20061203 Ver 2_Wastewater Mgmt Options REV DRAFT 9-27-07_20070927

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Army
of Engineers
Wilrningtcn District
REVISED DRAFT
Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities
Wastewater Management Options
Seven wastewater management options are being considered through this NEPA
EIS process. The following discussions present the management options, an
evaluation of the options, and a summary for consideration within the overall
alternatives framework for this EIS.
Description of Options
Option 1: No Action
The No-Action Alternative means that the facilities already in place would
continue to operate as currently permitted. The Town of Cary would continue to
operate its North Cary and South Cary Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF) at 12
million gallons per day (mgd) and 12.8 mgd, respectively. The Town of Apex
would continue to operate the Middle Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WWTP) at 3.6 mgd capacity. The Town of Holly Springs has received a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for expansion of its Utley Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant to 6 mgd (see Attachment 1). The Town plans to construct a
force main to convey effluent from the Utley Creek WWTP to the Western Wake
regional facility. If the No-Action Alternative is selected, the Town would need to
seek approval from DWQ to increase its allowable discharge into Utley Creek
(and Harris Lake) or not construct the Utley Creek WWTP expansion. No
additional infrastructure would be constructed for the No-Action Alternative.
Option 2: Regional System
The Western Wake Partners evaluated regional systems during the Wake
County Regional Wastewater Treatment Studies project conducted from 2002 to
2004. Through this the effort, the Partners evaluated alternative wastewater
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management strategies that could be implemented in order to comply with the
regulatory mandates issued by the EMC for IBT and NC DENR for removing the
Town of Holly Springs' discharge from Utley Creek. The Partners conducted this
study to develop a way they could work together on a regional wastewater
management solution. Four regional wastewater management strategies were
evaluated, as described below.
A. Regional System Strategy A - Apex-Holly Springs Collaboration, New
West Cary WRF
For Strategy A, Apex and Holly Springs would collaborate for a new WRF on
Little White Oak Creek. One new 16-mgd WRF would be constructed at
White Oak Creek (Jordan Lake) to serve the western Cary service area, the
Haw River portion of the Morrisville service area, the Haw River portion of the
Apex service area, and RTP South. This WRF would discharge to the lower
portion of Jordan Lake. A second new 20-mgd WRF would be constructed at
Little White Oak Creek to serve the remainder of the Apex service area and
the portion of the Holly Springs flow in excess of the current capacity of the
existing Utley Creek WWTP (1.5 mgd). The second new WRF would have an
effluent pump station and force main that would tie into the effluent force main
from the new WRF at White Oak Creek (Jordan Lake). The Utley Creek
WWTP would continue to discharge at its current permitted capacity to Utley
Creek. The Apex Middle Creek WWTP would be decommissioned or used as
a scalping plant.
B. Regional System Strategy B - Apex-Cary-Holly Springs Collaboration
For Strategy B, Apex and Cary would collaborate and Apex and Holly Springs
would collaborate in separate water reclamation facilities to provide treatment
and discharge for their service areas. One new 18-mgd WRF would be
constructed at Beaver Creek to serve the western Cary service area, the
portions of the Apex service area tributary to White Oak Creek (Jordan Lake)
and Beaver Creek, the Haw River portion of the Morrisville service area and
RTP South. The new WRF would have an effluent pump station and force
main to discharge to the lower portion of Jordan Lake. A second new 20-mgd
WRF would be constructed at White Oak Creek (Harris Lake) to serve the
remainder of the Apex service area and all of the Holly Springs service area.
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This WRF would have an effluent pump station and force main to discharge to
the Cape Fear River below Buckhorn Dam. The existing Holly Springs Utley
Creek WWTP would be decommissioned for this option.
C. Regional System Strategy C - Apex-Cary-Holly Springs Collaboration,
Excess Holly Springs Flow to North Harnett Regional WWTP
Under this option, Apex and Cary would collaborate in a single new WRF,
Holly Springs would collaborate with Fuquay-Varina for treatment at the North
Harnett Regional WWTP, and Holly Springs and Cary would collaborate for
treatment at the South Cary WRF. A new 24-mgd WRF would be constructed
at White Oak Creek (Jordan Lake) to serve the Cape Fear River portion of the
Apex service area, the Haw River portion of the Morrisville service area, the
western Cary service area, and RTP South. The new WRF would have an
effluent pump station and force main to discharge to the lower portion of
Jordan Lake.
The Town of Holly Springs would collaborate with Harnett County to expand
the North Harnett Regional WWTP by approximately 7 mgd. The North
Harnett Regional WWTP would provide treatment and discharge for the Cape
Fear River for the portion of the Holly Springs wastewater flows in excess of
the current capacity of the Utley Creek WWTP (1.5 mgd), along with the flows
from the Cape Fear River portion of the Fuquay-Varina service area. The
gravity sewer from the Kenneth Branch WWTP would not need to be
paralleled for the additional flow from Holly Springs.
The Utley Creek WWTP would remain in service and would continue to
discharge at its current permitted capacity to Utley Creek. Under this option,
the North Cary WRF would also be expanded to 16 mgd to serve the North
Cary service area, the Neuse River portion of the Morrisville service area, and
RDU. The South Cary WRF would be expanded to 15 mgd to serve the
South Cary service area, as well as the Neuse River portion of the Holly
Springs service area. A new gravity sewer would be provided to convey Holly
Springs' wastewater flow to the South Cary WRF.
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The Middle Creek WWTP would remain in service under this option at its
current capacity of 3.6 mgd to treat wastewater flow from the Neuse River
portion of the Apex service area.
D. Regional System Strategy D - Apex-Cary-Holly Springs Collaboration,
Expansion of Holly Springs' Utley Creek WWTP (Modified Strategy C)
As described in the Alternative Wastewater Discharge Locations discussion,
DWQ made a decision that they would not permit a discharge to Jordan Lake
and the outfall should be located on the Cape Fear River downstream of
Buckhorn Dam. This decision was made near the conclusion of the
wastewater strategies studies in 2004. In addition, the Town of Holly Springs
and the Town of Cary completed additional analyses for Strategy C. The
Town of Holly Springs' analysis indicated that cost savings could be realized if
the Town would continue to treat all of its wastewater at an expanded Utley
Creek WWTP and discharge treated effluent to the outfall serving the
Western Wake WRF rather than convey raw wastewater to the South Cary
WRF and the North Harnett County Regional WWTP for treatment and
disposal.
For the Town of Cary, additional analyses were conducted to determine the
technical and regulatory feasibility of expanding the North Cary WRF from 12
mgd to 16 mgd. Given the site constraints and steep terrain of the North Cary
WRF site, as well as the nutrient loading restrictions associated with the
Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy for the Neuse River Basin,
the Town of Cary determined that the preferred option would be to transfer
raw wastewater from the North Cary service area to the Western Wake WRF
via a wastewater pumping station, force main and gravity sewer that would
discharge at the West Cary Pumping Station.
Once it was determined that these modifications could be made to Strategy C
without creating undue financial burdens for the remaining Project Partners,
Strategy D was created which included Holly Springs as a participant in the
effluent discharge system and Cary would divert raw wastewater from the
North Cary service area to the Western Wake WRF via a wastewater
pumping station, force main, and gravity sewer.
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The Western Wake Partners evaluated these four regional wastewater
management strategies, and Strategy D was selected as the Partners' approach
to a Regional System Wastewater Management Option. Strategy D is described
in further detail below.
For the Regional System Option developed by the Partners during the Regional
Wastewater Treatment Studies project, the Partners propose constructing a
single regional WRF to provide wastewater treatment services for the towns of
Apex, Cary, Morrisville, and the Wake County portion of RTP (RTP South). Holly
Springs would continue to treat wastewater at the Utley Creek WWTP, and the
entire discharge from the Utley Creek WWTP would be removed from Harris
Lake and conveyed to a common outfall that would serve the Western Wake
Regional WRF and the Utley Creek WWTP. The common outfall would
discharge treated effluent to the Cape Fear River downstream of Buckhorn Dam.
The proposed Project would be implemented in two phases. The Project Phase
1 facilities would provide for a discharge capacity of 24 million gallons per day
(mgd) to the Cape Fear River. The Project Phase 2 facilities, which are projected
to be online by July 1, 2020, would provide for a discharge capacity of 38 mgd to
the Cape Fear River. The Project Phase 1 and Project Phase 2 facilities would
accommodate the wastewater service needs of the Partners to the year 2030.
While the phases are identified for adequately describing the project, the EIS is
focusing on the facilities required for the planning period to 2030.
Facilities for the proposed project are summarized as follows:
New Raw Wastewater Transmission Facilities
Raw wastewater transmission facilities would be constructed to convey raw
wastewater from the Haw River portion of the Morrisville service area, the West
Cary service area, RTP South, and the Cape Fear River portion of the Apex
service area to the new Western Wake WRF. The raw wastewater transmission
facilities would consist of two regional pump stations and associated force mains
and gravity sewers. The West Cary Pump Station, force mains, and gravity
interceptor would convey raw wastewater from the White Oak Creek subbasin to
the second regional pump station located in the Beaver Creek subbasin. The
West Cary Pump Station is currently under construction as part of another project
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for the Town of Cary, and the environmental impacts have been assessed in a
separate environmental document that has been accepted by NC DENR. A
Section 404 permit for this project was issued on August 3, 2006 by the US Army
Corps of Engineers (Action ID SAW 2006-40250-292). The wastewater pipelines
discharging to the West Cary Pump Station are being constructed to handle 2030
flow and are not included as part of this EIS. For this project, the West Cary
Pump Station would have an initial peak flow (PF) capacity of approximately
31 mgd and a future (2030) capacity of 44 mgd (PF). The force mains from the
West Cary Regional Pump Station would consist of a single 36-inch force main
for Phase 1 flows and a parallel 24-inch force main for Phase 2 flows. The 36-
inch force main would be constructed in the initial phase. The parallel force main
may be constructed in the initial phase, or it may be constructed during Phase 2.
The force mains would discharge to a single 54-inch gravity interceptor, which
would convey the raw wastewater to the Beaver Creek Pump Station. Apex
would also construct a 42-inch gravity interceptor along Beaver Creek from Kelly
Road to the Beaver Creek Pump Station.
The Beaver Creek Pump Station would convey raw wastewater from the Apex
White Oak Creek and Beaver Creek service areas, plus raw wastewater from the
West Cary Regional Pump Station and water treatment plant residuals from the
Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant (WTP), to the Western Wake WRF. The
Beaver Creek Pump Station would have an initial capacity of approximately 40
mgd (PF) and a future (2030) capacity of 58 mgd (PF). The force mains from the
Beaver Creek Pump Station would consist of a single 42-inch force main
constructed initially, and a parallel 36-inch force main constructed by 2020.
A later project would consist of a new raw wastewater pump station in the North
Cary service area, the Upper Crabtree Pump Station, and its associated force
main and gravity interceptor, to convey flows in excess of the existing 12 mgd
capacity of the North Cary WRF to the Western Wake WRF. The Upper
Crabtree Pump Station, force main and gravity interceptor to the West Cary
Pump Station are expected to be constructed by 2020. These facilities are not
evaluated in this EIS; a separate environmental document will be prepared for
these facilities prior to permitting and constructing them.
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This proposed option includes the construction of a new water reclamation facility
and expansion of Holly Springs' existing wastewater treatment facility. These two
features of this option are discussed below.
New Water Reclamation Facilities
A new Western Wake WRF, with an initial maximum month average flow (MMF)
capacity of 18 mgd and a future (2020-2030) capacity of 30 mgd (MMF), would
be constructed to serve the Cape Fear River portion of the Apex service area,
the Haw River portion of the Morrisville service area, the western Cary service
area, and RTP South. The new WRF would have an effluent pump station and
force mains to allow discharge of treated effluent to the Cape Fear River below
Buckhorn Dam. As described in the Alternative Wastewater Discharge Locations
discussion, DWQ has indicated that the discharge should be sited downstream of
Buckhorn Dam because of water quality concerns upstream of the dam. The
discharge would consist of wastewater treated at the new Western Wake WRF
and the Town of Holly Springs' Utley Creek WWTP. The 2030 discharge to the
Cape Fear River from these two facilities is projected to be approximately
38 mgd at maximum month conditions. The effluent force main would consist of
a single 64-inch force main, which would convey both Phase 1 and Phase 2
flows.
The new WRF will include biological nutrient removal and will have a high quality
effluent suitable for reuse. The WRF is being designed to meet the BOD5,
ammonia, solids, and nutrient limits outlined in the speculative limits letter from
DWQ. The effluent will be disinfected using ultraviolet light before being
discharged to the Cape Fear River. Biosolids will be thickened onsite, but
transported to an offsite facility for disposal. The Partners currently plan to
dispose of the thickened biosolids by transporting them to a composting facility.
The Partners would contract with a private contractor to provide this service.
Existing Wastewater Treatment Facilities
The Town of Holly Springs would expand the Utley Creek WWTP to provide an
initial expanded capacity of 6 mgd (MMF), and a future (2030) expanded capacity
of 8.3 mgd (MMF). The treated effluent from the expanded Utley Creek WWTP
would be conveyed to the Western Wake WRF and discharged with the treated
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effluent from the Western Wake WRF to the Cape Fear River below Buckhorn
Dam.
The Apex Middle Creek WWTP would remain in service at its current capacity of
3.6 mgd to treat wastewater flow from the Neuse River portion of the Apex
service area. The North and South Cary WRFs would continue to treat
wastewater flows from their tributary service areas, and would not be expanded.
Option 3: Independent Systems
The Independent Systems Option involves no collaboration for wastewater
collection and treatment among the Project Partners, and would consist of two
new WRFs to serve the western Wake service area. Facilities for this option are
summarized in the following sections. The site locations were logically placed at
the bottom of service areas to maximize the use of gravity sewer construction.
New Raw Wastewater Transmission Facilities
Raw wastewater transmission facilities would be constructed to convey raw
wastewater from the western Cary service area and the Cape Fear River portion
of the Apex service area to the new Western Cary WRF and to the new Western
Apex WRF. The raw wastewater transmission facilities would consist of two new
regional pump stations and associated force mains and gravity interceptors.
The West Cary Pump Station and its associated force mains and gravity
interceptor would convey raw wastewater from the western Cary service area to
the Western Cary WRF. The West Cary Pump Station would have an initial
capacity of approximately 31 mgd (PF) and a future (2030) capacity of 44 mgd
(PF). The force mains from the West Cary Pump Station would consist of a
single 36-inch force main constructed initially, and a parallel 24-inch force main
constructed by 2020. The force mains would discharge to a single 54-inch
gravity interceptor, which would convey the raw wastewater to the Western Cary
WRF. Apex would also construct a 42-inch gravity interceptor along Beaver
Creek from Kelly Road to the Beaver Creek Pump Station.
The Beaver Creek Pump Station would convey raw wastewater from the Apex
White Oak Creek and Beaver Creek service areas to the Western Apex WRF. It
would also provide treatment for water treatment plant residuals from the
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Cary/Apex WTP. The Beaver Creek Pump Station would have an initial capacity
of approximately 9 mgd (PF) and a future (2030) capacity of 14 mgd (PF). The
force mains for the Beaver Creek Pump Station would consist of a single 24-inch
force main that increases to a 30-inch force main at Little Beaver Creek
constructed initially, and a parallel 18-inch force main constructed by 2020.
A later project would consist of a new raw wastewater pump station in the North
Cary service area, the Upper Crabtree Pump Station, and its associated force
main and gravity interceptor, to convey flows in excess of the existing 12 mgd
capacity of the North Cary WRF to the Western Cary WRF. The Upper Crabtree
Pump Station, force main and gravity interceptor to the West Cary Pump Station
are expected to be constructed by 2020.
New Water Reclamation Facilities
A new Western Cary WRF with an initial capacity of 12 mgd (MMF) and a future
(2030) capacity of 18 mgd (MMF) would be constructed at Beaver Creek to serve
the western Cary service area, part of the North Cary service area, the Haw
River portion of the Morrisville service area, and RTP South. This WRF would
have an effluent pump station and force mains and would discharge to the Cape
Fear River below Buckhorn Dam.
A new Western Apex WRF with an initial capacity of 6 mgd (MMF) and a future
(2030) capacity of approximately 12 mgd (MMF) would be constructed near Little
White Oak Creek to serve the Cape Fear River portion of the Apex service area
and water treatment plant residuals from the Cary/Apex WTP. The Apex Middle
Creek WRF would remain in service at its current capacity of 3.6 mgd to treat
wastewater flow from the Neuse River portion of the Apex service area. The
Western Apex WRF would also discharge to the Cape Fear River below
Buckhorn Dam through separate force mains.
An independent Holly Springs WRF expansion at the Utley Creek site would
have an initial capacity 6 mgd (MMF) and a future capacity of 8 mgd (MMF). This
site would also require a separate force main to the Cape Fear River below
Buckhorn Dam since DWQ has indicated that they must remove their discharge
from Utley Creek in the Harris lake watershed.
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Option 4: Purchase Capacity from Other Systems
Purchasing wastewater treatment capacity from other systems is also a
wastewater management option. The systems evaluated for providing capacity
for the western Wake County service area included the City of Durham, Durham
County, and Harnett County. All of these systems have existing treatment
facilities that discharge to waters in the Cape Fear River Basin. Only systems
that discharge into the Cape Fear River Basin were considered because of the
requirements of the IBT certificate to return water to the Cape Fear River
beginning in 2011.
Purchase Capacity from Durham County
The options that involved purchase of capacity from Durham County consist of
conveyance of raw wastewater from the western Wake service area to the
Durham County Triangle WWTP. The Town of Cary currently has a contract with
Durham County for treatment of 5.0 mgd of raw wastewater from the west Cary
service area and the Haw River portion of Morrisville at the Triangle WWTP. The
Town of Cary's contract with Durham County expires in 2011, but can be
renewed after that date. However, excess capacity at the Durham County
Triangle WWTP for wastewater flows from the western Wake service area is
projected to be limited beginning in 2011 because of increased flows due to
growth and development in the Durham County service area.
Purchase Capacity from City of Durham
The option that involved purchase of capacity at the South Durham WRF from
the City of Durham would involve the construction of a new wastewater
conveyance system to deliver wastewater from the western Wake service area to
the South Durham WRF, as well as an expansion of the South Durham WRF to
provide capacity for the flows from the western Wake service area. This option is
not evaluated in detail because of: (1) increased institutional complexity
associated with a new inter-local agreement with the City of Durham, (2)
increased NPDES permitting requirements associated with expanding the
capacity of the South Durham WRF and also providing a new discharge for the
rest of the western Wake service area, and (3) less reclaimed water potential for
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the western Wake service area since the wastewater treatment would not be
occurring in Wake County.
Purchase Capacity from Harnett County
The option of purchasing capacity from Harnett County is currently being pursued
under a separate agreement between the Town of Fuquay-Varina and Harnett
County. Harnett County's wastewater treatment facilities have the following
capacities:
¦ North Harnett Regional WWTP: 5.6 mgd
¦ South Harnett Regional WWTP: 5.0 mgd
¦ Cooper's Ranch WWTP: 0.4 mgd
¦ Buies Creek WWTP: 0.5 mgd
¦ Erwin WWTP: 1.2 mgd
This option is not analyzed in detail, because it would involve significant pumping
and conveyance of raw wastewater to a Harnett County facility, probably the
North Harnett Regional WWTP. This would result in greater cost and
environmental impacts due to the pipelines required to convey the wastewater to
Harnett County.
Option 5: Optimum Operation of Existing Facilities
The Town of Apex and the Town of Cary currently operate wastewater treatment
facilities that discharge to the Neuse River Basin. These facilities are the North
Cary WRF discharging to Crabtree Creek, the South Cary WRF discharging to
Middle Creek, and the Apex WWTP discharging to Middle Creek. The permitted
capacity for these facilities would be reached by approximately 2010 or sooner if
alternative facilities/capacity is not provided.
Option 6: Regional Land Application System
The land application alternative would involve the construction of secondary-type
treatment facilities followed by land application to a dedicated land application
site. The land application site would have a cover crop to take up the moisture
and nutrients from the wastewater effluent. The land area required for land
application of a wastewater volume equal to the 18-mgd capacity of Phase 1 for
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the proposed Western Wake WRF is estimated at approximately 6,300 acres.
This is based on a land application rate of approximately 3/ inches per week
through a spray irrigation system. The spray fields would be cultivated with
suitable annual crops. Additional land would be required for buffers around the
site, for facilities for the treatment of the raw wastewater, and for operation and
maintenance buildings.
Option 7: Regional Water Reuse System
This alternative would involve disposal of the entire amount of the reclaimed
water through a regional water reuse system. Because reuse treatment
requirements are only a little less stringent than the permit requirements to
discharge to the Cape Fear River below Buckhorn Dam, this option would require
a WRF similar to the WRF required for the Regional System in Option 2. This
option is not evaluated in detail as described below in the Evaluation of Options
discussion.
Evaluation of Options
Each of the wastewater management options is evaluated below.
Option 1: No Action
The No-Action Alternative is not considered a feasible alternative because
existing treatment facilities do not have adequate capacity to meet treatment
capacity needs for the 20-year planning period. In addition, the No-Action
Alternative would not meet the requirement of the Interbasin Transfer (IBT)
certificate to return water to the Cape Fear River by 2011. The No-Action
Alternative would also not meet DWQ's requirement to remove Holly Springs'
current wastewater discharge from Harris Lake. The No-Action Alternative would
require future development to be served by private wastewater treatment
facilities or septic systems. Use of private wastewater treatment facilities is not
acceptable because such facilities are likely to result in poor quality effluent
discharged to receiving streams, including tributaries to Jordan Lake, Harris
Lake, and the Cape Fear River upstream of Buckhorn Dam. Septic systems are
also not acceptable because most of the soils in the service area have moderate
to severe limitations for septic tanks, and because projected development is
expected to be at urban densities throughout the service area. While the soil
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characteristics do not preclude the use of septic tanks in all cases, development
standards for projects within the extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs) of the Towns
in the western Wake service area encourage connection to a sewer system to
make a project economically viable. Based on these factors, the No-Action
Alternative is not considered a feasible alternative to the proposed project.
Option 2: Regional System
Four basic regional wastewater management strategies were evaluated involving
various combinations of cooperation by Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and Holly
Springs and Wake County (for RTP South). All of the strategies assumed that
Morrisville and RTP South wastewater treatment would be met with those of
Cary. Strategies A and B required two new WRF facilities and were developed
during the Wastewater Strategies Study when the alternatives of discharging to
Jordan Lake or Harris Lake were considered viable. When it was determined by
DWQ that the only viable discharge location was to the Cape fear River below
Buckhorn Dam, any option that involved two separate WRFs and associated
infrastructure was considerably more expensive that Strategy C that involved
only one new WRF. The reasons for Strategies A and B were reduced
conveyance for raw wastewater and reclaimed water disposal. Strategy C was
evaluated based on costs and it was determined to be more cost effective to treat
all of Holly Springs' wastewater at an expanded Utley Creek facility and share
conveyance with a new regional wastewater facility to the Cape Fear. This was
considerably less expensive than expanding the South Cary WRF for a portion of
the Holly Springs capacity needs and conveying and transporting raw wastewater
to Harnett County for treatment and discharge.
Regional Strategy D was the least expensive of the strategies once the discharge
location was determined and also has the least conceptual impacts due the
requirement for less conveyance, pumping and treatment facilities.
Option 3: Independent Systems
This option can be quickly rejected because it will have the most WRF site
impacts, the most length of conveyance with associated stream crossings and
wetland impacts, and highest costs. This is partially attributable to all of the
separate conveyance required for all discharges to be to the Cape Fear River
below Buckhorn Dam. In addition, DWQ strongly requested that the Western
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Wake Communities explore a regional approach to meet future wastewater
capacity needs in meeting as early as the spring of 2000. This independent
systems alternative cannot be justified given higher costs and impacts, and the
DWQ request.
Option 4: Purchase Capacity from Other Systems
Each of the purchase options is discussed below.
Purchase Capacity from Durham County
The build-out capacity of the Durham County Triangle WWTP is 12 mgd, and the
build-out capacity requirement for the western Wake service area (without Holly
Springs) is 30 mgd. The Triangle WWTP does not have adequate capacity for
the Western Wake Partners' Phase 1 or 2030 wastewater capacity needs. In
addition, given that the New Hope Arm of Jordan Lake has been placed on the
303(d) list, a draft TMDL has been developed, and detailed rules for managing
nutrient inputs into Jordan Lake are being considered by the EMC, an expansion
of the discharge capacity of the Durham County Triangle WWTP would require
no increase in loading of nitrogen and phosphorus. In obtaining a permit to
expand to 12 mgd, the Triangle WWTP received limits for these nutrients that are
considered at the extreme range of treatment technology, especially for nitrogen.
Therefore, no increase in capacity to accommodate flows from the Western
Wake service area could be allowed since it would require treatment to less than
the current limits of technology. From a technical standpoint, expanding this
discharge to accommodate Western Wake Partners flows would not be allowed
for the same reasons that DWQ would not allow a new discharge to Jordan Lake.
Finally, this option would require the Town of Holly Springs to independently
construct an outfall to the Cape Fear River, which would increase project costs
for the Town.
Purchase Capacity from the City of Durham
The current capacity of the South Durham WRF is 20 mgd. According to the
Durham Comprehensive Plan (adopted February 28, 2005), the City expects
flows at the South Durham WRF to reach 18 mgd by 2025. The build-out
capacity requirement for the western Wake service area is 30 mgd. In addition,
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given that the New Hope Arm of Jordan Lake has been placed on the 303(d) list,
a draft TMDL has been developed, and detailed rules for managing nutrient
inputs into Jordan Lake are being considered by the EMC, it will be difficult to
expand the discharge capacity of the South Durham WRF beyond their service
area needs within the constraints of their nutrient loading limits. From a technical
standpoint, expanding this discharge to accommodate Western Wake Partners
flows would not be allowed for the same reasons that DWQ would not allow a
new discharge to Jordan Lake.
Finally, this option would require the Town of Holly Springs to independently
construct an outfall to the Cape Fear River, which would increase project costs
for the Town.
Purchase Capacity from Harnett County
The Harnett County facilities do not have sufficient excess capacity to
accommodate the Phase 1 or 2030 demands for the western Wake service area.
While the Partners could contract with Harnett County to expand capacity to their
treatment facility, this would have similar site impacts as a new WRF. There
would also be extensive impacts of raw wastewater conveyance being extended
into Harnett County, including stream crossing and wetland impacts as well as
other risks associated with this increased conveyance of raw wastewater. Finally,
Jordan Lake is managed based on meeting target flows at the gauging station on
the Cape Fear River at Lillington. Water is released from the water quality pool of
Jordan Lake to maintain these targeted flows. A discharge to the Cape Fear
River below Buckhorn dam but above the Lillington gauge aids in minimizing
releases from the water quality pool. Harnett County facilities discharge in areas
that enter the Cape Fear River below the Lillington gauge. Therefore, treating
wastewater in Harnett County would also have previously unevaluated impacts
on Jordan Lake operations.
For these reasons, purchase of capacity from Harnett County is not a feasible
option for the western Wake service area.
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Option 5: Optimum Operation
The Town of Apex and the Town of Cary currently operate wastewater treatment
facilities that discharge to the Neuse River Basin. The alternative of providing
optimum operation of existing facilities would not provide adequate capacity to
accommodate long-term wastewater treatment capacity needs, nor would this
alternative satisfy the IBT certificate requirement to return treated effluent to the
Cape Fear River by 2011. Finally, given that the Neuse River has been placed
on the 303(d) list and a TMDL has been developed for total nitrogen that requires
treatment to near the limit of technology, it will be difficult to expand the
discharge capacity of the Apex and Cary wastewater facilities within the
constraints of their permit limits for nitrogen.
The Town of Holly Springs operates a wastewater treatment facility that
discharges to Harris Lake. The alternative of providing optimum operation of
existing facilities would not comply with DWQ's requirement for the Town to
remove its discharge from Harris Lake.
Option 6: Land Application
Based on a conventional secondary treatment system, and the requirements for
on-site effluent storage, the additional land area required for treatment and
storage facilities is estimated at approximately 700 acres, for a total area of
approximately 7,000 acres. This land area would only be sufficient for the
Project Phase 1 (2020) capacity for the western Wake service area, and a total
area of approximately 11,700 acres (10,300 acres for land application and 1,400
acres for buffers and other facilities) would be required to meet the 30-mgd
capacity needs through the planning period (to year 2030). Finding a suitable
land application site within a reasonable distance of the western Wake service
area is unlikely. Use of this land for land application of wastewater would also
raise water quality concerns because available land in close proximity to the
western Wake service area drains to Jordan Lake, the Cape Fear River upstream
of Buckhorn Dam, or Harris Lake. This would mean that suitable land would
have to be found in Chatham or Harnett Counties. This would require working
with additional local governments and a greater number of property owners,
which will make permitting more difficult. In addition, the high cost of the land
required, plus the additional facilities for pretreatment and raw wastewater
. Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities 9/27/07
REVISED DRAFT Wastewater Management Options
Page 16
transportation, would make this alternative more costly than the proposed
Project. For these reasons, land application is not considered a feasible
alternative.
Option 7: Regional Water Reuse System
Water reuse systems in the Piedmont region of North Carolina are generally
irrigation-based systems that experience high demands during the hot, dry
summer season, and little to no demands during the cool, wet winter season.
Data collected by the Town of Cary in its Northeast Reclaimed Water Service
Area indicated that reclaimed water customers used the same amount of potable
water in winter as non-reclaimed water users, and used less in the summer.
Because a reclaimed water system in the Piedmont region of North Carolina
offers limited disposal capacity in the cool, wet winter season, water reuse is not
considered a feasible option. Under this alternative it would still be necessary to
construct 38 mgd of wastewater treatment and disposal capacity to
accommodate the 2030 demands for the Partners during the cool, wet winter
season. In addition, in order to comply with the regulatory mandates of the EMC
and DWQ, reuse opportunities during the high demand summer months would
need to be in the Cape Fear River Basin and the discharge location for effluent
disposal during the cool, wet winter season would need to be in the Cape Fear
River downstream of Buckhorn Dam.
It is important to note that while it is not deemed feasible to achieve 100-percent
effluent disposal via a reclaimed water program, the Partners are committed to
maintaining and expanding their existing reclaimed water programs. The
Western Wake WRF will be planned and designed to provide reclaimed water for
non-potable uses to residents, businesses, and industries located in close
proximity to the facility.
Summary
As described above, Option 1 (No Action), Option 6 (Regional Land Application
System), and Option 7 (Regional Water Reuse System) are not considered
feasible wastewater management options.
. Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities 9/27/07
REVISED DRAFT Wastewater Management Options
Page 17
Option 3, Independent Systems, was not selected as the preferred wastewater
management option for several reasons. First, the areas impacted by new
treatment facilities would greatly increase. Though the facilities would be smaller,
there would be two treatment sites with approximately similar impacts. Second,
the decision by DWQ to only allow discharge to the Cape Fear River below
Buckhorn dam necessitates long effluent conveyance from the two WRFs serving
Cary and Apex plus a third serving Holly Springs. Although these lines would be
smaller, they would require three right-of-way corridors and approximately triple
the potential impacts to wetlands, streams, sensitive species, etc. Finally, this
option does not involve a regional solution for wastewater management and
disposal as requested by DWQ and would not likely be permitted.
Option 4, Purchasing Capacity from Other Systems, was not selected as the
preferred wastewater management option, because adequate capacity at nearby
wastewater plants is not available for the expected wastewater flows from the
western Wake service area. Expanding the discharge capacity of the Durham
County or City facilities to meet the Partners' wastewater capacity needs is not
considered feasible, because it would involve treatment for nutrients beyond the
limits of technology, especially for nitrogen. Expanding either the Durham County
Triangle WWTP's or City of Durham South Durham WRF's discharge to
accommodate Western Wake Partners flows would not be allowed for the same
reasons that DWQ would not allow a new discharge to Jordan Lake.
Similarly, expansion of Harnett County facilities to provide capacity would greatly
increase the length of raw wastewater conveyance. Returning wastewater to the
Cape Fear River below the Lillington gauge would have additional impacts on the
water quality storage of Jordan Lake.
Option 5, Optimum Operation of Existing Systems, was not selected as the
preferred wastewater management option because it would not provide adequate
capacity to accommodate long-term wastewater treatment capacity needs. It
would not satisfy the IBT certificate requirement to return treated effluent to the
Cape Fear River by 2011 and would not comply with DWQ's requirement for the
Town to remove its discharge from Harris Lake. Expanding the discharge
capacity of Apex's and Cary's plants is not considered feasible.
. Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities 9/27/07
REVISED DRAFT Wastewater Management Options
Page 18
Option 2, a Regional System, was selected as the Project Partners' preferred
wastewater management option. This option includes construction of single
regional water reclamation facility to provide wastewater treatment services for
the towns of Apex, Cary, Morrisville, and RTP South. This option enables the
Partners to comply with DWQ's recommendation that the Partners work together
to identify a regional solution for wastewater management. This option also
enables the entire discharge from the Utley Creek WWTP to be removed from
Harris Lake and conveyed to a common outfall that would serve the Western
Wake Regional WRF and the Utley Creek WWTP.
. Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities 9/27/07
REVISED DRAFT Wastewater Management Options
Page 19
Attachment 1
Holly Springs Utley Creek WWTP FONSI, February 16, 2007
Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities 9/27/07
REVISED DRAFT Wastewater Management Options
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TOWN OF HOLLY SPRINGS
EXPANSION OF THE UTLEY CREEK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
CONTACT: JOHN R. BLOWE, P.E., CHIEF
CONSTRUCTION GRANTS AND LOANS SECTION
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
1633 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1633
[phone]
February 16, 2007
(This page intentionally left blank)
Artist I � Chapter 113 A oft he North Carob na General Statutes requires an actii,,)n to be -itibIlec t to
the requirenients ofthe North Cz,Lrofina Envio-niniental Policy Act (NCEPA) if it involves the
expenditure offuthlic funds Laid a potential unpact isanticipated to the environnient. The project
has been evaluated for compliance with the NCE PA and deterinined to be a niaJor agency action.
which will affect the envirOnnient,
ProAicant: Town ofHollySpring,North Carolina
Project Description: The Town of Holly. Springs will expand the treatinent capacity of the
1
t-Illey ("reek Wastewater Tie Lit nien t Plant (wwrp) front 1,75 trullion
,gallons Per day (MGD) to 6.0 is The treatment train will be upgnaded
with a new headworksstructure, two parallel activated sludge oNidation
ditches. tert lai-Ndisc fi Iters, and it low -hi gh I -J V disi n lect ion sv.,,tent.
Project Number: CS 3707212 -02
ProJect Cost: $22,371,000
State Revolving Fund
Loan: $15AX1000
7,37 IJ)00
Local Funding: $ 1 -1
The review process indicated that significant adverse envircnirnental impacts sic not oc(:ur it'
C,
initigative measures are implernented. and an environi-nental inipact statement will not be
required. The decision was based on infortriation in the `101 Facilities Plan Arriendirient and
reviews by govemynental agencies, An environmental assessirtent supporting this action is
attached, This FNSI conipletes the review record. which is available for
it Lit the State Clearinghouse,
No achninistrative action will he taken on the proposed prqJw't for at lea,4 thirty day,, after
notification that the E has been published in the North Carolina Envirournental Bulletin.
Sincerely
4`
[an W. Kliniek, P.E.. fir ctor
Division of Water Quafio�,

(This page intentionally left blank.)
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
A. Proposed Facilities and Actions
Figure 1 shows the location of the proposed upgrade and expansion of the Utley Creek WWTP.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The Town of Holly Springs proposes to upgrade and expand
the current Utley Creek WWTP from 1.75 million gallons per day (MGD) to a capacity of 6.0
MGD. The expanded and upgraded WWTP will produce reuse quality effluent. The existing
NPDES permit for the Utley Creek WWTP limits the discharge capacity to 2.4 MGD. However,
the Town has elected to upgrade and expand the facility to be capable of treating 6.0 MGD. The
proposed facilities improvements include abandoning the existing headworks and constructing
new headworks consisting of a Parshall flume, two mechanical bar screens, one manually
cleaned bar screen, two grit removal units, and an influent pump station that will also pump
return activated sludge; modifying the existing 1.2 MG oxidation ditch and constructing two new
2.4 MG oxidation ditches to obtain a five-stage biological nutrient removal with a 6.0 MGD total
capacity; constructing three new clarifiers; converting the existing clarifier and an existing 0.5
MGD extended aeration system for sludge treatment; replacing the existing traveling bridge
effluent filters with disc filters; replacing the existing low-pressure/low-intensity ultraviolet
disinfection system with a new low-pressure/high-intensity ultraviolet disinfection system; and
replacing the existing aerobic digestion and liquid land application sludge disposal system with a
solids reduction process, which consists of aerobic digestion, solids reduction, and disposal by
landfill and land application of Class B sludge.
The October 2005 Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan continues to recommend that
the Town of Holly Springs remove its effluent discharge from Utley Creek, and the Division of
Water Quality (DWQ) concurs with the need to eliminate this discharge. In a letter from the
Town to the Deputy Director of the DWQ (Exhibit 1), the Town has committed to sending its
treated effluent to the Western Wake Water Reclamation Facility (WWWRF) for discharge into
the Cape Fear River below Buckhorn Dam when the WWWRF becomes operational. Any
Authorizations to Construct or other necessary permits (orders, etc.) for expansion of the Utley
Creek WWTP will include a condition stating that the treated effluent must be removed from
Utley Creek by the date established in the Certificate Authorizing the Towns of Cary, Apex, and
Morrisville and Wake County to Increase Their Transfer of Water from the Haw River basin to
the Neuse River basin under the Provisions of G. S. 143-215.221.
B. Existing Environment
Topography and Soils. The Town of Holly Springs lies in the Piedmont physiographic province
of North Carolina. The project service area lies within three major geologic regions: the
Durham-Sanford Triassic Basin in the northwest, the Raleigh Belt in the northeast, and the
Sandhills in the south. Elevations at the Utley Creek WWTP ranges from 305 to 360 feet.
Predominant soils in the project area are the Mayodan-Granville-Creedmoor and Creedmoor-
White Store associations. The Mayodan-Granville-Creedmoor association is a soil that is
derived from sandstone, shale, and mudstone that is gently sloping to moderately steep, deep or
moderately deep, well-drained and moderately well-drained soils that have a subsoil of friable
sandy clay loam to firm clay. The Creedmoor-White Store association is a group of soils that are
also derived from sandstone, shale and mudstone that are gently sloping to hilly, deep and
moderately deep, that are well drained and that have a very firm, clayey subsoil.
Surface Water. This project is located within the Cape Fear River Basin. Utley Creek forms the
southern boundary of the WWTP site and varies in width from 10 to 20 feet. There is an
unnamed stream which ranges in breadth from 2 to 8 feet that flows from north to south across to
the WWTP site. The subbasin of Utley Creek (03-06-07) into which the WWTP discharges is
classified as a Class C surface water and is not listed as impaired. Although this stretch of the
creek is not listed as impaired, there have been numerous concerns regarding local water quality
such as algal blooms and fish kills attributed to discharge from the Utley Creek facility that have
led DWQ to recommend that Holly Springs ultimately remove its discharge from this water
body.
Water Supply. The town of Holly Springs obtains its potable water from the city of Raleigh and
Harnett County.
C. Existing Wastewater Facilities
Holly Springs' Utley Creek WWTP was constructed in the mid-1980s with a treatment capacity
of 0.25 MGD and provided secondary treatment. The treatment process included a dual train
rectangular package plant, each with its own bar screen, an aeration basin, and two hopper
bottom clarifiers. The effluent was disinfected with chlorine prior to discharge.
In 1996, the facility increased capacity to 0.50 MGD with the addition of a circular package
treatment unit that consisted of a singular circular steel tank with two aeration basins, two
secondary clarifiers, and an aerobic digester. A traveling bridge-type filter and an ultraviolet
disinfection system were also installed.
In 2000, an oxidation ditch and secondary clarifier were added that allowed the WWTP a total
treatment capacity of 1.5 MGD. Also added at this time were an influent flume, a mechanical
screen, an aerated grit removal system, an additional traveling bridge filter, and an updated low-
pressure ultraviolet disinfection system. Biosolids at the WWTP are stabilized in 300,000 gallon
holding tanks, and stabilization is accomplished via aerobic digestion. The town contracts with a
private hauler for land application of the biosolids following the addition of lime prior to land
application, per 40 CFR-Part 503 regulations. Utley Creek's collection system has been in
service since 1985 and is comprised of approximately 71 miles of collection lines and 21 sewer
lift stations. Most of the major force mains are made of ductile iron, and the smaller mains are
made of PVC.
The NPDES permit limits for the Utley Creek WWTP are:
Parameter
Flow
BOD5 (monthly average Summer-Winter)
NH3-N (monthly average Summer-Winter)
TSS (monthly average)
Fecal Coliform (monthly average)
Total Residual Chlorine
Limit
2.4 MGD
5.0 mg/l and 10.0 mg/l
1.0 mg/l and 2.0 mg/l
30.0 mg/l
200.0 Count 100 ML
17 µg/L
2
Total Nitrogen 43,800 lbs/year
Total Phosphorus 3,653 lbs/year
D. Need for Proposed Facilities and Actions
Located in southwestern Wake County, the Town of Holly Springs has a population of
approximately 15,000 persons. Currently, the Town is experiencing significant growth at a rate
of over 10 percent a year and projects that the population in 2030 will be over 60,000 persons.
This rate of growth strains the existing wastewater infrastructure and requires continued attention
to its facilities.
In 2002, the Town, along with the Town of Cary, Town of Morrisville, Town of Apex, and
Research Triangle Park (South) agreed to jointly participate in the planning for the WWWRF,
which is anticipated to be operational by 2011. The WWWRF could provide an adequate, long-
term solution to wastewater disposal needs for Holly Springs. However, it does not address
Holly Springs' wastewater treatment in the short-term.
Due to the growth rate in Holly Springs, the need for more wastewater treatment capacity will
outstrip the current capacity (1.75 MGD) of the Utley Creek WWTP by 2010 based on flow
projections in the 201 Facilities Plan Amendment. The Town's 20-year flow need is 6.0 MGD.
Therefore, the Town will expand the Utley Creek WWTP from the current 1.75 MGD to 6.0
MGD for use when the WWWRF eventually accepts its treated effluent. The Town will relocate
the treated effluent discharge from the Utley Creek WWTP to the Cape Fear River (via the
WWWRF) at such time that the regional project outfall to the Cape Fear River is available, as
stated in the letter in Exhibit 1.
E. Alternatives Analysis
An alternatives analysis was performed on various ways to expand the capacity of the Town's
wastewater treatment facilities. These alternatives were as follows: (1) No-Action Alternative,
(2) Optimum Operation of Existing Facilities, (3) Land Application, (4) Harnett County Regional
Interconnection, (5) Western Wake Regional Treatment, (6) Effluent Reuse, and (7) Utley Creek
WWTP Expansion.
No-Action Alternative: This alternative would result in no improvements or expansions to the
existing sewer system. Though the system is in good condition and will continue to operate,
flow violations and capacity shortcomings will occur in the future as the Town's population
outgrows the current capacity of the system. The No-Action Alternative was deemed infeasible
because it does not provide the necessary capacity for future growth and does not eliminate the
discharge to Utley Creek, which is one of the desired goals.
Optimum Operation of Existing Facilities Alternative: This alternative is essentially the same as
the No-Action Alternative, as records indicate that the Utley Creek WWTP is operating
efficiently. The required increase in wastewater treatment capacity cannot be met under this
alternative. Furthermore, it does not eliminate the discharge into Utley Creek, which is one of
the desired goals.
Land Application Alternative: Using spray irrigation as an alternative to surface water discharge
was analyzed. Because the quantity of well-drained soils in the Holly Springs area is highly
limited, the Town would have to purchase land outside of its jurisdiction. Furthermore, if the
5,200 acres that would eventually be needed to apply 6.0 MGD of effluent were available, the
total capital cost (not including the needed WWTP expansion) for the land purchase and
construction of the land application system would be a minimum of $104,000,000. Therefore,
the high cost of land, limited suitability of area soils, and the cost of treatment facilities make
this alternative not cost efficient.
Harnett County Regional Interconnection Alternative: Holly Springs has examined the option of
a partnership with Harnett County in the Fuquay/North Harnett County Regional Project. As
part of this alternative, the Town would expand the Utley Creek WWTP to the already-permitted
capacity of 2.4 MGD and construct a raw wastewater transmission system to the proposed
Harnett County WWTP at Lillington. This alternative would provide an interim solution until
the WWWRF became operational. Substantial improvements to the Harnett County interceptor
system would be required to handle the additional 3.5 MGD average flow, as would retrofits and
enlargements to major pump stations and force mains in the Middle Creek watershed. Also, the
Harnett County wastewater improvements have been designed and permitted with construction
already underway. Therefore, this alternative was not deemed feasible due to timing and cost
issues.
Western Wake Regional Treatment Alternative: When completed, the proposed WWWRF could
provide Holly Springs with the additional wastewater capacity needed for continued growth.
However, the WWWRF is not scheduled to be operational until 2011, and the Town will need
additional capacity at the Utley Creek WWTP much sooner than that. Though full participation
in the WWWRF remains a viable, long-term solution for the Town, it does not address the
immediate needs of the Town and was therefore rejected as the Preferred Alternative.
Effluent Reuse Alternative: The Town would reuse the treated effluent as a way to relieve the
quantity of wastewater discharged into Utley Creek. While the reuse water system will help the
Town with the overall goal of reducing the volume of wastewater discharged to Utley Creek as
well as annual pollutant loading of the receiving stream, its initial customer base will consist of
only residential seasonal users and irrigation systems. Therefore, implementation of the Effluent
Reuse Alternative will not alleviate the need for the WWTP expansion and increased NPDES
discharge. It is not a viable alternative and remains a separate, independent project.
Utley Creek WWTP Expansion Alternative: Under this alternative, the Utley Creek WWTP
would expand its capacity from 1.75 MGD to 6.0 MGD for use when the WWWRF eventually
accepts its treated effluent. Expanding the existing facilities would occur on the existing plant
site and disturb approximately nine acres. This alternative is the Preferred Alternative because it
addresses the short-term wastewater treatment needs of Holly Springs in the most timely, cost-
efficient manner.
F. Environmental Consequences and Mitigative Measures
Topography and Soils: The Utley Creek WWTP upgrade and expansion will occur entirely on
the existing WWTP site and will not impact the topography of the site. The upgrade and
expansion of the WWTP may impact portions of the 100-year floodplain. Sediment and erosion
4
control practices will be compliant with the North Carolina Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual.
Land Use: The expansion and upgrade of the Utley Creek WWTP will not impact current or
future land use patterns.
Wetlands: The project will affect a small perennial stream that has a length of 806 feet on the
WWTP site. The stream will be rerouted to allow for the placement of facilities involved in the
expansion and upgrade. This stream will be filled in, and the natural drainage will be redirected
by a 60-inch storm drain that will relocate this tributary to Utley Creek. The U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACOE) will require a Section 404/401 Individual Permit (Action ID #200420744).
The Town of Holly Springs has entered into an agreement with the North Carolina Department
of Environment and Natural Resources Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP). The EEP will
mitigate the stream impacts related to this project.
Important Farmlands: No prime or unique agricultural lands exist within the project area.
Public Lands, and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural Areas: No public lands or scenic,
recreational, or state natural areas will be impacted by the upgrade and expansion of the Utley
Creek WWTP.
Cultural Resources: In a letter dated October 6, 2005, the North Carolina State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) stated that no historic resources would be impacted by the proposed
project (Project No. ER 05-2065).
Air Quality The operation of the upgraded and expanded WWTP will not adversely impact air
quality. However, there will be short-term construction impacts associated with dust and minor
burning during site clearing. Construction will comply with local burning ordinances as well as
dust control measures as prescribed in the North Carolina Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual.
Noise Levels: Construction activities will temporarily increase noise levels, which should return
to normal once construction is complete. The operation of heavy construction equipment will be
limited to the hours specified in the Town's Noise Ordinance and other standards. Mufflers on
all equipment will be checked to ensure that the noise generated is not excessive.
Water Resources: Groundwater resources will not be impacted due to the upgrade and expansion
of the Utley Creek WWTP. According to modeling done by Tetra Tech, Inc., operation of the
upgraded and expanded Utley Creek WWTP will not negatively impact water quality within
Utley Creek in the interim before shifting its treated effluent to the WWWRF. Based on the
recommendations made in the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Division of Water Quality's October 2005 Cape Fear Basinwide Water Quality Plan,
it is recommended that Holly Springs shift its wastewater discharge from Utley Creek to the
WWWRF when it becomes operational, which will improve water quality. During construction,
degradation of water quality will be minimized by the Section 404/401 permit, Sedimentation
and Erosion Control permits, and local ordinances.
Forest Resources: The upgrade and expansion of the Utley Creek WWTP will impact 8.5 acres
of pine/hardwood forest and 0.45 acre of scrub utility right-of-way. The North Carolina
Department of Forest Resources did not comment on the project.
Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitat: The construction and operation of the Utley Creek WWTP
expansion and upgrade will not impact shellfish or fish and their habitat. The eventual shifting
of the effluent from the WWTP to the WWWRF will improve the habitat of fish and shellfish.
Wildlife and Natural Vegetation: No protected species, neither flora nor fauna, are expected to
be impacted by the proposed upgrade and expansion of the Utley Creek WWTP.
Introduction of Toxic Substances: As part of the construction process, substances such as fuels,
lubricants, antifreeze, etc. will be used and may be introduced into the environment through
spillage or other events. All construction activity will be performed in accordance with Federal,
State, and local rules and regulations to avoid environmental impacts.
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed the proposed project and concluded that the
requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act have been fulfilled. The North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the DWQ Raleigh Regional Office, the Division of
Environmental Health, and the NPDES and PERCS Units concur with the proposed project. The
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources is not aware of any properties of architectural,
historical, or archaeological significance that would be affected by the project. Other state
agencies did not submit objections to this project
G. Public Participation, Sources Consulted
A public hearing was held on January 17, 2006 on the proposed project. The current user charge
for in-town users for 5,000 gallons per month is $48.00. The proposed project will result in an
increased charge of $7.85 for a total of $55.85 for 5,000 gallons per month for the typical user.
No opposition to the plan was presented at the public hearing.
Sources consulted about this project for information or concurrence included:
1) The Town of Holly Springs
2) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
-Wildlife Resources Commission
-DWQ Raleigh Regional Office - Surface Water Protection Section
-NPDES Units
-PERCs Unit
-Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
3) North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
4) North Carolina State Clearinghouse
5) U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
6) U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
6
Exhibit 1
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