WQ0029475_Final Permit_20200420

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANI£L SMITH
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 20, 2020
AMANDA BERGER — ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR
AQUA NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
202 MACKENAN COURT
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA 27511
Subject: Permit No. WQ0029475
Sterling Farms WWTP
Wastewater Irrigation System
Onslow County
Dear Ms. Berger:
In accordance with your permit renewal request received December 2, 2019, and subsequent
additional information received February 14, 2020, we are forwarding herewith Permit No. WQ0029475
dated April 20, 2020, to Aqua North Carolina, Inc. for the continued operation of the existing wastewater
treatment and irrigation facilities, as well as the construction and operation of the Field 1-3 and Field 9-12
irrigation facilities. Please note that this renewed permit shall become effective on May 1, 2020 (i.e., the
day after the expiration date of the existing permit).
The following modifications to the subject permit are as follows: Phase II has changed to
"construction only" to require the Permittee to address the irrigation area property ownership and setbacks.
This permit shall be effective from May 1, 2020 through May 31, 2026, shall void Permit No.
WQ0029475 issued May 15, 2015, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations therein. The
Permittee shall submit a renewal application no later than December 2, 2025.
Please pay attention to the monitoring requirements listed Attachments A, B, and C for they may
differ from the previous permit issuance. Failure to establish an adequate system for collecting and
maintaining the required operational information shall result in future compliance problems.
The Division has removed the following permit conditions since the last permit issuance dated
May 15, 2015:
➢ Old Condition L5. — This condition has been removed.
➢ Old Condition IL7. — The green area is no longer required.
➢ Old Condition IV.8. — This condition does not apply to this permit.
➢ Old Condition VL2. — This condition has been removed because the permit is not voidable
D Q
�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NOR fH CA�in!.INA
1­4,torF,wm—ta�a"1 919,707.9000

Ms. Amanda. Berger
April 20, 2020
Page 2 of 2
The following permit conditions are new since the last permit issuance dated May 15, 2015:
➢ Condition L3. — The Permittee shall submit a permit modification prior to operation of Fields
1-3 and Fields 9-12.
➢ Condition L5. — The Permittee shall temporarily abandon MW-1 as this well monitors the
unconstructed irrigation fields.
➢ Condition IL 10. — Setbacks have changed to reflect rules in place at the time of permitting.
➢ Condition IIL 16. — Metering equipment shall be tested and calibrated annually.
➢ Condition IV.9. — The maintenance log shall include irrigation equipment calibration.
➢ Attachment A — Total Nitrogen and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen have been added.
➢ Attachment A — PPI 002 was removed because the sampling frequencies don't change with the
additional fields.
If any parts, requirements, or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable, the Permittee
has the right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within 30 days following receipt of
this permit. This request shall be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North
Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings at 6714 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6714. Otherwise, this permit shall be final and binding.
If you need additional information concerning this permit, please contact Tessa Monday at (919)
707-3660 or tessa.mondaykncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
S. Daniel Smith, Director
Division of Water Resources
cc: Onslow County Health Department (Electronic Copy)
Wilmington Regional Office, Water Quality Regional Operations Section (Electronic Copy)
Laserfiche File (Electronic Copy)
Digital Permit Archive (Electronic Copy)

NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
RALEIGH
WASTEWATER IRRIGATION SYSTEM PERMIT
In accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of Chapter 143, General Statutes of North Carolina as
amended, and other applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations
PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED TO
Aqua North Carolina, Inc.
Onslow County
FOR THE
operation of a 186,000 gallon per day (GPD) wastewater treatment and irrigation facility consisting of the:
construction only of a 50,950 GPD wastewater irrigation system consisting of. a 13.68 acre spray irrigation
area (i.e., Fields 1-3 and Fields 9-12); and all associated piping, valves, controls, and appurtenances; the
continued operation of a 186,000 gallon per day (GPD) wastewater treatment system consisting of: a
headworks flow meter; two fine screens with 2 millimeter (mm) mesh; a 67,000 gallon aerated flow
equalization basin with coarse air diffusers and two 770 gallon per minute (GPM) pumps; a flow splitter
box; an influent flow meter; two 23,250 gallon anoxic basins each with a submersible mixer; two 31,645
gallon aeration basins each with fine air diffusers; a 770 GPM transfer pump and 770 GPM dentification
pump; two membrane tanks each with two membrane cassettes served by two permeate pumps; a 72,000
gallon aerated sludge holding basin with coarse air diffusers, a sludge feed flow meter, and an air lift decant
line; a methanol storage tank with two chemical feed pumps; a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) storage and
chemical feed system; a pH monitoring system; an effluent flow meter; two ultraviolet (UV) disinfection
units with eight lamps each; a turbidimeter; a 300 kilowatt (kW) backup generator; two 350 cubic feet per
minute (CFM) blowers serving the flow equalization basin and sludge holding basin; two 645 CFM blowers
serving the aeration basins; two 449 CFM blowers serving the membrane cassettes; a 12.4 million gallon
(MG) storage pond with a 530 GPM irrigation pump; and all associated piping, valves, controls, and
appurtenances; and the
continued operation of a 135,357 GPD wastewater irrigation system consisting of a 37.58 acre spray
irrigation area (i.e., Fields 4-8 and Fields 13-24); a sub -drain between the irrigation fields; and all associated
piping, valves, controls, and appurtenances
to serve the Sterling Farms WWTP, with no discharge of wastes to surface waters, pursuant to the
application received December 2, 2019, subsequent additional information received February 14, 2020, and
in conformity with the Division -approved plans and specifications considered a part of this permit.
This permit shall be effective from May 1, 2020 through May 31, 2026, shall void Permit No. WQ0029475
issued May 15, 2015, and shall be subject to the following conditions and limitations:
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I. SCHEDULES
1. If at any time the Permittee decides to enter an agreement to accept wastewater effluent from Morton
Elementary, the Permittee shall submit a permit modification package to the Division requesting
permission to add the Morton Elementary effluent source, as well as include a copy of the proposed
agreement. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)(1)(A)]
2. Upon completion of construction and prior to operation of Fields 1 through 3 and Fields 9 through 12,
the Permittee shall submit an engineering certification from a North Carolina licensed Professional
Engineer certifying that the permitted facility has been constructed in accordance with G.S. 143-215.1,
Administrative Code Title 15A Subchapter 02T, this permit, and the Division -approved plans and
specifications. For phased and partially certified facilities, the Permittee shall retain the responsibility
to track further construction approved under this permit, and shall provide a final engineering
certification upon project completion. Mail the Engineering Certification to the Division of Water
Resources, Non -Discharge Branch, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617, or Non-
Discharge.Reports(cr�,ncdenr.gov. [15A NCAC 02T .0116(a)]
3. Prior to operation of Fields 1 through 3 and Fields 9 through 12, the Permittee shall submit a permit
modification verifying property ownership and setbacks as required by 15A NCAC 02T .0504(f) and
.0506(a), respectively. Also, the Permittee shall provide a groundwater monitoring plan addressing
background water quality (specifically nitrate). [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)(1)(B)]
4. The Permittee shall notify the Wilmington Regional Office, telephone number [phone], at least
two business days in advance of initial operation of the constructed facilities so that the Division can
conduct a startup inspection. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)(1)(B)]
Within 60 days of the effective date of this permit, monitoring well MW-1 shall be temporarily
abandoned by securing the wellhead to prevent access. Each monitoring well shall have a lockable cap,
and a compatible watertight cap or seal shall be placed onto each monitoring well riser pipe. [15A
NCAC 02C .0108(c)(7), 02T .0108(b)(1)(B)]
6. The Permittee shall request renewal of this permit on Division -approved forms no later than December
2, 2025. [15A NCAC 02T .0105(b), 02T .0109]
II. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Permittee shall maintain and operate the subject non -discharge facilities so there is no discharge to
surface waters, nor any contravention of groundwater or surface water standards. In the event the
facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance conditions due to improper
operation and maintenance, or failure of the irrigation areas to assimilate the effluent, the Permittee
shall take immediate corrective actions, including Division required actions, such as the construction
of additional or replacement wastewater treatment or disposal facilities. [15A NCAC 02T
.0108(b)(1)(A)]
2. This permit shall not relieve the Permittee of their responsibility for damages to groundwater or surface
water resulting from the operation of this facility. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)(1)(A)]
3. Groundwater monitoring wells shall be constructed in accordance with 15A NCAC 02C .0108
(Standards of Construction for Wells Other than Water Supply), and any other jurisdictional laws and
regulations pertaining to well construction. [15A NCAC 02C .0108]
4. Effluent quality shall not exceed the limitations specified in Attachment A. [15A NCAC 02T
.0108(b)(1)(A)]
5. Application rates, whether hydraulic, nutrient, or other pollutant, shall not exceed those specified in
Attachment B. [15A NCAC 02T .0505(c), 02T .0505(n)]
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6. The compliance and review boundaries are established at the irrigation area boundaries. Any
exceedance of groundwater standards at or beyond the compliance boundary shall require corrective
action. Division -approved relocation of the compliance boundary shall be noted in Attachment B.
Multiple contiguous properties under common ownership and permitted for use as a disposal system
shall be treated as a single property with regard to determination of a compliance boundary. [15A
NCAC 02L .0106(e), 02L .0107(a), 02T .0105(h), 02T .0506(c), G.S. 143-215.1(1), G.S. 143-215.1(k)]
7. The Permittee shall apply for a permit modification to establish a new compliance boundary prior to
any sale or transfer of property affecting a compliance boundary (i.e., parcel subdivision). [ 15A NCAC
02L .0107(c)]
8. No wells, excluding Division -approved monitoring wells, shall be constructed within the compliance
boundary except as provided for in 15A NCAC 02L .0107(g). [15A NCAC 02L .0107]
9. Except as provided for in 15A NCAC 02L .0107(g), the Permittee shall ensure any landowner who is
not the Permittee and owns land within the compliance boundary shall execute and file with the Onslow
County Register of Deeds an easement running with the land containing the following items:
a. A notice of the permit and number or other description as allowed in 15A NCAC 02L .0107(f)(1);
b. Prohibits construction and operation of water supply wells within the compliance boundary; and
c. Reserves the right of the Permittee or the State to enter the property within the compliance boundary
for purposes related to the permit.
The Director may terminate the easement when its purpose has been fulfilled or is no longer needed.
[15A NCAC 02L .0107(f)]
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10. The facilities herein were permitted per the following setbacks:
a. The irrigation sites were modified July 14, 2010. The setbacks for spray irrigation sites originally
permitted or modified from September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2018 are as follows (all distances in
feet):
i. Each habitable residence or place of assembly under separate ownership: 4001
ii. Each habitable residence or place of assembly owned by the Permittee: 200
iii. Each private or public water supply source: 100
iv. Surface waters: 100
v. Groundwater lowering ditches: 100
vi. Surface water diversions: 25
vii. Each well with exception of monitoring wells:
100
viii. Each property line:
0 2,3
ix. Top of slope of embankments or cuts of two feet or more in vertical height:
15
x. Each water line:
10
xi. Subsurface groundwater lowering drainage systems:
100
xii. Each swimming pool:
100
xiii. Public right of way:
50
xiv. Nitrification field:
20
xv. Each building foundation or basement:
15
xvi. Each impounded public surface water supply:
500
xvii. Each public shallow ground water supply (less than 50 feet deep):
500
' Habitable residences or places of assembly under separate ownership constructed after the
facilities herein were originally permitted or subsequently modified are exempt from this
setback.
2 Setbacks to property lines are not applicable when the Permittee, or the entity from which the
Permittee is leasing, owns both parcels separated by the property line.
3 Achieving the reclaimed water effluent standards established in 15A NCAC 02U .0301 shall
permit the system to use the setbacks set forth in 15A NCAC 02U .0701(d) for property lines.
[15A NCAC 02H .0404(g), 02T .0506(a), 02T .0506(c), 02T .0506(e), 02T .0506(f)]
b. The 67,325 gallon aerated equalization tank was originally permitted April 4, 2006. The setbacks
for storage and treatment units originally permitted or modified from February 1, 1993 to August
31, 2006 are as follows (all distances in feet):
i. Each habitable residence or place of assembly under separate ownership: 1001
ii. Each on -property residential unit if the unit is to be sold: 101
iii. Each private or public water supply source: 100
iv. Surface waters: 50
v. Each well with exception of monitoring wells: 100
vi. Each property line: 50
vii. Nitrification field: 20
' Habitable residences or places of assembly under separate ownership constructed after the
facilities herein were originally permitted or subsequently modified are exempt from this
setback.
2 Setbacks to property lines are not applicable when the Permittee, or the entity from which the
Permittee is leasing, owns both parcels separated by the property line.
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[15A NCAC 02H .0404(g), 02H .02190)(5)]
c. The storage and treatment units (two fine screens with 2 mm mesh, two 23,250 gallon anoxic basins
each with a submersible mixer, two 31,645 gallon aeration basins each with fine air diffusers, a 770
GPM transfer pump and 770 GPM dentification pump, two membrane tanks each with two
membrane cassettes served by two permeate pumps, a 72,000 gallon aerated sludge holding basin
with coarse air diffusers, a sludge feed flow meter, and an air lift decant line; a methanol storage
tank with two chemical feed pumps, a sodium hydroxide storage and chemical feed system, a pH
monitoring system, an effluent flow meter, two UV disinfection units with eight lamps each, a 300
kw backup generator; two 350 CFM blowers serving the flow equalization basin and sludge holding
basin, two 449 CFM blowers serving the membrane cassettes) were originally permitted October
18, 2006. The setbacks for storage and treatment units originally permitted or modified from
September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2018 are as follows (all distances in feet):
i. Each habitable residence or place of assembly under separate ownership: 1001
ii. Each on -property residential unit if the unit is to be sold: 101
iii. Each private or public water supply source: 100
iv. Surface waters: 50
v. Each well with exception of monitoring wells: 100
vi. Each property line: 50 Z
' Habitable residences or places of assembly under separate ownership constructed after the
facilities herein were originally permitted or subsequently modified are exempt from this
setback.
2 Setbacks to property lines are not applicable when the Permittee, or the entity from which the
Permittee is leasing, owns both parcels separated by the property line.
[15A NCAC 02H .0404(g), 02T .0506(b), 02T .0506(e), 02T .0506(f)]
III. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
The Permittee shall operate and maintain the subject facilities as anon -discharge system. [15A NCAC
02T .0500]
2. The Permittee shall maintain an Operation and Maintenance Plan, which shall include operational
functions, maintenance schedules, safety measures, and a spill response plan. [15A NCAC 02T
.0507(a)]
3. Upon the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission's (WPCSOCC)
classification of the subject non -discharge facilities, the Permittee shall designate and employ a certified
operator in responsible charge (ORC), and one or more certified operators as back-up ORCs. The ORC
or their back-up shall operate and visit the facilities as required by the WPCSOCC. [15A NCAC 02T
.0117]
4. The Permittee shall maintain vegetative cover on the irrigation sites, such that crop health is optimal,
allows even effluent distribution, and allows inspection of the irrigation system. [15A NCAC 02T
.0507(b)]
5. The Permittee shall take measures to prevent effluent ponding in or runoff from the irrigation sites
listed in Attachment B. [15A NCAC 02T .0507(c)]
6. The Permittee shall not irrigate treated effluent during inclement weather, or when the soil is in a
condition that will cause ponding or runoff. [ 15A NCAC 02T .0505(x)]
7. Irrigation equipment shall be tested and calibrated once per permit cycle. [15A NCAC 02T .0507(d)]
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8. Only treated effluent from the Sterling Farms WWTP shall be irrigated on the sites listed in Attachment
B. [15A NCAC 02T .0501]
9. The Permittee shall not allow vehicles or heavy machinery on the irrigation area, except during
equipment installation or maintenance activities. [15A NCAC 02T .0507(e)]
10. The Permittee shall prohibit public access to the wastewater treatment, storage, and irrigation facilities.
[15A NCAC 02T .0505(q)]
11. The Permittee shall dispose or utilize generated residuals in a Division -approved manner. [ 15A NCAC
02T .0508, 02T . 1100].
12. The Permittee shall not divert or bypass untreated or partially treated wastewater from the subject
facilities. [15A NCAC 02T .05050)]
13. Freeboard in the 12.4 MG storage pond shall not be less than two feet at any time. [15A NCAC 02T
.0505(d)]
14. A gauge to monitor waste levels in the 12.4 MG storage pond shall be provided. This gauge shall have
readily visible permanent markings, at inch or tenth of a foot increments, indicating the following
elevations: maximum liquid level at the top of the temporary liquid storage volume; minimum liquid
level at the bottom of the temporary liquid storage volume; and the lowest point on top of the dam.
[I5A NCAC 02T .0507(f)]
15. A protective vegetative cover shall be established and maintained on all berms, pipe runs, erosion
control areas, surface water diversions, and earthen embankments (i.e., outside toe of embankment to
maximum allowable temporary storage elevation on the inside of the embankment). Trees, shrubs, and
other woody vegetation shall not be allowed to grow on the earthen dikes or embankments. Earthen
embankments shall be kept mowed or otherwise controlled and accessible. [15A NCAC 02T .0507(g)]
16. Metering equipment shall be tested and calibrated annually. [15A NCAC 02T .0507(d)]
17. An automatically activated standby power source capable of powering all essential treatment units shall
be on site and operational at all times. If a generator is employed as an alternate power supply, it shall
be tested weekly by interrupting the primary power source. [15A NCAC 02T .0505(1)]
18. Should the limit for fecal coliform (e.g., daily maximum concentration of 25 colonies per 100 milliliters
(ml)) or turbidity (e.g., instantaneous maximum of 10 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) be
exceeded, the treatment train in exceedance shall be taken offline, and all wastewater shall be treated
in the remaining properly operating treatment train until the problems associated with the treatment
train in exceedance have been corrected. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)(1)(A)]
19. All vegetative cover grass clippings shall be removed from the irrigation sites. Grass clippings shall
be bagged, baled, or using another suitable Division -approved method. [15A NCAC 02T
.0108(b)(1)(A)]
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IV. MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Permittee shall conduct and report any Division required monitoring necessary to evaluate this
facility's impact on groundwater and surface water. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(c)]
2. A Division -certified laboratory shall conduct all analyses for the required effluent, groundwater, and
surface water parameters. [15A NCAC 02H .0800]
3. Flow through the treatment facility shall be continuously monitored, and daily flow values shall be
reported on Form NDMR. Facilities with a permitted flow less than 10,000 GPD may estimate their
flow from water usage records provided the water source is metered. [15A NCAC 02T .0105(k), 02T
.0108(c)]
4. The Permittee shall monitor the treated effluent at the frequencies and locations for the parameters
specified in Attachment A. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(c)]
5. The Permittee shall maintain records tracking the amount of effluent irrigated. These records shall
include the following information for each irrigation site listed in Attachment B:
a. Date of irrigation;
b. Volume of effluent irrigated;
c. Site irrigated;
d. Length of time site is irrigated;
e. Continuous weekly, monthly, and year-to-date hydraulic (inches/acre) loadings;
f. Continuous monthly and year-to-date loadings for any non -hydraulic parameter specifically
limited in Attachment B;
g. Weather conditions; and
h. Maintenance of cover crops.
[15A NCAC 02T .0108(c)]
6. Freeboard (i.e., waste level to the lowest embankment elevation) in the 12.4 MG storage pond shall be
measured to the nearest inch or tenth of a foot, and recorded weekly. Weekly freeboard records shall
be maintained for five years, and shall be made available to the Division upon request. [15A NCAC
02T .0108(c)]
7. Three copies of all monitoring data (as specified in Conditions IV.3. and IVA.) on Form NDMR for
each PPI and three copies of all operation and disposal records (as specified in Conditions IV.S. and
IV.6.) on Form NDAR-1 for every site in Attachment B shall be submitted on or before the last day of
the following month. If no activities occurred during the monitoring month, monitoring reports are still
required documenting the absence of the activity. All information shall be submitted to the following
address:
Division of Water Resources
Information Processing Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
[15A NCAC 02T .0105(l)]
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8. The Permittee shall maintain a record of all residuals removed from this facility. This record shall be
maintained for five years, and shall be made available to the Division upon request. This record shall
include:
a. Name of the residuals hauler;
b. Non -Discharge permit number authorizing the residuals disposal, or a letter from a municipality
agreeing to accept the residuals;
c. Date the residuals were hauled; and
d. Volume of residuals removed.
[15A NCAC 02T .0508(b)]
9. A maintenance log shall be kept at this facility. This log shall be maintained for five years, and shall
be made available to the Division upon request. This log shall include:
a. Date of flow measurement device calibration;
b. Date of irrigation equipment calibration;
c. Date of turbidimeter calibration;
d. Date and results of power interruption testing on alternate power supply;
e. Visual observations of the plant and plant site; and
f. Record of preventative maintenance (e.g., changing of equipment, adjustments, testing, inspections
and cleanings, etc.).
[15A NCAC 02T .0507(h)]
10. Monitoring wells MW-2 and MW-3 shall be sampled at the frequencies and for the parameters specified
in Attachment C. All mapping, well construction forms, well abandonment forms and monitoring data
shall refer to the permit number and the well nomenclature as provided in Attachment C and Figure 1.
[15A NCAC 02T .0105(m)]
11. Two copies of the monitoring well sampling and analysis results shall be submitted on a Compliance
Monitoring Form (GW-59), along with attached copies of laboratory analyses, on or before the last
working day of the month following the sampling month. The Compliance Monitoring Form (GW-59)
shall include this permit number, the appropriate well identification number, and one GW-59a
certification form shall be submitted with each set of sampling results. All information shall be
submitted to the following address:
Division of Water Resources
Information Processing Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
[15A NCAC 02T .0105(m)]
12. An annual representative soils analysis (i.e., Standard Soil Fertility Analysis) shall be conducted on
each irrigation site listed in Attachment B. These results shall be maintained at the facility for five
years, and shall be made available to the Division upon request. Each Standard Soil Fertility Analysis
shall include the following parameters:
Acidity
Exchangeable Sodium Percentage
Phosphorus
Base Saturation (by calculation)
Magnesium
Potassium
Calcium
Manganese
Sodium
Cation Exchange Capacity
Percent Humic Matter
Zinc
Copper
pH
[15A NCAC 02T .0108(c)]
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13. The Permittee shall maintain a record of any upset conditions or unit failures that results in the diversion
of all wastewater through one train. This log shall be maintained at the facility for a period of no less
than five years, and shall be made available to the Division upon request. This log shall include:
a. Date and time of plant upset/flow diversion;
b. Duration of the flow diversion;
c. Cause of upset, and measures taken to prevent future recurrence; and
d. Actions taken to repair or maintain the affected equipment.
[15A NCAC 02T .0 1 08(b)(1)(A)]
14. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report to the Wilmington Regional Office, telephone number [phone],
within 24 hours of first knowledge of the following:
a. Treatment of wastes abnormal in quantity or characteristic, including the known passage of a
hazardous substance.
b. Any process unit failure (e.g., mechanical, electrical, etc.) rendering the facility incapable of
adequate wastewater treatment.
c. Any facility failure resulting in a discharge to surface waters.
d. Any time self -monitoring indicates the facility has gone out of compliance with its permit
limitations.
e. Ponding in or runoff from the irrigation sites.
Emergencies requiring reporting outside normal business hours shall call the Division's Emergency
Response personnel at telephone number [phone], [phone], or [phone]. All
noncompliance notifications shall file a written report to the Wilmington Regional Office within five
days of first knowledge of the occurrence, and this report shall outline the actions proposed or taken to
ensure the problem does not recur. [15A NCAC 02T .0108(b)(1)(A)]
V. INSPECTIONS
1. The Permittee shall perform inspections and maintenance to ensure proper operation of the wastewater
treatment and irrigation facilities. [15A NCAC 02T .0507(i)]
2. The Permittee shall inspect the wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities to prevent malfunctions,
facility deterioration, and operator errors that may result in discharges of wastes to the environment,
threats to human health, or public nuisances. The Permittee shall maintain an inspection log that
includes the date and time of inspection, observations made, and maintenance, repairs, or corrective
actions taken. The Permittee shall maintain this inspection log for a period of five years from the date
of the inspection, and this log shall be made available to the Division upon request. [15A NCAC 02T
.0507(h), 02T .0507(i)]
Division authorized representatives may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any
property, premises, or place related to the wastewater treatment and irrigation facilities permitted herein
at any reasonable time for determining compliance with this permit. Division authorized
representatives may inspect or copy records maintained under the terms and conditions of this permit,
and may collect groundwater, surface water, or leachate samples. [G.S. 143-215.3(a)(2)]
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VI. GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. Failure to comply with the conditions and limitations contained herein may subject the Permittee to a
Division enforcement action. [G.S. 143-215.6A, 143-215.613, 143-215.6C]
2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in the permit
application, and Division -approved plans and specifications. [G.S. 143-215.1(d)]
3. Unless specifically requested and approved in this permit, there are no variances to administrative codes
or general statutes governing the construction or operation of the facilities permitted herein. [15A
NCAC 02T .0105(n)]
4. The issuance of this permit does not exempt the Permittee from complying with all statutes, rules,
regulations, or ordinances that other jurisdictional government agencies (e.g., local, state, and federal)
may require. [15A NCAC 02T .0105(c)(6)]
5. If the permitted facilities change ownership, or the Penmittee changes their name, the Permittee shall
submit a permit modification request on Division -approved forms. The Permittee shall comply with
all terms and conditions of this permit until the permit is transferred to the successor -owner. [G.S. 143-
215.1(d3)]
6. The Permittee shall retain a set of Division -approved plans and specifications for the life of the facilities
permitted herein. [15A NCAC 02T .0105(o)]
7. The Permittee shall maintain this permit until the proper closure of all facilities permitted herein, or
until the facilities permitted herein are permitted by another authority. [15A NCAC 02T .01050)]
8. This permit is subject to revocation or modification upon 60-day notice from the Division Director, in
whole or part for:
a. violation of any terms or conditions of this permit or Administrative Code Title 15A Subchapter
02T;
b. obtaining a permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose all relevant facts;
c. the Permittee's refusal to allow authorized Department employees upon presentation of credentials:
I. to enter the Permittee's premises where a system is located or where any records are required
to be kept;
ii. to have access to any permit required documents and records;
iii. to inspect any monitoring equipment or method as required in this permit; or
iv. to sample any pollutants;
d. the Permittee's failure to pay the annual fee for administering and compliance monitoring; or
e. a Division determination that the conditions of this permit are in conflict with North Carolina
Administrative Code or General Statutes.
[15A NCAC 02T .0110]
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Shell Version 200201 Page 10 of 12

9. Unless the Division Director grants a variance, expansion of the facilities permitted herein shall not
occur if any of the following apply:
a. The Permittee or any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the Permittee has been convicted of
environmental crimes under G.S. 143-215.613, or under Federal law that would otherwise be
prosecuted under G.S. 143-215.613, and all appeals of this conviction have been abandoned or
exhausted.
b. The Permittee or any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the Permittee has previously abandoned
a wastewater treatment facility without properly closing the facility.
c. The Permittee or any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the Permittee has not paid a civil
penalty, and all appeals of this penalty have been abandoned or exhausted.
d. The Permittee or any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the Permittee is currently not compliant
with any compliance schedule in a permit, settlement agreement, or order.
e. The Permittee or any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the Permittee has not paid an annual
fee.
[15A NCAC 02T .0120(b), 02T .0120(d)]
10. This permit shall not be renewed if the Permittee or any affiliation has not paid the required annual fee.
[15A NCAC 02T .0120(c)]
11. Pursuant to the flow reduction request received December 4, 2009, and approved February 4, 2010, the
Division accepts the data -based design flow rate of 86 gallons per day per day per bedroom (GPD/BR)
with a minimum of 172 GPD for 1 and 2 bedroom residences for the users served by this facility. At
no time shall wastewater flows exceed the limits defined in this permit, or exceed the sewer capacity
downstream of any new sewer extension or service connection.
The Permittee shall report the measured monthly average amount of wastewater flow contributed per
unit (GPD/BR) for the 12 months prior to permit renewal. If any of these monthly averages are within
20% of the approved value, the Permittee shall reevaluate the approved value using the methodology
applied to determine the approved flow rate of 86 gallons per day per day per bedroom (GPD/BR) with
a minimum of 172 GPD for 1 and 2 bedroom residences, and submit this information with the renewal
application for reevaluation of the approve flow rate. [15A NCAC 02T .0114(f)]
12. The Permittee shall retain the Division's written approval of the authorized adjusted daily design flow
rate for the life of this facility, and shall transfer this approval to any future Permittee. [15A NCAC
02T .0114(f)]
Permit issued this the 20"' day of April 2020
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
S. Daniel Smith, Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit Number WQ0029475
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Shell Version 200201 Page 11 of 12

Permit No. WQ0029475
Aqua North Carolina, Inc.
Sterling Farms WWTP
ENGINEERING CERTIFICATION
❑ Partial ❑ Final
Wastewater Irrigation System
April 20, 2020
Onslow County
I, , as a duly licensed North Carolina Professional
Engineer, having ❑ periodically / ❑ fully observed the construction of the permitted facilities, do hereby
state to the best of my abilities that the facility was constructed in compliance with G.S. 143-215.1,
Administrative Code Title 15A Subchapter 02T, this permit, and the Division -approved plans and
specifications.
Documentation of any variation to this permit, and the Division -approved plans and specifications, is in the
attached as -built drawings.
Description of variations:
Professional Engineer's Name
Firm Name
Firm No.
Address
City JL
State
Zip Code
Telephone
Email
Seal, Signature, and Date
THE COMPLETED ENGINEERING CERTIFICATION, INCLUDING ALL SUPPORTING
DOCUMENTATION, SHALL BE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
NON -DISCHARGE BRANCH
By U.S. Postal Service By Courier/Special DelivM
1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER 512 N. SALISBURY ST.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1617 RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27604
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Shell Version 200201 Page 12 of 12

ATTACHMENT A — LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PPI 001— WWTP Effluent
Permit Number: WQ0029475 Version: 3.0
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
EFFLUENT LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PCS
Code
Parameter Description
Units of
Measure
Monthly Monthly
Average Geometric Mean Daily Minimum Daily Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type
00310
BOD, 5-Day (20 °C)
mg/L
10 15
2 x Month
Composite
00940
Chloride (as Cl)
mg/L
3 x Year'
Composite
31616
Coliform, Fecal MF, M-FC Broth, 44.5 °C
#/100 mL
14 25
2 x Month
Grab
50050
Flow, in Conduit or thru Treatment Plant
GPD
135,357 3
Continuous
Recorder
00610
Nitrogen, Ammonia Total (as N)
mg/L
4 6
2 x Month
Composite
00625
Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, Total (as N)
mg/L
2 x Month
Composite
00620
Nitrogen, Nitrate Total (as N)
mg/L
2 x Month
Composite
00600
Nitrogen, Total (as N)
mg/L
2 x Month
Composite
00400
pH
su
5 x Week
Grab
00665
Phosphorus, Total (as P)
mg/L
2 x Month
Composite
70300
Solids, Total Dissolved — 180 °C
mg/L
3 x Year'
Composite
00530
Solids, Total Suspended
mg/L
5 10
2 x Month
Composite
00076
Turbidity, HCH Turbidimeter
NTU
10
Continuous
Instantaneous 2
3 x Year sampling shall be conducted during March, July, and November.
The highest turbidity value (instantaneous reading) of the two treatment trains shall be reported daily. Turbidity values may be reported as "< 10 mg/L" on weekends provided the alarm did not
go off (i.e., no limit exceedance occurs).
The flow is limited by the irrigation field acreage. After construction of the additional fields, the permitted flow will be 186,000 GPD.
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Attachment A Page 1 of 2

PPI 002 - Groundwater Lowering System Effluent
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
EFFLUENT LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PCS
Code
Parameter Description
Units of
Measure
Monthly
Average
Monthly
Geometric Mean
Daily Minimum Daily Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type
31616
Coliform, Fecal MF, M-FC Broth, 44.5 °C
#/100 mL
Monthly
Grab
00600
Nitrogen, Total (as N)
mg/L
Monthly
Grab
00400
pH
su
Monthly
Grab
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Attachment A Page 2 of 2

ATTACHMENT B - APPROVED LAND APPLICATION SITES AND LIMITATIONS
Aqua North Carolina, Inc. - Sterling Farms WWTP
Permit Number: WQ0029475 Version: 3.0
IRRIGATION AREA INFORMATION
APPLICATION LIMITATIONS
Field
Owner
County
Latitude
Longitude
Net
Acreage
Dominant
Soil Series
Parameter
Hourly
Rate
Yearly
Max
Units
1 2
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.769373'
-77.311514'
2.33
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
2 2
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.770267'
-77.315610'
1.94
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
3 2
Clearly Development, Ina. 1
Onslow
34.770107'
-77.313357'
1.85
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
4
Clearly Development, Ina. 1
Onslow
34.770348'
-77.314424'
1.84
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
5
Clearly Development, Ina. 1
Onslow
34.770682'
-77.313563'
2.91
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
6
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.771294'
-77.313954'
2.02
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
7
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.771647'
-77.314445'
1.78
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
8
Clearly Development, Inc. 1
Onslow
34.771899'
-77.313441 °
1.97
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
9 2
Clearly Development, Ina. 1
Onslow
34.772384'
-77.314519'
1.76
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
102
Clearly Development, Inc. 1
Onslow
34.772394'
-77.313410'
1.96
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
112
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.772805'
-77.313820'
1.96
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
12 2
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.769802'
-77.311446'
1.88
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
13
Clearly Development, Ina. 1
Onslow
34.772990'
-77.314533'
1.88
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
14
Clearly Development, Inc. 1
Onslow
34.773529'
-77.313929'
2.01
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
15
Clearly Development, Ina 1
Onslow
34.773769'
-77.313331 °
2.49
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
16
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.775090'
-77.313631 °
2.78
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
17
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.742210'
-77.314907'
2.62
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
18
Clearly Development, Ina 1
Onslow
34.770290'
-77.311327'
2.00
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
19
Clearly Development, Inc. 1
Onslow
34.770854'
-77.311335'
2.19
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
20
Clearly Development, Ina 1
Onslow
34.771233'
-77.311081 °
1.93
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
21
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.771823'
-77.311271 °
2.30
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
22
Clearly Development, Inc. '
Onslow
34.772379'
-77.311295'
2.20
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
23
Clearly Development, Ina 1
Onslow
34.772841 °
-77.311217'
2.48
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
0.1
48.88
inches
24
Clearly Development, Inc. 1
Onslow
34.769353'
-77.313219'
2.18
Norfolk
01284 - Non -Discharge Application Rate
1 0.1
48.88
inches
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Attachment B Page I of 2

Totals 51.26
1. Aqua North Carolina, Inc. has easements allowing for the irrigation of wastewater effluent (Book 3301, Page 951; Book 2999, Page 682; Book 3278, Page 56).
2. Fields currently permitted for construction only.
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Attachment B Page 2 of 2

ATTACHMENT C — GROUNDWATER MONITORING AND LIMITATIONS Permit Number: WQ0029475 Version: 3.0
Monitoring Wells: MW-1 (temporarily abandoned), MW-2, and MW-3
GROUNDWATER CHARACTERISTICS
GROUNDWATER STANDARDS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PCS Code
Parameter Description
Daily Maximum
Frequency Measurement
Sample Type
Footnotes
00680
Carbon, Tot Organic (TOC)
mg/L
3 x Year
Grab
1,6
00940
Chloride (as Cl)
250
mg/L
3 x Year
Grab
1
31616
Coliform, Fecal MF, M-FC Broth, 44.5 °C
#/100 mL
3 x Year
Grab
1
00610
Nitrogen, Ammonia Total (as N)
1.5
mg/L
3 x Year
Grab
1
00620
Nitrogen, Nitrate Total (as N)
10
mg/L
3 x Year
Grab
1
00400
pH
6.5-8.5
su
3 x Year
Grab
1,2
00665
Phosphorus, Total (as P)
mg/L
3 x Year
Grab
1
70300
Solids, Total Dissolved - 180 °C
500
mg/L
3 x Year
Grab
1
GWVOC
Volatile Compounds (GW)
Present: Yes/No
Annually
Grab
1, 4, 5
82546
Water Level, Distance from measuring point
feet
3 x Year
Calculated
L2,3
1. 3 x Year monitoring shall be conducted in March, July, and November; Annual monitoring shall be conducted in November.
2. The measurement of water levels shall be made prior to purging the wells. The depth to water in each well shall be measured from the surveyed point on the top of the casing. The measurement of
pH shall be made after purging and prior to sampling for the remaining parameters.
3. The measuring points (top of well casing) of all monitoring wells shall be surveyed to provide the relative elevation of the measuring point for each monitoring well. The measuring points (top of
casing) of all monitoring wells shall be surveyed relative to a common datum.
4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) - In November only, analyze by one of the following methods:
a. Standard Method 6230D, PQL at 0.5 gg/L or less
b. Standard Method 621 OD, PQL at 0.5 gg/L or less
c. EPA Method 8021, Low Concentration, PQL at 0.5 gg/L or less
d. EPA Method 8260, Low Concentration, PQL at 0.5 gg/L or less
e. Another method with prior approval by the Water Quality Permitting Section Chief
Any method used shall meet the following qualifications:
a. A laboratory shall be DWR certified to run any method used.
b. The method used shall include all the constituents listed in Table VIII of Standard Method 6230D.
c. The method used shall provide a PQL of 0.5 gg/L or less that shall be supported by laboratory proficiency studies as required by the DWR Laboratory Certification Unit. Any constituents
detected above the MDL but below the PQL of 0.5 gg/L shall be qualified (estimated) and reported.
5. If any volatile organic compounds (VOC) are detected as a result of monitoring as provided in Attachment C, then the Wilmington Regional Office supervisor, telephone number [phone],
shall be contacted immediately for further instructions regarding any additional follow-up analyses required.
6. If TOC concentrations greater than 10 mg/L are detected in any downgradient monitoring well, additional sampling and analysis shall be conducted to identify the individual constituents comprising
this TOC concentration. If the TOC concentration as measured in the background monitor well exceeds 10 mg/L, this concentration will be taken to represent the naturally occurring TOC
concentration. Any exceedances of this naturally occurring TOC concentration in the downgradient wells shall be subject to the additional sampling and analysis as described above.
7. Monitoring wells shall be reported consistent with the nomenclature and location information provided in Figure 1 and this attachment.
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Attachment C Page 1 of 1

GENERALNOTES
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Jacksonville, NC
RFOJECT.
Sterling Farms
Waste Water
Treatment Plant
O.WNTNG TITLE
Overall Treatment
System Plan
tiH
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21M'�'
WQ0029475 Version 3.0 Figure 1 Page 1 of 1