; (iii) in an expansion to an existing manufactured
home park or subdivision; or, (iv) in an existing manufactured home park or
subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred "substantial damage"
as the result of a flood, must be elevated on a permanent foundation such that
the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated no lower than 2 feet
above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately
320 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

' Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.4 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Standards
anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral
movement.
(2) Manufactured homes that are to be placed or substantially improved on
sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision that are not
subject to the provisions of paragraph (1) above must be elevated so that the
lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated no lower than 2 feet above
' the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored
foundation to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
(3) Manufactured homes shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or
lateral movement. For the purpose of this requirement, manufactured homes
must be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement in
accordance with the Regulations for Mobile Homes and Modular Housing
adopted by the Commissioner of Insurance pursuant to NCGS 143.143.15.
Additionally, when the elevation would be met by an elevation of the chassis
at least 36 inches or less above the grade at the sight, the chassis shall be
supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least
equivalent strength. When the elevation of the chassis is above 36 inches in
height, an engineering certification is required.
(4) An evacuation plan must be developed for evacuation of all residents of all
new, substantially improved or substantially damaged manufactured home
parks or subdivisions located within flood prone areas. This plan shall be filed
with and approved by the Planning Director and the local Emergency
Management Coordinator.
(d) Recreational Vehicles
' A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on wheels or jacking
system, is attached to the site only by quick -disconnect type utilities and
security devices, and has no permanently attached additions. Recreation
vehicles placed on sites shall either:
(1) be on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days;
(2) be fully licensed and ready for highway use; or
' (3) meet the requirements of Sec. 12.3.2, 12.3.3, and 12.3.4(c).
(e) Elevated Buildings
' New construction or substantial improvements of elevated buildings that include
fully enclosed areas that are usable solely for the parking of vehicles, building'
access or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to
' flooding shall be designed to preclude finished living space and be designed to
automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for
the entry and exit of floodwaters.
(1) Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a
professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria: (i)
provide a minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than
one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; (ii)
the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and
(iii) openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
321

322
Article 12 1 Flood Protection '
Sec. 12.4 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Standards
coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in
both directions.
'
(2) Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for
parking of vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance equipment
used in connecting with the premises (standard exterior door) or entry to the
living area (stairway or elevator).
(3) The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be partitioned or finished
'
into separate rooms, except to enclose storage areas.
(f) Temporary Structures
Prior to the issuance of a development permit for a temporary structure, the
following requirements must be met:
(1) All applicants must submit to the Planning Director a plan for the removal of
such structure in the event of a hurricane or flash flood notification. The plan
must include the following information:
a. . the name, address and phone number of the individual responsible for the
removal of the temporary structure;
b. the time frame prior to the event at which a structure will be removed;
c. a copy of the contract or other suitable instrument with a trucking company
to ensure the availability of removal equipment when needed; and
d. designation, accompanied by documentation, of a location outside the
floodplain to which the temporary structure will be moved.
(2) The above information shall be submitted in writing to the Planning Director
for review and written approval.
'
(g) Accessory Structure
When accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, etc.) with a value of
$3,000 or less are to be placed in the floodplain, the following criteria shall be
met:
(1) Accessory structures shall not be used for human habitation;
,
(2) Accessory structures shall be designed to have low flood damage potential;
(3) Accessory structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with Sec.
12.4.1(a); and
(4) Service facilities, such as electrical and heating equipment shall be elevated
in accordance with Sec. 12.4.1(d).
'
(h) Floodways
Located within areas of special flood hazard are areas designed as floodways.
The floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters
which carry debris and potential projectiles and has erosion potential. The
following provisions shall apply within such areas.
(1) No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements and other developments, shall be permitted unless it has been
demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1

' Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12A 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Standards
' accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed
encroachment would not result in any increase in the flood levels during the
occurrence of the base flood. Such certification and technical data shall be
presented to the Planning Director.
(2) If Sec. 12.4.3(a) is satisfied, all new construction and substantial
improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction
provisions of Sec. 12.4.
(3) No manufactured homes shall be permitted, except in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision. A replacement manufactured home
may be placed on a lot in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision
provided the anchoring and the elevation standards of Sec. 12.4.2(c).
' 12.4.3 Streams Without Established Base Flood Elevations andfor Floodways
Located within the areas of special flood hazard are small streams where no base
flood data has been provided or where no floodways have been identified. The
following provisions apply within such areas:
t(a) No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements or
new development shall be permitted within a distance of the stream bank equal
to 5 times the width of the stream at the top of the bank or twenty feet each side
from top of bank, whichever is greater, unless certification with supporting
technical data by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating
that such encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the
' occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(b) If Sec. 12.4.3(a) is satisfied and base flood elevation data is available from
other sources, all new construction and substantial improvements within such
' areas shall comply with all applicable flood hazard regulation provisions of Sec.
Sec. 12.4 and shall be elevated or flood -proofed in accordance with elevations
established in accordance with Sec. 12.3.30). When base flood elevation data is
' not available from a federal state or other source, the lowest floor, including
basement, shall be elevated at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
12.4.4 Standards for Subdivision Proposals
' (a) All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood
damage;
(b) All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer,
gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood
damage;
(c) All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce
exposure to flood hazards; and
' (d) Base flood elevation data shall be provided for all subdivision proposals located
within an "Area of Special Flood Hazard."
12.4.5 Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding (AO Zones)
' Located within the areas of special flood hazard are areas designated as shallow
flooding. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood
depths of 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the
1
4 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
323

Article 12 1 Flood Protection
Sec. 12.4 1 Flood Hazard Reduction Standards
path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate. The following provisions shall
apply within such areas.
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures
shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the depth number
specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, in feet, above the highest adjacent
grade. If no depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including basement, shall
be elevated at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
(b) All construction and substantial improvements of nonresidential structure shall:
(1) have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the depth number
specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, in feet, above the highest
adjacent grade. If no depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including
basement, shall be elevated at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade;
or
be completely flood -proofed together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities to
or above that level so that any space below that level is watertight with walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components
having the capacity of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of
buoyancy.
324 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
2/

Sec. 13.1 1 Purpose and Sco
13.1.1 The regulations of this article are intended to protect, maintain, and enhance the
public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements
and procedures to control the adverse effects of increased storm water runoff
associated with future land development with consideration for existing developed
land within the City of Hickory. Proper management of storm water runoff will mini-
mize damage to public and private property, reduce personal damage and bodily
harm, insure a functional drainage system, reduce the effects of development on
land and stream channel erosion, assist in the attainment and maintenance of
water quality standards, enhance the local environment associated with the drain-
age system, reduce local flooding, maintain as nearly as possible the pre -de-
veloped runoff characteristics of the area, and facilitate economic development
while mitigating associated flooding and drainage impacts.
13.1.2 The application of these regulations and the provisions expressed in this article
shall be the minimum storm water management requirements and shall not be
deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by State statute. In
addition, if site characteristics indicate that complying with these minimum require-
ments will not provide adequate designs or protection for local property or resi-
dents, it is the designer's responsibility to exceed the minimum requirements as
necessary. The City Engineer or designee shall be responsible for the coordination
and enforcement of the provisions of this section.
13.1.3 Reference is hereby made to the City's Watershed Protection Overlay District
requirements contained in Sec. 5.6. This Storm water Management Section is
intended to complement the Watershed Protection Overlay District and not to
replace or alter it in any way. The converse holds true for the Watershed
Protection Overlay District.
13.1.4 No person shall improve property by constructing buildings or structures or by
increasing the imperviousness of land without having provided for appropriate
storm water management measures that control or manage runoff, in compliance
with this Section.
13.1.5 No person shall discharge non -storm water into the Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System with the exception of the following;
(a) water line flushing;
(b) landscape irrigation;
(c) diverted natural stream flows;
(d) rising ground waters;
(e) ground water infiltration to storm sewers;
(f) pumped ground water;
(g) discharges from potable water sources;
(h) foundation drains;
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
325

326
Article 13 1 Storm water
Sec. 13.2 1 Definitions
(i) air conditioning condensation;
0) irrigation water;
(k) springs;
(1) water from crawl space pumps;
(m)footing drains;
(n) lawn watering;
(o) non-commercial car washing;
(p) flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
(q) dechlorinated swimming pool discharges;
(r) street wash waters; and
(s) discharges from fire fighting activities.
13.1.6 If any of the above non -storm water exceptions are found to be polluted and thus
cause a negative impact on the quality of the surface waters of Hickory, said
situation or occurrence shall be deemed unlawful and shall not be allowed to
discharge to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. Such situation or
occurrences shall be considered an illicit connection or improper disposal as
defined in this Section.
Sec. 13.21 Definitions
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this article shall be interpreted so
as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this article its most
reasonable application. The definitions of this section shall be used solely for the purpose of
interpreting and administering the Storm water Management provisions of this article.
Terrn'• ., ,�-rt� 1• _ ' = - � •Definition;- +'TM- -- �` 4 , , _ .� - -,;x` - -.-•�� • r ` '.` , �`.�=.`� ;�
As -built plan
The certified construction plans with any changes
i identified and shown on the plan as constructed.
City of Hickory
j All area within the City including the extraterritorial i
li
planning jurisdiction, "ETJ".
-City Engineer �I The City Engineer of Hickory or his designee. W �'
Cq Manager The City Manager of Hickory, North Carolina.
Cross -drain culvert-� A culvert crossing under a public roadway._
g
Desi ner li
ed to pre .,,,,.,.. a _
p p t p pare plans and I
A prose sio
red by this ordinance. J
Detention structure -
_
FA permanent structure for the temporary storage of runoff ;
l that is designed so as not to create a permanent pool of
water.
' Development _ -
i Any of the following actions undertaken by a public or
private individual or entity: any land change, including,
i dredging, grading, excavating, transporting and filling of ,
land, and increasing the imperviousness of land. ;
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1

Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.2 1 Definitions
TER 1-
11
Developed land use conditions
e land use conditions according to the current city
zoning map or proposed development plan.
Easement
A grant or reservation by the owner ii_Fa�_cFEW the use of i
such land by others for a specific purpos6 or purposes,
and which must be included in the title conveyance of land
affected by such easement.
Erosion
The process by which ground surface is worn away y the
action of wind and/or water.
Existing land use condition
The land use conditions existing �t�t � time the design
-plans are submitted for approval,
Hydraulic study
A study of water flowing through conveyance systems
including pipes, open channels, culverts, storage facilities,
or any elements of the drainage system.
Hydrologic study
A study that documents� the flow calculations needed to
estimate flood magnitudes. The primary information from
a hydrologic study will be peak flow values and/or
hydrographs needed to characterize storms for a particular
Illicit connection
[Any con'n6ction to the municipal separate storm sewer
which discharges non -permitted non -storm water to the
--]I
municipal separate storm sewer astem.
impervious The condition of being impenetrable by water.
Imperviousness The degree to which a site is impervious.
precipitation at a location where the matter or fluid can
enter the municipal separate storm sewer system.
I _nfi ltr�tion
The passage or movement of water into the soil sub -
i A culvert that is not located under a public roadway.
Maintenance
Any action necessary to preserve st o rm water
management facilities in proper working condition, in order
to serve the intended purposes set forth in paragraph i
9.12.1 (a) of this Section and to prevent structural failure of
such facilities. Maintenance shall not include actions
taken solely for the purpose of enhancing the aesthetic
aspects associated with storm water management
_M_U_i�1_c'lpal separate storm sewer
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads
system
with drainage systems, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains) that is
maintained by the City of Hickory, is generally in a
dedicated public right of way, and is designed or used for
the collection or conveying of storm water. This does not
include a privately owned or operated conveyance or
system of conveyances.
Hickory | Land Development Code May 22,2003Edition

Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.2 1 Definitions
rx 6 N F, A- Ti _- 3Z k- D i IN 6 i t ll 4 n-W j 0 QN; �-A %-: � 0 i'SM ZTFI�
i on -storm water
.-;k— the municipil-"se'-p--a--r-at-'e--!
ny flo%�_that_ i-si" discharged to
storm sewer system that is not from a form of natural
precipitation.
On -site storm water management
The design and construction of a facility or facilities
necessary to control storm water runoff within and for a
single develg2nent.
Pre -developed conditions
Those land use conditions that were existing on the site
prior to development, when the site was in its natural
undisturbed condition.
Preliminary plat
The preliminary plat of a subdivision submitted pursuant to
the Subdivision Regulations.
Regulated Flood Plain
Those flood plain areas designated by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and included in
the City of Hickory Floodway and Floodway Fringe Zoning
Regulations and County FEMA maps which apply to
Hickoy's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.
Retention structures
A permanent structure that provides for the storage of
runoff and is designed to maintain a permanent pool of
water.
FStorm water
Water resulting from naturally occurring precipitation al�c_F
shall include rain, snow melt and surface runoff and
I drainage.
r concept plan
he overall proposal for a storm drainage system,
including storm water management structures as
necessa!Y.
[—storm water design plan
The set of drawings and other documents that comprise all
of the information and specifications for the drainage
systems, structures, concepts and techniques that will be
used to control storm water as required by this ordinance
and the Manual of Practice. Also included are the
supporting engineering calculations and results of any
1 compute� analysis.
Storm water management
[The collection, conveyance, storage, treatment and'
disposal of storm water runoff in a manner to minimize
accelerated channel erosion, increased flood damage,
and/or degradation of water quality and in a manner to i
enhance and ensure the public health, safety, and general
welfare.
torm er management
I Those structures and facilities that are designed for the
facilities
collection. conveyance, storage, peak flow reduction,
Itreatment and disposal of storm water runoff into and
i through the drainage system.
torm water Control Facilities
Those structures and facilities that are designed for
storage and peak flow reduction of storm water runoff into
and through the drainage system.
328 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
0

Article 13 1
Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.3 1 Warning And Disclaimer Of Liability.
' Sec. 13.3
1 Warning And Disclaimer Of Liability.
13.3.1
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for
regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations.
13.3.2
On rare occasions greater floods can and will occur, and flood heights may be
increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land
'
outside the floodplain areas or uses permitted within such areas will be free from
flooding or flood damages.
13.3.3
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the City or any officer or
'
employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or
any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
' Sec. 13.4
Storm Water Concept And Design Plans
13.4.1
Storm Water Concept Plans
Storm water concept plans are generalized plans illustrating existing drainage
patterns affecting the subject property, how storm water is going to be managed on
site, how water is going to be conveyed off -site and what erosion control measures
are going to be taken during and following site development.
'
(a) A storm water concept plan shall be required for all developments changing the
existing characteristics of storm water runoff from a site including single-family
construction and shall be submitted for review to the City prior to initiating
development as defined herein. A storm water concept plan is optional for any
development requiring a storm water design plan.
(b) The storm water concept plan will be reviewed within 2 working days after
submittal. It will either be approved, approved with changes, or rejected. if reject-
ed, changes, additional analysis, or other information needed to approve the next
submittal of the concept plan shall be identified.
13.4.2 Storm Water Design Plans
Projects requiring an Erosion Control Permit or greater than 10,000 square feet in
the Watershed Protection Overlay Area shall also require a storm water design
plan. Storm water design plans are intended to ensure that the effects of increased
1 impervious areas on storm water are addressed in the project design. Generally,
storm water design plans shall be required for non-residential development and
multiple family residential development and subdivisions that require the installation
of storm water management facilities. Storm water design plans are detailed plans,
specifications and calculations as described herein illustrating how the storm water
is going to be managed on the property including specific design information for all
pipes, ditches, catch basins, retention ponds, detention ponds, siltation ponds and
other storm water management structures and facilities.
(a) Upon approval of the concept plan, the applicant shall submit a final storm
water design plan (as part of the construction plans or Land Development Permit
' for subdivisions) to the City Engineer for review and approval; provided that the
City Engineer may accept and submit into the review process a storm water con-
cept plan if it identifies the location and type of facilities to be constructed and the
City Engineer determines that a storm water design plan is not needed. If
' Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
329

�i
330
Article 13 1 Storm Water Management e
Sec. 13.5 1 Permit requirements
accepted under this provision, the storm water concept plan then becomes the
storm water design plan for this development.
'
(b) If any design plan involves any storm water management facilities or land to be
dedicated to public use, the same information shall also be submitted for review
and approval to any agency having jurisdiction over the land or other appropriate
'
departments or agencies identified by the City Engineer for review and approval.
This design plan shall serve as the basis for all subsequent construction.
(c) The storm water design plan will be reviewed, if requested, with the designer at
a scheduled review meeting within ten (10) working days after submittal_ It will
then either be approved, approved with changes, or rejected. If rejected,
changes, additional analysis, or other information needed to approve the next
,
submittal of the design plan shall be identified.
(d) Within fifteen (15) days from and after the receipt of the final storm water design
plan, the City Engineer shall issue a decision approving, rejecting or conditionally
'
approving a plan with modification.
(e) The construction of a single family dwelling on a single lot shall only be required
to submit a concept plan. (This does not waive any sedimentation requirements
enforced by the State of North Carolina.)
Sec. 13.5 Permit requirements
,
13.5.1 No one shall create or commence with land disturbance on parcels or development
projects less than 1 acre without obtaining a grading permit from the City of
Hickory. Applicable projects greater than one (1) acre shall be permitted in
accordance with the State of North Carolina's erosion control requirements and the
storm water design plan requirements contained in this section. '
13.5.2 No grading permit shall be issued or modified without an approved storm water
concept plan or storm water design plan, as appropriate.
13.6.3 No building permit shall be issued or modified without the following:
(a) City approved grading permit if applicable.
(b) State approved erosion control plan if -applicable.
(c) An approved storm water design plan or storm water concept plan, as '
appropriate.
(d) An executed inspection and maintenance agreement, if required, in accordance I
with paragraph Sec. 13.14.
(e) The approved storm water design plan shall contain certification by the
applicant that all construction, development and drainage will be done according ,
to the storm water design plan or previously approved revisions.
(f) In addition to the plans and permits required from the City, applicants shall
obtain all county, State and Federal permits required for the proposed ,
development.
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1

' Article 13 1 Storm water Management
Sec. 13.6 1 Inspections
' Sec. 13.6 1 Inspections
The City Engineer shall inspect and approve all permitted sites prior to any building inspection
being conducted on the site.
' Sec. 13.7 1 Fees
Fees for inspections and other fees associated with this ordinance are determined by the City
Council. Fee schedules can be obtained from the City Engineering Department.
Sec. 13.8 1 Permit suspension and revocation
' 13.8.1 A grading permit may be suspended or revoked after a certified letter is sent to the
owner or authorized representative stating that one of the following violations has
been committed:
(a) any violation(s) of the conditions of the storm water concept or design plan
approval;
' (b) construction not in accordance with the approved plans;
(c) non-compliance with correction notice(s) or stop work orders(s); or
(d) the existence of an immediate danger in a downstream area in the judgment of
the City Engineer.
13.8.2 A building permit may be suspended or revoked after a certified letter is sent to the
owner or authorized representative stating that one of the following violations has
been committed:
(a) any violation(s) of the conditions of the storm water concept or design plan
approval;
(b) construction not in accordance with the approved plans;
(c) non-compliance with correction notice(s) or stop work orders(s); or
(d) the existence of an immediate danger in a downstream area in the judgment of
the City Engineer.
Sec. 13.9 Peak Flow Reducing Storm water Control Facilities Requirements
' 13.9.1 Generally, storm water control facilities shall be required for non-residential
development and multiple family residential development as noted below.
(a) The minimum peak flow reducing storm water control requirements shall
provide control measures necessary to control velocities of flow from storm water
management facilities to a level which will not cause erosion or other velocity
related problems at the exit of all storm water management facilities and
downstream. In addition, storm water control measures shall be provided to limit
the 2-year and 10-year developed peak discharge rates to pre -developed peak
discharge rates. The design of these facilities shall be based on guidelines
contained in the Manual of Practice.
t(b) The above requirements, or portions thereof, may be waived by the City
Engineer if it can be shown by engineering calculations which are acceptable to
the City Engineer that one of the following exists:
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
331

332
Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.10 1 Storm water management facilities
(1) the installation of peak flow reducing storm water control facilities would '
have insignificant effects on reducing downstream flood peaks; or
(2) peak flow reducing storm water control facilities are not needed to protect
downstream developments; or '
(3) it is not necessary to install peak flow reducing storm water control facilities
to control developed peak discharge rates at the exit to a proposed develop-
ment and installing such facilities would increase 10-year flood peaks at some
downstream locations; or
(4) the City Engineer determines that peak flow reducing storm water manage-
ment facilities are not needed to control developed peak discharge rates and
installing such facilities would not be in the best interest of local citizens or the
City.
13.9.2 The above requirements, or portions, thereof, may not be waived if the City ,
Engineer determines that not controlling downstream flood peaks would increase
known flooding problems, or exceed the capacity of the downstream drainage
system.
13.9.3 For all storm water control facilities, a hydrologic -hydraulic study shall be done
showing how the drainage system will function with and without the proposed
facilities. For such studies the following land use conditions shall be used:
(a) For the design of the peak flow reducing facility outlet structure, use developed
land use conditions for the area within the proposed development and existing
use conditions for upstream areas draining to the facility.
(b) For any analysis of flood flows downstream from the proposed facility, use
existing conditions for all downstream areas. '
(c) All storm water management control facilities emergency spillways shall be
checked using the 100-year storm and routing flows through the facility and
emergency spillways. For these analyses, developed conditions shall be used
for all areas within the analysis.
Sec. 13.101 Storm water management facilities
13.10.1 Storm water management facilities may include both structural and nonstructural
elements. Natural swales and other natural runoff conduits shall be retained where
practicable.
13.10.2 Where additional storm water management facilities are required to satisfy the
minimum control requirements, the following measures are examples of what may
be used in their order of preference:
(a) facilities designed to encourage overland flow, slow velocities of flow, and flow
through buffer Zones. '
(b) infiltration practices;
(c) storm water detention structures (dry basins);
(d) storm water retention structures (wet ponds);
i
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

' Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.11 1 Plan requirements
' (e) channel mitigation measures (i.e., upgrading downstream channel to convey
addition runoff).
13.10.3 Where detention and retention structures are used, designs which consolidate
these facilities into a limited number of large structures will be preferred over
designs that utilize a large number of small structures.
13.10.4 Storm water concept/design plans can be rejected by the City Engineer if they
incorporate structures and facilities that will demand considerable maintenance, will
be difficult to maintain, or utilize numerous small structures if other alternatives are
' physically possible.
13.10.5 The drainage system and all storm water management facilities within the City
(including both public and private portions) will be designed to the same
' engineering and technical criteria and standards. The City Engineering
Department's review will be the same whether the portion of the drainage system
will be under public or private control or ownership.
' 13,10.6 All storm water management facilities should be designed in accordance with the
design guidance contained in the Manual of Practice,
13.10.7 All new culverts, bridge openings, or other openings in the drainage system shall
be designed using developed land use conditions (as shown on current zoning
maps) for upstream areas.
' Sec. 13.11 1 Plan requirements
Storm water design plans shall include as a minimum the following:
13.11.1 Location, dimensions, elevations, and characteristics of all storm water
management and control facilities.
13.11.2 Design plans for all subdivisions shall include delineation of all sub -basins and
calculations for sizing all drainage ways, including pipes and ditches. For all
1 ditches, calculations shall be provided showing equivalent pipe sizes and driveway
culvert sizes for each lot.
13.11.3
13.11.4 Storm water design plans shall include designation of all easements needed for
inspection and emergency maintenance of the drainage system and storm water
management facilities. As a minimum, easements shall have the following
characteristics:
(a) provide adequate access to all portions of the drainage system and structures;
(b) provide sufficient land area for maintenance equipment and personnel to
adequately and efficiently maintain the system with the following criteria:
' (1) a minimum of ten (10) feet on both sides of the centerline of piped systems
thirty-six (36) inches in diameter and less,
(2) a minimum of fifteen (15) feet on both sides of the centerline of piped
systems greater than thirty-six (36) inches in diameter,
1
■ 4Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
333

Article 13_1form Water Management '
Sec. 13.12 i Plan criteria
(3) a minimum of ten (10) feet from top of bank along both sides of all drainage
ways, streams, channels, etc., plus an additional fifteen (15) feet along one
,
side, and
(4) a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet around the perimeter of all detention and
retention facilities. This distance shall be measured from the top of the bank
and toe of the dam, as appropriate.
(c) Restriction on easements shall include prohibiting all fences without gates and
structures that would interfere with access to the easement areas and/or the
maintenance function of the drainage system.
13.11.5 A plan for maintenance of privately owned storm water management facilities shall
'
be included as part of the storm water design plan which as a minimum shall
specify:
(a) Types of maintenance activities that should be anticipated so that the proposed
'
drainage system and storm water management facilities will operate as
designed.
(b) The frequency and amount of maintenance that should be anticipated.
(c) A planned maintenance schedule and checklist.
(d) Identification of the owner(s) responsible for maintenance.
13.11.6 The storm water design plan shall include all engineering calculations needed to
design the system and associated structures.
Sec. 13.12 ] Plan criteria
The hydrologic criteria to be used for the storm water concept and design plans shall be as
follows:
e
13.12.1 25-year design storm (minimum) for all cross -drainage facilities.
13.12.2 10-year design storm for all interior culverts and drainage designs, i.e., roadside
,
ditches, storm sewers, etc.
13.12.3 2- and 10-year design storms for all detention and retention basins using
procedures contained in the Manual of Practice or procedures approved by the City
Engineer. Check for 100-year storm in accordance with provision in paragraph
Sec. 13.9.
13.12.4 All hydrologic analysis will be based on land use conditions as specified in
paragraph 13.9.3.
Sec. 13.13 1 Professional Licensure Requirements
Storm water design plans that are incidental to the design of developments shall be prepared by
a qualified licensed North Carolina Professional Engineer, Surveyor or Landscape Architect. '
Storm water control facilities shall be prepared by a qualified licensed North Carolina
Professional Engineer, using acceptable engineering standards and practices. These
requirements shall not apply to storm water concept plans.
334
Hickory I land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
1

' Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.14 1 Inspection And Maintenance
Sec. 13.14 1 Inspection And Maintenance
13.14.1 Ownership and maintenance of storm water management facilities
' (a) All storm water management facilities which are located on City right-of-ways
will be maintained by the City.
' (b) Any storm water management facility which is located off of City right-of-way or
otherwise not dedicated to the City and or accepted for maintenance by the City,
shall be privately owned and maintained; provided, however, the owner thereof
shall grant to the City, a perpetual, non-exclusive easement which allows for
' public inspection and emergency repair, in accordance with the terms of the
maintenance agreement set forth in paragraph Sec. 13.17.
' (c) Where the storm water system is designed to service multiple lots and is not
dedicated to the City, a homeowner's association or other City approved entity
shall be created and shall be vested with the responsibility for the perpetual
maintenance of the storm water system.
Sec.13.15 1 Performance bond requirements
Requirements related to performance bond requirements are contained in the City of Hickory
Manual of Practice.
Sec. 13.16 1 Inspection schedule and reports
13.16.1 Prior to the approval of the storm water design plan, the applicant shall submit a
proposed staged inspection and construction control schedule. The design plan
shall indicate a phase line for approval. Otherwise the inspection and construction
control schedule will be for the entire drainage system.
13.16.2 No stage of work shall proceed until the preceding stage of work, according to the
sequence specified in the _ approved staged inspection and construction control
1 schedule, is inspected and approved.
13.16.3 Any portion of the work that does not comply with the storm water design plan shall
be promptly corrected by the permittee.
13.16.4 The permittee shall notify the City Engineer upon commencing any work to
implement the storm water design plan and upon completion of the work.
Sec. 13.17 1 Final inspection reports
13.17.1 The permittee shall provide an "as -built' plan certified by a registered professional
(as outlined in Sec. 13.13) to be submitted upon completion of a storm water
control facility and any other storm water management facilities dedicated to the
City,
13.17.2 The registered professional shall certify to the City Engineer that:
(a) the facility has been constructed as shown on the "as -built" plan and
' (b) the facility meets the approved storm water design plan and specifications or
achieves the function for which it was designed.
13.17.3 A final inspection may be conducted by the City Engineer upon completion of the
1
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
t
335

336
Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.18 1 Maintenance agreement (privately owned facilities only)
storm water management facility to determine if the completed work is constructed '
in accordance with the approved storm water design plan.
13.17.4 The City Engineer shall maintain a file of final inspection reports.
Sec. 13.181 Maintenance agreement (privately owned facilities only)
13.18.1
A proposed inspection and maintenance agreement shall be submitted to the City
Engineer for all private on -site storm water control facilities prior to the approval of
'
the storm water design plan. Such agreement shall be in form and content
acceptable to the City Attorney and shall be the responsibility of the private owner.
Such agreement shall provide for access to the facility by virtue of a non-exclusive
perpetual easement in favor of the City at reasonable times for inspection by the
City Engineer.
13.18.2
The agreement shall provide that preventive maintenance inspections of infiltration
'
systems, retention, or detention structures may be made by the City Engineer, at
his/her option. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the City Engineer's
inspection schedule may include an inspection during the first year of operation and
once every two (2) years thereafter, except for regional facilities.
13.18.3
Inspection reports shall be maintained by the City Engineer.
13.18.4
The agreement shall provide that if, after an inspection, the condition of a facility
,
presents an immediate danger to the public health, safety or general welfare
because of unsafe conditions or improper maintenance, the City shall have the
right, but dot the duty, to take such action as may be necessary to protect the
public and make the facility safe. Any cost incurred by the City shall be paid by the
owners) as set forth in subsection f below.
13.18.5
The agreement shall be recorded by the owner in the appropriate Register of
Deeds that has jurisdiction over the development prior to the final inspection and
approval.
13.18.6
The agreement shall provide that the City Engineer shall notify the owners) of the
facility of any violation, deficiency or failure to comply with this Ordinance. The
agreement shall also provide that upon a failure to correct violations requiring main-
tenance work, within ten (10) days after notice thereof, the City Engineer may
provide for all necessary work to place the facility in proper working condition. The
owners) of the facility shall be assessed the costs of the work performed by the
City pursuant to this subsection and subsection 13.18.4 above and there shall be a
lien on all property of the owner which property utilizes or will utilize such facility in
achieving storm water management, which lien, when filed with the appropriate
Register of Deeds that has jurisdiction over the development; shall have the same
status and priority as liens for ad valorem taxes. Should such a lien be filed, por-
tions of the affected property may be released by ,the City following the payments
by the owner of such owner's pro-rata share of the lien amount based upon the
acreage to be released with such release amount to be determined by the City
'
Engineer, in his/her reasonable discretion.
Sec. 13.19 1 Inspection for preventive maintenance (regional facilities only)
13.19.1 Preventive maintenance inspections of infiltration systems, retention or detention
1
Hickory I band Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

Article 13 1 Storm water Management
Sec. 13.20 1 Maintenance of pre-existing storm water management facilities
structures comprising regional public facilities shall be made by the City. The
inspection schedule may include an inspection during the first year of operation and
subsequent inspection at least once annually thereafter and after each major storm
event as determined by the City Engineer.
13.19.2 Inspection reports shall be maintained by the City Engineer.
Sec. 13.20 1 Maintenance of ore -existing storm water manactement facilities
13.20.1 All storm water management facilities located off City right-of-way areas in
existence in the City and its Extraterritorial Planning Jurisdiction on the effective
date of this Ordinance shall be maintained by the owner(s) thereof in such a
manner as to maintain and enhance the public health, safety and general welfare in
a manner to be assured that such facilities are safe and should not result in injury
or harm to persons or property, to reduce and minimize damage to public and
private property, to reduce and minimize the impact of such facilities on land and
stream channel erosion, to assist in the attainment and maintenance of water
quality standards, to reduce local flooding, and to maintain, as nearly as possible,
the pre -development runoff characteristics of the area.. All such maintenance of
such facilities shall be at the sole cost and expense of owner(s) thereof.
13.20.2 It shall be unlawful for the owner or the occupant of any property upon which is
located a pre-existing storm water management facility, to fail to maintain such
facility in such a manner that the facility creates a danger to the public health,
safety and welfare. Should the owner fail to so maintain such facility, such failure
shall constitute a public nuisance per se. The City Engineer shall be entitled to
inspect all pre-existing storm water management facilities subject to this Ordinance
at all reasonable times in order to determine compliance or non-compliance with
the terms and provisions hereof.
13.20.3 Subject to the terms of subsection 6 below, the City Engineer shall provide written
notice to the owner or the person in possession, charge or control of such property
stating that in the judgment of the City Engineer the conditions existing upon the
property constitute a nuisance, setting forth action to be taken to eliminate the
objectionable conditions, and requesting that such action be undertaken within the
number of days specified in the notice. The notice shall further state that unless
the objectionable conditions are voluntarily removed or remedied within the time
specified, the City Engineer will take the appropriate actions to eliminate the objec-
tionable conditions and bill the property owner for all costs incurred.
13.20.4 The City Engineer is hereby directed to take all legal actions necessary to correct
any nuisances including actions that are necessary to remove from the property
such objectionable conditions constituting the nuisance and to charge the cost and
expense thereof to the owner(s) or the person(s) in possession.
13.20.5 If the charges and costs provided for in subsection 4 above remain unpaid by the
owner for a period of thirty (30) days after notice thereof to the owner of the
property upon which such conditions existed, the City Manager shall cause an
execution to be issued against the owner(s) of the property for those charges. The
execution shall be a lien on the property and shall be a lien on all of the property of
the defendant in execution from the date of such recording.
13.20.6 Nothing contained in the Ordinance shall impair the right or ability of the City
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
337

Article 13 1 Storm Water Management
Sec. 13.21 1 variances
Attorney to exercise any and all other remedies available, at law or in equity,
including without limitation, the pursuit of injunctive relief, under emergency circum-
stances where there exists the danger of bodily injury or death.
13.20.7 If the City assists or has assisted private owners with the design, supply and/or
installation of storm water management facilities, this does not imply any
maintenance responsibilities by the City. The maintenance of all such facilities
shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner(s).
Sec. 13.21 1 Variances
13.21.1 The Board of Adjustment may grant a variance from the requirements of this
Section if there are exceptional circumstances applicable to the site such that strict
adherence to the provisions of the Section will result in unnecessary hardship and
not fulfill the intent of the Section.
13.21.2 A written request for a variance shall be required and shall state the specific
variance sought and the jurisdiction therefore. It shall include descriptions,
drawings, calculations and any other information that is necessary to evaluate the
proposed variance.
13.21.3 Any substantial variance from the storm water design or concept plan shall be
referred to all agencies that reviewed the original plan.
_Sec. 13.22 1
Appeals shall
as provided in Sec. 2.12.
338 Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
11
1
III
4� 1
1

Sec. 16.1 1 Responsibility for Enforcement
The Planning Director shall be responsible for enforcing this Land Development Code, except
as otherwise expressly stated.
Sec. 16.2 1 Violations
Unless otherwise expressly allowed by this Land Development Code or state law, any violation
of this Land Development Code, including but not limited to the following, shall be subject to the
remedies and penalties provided for in this Land Development Code.
16.2.1 To use land or buildings in any way not consistent with the requirements of this
Land Development Code;
16.2.2 To erect a building or other structure in any way not consistent with the
requirements of this Land Development Code;
16.2.3 To engage in the development or subdivision of land in any way not consistent with
the requirements of this Land Development Code.
16.2.4 To transfer title to any lots or parts of a development unless the land development
plan or subdivision has received all approvals required and an approved plan or
plat, if required, has been filed in the appropriate office;
' 16.2.5 To submit for recording, any subdivision plat, land division or other land
development plan that has not been approved in accordance with the requirements
of Sec. 2.4 or that does not qualify for an exemption under this Land Development
Code;
16.2.6 To install or use a sign in any way not consistent with the requirements of 10.3.3.
16.2.7 To engage in the use of a building or land, the use or installation of a sign, the
subdivision or development of land or any other activity requiring one or more
permits or approvals under this Land Development Code without obtaining all such
required permits or approvals;
16.2.8 To engage in the use of a building or land, the use or installation of a sign, the
subdivision or development of land or any other activity requiring one or more
permits under this Land Development Code in any way inconsistent with any such
permit or approval or any conditions imposed thereon;
16.2.E To violate the terms of any permit or approval granted under this Land
Development Code or any condition imposed on such permit or approval;
16.2.10 To obscure, obstruct or destroy any notice required to be posted or otherwise given
under this Land Development Code;
16.2.11 To violate any lawful order issued by any person or entity under this Land
Development Code; or
16.2.12 To continue any violation as defined above, with each day of continued violation to
be considered a separate violation for purposes of computing cumulative civil or
criminal penalties.
I
I+ Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
353

354
Article 16 1 Violations, Penalties and Enforcement I
Sec. 16.3 1 Continuing violations
Sec. 16.31 Continuing violations '
Each day that a violation remains uncorrected after receiving notice of the violation from the city
shall constitute a separate violation of this band Development Code.
Sec. 16.4 1 Liability
The owner, tenant or occupant of any land or structure, or part thereof, or any architect, builder,
contractor, agent or other person who participates in, assists, directs, creates or maintains any
situation that is contrary to the requirements of this Land Development Code shall be held jointly
and severally responsible for the violation and be subject to the penalties and remedies
provided herein.
Sec. 16.5 [ Remedies and Enforcement Powers
The city shall have the following remedies and enforcement powers:
16.5.1 Withhold Permit
(a) The Planning Director or Director of Planning and Development may deny or
withhold all permits, certificates or other forms of authorization on any land or
structure or improvements thereon upon which there is an uncorrected violation '
of a provision of this Land Development Code or of a condition or qualification of
a permit, certificate, approval or other authorization previously granted by the
city. This enforcement provision shall apply regardless of whether the current
owner or applicant is responsible for the violation in question.
(b) The Planning Director may deny or withhold all permits, certificates or other ,
forms of authorization on any land or structure or improvements owned or being
developed by a person who owns, developed or otherwise caused an
uncorrected violation of a provision of this Land Development Code or of a
condition or qualification of a permit, certificate, approval or other authorization '
previously granted by the city. This provision shall apply regardless of whether
the property for which the permit or other approval is sought is the property in
violation. For purposes of this section a person shall be defined as any individual '
or business entity with more than a 10% interest in the subject property.
16.5.2 Permits Approved with Conditions
Instead of withholding or denying a permit or other authorization, the Planning
Director may grant such authorization subject to the condition that the violation be
corrected.
16.5.3 Revoke Permits '
Any permit or other form of authorization required under this Land Development
Code may be revoked by the Planning Director when the Planning Director
determines: (1) that there is departure from the plans, specifications, or conditions '
as required under terms of the permit, (2) that the development permit was
procured by false representation or was issued by mistake, or (3) that any of the
provisions of this Land Development Code are being violated. Where permits are
mistakenly issued an applicant shall be entitled to appeal the revocation of the '
permit to the Board of Adjustment as a variance request. In such cases no fee
shall be charged to process the request. Written notice of such revocation shall be
served upon the owner, the owner's agent or contractor, or upon any person
employed on the building or structure for which such permit was issued, or shall be
posted in a prominent location; and, thereafter, no such construction shall proceed.
Hickory 1 Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

' Article 16 1 Violations, Penalties and Enforcement _
Sec. 16.6 1 Continuation of Previous Enforcement Actions
' 16.5.4 Stop Work
Whenever a building or part thereof is being constructed, reconstructed, altered or
repaired in violation of this Land Development Code, the Planning Director may
order the work to be immediately stopped. The stop -work order shall be in writing
and directed to the person doing the work. The stop -work order shall state the
specific work to be stopped, the specific reasons for the stoppage, and the
' conditions under which the work may be resumed. Violation of a stop -work order
shall constitute a misdemeanor.
16.5.5 Revoke Plan or Other Approval
Where a violation of this Land Development Code involves a failure to comply with
approved plans or conditions to which the approval of such plans was made
subject, the Planning Director may, upon notice to the applicant and other known
parties in interest {including any holders of building permits affected,} revoke the
' plan or other approval or condition its continuance on strict compliance with this
Land Development Code, the provision of security to ensure that construction is
completed in compliance with approved plans, or such other conditions as the
' Planning Director may reasonably impose.
16.5.6 Injunctive Relief
The city may seek an injunction or other equitable relief in court to stop any
violation of this Land Development Code or of a permit, certificate or other form of
authorization granted hereunder.
16.5.7 Forfeiture and ' Confiscation of Signs Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in compliance with the
regulations of Article 11, shall be subject to forfeiture to the public and subject to
confiscation. In addition to other remedies and penalties of this section, the city
' shall have the right to recover from the sign owner or person who placed the sign,
the full costs of sign removal and disposal.
16.5.8 Abatement
' The city may seek a court order in the nature of mandamus, abatement, injunction
or other action or proceeding to abate or remove a violation or to otherwise restore
the premises in question to the condition in which they existed prior to the violation.
' 16.5.9 Penalties
The city may seek such other penalties as are provided by North Carolina law.
16.5.1 p Other Remedies and Powers
The city shall have such other remedies and enforcement powers as are and as
may be from time to time provided by North Carolina law for the violation of zoning,
subdivision, sign or related provisions.
Sec. 16.6 1 Continuation of Previous Enforcement Actions
Nothing in this Land Development Code shall prohibit the continuation of previous enforcement
' actions, undertaken by the city pursuant to previous and valid ordinances and laws.
Sec. 16.71 Remedies Cumulative _
The remedies and enforcement powers established in this Land Development Code shall be
cumulative, and the city may exercise them in any order.
I
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition
355

356
Article 16 1 Violations, Penalties and Enforcement
Sec. 16.8 1 Persons Subject to Penalties
Sec. 16.8 1 Persons Subiect to Penalties
The owner or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, and any architect,
builder, contractor, or agent, or other person who commits, participates in, assists in, or
maintains such violations may each be found guilty of a separate offense and be subject to the
above penalties.
Sec. 16.9 1 Enforcement Procedures
16.9.1 Non -Emergency Matters '
In the case of violations of this Land Development Code that do not constitute an
emergency or require immediate attention, the Planning Director shall give notice of
the nature of the violation to the property owner or to any other person who is party
to the agreement or to any applicant for any relevant permit in the manner hereafter
stated, after which the persons receiving notice shall have 10 days to correct the
violation before further enforcement action shall be taken. Notice shall be given in- '
person, by United States Mail, or by posting notice on the premises. Notices of
violation shall state the nature of the violation and the time period for compliance
and may state the corrective steps necessary and the nature of subsequent '
penalties and enforcement actions should the situation not be corrected.
16.9.2 Emergency Matters
In the case of violations of this Land Development Code that constitute an
emergency situation as a result of safety or public concerns or violations that will ,
create increased problems or costs if not remedied immediately, the city may use
the enforcement powers available under this Land Development Code without prior
notice, but the Planning Director shall attempt to give notice simultaneously with '
beginning enforcement action. Notice may be provided to the property owner, to
any other person who is party to the agreement and to applicants for any relevant
permit.
16.9.3 Appeals
Enforcement actions taken by the Planning Director may be appealed by the
affected parry to the Board of Adjustment, except in the case of a violation of Article '
9 or a permit or approval issued under the Subdivision Plat approval procedures of
Sec. 2.4, in which case appeal shall be directly to the courts. An appeal to the
Board of Adjustment does not stay a decision to revoke a certificate or permit. '
16.9.4 Curative Provisions
(a) Not withstanding any other provision of this Land Development Code, in the
case where construction has been completed and either the setback
requirements, minimum lot size, or lot width at the building line have been
violated, and where a period of fifteen years has passed since: '
(1) A building permit has been issued, or
(2) Construction of the structure has been completed, and
(3) No legal action has been commenced in any court of competent jurisdiction '
to enjoin such construction or to cause removal of any such structure
(b) In such case the City of Hickory shall not bring any proceeding or take any
action to require the removal of any such structure. Provided the property owner
shall have the burden of proving the applicability of this section.
Hickory I Land Development Code May 22, 2003 Edition

APPENDIX B
CORRESPONDENCE

APCHITICTS ENGINEyR$ "NNERS
14 March 2005
Mr. Allen Ratzlaff
'
Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
1--ZEC I W, I
MAR 1 5 2005
BY
Re: Revised 201 Facilities Plan/EA for the Proposed Upgrade and Expansion
of the City of Hickory's NE W WTP
Log No. 4-2-04-91
HSMM Comm. No. 60492
Dear Mr. Ratzlaff:
We received a copy of a letter from your office dated March 2, 2005 regarding possible impacts
to the federally threatened dwarf -flowered heartleaf usually found in uplands, on the north -
facing slopes of creeks and rivers. HSMM has revised the layout of the Hickory NE WWTP and
associated buildings so that no construction will take place on the south side of Falling Creek
which could impact the north -facing slopes of the creek. A phone call was placed on March 10,
2005 to Mr. Ratzlaff to discuss the changes. Enclosed is a revised drauring of the Hickory NE
WWTP layout which depicts no construction activities on the south side of falling creek. Please
review the information and forward any revised comments to Ms. Hannah Stallings of the
Construction Grants and Loans Section of NCDENR. Thank you for your prompt attention to
this matter.
Sincerely,
HSMM
J -
David J. DePratter, P.E.
Project Manager
Copy to: James.C. Tindall, P.E., HSMM
Marty Watson, HSMM
Project Files
Hayes, Seoy, Mattern & Mattern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS
ie5 (North Church Street PO Box 2646 Sportanburg SC 29304 TeIA64.585.0185 Fox:864.585.1504 vAAw.hsmm.com

' - -A :560
l
FROM:HSMM 8645851504
FROM-Conctructian Grants And Loans
I U = r l-U111;:J 1,-"
01ST156m T-033 P.001/002 F-534
1
11
0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 0
Richard $. Hamilta -' -
March 9, 2005
Ms. Hannah Stallings
Construction Grants and Loans
1633 Mail Service Ccnter
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1633
Post i- i" Fax Note '7671
aa""D inl or Pe9a$" Z
To -Do, v ,;A
FYA! H
COA)EPL
PROne +�
Phase N
Fax it
Fax d
RE, City of Hickory 201 Facilities Plan and Environmental Assessment (FA) Revisions,
Catawba County
Dear Ms. Stallings:
TWs conrespondcnee is in response to the revised 201 Plan submitred by your office for our
review and comments. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is
authorized to comment and make recormncndations which relate to the impacts of this project on
fish and wildlife through the Clean Water Act of 1977 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended-, 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
Comments have been provided previously for the wastewater improvements proposed for the
City of Hickory Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) l A. After receiving this recent
modification, we discussed our concerns with HSMM consultants.
Based on these discussions with HSMM, it appears that cumulative and secondary impacts are
not anticipated from activities proposed in the 201 Plan as effluent flow increases are not being
anticipated or requested. We continue to be concerned about the use of gas chlorine or sodium
hypoohlorite fen disinfection at the WWTP. Mr. Jonathan Hunt with HSMM provided additional
information on. February 25, 2005 about the proposed modificadon concerning the use sodium
hypochlorite as well as information about ozone and ultraviolet alternatives. HSMM has
concerns about 1) the efficiency of non chemical alternatives due to characteristics of the waste
stream and 2) alternate disinfection byproduct impacts.
Our revievr of the additional information oA alt=ative disinfection processes stO leads us to
believe that alternatives to chlorination are less damaging to aquatic communities than chlorine
and de chlorination. Based on our review, it appears that there is little concern for ultraviolet
procedures while morn eonecras are indicated for ozone byproducts. When comparing non
chemical disird"ection to chlorine, non chemical impacts appear less significant. The toxicity of
chlorine and its byproducts is well known. Concerning byproducts produced by alternate
disinfection methods, we recommend that disinfection alternatives be thoroughly evaluated and
compared with sodium bypochloritc byproducts_ Alternatives that work in the waste treatment
train should be evaluated for cost effectiveness, safety, and aquatic impacts_ These comparisons
should indicate how long-lived (persistence) and how significant these byproducts may be
Vlai[ilag Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Tekpbane: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
MOO-10-2005 THU Oe:2a TEL:[phone] NAME:HSM P. 1

s �
f 8:55A1d FRO -Censtruct"an Grants And Loan
,y
.r
1
Hickory Northeast WWTP 2
I U; r 4uKGVl.G r; 3, �
6197155229 T-933 P.002/032 F-534
March 9, 2005
i
relative to the characteristics of the WWTP effluent. Although, we are primarily conacrned with
protecting the aquatic environment, these comparisons could evaluate human safety and human
exposure to byproducts in receiving basins. Regardless, these comparisons should carefWly
analyze and evaluate acute and chronic impacts to aquatic environments.
In conclusion, we do not desire to postpone WWTP or collection system improvements so we
will not object to the issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) pm%,iding that
alternative distnfcctioa processes are fully evaluated and modified if appropriate and cost
' effective. Any waste stream issues that preclude alternative disinActioa methods should be
improved prior to increasing effluent flows at the WWTP. Additiaaally, all National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) activities should follow all environmental permit
' conditions .required or specified by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
and the Division of Water Quality,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this EA. If you have any questions regarding
' these comments, please contact me at 336-759-9453.
Sincerely,
Ron Linville
Regional Coordittalor
Habitat Conservation Program
THU 09:28 TEL:[phone]
0
NAME. HLSf tM
P. 2

-L-cL-&wJ ur:.airnl rrUh1-%.V15LfULLion uranU AnQ LOdnS
VdA
�0� 7,,�Q.
q Al
NUDENR
r �
C3 C
yN(ltbZz9 T-502 P.002/O02 F-458
Mirha!l F. Easley
Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secrerary
Nornh Carolina Dcpartncrtt of EnVirOnMCnt and Natural Rcsources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of NVater Quality
February 21, 2005
To: Hannah Stallings
Environmental Assessment Coordinator
Construction Grants & Loans Section
From: Sergei Chernikov, MD.
Environmental Engineer I
NPDES Unit
' Re: City of Hickory — Upgrade and Expansion of the
Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant
Project dumber: CS370389
The NPDES Unit has reviewed the City of Hickory's 201 Facilities Plan/Environlnental
Assessment and has no objections to the approval of the project. Since City of Hickory is not
proposing increase in flow, NPDES unit withdraws our objections against proposed project.
On page 18 (Section 3.04) it is stated that "The proposed preliminary design for Hickory's
Northeast WWTP upgrades was based on speculative limits issued by NCDENR personnel...".
It is necessary to emphasize that NPDES Unit was unable to calculate speculative limits before
modeling is conducted by the City of Hickory. Therefore, aforementioned statement is inaccurate
and should be removed..
cc: Permit File
Central Files
N. C. Division of Water Quality! NPDES Unit
1617 Maii Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.1617
Internet; h2o.enr.sWe.nc.us
r .`{
Phone: (M) 733-5083
fax: (919) 733•0719
DENR Customer Service Center 1 800 6217748

.kc..ae C rs iG. c5 "."!,S
February 4, 2005
Ms. Hannah L. Stallings
North Carolina Construction Grants and Loans
�+ 1633 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1633
Re. Environmental Assessment
City of Hickory's Hickory Northeast W WTP Upgrade
Catawba County, NC
HSMM Commission No. 60402A
Dear Ms. Stallings:
I -
Please find below the City of Hickory and HSMM's response to, the comments resulting from the
initial 201 Facilities Plan, including Environmental Assessment (EA), which was submitted
September`10, 2004. I have copied the comments into this letter and indicated where in the EA
each question is addressed. After reviewing the EA, please advise us on any steps we can take to
expedite the issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Environmental Review Continents
�- A. Proposed Project Description
1. In your description of the existing facilities, please state the water body that the Northeast
WWTP discharges into.
Response: As anzended to the description on page 94, the Northeast "VTP discharges
treated effluent into Lake Hickory.
2. When discussing the need for the proposed project on page ES, the report states that
"Rain events over the past five years have overloaded the influent pump station and
caused non-compliance with the City's NPDES permit due to solids washout. The
' proposed will upgrade the existing treatment process and incorporate a 2.2 MGD flow
equalization basin to handle excess inflow received at the plant." The discussion of need
on page 1 stresses the need "to provide more reliable treatment at the plant" by upgrading
its treatment processes and mentions excess inflow secondarily. Page 1 also includes that
statement that "In order to ensure regular compliance with State discharge limitations,
treatment process upgrades are necessary. These upgrades are considered essential due to,
' the extended length of time current equipment has been operating, and also the
inadequacy of the processes to handle the peak flows seen during large rain events."
c Hoyes, Seny, Mattern $ Nlotlern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PtnNNERS
i81 Ecsl Evans S:te t Suite 23 3TC-105 Florence SC 29506 let-:843,669.4491 Cox:BA3.664.2881 &mail;hsmm-![e-mail] %v,.,w.hsm:n.corn

Please be consistent when describing the need for the proposed project in the 201 Plan
and the EA_
Response: The referenced descriptions on pages 1 and 94 (page 68 in previous submittal)
were reworded to stress the importance of plant upgrades to handle the excess flow
during times of rain primarily and the length of service time secondarily.
3. While the discussion of the proposed influent pump station on page 69 states that this
"Would be upgraded to an average capacity of 6 MGD and a peak capacity of 12 MGD,"
the discussion of this upgrade on page 28 states that the proposed pump station would
have a peals capacity of 15 MGD. Please clarify.
a,r Response: The peak flow of the influent pump stalion should be 12 MGD. The narrative
on page 29 (formerly page 28) was amended accordingly.
4. Pages 70 and 29 stated that "The construction of a maintenance building on the existing
WWTP site is anticipated as a portion of the proposed project." Please confirm whether
or not the construction, of this maintenance building is a part of the proposed project.
r
Response: The construction oj'a maintenance building will be included as a portion of
the project. The narratives on pages 30 and 96 (formerly pages 29 & 70 respectively)
were revised accordingly.
5. Page 70 states that "The proposed project would also include the construction of an
administration building and a laboratory building... adjacent to the WWTP south of
Falling Creek." This separate area should be shown on Figure 1.
Response: The originally proposed site for the laboratory and administration building
has been eliminated upon the collection of additional information. It is now being
{ proposed that these buildings, and an additional learning center, will be constructed on
the existing WWTP site property north of Falling Creels Therefore the disturbance of
this land is no longer a component of this project.
6. While page 70 states that "The disturbance of no more than S acres would be necessary to
allow for construction of the laboratory and administration buildings," the discussion on
page 30 states that this will only require disturbing 3 acres. Please clarify.
Response: The narrative erroneously sites the disturbance of S acres. This description
was edited to correctly site the disturbance of three (3) acres. The environmental
assessment and 201 plan have been revised to eliminate the reference to the disturbance
r of an area south of Falling Creek, as the proposed buildings have been relocated to the
existing WWTP site.
t Hoyes, Scay, Mattern & Ma tie rn, fnt. ARCHITECTS ENG NEERS PLANNERS

B. Alternatives Analysis
i. Alternative 2 - Optimizing Operation of Existing Facilities: The report states that "the
current treatment processes are inadequate in their ability to provide the level of
treatment that will be required to meet fiiture NPDES permit limits:"• An October 15,
2004, memorandum from the NPDES Unit states that, "Due to concerns regarding
nutrient enrichment in the Lake Hickory we were unable to provide speculative limits."
The Unit recommends that "extensive modeling [be done) to determine the impact of
.expanded discharge into Lake Hickory." How is it possible to comment, conclusively, on
the ability of the current plant to meet future discharge limits when speculative limits
have not been determined? AIso, how can the proper treatment facilities be planned and
designed when these limits are not yet known?
Response: In response to the NPDES unit statement, `Due to concerns regarding
nutrient enrichment in Lake Hickory, " we feel that the Northeast WWTP will soon have
to employ nutrient removal prior to effluent discharge. The plant as currently configured
is unable to achieve strict nutrient removal; therefore we feel "the current treatment
processes are inadequate in their ability to provide the level of treatment that will be
required to meet future NPDES permit limits." The proposed project does not include
provisions for an increase in effluent flow, therefore the existing NPDES permit limits
and nutrient removal were used for design. The existing permit is due for renewal on
April 31, 2005. In the event the new NPDES limits differ from the existing limits and
nutrient limits, then the design will be adjusted to account for the changes.
2. Alternative 3 - Land Application: The report states that "Analysis of land application of
wastewater as a practical alternative included three application processes: rapid
infiltration into soils, slow rate processes, and overland flow_ Due to soil conditions in
the area, rapid infiltration was eliminated and a slow rate process was selected for further
analysis."
a. Please provide a brief discussion of the limitations of the soils in the area that make
rapid infiltration undesirable.
Response: The alternatives analysis narrative was amended to discuss the selection
criteria necessary for rapid infiltration, and why this is not a viable option for the
City. The additional narrative is included on pages 23-24 and 100.
b. Please provide discussion on the elimination of the overland flow alternative.
Response: The alternatives analysis narrative was amended to discuss the selection
criteria necessaryfor overland flow, and why this is not a viable option for the City_
The additional narrative is included on pages 24 and 100.
Hayes, Seoy, tAoltern & Modern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

3. AIternative 4 - Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation
a- The report states that "The City of Hickory's downtown area currently utilizes a sewer
system receiving stormwater, which introduces large amounts of inflow into the waste
stream during periods of rain. The downtown sewer system consists of both roof
drains and storm drains emptying directly into sewers."
I . The increase in flow during storm events should not be referred to as inflow since
this is a combined sewer system. Inflow is the volume of storm water which
enters the sewer system during rain events from gaps in piping or holes in
manhole covers. Please amend this section of the narrative to more appropriately
address the existence of the combined sewer system and not refer to the increase
in flow during storm events as "inflow" problems.
Response: The narrative throughout this portion of the environmental assessment
was edited to refer to the downtown sewer system as a combined sewer system,
rather than treating the flow entirely as inflow.
■ 2. - This section of the report refers to removing the current storm water drainage
system in the downtown area as "rehabilitation." This is not considered
rehabilitation, but the construction of, a separate storm -sewer system. Please
reword the narrative accordingly.
Response: The description was amended to refer to the construction of a separate
'- sewer system, rather than a rehabilitation of the existing system-
b. Page. 75 states that the W WTP's processes "have been in operation in excess of 15
years." Page 72 of the narrative states that "Some plant components have been in
place in excess of 35 years, and are in need of replacement." Please clarify whether
the deficient processes have been in place 15 or 35 years.
Response: The existing equipment is in need of being replaced, including components
' that have been in place for 15 years and those that have been in operation for 35
years. The environmental assessment was edited in an attempt to clam this position.
' a. Alternative 5 - Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility: The goal of analyzing, this
alternative should focus on whether it is feasible for the Northeast WWTP to combine its
operations with any of the facilities in the other two drainage areas of the city or with a
treatment facility that serves another municipality. Please amend this section accordingly.
c Response; Further narrative was added concerning the. feasibility of establishing a
' regional wastewater facility for two separate drainage basins in the area. The additional
narrative is included on pages 27-28 and 103-104.
Hoycs, 5coy, MUftern & Modern, Inc. nRCHITECIS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

T h 5. .Alternative 7 - Northeast Plant Upcade
...
t a. The report states that "The design upgrades and modifications included in this
analysis are outlined in Section 1.0." The scope presented in Section 1.0 is different
than the scope presented in Section 11.0. Not included in Section 1.0 are: the
following items: 1) new headworks with odor control; 2) influent pump station; 3)
I influent piping; 4) maintenance building; and 5) laboratory and administration
building.
Response:lhe reference to Section 1.0 was a typographical error. The reference has
been corrected to refer to Section 11.0.
C. Existine Environmental Characteristics of Project Area
I. Topography - The WWTP site needs to be labeled on the NFIP map. Please add narrative
U
to address whether or not the project area is within the 100-year flood plain. Then; amend
the discussion of the predicted environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
Response: The map has been edited to show the WW7P site and narrative has been
revised on page 80 to include a description of the site in relation to the 100 year flood
plain.
2. Soils - Please provide an estimate of the volume of soil that will be moved in the siting
and construction of the proposed facilities. Also, address where this soil will be relocated.
Response: The amount of soil to be moved is estimated at approximately 183, 000 cy. The
soil will be compacted and graded to restore pre -construction contours where possible.
Narrative relating to this information has been included on page 116.
3. Land Use -. Please discuss the current activity on the tot where the laboratory and
administrative building will be sited. Then, amend the discussion of the predicted
environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
f Response: The laboratory and administrative buildings are now planned to be
constructed on the existing WYYTP site. The previously proposed location for the
laboratory and administrative buildings has been abandoned.
4_ Air Qualit - The report states that "the plant has been able to eliminate the majority of
odor complaints from residents in close proximity to the plant." Please provide narrative
on the nature and timing of these odor complaints.
4
Response: Additional information concerning the nature and timing of the odor
complaints received by the plant staff has been added on pages 109-110.
T
I
Hayes, seny, Mallern & Modern, Inc. ARCH;IEC[S ENG3NEER5 PLANNERS

5. Shellfish or Fish and.. Their Habitats The report states that "There are no known areas of
shellfish beds or indications of fish abiding in Falling Creek." Please confirm that there
are no fish in this water body. If this was a misstatement please provide a listing of the
' fish species that have been/are likely to be found in this creek. Then, amend the
discussion of the predicted environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
Response: There is at least one fish species abiding in Falling Creek. The discussion of
the predicted environmental impact was amended to include a list of the predominant
plants and animals observed at the project site. Additional narrative was added on pages
112 and 122.
6. Wildlife and Natural Vegetation - This discussion focuses solely o_ n the presence of
threatened or endangered species in the project area. Please include a broader discussion
of any wildlife habitat that exists on or near the project area, and list specific species of
dominant plants and animals found in the area. Then, amend the discussion of the
predicted environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
Response: Narrative was added on pages 113-114, 122, and page 132 to address this
deficiency.
D. Predicted Environmental Effects of Proiect
1. Public Lands, Scenic or Recreational Areas - It is stated in the discussion of the existing
environmental characteristics of the project area that "Lake Hickory's shoreline is near
the proposed Hickory NE WWTP Upgrade and Expansion site."
a. In the discussion of the predicted impacts of the project on the environment, it is
stated that the proposed proj ect. "should not have any adverse direct impacts on Public
Lands, Scenic or Recreational areas." Please address the impacts that construction and
the additional facilities will have on the Lake Hickory shoreline - whether the impact
be a visual annoyance, a source of increased noise, a temporary increase local air
pollution, etc.
Response: The narrative on page,118 was edited to include a description of the likely
direct and cumulative impacts of the proposed project on Lake Hickory.
b. This project does not involve an expansion in capacity, so please remove all such
references from the document.
Response: All references to an expansion have been removed from the environmental
assessment.
c. Page 3 of the 201 Plan states that "approximately 1,200 residents are likely to begin
o
receiving sewer service from the Northeast Wastewater "Treatment Plant (WWTP)
Hoyes, 5eay, Mattern & Matlern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

r , ` because of the problematic septic tanks." Please state that an expansion of capacity is
not being sought with the proposed project and that the households served by these
septic systems will not be added to the wastewater collection and treatment system as
a part of the currently proposed project_
Re.-seonse: Narrative was added on page 3 and page 97-98 to address this comment.
2. Water Resources
a. Please address the fact that the treatment upgrades will protect and enhance local
surface water quality.
Response: The direct and cumulative impacts on water resources on pages 120-121
were amended to address the protection and enhancement of local surface water
quality as a result of the project.
b. The report states that "In the event encroachment within the 50-foot buffer zone
occurs during design, a stream relocation effort will be enacted." Is this action quite
likely to happen in the course of construction? If so, please provide a detailed
description of the predicted environmental impacts of this effort.
Response: The need to relocate the stream to ensure a 50 foot buffer is not
anticipated as being necessary. The discussion of the direct impacts on page 120 was
edited to address this concern.
3. Shellfish or Fish and their Habitats - Please address whether the aquatic habitat will be
improved by the enhanced wastewater treatment process provided by the proposed
1 project and how it will be improved.
iResponse: The aquatic habitat will be improved due to the enhanced water quality. This
■ discussion of indirect and cumulative impacts was revised on page 122.
4. Introduction of Toxic Substances - Please address the potential for leakage from the
constnuction equipment at the two project sites. In the mitigative measures section,
discuss those actions that will be taken to ensure that such toxic substances will be treated
in accordance with all appropriate regulations so that there will be no significant negative
environmental impact.
Response: On December 14, 2004 Ms. Hannah Stallings with NCDENR Construction
Grants & Loans, was contacted to discuss the expectations of this comment. In response
w to this conversation, the possibility of diesel fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid leaking was
included as an indirect impact on page 123. Although a large scale leak or spill of these
substances is not expected, corrective measures shall be in place,
i
Floyes, 5eny, Moltern & Mattern, Inc- ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS
r.

E. NPDES Permit - PIease include a copy of the entire permit
Response: The entire NPDES permit --will be included in the revised Environmental
. Assessment.
F. Comments received from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the NPDES
Unit, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The issues raised by these agencies must be
addressed in the next submittal. Comments have yet to be received from the Department of
1 Cultural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These two agencies have been
contacted and their response has been encouraged.
NPDES Unit Review Comments
■._ Due to the concerns regarding nutrient enrichment in Lake Hickory we were unable to provide
speculative limits. The NPDES Unit recommended that the applicant conduct more extensive
modeling to determine the impact of the expanded discharge into Lake Hickory.
Response.• The plant is not proposing an expansion in effluent flow,'so tile limits and flow set for
in the existing NPDES permit are proposed. In 2005 the permit is due for renewal and will
require new limits as supplied by NCDENR at the 6 MGD flow currently in place.
NC Wildlife Resources Commision Review Comments
The potential for relocating portions of Falling Creek concerns us as existing terrestrial and
aquatic habitats could be impacted directly and indirectly from the relocation and from poor
management of stormwater and development issues.
Response: The relocation of Falling Creek is. not anticipated as being necessary to make the
proposed upgrades and maintain a SO' buffer along the stream. Stormwater management issues
will be corrected as part of the plant upgrade.
Prior to tree removal and site clearing activities on a proposed development site and prior to local
site planning and zozung approvals, all jurisdictional waters and wetlands should be
_ professionally delineated pursuant to the Clean Water Act (CWA) using US Army Corps of
Engineers (COE) and NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) criteria. This should be
accomplished as part of the developer's due diligence and site evaluation process. CWA permits
are required for driveways, parking lots, road crossings and utility (including sewer) lines that
impact waters of the United States. Should impacts occur to jurisdictional waters or wetlands,
Stormwater management should be provided. Agricultural or forestry exemptions must not be
allowed when the ultimate use of a property will be a development.
Mayes, seoy, Mattern & Moltern, 1nC. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

r
Response: A preliminary wetlands delineation was conducted in October 2004 and a letter was
mailed on November 11, 2004 to Amanda Jones of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
requesting a site visit and confirmation of the wetlands delineation. Mrs. Jones confirmed the
wetlands delineation in a phone conversation with Kimberly Barbee of HSMM on December 14,
2004. The City of Hickory understands that permits are required when development is proposed
on property that contains waters of the US. The wetlands delineation showed that the location of
the proposed educational center is not within jurisdictional wetlands. The vegetation, soils and
hydrology were characteristic of an upland area. Narrative conveying this information has been
included on page 108 and page 117.
Jurisdictional streams, wetlands, and highly erodible area buffers should be maintained or
€-= restored as undisturbed forested buffers. In watersheds supporting listed species, these buffers
f should be 100 feet for intermittent channels and 200 feet for perennial channels. In watersheds
without listed species, these buffers should be 50 feet and 100 feet respectively. Buffers should
be permanently preserved as common conservation areas instead of subdivided. Local
authorities should keep sewer lines, water lines, and other utilities out of the buffer zone.
' Response: The City of Hickory is applying far a grant from the Clean Water Trust Fund to help
fund the purchase of conservation easements on Falling Creek. The stream is greatly impaired
from upstream development and deforestation. The only section of the stream with a forested
buffer is that which is adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant. Shade provided from a
{- forested buffer provides healthy fish habitat. A similar description has been included as part of
the mitigative measures to be taken to protect the topography in the region (page 127), water
Ft resources (page 132), and the habitat offish and shellfish (page 133).
Stormwater management should maintain, to the extent possible, pre developed hydrographic
' conditions. Stormwater control measures should be implemented before impervious surfaces
reach 10 % for most watersheds and 6 % for watersheds with listed species present downstream.
Low Impact Development (LID) techniques are encouraged for all new development and
redevelopment efforts. Information on LID practices and measures can be found at
- www.lowimpactdevelopment.org. Maintenance of hydrographic issues are needed to reduce
downstream channel destabilization and bank erosion. Stormwater management ponds should be
forested (excluding darns) with native plants to reduce thermal impacts to waters.
Response: Stormwater management at the NE, WWTP will be improved as part of the plant
upgrade. Specifically, storm drains that are causing erosion in Falling Creek will be removed
and the batik restored to pre -development conditions. Where feasible, Low Impact Development
(LID) will be provided by lengthening the time of concentration and using permeable pavement
and/or other technologies which reduce the Curve Number and thus reduce the quantity of runoff
leaving the site. Storm water management structures will be provided if required so that the post -
development 10 year peak flow is equal or less than the pre -development 10 year peak flow.
These measures have been included as mitigative measures on page 100 for the protection of
topography and soils.
_ Hcyes, Seay, Mallern & Mallern, inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS
11

i1
Fill in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated floodplains as well as CWA
jurisdictional water floodplains should be prohibited. (This is an essential and important
maintenance component of item number three above.) Entire floodplain areas should be
protected as undisturbed forested areas to benefit local air and water quality.
Response: The City of Hickory does not propose to place fill in FEMA designated floodplains.
In addition to the above reiterations, we continue to be concerned about the extensive use of
chlorine and dechlorination disinfection processes throughout the state. - We continue to
recommend that alternate processes be used. and that any plant modifications coincide with
modifications of pretreatment permit requirements (color removal, etc.) that allow alternate
disinfection methodologies. Additional details should be provided supporting the statement that
chlorine disinfection practices cannot be changed to other non chemical methods_
Response: As included in the amended document, there is evidence suggesting the reduction in
disinfection byproducts when onsite sodium hypochlorite generation replaces the practice of
disinfection using gaseous chlorine. Additionally, disinfection of wastewaters using ozone or
ultraviolet lights is known to form disinfection byproducts. Although the disinfection byproducts
formed in these processes are different than the byproducts resulting from
ry chlorinationldechlorination, they may also be harmful to aquatic wildlife. Therefore, the
reliable practice of chlorine disinfection using onsite sodium hypochlorite generation is the
selected technology for disinfection in the Northeast WWTP upgrade. Narrative relating to this
,- issue has been added on page 123.
In closing, we would like to see additional project proponent evaluation of any potential CSI
issues and increase evaluation of mitigation options as discussed in our previous letter and as
reiterated above (also see our CSI document) if full build out has not been reached in the
municipal service area.
Response: Additional impact analysis has been included for the sections relating to topography,
soil, land use, wetlands, public lands, scenic or recreational areas, water resources, and the
introduction of toxic substances. Similarly the description of mitigative measures for
topography, soil, wetlands, water resources, shellfish or fish habitats, and toxic substances have
been modified.
USDI 1{isle and Wildlife Service Review Comments
The subject Environmental Assessment does not address alternatives to chlorine nor does it
adequately address the secondary and cumulative development impacts induced by the increased
capacity of the proposed expansion of the WWTP. In fact, the Environmental Assessment does
specifically states that there are "no apparent impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's
Northeast WWTP Upgrade on wildlife and natural vegetation in the area." And even though a
41--percent increase in population is expected in the service area over the next 20 years, the
Hayes, Seny, Mottern & Matlern, InC. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

Environmental Assessment further states that the proposed alternative will not have an adverse
effect on the environment,"
Response: Additional analyses of the impacts of the proposed project have been added to the
referenced Environmental Assessment. Although there is an expected increase in the population
over the next 20 years, the increase is not a result of the proposed project as there is no increase
capacity included in the presented project. Therefore we feel that the impacts as presented in the
.environmental Assessment are representative of the project as proposed_
Additionally, the Environmental Assessment states that the proposed project may have impacts
on the federally threatened dwarf -flowered. heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), both directly and
cumulatively. If impact to federally listed species are possible, formal consultation with our
office should be initiated.
Response: It is not expected that the project will have an impact on the dwarf -flowered heartleaf
.. as this plant was not observed during the site visit far the wetlands delineation on the property.
The EA was revised to reflect this fact and that stream restoration will improve wildlife habitat,
1
Sincerely,
HSMM
Marty Watson
fmw/jmw
Enclosures: As noted
Copy to: Project and Reading Files
Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc. ARCMTECIS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

' O G
-7
� r
L7 `S
The Honorable Rudy Wright, Mayor
City of Hickory
P.O- Box 398
Hickory, North Carolina 28603-0398
Dear Mayor Wright:
Michael t-. Laslcy- Governor
William C. ltosi Jr.. SrcaLtary
Horh CLuvlinu Dcpttment of l nVironnrcnl and N3Eur1l 1tc5CrurCCS
Alan W, P.E. Dircctor
Division of Water QuAtily
November 9.2004
SUBJECT: City of Hickory
201 Facilitses Plan and
Environmental Assessment
Project No, CS370389-18
The Construction Grants and Loans Section. has completed its environmental review of
the subject project and has the attached comments- The attached comments from North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission, the NPDE5 Unit, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must
also be addressed. These comments are also being sent directly to your consulting engineer,
' HSMrM, by copy of this letter. A revised 201 Plan and E.nvironm ntal Assessment that
incorporates responses to these comments should be submitted for our review and approval as
soon as possible. Providing thorough and complete responses to these review comments in a
timely manner is necessary to avoid delays of the project. approval. Our technical review is
ongoing, and there may be additional comments forwarded to you when the review is completed.
' In an effort to reduce the schedule for the 201 Plan and Environmental Assessment
approval, it is suggested that the city and its engineer resolve the environmental issues and
concerns discussed in the attached comments by directly contacting the commenting agencies.
Comments from the U.S. Army r Corps of Engineers and the Department of Cultural
P g P
Resources have not been received. We have been in contact with these review agencies to
encourage their response. Once comments from these agencies have been received, they will be
forwarded to the city and its consulting; engineer.
7
a -
C t tion Grants d Laan S ti
Id",ruc i an s ec on One
1533 Mail Salvia Center Raleigh NC 27699-1633 �a�]�aI011rit ' Phone: [phone] / FAX- M-715-62291 Internet: www.nccUl.net l �
110-d ZOO d SU-1 6ZZ9511616 sueol puy srueig licipnitsuoD-hoed My1o:11 VHZ-61-AON

The Honorable Rudy Wright, Mayor
' November 9, 2004
Page 2, 2004
If our or you engineer have an questions or need assistance in resolving these
Y Y g Y9 �
environmental issues, please call Ms. Hannah Stallings at [phone]. If you or your
' engineer have any questions or need assistance in resolving technical issues, please call Nicholas
Hong at [phone]. Also, if there are questions cvncemine this review, you may contact
me at [phone],
' Sir�rrerel .
Yi
1
K. Lawre4lHorton, III, P. E., Supervisor
Facilities gvaluation Unit
' HSlsd
' Attachment (all cc's)
cc: Marty Watson, HSMM
Daniel Blaisdell, P.E.
Nick Hong
' Hannah Stallings
DMU/PMB/f--EU/SRF
1
1
Z10-j £00'd BEI-1 UZ9511616 sue01 Puy saueu0 uoit mt;sum0-floyA NVIC-'11 VOOZ-61-AON

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
151 PATTON AVENUE
ROOM 208
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28801-5006
RL•PLY TO
A17121MO14 OF: November 5, 2004
Regulatory Division
Action ID 200530320
a
'Zi 2
K. Lawrence Horton, I11, P.E., Supervisor
Facilities Evaluation Unit
Construction Grants and Loans Section
' 1633 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699
I
Dear Mr_ Horton:
Reference your request for review and comment on the 201 Facilities Plan and
' Environmental Assessment for City of Hickory, NC (FPEA) dated September 10, 2004. The
project proposes expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant along Falling Creek in order
to provide more reliable treatment to Catawba County.
The project as described in the FPEA does not indicate that any construction activities,
regulated pursuant to either Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 or Section 404 otthe
' Clean Water Act, are to occur within waters of the United States. Accordingly, based solely on the
information provided in the FPEA, no Department of the Army authorization will be required for
the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant in Catawba County.
PIease be reminded that in the event that project plans relative to the expansion activities
are altered and result in the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters or wetlands of the
United States, you should contact the undersigned regarding Department of the Army permitting
requirements.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the 201 Facilities Plan and Environunerital
Assessment for City of Hickory, NC. If you have any questions, I may be contacted by telephone
at [phone], extension 232.
Sincerely,
1 Rebekah L_ Newton
1 Regulatory Specialist
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
210-J NO/ZZO'd SU-1 6229912616 sue01 Puy s�uean NMI[ PCOZ-E-AON

CITY OF HICKORY
i:nvironmental Review Comincnt.S ;f
For 201 Facilities flan and Environmental Assessment
Project No. CS370389-18
November 9, 2004
A. Proposed Project Description
1:. In your description of the existing facilities, please state the water body that the Northeast.
WWTP discharges into.
2. When discussing the need for the proposed project on page 68, the report states that
"Rain events over the past five years have overloaded the influent purnp station and
caused non-compliance with the City's NPDLS permit due to solids washout. The
proposed project will upgrade the existing treatment process and incorporate a 2.2 MGD
flow equalization basin to handle excess inflow received at the plant_" The discussion of
need on page 1 stresses the need "to provide more reliable treatment at the plant" by
upgrading its treatment processes and mentions excess inflow secondarily. Page 1 also
includes that, statement that "In order to ensure regular compliance with State discharge
limitations, treatment process upgrades are necessary_ These upgrades are considered
essential due to the extended length of time current equipment has been operating, and
also the inadequacy of the processes to handle the peak flows seen during large rain
events." Please be consistent when describing the need for the proposed project in the
201 Plan and the LA.
3. While the discussion of the proposed influent pump station on page 69 states that this
"Would be upgraded to an average capacity of G MGD and a peak capacity of 12 MGD,"
the discussion of this upgrade on page 28 states that the proposed pump station would
have a peak capacity of 15 MGD. Please clarify.
4. Pages 70 and 29 stated that "The construction of a maintenance building on the existing
' WWTP site is anticipated as a portion of the proposed project." Please confirm whether
or not the construction of this maintenance building is a part of the proposed project.
5. Page 70 states The proposed project would also include the constru
ction of an
administration building and a laboratory building ... adjacent to the WWTP south of
Falling Creek." This separate area should be shown on Figure 1.
' G. While page 70 states that "The disturbance of no more than 5 acres would be necessary to
allow for construction of the laboratory and administration buildings," the discussion on
page 30 states that this will only require disturbing 3 acres. Please clarify.
Page I of 5

B. Alternatives Analysis
' 1. Alternative 2 — Optimizing Operation of Existing Facilities: The report states that "the
current treatment processes are inadequate in their ability to provide the level of
treatment that will be required to rneet future NPDES pen -nit limits." An October 15,
2004, memorandum from the NPDES Unit states that, "Due to concerns regarding
nutrient enrichment in the Lake 1-lickory we were unable to provide speculative limits."
' The Unit recommends that "extensive modeling [be done] to determine the impact of
expanded discharge into Lake Hickory." How is it possible to comment, conclusively, on
the ability of the cuiTent plant. to meet future discharge limits when speculative limits
' have not been determined? Also, how can the proper treatment facilities be planned and
designed when these limits are not yet known?
' 2. Alternative 3 — Land Application: The report states that "Analysis of land application of
wastewater as a practical alternative included three application processes: rapid
infiltration into soils, slow rate processes, and overland flow. Due to soil conditions in
' the area, sapid infiltration was eliminated and a slow rate process was selected for further
analysis."
a. Please provide a brief discussion of the limitations of the soils in the area that
' make rapid infiltration undesirable.
h. Please provide discussion on the elirnination of the overland flow alternative.
3. Alternative 4 —Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation
a. The report states that "The City of Hickory's downtown area currently utilizes a sewer
' system receiving stormwater, which introduces large amounts of inflow into the waste
stream during periods of rain. The downtown sewer system consists of both roof
drains and storm drains emptying directly into sewers."
1. The increase in flow during storm events should not be referred to as inflow since
' this is a combined sewer system. Inflow is the volume of storin water which
enters the sewer system during rain events from► gaps in piping or holes in manhole
covers. Please amend this section of the narrative to more appropriately address
the existence of the combined sewer system and not refer to the increase in flow
during storm events as "inflow" problems.
2. This section of the report refers to removing the current storm water drainage
system in the downtown area as "rehabilitation." This is not considered
rehabilitation, but the construction of a separate storm sewer system. Please
reword the narrative accordingly.
b. Page 75 states that the WWTP's processes "have been in operation in excess of 15
years." Page 72 of the narrative states that "Some plant components have been in
place in excess of 35 years, and are in need of replacement." Please clarify whether
the deficient processes have been in place 15 or 35 }rears.
Page 2 of 5

4. Alternative 5 — Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility: The goat of analyzing this
alternative should focus on whether it is feasible for the Northeast. WWTP to combine its
operations with any of the facilities in the other two drainage areas of the city or with a
treatment facility that serves another municipality. Please amend this section
accordingly.
S. Alternative 7 — Northeast Plant U grade
The report states that "The design upgrades and modifications included in this
analysis are outlined in Section 1.0." The scope presented in Section 1.0 is
different than the scope presented in Section 1 1.0. Not included in Section 1.0 are
the following items: 1) new headworks with odor control; 2) influent pump
station; 3) influent piping, 4) maintenance building; and 5) laboratory and
administration building.
' C. Existin Environmental Characteristics or Project Area
I. Topography-- The WWTP site needs to be labeled on the NFIP map. Please acid
narrative to address whether or not the project area is within the 100-year flood plain.
Then, amend the discussion of the predicted environmental impacts mitigative measures
accordingly.
2. Soils -- Please provide an estimate of the volume of soil that will be moved in the siting
' and construction of the proposed facilities. Also, address where this soil will be
relocated.
Land Use — Please discuss the current activity on the lot where the laboratory and
administrative building will be sited. Then, amend the discussion of the predicted
' environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
4. Air Quality — The report states that "the plant has been able to eliminate the majority of
' odor complaints from residents in close proximity to the plant." Please provide narrative
on the nature and timing of these odor complaints.
S. Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats — The report states that "There are no known areas
of shellfish beds or indications of fish abiding in Falling Creek." Please confirm that
' there are no fish in this water body, if this was a misstatement, please provide a listing of
the fish species that have been/are likely to be found in this creek. Then, amend the
discussion of the predicted environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
1
Page 3 of _5

�-a
G. Wildlife and Natural Vegetation —This discussion focuses solely on the presence of
threatened or endangered species in the project area. Please include a broader discussion
of any wildlife habitat that exists on or near the project area, and list specific species of
dominant plants and animals found in the area. Then, amend the discussion of the
predicted environmental impacts mitigative measures accordingly.
' D. Predicted Environmental Effects of Project
1. Public Lands, Scenic or Recreational Areas --It is slated in the discussion of the existing
environmental characteristics of the project area that "Lake Hickory's shoreline is near
the proposed Hickory N _ WWTP Upgrade and Expansion site."
a. In the discussion of the predicted impacts of the project on the environment, it is
stated that the proposed project "should not have any adverse direct impacts on
Public Lands, Scenic or Recreational areas." Please address the impacts that
construction and the additional facilities will have on the Lake Hickory shorelifrc
-- whether the imnact be a visual annoyance, a source of increased noise, a
temporary increase local air pollution, etc.
1). This project does not involve an expansion in capacity, so please remove all such
references from the document.
c. Page 3 of the 201 Plan states that "approximately 1,200 residents are likely to
begin receiving sewer service from the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WWTP) because of the problematic septic tanks." Please state that an expansion
of capacity is not being sought with the proposed project and that the households
served by these septic systems will not be added to the wastewater collection and
treatment system as a part of the currently proposed project.
2. Water Resources
a. Please address the fact that the treatment upgrades will protect and enhance local
surface water quality.
b. The report states that "In the event encroachment within the 50-foot buffer- zone
occurs during design, a stream relocation effort will be enacted." Is this action
quite likely to happen in the course of construction.) If so, please provide a
detailed description of the predicted environmental impacts of this effort.
3. Shellfish or Fish and their Habitats — Please address whether the aquatic habitat will be
improved by the enhanced wastewater treatment process provided by the proposed project
and how it will be improved.
Page 4of5

4. Introduction of Toxic Substances — Please address the Potential for leakage from the
construction equipment at the two project sites. In the mitigative measures section,
' discuss those actions that will be taken to ensure that such toxic substances will be treated
in accordance with all appropriate regulations so that there will be no significant negative
environmental impact.
' E. NPDES Permit — Please include a copy of the entire permit.
' F. Comments received from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the
NPDES Unit, and U.S. Dish and Wildlife Service. The issues raised by these agencies
must be addressed in the next subin ittal. Comments have yet to be received from the
Department of Cultural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These two
agencies have been contacted and their response has been encouraged.
Page 5 of 5

111�3�1:GYJ�l;+ dl:Y]Y7 �1'�1i5�bta�J
1 �L _l ti ,
North. Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 19
C hales %. Fullwtrind, Executive D;rector
MEMORANDUM
TO: Melba McOce, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources .
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: October 6, 2004
SUBJECT: State Clearinghouse Project No. 1287, 201 Facilities Plan and
Environmental Assessmeni (EA), City of Hickory's Northeast Wastewater
Treatment Improvements, Calawha County
This correspondence responds to a request by you for our review and comment~ on the
Environmental Assessment (EA) for the City of Hickory's (City) proposed improvements
' to their referenced wastewater facilities, These comments are provided in accordance
with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Slat. 401, as amended;
' 16 U.S.C. 661-667d.) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 11-')'A-t
through 1 13A-10; I NCAC 25).
The City owns and operates two wastewatcr treatment plants (WWTP) in Catawba
County. The city has recently purchased Catawba W% TP. The Nort,hcast WWTP
(NPDES Permit No. NCO020401) serves approximately 19, 200 acres of drainage area.
' The WWTP was upgraded in 1989 to a capacity of 6.0 Million Gallons per Day (GPD).
The Mtge and condition of the collection system allows significant inflow and Infiltration
(I & 1) into the system. Studics.and evaluations of significant I & I have determined drat
improvcments at the Northeast WWTP, including a new 2.2 million gallon equalization
ha.sin will be the most econoanical way to deal with excessive peak flows during
inclement weather. Substantial wastewater bypass releases may impact water quality and
recreational uses of Lake Hickory. The Northwest WWTP is the only wastewater
treatment system for the Latkc Hickory drainage in Hickory.
Portions of public sewer in downtown areas are over a hundred years old and combined
sewers (stormwaler and wastewater) are indicated. Hickory Dyeing and Winding
contributes roughly 0_054 IVIGD to this V %NqP. The municipal sewer service area
...� ylatlin, Address: Dtvuion of inl-,nC� 1�i,17� -.—_....... _.---....,,_...._..__.. �--
o -ic: 1721 Mai) Su -vice Ccatcc • Ra)d.-h, TIC' 27699-1721

11! Ind? 91'3715.iftd IYI.UMNM r-riuc riot uo
OLI.A I297, Hickory Northeast 2 October 6, 2004
Wastewater Improvements
' appears to be substantially urban with the exception of an area comprised of about I,200
residents in Alexander County who are experiencing problems witl7 onsite septic tank
1 systems. It appears that sewer service provisions to this area arc likely in the near future.
According to the submittal, pump station fixtures would be upgraded to a peak capacity
of 15 MGD through WWTP improvements, pump capacity upgrades, and the addition of
the equalization basin. Chlorine contact and declorvnation expansions are proposed as
part of the WWTP upgrade. Impacts along Falling Creek are probable despite a Fifly (50)
' foot buffer proposed that allows for stream relocation if needed (with approval of the US
Army Corps of Engineers)_
' Direct impacts from the proposed improvements are indicated to be minor as much of the
impacts will occur within or near the WWTP. Indirect and cumulative impacts are
indicated to be minimal although our interpretation of the project has not found that no
secondary and cumulative impacts will occur. Secondary and cumulative impacts are
likely where new sewer extensions occur or where additional development or
redevelopment will occur_ No "apparent" direct impacts to wildlife are indicated and
landscaping is indicated to augment aesthetics and neighborhood acceptability.
Alternatives to existing chlorination disinfection have not been proposed due to industrial
wastewater flows to the Northeast WWTP.
Mitigative measures are indicated to protect floodplains and specified waterways shown
on Hickory's floodway maps. In addition, the land development code states that
"minimum peak flow reducing water control requirements shall provide control measures
to control velocities or other velocity related problcros at the exit of all storm water
management facilities and downstream" and that if the state or federal governments have
more restrictive requirements, the more restrictive requirement will be used.
' Although we do not discern that significant direct impacts will occur for the WWTP
improvements, ancillary Cumulative and Secondary Impacts (CSI) may be more likely
than indicated. We previously indicated that CSI issues should be reviewed and
addressed (NCWRC letter, April 22, 2004). On our websit-- at
1ttl �:I/�vr�n�.1�c�vildlife.or rf U07 t _i_l[11ifeSoeciesCon/p417c.3 imuactudf we have
discussed CSI issues in depth. We also recommended the use of Law Impact
' Development techniques (LID) to improve water quality and protect aquatic habitats.
Low Impact Development (LID) techniques are still encouraged for all new
developments and redevelopment efforts. Information do 1_,11) practices and measures
cart be found at 'w,,v.lowimpactde,�elopment.orV. The extension into Alexander County
where septic tank problems are indicated may encourage denser development and
redevelopment causing additional stormwater and hydrograph modifications that increase
' urban pollutants_ In addition, redevelopment in the existing service area may occur
where good storTnwater protection measures could provided improvcd beneFt to water
quality and aquatic habitats_ If this isn't the case, project proponents should clearly show
' why these indirect impacts can not occur.

OLIA 1287, Hickorynortheast 3 October 6, 2004
Wastewater Improvements
Our review of the submittal accentuated concerns about negative impacts of combined
sewers. The potential for relocating portions of Falling Creek concerns us as existing
1 terrestrial and aquatic habitats could be impacted directly and indirectly from the
relocation and from poor management of stormwater and development issues. CS1
impacts will stream and .wetland impacts occur inadvertently when using maps for stream
and wetland identification purposes.
Combined sewers should be separated routinely as problems and opportunities arise_
' New or replacement sewer system lines should be placed along the edge of floodplains
instead of along creeks so that undiminished floodplains can provide flood assimilation
and so that streams are protected so that opportunities to restore creeks and wetlands are
' not deterred by the sewer line. Instead of using maps to determine where waters are
present, standard field delineation methodologies used by the US Army Corps of
Engineers and the NC Division of Water Quality should be required and utilized. To help
avoid CSI storrnwater issues and maintain hydrographs, the following minimal steps
should be required by local ordinances:
' I. Prior to tree removal and site clearing activities on a proposed development
site and prior to local- site planning and zoning approvals, all jurisdictional
waters and wetlands should be professionally delineated pursuant to the Clean
' Water Act (CWA) using US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and NC
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) criteria. This should be accomplished as
part of the developer's due diligence and site evaluation process. CWA
' pern-.its are required for driveways, parking lots, road Crossings and utility
(including sewer) lines that impact waters of the Uiuted States. Should
impacts occur to jurisdictional waters or wetlands; storrmvater management
should Ire provided. agricultural or forestry exemptions must no! be alllvjed
when tlae ultimate use of a property will be a development.
2. Jurisdictional streams, wetlands and hibhh, erodible area buffers should be
' maintained or restored as undisturbed forested buffers. In watersheds
s,�ppnr+;ng listed species, these bu!Ters should by 100' for intermittent
channels and 200' for perennial channels. In «watersheds without Iisted
Species, these bLifers should be 50' and 100' rest F.,cli„ely. $nil .rs sho-uld be
permanently preserved as common conservation areas instead of subdivided.
Local. authorities should keep sewer lines, water lines, and other utifities ou! of
riparian buffers.
3. Stormwater managernenL <hnuid— maintain, to the extent possible, pre
development hydrographic conditions_ Stonmi-ater control measures should
be implemented belbre '-,ices surfaces reach 10% for most watersheds
and 6 % for watersheds with listed species present downstream. Low Impact
Develeprrent (LID) techniques are enco-_:raged for all new developments and
redevelopment elforts: .Information on LID practices and measures can be
found at www.lowimpactdevelopment.org. Maintenance of hydrographic
issues is needed to reduce downstream channel destabilization and bank
' erosion. Stornwater management ponds should be forested (excluding dams),
with native plants !o reduce thermal impac!s to ,Ar2!ers.

OLIA 1297, Hickory i,..,rthcast 4 October 6, 2004
Wastewater Improvements
4. Fill in Federal Emergency Management Agency designated floodplains as
well as CWA jurisdictional water floodplains should be prohibited. (This is
an essential and important maintenance component of item number three
above-) Enti-e flo—dpla-n areas should be protected as undisturbed Corested
a ---as in benefit local air and water qualify.
In addition to the above reiterations, we continue to be concerned about the extensive use
ofchlarirle and declorination disinfe:.:ior; processes !lrouehout the state. We corainue to
recommend that alternate processes be used and that any plant modifications coincide
with modifications cf pretreatment permit requirement, (color rer. oval, etc.) that allow
20tcrPat2 disinfection rneNodcicaics.
' 1n closing, we would like to see additional project proponent evaluation of any potential
CST issues and Moreased evaluation of mitigation options as discussed in our previous
' letter and as reiterated above (also see our CSI docurnent) if full build out has not been
rea--?ed 7n the municit al service area. Additional dieta,;Is should bt-- provided Suppeainn
the statement that chorine disinfection practices cannot he changed to other non chemical
' m—theds. Gtnarally, ,tire do not cl✓;pct to the 201 flan arnendmt:nts or to the EA iriht,
municipal -,service area is already at full build out Status; however, .ve continue to
rcconur:erd l-1p.-ctir�;mcnts to land sttwardl n ng nr2cti should
nrrtirir�a+
r. _ ship and planning -� ces that s u
' long-term benefits to wildlife resources while promotusg a healthier environment for the
ci-L.ZCnS 4f-, a-; Side Gf Noi-L h CaroIIna ;` c1;1 huI'U out has not ocCLuTcd.
' Thank you for the opportunity to revicv! o-A --.r3I Tlent 0:1 tl?! nrn;? ,—t. if VO" hm�'r any;
Lylt�Si!{5!'1ti re`,•a-r]���`F rl'Ls� L'C�i211]]elit�, please '0i'.t�L: !?1�• a?. �:(.•,17t�_C]�,5;.

OF xNA7 Michael F. Easley
Governor
J; William G. Rcss, Jr., Secretary
3 NCDENIZ North Carolina Department of Envirnnment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Dircctor
Division of Water Quality
October 15, 2004 CEIVEID
OCT 13 '--OC4
To: Hannah Stallings
Environmental Assessment Coordinator
' Construction Grants & Loans Section
From: Sergei Chernikov, Ph.D.
Environmental Engineer I
NPDES unit
' Re: City of Hickory — Upgrade and Expansion of the
Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant
Project Number: CS3 703g9- it-
The NPDES Unit has reviewed the City of Hickory's 201 Facilities Plan/Environmental
Assessment and has to object to the approval of the project. The City of Hickory requested
Speculative Limits from NPDES Unit on April 22, 2004. Due to the concerns regarding nutrient
enrichment in the Lake Hickory we were unable to provide speculative limits. LThe NPDES Unit
recommended that the applicant conduct more extensive, modeling, to determine the impact of
expanded discharge into Lake Hickory. It was also suggested that a dilution model be developed
for the expanded flow, which is necessary to deternaine the dilution of the discharge
' We are unable to evaluate design of the proposed WWTP before Speculative Limits are
calculated. A copy of the letter sent to the city's consultant is attached for your review.
cc: Permit File
Melba McGee
Central Files
N. C. Division of Water Cuah!y / NPDES Unit
1617 -MO ServIce Center, Paleiah, IUC 27699-1617
Intemel: P,2o.er:.stcle.Rc..s
ZIO-� ZZ0/EA 6 9SI-1 ezzH 1L616
Phone:[phone]
fax; (919) 733•0719
DcNR Custome, Seyice Centert BAG 623-7748
surol puy sluejg ViVE0:ll 7002-61-ACN

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND W[LDI.,IFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillima Street
"Votevil1c, Norsh Carolina 29SU1
October 25, 2004
Ms. Hannah Stallings
Environmental Assessment Coordinator
Construction Grants and Loans Section
North Carolina. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
1633 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1633
Dear Ms. Stallings:
r
VCn
I�C�ly EV
791
' Subject: Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Upgrade and Expansion of the City of
Hickory's Hickory Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, Catawba County, North
' Carolina
We received vottr letter of September 22, 2004, in which you requested our comments about the
' subject project. We previously commented on this project in a letter to Mr. Marty 'Watson of
Hayes, Seay, Ma€tern & Mattern, Inc., dated April 29, 2004. The following comments are
provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as
amended (16 U.S.G. 661-667e), and section 7 ofthe Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
As stated in our letter to Mr. Watson, while we believe the proposed upgrades to the Hickory
Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will result in an overall improvement in effluent
quality and a decrease in nutrients and other pollutants, we have concerns regarding the
secondary and cumulative impacts of this project and the use of chlorine as a disinfectant. The
subject Environmental Assessment does not address alternatives to chlorine nor does it
adequately address the secondary and cumulative development impacts induced by the increased
capacity of the proposed expansion of the WWTP. In fact, the Environmental Assessment
specifically states that there are "no apparent impacts of the proposed City of Hickory's
Northeast WWTP Upgrade on wildlife and natural vegetation in the area." And even though a
' 41-percent increase in population is expected in the service area over the next 20 years, the
Environmental Assessment further states that the "proposed alternative will not have an adverse
effect on the environment."

7
Additionally, the Environmental Assessment states that the proposed project may have impacts
on the federally threatened dwarf -flowered heartleaf (Haxastylis naniflora), both directly and
cumulatively. If impacts to federally listed species are possible, formal consultation with our
office should be initiated. Rather than reiterate our previous comments and justification for our
concerns, we are enclosing a copy of our letter to Mr. Watson for your review.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Allen Ratzlaff of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 229,.if you
have any questions regarding our comments. We have assigned our Log No. 4-2-04-191 to this
project; please refer to it in all future correspondence directed to us concerning this matter.
Sincerely,
low
i
1 Brian P. Cole
Field Supervisor
Enclosure
cc:
Mr. Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program, North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission, 3855 idlewild Road, Kcrnersville, NC 27284-9180
1

1-1
11
North Cv-olina
Ai a
Department of Environment wn f
Natural Rc°sourCc5 FOREST'
�..�.. SERVIC P, '
N_
DENR
Michael F. Easley, Governor
��'illi tm G. Ross Jr., Secretary*C
--
Mr, Marty Watson
HSMM, Inc.
181 East Evans Street
Suite 23 BTC-105
Florence, SC 29506
Dear Mr. Watson:
North Carolina
Divisioi of Forest Re."OUrCLi
Stanford M. Adams. Director
MAY 2 1. 2004 l
i
Y•
2411 Old US 70 West
Clayton, NC 27520
May 18, 2004
The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources has reviewed your scoping letter for the
proposed upgrade and expansion of the Hickory Northeast WWTP. Our comments
concerning the impacts of the project to forest resources that should be addressed in the EA
are provided below.
In general the construction of a wastewater facility has little impact to forest resources
particularly if site selection is made to avoid wooded areas. Since the construction is on the
existing site impacts to forestland is minimal.
We are concerned that the construction of this facility will encourage further growth and
development in this area and the subsequent loss of the available forest resource base.
Cumulative and secondary impacts should be addressed in the EA. Particularly, an estimate
of the number of acres of forestland that will be lost or become unavailable due to
development attracted to the area by construction this facility.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and look forward to
further correspondence. If you have any questions please contact me at 919 553-6178 ext
233
Sincerely,
Bill Pickens
Staff Forester -Environmental Documentation
1 Cc Barry New
1
1016 Ivhd Service Center, R,ileigh, North Carolina 27099-160 1
Phoiw- 919 — 73 1-2162 1 FAX 91 9 — 73 i-0I N L internee- www dflr state. nr. lvS

V
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field office NMY 5 200.4
150 Zii[icoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 2$E01
April 29, 2004
Mr. Marty Watson
Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc.
181 East Evans Street
Suite 23, BTC-105
Florence, South Carolina 29506
Dear Mr. Watson:
Subject: Proposed Upgrade and Expansion of the City of Hickory's Hickory Northeast
Wastewater Treatment Plant, Catawba County, North Carolina
We received your letter of April 5, 2004, in which you requested our comments about the subject
project. The following comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 661-667e), and section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
While we believe the proposed upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility will result in an
overall improvement in effluent quality and a decrease in nutrients and other pollutants, we have
concerns regarding the secondary and cumulative impacts of this project and the use of chlorine
as a disinfectant. Chlorine is acutely toxic to aquatic organisms and forms secondary compounds
tthat are also detrimental to aquatic life; therefore, we prefer ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.
Additionally, some of the compounds produced by dechlorination, while preferable to chlorine,
are also toxic to aquatic organisms. We believe the environmental assessment for this project
should investigate alternatives to chemical disinfection, such as UV or ozone, to avoid the
negative environmental effects of the chlorination process.
Your letter states that "The purpose of the project is ... to. allow for future service...." The
environmental assessment for this project should identify secondary and cumulative impacts that
t would occur as a result of the proposed project, including increased development and the
associated impacts to air and water quality (increased storm flows, decreased base flows, habitat
fragmentation, introduction of exotic species, and decreased aesthetic and recreational values).
The assessment should also identify any inadequacies in existing ordinances as well as planning
and zoning requirements that do not appear to address cumulative impacts of future urban growth
and associated increases in impervious surface area. Unless measures to protect riparian buffers

and to manage storm water are implemented, our position will be that the water quality and
aquatic Iife in this watershed will not be adequately protected. At a minimum, we recommend
50-foot-wide buffers on intermittent streams and 100-foot-wide buffers on perennial streams.
Buffer minimums should be doubled on streams that are known to contain, or influence
waterways that contain, federally protected species.
We also remind you that Executive Order 11988 requires federal agencies to consider and protect
floodplain functions. We believe the recent examples of flooding in the state highlight the
importance of avoiding the "... long- and short-term impacts associated with the occupancy and
modification of floodplains ..." and that we should "avoid direct and indirect support of
floodplain development ...." We are concerned about the potential loss of floodplain functions
and modifications of wildlife habitat within the floodplain in this area. Additionally, allowing
any fill in the floodplain will alter the volume of water the floodplain will hold, thus altering the
extent of the floodplain. Any floodplain fill will necessitate recalculating and redrawing the
100-year floodplain. This, undoubtedly, will (1) lead to a. floodplain that contains property and
facilities that once were not in the floodplain, (2) cause flooding in new areas, and (3) have
negative impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
We also want to reiterate that the construction of roadways in new neighborhoods can produce
tshort-term direct impacts as well as long-term cumulative effects. Studies have shown a serious
decline in the health of receiving waters when 10 to 15 percent of a watershed is converted to
impervious surfaces. We suggest that the City of Hickory and Catawba County work to limit
impervious surfaces to no more than 7 percent, limit curb and gutter in new developments, and
prevent direct discharges of storm water into streams. Ale recommend the use of grassed swaies
in place of curb and gutter and on -site storm -water management (i.e., bioretention areas) that will
' result in no net change in the hydrology of the watershed. These designs often cost less to install
and significantly reduce environmental impacts from residential development.
At this stage of project development and without more specifics about construction locations or
techniques, it is difficult for us to assess potential environmental impacts (direct, indirect, or
' cumulative). Additional potential impacts that should be addressed include any additional
development(s) that will use the new sewer line and stream crossing during the installation of the
line. We recommend that any environmental document prepared for this project include the
tfollowing.
1. A complete analysis and comparison of the available alternatives (including a
no -build alternative).
2. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within existing and
required additional rights -of -way and any areas, such as borrow areas, that
maybe affected directly or indirectly by the proposed project.
3. The acreage and a description of the wetlands that will be filled as a result of
the proposed project. Wetlands affected by the proposed project should be

S
mapped in accordance with the Federal Manual for Identifying and
Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. We recommend contacting the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine the need for a Section 404 Clean
Water Act permit. Avoiding and minimizing wetland impacts is a part of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' permitting process, and we will consider other
potential alternatives in the review of any permits.
4. The extent (linear feet as well as discharge) of any water courses that will be
impacted as a result of the proposed project. A description of any streams
should include the classification (Rosgen 1995, 1996) and a description of the
' biotic resources.
5. The acreage of upland habitat, by cover type, that will be eliminated because
of the proposed project.
G. A description of all expected secondary and cumulative environmental
impacts associated with this proposed work.
7. A discussion about the extent to which the project will result in the loss,
' degradation, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat from direct construction
impacts and from secondary development impacts.
tS. Mitigation measures that will be employed to avoid, eliminate, reduce, or
compensate for habitat value losses (wetland, riverine, and upland) associated
with any phase of the proposed project.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has developed a "Guidance Memorandum
to Address and Mitigate Secondary and Cumulative Impacts to Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife
Resources and Water Quality" that we support and encourage you to use. It can be accessed via
the Internet as follows:
http://www.ncwildlife.orglpg07 wildlifespeciesconlpg7c3_inipacts.pdf.
We also recommend that you review the Environmental Protection Agency's suggestions for
low -impact development for water quality protection, as well as other useful information on their
web site, at http://www.lowinipacidevelopi?ient.orglEPA03.htni.
Without a detailed description of the habitat within the proposed project area, we are unable to
assess the species that could potentially be affected by the proposed project. Therefore, enclosed
is a list of species from Catawba County that are on the Federal List of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife and Plants and federal species of concern that may occur in the project
impact area. The legal responsibilities of a federal agency or its designated nonfederal
representative under section 7 of the Act are on file with the Environmental Protection Agency.
We recommend surveying the project area for these species in suitable habitat within the project

1
area before any further planning or on -the -ground activities to ensure that no adverse impacts
occur to these species. Federal species of concern are not legally protected under the Act and are
not subject to any of its provisions, including section 7, unless they are formally proposed or
listed as endangered or threatened. We are including these species in our response to give you
advance notification. The presence or absence of these species in the project impact area should
be addressed in any environmental document prepared for this project.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Allen Ratzlaff of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 229, if you
have any questions regarding our comments. We have assigned our Log No. 4-2-44-191 to this
project; please refer to it in all future correspondence directed to us concerning this matter.
Sincerely,
Brian P_ Cole
Field Supervisor
Enclosure
cc:
Mr. Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program, North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission, 3855 Idlewild Road, Kernersville, NC 27284-9180
InW

ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND CANDIDATE SPECIES AND FEDERAL
' SPECIES OF CONCERN, CATAWBA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
' This list was adapted from the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program's County Species List. It is a
listing, for Catawba County, of North Carolina's federally listed and proposed endangered, threatened,
and candidate species and Federal species of concern (for a complete list of rare species in the state,
please contact the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program). The information in this list is compiled
' from a variety of sources, including field surveys, museums and herbaria, literature, and personal
communications. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program's database is dynamic, with new records
being added and old records being revised as new information is received. Please note that this list
' cannot be considered a definitive record of listed species and Federal species of concern, and it should
not be considered a substitute for field surveys..
Critical habitat: Critical habitat is noted, with a description, for the counties where it is designated or
proposed.
Aquatic species: Fishes and aquatic invertebrates are noted for counties where they are known to occur.
However, projects may have effects on downstream aquatic systems in adjacent
counties.
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS
1 CATAWBA COUNTY
Invertebrates
Catawba crayfish
ostracod Dactyloctythere isabelae FSC
Vascular Plants
Dwarf -flowered heartleaf Hewastylis nanijflora Threatened
Sweet pinesap
Monotropsis odorata FSC
KEY:
Status
Definition
Endangered
A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range."
Threatened
A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range."
FSC
A Federal species of concern --a species that may or may not be listed in the future (formerly
C2 candidate species or species under consideration for listing for which there is insufficient
infonmation to support listing).
1 November 12, 2003 Page I of I

i\ortl1 C:u-olina , , ; I
1 Departrnent or Environment and i Nimh Carolina
�► Natural Resources FOREST Division of Forest Resource,
..r. f..�. SERVICE
' 1licli.Iel F. Easicy, Governor Stanford M. Adams, Director
NCDE'N'R Willi:u» G. Ross Jr., Secretary N C
t3T'-11 4; 2411 OId US 70 West
Clayton, NC 27520
MAY 2 1 2004 ; May 18, 2004
Mr. Marty Watson
1 iSMM, Inc.
181 East Evans Street
Suite 23 BTC-105
Florence, SC 29506
Dear Mr. Watson:
The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources has reviewed your scoping letter for the
proposed upgrade and expansion of the Hickory Northeast WWTP. Our comments
concerning the impacts of the project to forest resources that should be addressed in the EA
are provided below.
In general the construction of a wastewater facility has little impact to forest resources
particularly if site selection is made to avoid wooded areas. Since the construction is on the
' existing site impacts to forestland is minimal.
We are concerned that the construction of this facility will encourage further growth and
development in this area and the subsequent loss of the available forest resource base.
Cumulative and secondary impacts should be addressed in the EA. Particularly, an estimate
of the number of acres of forestland that will be lost or become unavailable due to
development attracted to the area by construction this facility.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and look forward to
further correspondence. If you have any questions please contact me at 919 553-6178 ext
233
Sincerely,
Bill Pickens
Staff Forester -Environmental Documentation
1 Cc Barry New
1616 Mail Service Center, 1ZzfleiLdi, Nonh Carolina 27699-1601
Pliono' 1) 19 — 7ii-2162 1 F AX 9 i 9 -- 7 i i-01 iS 1 1wo.rnr.rLvww dfi state nc w;

APR 2 8 %10
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources --'-----
State Historic Preservation Office
Michael F. Easley, Governor
Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary
Jeffrey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary
Office of Archives and History
April 21, 2004
Marty Watson
Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Matters, Inc.
181 last Evans Street
Suite 23 BTC-105
Florence, SC 29506
Division of Historical Resources
David L. S. Brook, Director
Re: Environmental Assessment of City of Hickory's Northeast %V%V'fP Expansion,
Catawba County, ER04-0910
Dear Mr. Watson:
Thank you for your letter of April 5, 2004, concerning the above project.
' We have conducted a review of the proposed undertaking and are aware of no historic
resources which would be affected by the project. Therefore, we have no comment on the
undertaking as proposed.
tThe above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with
' Section 106 codified at 36 CI~R Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the
' above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill -Earley, environmental review coordinator, at
919/733-4763. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above -
referenced ~racking number.
Sincerch,
)-IJa'%=id Brook
U
www.hpo.dcr.state.nc.us
Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fax
ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4617 (919) 733A763 9733-8653
' RESTORATION 515 N. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4617 [phone] •715-4801
SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4617 • [phone] 97154801

® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
April 22, 2004
Mr. Marty Watson
HSMM Architects, Engineers, Planners
181 East Evans St., Suite 23 BTC-105
Florence South Carolina 29506
RE: Proposed Project Environmental Assessment, City of Hickory Northeast
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WAITP) Expansion, Catawba County
Dear Mr. Watson:
This correspondence is in response to your letter of April 5, 2004 concerning preparations
to conduct and prepare an Environmental Assessment for the referenced project. The
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is authorized to comment and
make recommendations which relate to the impacts of this project on fish and wildlife
through the Federal License of Water Resource Project Act (Federal Power Act-16
U.S.C. 791a et seq.), and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat, 401, as
amended; 16 U_S.C. 661-667d) and the Clean Water Act of 1977 (as amended).
The project will be to upgrade and expand the City of Hickory's Northeast WWTP from
6.0 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) to 9.0 MGD. The project includes various
headworks and Instream treatment facility improvements, including enlargement of the
chlorine contact chamber and the conversion of gaseous chlorine and sulfur dioxide to
liquid sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite for chlorination and dechlorination
processes. Several feet of influent piping will be necessary for force mains and gravity
sewers. All construction activities are proposed to take place within or near the existing
WWTP with the exception of a possible administrative building and learning center on
five (5) acres south of the WWTP.
We have previously commented on a sewer line project in the Henry Fork basin. It is not
clear whether or not these two projects are connected. If they are connected, our
comments for that project sllould be reviewed for additional issues and concerns. Direct
impacts from this WWTP project appear to be minimal. Secondary and cumulative
impacts could be considerable as development will be increased by additional wastewater
treatment capacity_ Accordingly, we recommend that you visit our website at
http:1.hv«vtv.ncx ildlife.ors,1pt-,07-% ildlifeSpecic%Con.;pL,7c3_impacts.pd for information
on evaluating indirect impacts associated with the project and specific recommendations
to minimize secondary and cumulative impacts. We recommend that the City of Hickory
evaluate and consider Low Impact Development (LID) techniques during this process.
Information on LID measures can be found at �ti «u .lo�vi��1p_actd� elopn�ent.or��, It is our
understanding that the City is considering LID techniques for the Henry River Overlay
District. The implementation of local Planning and Zoning Ordinances using LID
Mailing; Address: Division ref inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Servicc Center ► R:ticigli, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] ext. 281 - Fax: [phone]

Hickory Northeast 2 April 22, 2004
WWTP Expansion
techniques should provide better stewardship of natural resources and help the City gain
resource and regulatory agency concurrence. Based on the information found at the LID
website, LID techniques are cheaper than standard stormwater treatment facilities
(ponds), use less land, and provide improved water quality and reduced secondary
impacts when they are properly planned and implemented.
' Efforts should be made during local land use planning to incorporate stormwater
management and riparian protection to protect natural stream and wetland buffers and
ecosystems. We recommend protecting the entire 100-year floodplain from fill and
' development. A no net loss of storage capacity is recommended. These areas can
provide green ways or natural parks as well as provide stormwater retention and
filtration. We recommend maintaining maximum available forested buffers along
perennial and intermittent streams. If maintained in forest, these areas will provide both
recreational and aesthetic amenities while protecting riparian habitat and water quality.
In addition, a comprehensive stormwater management plan is recommended to protect
area streams from urban pollutants that will be generated by urban imperviousness.
' At this time, the information provided does not address current conditions in existing or
expanded service area(s) nor does it address anticipated secondary and cumulative
impacts sufficiently enough for us to make definite conclusions or recommendations
concerning long term impacts to the area and the watershed(s). Should there be
significant growth caused by additional sewer extensions into undeveloped areas or rural
areas, these impacts should be addressed through additional environmental reviews
unless these have been previously covered. Routinely, if anticipated impacts are
significant, an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) may be appropriate. If the impacts are
not significant, an EA or mitigated EA may be sufficient. The attached information
' should be helpful in evaluating secondary and cumulative impacts_ They also provide
specific comments about utility installations.
' We are concerned about the continued use of chlorine and dechlorination as these
chemicals contribute to aquatic habitat degradation and impacts to aquatic life, especially
mussels and young aquatic organisms. Chlorine is acutely toxic to aquatic organisms and
forms secondary compounds that are also detrimental to aquatic life. We have concerns
' regarding ammonia concentrations. Freshwater mussels are among the most sensitive
aquatic organisms tested for impacts from ammonia, and ammonia may be a significant
limiting factor for unionids (Augspurger et al., in press). Recent research by Augspurger
' et al. (in press) found that ammonia concentrations which may be protective of freshwater
mussels range from 0.3 to L0 mg/L total ammonia as N at pH 8. We recommend a
reevaluation of chlorine and ammonia limits based on the research discussed above and
readjusting permit limits accordingly. Please contact Tom Augspurger with the U.S. Fish
' and Wildlife Service at [phone] for additional information.
During WWTP expansion, we recommend converting to a non chemical disinfection
' processes like ozone or ultra -violet. We do not support the use of chlorine for emergency
disinfection purposes and recommend that routine operating procedures at the plant be
modified so that chlorine will not be stored or used at the facility. If not already in place,
we suggest the installation of a dual or stand-by power in order to ensure undisturbed
toperation of the WWTP and disinfection system.
Please be advised that this letter does not indicate approval of the proposed project. The
' Environmental Assessment must go through the Office of Legislative and
Intergovernmental Affairs for official state agency review and action. This letter is
provided to assist you as you begin that process.
1

Hickory Northeast 3 April 22, 2004
WW'fP Expansion
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at
' 336/769-9453 .
Sincere
Ron Linville
' Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
' Literature cited:
' Augspurger, T., A. E_ Keller, M. C. Black, W. G. Cope, and F. J. Dwyer (in press)
Derivation of water duality guidance for protection of freshwater mussels (Unionidae)
from ammonia exposure. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
Attachments: General Guidelines for Environmental Reviews
Utility Line and Sewer Line Avoidance and Minimization
Recommendations
Piedmont Stormwater Pond and Mine Planting Recommendations
Cc: Melba McGee, OL.IA
Mark Cantrell, USFWS Asheville
Tom Augspurger, USFWS Raleigh, USFWS Raleigh

Hickory Northeast 4 April 22, 2004
WWTP Expansion
General Guidelines for Environmental Reviews
Due to staff limitations, this standardized response was developed. Although
some of the information, requests and comments may not be applicable to certain
projects, these guidelines should facilitate preparation of fish and wildlife Environmental
Assessments (EA) or Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). in addition to addressing
site specific concerns, the environmental document should include a detailed assessment
of existing, natural resources within the areas of potential development and should discuss
the potential of mitigating development impacts to wetlands, streams and high quality
floodplain and upland habitats. To provide a meaningful review of the EA or EIS
prepared for the project(s) secondary and cumulative impacts, we request that project
consultants and sponsors provide the following information:
]) Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a
listing of federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern
animal and plant species in the project area and any areas that may be impacted
by secondary or cumulative impacts within the sub -basin. A listing of designated
species can be developed through consultation with the North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program (919/715-8703) or the US Fish and Wildlife Service (828/258-
3939).
2) Description of waters and/or wetlands affected by the project(s).
3) Project map identifying wetlands and intermittent as well as perennial streams in
the area. Identification of wetlands may be accomplished through coordination
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If the Corps is not consulted, the person
delineating wetlands should be identified and criteria listed.
4) Description of activities that will occur within streams and wetlands, such as fill
or channel alteration. Acreage of wetlands impacted and linear feet of stream
channels to be relocated, channeled, culverted or disturbed by some other means
by alternative project designs should be listed.
5) Description of project site and non -wetland vegetative communities.
6) Description and cover type map showing acreage of upland wildlife habitat
impacted by the project.
7) Discuss the extent to which the project(s) will result in loss, degradation, or
fragmentation of wildlife habitat.
8) Discuss any measures proposed to avoid or reduce impacts of the project or to
mitigate for unavoidable habitat losses.

Hickory Northeast 5 April 22, 2004
WWTP Expansion
9) Discuss the cumulative impacts of secondary development facilitated by the
proposed utility improvements and any interrelated infrastructure projects,
especially the impacts to water quality and habitat in the impacted watershed(s).
Such discussion should weigh the economic benefits of such growth against the
costs of associated environmental degradation.
(a) Include specific measures that will be used to address stormwater at the
source. Include specific requirements for both residential and industrial
' developments and BMPs that will be required.
(b) Include specific measures that will be used to protect Clean Water Act
' jurisdictional waters, stream corridors, riparian habitat and a minimum of a I ON
year floodplain (every stream has a floodplain).
(c) Include specific measures that will be implemented to promote water
conservation and wastewater reuse-
(d) Include a discussion of any other local ordinances or programs (e.g.,
industrial pretreatment, infiltration and inflow management, farmland
preservation, habitat restoration/preservation, and recycling) that wil I mitigate the
impacts of development.
10) Discuss the use of any mitigation, preservation, deed restrictions, and
conservation plans and management objectives. These should include detailed
site descriptions and maps. A determination concerning which agency or entity
(e.g. land conservancy) will own and manage the easements or property should be
included. A
Note: A list of document preparers should be provided that provides each individual's
professional background and qualifications.

Hickory Northeast 6 April 22, 2004
WWTP Expansion
Utility Line and Sewer Line Avoidance and Minimization Recommendations
Measures to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive resources, including wetlands,
should be implemented during all phases of construction associated with the area. Where
impacts to wetlands (and waters) are unavoidable, we will recommend mitigation of the
losses. In addition to providing wildlife habitat, wetland areas perform the important
' functions of flood control and water duality protection. Whenever possible, utility lines
should be placed along existing right-of-ways along roads and previously impacted
corridors. Pumping may be economically feasible where direct or secondary impacts can
' be avoided in sensitive habitats. To avoid or minimize stream and wetland impacts
during construction of utility lines, we offer the following generalized recommendations
that should be incorporated into project plans, -
Construction corridors should be no wider than absolutely necessary. The 401
certification for Nationwide 12 stipulates that wetland construction corridors are
not to exceed 40 feet and permanent maintained corridors are not to exceed 10
feet except at access points. The NC Division of Water Quality's 401
Certification for utility lines should be followed specifically for all jurisdictional
impacts.
2) Where crossings are necessary, sewer lines should cross streams at right angles to
minimize impacts to riparian areas. Disturbed stream banks and wetlands must be
restored to original contours and revegetated with native plant materials such as
silky dogwood (Corpus amonum), silky willow (Salix sericea) and hazel alder
(Ahms serrulata). 'Riprap may be used to stabilize the bank in the area of the
ordinary high water stage and vegetation (bioengineering) should be used above
this stage_ Aquatic life passage must not be hindered during low flows upon
project completion. Directional boring is the preferred method of crossing
iurisdictional waters and wetlands, esaecially where soil characteristics may cause
land to be susceptible to secondary impacts. Directional boring allows existing
riparian rooted vegetation to remain established which reduces direct and indirect
stream impacts.
3) Utility lines crossing streams should be buried in the stream bottom or attached to
existing bridges to maintain fish movement upstream and downstream and
prevent debris from collecting at the pipe and causing a hydrologic change_ We
do not recommend installing priers in a stream channel to support a sewer line.
4) if concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does not
contact stream water_ This will lessen the chance of altering the stream's water
chemistry and causing a fish kill.
5) An undisturbed buffer zone should be left between streams and all construction.
We prefer a buffer zone of at least 100 feet to control sedimentation into streams,

Hickory Northeast 7 April 22, 2004
WWTP Expansion
provide shade, and maintain a travel corridor for wildlife. Buffers should also be
left along intermittent drains or streams. Following floodplain edge contours with
utility lines is preferable to following the riparian zones and streams.
5) Temporarily disturbed wetlands should be reseeded with annual small grains
appropriate for the season (e.g. oats, millet, rye, wheat, annual lespedeza or rye
grass) and be allowed to revert to native natural wetland vegetation.
7) A portion of the upland right-of-way (minimum of one acre) should be planted
with native plants whenever possible_ Sewer lines are typically planted with VA-
70 lespedeza, Kobe lespedeza, ladino clover, and/or partridge pea to provide food
and additional habitat for wildlife. (See attached Piedmont Stormwater Pond and
Mine Planting Recommendations for additional piedmont general plant information and
rccommendations.)
8) Slash and/or large trees available form corridor construction through forested and
stream corridors should be placed along the permanent right-of-way in the form of
brush piles and downed logs to provide cover and nesting habitat for wildlife.
9) If necessary, ROW areas should be mowed not more than once every 2-3 years.
' Mowing should not occur between April 1 through September 30 in order to
avoid disturbing wildlife utilizing the project corridor during the critical stages of
nesting and rearing of young.
10) Stringent erosion control measures should be implemented where soil is disturbed
and maintained until project completion.
1 11 } Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil
within five (5) to ten (10) days of ground disturbing activities to provide long-
term erosion control. A "seed as you go" strategy should be used rather than
allowing large disturbed areas to remain bare.

Hickory Northeast 8 April 22, 2004
W WTP Expansion
Piedmont Stormwater Pond and Mine Planting Recommendations
Instead of using the typical fescue grasses or exotic plant species, the following mixtures should
be considered for lower elevation stormwater ponds and mine sites:
Spring/Summer Mixture, May I - Sept. 15
Browntop millet 20 Ibs/a
Kobe lespedeza 20 lbs/a
Shrub lespedeza 1 Ib/a
SNvitchgrass* 51b/a
Fall/Winter Mixture, Sept. 15 - April 30
Winter Wheat
120 Ibs/a
Kobe lespedeza
20 lbs/a
Shrub lespedeza
1 lb/a
Switchgrass*
5lb/ac
Add to fall or spring plantings: `Tioga' Deertongue (Panicum clandeslinum) at a rate of 7 lbs.
Pure Live Seeds (PLS) per acre.
' * When possible on slopes less than 3:1 use Switchgrtss instead of lespcde-ras and on slopes greater than
3: I use Orchard Grass or Creeping Red Fescue. Other native species may be appropriate depending on
soil, slope, and region. Korean lespedeza may be appropriate in colder geophysical areas. We do not
recommend Sericea lespedeza. Native plants and wane season grasses are preferred over exotic plants.
' Add one of the following to the above mixture:
Creeping Red Fescue 5 lbs/acre
Ladino Clover** 5 lbs/acre
Atlantic Coastal .Panic Grass 5 lbs/acre (PLS)
Alfalfa** 5 lbs/acre (requires fertilizer containing Boron)
** Lime & fertilize disturbed areas according to MRCS soil test results and follow planting guidelines as
appropriate and necessary. Depending on elevation and region, other native species may be appropriate.
Note that mowing should be limited to late winter or early spring. Mowing should only occur as needed to
prevent unwanted tree growth on a 2-3 year schedule.
The provision of shade around impounded waters can significantly reduce thermal impacts. Trees
and shrubs (1 year bare root seedlings) should be planted randomly at a minimal rate of 100 trees
per acre on the top and upper portions of the structure and at a minimal rate of 150 per acre
around the normal water elevation and littoral shelf area. The following list of tree species may
assist in providing habitat benefits:
Loblollv Pine* Red Cedar
Hickory Sumac
Viburnum Green Ash
Water Oak Spice Bush
Swamp Chestnut
Black Gum American Holly
White Oak Willow Oak
Ironwood Black Cherry
Willow (sp) Servicebcrry
Silky Dogwood
Dogwood
Red Maple**
Persimmon
Red Oak
Other species may be utilized depending on site requirements and native plant availability. Pines* should
not exceed 15% of the reforestation. No more than 20% of the tree species will be of a single species. An
80% success rate is acceptable over five years. Large or fast growing trees like Sycamore and Maple**
may not be appropriate near detention facility dams. Note: Non-native plants included in this list are
routinely considered beneficial and/or agriculturally established non -natives- They have been included as
' they are readily available commercially and they do not exhibit many of the negative attributes of other
non -natives that tend to spread or inhibit native plant propagation and survival.

1 ! 1
APR 2 w Z004
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources` w
Division of Soil and Water Conservation _
' AiiehaeI F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary'NC--
� FNR
David S. Vogel, Director
MEMORANDUM: April 19, 2004
' TO: Melba McGee
FROM: David Harrison��
SUBJECT: Hickory Northeast WWTP Expansion. Catawba County.
The City of Hickory is purposing an upgrade and expansion of the Hickory Northeast
W WTP in Catawba County.
' Indicated construction is restricted to existing property boundaries so there should he no
impact to Prime or Statewide Important Farmland.
' Any acquisition of any additional property could affect Prime or Statewide Important
Farmland. In that case, the environmental assessment should include information on adverse
impacts. A
The definition of Prime or Statewide Important Farmland is based on the soil series and
' not on its current land use. Areas that are developed or are within municipal boundaries are
exempt from consideration as Prime or Important Farmland.
For additional information, the consultants should contact the soils specialists with the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, Raleigh, NC at [phone].
cc: /Marty Watson
' 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1601
Phone: 919 — 733-4984 1 FAX: 919 — 715-3060 1 Internet: www.cnr.state.nc.us/ENR/
AA` EQUAL OOPPORTU\ITY \ AITIRXIATIV€ ACTION EIMPLOYER - I( RECYCLED t 1 U% POST CONSUMER PAPER
1

Grl-�I�
'IC4I11CII 11111N1111 Pr.NN111
April 5, 2004
Mr. David S. Vogel
Division of Soil & Water Conservation
1614 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1614
Re: Environmental Assessment
City of Hickory's Hickory Northeast WWTP Expansion
Catawba County, NC
HSMM Commission No.60402A
Dear Mr. Vogel:
r^3 n
rir1Fq r.. ,:�SCtI
G� � � d'! • lk e�t % }MLA,, �" Aw ✓1
' Hayes, Seay, Mattern and Mattern, Inc. (HSMM) is beginning to prepare an Environmental
Assessment (EA) for the upgrade and expansion of the City of Hickory's Hickory Northeast
WWTP (NPDES Permit No. NC0020401). The upgrade will improve the treatment efficiency
and replace old and deteriorated equipment and the expansion will increase the capacity of the
treatment facility from 6.0 MGD to 9.0 MGD.
' The proposed upgrade and expansion will include the following:
1. Construction of a new headworks facility to house two new mechanical bar screens,
two new grit chambers, and a new odor control system. The new structure will be brick
masonry with a concrete foundation and an estimated floor space of approximately
1800 square feet.
2. Upgrade of the influent pump station with larger pumps with variable speed drives and
addlitiunal rechanical screening,
' 3. Construction of one 3 MGD Biological Oxidation System (BOS) at the south end of the
plant's oldest aeration basin. The dimensions of the BOS are 230 feet long by 64 feet
wide by 23 feet deep.
4. Demolition and removal of one existing primary clarifier and one existing aeration
basin.
5. Installation of two (2) 3 MGD BOS's in the area previously occupied by the primary
' clarifier and aeration basin. The dimensions of each BOS are 230 feet long by 64 feet
wide by 23 feet deep.
Mayes, Seay, Mottern & Mattern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS
18 i Eost Evans Streel Suite 23 BTC-105 Florence SC 29506 TeL:[phone] Far.:843.6642881 e+noil•[e-mail] wvw.hsmrn.c®rn

' Mr. David S. Vogel
April 5, 2004
Page 2 of 3
6. Demolition and removal of the remaining primary clarifier, remaining conventional
aeration basin, and a single tank anaerobic digester.
T Construction of one (1) 100' diameter final clarifier and an 80' diameter concrete waste
activated sludge storage tank in the space occupied by the single tank anaerobic
1 digester.
8. Construction of one (1) additional 100' diameter final clarifier in the space occupied by
the demolished aeration basin.
' 9. Demolition and removal of the CRP digester and secondary container currently on the
plant site.
' 10. Construction of one (1) additional 80' diameter concrete waste activated sludge storage
tank in place of demolished CRP digester and secondary container.
11. Construction of one (I) 60' diameter thickened sludge holding tank.
12. Replacement of the existing gravity belt thickeners with rotary drum thickeners.
13. Replacement of the existing sludge return pumps.
14. Enlatgement of the chlorine contact chamber to allow for an adequate contact time. The
contact chamber will double in length from 55-feet long by 50-feet wide to I IO-feet
long by 50-feet wide.
15. Conversion of the existing gaseous chlorine and sulfur dioxide equipment to liquid
sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite for chlorination and dechlorination
' applications.
16. Conversion of the existing blower shelter to a process lab and storage area. The
' building expansion should match the architecture of the existing control building.
Estimated floor space is 960 square feet (24' x 40').
17. Installation of the piping detailed below. The total length of influent piping to be
installed is approximately I900 Iinear feet.
o Approximately 700 L.F. of 18-inch force main to parallel existing 14-inch force
mai ll.
a Approximately 400 L.F. of 30-inch force main.
1 o Approximately 300 L.F. of 42-inch gravity sewers.
o Approximately 500 L.F. of 30-inch gravity sewers.
Hayes, seat', Mattern & Mattern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLnNNFRS

Mr. David S. Vogel
April 5, 2004
Page 3 of 3
All construction and demolition activities associated with the treatment plant upgrade and
expansion will take place within the boundaries of the current Hickory NE WWTP property or in
the area of existing influent pump station, which is an area of approximately 10 acres. The total
footprint of the upgrade and expansion is approximately 118,000 square feet or 2.7 acres of land.
In addition to the treatment facility upgrade and expansion the City is considering an
administrative building and learning center for construction on approximately five acres of city
property south of the existing WWTP.
The purpose of the project is to upgrade treatment efficiency, to eliminate overloading of the
current influent pump station, and to allow for future service to the existing NE WWTP drainage
area.
HSMM is submitting this scoping letter, proposed site layout, and location map on behalf of the
City of Hickory to determine what elements should be included in the environmental document.
Please review this letter and enclosures for any environmental aspects your division feels need to
be addressed in the Environmental Assessment.
Please let me know if additional information is required for agency review,
1 Sincerely,
HSMM
W�
Marty Watson
JMWljmw
Enclosures: As noted
Copy to. Environmental, Project, and Reading Files
Hayes, 5eay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc. ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS

APPENDIX C
OPINIONS OF
PROBABLE COSTS

Opinion of Probable Project Cost
Hickory NE WWiP Upgrades
Hickory/Catawba County
09-Aug-04
Item Description Estimated Unit Unit Price Amount Total
Quantity
1 DEMOLITIONIREMOVAL
Concrete Structures 8,200 CY $100.00 $820,000.00
Mechanical Equipment 1 EA $150,000.00 $150,000.00
$970, 000.00
2 SITE WORK
Flow Distribution Structure
60
CY
$450.00
$27,000.00
30" Gravity Sewer
500
LF
$90.00
$45,000.00
42" Gravity Sewer
300
LF
$145.00
$43,500.00
42" Outfall Sewer
2,000
LF
$135.00
$270.000.00
30" Force Main
400
LF
$65.00
$26,000.00
Fence
800
LF
$21.00
$16,800.00
Erosion Control
1
EA
$37,750.00
$37,750.00
Seeding
1
EA
$30.500.00
$30,500.00
Submersible Pumping Station
1
EA
$96.000.00
$96,000.00
$592,550,00
3 HEADWORKS
Mechanical Bar Screen
2
EA
$77.000.00
$154.000.00
Grit Removal Equipment
2
EA
$86,000.00
$172,000.00
Installation
1
EA
$56,500.00
$56,500.00
Building
1.800
SF
$140.00
$252.000.00
Caustic Storage tank
1
EA
$20.500.00
$20,506.00
Metering Pumps
1
EA
$7,500.00
$7,500.00
Flaw Monitoring
1
EA
$16,00a00
$16.000,00
$678, 500.00
4 EQUALIZATION BASIN (2.2 MGD)
Equipment
1
EA
$375.000.00
$375,000,00
Installation
1
EA
$112,500,00
$112.500,00
Concrete
1,403
CY
$450.00
$631,350,00
Excavation
47,800
CY
$16.00
$764,800.00
Stone
2,820
TON
$20.00
$56,400.00
$1, 940,050.00
5 AERATION SYSTEM (3 MGD)
Equipment
2
EA
$375,000.00
$750,000,00
Installation
2
EA
$112.500.00
$225,000,00
Concrete
2.806
CY
$450.00
$1,262,700.00
Excavation
95,600
CY
$16.00
$1,529,600.00
Stone
2,820
TON
$20.00
$56,400,00
$3, 823,700.00

6 CLARIFIERS (100' x 14')
Equipment
2
EA
$132.500.00
$265,000.00
Equipment
2
EA
$33,000,00
$66,000.00
Concrete
1,236
CY
$450.00
$556,200.00
Excavation
24,980
CY
$16.00
$399,680,00
Stone
1,234
TON
$20.00
$24.680.00
$1,311,560.00
7 SLUDGE HOLDING TANKS
Aeration System
1
EA
$51,000 00
$51,000.00
Installation
1
EA
$18,000.00
$18,000.00
Progressive Cavity Pumps
2
EA
$55,000.00
$110,000.00
Piping and Valves
1
EA
$36,750.00
$36,750.00
Prestressed Concrete Tank (80' x 24)
2
EA
$250.000.00
$500.000.00
Prestressed Concrete Tank (60' x 22)
1
EA
S183,500.00
$183,500.00
Excavation
14,581
CY
$16.00
$233,296.00
Stone
2,357
TON
$20.00
$47,140,00
Concrete Retaining wall
330
CY
$450.00
$148.500,00
Aeration System
1
EA
$38,750,00
$38,750.00
Installation
1
EA
$13,750.00
$13,750.00
Piping and Valves
1
EA
$33,000.00
$33,000 00
$1,413, 686.00
8 INFLUENT PUMPING STATION
Variable Speed Pumps, Motors & Controls
3
EA
$95,000.00
$285,000 00
Mechanical Bar Screen
1
EA
$93,000.00
$93,000,00
Installation
1
EA
$60,000.00
$60,000.00
Piping, Valves, & Fittings
1
EA
$115,000.00
$115,000.00
Modification to Building & Wet Well
1
EA
$150,000.00
$150,000,00
18" DIP Force Main
700
LF
$50.00
$35,000.00
$738, 000.00
9 MISCELLANEOUS BUILDINGS
Learning Center
1,200
SF
$140.00
$168,000.00
Administration Building
4,100
SF
$140.00
$574,000.00
Maintenance Building
1,900
SF
$140.00
$266,000.00
Process Lab Buildings
3.000
SF
$140.00
$420,000.00
$1,428, 000.00
10 SLUDGE THICKENING
Rotating Drum Filter
1
EA
$117,000.00
$117,000,00
Installation
1
EA
$41,500.00
$41,500.00
Polymer System
1
EA
$14,750.00
$14,750 00
Piping, Valves, & Fittings
1
EA
$18,250.00
$18,250.00
$191,500,00
11 RENOVATE EXISTING CLARIFIER
Equipment
1
EA
$107,000.00
$107,000,00
Installation
1
EA
$56,000.00
$56,000.00
$163, 000.00
12 CHLORINATIONIDECHLORINATION
Sodlum Hypochlorite Equipment
1
EA
$365,000,00
$365,000,00
Installation
1
EA
$117,00&00
$117,000.00
Sodium Bisulfite Equipment
1
EA
$183,500.00
$183,50&00
Installation
1
EA
$81,500.00
$81,500 00
Contact Chamber
134
CY
$450.00
$60,300.00
Miscellaneous Metal
1
EA
$35,500.00
$35,500.00
$842, 800.00
13 ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM
Equipment 1 EA $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00
Installation 1 EA $500,000.00 $500,000.00
$1, 500, 000.00

14 EXISTING CONTROL BUILDING
SCADA SYSTEM
1
EA
$76,500.00
$76.500.00
Installation
1
EA
$28,500.00
$28,500.00
$105, 000.00
15 ELECTRICAL
Power & Lighting
1
EA
$740,000.00
$740,000.00
Generator
1
EA
$205,000.00
$205,000.00
$945,000.00
16 MISCELLANEOUS
Stream Restoration
1
EA
$1,200,000.00
$1,200,000.00
Landscaping
1
EA
$500,000.00
$500.000.00
Clearing & Grading
5
ACRE
$4,000.00
$20.000.00
Admin Building Parking Lot
1.300
SQ YD
$30,00
$39.000.00
Admin Building Access Road
700
SQ YD
$30.00
$21,000.00
Light Load Bridge
1
EA
$300,000.00
$300,000.00
$2,080,000.00
Construction Costs
$18,723,346.00
Contingencies
$1,872,335.00
Engineering Design
$1,235,741.00
Engineering Construction
$617,870.00
2% Closing Fee
$448,986.00
TOTAL
$22,898,278.00
The above opinion of probable construction costs are based upon
empirical cost data, published cost data, previous bid data and
knowledge and experience for similar work.

KAM "IS
Opinion of Probable Project Cost
Hickory NE WWTP Sewer Rehabilitation
Hickory/Catawba County
09-Aug-04
Item Description Estimated Unit Unit Price Amount Total
Quantity
Sealing Existing Storm Drains
360
EA
$200.00
$72,000.00
Removal of Roof Drains
1,500
EA
$100.00
$150,000.00
- Installation of New Roof Drains
1,500
EA
$100.00
$150,000.00
- Cut and Replace Asphalt Roads
31,500
LF
$50.00
$1,575,000.00
Resurface Asphalt Roads
6,575
TON
$75.00
$493,125.00
Remove/Replace Brick Sidewalk
5,280
LF
$80.00
$422,400.00
Install New 30" Storm Drain Line
13,185
LF
$125.00
$1,648,125.00
Install New 24" Storm Drain Line
15,750
LF
$100.00
$1,575,000.00
Install New 12" Storm Drain Line
15,400
LF
$60.00
$924,000.00
Install New 8" PVC Roof Drain Headers
50,000
LF
$35.00
$1,750,000.00
Install boxes
360
EA
$3,000.00
$1,080,000.00
Road Striping
1
EA
$50,000.00
$50,000.00
Traffic Control
1
EA
$100,000.00
$100,000.00
Owner Compensation
1
EA
$50,000.00
$50,000.00
Relocation of Existing Utilities
1
EA
$200,000.00
$200,000.00
Storm Water Control/Management
1
EA
$500,000.00
$500,000.00
Aesthetics
1
EA
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
Field Work to Locate Combined System
160
HRS
$70.00
$11,200.00
Additional Survey Work
320
HRS
$95.00
$30,400.00
Plant Upgrades
1
LS
$16,783,296.00
$16,783,296.00
$27, 574,546.00
Construction Costs
$27,674,546.00
Contingencies
$2,757,455.00
Engineering Design
$1,819,920.00
Engineering Construction
$909,960.00
2% Closing Fee
$661,238.00
TOTAL
$33,723,119.00
The above opinion of probable construction costs are based upon empirical cost data, published cost data, previous bid data and
knowledge and experience for similar work.

AlNTWS lW.a M PLMtS
Opinion of Probable Project Cost
Hickory NE WWTP Land Application of 6 MGD Effluent
Hickory/Catawba County
09-Aug-04
Item Description Estimated Unit Unit Price Amount Total
Quantity
1 EFFLUENT TRANSMISSION
-6 MGD Pumps
2
EA
$500,000.00
$1,000,000.00
- Force Main
10,560
EA
$60.00
$633,600.00
- Cut and Replace Asphalt Roads
1,000
FT
$25.00
$25,000.00
$1, 658, 600.00
2 STORAGE LAGOON
Reservoir Construction
1
EA
$150,000.00
$150,000.00
Lining
1
EA
$400,000.00
$400.000.00
Embankment Protection
1
EA
$150.000.00
$150,000,00
- Lagoon Property
22
ACRES
$5,000.00
$110,000.00
$810, 000.00
3 APPLICATION SYSTEM
-Application Site Property
1375
ACRES
$5,000.00
$6,875,000.00
- Site Clearing and Grading
1
EA
$13,000,00
$13,000,00
- Distribution Sprinkler Set
1
EA
$4,400,000.00
$4,400,000.00
Distribution Pumps
3
EA
$1,000,000.00
$3,000.000,00
- Service Roads
1
EA
$360,000.00
$360,000.00
- Fencing
1
EA
$180.000.00
$180.000.00
$14, 828, 000.00
4 PLANT UPGRADES
- Construction Costs 1 LS $18,453,346.00 $18,453,346.00
$18,453.346.00
Construction Costs $35,749,946.00
Contingencies $3,674,995.00
Engineering Design $2,369,496.00
Engineering Construction $1,179,748.00
2% Closing Fee $867,284.00
TOTAL $43,721,469.00
The above opinion of probable construction costs are based upon empirical cost data, published cost data, previous bid data and
knowledge and experience for similar work.