NC0025861_Regional Office Historical File Pre 2018 (2)

F1 ROY COOPER
vr,� Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
Water Resources
HNVIRONMftNTALQUALlrY LINDA CULPEPPER
Interim Director
November 29, 2017
Mr. Kevin Krouse
Public Works Director
101 West First Street
Lowell, NC 28098
Subject: Compliance Inspection
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Krouse:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Inspection report for the inspection conducted at the
subject facility on November 27, 2017, by Ori Tuvia. Daniel Dougherty's cooperation during the site
visit was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by forwarding a
copy of the enclosed report.
The main area of concern observed during the inspection was that there was evidence of
stormwater erosion around the influent pump station. Stormwater control measures (such as
riprap) should be put along the side and entrance to the influent pump station to prevent erosion
damage and to prevent stormwater from flowing into the pump station wet well. Additionally,the
clarifier drive unit arm seemed to not remove all the surface scum.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning
this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at(704) 235-2190, or at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
Ori Tuvia, Environmental Engineer
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, DEQ
Cc: NPDES Unit
MRO Files
Ron Haynes (E-Copy)
Mooresville Regional Office
I nratinn•RV Fact Rantar Avo Rilit'.3n1 Mnnracvilia NC 2R11c

United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A:National Data System Coding(i.e.,PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 u 2 1s 1 3 I NC0025861 I11 12I 17/11/27 117 181,•l 19l G I 20I
21 11 1 1 I I�I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved
6711.0 _I 70 id i 71 I„ I 72 I N I 731
I 1
74 79 I I I I I I l80
LJ Section B:Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number) 10:55AM 17/11/27 15/02/01
Lowell WWTP
NCSR 2380 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Lowell NC 28098 12:10PM 17/11/27 20/01/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Daniel James Dougherty/ORC/704-477-5514/
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Daniel J Dougherty,Saxony Dr Lowell NC 28098/ORC/704-477-5514/ Contacted
No
Section C:Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
II Permit Flow Measurement Operations&Maintenance Records/Reports
• Self-Monitoring Program • Sludge Handling Disposal II Facility Site Review II Effluent/Receiving Waters
▪ Laboratory
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Ori A Tuvia MRO WQ//704-663-1699/
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
W.Corey Basinger MRO WQ//704-235-2194/
EPA For 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete. /� • /�,�;, °V?"1?--+
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
31 NC0025861 111 121 17/11/27 I 17 18 12.1
• Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and cheddists as necessary) •
•
A. • ik•
- •••: • 4 • • '
pageg 2

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 11/27/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new 0 0 NI 0
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? • 0 0 0
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? 0 • 0 0
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? • 0 0 0
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The subject permit expires on 1/31/2020.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? • ❑ 0 0
Is all required information readily available,complete and current? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab.reg.required 5 years)? • 0 0 0
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete? 0 0 0
Dates,times and location of sampling
Name of individual performing the sampling •
Results of analysis and calibration 111
Dates of analysis •
Name of person performing analyses •
Transported COCs •
Are DMRs complete:do they include all permit parameters? • 0 0 ❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? 11 0 0 0
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow)Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator 0 0 NI 0
on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? • 0 0 0
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? MI 0 0 0
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? • 0 0 0
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? • 0 0 0
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? • ❑ ❑ 0
Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. DMRs,
COCs, Calibration logs and ORC logs were reviewed for the period September 2016
through August 2017.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Page# 3

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 11/27/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters)performed by a certified lab? • 0 0 0
#Is the facility using a contract lab? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees III 0 0 0
Celsius)?
Incubator(Fecal Coliform)set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/-0.2 degrees? 0 0 IN 0
Incubator(BOD)set to 20.0 degrees Celsius+/-1.0 degrees? 0 ❑ I 0
Comment: On-site field analyses(dissolved oxygen. PH,temperature,total residual chlorine)are
performed under the City's field laboratory certification#5082. PAR Labs, Inc. has been
contracted to perform influent and effluent analyses. Meritech Labs, Inc. has also been
contracted to perform the chronic toxicity analyses.The laboratory instrumentation used for
field analyses appeared to be properly calibrated/verified and documented.
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional? • 0 0 0
Is sample collected above side streams? • 0 0 0
Is proper volume collected? • 0 0 0
Is the tubing clean? 111 0 0 0
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees • Cl 0 0
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit? 0 0 0
Comment: The subject permit requires composite biochemical oxygen demand(BOD)and TSS
influent samples.Aliquot pulled during the inspection was 155 ml.
Effluent Semolina Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? • 0 0 0
Is sample collected below all treatment units? • 0 0 0
Is proper volume collected? • 0 0 0
Is the tubing clean? • 0 0 0
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees ❑ ❑
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency,sampling type • 0 0 0
representative)?
Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples.Aliquot pulled during the
inspection was 170 ml.
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Page# 4

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 11/27/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? I 0 0 0
Does the facility analyze process control parameters,for ex:MLSS, MCRT,Settleable • 0 0 0
Solids,pH,DO,Sludge Judge,and other that are applicable?
Comment: The facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained.At the time of the
inspection flow meter chart was broken and was in the process of being repaired.At the
time of the inspection there was evidence of stormwater erosion around the influent pump
station.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual •
b.Mechanical •
Are the bars adequately screening debris? 11 0 0 0
Is the screen free of excessive debris? 0 0 ❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance? • ❑ 0 0
Is the unit in good condition? • 0 0 ❑
Comment: The facility is equipped with mechancial and manual bar screens(coarse).
Flow Measurement- Influent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 • ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? • 0 0 0
Is the flow meter operational? • 0 ❑ 0
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? • 0 0 ❑
Comment: Flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrated/verified on 9/13/2017
by Ken Nash Company.
Pump Station - Influent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? • 0 0 ❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? • 0 ❑ 0
Are all pumps present? 0 0 0
Are all pumps operable? 11 0 0 ❑
Are float controls operable? • 0 0 ❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? ❑ ❑ MI ❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? 0 0 • ❑
Page# 5

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 11/27/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Pumo Station - Influent Yes No NA NE
Comment: SCADA is not available however,there is an auto dialer to contact the ORC in caste of
power outage.At the time of the inspection there was evidence of stormwater erosion,
stormwater control measures (such as riprap)should be put along the side and entrance to
the influent pump station to prevent erosion damage and stormwater flowing into the pump
station wet well.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? ❑ ❑ ❑
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Are the diffusers operational? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) U ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The facility uses the contact stabilization treatment process. Sodium Hydroxide is added.
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? 111 ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are weirs level? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of weir blockage? MO ❑ ❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? 11E100
Is scum removal adequate? 11000
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? M ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the drive unit operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately MI of the sidewall depth) • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The clarfier drive unit arm seemed to not remove all the surface scum.
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately? U ❑ 110
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? 11000
Page# 6

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 11/27/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? • 0 0 0
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? • ❑ 0 0
Is the contact chamber free of growth,or sludge buildup? • 0 0 0
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? • 0 0 0
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 lbs of Chlorine(CAS No.7782-50-5)? 0 • 0 0
If yes,then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? 0 0 • ❑
If yes,then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number?(1000- - )
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: About 900 lbs. of chlorine stored on site.
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? II 0 0 ❑
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? • 0 0 0
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 0 MI 0
Comment: The chlorination and dechlorination cylinders are stored together inside a building equipped
with ventilation and a leakage detection system.
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? 0 0 111 0
Number of tubes in use?
Comment: •
Flow Measurement- Effluent . Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? NI 0 0 0
Is flow meter calibrated annually? • 0 0 ❑
Is the flow meter operational? 11000
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 11 ❑ 0
Comment: Flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrated/verified on 9/13/2017
by Ken Nash Company.At the time of the inspection flow meter chart recorder was broken
and was in the process of being repaired.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? • 0 0 ❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? • 0 0 0
Page# 7

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: LowellWWTP
Inspection Date: 11/27/2017 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Pine Yes No NA NE
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? 0 0 III 0
Comment: The effluent appeared clear with no negative impact to the stream.
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate? • 0 0 0
Is the mixing adequate? • 0 ❑ 0
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? ❑ 0 0
#Is the odor acceptable? • 0 0 0
#Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? • 0 0 0
Comment:
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? • 0 0 0
Are the drying beds free of vegetation? • 0 0 0
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? • 0 ❑ 0
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? • ❑ 0 0
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? • ❑ ❑ 0
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? • 0 0 0
#Is the sludge land applied? • ❑ 0 0
(Vacuum filters)Is polymer mixing adequate? U 0 0 0
Comment: Dewatered sludge is transported to landfill.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? • 0 0 ❑
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the generator tested under load? • ❑ ❑ 0
Was generator tested&operational during the inspection? ❑ 0 0 III
Do the generator(s)have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? • ❑ 0 0
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? • 0 0 0
Is the generator fuel level monitored? • 0 0 0
Comment: The standby generator is tested (automatically)once per week. The City/Permittee
contracts a company to service the generator twice per year.
Page# 8

City of Lowell RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
101 West 1St Street NOV 3 0 2016
Lowell,NC 28098
W0 ROS
MOORESS.'I : :_ "'.2GIONALOFFICE
November 26,2016
Mr. Ori Tuvia,Environmental Engineer
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources,DEQ
610 East Center Avenue: Suite 301
Mooresville,NC 28115
Subject: Compliance Inspection Report,Lowell WWTP,NPDES Permit No NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr.Tuvia:
This letter responds to the transmittal of the inspection report from your visit of October 26,2016.
The main action item that you identified in the report was lack of clear indication that samples were
shipped on ice on the Chain of Custody. The contract laboratory and operators have made changes
on the Chain of Custody form and in its preparation to insure that this practice is followed and
documented.
As a matter of clarification,the item on page 5 of the report indicating SCADA is available for the
Pump Station is incorrect. We do not have SCADA for this facility. However,there is an autodialer
to forward an alarm status to the ORC and City personnel. Furthermore,when operating as
required, the status of operations can be monitored by calling the telephone at the Main lift to listen
to an automatic report for bar screen and wet well levels and pump operations. We trust that this
provides sufficient system control given the size of the plant.
Thank you for your consideration and if you have questions or find you have additional
recommendations please contact me at 704/477-5514.
Sincerely,
Dan Dougherty,ORC
Cc: Kevin Krouse,City Manager—Lowell,Par Laboratories,Inc.

T MCCRORY
Lgivenun
RT
DUNALD R VA �l��R
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Water Resources
Director
NYYRONM£NTAL QUALITY
October 28, 2016
Mr. Kevin Krouse
Public Works Director
109 Railroad Street
Lowell, NC 27098
10 Gv( 5,-- Subject: Compliance Inspection
Lowell WWTP
tKe et NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Krouse:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Inspection report for the inspection conducted at the
subject facility on October 26, 2016, by Ori Tuvia. Daniel Dougherty cooperation during the site visit
was much appreciated. Please advise the staff involved with this NPDES Permit by forwarding a
copy of the enclosed report.
The main area of concern observed during the inspection was that Chain of Custody forms must
indicate samples were shipped on ice.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning
this report, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at(704) 235-2190, or at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
Ori Tuvia, Environmental Engineer
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, DEQ
Cc: NPDES Unit
MRO Files
Mooresville Regional Office

United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
E PA • Washington,D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057 •
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A:National Data System Coding(i.e.,PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 E 2 IS I 3 I NC0025861 111 121 16/10/26 117 18 19 i s i 20u
21111111 IIII11111 II I II IIII I I IIIII II111111111 r6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA Reserved
671 70 LJ id i 71 iti i 72 L1 .1 731 1 174 75J I I I I I I 180
Section B:Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number) 09:35AM 16/10/26 15/02/01
Lowell WWTP
NCSR 2380 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Lowell NC 28098 11:50AM 16/10/26 20/01/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Daniel James Dougherty/ORC/704-477-5514/
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Daniel J Dougherty,Saxony Dr Lowell NC 28098/ORC/704-477-5514/
No
Section C:Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
NI Permit I. Flow Measurement III Operations&Maintenance • Records/Reports
III Self-Monitoring Program II Sludge Handling Disposal IIIII Facility Site Review El Effluent/Receiving Waters
III Laboratory
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Ori A Tuvia MRO WQ//704-663-1699/
la/z-67 6
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
W. Corey Basinger MRO WQ//704-235-2194/
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete. Li}��' �'`d
Dal) l KT12,, r-
Page# 1

NPDES yrhno/day Inspection Type 1
31 NC0025861 111 121 16/10/28 117 18 i,.i
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
•
Page* 2

Permit: NC0025881 Owner-Facility: Lowell WPjITP
Inspection Date: 10/26/2018 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new 0 ❑ MI ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? • ❑ ❑ 0
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? 0 0 0
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? • 0 0 ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? • 0 0 ❑
Comment: The subject permit expires on 1/31/2020.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? • 0 ❑ 0
Is all required information readily available,complete and current? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab. reg. required 5 years)? 0 ❑ 0
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete? NI 0 0 Cl
Dates,times and location of sampling •
Name of individual performing the sampling •
Results of analysis and calibration •
Dates of analysis •
Name of person performing analyses •
Transported COCs ❑
Are DMRs complete:do they include all permit parameters? • ❑ ❑ 0
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • 0 0 0
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow)Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator ❑ ❑ • ❑
on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? 0 0 0
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? • 0 0 0
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? • ❑ 0 ❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? 0 ❑ 0 •
Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. DMRs,
COCs, Calibration logs and ORC logs were reviewed for the period December 2015 through
February 2016. COCs must indicate that samples were kept on ice.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Page# 3

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? • 0 0 0
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters)performed by a certified lab? • 0 0 0
#Is the facility using a contract lab? • 0 0 0
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees 11 0 0 0
Celsius)?
Incubator(Fecal Coliform)set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/-0.2 degrees? 0 0 • 0
Incubator(BOD)set to 20.0 degrees Celsius+/-1.0 degrees? 0 0 • 0
Comment: On-site field analyses(dissolved oxygen, pH,temperature,total residual chlorine)are
performed under the Citv's field laboratory certification#5082. PAR Labs, Inc. has been
contracted to perform influent and effluent analyses. Meritech Labs. Inc. has also been
contracted to perform the chronic toxicity analyses.The laboratory instrumentation used for
field analyses appeared to be properly calibrated/verified and documented.
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional? • 0 0 0
Is sample collected above side streams? • DOD
Is proper volume collected? • 0 0 0
Is the tubing clean? 0 0 0
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees • 0 0 0
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit? 11 0 0 0
Comment: The subject permit requires composite biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)and TSS
influent samples.Aliquot Dulled during the inspection was 150 ml.
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? • 0 0 0
Is sample collected below all treatment units? • 0 0 0
Is proper volume collected? 0 0 0
Is the tubing dean? • 0 0 0
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees U 0 0 0
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency,sampling type • 0 0 0
representative)?
Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples.The ORC perform and
documents Aliquot verifications for influent and effluent sampler monthly. Aliquot pulled
during the inspection was 175 ml.
Page# 4

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: LowellWWTP
Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? II 0 0 ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters,for ex:MLSS,MCRT,Settleable I 0 ❑ 0
Solids,pH,DO,Sludge Judge,and other that are applicable?
Comment: The facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained. New mechanical bar
screen was added which should reduce the amount of screening entering the downstream
plant and potential overflows attributed to clogged bar screens.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual •
b.Mechanical •
Are the bars adequately screening debris? • 0 0 0
Is the screen free of excessive debris? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance? • ❑ 0 0
Is the unit in good condition? • 0 0 0
Comment: The facility is equipped with mechancial and manual bar screens(coarse). New
mechanical screening system was added on march 2016.
Flow Measurement- Influent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? 0 IN 0 0
Is flow meter calibrated annually? • 0 ❑ 0
Is the flow meter operational? • 0 0 0
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? • 0 0 0
Comment: Flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrated/verified on
9/19/2016 by Ken Nash Company.
Pump Station -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? ❑ ❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? I 0 0 0
Are all pumps present? • 0 0 0
Are all pumps operable? • ❑ 0 0
Are float controls operable? • 0 0 0
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? • ❑ 0 0
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ❑ ❑ I 0
Comment: Stormwater overflow has been diverted and does not appear to flow into the pump station.
Page# 5

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? • 0 0 0
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? 0 0 • 0
Are the diffusers operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? • 0 0 0
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface? • 0 0 0
Is the DO level acceptable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) • 0 0 0
Comment: The facility uses the contact stabilization treatment process.Sodium Hydroxide is added.
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are weirs level? • 0 0 0
Is the site free of weir blockage? • 0 0 0
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? II 0 0 0
Is scum removal adequate? • 0 0 0
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? IN 0 0 0
Is the drive unit operational? 0 0 0
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? • 0 0 0
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? III 0 0 0
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately%of the sidewall depth) 0 0 0
Comment:
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately? • DOD
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? • 0 0 0
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? 0 0 0
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? • 0 0 0
Is the contact chamber free of growth,or sludge buildup? II 0 0 0
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? 1110 ❑ ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 lbs of Chlorine(CAS No.7782-50-5)? ❑ • 0 0
Page# 6

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: LowellWWTP
Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
If yes,then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? 0 0 U 0
If yes,then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number?(1000- - )
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: About 900 lbs.of chlorine stored on site.
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? • 0 0 0
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? Nocio
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 II 0 0
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 0 • 0
Comment: The chlorination and dechlorination cylinders are stored together inside a building equipped
with ventilation and a leakage detection system.
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? 0 0 • 0
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Flow Measurement -Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? • ❑ 0 0
Is the flow meter operational? • 0 0 0
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 0 0 • 0
Comment: The flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrated/verified on
9/19/2016 by Ken Nash Company.
The flow measurement system has been upgraded and is now capable of recording flow up
to 3 MGD.additionally,a New V notch weir structure has been installed.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 0 0 0
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? • 0 ❑ 0
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? 0 0 0
Comment: The effluent appeared clear with trace suspended solids and no foam.
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 7

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/26/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the mixing adequate? II 0 0 0
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? 11 0 0 0
#Is the odor acceptable? • 0 0 0
#Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? • ❑ 0 0
Comment:
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space? 0 NI 0 0
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? • 0 0 0
Are the drying beds free of vegetation? 0 0 0
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? 11 0 0 0
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? 11 0 0 0
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? 111 0 0 0
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? MO ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge land applied? 0 • 0 0
(Vacuum filters)Is polymer mixing adequate? ❑ ❑ � ❑
Comment: Dewatered sludge is transported to the Republic Services Landfill (former BFI Landfill)
located in Harrisburg, N.C.The City/Permittee should provide cover for the dumpster to
prevent any leakages/discharges to the ground (during removal activities)and reduce costs
(weight)attributed to the stormwater accumulations.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? 111 0 0 0
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? • 0 0 0
Is the generator tested under load? • 0 0 Cl
Was generator tested&operational during the inspection? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Do the generator(s)have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? • 0 0 0
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? • 0 0 0
Is the generator fuel level monitored? • 0 0 0
Comment: The standby generator is tested(automatically)once per week. The Citv/Permittee
contracts a company(Nixon Power Services)to service the generator twice per year.Last
serviced on 7/28/2016.
Page# 8

PAT MCCRORY
Governor
•
DONALD R. VAN DER VAART
.• Secretari
Water Resources S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Direct(),"
{ June 24, 2016
G (A, RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
Al Greene N 3 0 2016
City of Lowell
101 W First St WORDS
Lowell, NC 28098 MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
Subject: NPDES Electronic Reporting Requirements
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit Number: NC0025861
Dear NPDES Permittee:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) recently published the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule.The rule requires NPDES regulated facilities to
report information electronically, instead of filing written paper reports.The rule does not change what
information is required from facilities. It only changes the method by which information is provided (i.e.,
electronic rather than paper-based).
EPA is phasing in the requirements of the rule over a 5-year period. The two phases of the rule, and their
key milestones, are:
• Phase 1—Starting on December 21,2016, regulated entities that are required to submit Discharge
Monitoring Reports (DMRs) will begin submitting these reports electronically. If you are currently
reporting your DMR data electronically using eDMR,then you simply need to continue reporting
in the same way as you are now. The key change is that, starting on December 21, 2016,
electronic reporting of DMRs will be required, instead of voluntary.
• Phase 2—Starting on December 21,2020, regulated entities that are required to submit certain
other NPDES reports will begin submitting these reports electronically. Reports covered in the
second phase include Notices of Intent to discharge in compliance with an NPDES general permit,
Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports, and a number of other NPDES program reports.
Incorporating Electronic Reporting Requirements into NPDES Permits
The NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule requires authorized NPDES programs to incorporate electronic
reporting requirements into NPDES permits beginning December 21, 2015. Under the new rule,the
electronic reporting process supersedes the paper reporting process. According to our files,your NPDES
permit became effective after November 2013, and should contain the requirement to electronically
report your Discharge Monitoring Reports using NC DWR's eDMR system.
In addition to requiring permittees to report information electronically,the rule also requires permittees
to identify the initial recipient for the NPDES electronic reporting data [see 40 CFR 122.41(1)(9)]. Initial
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources
1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
919 807 6300

recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities (initial recipient) means the
entity (EPA or the state authorized by EPA to implement the NPDES program) that is the designated entity
for receiving electronic NPDES Data [see 40 CFR 127.2(b)]. Permittees are required to electronically
submit the required NPDES information to the appropriate initial recipient, as determined by EPA. By July
18, 2016, EPA must identify and publish on its web site and in the Federal Register a listing of initial
recipients by state and by NPDES data group. Once available, you can use EPA's web site to find out or
determine the initial recipient of your electronic submission.
NC DWR has submitted a request to EPA to be the initial recipient for the following NPDES data groups:
1. Discharge Monitoring Reports;
2. General Permit Reports [Notices of Intent to discharge(NOIs); Notices of Termination (NOTs)];
3. Pretreatment Program Reports; and
4. Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports
EPA's web site will also link to the appropriate electronic reporting tool for each type of electronic
submission for each state. Instructions on how to access and use the appropriate electronic reporting
tool will be available as well.
For more information on EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule,visit
http://www2.epa.Rov/compliance/final-national pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-
electronic-reporting-rule. For more information on electronic reporting to NC DWR, visit
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr/npdes-electronic-reporting or contact Vanessa
Manuel at 919-807-6392 or via email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
J e,ff re y O. Po-wpo- t
forS.Jay Zimmerman, P.G.
Cc: NPDES File
Central Files

Ai,
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pat McCrory Donald R. van der Vaart
Governor Secretary
RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
September 21 2015 S-ii2 5 2015
Mr.Al Greene, City Manager WQROS
City of Lowell MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
101 West First Street
Lowell,NC 28098
Subject: Payment Acknowledgement
City of Lowell WWTP
Permit Number: NC0025861
Case Number: LV-2015-0152
Gaston County
Dear Permittee:
This letter is to acknowledge receipt of payment in the amount of$396.97 received from you dated
September 21,2015. This payment satisfies in full the above civil assessment(s)levied against the
subject facility, and this case has been closed. Payment of this penalty in no way precludes future action
by this Division for additional violations of the applicable Statues,Regulations,or Permits.
If you have any questions,please contact Wren Thedford at 919-807-6304.
Sincerely,
W re 'T ii'j o-roil
•
Wren Thedford
Wastewater Branch
cc: Central Files
NPDES
►� ., .. . •
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Location:512 N.Salisbury St.Raleigh,North Carolina 27604
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone]/Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet::www.ncwater.orq
An Equal OpportunitylAffirmative Action Employer

• A
FlLE14
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pat McCrory John E. Skvarla, III
Governor Secretary
September 22,2014
Mr. Al Greene,Jr., City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street
Lowell,North Carolina 28098
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
City of Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Greene:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted at the
subject facility on September 15, 2014 by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. Please inform the facility's Operator-in-
Responsible(ORC)of our findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report.
It is requested that a written response be submitted to this Office by October 15, 2014, addressing the
maintenance issues noted in the Influent Pump Station, Effluent Flow Measurement, and Sludge Drying Beds
Sections of the attached report. In responding, please address your comments to the attention of Mr.Bell.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this report,please
do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at(704)235-2192 or at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
/
(//t 6,.-1,Z76 (
. Michael L. Parker, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources,NCDENR
Enclosure:
Inspection Report
cc: MSC 1617-Central Files/Basemenrt
Gaston County Health Department
WB
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet:www.ncwaterquality.org

United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A:National Data System Coding(i.e.,PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 E 2 Li 3 I NC0025861 111 121 14/09/15 117 18 I 19 Li 201 1
21I11111IIIIIIIEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII , I t66
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating 81 QA — —Reserved— `
67 I2.0 I 70 L_1a I 1 71 t„ I 72 I N I 731 I I74 75I I I I I I I 180
Section B:Facility Data
J
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
09:30AM 14/09/15 10/07/01
Lowell WWTP
NCSR 2380 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Lowell NC 28098 12:45PM 14/09/15 15/01/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Daniel James Dougherty/ORC/704-477-5514/
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Al Greene,101 W First St Lowell NC 28098/City Manager/704-824-3518/7048244700
Yes
Section C:Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
IIII Permit IIII Flow Measurement 111 Operations&Maintenance III Records/Reports
• Self-Monitoring Program IIII Sludge Handling Disposal I Facility Site Review III Effluent/Receiving Waters
▪ Laboratory
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspectpr(g) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Wes Bell ? MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ ,
/ �.( /
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
31 NC0025861 111 121 14/09/15 I17 18
Section D:Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheetsof narrative and checklists as necessary)
Page# 2

Permit NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new • ❑ ❑ ❑
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? ❑ ❑ II ❑
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The Division received the permit renewal application on 5/22/2014. The subject permit
expires on 1/31/2015.
The last compliance inspection was performed on 3/22/2012.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is all required information readily available,complete and current? II ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab. reg. required 5 years)? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the chain-of-custody complete? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Dates,times and location of sampling •
Name of individual performing the sampling •
Results of analysis and calibration •
Dates of analysis •
Name of person performing analyses •
Transported COCs •
Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • ❑ ❑ ❑
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow)Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator ❑ ❑ ❑
on each shift?
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? IN ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 3

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WN/ViP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Comment: The records reviewed during the inspection were organized and well maintained. Discharge
Monitoring Reports (DMRs)were reviewed for the period July 2013 through June 2014.
Weekly average effluent total suspended solids(TSS)violations were reported December
2013, March 2014, and April 2014. A monthly average effluent TSS violation was also
reported in March 2014. The above-noted limit violations will be separately addressed by the
Division through the issuances of either NOVs or NOV/civil penalty assessments.
The facility failed to achieve 85%TSS removal efficiency in March 2014.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? • ❑ El ❑
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters)performed by a certified lab? • ❑ 0 0
#Is the facility using a contract lab? • ❑ ❑ 0
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees • ❑ ❑ El
Celsius)?
Incubator(Fecal Coliform)set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/-0.2 degrees? ❑ 0 • ❑
Incubator(BOD)set to 20.0 degrees Celsius+/-1.0 degrees? ❑ ❑ III ❑
Comment: On-site field analyses (dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature,total residual chlorine)are
performed under the City's field laboratory certification#5082. PAR Labs, Inc. has been
contracted to perform influent and effluent analyses. Meritech Labs, Inc. has also been
contracted to perform the chronic toxicity analyses.
The laboratory instrumentation used for field analyses appeared to be properly
calibrated/verified and documented.
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional? U 0 ❑ ❑
Is sample collected above side streams? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the tubing clean? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees • ❑ ❑ ❑
Celsius)?
Is sampling performed according to the permit? • ❑ 0 ❑
Comment: The subject permit requires composite biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)and TSS
influent samples.
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sample collected below all treatment units? • 0 ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is the tubing clean? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 4

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: LowellwwfP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees 1100D
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency, sampling type • 12100
representative)?
Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples. The ORC must ensure
to document the periodic aliquot verifications on both samplers(influent and effluent).
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the facility analyze process control parameters,for ex: MLSS, MCRT,Settleable • 0010
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: Overall, the facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained. The
City/Permittee will need to address the maintenance issues noted at the influent pump
station, the effluent flow measurement system, and sludge dumpster. Please refer to the
Influent Pump Station, Effluent Flow Measurement, and Drying Beds Sections for further
details.
The ORC incorporates a comprehensive process control program with all measurements
being properly documented and maintained on-site.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual •
b.Mechanical •
Are the bars adequately screening debris? 11000
Is the screen free of excessive debris? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is disposal of screening in compliance? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 11000
Comment: The facility is equipped with mechancial and manual bar screens (coarse). The
City/Permittee has been investigating the purchase and installation of a new mechanical
screening system. This Office commends the Citv/Permittee's efforts to replace the current
screening system. A new screening system would reduce both the amount of screenings
entering the downstream treatment processes and potential overflows attributed to clogged
bar screens.
Flow Measurement- Influent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? 01100
Is flow meter calibrated annually? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Page# 5

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell VVWTP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Flow Measurement- Influent Yes No NA NE
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrated/verified on
8/18/2014 by Ken Nash Company.
Pump Station -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? 11 ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps present? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all pumps operable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are float controls operable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? ❑ 0 • ❑
Comment: Evidence of stormwater runoff entering the influent pump station was observed during the
inspection. Approximately six to eight inches of water had previously accumulated in the
pump room floor. The City/Permittee should initiate the appropriate corrective actions to
divert all stormwater runoff away from the influent pump station building.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? I ❑ ❑ ❑
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? 0 ❑ 11 0
Are the diffusers operational? • 0 ❑ 0
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? U 0 ❑ 0
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The facility uses the contact stabilization treatment process. Lime and soda ash are added
on an as-needed basis to maintain appropriate pH/alkalinity levels.
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ❑ ❑ 0
Are weirs level? • ❑ ❑ 0
Is the site free of weir blockage? • 0 ❑ ❑
Page# 6

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell VWVfP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? • ❑ El 0
Is scum removal adequate? • ❑ 0 0
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? • 0 0 ❑
Is the drive unit operational? • El ❑ 0
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? • El El 0
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? • ❑ ❑ Cl
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately Y.of the sidewall depth) • ❑ El ❑
Comment:
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately? IS ❑ 0 0
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? • ❑ ❑ 0
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? • El 0 0
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup? • 0 0 ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? • ❑ El ❑
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 lbs of Chlorine(CAS No. 7782-50-5)? El ❑ II El
If yes,then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? El ❑ • ❑
If yes,then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number?(1000- - )
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment: The City/Permittee contracts a company to service the chlorination and dechlorination
systems on an annual basis. These treatment systems were last serviced in October 2013
by Piedmont Chlorinator.
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? • ❑ ❑ 0
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? • El ❑ ❑
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? ❑ • ❑ ❑
Are the tablets the proper size and type? El ❑ NI ❑
Comment: The chlorination and dechlorination cylinders are stored together inside a building equipped
with ventilation and a leakage detection system.
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? ❑ ❑ • 0
Number of tubes in use?
Page# 7

Permit NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell VVVVTP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Comment:
Flow Measurement- Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? E000
Is the flow meter operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? ❑ ❑ • ❑
Comment: The flow meter is calibrated/verified twice per year and was last calibrated/verified on
8/18/2014 by Ken Nash Company.
The primary flow measurement system (V-notch weir structure)was severely deteriorated.
In addition, the flow measurement system cannot measure flow rates greater than 1 MGD.
The flow rates exceeded the 1 MGD flow rate approximately ten times in 2014 and therefore,
the actual flow rate could not be accurately measured. The primary flow measurement
system should be replaced with a flow measurement system that can accurately measure
all flow rates. In addition, the subject permit requires that the flow meter be properly
maintained and capable of measuring flows with a maximum deviation of less than 10%
from the true discharge rates throughout the range of expected discharge volumes[Permit
Reference: Part II, Section D (3) Flow Measurements].
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? M ❑ ❑ ❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? ❑ ❑ • 0
Comment: The effluent appeared clear with trace suspended solids and no foam.
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the mixing adequate? ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? M ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the odor acceptable? • ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space? 11000
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? • ❑ 0 0
Are the drying beds free of vegetation? 0 • 0 0
Page# 8

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 09/15/2014 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? 0 • 0 0
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? • 0 0 0
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? • ❑ 0 0
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? • 0 0 0
#Is the sludge land applied? ❑ • 0 0
(Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate? 0 0 • 0
Comment: Dewatered sludge is transported to the Republic Services Landfill (former BFI Landfill)
located in Harrisburg, N.C. A significant accumulation of stormwater was observed in the
sludge dumpster. The City/Permittee should provide cover for the dumpster to prevent any
leakages/discharges to the ground (during removal activities) and reduce costs(weight)
attributed to the stormwater accumulations.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the generator tested under load? • ❑ 0 0
Was generator tested&operational during the inspection? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Do the generator(s)have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? • ❑ 0 0
Is the generator fuel level monitored? • 0 0 ❑
Comment: The standby generator is tested (automatically) once per week. The City/Permittee
contracts a company(Nixon Power Services)to service the generator twice per year.
Page# 9 .

NCDENR MRO Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33 P. 02
. • North Carolina Oepartrnent of Environment and Natural Resources
Division ,• Water Quality •
RECER ED
S..AN - • - - DIVISION'OP 1/1.(4.TER
LILY
?` AUG 5 2014
d .0+: - •-�
moon,.E;,.4,L,_;.,;:`;;;�iCHL.OFFICE
• t /TP Upset ,.Spill, or Bypass 5-Day Reportinsi Form ,
• (Please Print or Type Use Attachments if Needed)
. wQGao/d y •
Rerrnittee: \tr
p-• Li we- I ( . . . Permit Number: 41C_J0 /
02 5$ 6 l
Facility Name: \ W I P. County: _Ga_S+0r .
Incident Started: . Date: • I I • Time'. Q600 • •. . , • .
Incident Ended: . Date: Time: ' //00
•
• Level of Treatment:
• None Primary Treatment_Secondary Treatment Chlorination/Disinfection Only .
. Estimated Volume of Spill/Bypass: • 1/8 C (must be given even if it is a rough estimate)
.
Did the Spill/Bypass reach the Surface Waters? Yes No
If yes, please list the following: ( i
.: olume Reaching Surface Waters: l 11 Surface Water Name: (Jt)`"� Fov)C Q�. Cittwb
Did the Spill/Bypass result in a Fish Kill? Yes VNo : . .. . . .
as VVVVfP compliant with permit requirements? 1/Yes No ' . . .
Were 6ampies taken during event? Yes ivo .
•
• Source of the Upset/Spill/Bypass (Location or Treatment Unit): .
. ' A,IN1,Cl- si-4At vY•- G S k. S4.x0 v\y r.-
Cause or Reason'for the Upset/Spill/Bypass: : . . .. . . .
1-1,-1 -Q 10t4,A-i •• qrCce t +1,...evv. piA/0 pCa.pct.Gtt7
•
Describe the Re airs Made or Actions Taken:
Mob1oe )-300( oireevA GM A pultils., .
• . Spill/Bypass Reporting Form(August 1997) •. .

NCDENR MRO Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33 P. 03
P Upset, Spill, or Bypass 5-Day Reporting Form • .
-age2 • •
ction Taken to Contain S.111 Clean U• and Remediate the Site .if a••licable : : •
• •
G,r. v1j ,s`�c e. 114s o .Jh 6/Ucluve. g
app Cie Q pCt,?V"
PI �
I �J rcv h w►e, , •
'ction Taken or Pro.o ed to 6e Taken to Prevent Occurrences`.:"
itiA C E._
cl LiN C vcG 20Q Cps le G1 c c
d-evk, 1440,1iN etA •
dditional Comments About the Event '
„_.._ .. r
Report Made.To: . _ . ,_ Derision of Water Quality. Emergency Management
ame: ��P.i,+� rL Si Veil Date: JJl 1 i y Tme;, :. / 310 . .
encies Notified (Health Dept, etc): A✓/�' .
•
•
eporting Event: }\&r ile.( J I_ niX U„ Phone Number: 7DV , 77— SsIlf
Request an Additional Written Report? Yes✓No .
- hat.Additional Information is Needed: ''
•
.S IVCS x 6 0 n„•K lvv X Ca&ec/14.01,: v 2 r sec: y , 7 aS X . 7S )C
•
. . 7, ti rr3X YD7o = � U71VPpe-
•
• Spill/Bypass.Reporting Form(August 1997) • ' . .

ATA
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pat McCrory John E. Skvarla, Ill
Governor Secretary
July 28, 2014
CERTIFIED MAIL #7009 2250 0004 3266 3870
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Al Greene, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street
Lowell, North Carolina 28098
Subject: Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement
Tracking #: NOV-2014-LV-0361
City of Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Greene:
A review of the March 2014 self-monitoring report for the subject facility revealed violations of the
following parameters at Outfall 001:
Date Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
Week ending 3/8/14 TSS 106.4 mg/L 45.0 mg/L (Weekly average)
3/31/14 TSS 30.5 mg/L 30.0 mg/L (Monthly average)
A Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement (NOV/NRE) is being issued
for the noted violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and NPDES Permit No.
NC0025861. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance
with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violations, request technical
assistance, or discuss overall compliance please respond in writing within 10 days of receipt of this
Notice. A review of your response will be considered along with any information provided on the
March 2014 Discharge Monitoring Report. You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may
be assessed regarding these violations. If no response is received in this Office within the 10-
day period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared.
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet:http:llportal.ncdenr.orglweblwq

NOV-2014-LV-0361, Page 2
Remedial actions, if not already implemented, should be taken to correct any problems. The Division
of Water Resources may pursue enforcement actions for this and any additional violations. If the
violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and you
anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order
by Consent.
If you have questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Marcia Allocco or
myself at [phone].
Sincerely,
Michael L. Parker, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDENR
cc: Wastewater Branch
MSC 1617 —Central Files Basement

, \OTIC 14
Q
•
< ;,.r..
ilfEL1-
Michael L. Parker, Regional Supervisor
DENR Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office
610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Mooresville,NC 28115
Dear Mr. Parker:
I am in receipt of your letter dated July 28, 2014 regarding weekly and monthly TSS
violations for the periods ending March 8, 2014 and March 31, 2014 respectively. The
City of Lowell is very concerned about these violations and we are aware that in the past
seven months there have been several instances in which our TSS limits have been
exceeded. The violations are a result of unusually high rainfall events and also some
difficulty we experienced earlier this year in wasting and disposing of sludge. Our
records indicate that we received 2.6 inches of rain at the WWTP on about March 7,
2014. Flow through the plant of March 7th was .9 million gallons and on March 8th the
flow was .775 million gallons.
We realize that the City must focus on detecting and eliminating points of inflow into our
sewer system. Since December of 2013 our public works crew has been aggressively
searching for points of inflow and correcting those issues as they are discovered. We
applied unsuccessfully this past spring for a Technical Assistance Grant in hopes that the
proceeds could be used to assist us in isolating the specific areas of our system in most
need of repair. We plan to apply for the TAG funding again this fall for the same
purpose. We are also exploring the feasibility of a CDBG grant application that would
allow us to direct significant resources toward the effort of improving the integrity of the
worst sections of our sewer system. It appears that much of the inflow is coming from
older, low-income areas of town. We are committed to dealing with inflow problems
regardless of whether or not technical assistance or grant funds are forthcoming,but
obviously the additional assistance would be helpful.
Also contributing to the elevated TSS levels has been the difficulty in operating our
aeration system and disposing of sludge. Beginning in the fall of 2013 the City
undertook extensive steps to refurbish our drying beds and completely cleaned sludge
from the plant, itself This spring we refurbished all aspects of the plant's aeration
systems. The disposal of sludge and the refurbishment of the aeration system cost a
combined total of$103,000. According to our plant operator the plant is functioning at a
much improved level and should be more resistant to high flow events in the future.
City of Lowell
101 W. First Street • Lowell, North Carolina 28098 • Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

The Town will continue its efforts to address the integrity of the sewer collection system
and to ensure that our plant is functioning at an optimal level. While we feel that our
recent efforts will help us to avoid TSS violations in the future, this work was only
completed on May 19, 2014. There may well be and additional Notice of Violation
coming in for the month of April, and if so, that violation would have occurred prior to
plant repairs that have been undertaken.
S'•c- e ,
1 reen
Lowell City Manager
cc: Mayor and City Council
Dan Dougherty
Thomas Shrewsbury

Arr,A
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resourcesz/
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
November 25, 2012
•
BEN T BLACKBURN, JR REc:
CITY OF LOWELL DIVISION OF
101 W FIRST ST NOV 2 8 no?
LOWELL NC 28098
SUBJECT: Payment Acknowledgment MOJRESV;LLE _
Civil Penalty Assessment
Lowell WWTP
Permit Number: NC0025861
Case Numbers: LV-2012-0162
Gaston County
This letter is to acknowledge receipt of check number 024225 in the amount of $391.10 received from you
dated October 5, 2012. This payment satisfies in full the above civil assessment levied against the subject
facility, and this case has been closed. Payment of this penalty in no way precludes future action by this
Division for additional violations of the applicable Statutes, Regulations, or Permits.
If you have any questions, please call Robert L Sledge at 919-807-6398.
/ sincerely,
—401e01,01,-- bit,,,,t41 .A,4)
Litt,
Jovonah Weeden
cc: Central Files
4111111111.111111.111111110.111.1111WisQr
161 i Mail Service Center,Raleigh,Ni vrth Carolina 27599-1617
Lotion 512 N-Salisbury St.P leigh,^torch Carolina 27€nA Onc
Phone:019.80;-300\FAX.[phone]'''.Jstornb.Service 1.877- 614P NorthCarolina
hienret:www.;icw Larquaiity.um �������//�
4(1 pn Opportunity :;ffinnntae nu., Emrinv,,

A .A
FILE/ .
NCDENR
. • _North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resour,oes _ _
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P.E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
September 24, 2012
CERTIFIED MAIL 7010 0780 0000 5519 1727
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Ben Blackburn, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street
Lowell, North Carolina 28098
SUBJECT: Notice of Violation and Assessment of Civil
Penalty for Violations of N.C. General Statute
143-215.1(a)(6) and NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
City of Lowell WWTP
Gaston County
Case No. LV-2012-0162
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
This letter transmits a Notice of Violation and assessment of civil penalty in the amount of
$391.10 ($250.00 civil penalty+ $141.10 enforcement costs) against the City of Lowell.
This assessment is based upon the following facts: A review has been conducted of the self-
monitoring data reported for June 2012. This review has shown the subject facility to be in violation
of the discharge limitations found in NPDES Permit No. NC0025861. The violations are summarized
in Attachment A to this letter.
Based upon the above facts, I conclude as a matter of law that the City of Lowell violated the
terms, conditions, or requirements of NPDES Permit No. NC0025861 and North Carolina General
Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1(a)(6) in the manner and extent shown in Attachment A. A civil penalty may
be assessed in accordance with the maximums established by G.S. 143-215.6A(a)(2).
Based upon the above findings of fact and conclusions of law, and in accordance with authority
provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Director
of the Division of Water Quality, I, Robert B. Krebs, Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor
for the Mooresville Region, hereby make the following civil penalty assessment against the City of
Lowell:
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115 One
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 North Carolina
Internet:http:/Iportal.ncdenr.org/web/wq Naturally
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer-30%Recycled/10%Post Consumer paper

$ 250.00 For 1 of the one (1) violation of G.S. 143-215.1(a)(6) and
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861,.by discharging waste into the
waters of the State in violation of the permit weekly average
effluent limit for total suspended solids (TSS).
$ 0.00 For 1 of the one (1) violation of G.S. 143-215.1(a)(6) and
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861,by discharging waste into the
waters of the State in violation of the permit monthly average
effluent limit for total suspended solids (TSS).
$ 250.00 TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY
$ 141.10 Enforcement costs.
$ 391.10 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(c), in determining the amount of the penalty I have taken into account the
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and the factors set forth at G.S. 143B-282.1(b),which are:
(1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State,to the public health, or to
private property resulting from the violations;
(2) The duration and gravity of the violations;
(3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality;
(4) The cost of rectifying the damage;
(5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance;
(6) Whether the violations were committed willfully or intentionally;
(7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which
the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and
(8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures.
Within thirty days of receipt of this notice,you must do one of the following:
1. Submit payment of the penalty:
Payment should be made directly to the order of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (do not include waiver form). Payment of the penalty will not foreclose further
enforcement action for any continuing or new violation(s).
Please submit payment to the attention of:
Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit
Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
OR
2. Submit a written request for remission including a detailed justification for such request:

Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed
below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the penalty assessed. R.&westing
remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy
of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. Because a
remission request forecloses the option of an administrative hearing, such a request must be
accompanied by a waiver of your right to an administrative hearing and a stipulation that no factual or
legal issues are in dispute. Please prepare a detailed statement that establishes why you believe the
civil penalty should be remitted, and submit it to the Division of Water Quality at the address listed
below. In determining whether a remission request will be approved,the following factors shall be
considered:
(1) whether one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in G.S. 143B-282.1(b) were
wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner;
(2) whether the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from
the violation;
(3) whether the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident;
(4) whether the violator had been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; or
(5) whether payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary
remedial actions.
Please note that all information presented in support of your request for remission must be
submitted in writing. The Director of the Division of Water Quality will review your evidence and
inform you of his decision in the matter of your remission request. The response will provide details
regarding case status, directions for payment, and provision for further appeal of the penalty to the
Environmental Management Commission's Committee on Civil Penalty Remissions (Committee).
Please be advised that the Committee cannot consider information that was not part of the original
remission request considered by the Director. Therefore, it is very important that you prepare a
complete and thorough statement in support of your request for remission.
In order to request remission, you must complete and submit the enclosed"Waiver of Right to
an Administrative Hearing and Stipulation of Facts" form within thirty(30) days of receipt of this
notice. The Division of Water Quality also requests that you complete and submit the enclosed
"Justification for Remission Request." Both forms should be submitted to the following address:
Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit
Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
OR
3. File a petition for an administrative hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings:
If you wish to contest any statement in the attached assessment document you must file a
petition for an administrative hearing. You may obtain the petition form from the Office of
Administrative Hearings. You must file the petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings
within thirty(30) days of receipt of this notice. A petition is considered filed when it is received in
the Office of Administrative Hearings during normal office hours. The Office of Administrative

Hearings accepts filings Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,
except for official state 3f'ii ays. _The petition may be filed by facsimile (fax) or electronic mail by an
attached file (with restrictions) -provided the signed original, one (1) copy and a filing fee (if a filing
fee is required by NCGS §150B-23.2) is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings within
seven(7) business days following the faxed or electronic transmission. You should contact the
Office of Administrative Hearings with all questions regarding the filing fee and/or the details of the
filing process. The mailing address and telephone and fax numbers for the Office of Administrative
Hearings are as follows:
Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-6714
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
One (1) copy of the petition must also be served on DENR as follows:
Mary Penny Thompson, General Counsel
DENR
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1601
Please indicate the case number(as found on page one of this letter) on the petition.
Failure to exercise one of the options above within thirty(30) days of receipt of this notice, as
evidenced by an internal date/time received stamp (not a postmark), will result in this matter being
referred to the Attorney General's Office for collection of the penalty through a civil action.
Please be advised that additional penalties may be assessed for violations that occur after the
review period of this assessment. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation
and/or maintenance problems, and you anticipate remedial construction activities,then you may wish
to consider applying for a Special Order by Consent. If you have any questions about this civil penalty
assessment or a Special Order by Consent,please contact the Water Quality Section staff of the
Mooresville Regional Office at(704) 663-1699.
(z.ott_
(Date) Robert B. Krebs, Regional Supervisor
Surface Water Protection
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality
ATTACHMENTS
cc: Mooresville Regional Office Compliance File w/attachments
Raleigh Compliance/Enforcement File w/attachments
Central Files w/attachments
rk/ma

ATTACHMENT A
CASE NO. LV-2012-0162
Outfall Date Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
001 Week ending 6/23/12 TSS 88.8 mg/L* 45.0 mg/L
001 6/30/12 TSS 33.4 mg/L 30.0 mg/L
* Denotes civil penalty assessment
The City of Lowell did not provide a response to NOV-2012-LV-0449 dated August 30,
2012. Mitigating factors were not found on the June 2012 DMR comments section to
result in a reduced civil penalty amount.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
_ -- __---- _ — _ AND NATT TRA.L RESOURCES. _ __ _
COUNTY OF GASTON
IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN
OF CIVIL PENALTY AGAINST ) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND
CITY OF LOWELL ) STIPULATION OF FACTS
PERMIT NO. NC0025861 )
FILE NO. LV-2012-0162
Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $391.10 for violation(s) as set forth in the
assessment document of the Division of Water Quality dated September 24,2012,the undersigned,
desiring to seek remission of the civil penalties, does hereby waive the right to an administrative
hearing in the above-stated matter and does stipulate that the facts are as alleged in the assessment
document. The undersigned further understands that all evidence presented in support of remission of
this civil penalty must be submitted to the Director of the Division of Water Quality within 30 days of
receipt of the notice of assessment. No new evidence in support of a remission request will be allowed
after 30 days from the receipt of the notice of assessment.
This the day of , 2012
BY
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE

JUSTIFICATION FOR REMISSION REQUEST
DWQ Case Number: LV-2012-0162
Assessed Party: City of Lowell
County: Gaston
Permit Number: NC0025861
Amount Assessed: $391.10
Please use this form when requesting remission of this civil penalty. You must also complete the
"Request For Remission, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts"
form to request remission of this civil penalty. You should attach any documents that you believe
support your request and are necessary for the Director to consider in evaluating your request for
remission. Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors
listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the civil penalty assessed.
Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or
the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143B-282.1(c), remission of a civil penalty may be granted only when one or
more of the following five factors applies. Please check each factor that you believe applies to your
case and provide a detailed explanation, including copies of supporting documents, as to why the
factor applies (attach additional pages as needed).
(a) one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in N.C.G.S. 143B-282.1(b) were
wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner (the assessment factors are listed in the civil
penalty assessment document);
(b) the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the
violation (i.e., explain the steps that you took to correct the violation and prevent future occurrences);
(c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident (i.e., explain why the violation
was unavoidable or something you could not prevent or prepare for);
(d) the violator had not been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations;
(e) payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial
actions (i.e., explain how payment of the civil penalty will prevent you from performing the activities
necessary to achieve compliance).
EXPLANATION: (use additional pages as necessary)

NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
ASSESSMENT FACTORS
Violator: City of Lowell
Facility: Lowell WWTP
County: Gaston
Case Number: LV-2012-0162
Permit Number: NC0025861
1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State,to the public health, or to
private property resulting from the violation; no environmental harm has been documented from
the TSS violations.
2) The duration and gravity of the violation; The weekly average TSS concentration for the week
ending June 23rd (88.8 mg/L) exceeded the permit limit of 45.0 mg/L by 97.3%). They were
compliant for the other three weeks in the month. The TSS monthly average concentration of 33.4
mg/L exceeded the permit limit of 30.0 mg/L by 11.3%.
3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; The effect on the
receiving stream is unknown. Increased suspended solids can increase the receiving stream's water
temperature, thus reducing the amount of oxygen and possibly harming the aquatic life. TSS can also
reduce the amount of natural sunlight that penetrates further decreasing oxygen production and
photosynthesis. Finally, elevated solids concentrations can kill fish by clogging their gills, lowering
their resistance to disease, and smothering their eggs along with other benthic organisms.
4) The cost of rectifying the damage; the cost is unknown.
5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; the amount saved by noncompliance is unknown.
6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally; The Division of Water Quality has
no evidence that the violations were committed willfully or intentionally.
7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the
Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; there have been 21 previous
CPAs with no CPAs issued in the past 12 months.
8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. The cost to DWQ is $141.10.
(rz_
Date Robert B. Krebs, Regional Supervisor
Surface Water Protection
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality

•
MONITORING REPORT(MR)VIOLATIONS for: Report Date: 08/30/12 Page: 2 of 4
a ,ri r ��
1M `f a 'a '..:: 9A.t alk4: 1- "` a 'fitra��4 �, `1p ���,I * ' "tir^ 9h
= ihty Name:.q4 Pararn Name:/
.�.t. � Cqunty.y!o Subtlasin %; Vloletio0A4tiQrl Nogg _;;
. of
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u , . ,..., :.irert;;.��'to,.0..t�;.mc T�.h.�h. Y m,. " `s.�a -' ,n .�: . ..w'r u =1.,,�n F.h:x.., r. ....T sn, �ua, ... a,c3, .,.,.-.. .J. ..vu ...J.
..-.� 1 .r»:� .f. .,.ww...r. {a.,.er"f a. ;.,ewJ, a.,k�.:SSYu< ro ?,�ro�ar+k. ^ .�. i., ap � ,, J ,r..h 1 � K. �P
r,. � r _R�,r.�r..'�at�rJv,=�i...un�a�a V.-h.Fs'I a:ntny ,i,,,,:�-,c � ,., �.� .....,3.�r�6�'d ;�r�2r .r �i � `� L .. �. i
PERMIT: NC002)5116 FACILITY: Belmont Textile Machinery mp -Belmont Textile • Gaston REGION: Mooresville
7 Machinery WWTP /
Limit 'iolation 1,.2C \ —,?y. I--� i\i'
MONITORING OUTFALL/ VIOLATION UNIT OF CALCULATE
REPORT PPI LOCATION PAR LIMIT
AME ER DATE FREQUENCY MEASURE VALUE I, %OVER LIMIT VIOLATION TYPE 1 VIOLATION ACTION
/ I
06-2 2 001 Effluent Coliform, cal MF,M-FC 6/12/12 Weekly #/100m1 400 600 50 Daily Maximum Exceeded, None
//
' '= PERMIT: NC0025861 FACILITY: City of Lowell-Lowell WWTP COUNTY: Gaston REGION: Mooresville
—'tom
/ .
-tic-
,;;,,,,,.. Limit Violation r,,_ i a,._ "v -C-- {`-_( -=:' L_.4 - .- "'G. - t;_.'l c,.•.--),
MONITORING OUTFALL/ VIOLATION UNIT OF CALCULATED
REPORT PPI LOCATION PARAMETER DATE FREQUENCY MEASURE LIMIT VALUE %OVER LIMIT VIOLATION TYPE VIOLATION ACTION
/
06-2012 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 06/23/12 3 X week mg/I 45�/ 88.8 97.33 Weekly Average Exceeded None I , . Ir,
Concentration C
06-2012 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 06/30/12 3 X week mg/I 30 '- 33.38 t/ 11.27 Monthly Average Exceeded None ' ,
Concentration
f i�_,w=- C.- , =t1 4--ti"-1-' r'ri-. -., - C• ►LCL�-I-F;r _,-t ti -4- 0 \,- � t;, (-'- -
PERMIT: NC0060755 FACILITY: Carolina Water Service Inc of NC-Saddlewood WWTP COUNTY: Gaston REGION: Mooresvilr
Limit Violation I,-=LV — .- .C+l, — 1--:-\i — Crt -}
MONIT ING 0 FALL/ VIOLATION IT OF CALCULATED
REP RT I LOCATION P ETER DATE FREQUENCY EASURE LIMIT VALUE %OVER LIMN VIOLAT N TYPE VIOLATION N
0 -2012 001 Effluent BOD‘5-Day(20 Deg.C)- 06/12/12 Weekly / mg/I 7.5� 8.4 12 Daily Maxim Exceeded None
Concentration 1
0 -2012 001 Effluent BOO,5-Day(20 Deg.C)- 1 06/28/12 Weekly I mg/I 7.5 '✓ \ 9.9 32 Daily Maximu Exceeded N ne
Concentration P
0 -2012 001 Effluent B D,5-Day(20 Deg.C)- 6/30/12 Weekly / mg/I 5 7 Monthly Average ceeded one
oncentration
1
,

6
• A
A le
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
October 15, 2009
Mr. Ben Blackburn, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 W. First Street
Lowell,North Carolina 28098
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No.NC0025861
Gaston County,N.C.
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
Enclosed is a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted
at the subject facility on October 7,2009 by Ms. Donna Hood and Mr.Wes Bell of this Office. Please
advise the facility's Operator-in-Responsible Charge of our findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed
report.
It is requested that a written response be submitted to this Office by November 5, 2009,
addressing the maintenance issues noted in the Aeration Basin, Secondary Clarifier, and Aerobic Digester
Sections of the attached report.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have questions concerning this
report,please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell at(704) 663-1699.
Sincerely,
•
Robert B.Krebs
Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor
Enclosure:
Inspection Report
cc: Gaston County Health Department
WB
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115 One
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 a
olin CaT
Internet:www.ncwaterquality.org NorthtCar in
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer-50%Recycled/10%Post Consumer paper 'a""""""//

United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington,D.C.20460
• OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance Inspection Report Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 INI 2 151 31 NC0025861 111 121 09/10/07 117 181CI 191s1 201
Remarks
211IIIIIIIIIIII111111IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1111IIIIII (66
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA -- ------Reserved--- --------
671 1.5 169 701 41 711 NI 721 NI 73( 1 (74 751 I I I I I I (80
Section 8: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Lowell WWTP 09:20 AM 09/10/07 05/02/01
NCSR 2380 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
Lowell NC 28098 12:08 PM 09/10/07 10/01/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Daniel James Dougherty/ORC/704-477-5514/
Ron Haynes/Operator/704-824-3518 /
• Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Ben T Blackburn,101 W First St Lowell NC 28098/City Contacted
Manager/704-824-3518/7048244700 No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
.Permit III Flow Measurement •Operations&Maintenance III Records/Reports
Self-Monitoring Program II Sludge Handling Disposal •Facility Site Review I.Effluent/Receiving Waters
III Laboratory
Section D. Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s)� �y� Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers //Date
• Wesley N Bell /71/.0- /11-2 —` MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2192/ it) / 7
Donna Hood MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2193/
Si ature of Management Q A Rew wen Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Marcia Allocco MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2204/ '
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

dr
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
31 NC0025861 I11 121 09/10/07 I17 18Ic
Section 0: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
•
Page# 2

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WNTP
Inspection Date: 10/07/2009 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the per asp ■ n n n
Is the facility as desom011111111V ■ n n n
#Are there any speci0111111111111111111111111.1. n n ■ n
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? ■ n n
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? ■ n n ❑
Comment: The subject permit expires on 1/31/10.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? ■ n n
Is all required information readily available, complete and current? ■ n n n
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab. reg. required 5 years)? ■ n n n
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? ■ n n n
Is the chain-of-custody complete? ■ ❑ n n
Dates,times and location of sampling ■
Name of individual performing the sampling ■
Results of analysis and calibration ■
Dates of analysis ■
Name of person performing analyses ■
Transported COCs ■
Are DMRs complete: do they include all permit parameters? ■ n n n
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? ■ n f'l
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow) Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator on each shift? n n ■ n
■ nnn
■ nnn
Isacopyoft ■ n n n
Facility has copy of previous year's Annual Report on file for review? ■ n n n
Page# 3

•
Permit: NC0025861 Owner•Facility: Lowell VWVTP
Inspection Date: 10/07/2009 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
•
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Comment: The facility's records were organized and well maintained. Discharge
Monitoring Reports (DMRs) were reviewed for the period August 08 through July 09.
No limit violations were reported and all monitoring frequencies were correct. The
permittee must ensure the permit's expiration date is documented on the back of the
DMRs (signature page). In addition, "<"values should also be reponted (on the DMR)
for the month's maximum and minimum values (if applicable). The contract laboratory
was contacted (by the ORC and this Office) to clarify the sampling documentation
issues noted on the chain of custody forms.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
,- I■ nnn
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters)vaillalgliaMla ■ n n n
#Is the facility using a contract lab? ■ n n n
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? ■ n n n
Incubator(Fecal Coliform)set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/-0.2 degrees? n n ■ n
Incubator(BOD)set to 20.0 degrees Celsius+/-1.0 degrees? n n ■ n
Comment: On-site field analyses (pH, total residual chlorine, and temperature) are
performed under laboratory certification #5082. Par Labs (Certification#20) and
Meritech, Inc. (Certification#136) have also been contracted to provide analytical
support. The laboratory instrumentation used to perform the field analyses appeared to
be properly calibrated (and documented).
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional? ■ n n n
Is sample collected above side streams? ■ n n n
Is proper volume collected? ■ n n n
Is the tubing clean? • n n n
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? ■ n n n
Is sampling performed according to the permit? ■ n n n
Comment: The subject permit requires influent composite samples.
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? ■ n n n
Is sample collected below all treatment units? ■ n n n
Is proper volume collected? ■ n n n
Is the tubing clean? U n n n
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? ■ n n n
Page# 4

•
•
Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/07/2009 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency, sampling type representative)? ■ n n n
Comment: The subject permit requires composite and grab effluent samples.
Operations & Maintenance Yes No NA NE
. ■ nnn
analyze pracel ■ n n n
ere applicable" •
Comment: Overall, the facility appeared to be properly operated and well maintained
at the time of the inspection. However, several maintenance concerns were noted
during the inspection (See Following Sections). The ORC and staff have incorporated a
comprehensive process control program.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual fl
b.Mechanical ■
Are the bars adequately screening debris? ■ n ❑ n
Is the screen free of excessive debris? ■ n n n
Is disposal of screening in compliance? ■ ❑ Q n
Is the unit in good condition? ■ n n n
Comment: A high water alarm (autodialer-telemetry system) has been installed prior to
the mechanical screen.
Pump Station -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? ■ n n n
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? nnn ■
Are all pumps present? ■ n n n
Are all pumps operable? ■ n n n
Are float controls operable? ■ n n n
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? ❑ 0 ■ Q
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? n n ■
Comment: The influent pump station is equipped with an autodialer alarm system.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation
Type of aeration system Diffused
Page# 5

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWfP
Inspection Date: 10/07/2009 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ n n n
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? ■ n n n
Are the diffusers operational? ■ ❑ n n
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface'? ■ n n ❑
aQri464;14
■ nnn
■ nnn
Comment: The influent wastewater is treated by the contact stabilization process. A
leakage was detected in the main air distribution pipe.
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? ■ n n n
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are weirs level? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of weir blockage? ■ ❑ n n
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? — ■ ❑ n ❑
Is scum removal adequate? ■ n n n
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ■ n ❑ n
Is the drive unit operational? ■ ❑ ❑ n
• Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? ■ n n n
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately 4 of the sidewall depth) ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: The clarifier appeared to be operating properly at the time of the
inspection; however, several maintenance issues need to be addressed. These issues
include: the drive assembly's inability to hold lubrication, extensive wear on the gear
system, and significant gap between the sludge scrapper arm and concrete bottom
structure.
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately? ■ n ❑ n
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? e a "' ■ n n n
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? QjjA;01) ■ n n n
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? kckaWz ■ n n n
%66, -5, Page# 6
f�7

•
Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 10/07/2009 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Is the contact chamber free •f•rowth, or sludge buildup? ■ n n n
s there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? ninon
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 lbs of Chlorine(CAS No.7782-50-5)? n n ■ n
If yes,then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? n n ■ n
If yes,then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number?(1000- - )
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment:
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? ■ n n n
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? ■ n n n
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? n ■ n n
Are the tablets the proper size and type? ❑ n ■ n
Comment: The chlorination and dechlorinaton systems are operated in the same
building room.
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? ❑ n ■ n
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Flow Measurement- Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? ■ n n n
Is flow meter calibrated annually? ■ n n n
Is the flow meter operational? ■ n n n
(If units are separated) Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? n n ■ n
Comment: The flow meter is calibrated twice per year and was last calibrated on
8/14/09 by KNC, Inc.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
■ nnn
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? ■ n n n
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? n n ■ ❑
Comment: The effluent appeared clear with trace suspended solids and no foam. The
receiving stream did not appear to be negatively impacted.
Page# 7

•
•
Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell wWfP
Inspection Date: 10/07/2009 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aerobic Digester �� Yes No NA NE
■ nnn
Is the mixing adequate? ■ n n n
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? ■ n n n
#Is the odor acceptable? ■ n n n
#Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? ■ fl n n
Comment: The valve to discharge the digested sludge to the drying beds was not
operational. The valve should be repaired/replaced as soon as possible.
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space? ■ n n n
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? ■ n n n
Are the drying beds free of vegetation? _ C9• ■ n n n
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? ■ n n n
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? ■ n n n
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? "' ■ n n n
■ nnn
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? Anal. �
'll�0 4
#Is the sludge land applied? n n ■ n
(Vacuum filters)Is polymer mixing adequate? n n ■ n
Comment: Dewatered sludge is transported by Allied Waste to the BFI/LMS Landfill
for final disposal. The ORC had recently filled all four drying beds.
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? ■ n n n
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? ■ n n n
Is the generator tested under load? ■ n n n
Was generator tested&operational during the inspection? ■ n n n
Do the generator(s)have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? ■ n n n
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? ■ n n n
Is the generator fuel level monitored? ■ n n n
Comment: The generator is tested once per week and put under load twice per month.
• Page# 8

' •r it
4 it A
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pat McCrory Donald van der Vaart
Governor Secretary
March 20, 2015
CERTIFIED MAIL#7011 0110 0000 9960 8003
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Al Greene, City Manager
City of Lowell •
101 West First Street
Lowell, North Carolina 28098
Subject: Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement
Tracking Number: NOV-2015-LV-0179
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Greene:
A review of the April 2014 self-monitoring report for the subject facility revealed a violation of the
following parameter at Outfall 001:
Date Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
Week ending 4/19/14 TSS 112.8 mg/L 45.0 mg/L (Weekly average)
A Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement (NOV/NRE) is being issued
for the noted violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and NPDES Permit No.
NC0025861. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance
with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violations, request technical
assistance, or discuss overall compliance please respond in writing within 10 days of receipt of this
Notice. A review of your response will be considered along with any information provided on the
April 2014 Discharge Monitoring Report. You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may be
assessed regarding these violations. If no response is received in this Office within the 10-day
period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared.
Remedial actions, if not already implemented, should be taken to correct any problems. The Division
of Water Resources may pursue enforcement actions for this and any additional violations. If the
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet:http:llportal.ncdenr.orglweblwq

NOV-2015-LV-0179, Page 2
violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and you
anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order
by Consent.
If you have questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Marcia Allocco or
myself at [phone].
Sincerely,
Michael L. Parker, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDENR
cc: Wastewater Branch
MSC 1617 —Central Files Basement

//2 0
26717ffig
City of Lowell Lb'
Et4Ikk 0 7014
"2013"
Annual DEW. IVAT QUAL�i�'
A
Performance nnual Report PO NT SOURCE BRAWL`
City of Lowell (Waste Water Collection System)
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Contact Person: Thomas Shrewsbury
Contact Phone# [phone]
Permit # WQCS00164
Note: This report represents waste water collection system performance and
violations. Waste water treatment annual reports are available to users and customers
through a separate notification.
Collect System Description:
The city of Lowell collection system consists of approx. 26miles of total gravity flow
collection line ranging from 8" to 15" inches throughout the system. The breakdown reads
as follows 20.8 miles of 8"line, 0.341 miles of 10", 1.387 miles of 12"line and 3.650 miles
of 15" sanitary sewer/collection line.
The collection system also utilizes eight sanitary sewer lift stations, situated at low points
throughout the community. Sanitary sewers leaving these lift station sites are pumped
through sanitary sewer force mains, ranging from 4" to 6" in diameter. The total distance
of force main throughout the system runs approx, 1.528 miles. The City of Lowell
collection systems, as well as 631 manholes are maintained by City of Lowell Public Works
Employees.
System Performance for "2013"
Throughout 2013 the City of Lowell employees continue to place much of their attention on
I&I related problems throughout the system. Smoke testing areas of attention included the
North Eastern and North Western portions of the community. Some deficiencies were
detected and repaired and efforts will continue throughout 2014. City staff has planned an
aggressive Right of Way maintenance push for the summer of 2014 to include tree
trimming, inspections and repairs. We anticipate this will help to reduce the number of I&I
related sanitary sewer overflows within the collection system.

The Fair Street lift station was eliminated in 2013 and flows from this basin diverted to
Two Rivers Utilities. This helped to increase capacity in three Lift Stations as well as the
basin south of I85 while eliminating the need for major upgrades to the Fair St. lift station.
The emergency generator that was located at the Fair St. lift station has been removed and
stored at the Public Works Department. Plans are for this generator to be installed at another
Lift Station in 2014 and supply back-up power to one of our stations that currently have no
back-up power. City staff continues to participate in any/all discussions with neighboring
communities and developers to determine the most efficient way to preserve citizen services
and prepare for future development. Through a cooperative effort between staff, council
and management, we are pleased to report that violations and system malfunctions were
addressed proactively in an effort to protect our environment.
Date Location Environmental impact Cause
January: No violations
February: 2/6/13 Reid St.Station 1200 Gallons Electrical Failure
March: No violations
April: 4/6/13 Fair St. Station 1600 Gallons Torrential Rains
May: No violations
June: No violations
July: 7/8/13 Fair St.Station 1200 Gallons Torrential Rains
7/24/13 First St. Station 700 Gallons Power Failure
August: 8/29/13 Lynn St. Station 1000 Gallons Pump Failure
September: No violations
October: No violations
November: No violations
December: No violations
The collection system annual report, in its entirety can be found for customer or citizen review at
the following locations:
• City Hall bulletin board
• City of Lowell Library
• City of Lowell Public Works Dept.
Public notification regarding availability of this report will appear in the City of Lowell February
2014 utility bills and April 2014 citizen newsletter.
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
I further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers at the named
system and that those users have been notified of its availability.
Thomas E. Shrewsbury February 25, 2014
City of Lowell
Public Works Director
704-824-1072

2013 PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
February 21,2014
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Facility/System Name: City of Lowell, 101 West First Street,Lowell,NC 28098
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Person in Charge/Contact: Daniel Dougherty,Wastewater Plant ORC
704/477-5514 704/481-9443
Ron Haynes, Wastewater Backup ORC 828/962-7733
Applicable Permits: NPDES Permit No.NC0025861
Collections System Pennit No. WQCS00164
Collection System: Gravity with seven Sewer Lift Stations
Treatment Process: Activated sludge,Contact Stabilization Process
PERFORMANCE:
The 2013 laboratory reports showed one item with results exceeding permit limits. Effluent TSS
parameters for NPDES permit No.NC0025861 were not in compliance for the week ending Dec 28,
2013. The laboratory reported Total Suspended Solids(TSS)at 53 mg/l. The weekly limit for TSS is 45
mg/l.
Permit Limits
Deficiencies for 2013: NPDES permit No.NC0025861—The City received no notices of violation
during the calendar year.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows:
There were five spills during the year. All of the overflows resulted from rain events. The following list
provides the date and volume of the spills/overflow.
Date Volume(gal) Date Volume(gal)
5-6-2013 29,000 12-23-2013 13,100
7-8-2013 14,500 12-29-2013 22,000
7-27-2013 14,500
Corrective Measures:
The City increased the collections systems maintenance schedule. No capital improvements were
conducted during the year 2013.
NOTIFICATION:
Notification will be given in the next billing that copies of this report are available at Town Hall.
CERTIFICATION:
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I
further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers of the named system and
that the users have been notified of its availability.
Daniel J.Dougherty
Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC Date: 2/21/2014
Cc: Al Greene,City Manager
Thomas Shrewsbury,Public Works Director

Leach, Edward
From: Al Quarles[[e-mail]]
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 8:56 AM
To: Leach, Edward
Subject: RE: 24457/27983 Jerry's Mini-Mart TA-20
Attachments: image001.jpg; image002.jpg; Jerry's 2015-2-11.pdf; 24457-27983 Jerrys ePATA TA-21.xlsx;
24457-27983 Jerrys ePATA TA-21 Backup.pdf
Ed,
See attached for O&M only, without the sampling of the SVE emissions or further evaluation of vapor intrusion. I have
also attached the O&M form from a visit from yesterday indicating the PID readings of the SVE system (14.8 ppm) and
inside the store building(-3-4 ppm in main store area, and "'4-5 ppm in basement). The reported "rotten egg" odor was
in the bathroom area where they have had a lot of moisture damage, and not likely related to the air sparge system.
Sampling of the monitoring wells,water supply well, and SVE emission for TA-20 is scheduled for February 26, 2015, and
report due before 4/1/2015(on schedule).
Call me if you have any recommendations for additional actions for the TA-21. If you have no recommendations, can
you verbally approve so that we will have O&M covered starting in March? Not sure how long the Central office is
taking now, but could be a month or so.
Thanks,
Al Quarles, L.G.
Senior Geologist
$S&ME
ENGINEERING INTEGRITY.
S&ME, Inc.
9751 Southern Pine Boulevard
Charlotte NC 28273
Ph:704-523-4726 Ext. 11657
Fax:[phone]
Mobile:[phone]
aauarles( smeinc.com
www.smeinc.com
This electronic message is subject to the terms of use set forth at WWW.SMeinc.com/emaihr If you received this message in error please advise the sender by
reply and delete this electronic message and any attachments.Please consider the environment before printing this email.
From:Al Quarles
Sent:Tuesday, February 10, 2015 11:59 AM
To: 'Leach, Edward'
Subject: RE: 24457/27983 Jerry's Mini-Mart TA-20
Ed,
Time to send you another TA for O&M, last one verbally approved by you on 12/5/2014.
Since we did not detect any VOCs in the October 6, 2014 emission sample,would you want this to be included again for
the next TA?
1

We have not checked for volatiles in the building with a PID recently, but have not had any comments from the
employees that they have noticed any chemical odors either.The circuit of air sparging that was operating when we had
odors in the building on 9/29/14 has been operating since 1/16/15 from^'4pm to 4am. When the odors were observed,
the circuit was operating continuously. Thus, I am not sure if we need to do anything regarding vapor intrusion at this
time. We will measure PID readings in the building the next site visit.
Thanks,
Al Quarles, L.G.
Senior Geologist
$S&ME
ENGINEERING INTEGRITY.
S&ME, Inc.
9751 Southern Pine Boulevard
Charlotte NC 28273
Ph:704-523-4726 Ext. 11657
Fax:[phone]
Mobile:[phone]
aauarles(Wsmei nc.com
www.smeinc.com
This electronic message is subject to the terms of use set forth at WWW.Smeinc.com/emaihr you received this message in error please advise the sender by
reply and delete this electronic message and any attachments.Please consider the environment before printing this email.
From: Leach, Edward [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent:Tuesday, February 10, 2015 10:13 AM
To:Al Quarles
Subject: RE: 24457/27983 Jerry's Mini-Mart TA-20
Al: Here is TA20. Change order 20-1 was not sent to the central office until Jan 28, so it will probably not be approved
until late March.
Ed
From: Al Quarles [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 8:43 AM
To: Edwards, Jared; Leach, Edward
Subject: 24457/27983 Jerry's Mini-Mart TA-20
Jared and Ed,
I wanted to check on the approval status of the TA-20 submitted on 12/3/2015,verbally approved O&M on 12/5/2014,
but groundwater monitoring not verbally approved. I also submitted a Change Order request for TA-20 that included
additional O&M time and mileage due to the electrical issues we have been having.
Thanks,
Al Quarles, L.G.
Senior Geologist
$S&ME
ENGINEERING INTEGRITY.
S&ME, Inc.
2

51 Southern Pine Boulevard
17 et
Charlotte NC 28273
Ph:704-523-4726 Ext. 11657
Fax:[phone]
Mobile:[phone]
aauarles( tsmeinc.com
www.smeinc.com
This electronic message is subject to the terms of use set forth at WWW.smeinc.comlemail.If you received this message in error please advise the sender by
reply and delete this electronic message and any attachments.Please consider the environment before printing this email.
From:Al Quarles
Sent: Monday,January 26, 2015 10:06 AM
To: Ed Leach
Subject:Jerry's Mini-Mart TA-20 Change Order
Ed,
Since December 5 (TA-20),we have visited the site multiple time (10 days in December and 7 days in January)to meet
with Duke Energy with them on site to install and monitor a meter on the VFD (incoming and outgoing power) in an
attempt to find out what was causing the blown fuses and motor overload conditions. The meter has not indicated any
issues. However,we have spent more than the previously approved O&M onsite time, and I am asking the NCDENR's
approval for additional time.
On January 18, 2015, Duke Energy installed a new larger transformer(double in size) at the site to serve the building and
the remediation system, with the intent on smoothing out any lows or spikes in the incoming power to the system.
System is running,with both sparge circuits(one with AS wells closer to the building operating—4pm to 4am). No
indication of vapors in the building after several days operating in this manner. Electrical meter is still on the system,
just in case.
Any update on the approval for TA-20 for the sampling of the monitoring wells?
Thanks,
Al Quarles, L.G.
Senior Geologist
$S&ME
ENGINEERING INTEGRITY.
S&ME, Inc.
9751 Southern Pine Boulevard
Charlotte NC 28273 , {
Ph:704-523-4726 Ext. 11657
Fax:[phone]
Mobile:[phone]
aquarlesasmeinc.com
www.smeinc.com
This electronic message is subject to the terms of use set forth at WWW.smeinc.com/email.If you received this message in error please advise the sender by
reply and delete this electronic message and any attachments.Please consider the environment before printing this email.
3

February 13, 2015
NC Dept. of Environment&Natural Resources
Division of Waste Management
1637 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1637
Attention: Mr. Edward Leach
Reference: Preapproval Task Authorization Form Request
Quick Shoppe#28, Incident#11733, RRA#H295D
11252 Lawyers Road
Mint Hill, Mecklenburg County,North Carolina
S&ME Project No. 1354-11-132M
Dear Mr. Leach:
S&ME, Inc. submits the enclosed Preapproval Task Authorization Form (PTAF) 11733-
44 for costs associated with the connection of eleven (11)privately owned properties in
the vicinity of the Quick Shoppe#28 site (Incident No. 11733)to the municipal water
system owned and operated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department (CMUD).
The water connection effort is proposed to eliminate supply well receptors and reduce
Risk Classification of the incident from High to Low. The costs associated with this
effort include:
• Water line extension along Warehouse Road;
• Connection of the properties via lateral water lines;
• CMUD water connection and capacity fees; and
• Connection verifications.
Below is a summary of the background information related to the costs associated with
the PTAF submittal.
RH Price, Inc. (RH Price), a utility contractor based out of Charlotte,North Carolina, is
currently engaged in a$2,000,000 contract with CMUD for the FY14 Contract C Water
and Sewer Extensions/Replacement Project. As outlined in the enclosed letter from Ms.
Barbara Gross of CMUD to Mr. David Loftis of S&ME, dated June 12, 2014, RH Price
has already been through a low-bid process consisting of sealed bids in accordance with
CMUD's policy for construction projects.
On January 6, 2015, Mr. James Lyon, P.E. with RH Price, Inc. (RH Price)provided our
David R. Loftis, P.E. with electronic mail correspondence containing firm costs to
SBME,INC./44 Buck Shoals Road.Unit C3/Arden,NC /p 828 687 9080/f 828 687 8003/www.smeinc.com

Active Remediation Monitoring Report S&ME Project No. 1354-11-132M 11
Quick Shoppe#28, Mint Hill February 13,2015
provide and install a 2-inch water line along Warehouse Road. The provided cost was
$22,022.50 and was developed using the unit pricing established within the CMUD
contract and based on the quantity of units obtained from the design that has been
prepared by CMUD. The correspondence from Mr. Lyons,the cost detail,and the
unsigned design for the Warehouse Road water line extension project are attached.
As indicated in a Letter dated July 15, 2013 to Mr. Patrick Laatsch of S&ME from Ms.
Barbara Gross of CMUD,the proposed water main extension would qualify for the C-
MUD 50/50 Street Main Extension Plan. Under this plan,the applicant would pay one
half of the total cost to initiate the extension project, and the other half would be paid by
CMUD. This plan does not include the connection costs and capacity fees for water
connections/meter. Therefore,the water main extension portion of this project would
cost 50% of$22,022.50 or$11,011.25.
Bid request packages were sent to seven local plumbers to obtain costs for the installation
of the lateral water lines from the main water line to each structure. Of the seven
plumbers contacted, four returned connection bids and one "no bid." S&ME used the
lowest bid, from Eric Hefner Plumbing, in the preparation of this PTAF. The returned
bids are attached.
Water tap connection costs are as indicated in the enclosed connection cost spreadsheet.
Costs were obtained from the Water and Sewer Connection and Capacity Costs, effective
July 1,2014 through June 30, 2015 as published by the CMUD.
Sincerely,
S&ME,Inc.
*IQ LoffisF.>�J. Al arles, P.G.
Project Manager Senior Geologist
ARMB/DRLNVAQ/drl(DRL/WAQ)
\\charnc\Active\Projects\2011\ENV\11-132M Semi-Annual Sampling\EPTAF-44\cover letter PTAF-44-
FINAL.doc
Attachments: Letter from Ms. Barbara Gross of CMUD dated June 12, 2014
Firm Costs from RH Price
Water Main Extension Design
Letter from Ms. Barbara Gross of CMUD dated July 15, 2013
CMUD Water& Sewer Connection and Capacity Costs (7/1/14-6/30/15)
Water and Sewer Connection and Capacity Costs Summary Table
PTAF 11733-43
PTAF 11733-43 Backup
2

0NOTIC (--,/
wELt-,‘'‘.
September 24, 2014
/1114
•
Michael L. Parker, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Quality, NCDENR
610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Mooresville, NC 28115
Dear Mr. Parker:
We are in receipt of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection
conducted at the City of Lowell WWTP by Mr. Bell on September 15, 2014, and we have
reviewed the findings contained in the report.
It appears that there are three comments in the report that require a response from us at
this time, and those comments and our responses are as follows:
A. Some grading needs to be performed at the influent pump station to keep
rainwater from running into the front door of the pump station.
Response: Our Public Works Department has completed the necessary
grading work. We plan to install a masonry structure in the near future that will
permanently route storm water away from this area.
B. The effluent flow meter consists of a V-notch metal weir with a flow reading
device. The weir is deteriorating and was only designed to measure 1 mgd. Given
the condition of the weir, and since we routinely exceed 1 mgd during heavy rain
events, it is suggested that we replace the weir with one that can register up to 3 mgd.
Response: The City is preparing to make some relatively extensive capital
maintenance improvements to our WWTP, and those improvements include
replacement of the clarifier drive and extensive maintenance work within the
clarifier, replacement of the existing bar screen and installation of a grit removal
system and metals replacement. As a result of our meeting with Mr. Bell on
September 15th, we immediately contacted our engineer, Chuck Willis of Willis
and Associates, and authorized him to design or develop specifications for the
replacement of the weir to provide for effluent measurement capability of up to
C4y of Lowell
101 W. First Street • Lowell, North Carolina 28098 • Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

3 mgd. This work is a continuation of repairs made this summer that consisted,
in essence, of replacement of all aeration diffusers and miscellaneous repairs
within all basins of the plant with the exception of the clarifier.
Our goal is to have all work completed within FY 2015. The project is currently
under design. Once design is completed and we have bids in hand, we will
apply to the LGC for loan approval for the financing of the project(s).
Hopefully we will be in a position to award bids by January 2015.
C. We use a twenty cubic yard roll-off refuse container for sludge removal. The
state suggests that we install a roof over the dumpster to keep rainwater from getting
in the container.
Response: The City will design a simple structure and obtain pricing. We
will explore the feasibility of including the work in the upcoming project, but if
that isn't possible we will recommend an appropriation in the FY 2015/16
Budget to cover the cost.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide input on these three matters. Please don't
hesitate to let us know if additional information is needed at this time.
Sincerely,
Al Greene
City Manager
cc: Wes Bell
Chuck Willis
Dan Dougherty
Thomas Shrewsbury

arolina Emergency Management - EM43 Reporting Page 1 of 3
North Carolina Emergency Management - EM43 Reporting
' 1 t U.f 0( WrI
a
EM Level: NCEM Edited: Include in Report:
4 Yes Yes
Taken by: Date/Time Reported: Date/Time Occurred:
R Brown 04/20/2014 17:00:20 04/19/2014 20:00:00
Reported by: Agency: Phone:
Dan Dougherty City of Lowell 704-477-5514
County: City: Area: N tto ,
Gaston Lowell 13 1 C (— S
Street Address: Zip Code: U�, Pu',,�©
"'1
98 Saxony Dr
EVENT TYPE
refry
Type: Wastewater Chi'
Animal Disease Event Type: Bomb Threat Event Type: - _/0 (J4 ✓1
410
Complaint Event Type: Fire Event Type:
FNF Event Type: FNF Class:
HazMat Event Type: HazMat Class: HazMat Mode:
Homeland Security Event: Non-FNF Event: Non-FNF Event Type:
Other Event Type: SAR Type:
Transportation Event Type: Wastewater Event Type:
Sewage
Weather Event Type: Weather Event Name: WMD Event Type:
State Resource Request
Event Description:
Local utility reported the release of 28,500 gallons of sewage to the south fork of the Catawba River
due to heavy rain. No drinking water was affected, no fish kill was noted, and cleanup operations
were conducted.
Filename:
Deaths: Injuries: Evacuation: Radius:
0 0 0 0
Responsible Party: Responsible Party Phone:
Point of Contact: Point of Contact Phone:
Latitude: Longitude:
00.000000 -00.000000
RRT Request: RRT Approved: RRT Team RRT Mission
https://www.ncsparta.net/eoc7/boards/board.aspx?tableid=275&viewid=1011&label=EM-... 4/21/2014

NCDENR IIR0 Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33 P. 02
• a'0/4 a /
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality •
•
.;idle E
• WWTP Upset,.Spill, or Bypass 5-Day Reporting Form ,
(Please Print or Type Use Attachments if Needed)
.. .. ..eSoo l6y
Numbe
II•
Permit Number:, NLr?o Z scs6( . . ..
P.erittee: �� 0� �.nw��l
Facility Name: 1.1/'w1 T Q' County: 6 4.4�.6�
Incident•Started: ' Date: Li. i q) ICI Time'. 20 0•0 • . • . .. • . . • •
•
: Incident Ended: . Date: : 9 /U7/t!J. Time: • 020 n
• Level of Tre tment:
None Primary Treatment Secondary.Treatment Chlorination/Disinfection Only . .
. Estimated Volume of Spill/Bypass:- : 2 �.) -S v V (must be given even if it is a rough estimate)
: — Did'the'Spill/Bypass reach the Surface Waters? ' t/res No. . • • • , : '
' If yes,'please list the following: .
:: • Volume Reaching Surface Waters: 2 SOD Surface Water Name: SoV'11. For IC oo r ,/,,L
Did the Spill/Bypass;result in a Fish Kill? Yes 1.0 :. . • . . •.. •
_ .Was WWTP compliant with permit requirernents? ✓ Yes No • • • • .
Were samples taken during event? Yes ✓ o
• 4Source of the Upset/SpillBvoass(Location or Treatment Unit): • .
1V(a,m. 1% Vt S-i-c,�,ay. @ 9 E obhi./. bvive-
Cause or Reason for the Upset/SpillByPass: : : .
g IU> lrce, tLr Uv l CG,pC,Cr 1-y. •
• •• Describe the Repairs Made brActions Taken: :
/1 b h ► ore--Ol.i- bC�VSC1vec r G.v\• pOkev\11- . .
. Spill/Bypass Reporting Form(August•1997) '. '

WCDENR MRO Fax:[phone] Jail 18 2013 14:33 P. 03
. WWP Upset, Spill, or bypass S-Day Reporting Form •
Page 2 •
•
!Action Taken to Contain Spill, Clean Up and Remeddiate the Site fif applicable): •
•
• a\fait.% V p i)evPer Q ( k-Ck1C ) '.t) L . Otot i4A. . SiVeA-titre. )
• '• •' •Action Taken or Proposed to be Taken to Prevent Occurrences`." ' • ' . • '
• . .1-In CYecseCk Col lie 41 on S S s IM ni-eh ril1tk e�
Additional Comments About the Event: .
4Hour.Report Made,To: Division of Water Quality• • Emergency Management.
Contact Name: I lQ f7\l r‘ 11Y•31.J►--, Date: 11`20/1 Cf Time:, :. 17 QV.
Other Agencies Notified (Health Dept, etc): /VP— . .
Person Reporting Event: Ct,,,,�PI 6 O01 1.ZvT7 Phone Number:
. Did DWQ Request an Additional Written Report? • Yes✓klo
Wf Yes,What Additional Information is Needed: • •
• •
2
6 �Ys )( 60 40 see)i.v,,-. X Z kT)seC._ X. 7 S X
71 g 1 3 K 2-0 ?o I e 2
cya!
• Spill/Bypass.Reporting Form(August 1997) • •

Notice of Discharge of Untreated Sewage
The City of Lowell had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our
AA Oh t C p`,,` l4/ A/j f of approximately
2 8)500 gallons. The discharge occurred on billy for approximately hours due
to heGtiti (CO h . Remedies and repairs
included: COI le c-+I Oh Sf F€ W pv‘Ctt fr tQ,v►.ce
This notice is required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C. For
more information contact the City of Lowell at 704-824-3518.
•
PIO wle- 70 e `i
Publication:
rcok 70Y a 7 g'7 5 1
Please run this notice as: t�
/;ress Release 94 S ��.'3�ZeTT E €'<A-0-.94,,2 e copt
Both Public Notice and Press Relea§e
Bill Public Notice Fee to: - <t��
City of Lowell
Accounts Payable
101 W. First St.
Lowell,NC 28098

Notice of Discharge of Untreated Sewage
The City of Lowell had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our
A 01, 1 et p col 1 1AIT P of approximately
2%3 SO()gallons. The discharge occurred on 1/11 qiq for approximately l' hours due
to )e.c.V ct r-cor. . Remedies and repairs
included: tad►Ac kw)ed wotrk 'o ►reoteee COt1eckitt- gysie,m.
t h"Q-1.014) ct,i,.f i h-'—, 1 iveAl Or, , .
This notice is required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C. For
more information contact the City of Lowell at 704-824-3518.
I4 IL ighhek4e._ •_ . • _ .:
Publication: RC)C.-K `It 11 ReArc.101pki)ple_ U Q 509 /209
Please run this notice as: .
Press Release
CSSlih 111%eitri tie kk ' keyelid 4Kline, C'Jll
•
Both Public Notice and Press Release ,
Bill Public Notice Fee to: 4+L. i<etk
City of Lowell I
Accounts Payable
101 W. First St.
Lowell,NC 28098
b Ovv•tel Sr 9 UCI LeArtkl 7b9 V •

ILE/NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P. E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
April 19, 2012
Mr. Ben T. Balckburn, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street
Lowell,NC 28098
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County,North Carolina
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
Enclosed please find a copy of the Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report for the inspection conducted
at the subject facility on March 22, 2012 by Ms. Donna Hood of this Office. Please inform the facility's
Operator-in-Responsible Charge of our findings by forwarding a copy of the enclosed report.
The report should be self-explanatory; however, should you have any questions concerning this report,
please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Hood or me at(704) 663-1699.
Sincerely,
`-utt' Robert B. Krebs
Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor
Enclosure
DH
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet:www.ncwaterqualitv.orq NOne (� n
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer-50%Recycled/10%Post Consumer paper y `� "aro``"a
aturallrl

United States Environmental Protection Agency Form Approved.
EPA Washington.D.C.20460 OMB No.2040-0057
Water Compliance InSpAtion Report Approval expires 8-31-98
C
Section A: National Data System Coding(i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type Inspector Fac Type
1 I.J 2 I I 31
I NC0025861 111 121 12/03/22 117 18!C I 19 t¢1-I 20 Li
J U Remarks
211 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 166
Inspection Work Days Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA ----------Reserved----------
671 3.0 169 70 141 71 I I 72 --�N I 731 1 174 751 1 1 1 1 1 1 180
Section B: Facility Data �
Name and Location of Facility Inspected(For Industrial Users discharging to POTW,also include Entry Time/Date Permit Effective Date
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
01:15 PM 12/03/22 10/07/01
Lowell WWTP
NCSR 2380 Exit Time/Date Permit Expiration Date
• Lowell NC 28098 03:30 PM 12/03/22 15/01/31
Name(s)of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s) Other Facility Data
///
Daniel James Dougherty/ORC/704-477-5514/
Name,Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Ben T Blackbum,101 W First St Lowell NC 28098/City Manager/704-824-3518/7048244700 No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection(Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit II Flow Measurement II Operations&Maintenance II Records/Reports
III Self-Monitoring Program II Sludge Handling Disposal II Facility Site Review II Effluent/Receiving Waters
Laboratory
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s)and Signature(s)of Inspector(s) /: /) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Donna Hiod / / MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2193/
j /7-/ ; 4),z_,______/ Signature
l ' re of Management Q A er Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers a /'�)t a
s.
locco MRO WQ//704-663-1699 Ext.2204/
EPA Form 3560-3(Rev 9-94)Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type 1
3( NC0025861 111 12 12/03/22 117 181 I
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments(Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Page# 2

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 03/22/2012 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Yes No NA NE
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new application? 0 0 • 0
Is the facility as described in the permit? 111000
#Are there any special conditions for the permit? 0 • 0 0
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public? • 0 0 0
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection? • 0 0
0
Comment: The permit is effective from 07/01/2010-01/31/2015.
Operations &Maintenance Yes No NA NE
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping? U 0 0 0
Does the facility analyze process control parameters,for ex: MLSS,MCRT,Settleable Solids, pH,DO,Sludge ■ ❑
00
Judge,and other that are applicable?
Comment: The facility appeared well maintained and operated at the time of the
inspection. An extensive process control regime has been implemented to help ensure
proper operation and maintenance of the WWTP. The regime includes, but is not limited
to: aeration do, pH, settleability; influent pH; digester pH; clarifier sludge judge.
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Are records kept and maintained as required by the permit? • ❑ 0 ❑
Is all required information readily available,complete and current? • ❑ ❑ 0
Are all records maintained for 3 years(lab.reg.required 5 years)? • ❑ ❑ 0
Are analytical results consistent with data reported on DMRs? • 0 ❑ 0
Is the chain-of-custody complete? • ❑ 0
Dates,times and location of sampling •
Name of individual performing the sampling U
Results of analysis and calibration •
Dates of analysis •
Name of person performing analyses •
Transported COCs •
Are DMRs complete:do they include all permit parameters? U 0 0 0
Has the facility submitted its annual compliance report to users and DWQ? • 0 0 0
(If the facility is=or>5 MGD permitted flow)Do they operate 24/7 with a certified operator on each shift? 00 . 0
Is the ORC visitation log available and current? U ❑ 0 0
Is the ORC certified at grade equal to or higher than the facility classification? U ❑ 0 0
Page# 3

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell wwTP
Inspection Date: 03/22/2012 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is the backup operator certified at one grade less or greater than the facility classification? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is a copy of the current NPDES permit available on site? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Facility has copy of previous years Annual Report on file for review? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: DMRs for 01/2011-12/2011 were reviewed for the inspection. No violations
were reported for the review period.
Laboratory Yes No NA NE
Are field parameters performed by certified personnel or laboratory? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are all other parameters(excluding field parameters)performed by a certified lab? ■ ❑ n ❑
#Is the facility using a contract lab? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Incubator(Fecal Coliform)set to 44.5 degrees Celsius+/-0.2 degrees? 0 0 ■ 0
Incubator(BOD)set to 20.0 degrees Celsius+/-1.0 degrees? n ❑ ■ n
Comment: A laboratory inspection was performed concurrently with the NPDES
inspection. Please refer to the report by Mr. Chet Whiting, of this Office, for any
laboratory recommendations.
Influent Sampling Yes No NA NE
#Is composite sampling flow proportional? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sample collected above side streams? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is proper volume collected? ■ n ❑ n
Is the tubing clean? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is sampling performed according to the permit? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment: Influent composite samples are collected flow proportionally at 150 mis per
aliquot sampled. Temperature of the refrigeration unit was 5.3 degrees celcius on the
day of the inspection.
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is composite sampling flow proportional? ■ ❑ n n
Is sample collected below all treatment units? ■ n ❑ n
Is proper volume collected? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the tubing clean? Norm
#Is proper temperature set for sample storage(kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees Celsius)? ■ ❑ n n
Page# 4

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 03/22/2012 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling Yes No NA NE
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit(frequency,sampling type representative)? • ❑
0
Comment: Effluent composite samples are collected flow proportionally at 250 mis per
aliquot sampled. Temperature of the refrigeration unit was 4.4 degrees celcius on the
day of the inspection.
Pump Station -Influent Yes No NA NE
Is the pump wet well free of bypass lines or structures? ■ ❑ 0 ❑
Is the wet well free of excessive grease? 0 0 0 •
Are all pumps present? • ❑ ❑
0
Are all pumps operable? • ❑ 0 0
Are float controls operable? ■ ❑ 0 0
Is SCADA telemetry available and operational? 0 0 •
Is audible and visual alarm available and operational? 0 0 0 •
Comment: A back-up pump is available on site as replacement in the event of a failed
main lift pump.
Bar Screens Yes No NA NE
Type of bar screen
a.Manual 0
b.Mechanical ■
Are the bars adequately screening debris? 0 • 0 0
Is the screen free of excessive debris? • ❑ ❑ 0
Is disposal of screening in compliance? ■ 0 0 ❑
Is the unit in good condition? 011100
Comment: Screenings are disposed of at the landfill by Republic Services, Inc.
Although a repair has been attempted, the bar screens still had trouble adequately
screening debris.
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Mode of operation Ext.Air
Type of aeration system Diffused
Is the basin free of dead spots? ■ 0 0 ❑
Are surface aerators and mixers operational? 0 0 ■
Are the diffusers operational? U 0 ❑
0
Page# 5

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell V\WTP
Inspection Date: 03/22/2012 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Aeration Basins Yes No NA NE
Is the foam the proper color for the treatment process? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Does the foam cover less than 25%of the basin's surface? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the DO level acceptable? ■ 0 0 0
Is the DO level acceptable?(1.0 to 3.0 mg/I) ■ n ❑ n
Comment: During the review of the process control data, extremely low DO values for
the aeration basins were observed during July 2011 and August 2011. Excessive
blower failure logs were observed in August 2011. Although blower repairs have been
made in recent years at the facility, there are problems with the new system that should
be addressed.
Secondary Clarifier Yes No NA NE
Is the clarifier free of black and odorous wastewater? ■ 0 ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive buildup of solids in center well of circular clarifier? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are weirs level? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of weir blockage? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of evidence of short-circuiting? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is scum removal adequate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of excessive floating sludge? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the drive unit operational? • 0 ❑ ❑
Is the return rate acceptable(low turbulence)? . ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the overflow clear of excessive solids/pin floc? ■ n n n
Is the sludge blanket level acceptable?(Approximately' of the sidewall depth) ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Comment:
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
Are cylinders secured adequately? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are cylinders protected from direct sunlight? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there adequate reserve supply of disinfectant? ■ n n n
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable? n n n
Is the contact chamber free of growth,or sludge buildup? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination? n n n U
Does the Stationary Source have more than 2500 lbs of Chlorine(CAS No.7782-50-5)? ❑ Q o n
If yes,then is there a Risk Management Plan on site? n n ❑
Page# 6

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 03/22/2012 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Disinfection-Gas Yes No NA NE
If yes,then what is the EPA twelve digit ID Number?(1000- - )
If yes,then when was the RMP last updated?
Comment:
De-chlorination Yes No NA NE
Type of system? Gas
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount(1 to 1)? • 0 0 0
Is storage appropriate for cylinders? • 0 0 0
#Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers? 0 • 0 0
Are the tablets the proper size and type? 0 0 • 0
Comment: Chlorination and dechlorination facilities are operated in the same room.
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational? n n U n
Number of tubes in use?
Comment:
Standby Power Yes No NA NE
Is automatically activated standby power available? ■ ❑ n n
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source? . 0 n n
Is the generator tested under load? ■ n ❑ n
Was generator tested&operational during the inspection? ■ n n n
Do the generator(s)have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site? 1. 000
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power? ■ n n n
Is the generator fuel level monitored? ■ n n n
Comment: Nixon Power Services services the generator twice a year.
Aerobic Digester Yes No NA NE
Is the capacity adequate? ■ n n n
Is the mixing adequate? ■ ❑ n n
Is the site free of excessive foaming in the tank? • n n n
#Is the odor acceptable? U n 0 n
#Is tankage available for properly waste sludge? U 0 n n
Comment:
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Page# 7

Permit: NC0025861 Owner-Facility: Lowell WWTP
Inspection Date: 03/22/2012 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Drying Beds Yes No NA NE
Is there adequate drying bed space? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the sludge distribution on drying beds appropriate? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Are the drying beds free of vegetation? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the site free of dry sludge remaining in beds? U ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the site free of stockpiled sludge? • ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the filtrate from sludge drying beds returned to the front of the plant? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge disposed of through county landfill? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
#Is the sludge land applied?
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
(Vacuum filters) Is polymer mixing adequate? 0 0 • ❑
Comment: Drying beds were very full at the time of the inspection and not availabe for
any further sludge application. Republic Services, Inc disposes of dewatered sludge.
Flow Measurement-Effluent Yes No NA NE
#Is flow meter used for reporting? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is flow meter calibrated annually? ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Is the flow meter operational? • ❑ ❑ ❑
(If units are separated)Does the chart recorder match the flow meter? 001110
Comment: Effluent flow meter was last calibrated by Ken Nash, Inc on 2/25/2012.
Effluent Pipe Yes No NA NE
Is right of way to the outfall properly maintained? 11111000
Are the receiving water free of foam other than trace amounts and other debris? U ❑ ❑ ❑
If effluent (diffuser pipes are required) are they operating properly? 0 0 ■ 0
Comment:
Page# 8

1,9%
,5 F IT'
£
LIN iy(4
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pat McCrory John E. Skvarla, Ill
Governor Secretary
April 29, 2014
Mr. Al Greene, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street
Lowell, North Carolina 28098
Subject: Notice of Violation— Effluent Limitation
Tracking #: NOV-2014-LV-0203
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Greene:
A review of the December 2013 self-monitoring report for the subject facility revealed a violation of
the following parameter at Outfall 001:
Date Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
Week ending 12/28/13 TSS 53.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L (Weekly average)
Remedial actions, if not already implemented, should be taken to correct the noted any problems.
The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement actions for this and any additional
violations. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance
problems, and you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying •
for a Special Order by Consent (SOC).
If you have questions concerning this matter or to apply for a SOC, please do not hesitate to contact
Ms. Marcia Allocco or myself at [phone].
Sincerely,
Michael L. Parker, Regional Supervisor
Water QualityRegional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDENR
cc: Wastewater Branch
MA
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq
An Equal Opportunity I Affirmative Action Employer—30%Recycled/10%Post Consumer paper

Li
LMAk 4
DENT, WAi E?41JALI is'
POINT SOURCE BRANL .
City of Lowell
"2013"
Performance Annual Report
City of Lowell (Waste Water Collection System)
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Contact Person: Thomas Shrewsbury
Contact Phone# [phone]
Permit # WQCS00164
Note: This report represents waste water collection system performance and
violations. Waste water treatment annual reports are available to users and customers
through a separate notification.
Collect System Description:
The city of Lowell collection system consists of approx. 26miles of total gravity flow
collection line ranging from 8" to 15" inches throughout the system. The breakdown reads
as follows 20.8 miles of 8"line, 0.341 miles of 10", 1.387 miles of 12"line and 3.650 miles
of 15" sanitary sewer/collection line.
The collection system also utilizes eight sanitary sewer lift stations, situated at low points
throughout the community. Sanitary sewers leaving these lift station sites are pumped
through sanitary sewer force mains, ranging from 4" to 6" in diameter. The total distance
of force main throughout the system runs approx, 1.528 miles. The City of Lowell
collection systems, as well as 631 manholes are maintained by City of Lowell Public Works
Employees.
System Performance for "2013"
Throughout 2013 the City of Lowell employees continue to place much of their attention on
I&I related problems throughout the system. Smoke testing areas of attention included the
North Eastern and North Western portions of the community. Some deficiencies were
detected and repaired and efforts will continue throughout 2014. City staff has planned an
aggressive Right of Way maintenance push for the summer of 2014 to include tree
trimming, inspections and repairs. We anticipate this will help to reduce the number of I&I
related sanitary sewer overflows within the collection system.

The Fair Street lift station was eliminated in 2013 and flows from this basin diverted to
Two Rivers Utilities. This helped to increase capacity in three Lift Stations as well as the
basin south of I85 while eliminating the need for major upgrades to the Fair St. lift station.
The emergency generator that was located at the Fair St. lift station has been removed and
stored at the Public Works Department. Plans are for this generator to be installed at another
Lift Station in 2014 and supply back-up power to one of our stations that currently have no
back-up power. City staff continues to participate in any/all discussions with neighboring
communities and developers to determine the most efficient way to preserve citizen services
and prepare for future development. Through a cooperative effort between staff, council
and management, we are pleased to report that violations and system malfunctions were
addressed proactively in an effort to protect our environment.
Date Location Environmental impact Cause
January: No violations
February: 2/6/13 Reid St. Station 1200 Gallons Electrical Failure
March: No violations
April: 4/6/13 Fair St.Station 1600 Gallons Torrential Rains
May: No violations
June: No violations
July: 7/8/13 Fair St. Station 1200 Gallons Torrential Rains
7/24/13 First St.Station 700 Gallons Power Failure
August: 8/29/13 Lynn St. Station 1000 Gallons Pump Failure
September: No violations
October: No violations
November: No violations
December: No violations
The collection system annual report, in its entirety can be found for customer or citizen review at
the following locations:
• City Hall bulletin board
• City of Lowell Library
• City of Lowell Public Works Dept.
Public notification regarding availability of this report will appear in the City of Lowell February
2014 utility bills and April 2014 citizen newsletter.
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
I further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers at the named
system and that those users have been notified of its availability.
Thomas E. Shrewsbury February 25, 2014
City of Lowell
Public Works Director
704-824-1072

Fir
2013 PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
February 21,2014
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Facility/System Name: City of Lowell, 101 West First Street,Lowell,NC 28098
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Person in Charge/Contact: Daniel Dougherty,Wastewater Plant ORC
704/477-5514 704/481-9443
Ron Haynes,Wastewater Backup ORC 828/962-7733
Applicable Permits: NPDES Permit No.NC0025861
Collections System Permit No. WQCS00164
Collection System: Gravity with seven Sewer Lift Stations
Treatment Process: Activated sludge,Contact Stabilization Process
PERFORMANCE:
The 2013 laboratory reports showed one item with results exceeding permit limits. Effluent TSS
parameters for NPDES permit No.NC0025861 were not in compliance for the week ending Dec 28,
2013. The laboratory reported Total Suspended Solids(TSS)at 53 mg/I. The weekly limit for TSS is 45
mg/l.
Permit Limits
Deficiencies for 2013: NPDES permit No.NC0025861 —The City received no notices of violation
during the calendar year.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows:
There were five spills during the year. All of the overflows resulted from rain events. The following list
provides the date and volume of the spills/overflow.
Date Volume(gal) Date Volume(gal)
5-6-2013 29,000 12-23-2013 13,100
7-8-2013 14,500 12-29-2013 22,000
7-27-2013 14,500
Corrective Measures:
The City increased the collections systems maintenance schedule. No capital improvements were
conducted during the year 2013.
NOTIFICATION:
Notification will be given in the next billing that copies of this report are available at Town Hall.
CERTIFICATION:
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I
further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers of the named system and
that the users have been notified of its availability.
Daniel J.Dougherty Date: 2/21/2014
Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC
Cc: AI Greene,City Manager
Thomas Shrewsbury,Public Works Director

TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION REPORT
TIME : 01/10/2013 14:10
NAME : LONG CREEK
FAX : [phone]
TEL : [phone]
DATE,TIME 01/18 14:08
FAX NO./NAME 97048675751
DURATION 00:00:19
PAGE(S) 01
RESULT OK
MODE STANDARD
ECM

Notice of Discharge of Untreated Sewage
The City of Lowell had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our
Auk,' Li p&I Li 1./i ft of approximately
7 Z'7) gallons. The discharge occurred on 1)17/1% for approximately . hours due
to )II
te-c t cj NKA,) k e,Vc.►.,, . Remedies and repairs
included: Co v k,ti Uf J L►)Ox)( 0 k S(I g-L-e ^. 1 AN )O II) cc vac
This notice is required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C. For
more information contact the City of Lowell at 704-824-3518.
010.1e_ 7 0 Li e 6 I 8" I 2—
Publication: G GC,s i-/1 1. G c,'ZL'l e--
Please run this notice as:
1"c,X 70z/ 2(17 S7 51
\Press Release
Both Public Notice and Press Release
Bill Public Notice Fee to:
City of Lowell
Accounts Payable
101 W. First St.
Lowell,NC 28098

Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33 P. 02
North'Carolina Department of Environment and Natural. Resources
Division of Water Quality
,. 3, - :�L?ALiTY
Cr '' FEB 0 H 2013
„ : . . . . ._ >'. '- °.0_�:- <<�•; 1O:vAL OFFICE
• WWTP Upset .Spill. or Bypass 5-DaV Reporting Form
(Please Print or Type Use Attach•ments if Needed)
. ... Permittee: C +cj o ' Lowe ( . . . Permit Number:, /V cDO 25 S A I w Q e s o.OI 6 Y
•acility Name: Lo We�( W W I P County: CjQS1-01�
Incident Started: • Date: 1•I I`?[13 Time: 23 0 0 • ; •• • •
Incident Ended: . Date: l )17 /13 Time: • 2-110 0 •
• Level of Treatment:
• ✓ None Primary Treatment_Secondary Treatment Chlorination/Disinfection Only .
Estimated Volume of Spill/Bypass: • 7 Z7/ (must be given even if it is a rough estimate)
Did•the Spill/Bypass reach the Surface Waters? . Id Yes No • .
• if yes; please list the following:
Volume Reaching Surface Waters: 7 2-7/ Surface Water Name: SoL*L, F 4( a c c +1
• Did the Spill/Bypass••result in a Fish Kill? Yes I/No : • ••• • . •
.• •Was VWVTP compliant with permit requirements? V Yes No - • : • . •
. We're samples taken during event? Yes No
• Sour
ce of the Upset/SpillBvoass(Location or Treatment Unit):
/Y`C.t:h.14-t pth P STc.lTI f1N-. 0 9 i S C.1 oh7 L/. •
• Cause or Reason far the Upset/Spill/Bypass:
L I()(A-A- 1 O • CI - s 4 ,+r (M c vG�.1e ' �,.
pv p ►�,S capAcl }7 •
Describe the Repairs Made or Actions Taken: • .
C (t car ✓scVCeA-, o. S vlecesce v fah'-cr,t)eat ef'CovtS • .
• • `fib C9 h'}r�‘ 1 + 1 . .. MO^ L toreal. • pOtir.t.1)...S .
• Spill/Bypass Reporting Form(August 1997) •

NCDENR MRO Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33
. .WUVTP Upset, Spilt, or Bypass 5-Day Reporting Form .
Page 2 •
•
Action Taken to Contain Spill, Clean Up and Remediate the Site (if applicable):
• Cie)- °C-o r g vr.� S� e��J� Se/0 c .Ye Sro/veS
Action Taken or Proposed to be Taken to Prevent Occurrences ..: ' '
• . . P Yo DS e( AkAA2 K1 aft S cre cA,-,•
— 401-0tr+i/A-N 4 p vim pet,s,10,( fo(ce' wiarn ,
Additional Comments About the Event •
'
(1/0 j /G.c IL `J Y • .S-Qip c V C,,-fit; 1 pe o 1r +1•4 S1'\
• •1;, Re. IhWATC .
24-Hour Made To: _ Division of Water Quality Emergency Management
Contact Name: 'Alec Qe i( Date: )J!g Ji Time :.)
Other Agencies Notified (Health Dept, etc): (.9G,S+D h G zeffc
.• Person Reporting Event: 1 cw,ce I J7 b4J5heiekf Phone Number: 7Uct— V. 7 7- SrS)y
•
Did DWQ Request an Additional Written Report? ✓es No .
if'Yes, What Additional Information is Needed:•
.
• Spill/Bypass Reporting Form (August 1997) •

Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33 P. 02
North'Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality F
•
WWTP Upset ..Spill, or Bypass 5-Day Reportinu Form
(Please Print or Type Use Attachments if Needed)
:.. ....,Permittee: C +1 o L�wel ( . Permit Number. 25� w Q c s o.DII6 Y
Facility Name: Lo t ie t( W w 1 T County: I,G.d01^
Incident Started: Date: 1.I i 113 • Time: 23 0 O
Incident Ended: . Date: : )(?/13 Time: 2%j0 0
Level of Treatment:
✓ None Primary Treatment_Secondary Treatment_Chionnation/Disinfection Only
Estimated Volume of Spill/Bypass: • 727/ (must be given even if it is a rough estimate)
Did the.Spill/Bypass reach the Surface Waters? ✓Yes No
If yes', please'list the following: /
Volume Reaching Surface Waters: 7 2-71 Surface Water Name: g0afL hark o c Cam.++Jock
..Did the Spill/Bypass,result in a Fish Kill? Yes ✓No r. • . .
Was WWTP compliant with permit requirements? ✓Yes No
Were samples taken during event? Yes No
,Source of the Upset/SpillBBAass (Location or Treatment Unit):
Mr^16,14-1- pot.. u 0 c Ohl•
Cause:or•Reason for the Upset/Spill/Bypass: , • . . .. . .
lr-,-(' IOrna tO G i le s 4c1-�rOn, CI Ve .+-e 1-
pV.% 0 ►hS CapAci i-7 '
Describe the Repairs Made or Actions Taken: •
C lccrt bevvs.c e se.,Ary Jgr k)eat e_ oa
Ch (Y l 1 • .. ,4 o' .t'3rea(- . P()v.E)S
Spill/Bypass Reporting Form(August 1997)

NCDENR MRO Fax:[phone] Jan 18 2013 14:33
INWTP Upset, Spill, or Bypass 5-Day Reporting Form .
Page 2 •
Action Taken to Contain Spill, Clean UP and Remediate the Site (if applicable): : •
• •
r✓ e-)(-- °Co r c Yee. ) pat.i3 -1 • .s• c .Ye&(olve-S , J l' he__
Action Taken Cr Proposed to be Taken to Prevent Occurrences
P Yo (J DS e d • A.L) � S crrec
/40U _ oh 4. P t)l44 pct,s1,0,( "eOYce I44 a t n ,
Additional Comments About the Event: •
71/0 itL Y o .S.Q4-!1�i C VC-AU! / p CJ Y +vast\
� G�
4-Hour.Report Made.To: Division of Water Quality Emergency Management
. Contact Name: WPc Q2 I( Date: Time; :.)'N D S
Other Agencies Notified (Health Dept, etc): (.9C S g h &G-ie ?' • •
Person Reporting Event: ir,4,,,,te I JJ 8005I10-ill Phone Number: 70%- y 7 7- S S)y
. Did DWQ Request an Additional Written Report? ✓es _No
if Yes, What.Additional Information is Needed: •
•
• Spill/Bypass.Reporting Form(August 1997) •

WWTP Bypass 24-Hour Notification
WWTP: Name and NPDES Permit#: NCOO 5 3C 1
Incident Number from BIMS "0/30C/3 j
Reported Date )715/ji Time / 05 ifi)
Reported By Oct r\ O ,A1G k Phone 7Y- `'� 71
Reported To SWP Staff or EM Staff (l/i' gd(
Bypass Start Date/Time (i '7/ 3 End Date/Time 1 1 l�-3 l 2=Dd a .i
Level of Treatment. Noe Primary Secondary Disinfection Dechlorinationl
Cause of Bypass
Total Estimated Gallons ' ? 7 I Est. Gal to Stream 7 2 "1 l
Stream 4-4--4-5 f ish Kill: Yes CI Number Species
Comments:

RECEIVED
September 15,2012 DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
OCT 032012
SlN?;>,w;•yION
Mr. Robert B. Krebs, Regional Supervisor MOORESVILLI REGIONAL OFFICE
Surface Water Protection
Division of Water Quality
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301
Mooresville, NC 28115
Subject: NOV-2012-LV-0449, Lowell WWTP, NPDES Permit No. NC0025861,Gaston County
Dear Mr. Krebs:
This letter is in response to the above NOV letter of August 30,2012. The City of Lowell has taken the
short-term actions necessary to bring the wastewater treatment plant operations back into compliance
with the permit limits and has plans for work to improve treatment and reduce the potential for future
excessive discharge pollutants. The additional information in this letter and attachments is provided for
your review of the circumstances of the incident.
Remedial actions were taken as described in the Discharge Monitoring Report to restore the plant to
normal operation. Although the complete recovery from anoxic conditions due to hot weather took
several weeks,we were able to avoid excessive Total Suspended Solids levels in the effluent after the
week in question.
Contact with the vendor and contractor for the aeration system to consult about the problem resulted
in a proposal that includes items that could be considered non-routine maintenance. A copy of the
proposal and the June DMR are attached. We have communicated this information to your staff via
telephone. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 704/477-5514.
Sincerely,
VU
Daniel J. Dougherty,ORC
cc: Ben Blackburn,City Manager
Attachments

VKemp Inc
2217 LYNMORE DRIVE SHERRILLS FORD,NC 28673
828-478-3040 Fax [phone]
www.kempinc.com
Mr.Dan Dougherty
City of Lowell
101 W.Front St.
Lowell,NC 28098
July 20,2012
Re: Lowell Wastewater Treatment Plant
Aeration Diffuser Maintenance and Improvements
Dear Mr. Dougherty:
Kemp Inc. is pleased to furnish this proposal to perform maintenance and improvements to the
Aeration Diffuser System in the Aeration Contact Zone(2-Laterals - 16 diffusers)and ReAeration Zone
(4-Laterals—32 Diffusers). It appears that the Diffuser Membranes have reach their useful life
expecting and require replacement.
Aeration Diffuser Maintenance
Provide labor, equipment,materials and supervision to perform the following scope of work:
➢ Furnish and Install all 96 Diffuser Membranes
➢ Level Diffusers and Adjust Diffusers Supports
➢ Inspect all Purge Piping
➢ Inspect and Clean Clarifier Influent Pipe
Flow Diversion and Basin Draining(approx.230,000 gallons)
➢ Set-up temporary pumps for flow diversion(three-Submersible Pumps and two Centrifugal Pumps)
➢ Install temporary influent Bypass hose
➢ Assist in bypassing,storing and maintaining flows in the plant.
➢ Furnish and Install Effluent Pumping Box
Note:Owner to dewater and clean Digester Zone for storage. Owner to Pump and Haul as needed and supply Vac Truck
if needed.
Due to the short amount of downtime that will be available to perform the maintenance and•make the repairs the Town
will need to supply any available maintenance personnel to assist with Flow Control and Work Tasks as needed
Kemp Field Crews,Project Management,Confine Space Equipment $13,950.00
Materials and Equipment: Purge Pipe,Fasteners,provide Pumps,Light Tower
and Hoses,DI Diffuser Membranes,0-rings,Clamps,Effluent Box $ 6,911.00
Proposal Amount= $20,861.00
The above proposal is limited to the following:
• Two Service Crew for one 10 hour day for setup of pumps and mobilization
• Two Service Crews for 12 hour day,the day of the shutdown day
• One Service Crew for one 8 hour day to remove pumps and demobilize.
(Note:Any additional time required then as shown above will be billed at Kemp Crew Rates)
Please feel free to contact us to discuss this proposal. The above proposals are valid for 90 days.
Sincerely,
Kemp Inc.
.MiPe AtalouoeP&
Project Manager

•
Kemp Inc
2217 LYNMORE DRIVE SHERRILLS FORD,NC 28673
828-4,78-3040 Fax [phone]
www.kernpinc.com
Mr.Dan Dougherty
City of Lowell
101 W.Front St.
Lowell,NC 28098
July 20,2012
Re: Lowell Wastewater Treatment Plant
Aeration Diffuser Maintenance and Improvements
Dear Mr.Dougherty:
Kemp Inc. is pleased to furnish this proposal to perform maintenance and improvements to the
Aeration Diffuser System in the Aeration Contact Zone(2-Laterals - 16 diffusers)and ReAeration Zone
(4-Laterals—32 Diffusers). It appears that the Diffuser Membranes have reach their useful life
expecting and require replacement.
Aeration Diffuser Maintenance
Provide labor, equipment, materials and supervision to perform the following scope of work:
➢ Furnish and Install all 96 Diffuser Membranes
➢ Level Diffusers and Adjust Diffusers Supports
➢ Inspect all Purge Piping
➢ Inspect and Clean Clarifier Influent Pipe
Flow Diversion and Basin Draining(approx.230,000 gallons)
> Set-up temporary pumps for flow diversion(three-Submersible Pumps and two Centrifugal Pumps)
➢ Install temporary influent Bypass hose
➢ Assist in bypassing,storing and maintaining flows in the plant.
➢ Furnish and Install Effluent Pumping Box
Note:Owner to dewater and clean Digester Zone for storage.Owner to Pump and Haul as needed and supply Vac Truck
if needed.
Due to the short amount of downtime that will be available to perform the maintenance and make the repairs the Town
will need to supply any available maintenance personnel to assist with Flow Control and Work Tasks as needed
Kemp Field Crews, Project Management,Confine Space Equipment $13,950.00
Materials and Equipment:Purge Pipe,Fasteners,provide Pumps,Light Tower
and Hoses,DI Diffuser Membranes,0-rings,Clamps,Effluent Box $ 6,911.00
Proposal Amount= $20,861.00
The above proposal is limited to the following:
• Two Service Crew for one 10 hour day for setup of pumps and mobilization
• Two Service Crews for 12 hour day,the day of the shutdown day
• One Service Crew for one 8 hour day to remove pumps and demobilize.
(Note:Any additional time required then as shown above will be billed at Kemp Crew Rates)
Please feel free to contact us to discuss this proposal. The above proposals are valid for 90 days.
Sincerely,
Kemp Inc.
✓Kifle.Matouoel&
Project Manager

prI •
EFFLUENT
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0025861 DISCHARGE NO 001 MONTH June YEAR 2012
FACILITY NAME City of Lowell CLASS III COUNTY Gaston
OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE(ORC) Daniel J. Dougherty GRADE IV Telephone [phone]
CERTIFIED LABORATORIES(1) PAR NC20 (2) K&W NC559 (3) Lowell NC5082
CHECK BOX IF ORC HAS CHANGED PERSONS COLLECTING SAMPLES Dougherty, Haynes, PAR, K&W
Mail ORIGINAL and ONE COPY to:
ATTN:CENTRAL FILESCA7441
DIV.OF WATER QUALITY X 6/20/12
DENR (SIGNATURE OF OPERATOR IN RE PONSIBiLA--.LQdi CHARGE) DATE
1617 Mail Service Center BY THIS SIGNITURE,I CERTIFY THAT THE REPORT IS
RALEIGH,NC 27699-1617 ACCURATE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE
50050 00010 00400 50060 00310 00610 00530 31616 TGP3B 00300 00600 00630 00655
m u i5 FLOW a w w U w z
• w z
° ` % EFF © o o z o k-
r rn
w U F w w w w u. f F- 0 0 T. O
~ < o E rn INF 0 ,, x iu N a O o u x x
z u" O 0 O /- z a
o ,,0 N H 0 w El a w O Q D in U lY Z w z Y J
IlsN 6 V. U >- a. V w 0 0 Q Q O x O < a•`. Ia-
p. E 5 ,J 1._ 12 0 ►- U w F-
O '_ o Q = o Ill U N 0 Z O
~ o O g U Q �" 0
HRS HRS Y/B/N MGU 'I.: UNIIS UG/L MG/L MG/L MG/L # I100Mt l P/1• MG/L MG/L MG/L MG/L MG/L
1 10:30 3.25 Y 0.262 18 13
2 11:30 2.25 Y 0.241
3 11:30 2.25 Y 0.232 22.5 6.8 < 20
4 10:30 3.25 Y 0.236 22.6 6.8 < 20 17 < 1
5 9:30 4.25 Y 0.242 22.3 6.7 < 20 20 33.1 15 < 1
6 6:15 3.50 B 0.280 19 31.6 16 560 0.11
7 6:45 - 2.75 B 0.254 12 27.4 10 < 1
8 12:45 2.00 B 0.280 12 12
9 11:30 2.25 Y 0.237
10 11:30 2.25 Y 0.243 23.2 6.8 < 20
11 11:45 2.50 B 0.266 22.9 6.7 < 20 14 < 1
12 7:30 3.25 B 0.262 22.7 6.7 < 20 17 31.7 34 64
13 12:15 2.00 B 0.273 13 26.2 7 < 1 0.11
14 9:00 3.00 B 0.237 13 28.5 5 < 1
15 10:45 3.00 Y 0.225 10 8
16 11:00 2.75 Y 0.231
17 6:00 3.50 Y 0.182 22.3 6.7 < 20
18 11:45 2.00 Y 0.260 23.5 6.8 < 20 6 < 1
19 11:00 2.75 Y 0.234 24.0 6.8 < 20 18 29.4 67 50S
20 11:00 2.25 B 0.215 19 30.6 ' 174 60 < 0.10
21 0:15 3.25 B 0.233 14 29.3 188 120 (6Ct (04
22 11:15 2.50 Y 0.243 15 9
23 11:15 2.50 Y . 0.193
24 11:15 2.50 Y 0.241 24.3 6.8 < 20
25 11:15 2.50 Y 0.255 24.6 6.7 ' < 20 16 40
26 11:15 2.50 Y 0.234 24.3 6.6 < 20 19 31.5 16 18
27 11:30' 2.00 B 0.239 20 34.0 17 16 < 0.10
28 11:30 2.25 B 0.230 12 28.1 16 < .1
29 11:15 2.50 Y 0.239 14 41
30 11:15 2.50 Y 0.216
31
AVERAGE 0.241 23.3 ' 0 16 30.1 33 8 0.06
MAXIMUM 0.280 24.6 6.8 < 20 20 34.0 188 560 0.11
MINIMUM 0.182 22.3 6.6 < 20 10 26.2 5 < 1 < 0.10
%REMOVAL 96 93
Comp.(C)Grab(G) G G G C C C G C G , C C C
Monthly Limit 0.6000 N/L 6-9 28 30/45 N/L 30/45 200/400 0.74% N/L N/L N/L N/L
DWQ Form MR-I(11/04)

-,4414
Facility Status: (Please check one of the following)
All monitoring data and sampling frequencies meet permit requirements
Compliant
All monitoring data and sampling frequencies do NOT meet permit requirements X
Noncompliant
If the facility is noncompliant, please comment on corrective actions being taken in respect to equipment, operation,
maintenance, etc., and a time table for improvements to be made.
A violation for weekly TSS standards was recorded for the week ending June 22, 2012. During that time period,
extreme hot weather and other factors caused a rapid change in the plant resulting in anoxic conditions. This
adversely affected the plant settling characteristics. The MLSS was 2,480 mg/I with 83.5%volatiles on June 21, 2012.
Operators responded by increasing the disinfection chemical feed rate, feeding polymer, adding supplemental
micro-organisms from Maryland BioChemical, and enzymes. It appears that the plant treatment is improving
over the week ending July 21. The activated sludge is returning to a brown color with improved settling characteristics
and lower chlorine demand. Contact and coordination is proceeding with Environmental Dynamics and
Kemp Inc. to assess and address hot weather failures.
"I certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or
supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate
the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those
persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information is, to the best of my knowledge and belief,
true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information,
including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations."
Ben Blackburn, City Manager
Permit (Ple o ) /
_Al •
Signiture of Permittee** Date
City of Lowell, 101 West First St., Lowell, NC 28098 704/824-3518 1/31/15
Permittee Address Phone Number Permit Exp. Date
PARAMETER CODES

Influent
PPPVNPDES NO: NC0025861 DISCHARGE NO: 001 MONTH: June 2012
FACILITY NAME: City of Lowell COUNTY: Gaston
00400 00010 00545 00310 00610 00300 00530 00340 00410
z
2 N
11.), 3 c
N y
G R N .0 .E 0
N
41 o U.A co
p) ad a o E o inE (I) tm
o i= aF- E 0 it mC
0
STD
HRS UNITS •C MUL MG/L MG/L MG/L MG/L MG/L MG/L
1
2
3
4
5 10:30 24 438 34.0 488
6 10:50 24 549 33.0 684
7 10:50 24 336 32.6 782
8
9
10
11
12 11:35 24 465 26.6 336
13 11:35 24 466 29.2 308
14 11:50 24 265 30.1 374
15
16
17
18
19 13:05 24 431 33.6 314
20 12:50 24 446 32.5 400
21 12:32 24 423 31.8 438
22
23
24
25
26 12:05 24 424 31.8 550
•
27 11:50 24 405 34.6 1016
28 12:10 24 399 30.3 360
29
30
31
AVERAGE 421 31.7 504
MONTHLY MAXIMUM 549 34.6 1016
MONTHLY MINIMUM 265 26.6 308
SAMPLE TYPE C or G G G G C CGCC G
DEM Form MR-2 (11/84)

/W RECEIVED
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
OCT 0 3 2012
NCDENR SWP SECTION
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Re§istritt8tLLE REGIONAL OFFICE
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P.E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
August 30, 2012
CERTIFIED MAIL #7010 0780 0000 5519 1673
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Ben Blackburn, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 1/%:st First Street
Lowell, North Carolina 28098
Subject: Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement
Tracking #: NOV-2012-LV-0449
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
A review of the June 2012 self-monitoring report for the subject facility revealed violations of the
following parameters at Outfall 001:
Date Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
Week ending 6/23/12 TSS 88.8 mg/L 45.0 mg/L (Weekly average)
6/30/12 TSS 33.4 mg/L 30.0 mg/L (Monthly average)
A Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement (NOV/NRE) is being issued
for the noted violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and NPDES Permit No.
NC0025861. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance
with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violations, request technical
assistance, or discuss overall compliance please respond in writing within 10 days of receipt of this
Notice. A review of your response will be considered along with any information provided on the
June 2012 Discharge Monitoring Report. You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may be
assessed regarding these violations. If no response is received in this Office within the 10-day
period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared.
Remedial actions, if not already implemented, should be taken to correct any problems. The Division
of Water Quality may pursue enforcement actions for this and any additional violations. If the
violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and you
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115 One
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 NorthCarolina
Internet:http:llportal.ncdenr.orglweb/wq Naturally
n Cn,��l llnnn.n�nb., a%rmoN,.c Ortinn Cmnlnvor_4flo!PorvrlcANOoz.Pnct Rnnaimar Want

Mr. Ben Blackburn, Lowell WWTP
NOV-2012-LV-0449, Page 2
August 30,2012
anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order
by Consent. You may contact Ms. Marcia Allocco of this Office for additional information.
If you have questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Allocco at (704)
235-2204.
Sincerely,
4 �--
Robert B. Krebs
Surface Water Protection
Regional Supervisor
cc: Point Source Branch
MA

ATA, tu. IL •
• NCDENR C
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P.E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
August 30, 2012
CERTIFIED MAIL #7010 0780 0000 5519 1673
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Ben Blackburn, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street
Lowell, North Carolina 28098
Subject: Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement
Tracking #: NOV-2012-LV-0449
Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
A review of the June 2012 self-monitoring report for the subject facility revealed violations of the
following parameters at Outfall 001:
Date Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
Week ending 6/23/12 TSS 88.8 mg/L 45.0 mg/L (Weekly average)
6/30/12 TSS 33.4 mg/L 30.0 mg/L (Monthly average)
A Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement (NOV/NRE) is being issued
for the noted violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and NPDES Permit No.
NC0025861. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance
with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S. 143-215.1.
If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violations, request technical
assistance, or discuss overall compliance please respond in writing within 10 days of receipt of this
Notice. A review of your response will be considered along with any information provided on the
June 2012 Discharge Monitoring Report. You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may be
assessed regarding these violations. If no response is received in this Office within the 10-day
period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared.
Remedial actions, if not already implemented, should be taken to correct any problems. The Division
of Water Quality may pursue enforcement actions for this and any additional violations. If the
violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and you
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave..Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115 One
Phone:[phone]\Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 NorthCarolina
Internet:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq
NaturallyAn Equal Opportunity\Affirmative Action Employer—30%Recycled/10%Post Consumer paper

Mr. Ben Blackburn, Lowell WWTP
NOV-2012-LV-0449, Page 2
August 30,2012
anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order
by Consent. You may contact Ms. Marcia Allocco of this Office for additional information.
If you have questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Allocco at (704)
235-2204.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Krebs
Surface Water Protection
Regional Supervisor
cc: Point Source Branch
MA

RECEIVED
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY *Hart &Hick a^
APR 2 0 2011 A PgorEEs4Icr.A_
OUR CLIENTS DEMAND A SMARTER SOLUTION
VP;'EL-'I'ION 292.3 South Tryon Street
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE Suite 100 Charlotte,NC
22K203-S449
Via US Mail
704-586-0007 phone
'704-586-0373 fax
April 15, 2011 w w.v.harthiekntw.ectttl
City of Lowell
101 W. First Street
Lowell, NC 28098
Attention: Mr. Ben Blackburn
City Manager
Re: Wastewater Treatability Study Work Plan
Kings Mountain Ventures Property
1206 N. Main Street
Lowell, NC
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
On behalf of Kings Mountain Ventures #1, LLC (KMV), Hart & Hickman, PC (H&H), in
conjunction with Fiss Environmental, LLC, is presenting this Treatability Study Work Plan to
evaluate the discharge of wastewater from the KMV property located at 1602 N. Main Street in
Lowell, North Carolina to the City of Lowell wastewater treatment plant. The KMV property
was formerly used for the manufacture of organic dyes and was shut down in 2004 when
Yorkshire Americas went bankrupt. KMV purchased the property out of bankruptcy in June
2006. There are approximately two million gallons of water present at the facility in four large
wastewater treatment tanks which were left in the tanks when Yorkshire Americas closed the
plant.
KMV would like to discharge the wastewater from the property to the City of Lowell sewer
system. The purpose of the treatability study will be to verify that the proposed wastewater
discharge will not adversely affect the City of Lowell's treatment plant or its discharge.
S:\AAA-Master Projects\International Process Plants(IPP-001)\wastewater study\wastewater study cover letter.doc

Mr. Ben Blackburn
April 15, 2011
Page 2
We have also copied the following persons on this submittal for their review of the work plan:
• Mr. Dan Dougherty- City of Lowell Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
• Ms. Deborah Gore — Pretreatment Supervisor with the Surface Water Protection Section
of the DENR Division of Water Quality
• Mr. John Lesley — Surface Water Protection Section of the DENR Division of Water
Quality Mooresville Regional Office
We are prepared to proceed with the treatability study upon agreement and approval of the
treatability study scope of work. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to
contact me at 704-887-4610 or Mr. Ned Fiss with Fiss Environmental at 704-374-5400.
Very truly yours,
Hart& Hickman, PC
<3C d----
Steve Hart, PG
Principal
cc: Dan Dougherty—City of Lowell, 101 W. First Street, Lowell, NC 28098
Deborah Gore—DENR DWQ Central Office, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,NC
27699-1617
Mr. John Lesley—DENR Division of Water Quality, 610 E. Center Street, Mooresville,
NC 28115
Mr. Ned Fiss—Fiss Environmental
Mr. Bob Stein—Fiss Environmental
Mr. Art Smith—KMV
S:\AAA-Master Projects\International Process Plants(IPP-00I)\wastewater study\wastewater study cover letter.doc *(fart&Hickman
A Professional Corporation

èF1SS
ENVIRONMENTAL
•
April 15, 2011
Mr. Steve Hart
Hart&Hickman, PC
2923 S. Tryon St.
Suite 100
Charlotte,NC 28203
Re: Treatability Study Plan For Wastewater
Kings Mountain Ventures#1, LLC Property
Lowell,NC
Dear Mr. Hart:
Per your request, Fiss Environmental Solutions, Inc. (FISS)has prepared this treatability study
plan to evaluate the discharge of wastewater from former Yorkshire Americas property to the
City of Lowell sanitary sewer system for treatment and disposal. Based on discussions with
representatives of the City of Lowell and the North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (NCDENR), we have prepared this study plan for performance of biological
treatability studies to evaluate the technical feasibility of discharging the site wastewater to the
municipal sanitary sewer system for treatment at the at the City of Lowell Wastewater Treatment
Plant(WWTP).
BACKGROUND
Kings Mountain Ventures#1, LLC (KMV) owns the former Yorkshire Americas (a.k.a.
Crompton&Knowles)property located at 1602 N. Main Street in Lowell,North Carolina. The
facility was formerly used for the manufacture of organic dyes and was shut down in 2004 when
Yorkshire Americas went bankrupt. KMV purchased the property out of bankruptcy in June
2006.
Wastewater at the site was formerly treated in a wastewater treatment plant which was idled in
2004 when the facility was shut down. The wastewater treatment system at the site is no longer
operational. There are presently four tanks which contain wastewater from the former
manufacturing operations along with rainwater which has fallen into the tanks over time. The
volume of the wastewater is estimated to be approximately 2 million gallons (MG). Recent
•
9331 Tillot Dr. FISS Environmental Solutions, Inc. Main:704-374-5400
Matthews, NC 28105 Fax:[phone]

sampling of the water in the tanks indicates that it has a biological oxygen demand(BOD5) of
approximately 55 mg/1.
The KMV property has nearby access to the City of Lowell sanitary sewer system. To treat the
water in the tanks in an environmentally responsible manner, KMV proposes to discharge the
water to the City of Lowell sanitary sewer system at a controlled rate over an extended period of
time so that the increased wastewater load to the City of Lowell municipal wastewater treatment
plant(POTW) due to the water at the KMV property is negligible. To confirm an allowable flow
rate of the KMV wastewater before the discharge is initiated and ensure that the wastewater does
not negatively impact the POTW, a treatability study will be conducted to confirm the
compatibility of the water at the KMV property with the City of Lowell POTW wastewater
treatment process.
Wastewater discharged to the City of Lowell sanitary sewer system is treated in the Lowell
POTW which is permitted by the NC Department of Environment&Natural Resources (NC
DENR)under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES)program. The
Lowell POTW uses a contact stabilization type activated sludge process with a rated capacity of
0.6 MGD to treat the wastewater prior to discharge to the South Fork of the Catawba River. The
NPDES permit(NC0025861)requires compliance with a monthly average BOD of 30 mg/1, a
monthly average TSS of 30 mg/1 and a biomonitoring No Observed Effect Concentration
(NOEC) of 0.74%. The current average wastewater flowrate received by the Lowell POTW is
0.22 MGD and the plant is in compliance with the effluent criteria. The Lowell POTW does not
include primary clarification, but has an activated sludge aeration basin volume of 0.224 MG,
which provides a detention time of approximately 24 hours at the current flow rate.
TEST PROCEDURE
FISS has been retained to perform the treatability study to confirm the compatibility of the
wastewater and the City of Lowell POTW. It is proposed to test the treatability of the water at
the KMV property when discharged to the Lowell POTW at a controlled rate of approximately
5,000 gallons per day(gpd), which is equivalent to a continuous flow rate of approximately 3.5
gpm, 24 hours/day.
FISS will perform the test using two (2) bench-scale activated sludge systems operating in the
sequencing batch reactor(SBR) mode to simulate the operation of the full-scale system. One
2

system will be operated with only the Lowell POTW influent wastewater and the second system
will be operated with a mixture of the Lowell POTW influent wastewater and the water from the
KMV property. It is proposed to operate these systems for seventy-two hours and to monitor the
treatment performance.
To set up the treatability study, KMV personnel will obtain samples of the Lowell POTW mixed
liquor(MLSS) which will be used to seed the treatability units along with a representative
sample of wastewater from the wastewater tanks at the KMV property and the Lowell POTW
influent. The KMV wastewater will be analyzed for BOD5, chemical oxygen demand(COD),
total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia nitrogen(NH3-N),pH, copper(Cu), chromium(Cr),
nickel(Ni), and zinc (Zn). The TSS of the MLSS will also be analyzed. The POTW influent will
be analyzed for pH, BOD5, TSS and NH3-N.
Two (2) 12-liter activated sludge reactors will be utilized for this study. Each reactor will be
filled with 6 liters of MLSS from the Lowell POTW aeration basin. To duplicate the current
detention time and food to microorganism(F/M)ratio of the full-scale Lowell POTW, each of
the units will be fed with 6 liters/day(Uday) of wastewater. This condition will be representative
of the Lowell POTW receiving the current influent wastewater flow. One unit will be fed 6 1/day
of Lowell POTW influent wastewater and will serve as the control reactor. The other unit will be
fed with 205 ml/day of water from the KMV property and 5.795 1/day of Lowell POTW influent
wastewater. This simulates a full-scale feed rate of 7,500 gpd of KMV wastewater(a 50% safety
factor)to the Lowell POTW.
The operating cycle for the systems will be as follows
• 14 hour feed and aerate
• 4 hour feed and anoxic
• 4 hour aerate
• 2 hour settle and decant
The systems will be monitored daily for pH and DO. At the conclusion of the study, the effluent
will be monitored for BOD5, TSS,NH3-N, nitrate nitrogen(NO3-N)and Toxicity. The toxicity
will be measured using a Chronic Ceriodaphnia bioassay test on 10% effluent. The 10% effluent
3

bioassay test is an order of magnitude more stringent than the 0.74% NOEC effluent criteria
contained in the City of Lowell NPDES permit.
These data will be compared to the full-scale data for the POTW and the NPDES permit
limitations for the POTW. Based on the results of this treatability study, a report will be
prepared on the compatibility of the KMV wastewater to the City of Lowell POTW. The report
will be submitted to the City of Lowell and NC DENR for review.
FISS has prepared this study plan for submittal to the City and NCDENR representatives for
their review and acceptance. [f you have any questions on the plan or want to discuss, please
feel free to call me at 704-374-5400.
Sincerely,
FISS Environmental Solutions, Inc
(6,
Edward C. Fiss, Jr., PE
Principal
Cc: Bob Stein
Matt Fiss
4

2012 Plant Maintenance Update
Date: 2/13th012
To: Ben Blackburn, City Manager
From: Daniel Dougherty, WWTP ORC
Subject: Plant maintenance/Upgrade schedule
Aerator Maintenance—Top priority and critical item
Spare clarifier drive
New mechanical bar screen
Replace manual bar screen
New Spectrophotometer
Weir, launder,baffle, scrapes -repairs
New weirbox
New scumbeach
Main lift pump#4 and force main
Straighten clarifier sweep
Roof
New contact baffle
Sandblast and paint structures
Equalization basin
The above list reflects the completion of items during the year 2011.
Cc: Thomas Shrewsbury
am4ve
l�✓b
Daniel J. Dougherty, ORC

RECEIVED
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
FEB 2 1 2011
MOORESV LLE REGIONAL OFFICE
2010 PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
February 5, 2011
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Facility/System Name: City of Lowell, 101 West First Street,Lowell,NC 28098
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Person in Charge/Contact: Daniel Dougherty, Wastewater Plant ORC
704/477-5514 704/481-9443 ("
®
Ron Haynes,Wastewater Backup ORC 828/403-2850 D
Applicable Permits:
NPDES Permit No.
Collections System Permit No. WQCS00164 F t -' < �11
Collection System: Gravity with(8)Sewer Lift Stations
Treatment Process: Activated sludge,Contact Stabilization Process DE ALrrY
POIN BRANCH
PERFORMANCE:
The 2010 laboratory reports showed results exceeding permit limits for total suspended solids(TSS)on
two occasions: All other effluent parameters for NPDES permit No.NC0025861 were in compliance for
calendar year 2010.
Permit Limits
Deficiencies for 2010: NPDES permit No.NC0025861 —Notice of Violation issued for excessive weekly
TSS results the week preceding 3/20/10. A second Notice of Violation issued for excessive TSS results
the week preceding 8/21/10 as well as the month of August average.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows:
Deficiencies for 2010: Collection System#WQCS0016/NPDES permit No.NC00258614—A Sanitary
Sewer Overflow(SSO)of 62,800 gallons was reported for 1/17/10. The release occurred at the Main
Sewer Lift station at 98 Saxony Drive due to influent flow in excess of pumping capacity. Continuing
effort to improve the collection system Inflow and Infiltration(I&I)performance is ongoing.
Additional SSOs of 38,000 gallons for 1/25/10, 14,000 gallons for 2/5/10,43,600 gallons for 3/28/10,and
29,000 gallons for 8/19/10 occurred and were reported. These incidents also occurred at the Main Lift
Station at 98 Saxony Drive and the cause in each case was influent flow in excess of pumping capacity.
As mentioned above efforts are underway to improve I&I performance.
In addition,during this year as in the past, several other steps were taken to prevent overflows and
improve plant performance. These included(1)Repaired valve on the pipeline from digester to the
drying beds to restore transfer of digested sludge without manual pumping,(2)Installed three new check
valves at the main lift pumps,(3)Rebuilt spares for#1 and#2 Main Lift pumps,(4)Installed rebuilt
pump#1 in Main Lift, and(5)Installed new pump#2 in Main Lift.
NOTIFICATION:
Notification will be given in the next billing that copies of this report are available at Town Hall.

CERTIFICATION:
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I
further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers of the named system and
that the users have been notified of its availability.
Daniel J. Dougherty
Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC Date: 2/5/2011
Cc: Ben Blackburn,City Manager
Thomas Shrewsbury,Public Works Director

1Wr
City of Lowell
"2010"
Performance Annual Report
tE©ff "'-'
City of Lowell (Waste Water Collection System) - 7W
Responsible Entity: Cityof Lowell FEB _t 4 ^�
P t3' c,,l l
Contact Person: Thomas Shrewsbury
�______ J
DENR-W,'
Contact Phone# [phone] POINTSC,.. HCH
Permit # WQCS00164
Note: 'This report represents waste water collection system performance
and violations. Waste water treatment annual reports are available to
users and customers through a separate notification.
Collect System Description:
The city of Lowell collection system consists of approx. 26miles of total
gravity flow collection line ranging from 8" to 15" inches throughout the
system. The breakdown reads as follows 20.8 miles of 8"line, 0.341 miles
of 10", 1.387 miles of 12"line and 3.650 miles of 15" sanitary
sewer/collection line.
The collection system also utilizes eight sanitary sewer lift stations, situated
at low points throughout the community. Sanitary sewers leaving these lift
station sites are pumped through sanitary sewer force mains, ranging from
4" to 6" in diameter. The total distance of force main throughout the
system runs approx, 1.528 miles. The City of Lowell collection systems, as
well as 631 manholes are maintained by City of Lowell Public Works
Employees.
System Performance for "2010"
Throughout the fiscal year of 2009 and 2010 the City of Lowell employees
continue to place much of their attention on I&I related problems throughout
the system. Smoke testing areas of attention included the southern and
western portions of the community. This helped to drastically reduce the
number of sanitary sewer overflows within the collection system. Back up
power supplies and preventative maintenance have helped to reduce the
number of issues commonly seen at lift stations. The funding has been
approved for the removal of the Fair St lift station and plans are currently

underway. The City of Lowell as well as several other communities,
continue to look at the feasibility of regionalization with neighboring
communities in an effort to preserve and improve the level of service
currently offered. Through a cooperative effort between staff, council and
management, we are pleased to report that violations and system
malfunctions were addressed proactively in an effort to protect our
environment.
Date Location Environmental impact Cause
January: No violations
February: No violations
March: No violations
April: No violations
May: No violations
June: No violations
July: No violations
August: 8/27/10 Stowe Drive 1500 Gallons Tree Roots
September: No Violations
October: No violations
November: No violations
December: No Violations
The collection system annual report, in its entirety can be found for customer or
citizen review at the following locations:
• City Hall bulletin board
• City of Lowell Library
• City of Lowell Public Works Dept.
Public notification regarding availability of this report will appear in the City of
Lowell March 2011 utility bills and June 2011 City of Lowell news letter.
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of
my knowledge. I further certify that this report has been made available to the users
or customers at the named system and that those users have been notified of its
availability.
Thomas E. Shrewsbury February 8, 2011
City of Lowell
Public Works Director
704-824-1072

Div =?,.�'_R QUALITY
FEE, 2 7 2012
2011 PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT ,
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTPLI `•v,�� -R- EJNAL OFFICE
February 13, 2011
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Facility/System Name: City of Lowell, 101 West First Street,Lowell,NC 28098
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Person in Charge/Contact: Daniel Dougherty,Wastewater Plant ORC
704/477-5514 704/481-9443
Ron Haynes,Wastewater Backup ORC 828/403-2850
Applicable Permits: NPDES Permit No.NC0025861
Collections System Permit No. WQCS00164
Collection System: Gravity with(8) Sewer Lift Stations
Treatment Process: Activated-sludge, Contact Stabilization Process
PERFORMANCE:
The 2011 laboratory reports showed no results exceeding permit limits. All effluent parameters for
NPDES permit No.NC0025861 were in compliance for calendar year 2011.
Permit Limits
Deficiencies for 2011: NPDES permit No.NC0025861 —None. City received no notice of violation
during the calendar year
Sanitary Sewer Overflows:
Deficiencies for 2011: Collection System#WQCS0016/NPDES permit No.NC00258614—A Sanitary
Sewer Overflow(SSO)of 14,541 gallons was reported for 8/5/11. The release occurred at the Main
Sewer Lift station at 98 Saxony Drive due to influent flow in excess of pumping capacity. Continuing
effort to improve the collection system Inflow and Infiltration(I&I)performance is ongoing.
In addition,during this year as in the past, several other steps were taken to prevent overflows and
improve plant performance. These included(1)Rebuild spare#1 and#2 main lift pumps, (2) Rebuild bar
screen clutches and drive gearbox and scrape pedestals to improve performance at the main lift and(3)
Install a new heater and air conditioner in the laboratory to improve instrument performance.
NOTIFICATION:
Notification will be given in the next billing that copies of this report are available at Town Hall.
CERTIFICATION:
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I
further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers of the named system and
that the users have been notifed of its availability.
•
Daniel J. Dougherty
Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC Date: 2/13/2011
Cc: Ben Blackburn,City Manager M (©g g v 2
Thomas Shrewsbury,Public Works Director
rY t,
E.B 17 2012
p: ;., ;TER QUALITY
:i7i i •::Z(E B 'NCH

64,s+, &4,4tkk FAx
1W 701i- &67- s7s1
RECEIVED
Notice of Discharge of Untreated Sewage DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
AUG — 9 2011
The City of Lowell had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our S'WF SECTION
MOOKESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
AA U h I ci p&I Li W j f of approximately
4 511 I gallons. The discharge occurred on Fsis- l( for approximately Z hours due
to L/, 7 1'-cl,Pi v cot t i, 1eSS ' e.►,. Z Inv-s . Remedies and repairs
included: Co T)rVt! t'1ot !( Q,.. Syl4,6,,,,, 11. P)0c.+/ .-%G1
This notice is required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C. For
more information contact the City of Lowell at 704-824-3518.
Publication: Gc,_ci-- 1,-., C c e_• � n e 709 g $ z
Please run this notice as: ��X 7 D al-7 7 I
Press Release
Both Public Notice and Press Release
Bill Public Notice Fee to:
City of Lowell
Accounts Payable
101 W. First St.
Lowell,NC 28098

Q�Pre 7 .9OG
Form WWTP-BYPASS/UPSET
r Treatment Plant(WWTP) Bypass/Upset Reporting Form 5 Day Report
- c PART
This form shall be submitted to the appropriate DWQ Regional Office within five days of the first knowledge of the unanticipated
bypass or upset.
Permit Number: N C 002.5g 6 I (Always use treatment plant permit number)
Facility: f?1 i-i 9 41 L WG it �/ 'P Incident# N/A
Owner: &a wvp Region: (4.-1-Cw6e.._ Qtvetr . t ,t i .
City: CA 41 0 Q- Lowe U l County: &4.5.441^
SPECIFIC location of the treatment units bypassed or where the upset occurred in the facility:
i1/1Cot ,I4'4 e%MIS +t'flOY.. N 9 8 .50o0,%7 bvive_
Was the WVVTP compliant with permit requirements? NI/es 0 No 0 Unknown
Was samples be taken du 'rigpass?: ❑Yes I No Unknowr❑ ,l
Incident Started Dt: � � Time: Incident End Dt: $/s /I Time: 1%3D
(mm-dd-yyyy) hh:mm AM (mm-dd-yyyy) hh:mm AM/6)
Estimated volume of the Bypass/Upset: I gallons
i i‘27-
Weather 3
Describe how the volume was determined: 120 �►►►. !C}�b,CO Se��bw!►. Y. 2�T��.SeG x U�Sl/ '�T�( 7i y ff �C(conditions during bypass/upset even: X S%O pipe_ — t'YI .S Y / 7, 7 /hat( v 1 ' <24,
Did Bypass/Upset reach surface waters?` l lZYYes ❑ No Un ow Volu a reached surface waters(gallons): 1 i &Li t
Surface water name: gOOJT 1, F v-I( 0 T C.W%C.
Did the bypass/upset result in a fish kill? DYes ❑No Ne known If Yes,estimated number of fish killed? A /A.
SPECIFIC cause(s)of the Bypass/Upset:
d l U6t0Z\- 1--.° klex 4►4 cT s+c,il cam, ciY e4 1-L.a,�,.
r V.vv 1"% �4,10 C.`1 1-y•
As a representative for the responsible party, I certify that the information contained in this report is true and accurate to
the best of my knowledge.
Person submitting claim: DCA441.1i cfL -
Signature: 8/4//i
Unevai, t Title 0R.C_
Telephone Number: 7011 — 1/7 7_ 5-Sr/Y
Any additional information desired to be submitted should be sent to the appropriate Division Regional Office within
five days of first knowledge of the Bypass with reference to the incident number(the incident number is only generated
when electronic entry of this form is completed, if used).
WWTP-Bypass/Upset Form May 20,2008 02:40/ PM Page 1
Core((k t �p 01 ,e,.. 1 em c€4,1(7 W4 AM4 j t rv,G,.vt,- 1 2- D 11KS
C)611r

tip.; , .. _ L 2
City of Lowell
"2011„ MOO-
Performance Annual Report C [
City of Lowell (Waste Water Collection System) J MAily
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
DENR-WATER QUALITY
Contact Person: Thomas Shrewsbury POINT SOURCE BRANCH
Contact Phone# [phone]
Permit # WQCS00164
Note: This report represents waste water collection system performance
and violations. Waste water treatment annual reports are available to
users and customers through a separate notification.
Collect System Description:
The city of Lowell collection system consists of approx. 26miles of total
gravity flow collection line ranging from 8" to 15" inches throughout the
system. The breakdown reads as follows 20.8 miles of 8"line, 0.341 miles
of 10", 1.387 miles of 12"line and 3.650 miles of 15" sanitary
sewer/collection line.
The collection system also utilizes eight sanitary sewer lift stations, situated
at low points throughout the community. Sanitary sewers leaving these lift
station sites are pumped through sanitary sewer force mains, ranging from
4" to 6" in diameter. The total distance of force main throughout the
system runs approx, 1.528 miles. The City of Lowell collection systems, as
well as 631 manholes are maintained by City of Lowell Public Works
Employees.
System Performance for "2011"
Throughout the fiscal year of 2010 and 2011 the City of Lowell employees
continue to place much of their attention on I&I related problems throughout
the system. Smoke testing areas of concern included the southern and
western portions of the community. This helped to drastically reduce the
number of sanitary sewer overflows within the collection system. Back up
power supplies and preventative maintenance have helped to reduce the
number of issues commonly seen at lift stations. The economic downturn
has slowed progress on the bypass and removal of the Fair St. Lift Station,

however this remains a priority for the City of Lowell as this project
continues to move forward. Through a cooperative effort between staff,
elected officials and management, we are pleased to report that violations
and system malfunctions were addressed proactively in an effort to protect
our environment.
Date Location Environmental impact Cause
January: No violations
February: No violations
March: No violations
April: 4/11/11 Lynn ST.Lift 775 Gallons Pump failure
May: No violations
June: No violations
July: No violations
August: 8/5/11 Ash St main 500 Gallons Line debris
8/5/11 Fair St lift 3600 Gallons Torrential rains
September: No Violations
October: No violations
November: No violations
December: No violations
The collection system annual report, in its entirety can be found for customer or
citizen review at the following locations:
• City Hall bulletin board
• City of Lowell Library
• City of Lowell Public Works Dept.
Public notification regarding availability of this report will appear in the City of
Lowell March 2011 utility bills and March 2011 citizen news letter.
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of
my knowledge. I further certify that this report has been made available to the users
or customers at the named system and that those users have been notified of its
availability.
Thomas E. Shrewsbury February 15, 2012
City of Lowell
Public Works Director
704-824-1072

2011 PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
February 13, 2011
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Facility/System Name: City of Lowell, 101 West First Street,Lowell,NC 28098
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell
Person in Charge/Contact: Daniel Dougherty,Wastewater Plant ORC
704/477-5514 704/481-9443
Ron Haynes,Wastewater Backup ORC 828/403-2850
Applicable Permits: NPDES Permit No.NC0025861
Collections System Permit No. WQCS00164
Collection System: Gravity with(8) Sewer Lift Stations
Treatment Process: Activated sludge, Contact Stabilization Process
PERFORMANCE:
The 2011 laboratory reports showed no results exceeding permit limits. All effluent parameters for
NPDES permit No.NC0025861 were in compliance for calendar year 2011.
Permit Limits
Deficiencies for 2011: NPDES permit No.NC0025 861 —None. City received no notice of violation
during the calendar year
Sanitary Sewer Overflows:
Deficiencies for 2011: Collection System#WQCS0016/NPDES permit No.NC00258614—A Sanitary
Sewer Overflow(SSO)of 14,541 gallons was reported for 8/5/11. The release occurred at the Main
Sewer Lift station at 98 Saxony Drive due to influent flow in excess of pumping capacity. Continuing
effort to improve the collection system Inflow and Infiltration(I&I)performance is ongoing.
In addition,during this year as in the past, several other steps were taken to prevent overflows and
improve plant performance. These included(1)Rebuild spare#1 and#2 main lift pumps,(2) Rebuild bar
screen clutches and drive gearbox and scrape pedestals to improve performance at the main lift and(3)
Install a new heater and air conditioner in the laboratory to improve instrument performance.
NOTIFICATION:
Notification will be given in the next billing that copies of this report are available at Town Hall.
CERTIFICATION:
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I
further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers of the named system and
that the users have been notified of its availability.
OCiAta
Daniel J.Dougherty
Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC Date: 2/13/2011
Cc: Ben Blackburn,City Manager
Thomas Shrewsbury,Public Works Director

2012 Plant Maintenance Update
Date: 2/13/2012
To: Ben Blackburn, City Manager
From: Daniel Dougherty, WWTP ORC
Subject: Plant maintenance/Upgrade schedule
Aerator Maintenance—Top priority and critical item
Spare clarifier drive
New mechanical bar screen
Replace manual bar screen
New Spectrophotometer
Weir, launder, baffle, scrapes - repairs
New weirbox
New scumbeach
Main lift pump#4 and force main
Straighten clarifier sweep
Roof
New contact baffle
Sandblast and paint structures
Equalization basin
The above list reflects the completion of items during the year 2011.
Cc: Thomas Shrewsbury
04AJ1 QUA
Daniel J. Dougherty, ORC

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
June 18, 2010
Mr. Ben Blackburn,City Manager
City of Lowell
101 First Street
Lowell,North Carolina 28098
Subject: Notice of Violation-Effluent Limitations
Tracking#: NOV-2010-LV-0213
City of Lowell WWTP
NPDES Permit No.NC0025861
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
A review of the March 2010 self-monitoring report for the subject facility revealed a violation of the following
parameter:
Pipe Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
001 TSS 111 mg/I(weekly avg.) 45.0 mg/1(weekly avg.)
Remedial actions, if not already implemented, should be taken to correct any problems. The Division of Water
Quality may pursue enforcement actions for this and any additional violations. If the violations are of a continuing nature,
not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and you anticipate remedial construction activities,then you may
wish to consider applying for a Special Order by Consent. You may contact Mr. John Lesley of this Office for additional
information.
If you have questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Lesley or me at 704/663-1699.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Krebs
Surface Water Protection
Regional Supervisor
cc: Point Source Branch
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115 One
Phone:[phone]\Fax: [phone]\Customer Service: 1-877-623-6748 NorthCarroll/i/na
Internet: ; .;.r;po,tal.nc4 n!.oro'web!wq iA7atura !ji
An Equal Opportunity\Affirmative Action Employer—50%Recycled/10°/Post Consumer paper

14/
2010 PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
February 5,2011
� U
GENERAL INFORMATION: Q o
� J
Facility/System Name: City of Lowell, 101 West First Street,Lowell,NC 28098 Ce 111 w N z
Responsible Entity: City of Lowell > c ;
Person in Charge/Contact: Daniel Dougherty, Wastewater Plant ORC 11.1
W *—+ ;IC
704/477-5514 704/481-9443 a o w w
Ron Haynes, Wastewater Backup ORC 828/403-2850 a Li
-71
Applicable Permits: NPDES Permit 1
ce
Collections System Permit No. WQCS00164 Q o
Collection System: Gravity with(8)Sewer Lift Stations g°
Treatment Process: Activated sludge, Contact Stabilization Process
PERFORMANCE:
The 2010 laboratory reports showed results exceeding permit limits for total suspended solids(TSS)on
two occasions: All other effluent parameters for NPDES permit No.NC0025861 were in compliance for
calendar year 2010.
Permit Limits
Deficiencies for 2010: NPDES permit No.NC0025861 —Notice of Violation issued for excessive weekly
TSS results the week preceding 3/20/10. A second Notice of Violation issued for excessive TSS results
the week preceding 8/21/10 as well as the month of August average.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows:
Deficiencies for 2010: Collection System#WQCS0016/NPDES permit No.NC00258614—A Sanitary
Sewer Overflow(SSO)of 62,800 gallons was reported for 1/17/10. The release occurred at the Main
Sewer Lift station at 98 Saxony Drive due to influent flow in excess of pumping capacity. Continuing
effort to improve the collection system Inflow and Infiltration(I&I)performance is ongoing.
Additional SSOs of 38,000 gallons for 1/25/10, 14,000 gallons for 2/5/10,43,600 gallons for 3/28/10,and
29,000 gallons for 8/19/10 occurred and were reported. These incidents also occurred at the Main Lift
Station at 98 Saxony Drive and the cause in each case was influent flow in excess of pumping capacity.
As mentioned above efforts are underway to improve I&I performance.
In addition,during this year as in the past, several other steps were taken to prevent overflows and
improve plant performance. These included(1)Repaired valve on the pipeline from digester to the
drying beds to restore transfer of digested sludge without manual pumping, (2)Installed three new check
valves at the main lift pumps,(3)Rebuilt spares for#1 and#2 Main Lift pumps,(4)Installed rebuilt
pump#1 in Main Lift, and(5)Installed new pump#2 in Main Lift.
NOTIFICATION:
Notification will be given in the next billing that copies of this report are available at Town Hall.
INft ,TOWIEp
P11
FEB 0 9 2011
DENR WATER QUALITY
POINT SOURCE BRANCH

CERTIFICATION:
I certify under penalty of law that this report is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I
further certify that this report has been made available to the users or customers of the named system and
that the users have been notified of its availability.
L0J/1 Ohf
Daniel J. Dougherty
Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC Date: 2/5/2011
Cc: Ben Blackburn,City Manager
Thomas Shrewsbury,Public Works Director

AlF4:141117A
411111111111111111111,
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
December 14, 2010 RECEIVED
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
BENT BLACKBURN, JR DEC 1 6 2010
CITY OF LOWELL
101 W FIRST ST MOORESViLL/E REGIONAL OFFICE
LOWELL NC 28098
SUBJECT: Payment Acknowledgment
Civil Penalty Assessment
Lowell WWTP
Permit Number: NC0025861
Case Number: LV-2010-0370
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
This letter is to acknowledge receipt of check number 021908 in the amount of $335.06 received from you
dated December 3, 2010. This payment satisfies in full the above civil assessment levied against the subject
facility, and this case has been closed. Payment of this penalty in no way precludes future action by this
Division for additional violations of the applicable Statutes,Regulations, or Permits.
If you have any questions,please call Robert L Sledge at 919-807-6398.
Sincerely,
Jovonah Weeden
cc: Central Files
DWQ Mooresville Regional Office""supervisor
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Location:512 N.Salisbury St.Raleigh,North Carolina 27604 One
Phone:[phone] FAX:[phone]\Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 North Carolina
Internet:www.ncwaterquality.org NaturallyAn Equal Opportunity\Affirmative Action Employer

NCDENR /7/
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
November 8, 2010 •
CERTIFIED MAIL 7009 2250 0004 3266 1432
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Ben Blackburn, City Manager
City of Lowell
101 First Street
Lowell,North Carolina 28098
SUBJECT: Notice of Violation and Assessment of Civil
Penalty for Violations of N.C. General Statute
143-215.1(a)(6) and NPDES Permit No. NC0025861
Lowell WWTP
Gaston County
Case No. LV-2010-0370
Dear Mr. Blackburn:
This letter transmits a Notice of Violation and assessment of civil penalty in the amount of
$335.06 ($250.00 civil penalty + $85.06 enforcement costs) against the City of Lowell.
This assessment is based upon the following facts: A review has been conducted of the self-
monitoring data reported for August 2010. This review has shown the subject facility to be in
violation of the discharge limitations found in NPDES Permit No.NC0025861. The violations are
summarized in Attachment A to this letter.
Based upon the above facts, I conclude as a matter of law that the City of Lowell violated the
terms, conditions, or requirements of NPDES Permit No.NC0025861 and North Carolina General
Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1(a)(6) in the manner and extent shown in Attachment A. A civil penalty may
be assessed in accordance with the maximums established by G.S. 143-215.6A(a)(2).
Based upon the above findings of fact and conclusions of law, and in accordance with authority
provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Director
of the Division of Water Quality, I, Robert B. Krebs, Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor
for the Mooresville Region,hereby make the following civil penalty assessment against the City of
Lowell:
Mooresville Regional Office
Location:610 East Center Ave.,Suite 301 Mooresville,NC 28115 One
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 NorthCarolina
Internet:http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq
.7/7ttlrir//ti

$ 250.00 For 1 of the one (1) violation of G.S. 143-215.1(a)(6) and
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861, by discharging waste into the
waters of the State in violation of the permit weekly average
effluent limit for total suspended solids (TSS).
$ 0.00 For 1 of the one (1) violation of G.S. 143-215.l(a)(6) and
NPDES Permit No. NC0025861, by discharging waste into the
waters of the State in violation of the permit monthly average
effluent limit for TSS.
$ 250.00 TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY
$ 85.06 Enforcement costs.
$ 335.06 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(c), in determining the amount of the penalty I have taken into account the
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and the factors set forth at G.S. 143B-282.1(b), which are:
(1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State,to the public health, or to
private property resulting from the violations;
(2) The duration and gravity of the violations;
(3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality;
(4) The cost of rectifying the damage;
(5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance;
(6) Whether the violations were committed willfully or intentionally;
(7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which
the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and
(8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures.
Within thirty days of receipt of this notice, you must do one of the following:
1. Submit payment of the penalty:
Payment should be made directly to the order of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (do not include waiver form). Payment of the penalty will not foreclose further
enforcement action for any continuing or new violation(s).
Please submit payment to the attention of:
Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit
Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
OR
2. Submit a written request for remission including a detailed justification for such request:

Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed
below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the penalty assessed. Requesting
remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy
of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. Because a
remission request forecloses the option of an administrative hearing, such a request must be
accompanied by a waiver of your right to an administrative hearing and a stipulation that no factual or
legal issues are in dispute. Please prepare a detailed statement that establishes why you believe the
civil penalty should be remitted, and submit it to the Division of Water Quality at the address listed.
below. In determining whether a remission request will be approved, the following factors shall be
considered:
(1) whether one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in G.S. 143B-282.1(b)were
wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner;
(2) whether the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from
the violation;
(3) whether the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident;
(4) whether the violator had been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; or
(5) whether payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary
remedial actions.
Please note that all information presented in support of your request for remission must be
submitted in writing. The Director of the Division of Water Quality will review your evidence and
inform you of his decision in the matter of your remission request. The response will provide details
regarding case status, directions for payment, and provision for further appeal of the penalty to the
Environmental Management Commission's Committee on Civil Penalty Remissions (Committee).
Please be advised that the Committee cannot consider information that was not part of the original
remission request considered by the Director. Therefore, it is very important that you prepare a
complete and thorough statement in support of your request for remission.
In order to request remission,you must complete and submit the enclosed"Waiver of Right to
an Administrative Hearing and Stipulation of Facts"form within thirty(30) days of receipt of this
notice. The Division of Water Quality also requests that you complete and submit the enclosed
"Justification for Remission Request." Both forms should be submitted to the following address:
Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit
Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
OR
3. File a petition for an administrative hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings:
If you wish to contest any statement in the attached assessment document you must file a
petition for an administrative hearing. You may obtain the petition form from the Office of
Administrative Hearings. You must file the petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings
within thirty(30) days of receipt of this notice. A petition is considered filed when it is received in
the Office of Administrative Hearings during normal office hours. The Office of Administrative

Hearings accepts filings Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,
except for official state holidays. The petition may be filed by facsimile (fax) or electronic mail by an
attached file (with restrictions) - provided the signed original, one (1) copy and a filing fee (if a filing
fee is required by NCGS §150B-23.2) is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings within
seven(7) business days following the faxed or electronic transmission. You should contact the
Office of Administrative Hearings with all questions regarding the filing fee and/or the details of the
filing process. The mailing address and telephone and fax numbers for the Office of Administrative
Hearings are as follows:
Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-6714
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
One (1) copy of the petition must also be served on DENR as follows:
Mary Penny Thompson, General Counsel
DENR
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC.27699-1601
Please indicate the case number(as found on page one of this letter) on the petition.
Failure to exercise one of the options above within thirty(30) days of receipt of this notice, as
evidenced by an internal date/time received stamp (not a postmark), will result in this matter being
referred to the Attorney General's Office for collection of the penalty through a civil action.
Please be advised that additional penalties may be assessed for violations that occur after the
review period of this assessment. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation
and/or maintenance problems, and you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish
to consider applying for a Special Order by Consent. If you have any questions about this civil penalty
assessment or a Special Order by Consent,please contact the Water Quality Section staff of the
Mooresville Regional Office at(704) 663-1699.
tL S (1D
(Date) . Robert B. Krebs, Regional Supervisor
Surface Water Protection -Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality
ATTACHMENTS
cc: Mooresville Regional Office Compliance File w/ attachments
Raleigh Compliance/Enforcement File w/attachments
Central Files w/attachments
rk/ma

ATTACHMENT A
CASE NO. LV-2010-0370
Outfall Parameter Reported Value Permit Limit
001 TSS 114.3 mg/L* 45.0 mg/L (Weekly average)
001 TSS 32.1 mg/L 30.0 mg/L (Monthly average)
* Denotes civil penalty assessment

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
COUNTY OF GASTON
IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN
OF CIVIL PENALTY AGAINST ) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND
CITY OF LOWELL ) STIPULATION OF FACTS
PERMIT NO.NC0025861 )
FILE NO. LV-2010-0370
Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $335.06 for violation(s) as set forth in the
assessment document of the Division of Water Quality dated November 8, 2010,the undersigned,
desiring to seek remission of the civil penalties, does hereby waive the right to an administrative
hearing in the above-stated matter and does stipulate that the facts are as alleged in the assessment
document. The undersigned further understands that all evidence presented in support of remission of
this civil penalty must be submitted to the Director of the Division of Water Quality within 30 days of
receipt of the notice of assessment. No new evidence in support of a remission request will be allowed
after 30 days from the receipt of the notice of assessment.
This the day of , 2010
BY
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE

JUSTIFICATION FOR REMISSION REQUEST
DWQ Case Number: LV-2010-0370
Assessed Party: City of Lowell
County: Gaston
Permit Number: NC0025861
Amount Assessed: $335.06
Please use this form when requesting remission of this civil penalty. You must also complete the
"Request For Remission, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts"
form to request remission of this civil penalty. You should attach any documents that you believe
support your request and are necessary for the Director to consider in evaluating your request for
remission. Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors
listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the civil penalty assessed.
Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or
the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143B-282.1(c), remission of a civil penalty may be granted only when one or
more of the following five factors applies. Please check each factor that you believe applies to your
case and provide a detailed explanation, including copies of supporting documents, as to why the
factor applies (attach additional pages as needed).
(a) one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in N.C.G.S. 143B-282.1(b) were
wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner (the assessment factors are listed in the civil
penalty assessment document);
(b) the violator promptly abated continuing. environmental damage resulting from the
violation (i.e., explain the steps that you took to correct the violation and prevent future occurrences);
(c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident (i.e., explain why the violation
was unavoidable or something you could not prevent or prepare for);
(d) the violator had not been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations;
(e) payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial
actions (i.e., explain how payment of the civil penalty will prevent you from performing the activities
necessary to achieve compliance).
EXPLANATION: (use additional pages as necessary)

1
NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
ASSESSMENT FACTORS
Violator: City of Lowell
Facility: Lowell WWTP
County: Gaston
Case Number: LV-2010-0370
Permit Number: NC0025861
1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State,to the public health, or to
private property resulting from the violation;
No harm has been documented to the environment. Wastes containing total suspended solids (TSS)
introduced to surface waters can increase the water temperature, thus reducing the amount of
oxygen in water harming aquatic life. They also reduce the amount of natural sunlight that penetrates
through the water, further decreasing oxygen production and photosynthesis. In addition, high levels
of solids can kill fish by clogging their gills, lowering their resistance to disease, and smothering their
eggs.
2) The duration and gravity of the violation;
The TSS weekly average concentration of 114.3 mg/L for the week ending 8/21/10 exceeded the
permit limit of 45.0 mg/L by 153.9%. This resulted in a monthly average TSS concentration of 32.1
mg/L, which exceeded the permit limit of 30.0 mg/L by 6.9%. The TSS weekly average concentration
was 13.3 mg/L for the weekending 8/28/10.
3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality;
The effect on the receiving stream is unknown as instream monitoring is not required by the permit
4) The cost of rectifying the damage;
No damage has been documented.
5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance;
The permittee noted on the August DMR that the violations occurred during a 4.5" rain event, which
lasted for two hours. The rain resulted in inflow and infiltration (MI) into the collection system and
was carried to the WWTP. The permittee also reported a sanitary sewer overflow at the main lift
station for the treatment plant. The SSO report includes recommendation for I&I improvement.
6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally;
The Division of Water Quality has no evidence that the violations were committed willfully or
intentionally.
7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the
Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and
There have been 20 previous CPAs for the Lowell WWTP during the life of the permit with no CPAs
issued in the past twelve months.

8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures.
The cost to the Mooresville Regional Office was $85.06.
(to
Date Robert B. Krebs
Surface Water Protection
Regional Supervisor
Division of Water Quality

MONITORING REPORT(MR)VIOLATIONS for: Report Date: 11/02/10 Page: 1 of 6
Permit: % MRs Between: 3-2010 and 8-2010 Region:Mooresville Violation Category:Limit Violation Program Category:NPDES VVW
Facility Name: % Param Name:% County:% Subbasin:%o Violation Action: None
Major Minor: %
PERMIT:NC0020052 FACILITY: Town of McAdenville-McAdenville WWTP COUNTY:Gaston REGION: Mooresville
Limit Violation
MONITORING OUTFALL/ VIOLATION UNIT OF CALCULATED
REPORT PPI LOCATION PARAMETER DATE FREQUENCY MEASURE LIMIT VALUE %OVER LIMIT VIOLATION TYPE VIOLATION ACTION
08-2010 001 Effluent BOD,5-Day(20 Deg.C)- 08/21/10 Weekly mg/I 45 50 11.11 Weekly Average Exceeded None
Concentration
08-2010 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 08/21/10 Weekly mg/I 45 110 144.44 Weekly Average Exceeded None
Concentration
08-2010 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 08/28/10 Weekly mg/I 45 64 42.22 Weekly Average Exceeded None
Concentration
08-2010 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 08/31/10 Weekly mg/I 30 49.25 64.17 Monthly Average Exceeded None
Concentration
PERMIT:NC0025861 FACILITY: City of Lowell-Lowell WWTP COUNTY:Gaston REGION: Mooresville
Limit Violation t.^" ^ • c1-_,lG; - ( --)..)r -C—"-'
MONITORING OUTFALL/ VIOLATION UNIT OF CALCULATED
REPORT PPI LOCATION PARAMETER DATE FREQUENCY MEASURE LIMIT VALUE %OVER LIMIT VIOLATION TYPE VIOLATION ACTION
08-2010 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 08/21/10 3 X week mg/I 45'✓ 114.25 153.89 Weekly Average Exceeded None4C-_3.E.
h '�'Concentration �
08-2010 001 Effluent Solids,Total Suspended- 08/31/10 3 X week mg/I 30•/ 32.06 6.86 Monthly Average Exceeded None C
Concentration
.1, \,i_•I • - L.,:' 1 --V1 , N i 6::,l_? ' ' yC . C:c_
1 f.

•
•
•
Collection System.SS® 24-Hour Notification - •-
Collection System: Number and Name 16 4GTS4 • •
Incident Number from BIMS �i k..)�2 (A0. • •-
incident Reviewed (Date): •• • •
•
Incident Action Taken: BPJ• • •• . ' . •
• •
: NOV-2010-DV • • • •
�• •1 Time �� Pm •
Spill Date •
•
•Reported Dale - Tim a tpm •. .
• Reported To SWP Staff or EM Staff• • -
.-....Reported By • • Phone
Address of Spill CI -e> --x�>^- •
•
. County . •
. • • :..• •• City . • . .
Cause of Spills . • • •
•
•
•
Total. Estimated Gallons • • •L•�J • • Est..Gal io Stream 21�v` •
• Stream � • .^i - W• Fish Kill: Yes ( Number _ Species
Non.Required Information:and other comments relating to SSO incident:
• . Response time •• • minutes . Zone Map Quad. • • .

•
Permit# .. Owner and Facility Name Permi(# Owner and Facility Name •
WQCS00253 Bradfield Farms Water Company CS WQCS00171 Greater Badin CS
WQCS00196 Carolina Water Service Cabarrus Woods CS : WQCS00322 Aqua Country Woods East CS
WQCS00233 Carolina Water-Service HembyAcres CS -. • WQCS00222- Town of Boiling Springs CS
WQCS00001 Charlotte-Mecklenburg CS .. WQCS00341 Town of China Grove CS
WQCS00016 City of Albemarle CS • - . WQCS00231 'Town.of Cleveland CS • •
WQCS00046 City of Belmont CS • • • WQCS00058 Town of Cramerton CS
WQCS00107 • City of Bessemer City CS ' WQCS00165 Town of Dallas CS •
WQCS00089 Cily of Cherryville CS- 'WQCS00342 Town of E.-Spencer CS • •
..
WQCS00221 City of Claremont CS WOCS00328 Town of Harrisburg CS
' WQCS00326 City of Concord CS • • WQCS00343 Town of Landis CS .
1NQCS00088 City of Conover CS WQCS00310 Town of Longview CS
WQCS00017 City of Gastonia CS .WQCS00120-
Town of Maiden CS •
•
wQCS00020 City of Hickory CS ' • WOCS00344 Town of Marshville CS
WQCS00327 City of Kannapolis CS WQCS00043 Town of Mooresville CS
• WQCS00036 City of K.i,vs Mountain CS W0CS00125 Town of Mt Pleasant CS.
WQCS00040 City of Lincolnlon CS • • WQCSO0153 Town of Norwood CS
WQCS00164 Cily of Lowell CS ' • • . . • WOCS00190 Town of Oakboro CS • . . • ;
wQCS00026' City of Monroe CS ' • • .• ' . WQCS00325 Town of Stanfield CS .
•WQCS00059 City of Mount Holly CS • • .• . •WQCS00180 Town of Stanley CS .
WOCS00044 .City of Newton CS • • - • ' • -WQCSG0135 Town of Taylorsvil!e CS
WQCS00019 . .City of Salisbury CS • • • . : • WQCS00258- Town of Troutman CS • •
WQCS00037 City of Shelby CS WQCS00345 Town of Wingate CS
WQCS00030 .City of Statesville CS • ' .. • . •WQCS00054 Union County CS .
WQCS00149 East Lincoln CS WQCS00009 WSA Cabarrus Co.CS
• Deemed Permitted
Permit# .Owner and Facility Name • • • ' • Permit# Owner and Facilit�'Name
WOCSD0130 Brooks Food Group-Brooks Food Group • WQCSD0064 Lincoln County CS . •
WQCSD0114 Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools-Misc Laterals •WQCSD0097 Martin Dev Gp-N Point&Poriside CS
• WQCSD0057 City of High Shoals CS•. . . ' . • 'WQCSD0120 Martin Marietta Mallard Creek
WQCSD0117 Duke Energy Marshall Steam Station WQCSD0019 Town of Richfield CS
WQC5D0257 Falislon • • . . . • . WQCSD0024 Town of Grover CS .
WQCSD0116 Goose Creek Utilities Fairfield Plantation WWTP WQCSD0038 Town of McAdenville CS • •
WQCSD0101 Harboriide Dev LLC-Midtown T CS • • ' WOCS00002 Town of Ranto CS . .
.WQCSD0095 Kennerly Dev.Group LLC-BoadwatkVillas CS WOCSD0049 Town of Spencer Mountain CS
WQCSD009B Kennerly Dev.Group LLC-Kings Point CS •
WOCS00252 All spills which do not have a permit
WQCSD0105 Kennerly Dev.Group LLC-Moon Bay Condos CS number assigned -
• WQCSD0107 Kennerly Dev.Group LLC-Schooner Bay CS
WOCSD0099 Kennerly Dev.Group LLC-Spinnaker Point CS
WQCSD025B Kingstown •
wQCSD0112 Lake Norman South Point CS • .
WOCSDO1D4 Lake Norman-Villas S Harbour CS
WQCSG01O2 Lake Norman Vineyard Pi Resort CS

`. TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION REPORT
TIME : 088/19/2010 13:11
DATE,TIME 03/19 13:10
FAX NO./NAME
17043675751
DURATION 00:00:27
PAGE 01
E
RESULT OK
MODE STANDARD
ECM
IVE
DIVISION RE
WAR QUALITY
AUG 2 4 2010
SINP SE,CTIOPI
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
(,,..,./
V-e3 ;-----)
c....., k.
0
pix-1-- I n ,/ �.611,, 6n 572_5(1,0 ity(,J

RECEIVED
DMSION OF WATER QUALITY
Notice of Discharge of Untreated Sewage AUG 24 2010
SWP SECTION
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
The City of Lowell had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our
✓1/l U k I c_i p 6 I L✓v✓I'P of approximately
a2 q ODD gallons. The discharge occurred on 81/q//D for approximately 2 hours due
to Sr+e r S e T- 5 tc r rn W;f h 4. 1 j r c h es 1-a i yI. Remedies and repairs
included: Conf,rueci work + , YeCt..lCe GOfieGfiar, SySIe_hi
n -flaw i ,-‘cJ i n fi I*-raf i 0 e1
This notice is required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C. For
more information contact the City of Lowell at 704-824-3518.
Publication: n 70 Li 6 �7 , Z
70L/ S67 c75-1
Please run this notice as: ��X
VPress Release
�13oth Public Notice and Press Release
Bill Public Notice Fee to:
City of Lowell
Accounts Payable
101 W. First St.
Lowell,NC 28098
NCWle, Ng05 ky `7a (I - -ss / t/

• TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION REPORT
TIME : 08/19/2010 13:13
DATE,TIME 08/19 13:12
FAX NO./NAME 18033294028
DURATION 00:00:27
PAGE(S) 01
MODE STANDARD
ECM

,
Notice of Discharge of Untreated Sewage
The City of Lowell had a discharge of untreated wastewater from our
MOh i eA p c, j W lAi I P of approximately
29 oT oo gallons. The discharge occurred on 8//Vic, for approximately 2 hours due
to In f e v Se T s-i-Or m w f h 4,d i n ch e S rcc i n . Remedies and repairs
included: CA b.-A t 1.-.0ed LVA v-k i-0 Qat°c e CO 6 le c.h a►^ s y stew,
1 IN -tot) CjA Of I hT. I TVc`td h . •
This notice is required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C. For
more information contact the City of Lowell at 704-824-3518.
4 tIr ANnekte._ _ , . ._.
Publication: CZO A- A l l HeArC,lot Pip kn _ 8 0 - 0 -'1/20 5
Please run this notice as: .
• PA x I� £503 _ 3Z9 - K0ZC$
Press Release V
Both Public Notice and Press Release
Bill Public Notice Fee to: 4j4 . 44
City of Lowell
Accounts Payable
101 W. First St.
Lowell,NC 28098
b Gw•tel J, 0ulLe,'riti7b li- trn -SS A
li
,

.. vaA)-4
ot :64 Form CS-SSO
,.�, Collection System Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reporting Form
N.
PART I
This form shall be submitted to the appropriate DWQ Regional Office within five days of the first knowledge of
the sanitary sewer overflow(SSO).
in/QC S6es e1
Permit Number: N C D D 2 Sgao I (WQCS#if active,otherwise use treatment plant NC/WQ#)
Facilit : '—af.Y o L w elt Inc Id
Y o Incident#
Owner: C.-Hy d-f Lo well Region: Cu fOt w b al` River ( Sl.i
City: L o we l'l, NC County: Gel S4-0 r1
Source of SSO(check applicable) : Sanitary Sewer Pump Station
SPECIFIC location of the SSO(be consistent in description from past reports or documentation-i.e. Pump Station 6,
Manhole at Westall&Bragg Street,etc.): M Of/r-� I I f t pi-4 - p v 5 4-0 0' I b r1 CC 9 So►)(Oh y Dr;
Latitude(degrees/minute/second): 35 no / I 0 �� Longitude(degrees/minute/second) 8 I c 0 41 5 5 is
Incident Started Dt: 8- 19- 2b/0 Time. 07:00 AM Incident End Dt: 8- if- 20I0 Time. °9'00 AM
(mm-dd-yyyy) hh:mm AM/PM (mm-dd-yyyy) hh:mm AM/PM
Estimated volume of the SSO: 2 9/ 0 00 gallons Estimated Duration(Round to nearest hour): 2
2
Describe how the volume was determined: /20 rYl ^ X GO Sec/Min X 2 ec X 0,54 4-f x 7.4bl ft3 X SO% 0;P�
Weather conditions during SSO event:IpI Ex+re rh e T- Sfo r M 1 4. / I r+c lh e S e-o i► ) 2 9�ceo gal
Did SSO reach surface waters? wt Yes No El Unknown Volume reaching surface waters(gallons): 2 q 0 CO
Surface water name: Sou+h For k OpF� Cal-ow jy
Did the SSO result in a fish kill? Yes D No tg Unknown If Yes,what is the estimated number of fish killed? N/A
SPECIFIC cause(s)of the SSO: �/
Severe Natural Condition Grease Roots
Inflow and Infiltration El Pump Station Equipment Failure El Power outage
El Vandalism a Debris in line Li Other(Please explain in Part II)
Immediate 24-hour verbal notification reported to: L.0 el SA yde r
DWQ n Emergency Mgmt. Date(mm-dd-yyyy): 8-/9 2of( Time(hh:mm AM/PM): /O,06 All
If an SSO is ongoing, please notify Regional Office on a daily basis until SSO can be stopped.
Per G.S. 143-215.1 C(b),the responsible party of a discharge of 1,000 gallons or more of untreated wastewater to surface
waters shall issue a press release within 48-hours of first knowledge to all print and electronic news media providing general
coverage in the county where the discharge occurred.When 15,000 gallons or more of untreated wastewater enters surface
waters,a public notice shall be published within 10 days and proof of publication shall be provided to the Division within 30 days.
Refer to the referenced statute for further detail.
The Director, Division of Water Quality, may take enforcement action for SSOs that are required to be reported to Division unless it
is demonstrated that:
1)the discharge was caused by severe natural conditions and there were no feasible alternatives to the discharge;or
2)the discharge was exceptional, unintentional,temporary and caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the Permittee
and/or owner,and the discharge could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable control.
Part II must be completed to provide a justification claim for either of the above situations.This information will be the basis
for the determination of any enforcement action.Therefore, it is important to be as complete as possible.
WHETHER OR NOT PART II IS COMPLETED,A SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED AT THE END OF THIS FORM.
CS-SSO Form October 9,2003 Page 1

Form CS-SSO
Collection System Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reporting Form
PART I I
•
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FOR EACH RELATED CAUSE CHECKED IN PART I OF THIS FORM
AND INCLUDE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION AS REQUIRED OR DESIRED
COMPLETE ONLY THOSE SECTIONS PERTAINING TO THE CAUSE OF THE SSO AS CHECKED IN PART I
In the check boxes below, NA= Not Applicable and NE = Not Evaluated
A HARDCOPY OF THIS FORM SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE DWQ REGIONAL OFFICE
UNLESS IT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THE ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM
Severe Natural Condition (hurricane, tornado, etc.)
Describe the"severe natural condition" in detail. 1
rerne =s-1-4) , Vrea1er fl,ah 4, I es lei►-, lb 'COW flour:
How much advance warning did you have and what actions were taken in preparation for the event?
Less 1- kar 24- hours
Comments:
Grease (Documentation such as cleaning, inspections, enforcement
actions, past overflow reports, educational material and distribution date,
etc. should be available upon request.)
When was the last time this specific line(or wet well)was cleaned?
Do you have an enforceable grease ordinance that requires new or retrofit of grease traps/interceptors? ❑Yes❑ No❑NA❑NE
Have there been recent inspections and/or enforcement actions taken on nearby restaurants or other ❑Yes❑ No❑NA❑NE
nonresidential grease contributors? W' JExplain. (J ntk . 11 ekrec b P3ca r I`S
Have there been other SSOs or blockages in this area that were also caused by grease? ❑Yes❑No DNA ONE
When?
If yes, describe them:
Have cleaning and inspections ever been increased at this location? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
Explain.
CS-SSO Form October 9, 2003 Page 2

•
Have educational materials about grease been distributed in the past? ❑Yes❑ No DNA❑NE
When?
and to whom?
Explain?
If the SSO occurred at a pump station,when was the wet well and pumps last checked for grease g/q
accumulation?
Were the floats clean? ,k Yes❑No❑NA❑NE
No 9reace accuw►u I&-/- oh
Comments:
Roots
Do you have an active root control program? 'Yes❑No❑NA❑NE
Describe Ad rtAi rj 5iered by Pik bI ;G Works Depar en+
Have cleaning and inspections ever been increased at this location because of roots? DYes0 No❑NA❑NE
Explain:
What corrective actions have been accomplished at the SSO location(and surrounding system if
associated with the SSO)?
What corrective actions are planned at the SSO location to reduce root intrusion?
Has the line been smoke tested or videoed within the past year? ❑Yes❑No DNA ONE
If Yes,when?
Comments:
Inflow and Infiltration
Are you under an SOC(Special Order by Consent)or do you have a schedule in any permit that DYe gl No DNA ONE
addresses Ill?
CS-SSO Form October 9,2003 Page 3

Explain if Yes: �.
What corrective actions have been taken to reduce or eliminate I &I related overflows at this spill location
within the last year?
Has there been any flow studies to determine I/I problems in the collection system at the SSO location? ❑Yes❑ No❑NA❑NE
If Yes,when was the study completed and what actions did it recommend?
Has the line been smoke tested or videoed within the past year? ❑Yes❑ No❑NA❑NE
If Yes,when and indicate what actions are necessary and the status of such actions:
Are there Ill related projects in your Capital Improvement Plan? ❑Yes❑No DNA ONE
If Yes, explain:
Have there been any grant or loan applications for I/I reduction projects? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
If Yes, explain:
Do you suspect any major sources of inflow or cross connections with storm sewers? IalYes❑ No❑NA ONE
Fire t,v o o CIS
If Yes,explain: S"1"1 G/�S f ra 5 h a ',id O fAer1 .cC r ep)cl I S y) of
CC91,\SI 1N1 /"LI Sainl7-ary sewer
Have all lines contacting surface waters in the SSO location and upstream been inspected recently? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
If Yes, explain:
What other corrective actions are planned to prevent future I/I related SSOs at this location?
Comments:
Pump Station Equipment Failure (Documentation of testing, records etc., L-I i g h Wwe't we ll l eve
shout be provided upon request.) 1-4-i3h bar�.SGreev level
What kind of notification/alarm systems are present? .T'h rd. puP p ON
Auto-dialer/telemetry(one-way communication) 'Yes
N� a of p vie
CS-SSO Form October 9, 2003 Page 4

❑Yes
Audible
Visual Elves
SCADA(two-way communication) ❑Yes
Emergency Contact Signage ❑Yes
Other ❑Yes
Describe the equipment that failed?
N o -fa.i lures
What kind of situations trigger an alarm condition at this station(i.e.pump failure, power failure,high
water,etc.)?
N- 19h we+weln1 high barscreen) 3rct- pct . CAN
Were notification/alarm systems operable? Yes❑No DNA ONE
If no,explain:
If a pump failed,when was the last maintenance and/or inspection performed?
What specifically was checked/maintained?
If a valve failed,when was it last exercised?.
Were all pumps set to alternate? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
Did any pump show above normal run times prior to and during the SSO event? ❑Yes❑No DNA ONE
Were adequate spare parts on hand to fix the equipment(switch,fuse,valve,seal,etc.)? ❑Yes❑ No❑NA❑NE
Was a spare or portable pump immediately available? ❑Yes❑No DNA ONE
If a float problem,when were the floats last tested?How?
If an auto-dialer or SCADA,when was the system last tested?How?
th,ec-lc., ky -1-e(ePhone , 8/t8/to All OK
44.
Comments:
D ecit.(,iprnQhf failtirclS I cite ref -Po by was 9rea+er
-the ii /7uv►tipi11 J (a• �czcify,' / Ib.-�i'to,rcd S+afioh hroc� hoc.y-
CS-SSO Form October 9, 2003 t et C. c� e r"f, Page 5

•
Power outage (Documentation of testing, records, etc., should be
provided of alternative power source upon request.)
What is your alternate power or pumping source?
Did it function properly? ❑YesO No❑NA❑NE
Describe?
When was the alternate power or pumping source last tested under load?
If caused by a weather event, how much advance warning did you have and what actions were taken to
prepare for the event?
Comments:
Vandalism
Provide police report number:
Was the site secured? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
If Yes, how?
Have there been previous problems with vandalism at the SSO location? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
If Yes,explain:
What security measures have been put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future? ❑Yes❑ No DNA ONE
Comments: S e- pgs e �/
•
Debris in line (Rocks, sticks, rags and other items not a wed in the
collection system, etc.)
What type of debris has been found in the line?
How could it have gotten there?
Are manholes in the area secure and intact? ❑Yes❑ NO4ONA❑NE
CS-SSO Form October 9,2003 Page 6

•
When Was the area last checked/cleaned?
Have cleaning and inspections ever been increased at this location due to previous problems with debris? DYesD No DNA ONE
Explain:
Are appropriate educational materials being developed and distributed to prevent future similar ❑Yes0 No ONA ONE
occurrences?
Comments:
Other(Pictures and a police report should be available upon request.)
Describe:
Were adequate equipment and resources available to fix the problem? ❑Yesf No DNA ONE
If Yes,explain:
If the problem could not be immediately repaired,what actions were taken to lessen the impact of the
SSO?
Comments:
For DWQ Use Only:
DWQ Requested an Additional Written Report: ❑YesO No DNA ONE
If Yes,What Additional Information is Needed:
Comments:
CS-SSO Form October 9,2003
Page 7

As a representative for the responsible party, I certify that the information contained in this report is true and accurate
to the best of my knowledge.
Person submitting claim: Date: g12D/io
Signature: Title: 0 C
Telephone Number: 7 0 4 - 4 7 7- 5-5/4
Any additional information desired to be submitted should be sent to the appropriate Division Regional Office within five days of first
knowledge of the SSO with reference to the incident number(the incident number is only generated when electronic entry of this form
is completed,if used).
•
•
CS-SSO Form October 9,2003 Page 8

A. .A)
ipoPt/i
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor Director Dee Freeman
•
Secretary
March 8, 2010
Mr. Ben Blackburn,City Manager
City of Lowell
101 West First Street F-
Lowell,NC 28098
Subject: Effluent Channel Designation
NPDES Permit NC0025861
City of Lowell WWTP
Gaston County
Dear Mr.Blackburn:
Based on a site evaluation of your Lowell WWTP discharge,the Division is designating the initial receiving waterbody as
an effluent channel,which then flows into the South Fork Catawba River. Effluent limits for your permit remain the same,
and are based upon dilution provided by the South Fork Catawba River. This effluent channel designation,as defined in
Rule 15A NCAC 2B.0228,is based on the following criteria:
• The channel is contained entirely on property owned(or otherwise controlled)by the discharger
• The channel shall not contain natural waters except when such waters occur in direct response to rainfall events by
overland runoff
• The channel shall be so constructed or modified as to minimize the migration of fish into said channel.
If you have any questions on this effluent channel designation or general NPDES questions,please contact me at 919-807-
6390.
Sincerely,
' r "[
m Belnick
Supervisor,Western NPDES Program
Cc: NPDES Permit File •
1�MRQ, Surface-WaidPfOtealis
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Location:512 N.Salisbury St.Raleigh:North Carolina 27604 One
Phone:[phone] FAX:[phone] Customer Service:1-877-623-6748 NorthCarolina
Internet vrvnv.ncwateryuality.org Naturally
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