NC0041696_Draft Permit_20201218

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Town of Valdese
Attn: Seth Eckard, Town Manager
P.O. Box 339
Valdese, NC 28690
Dear Seth Eckard:
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
December 18, 2020
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit Renewal
Permit NCO041696
Lake Rhodhiss WWTP
Burke County
Facility Class IV
SIC Code 4952
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the Draft NPDES permit renewal for the Lake Rhodhiss
WWTP (Facility). As requested, the three flow tiers remain in effect (3.5, 7.5, and 10.5 MGD), as
with the last permit cycle. Please review this draft carefully to ensure a thorough understanding of
the requirements and conditions it contains. There are few changes from the existing permit,
including the following:
• Authorization language on page 2 of the permit was rearranged.
• As the vortex grit collector was installed, it has been added to the Facility components list
on page 2. Also, other components were adjusted according to the flow process diagram
provided with the permit application renewal.
• "Monitor and Report" language was included in effluent limit tables. [See permit sections
A. (L), A. (2.), and A. (3.)].
• The effluent limit table for 7.5 MGD was updated to include annual total nitrogen (TN)
and total phosphorous (TP) loads. Since the existing flow is 3.5 MGD and there is no
proposal to increase to 7.5 MGD or 10.5 MGD, the annual load TN and TP limits were
added for the 7.5 MGD flow tier. The annual TN and TP load limit calculated for 10.5
MGD is set for 7.5 MGD until a final nutrient TMDL for the Catawba River Basin is
concluded. [See permit section A. (2.)].
• Language has been added to Footnotes to account for effluent total hardness sampling
requirements. [See permit sections A. (1.), A. (2.), and A. (3.) Footnote 5].
• Language has been added to Footnotes to include information on monitoring coalition
programs. [See permit sections A. (L) Footnote 8, A. (2.) and A. (3.) Footnote 9].
• Special Condition A. (5.) has been modified to include applicable flow tiers and arranged
to include the calculation of TN and TP loads, described in former Condition A. (6)
• Special Condition A. (6.) includes the specific three years in which the Effluent Pollutant
Scan shall be performed (2022, 2023, and 2024).
1 Mass load limits were calculated in 2009 based on the Point Source Action Plan and EPA recommendations, using the
2007-2009 average discharge flows, and nutrient concentrations.
DE Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
_ 512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA
oeaartmem m e��ome��i ar � 919.707.9000

• A notation was made concerning the Electronic Reporting Rule — Phase 2 Extension. EPA
is proposing to extend the Phase 2 deadline from December 21, 2020, to December 21,
2025. Effective January 4, 2021, the current compliance date was extended as a final
regulation change published in the November 2, 2020, Federal Register. [See Special
Condition A. (8.)]
• Regulatory citations have been added to the permit with hyperlinks.
August 3, 2020, Town's letter requested total residual chlorine (TRC) compliance level change to
50 ug/l, complete removal of the upstream (U) and downstream (D) sampling requirements, and
ammonia monitoring frequency reduction from daily to weekly.
No changes are proposed for the TRC limit, 28 ug/l; however, as stated in Footnote 4, the Division
considers all effluent TRC values reported below 50 ug/l to be in compliance with the permit [See
permit sections A. (L), A. (2.), and A. (3.) Footnote 4]. No changes are proposed for U and D
sampling requirements. U and D monitoring data are needed to verify conditions of the stream
before and after the discharge and provide high value for basin planning and the protection of the
watershed. Lastly, as explained in our November 13, 2020, email, based on the Facility's
compliance report, the Facility does not meet the approval criteria for monitoring reduction for
ammonia.
The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) are the same as in your current permit
except that agency and division names have been updated. The latest version is available at
https://files.nc. gov/ncdeg/Surface%20 Water%20Protection/NPDES/permits/
Boilerplate-11-09-2011.2.pdf and can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF file.
Concurrent with this notification, the Division is publishing a notice in a newspaper
having circulation in the general Burke County area, soliciting public comments on this draft
permit. Please provide any written comments you may have to the following: NCDEQ/DWR,
NPDES Permitting Branch, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 no later than 30
days after receipt of this draft permit.
Following the 30-day public comment period, the Division will review all pertinent comments
and take appropriate action prior to issuing a final permit. If you have questions concerning this
draft permit, please contact me at [phone] or by email at diana.yitbarek(ancdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
Diana Yitbarek, Engineer
NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
Hardcopy: NPDES Files
Ecopy: US EPA Region 4
Lake Rhodhiss WWTP /Chris Bortnick
DWR/Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality/Linda Wiggs and Tim Heim
DWR/Aquatic Toxicology Branch/Zach Thomas and Cindy Moore
DWR/Public Water Supply /Kimberly Barnett
DWR/Operator Certification Program /Maureen Kinney
Page 2 of 2

Permit NCO041696
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
DRAFT PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards
and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the
Town of Valdese
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Lake Rhodhiss Wastewater Treatment Plant
2100 Lake Rhodhiss Drive, Valdese
Burke County
to receiving waters designated as the Lake Rhodhiss (Catawba River) in the Catawba River Basin, in
accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set
forth in Parts I, II, III, and IV hereof.
This permit shall become effective: Month DD, 2020.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2025.
Signed this day: Month DD, 2020.
DRAFT
For S. Daniel Smith, Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

Permit NC0041696
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge, are hereby revoked. As of this
permit issuance, any previously issued permit bearing this number is no longer effective. Therefore, the exclusive
authority to operate and discharge from this facility arises under the permit conditions, requirements, terms, and
provisions included herein.
Town of Valdese
is hereby authorized to
1. Continue to operate a 7.5 MGD capacity wastewater treatment facility with an approved
authorization to discharge 3.5 MGD with the following components:
➢ Screening and grit removal structure/vortex grit collector.
➢ Influent pump station
➢ Primary clarifiers
➢ Aeration basins
➢ Secondary clarifiers
➢ Chlorine contact basin
➢ Dechlorination/Sulfur dioxide structure
➢ Gravity sludge thickeners
➢ Centrifuges
➢ Dewatering structure
➢ Residuals composting operation
➢ SCADA system
2. Discharge treated surface water into the Lake Rhodhiss (Catawba River), classified WS-IV, B,
and CA waters, through outfall 001. The location is specified on the attached map.
Upon reaching a calendar year annual average daily flow equal or greater than 2.8 MGD (80% of 3.5
MGD), or upon receiving an Authorization to Construct from the Division of Water Resources to
expand and operate the facility to 7.5 MGD, the Permittee is required to submit a written notification
to NC DEQ confirming that compliance with the 7.5 MGD limitation page is now in effect. Provided
that the facility can comply with the issued permit limits.
Upon receiving an Authorization to Construct from the Division of Water Resources to expand and
operate the facility to 10.5 MGD, the Permittee is required to submit a written notification to NC DEQ
confirming compliance with the 10.5 MGD limitation page.
Page 2 of 45

Permit NCO041696
A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (3.5 MGD) -
OUTFALL 001 [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] Grade IV Biological Water Pollution
Control System [15A NCAC 08G .0302]
a) Beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until this facility reaches an annual
average daily flow equal to or greater than 2.8 MGD (80% of 3.5 MGD) or expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 001, treated municipal and pretreated
industrial wastewater. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as
specified below:
EFFLUENT
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Measurement
Sample
Sample
PARAMETER
Average
Average
Maximum
Frequency
Type
Location
Flow
50050
3.5 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
BODS 200C 3
C0310
30.0 m /L
45.0 m /L
Daily
Composite
I and E
Total Suspended
Solids3
C0530
30.0 m g/L
m L
45.0 g/
Daily
Composite
p
I and E
Ammonia (NH3 as N)
C0610
Monitor and Report
Daily
Composite
E
Dissolved Oxygen,
00300
Daily Average > 5 mg/L
Daily
Grab
E
m /L
Temperature, °C
00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Conductivity,
µmho/cm
00094
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Fecal Coliform
Geometric Mean)
31616
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
Daily
Grab
E
pH
00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units
Daily
Grab
E
Total Residual 4
Chlorine TRC /L
50060
28 pg/L
Daily
Grab
E
Total Hardness 5 [as
00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
CaCO3 m L
Total Hardness 5 [as
00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Grab
U
CaCO3 m /L
Total Nitrogen 6 (TN),
mg/L
C0600
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
(NO2+NO3+TKN)
Total Phosphorus
(TP), mg/L
C0665
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
Dissolved Oxygen,
00300
Monitor and Report
Variable',A
Grab
U and D
mg/L
Temperature, °C
00010
Monitor and Report
Variable'•$
Grab
U and D
Conductivity,
00094
Monitor and Report
Variable',A
Grab
U and D
µmho/cm
Effluent Pollutant
Scan
NC01
Monitor and Report
Footnote 9
Footnote 9
E
Chronic Toxicity10
TGP3B
See Footnote 10
Quarterly
Composite
E
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application
system. See Special Condition A. (8).
2. Sample Location: E - Effluent, I - Influent, U - Upstream at least 100 feet from the outfall, D - Downstream,'
mile from the outfall, at North Carolina State Road (NCSR)1001.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the
respective influent value (85 % removal).
Page 3 of 45

Permit NCO041696
4. The Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance
with the permit. However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North
Carolina certified laboratory (including field certified), even if these values fall below 50 ug/l.
5. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness -dependent metals
(cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the
facility's discharge. The sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream.
6. For a given wastewater sample, total nitrogen (TN) = TKN + NOs-N + NOz-N, where TKN is total kjeldahl
nitrogen, and NOs-N and NOz-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, respectively.
7. Variable monitoring frequency is defined as follows: samples collected three times per week during June 1
through September 30 and once per week October 1 through May 31.
8. If the Permittee is a member of a monitoring coalition program, sampling may be waived as long as the
monitoring coalition agrees to sample at a minimum frequency of quarterly, and the Permittee has obtained
approval from DWR-NPDES Permitting Unit that the location being monitored by the Coalition and the sampling
is representative of the receiving stream for this discharge. The Permittee is responsible for submitting test results
with its permit renewal application package. If Coalition membership is canceled or the Coalition terminates
sampling at the approved station, the Permittee will immediately notify the Division and resume sampling for
upstream of its discharge.
9. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition
A. (6).
10. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F Q 2.4%, January, April, July, October. See Special Condition A. (4).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 4 of 15

Permit NCO041696
A. (2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (7.5 MGD) [15A
NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A
NCAC 08G .0302]
a) Beginning when this facility reaches an annual average daily flow equal to or greater than 2.8
MGD and lasting until expiration or expansion to 10.5 MGD, the Permittee is authorized to
discharge from outfall 001, treated municipal and pretreated industrial wastewater. Such
discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Measurement
Sample
Sample
PARAMETER
Type
Location
Average
Average
Maximum
Frequency
Flow
50050
7.5 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
Total Monthly Flow
82220
Monitor and Report
Continuous
Calculated
I or E
BODS 20°C 3
C0310
30.0 m /L
45.0 m /L
Daily
Composite
I and E
Total Suspended
Solids3
C0530
30.0 m /L
g
45.0 m /L
g
Dail y
Composite
p
I and E
Ammonia (NH3 as N)
C0610
16.0 mg/L
35.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
E
Dissolved Oxygen,
00300
Daily Average > 5 mg/L
Daily
Grab
E
m /L
Temperature, °C
00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Conductivity,
00094
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
µmho/cm
Fecal Coliform
31616
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
Daily
Grab
E
(Geometric Mean)
pH
00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units
Daily
Grab
E
Total Residual Chlorine TRC 4/L
50060
28 pg/L
Daily
Grab
E
Total Hardness 5 [as
00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
CaCO3 m /L
Total Hardness 5 [as
00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Grab
U
CaCO3 , m /L
Total Nitrogen 6 (TN),
mg/L
C0600
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
(NO2+NO3+TKN)
Total Phosphorus
(TP), mg/L
C0665
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
TN Load'
146,659 lb/year
Annual
Calculated
E
TP Load'
33,200 lb/year
Annual
Calculated
E
Dissolved Oxygen,
00300
Monitor and Report
Variable 1,9
Grab
U and D
mg/L
Temperature, °C
00010
Monitor and Report
Variable 1,9
Grab
U and D
Conductivity,
00094
Monitor and Report
Variable 1,9
Grab
U and D
µmho/cm
Effluent Pollutant
Scan
NC01
Monitor and Report
Footnote 10
Footnote
10
Eo
Chronic Toxici 11
TGP3B
See Footnote 11
QuarterlyCom
osite
I E
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application
system. See Special Condition A. (8).
Page 5 of 15

Permit NCO041696
2. Sample Location: E - Effluent, I - Influent, U - Upstream at least 100 feet from the outfall, D - Downstream,1
mile from the outfall, at North Carolina State Road (NCSR)1001.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15 % of the
respective influent value (85 % removal).
4. The Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance
with the permit. However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North
Carolina certified laboratory (including field certified), even if these values fall below 50 ug/l.
5. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness -dependent metals
(cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the
facility's discharge. The sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream.
6. For a given wastewater sample, total nitrogen (TN) = TKN + NO3-N + NO2-N, where TKN is total kjeldahl
nitrogen, and NO3-N and NO2-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, respectively.
7. TN and TP load is the mass of total nitrogen and total phosphorous discharged in a given period of time. See
special condition A. (5).
8. Variable monitoring frequency is defined as follows: samples collected three times per week during June 1
through September 30 and once per week October 1 through May 31.
9. If the Permittee is a member of a monitoring coalition program, sampling may be waived as long as the
monitoring coalition agrees to sample at a minimum frequency of quarterly, and the Permittee has obtained
approval from DWR-NPDES Permitting Unit that the location being monitored by the Coalition and the sampling
is representative of the receiving stream for this discharge. The Permittee is responsible for submitting test results
with its permit renewal application package. If Coalition membership is canceled or the Coalition terminates
sampling at the approved station, the Permittee will immediately notify the Division and resume sampling for
upstream of its discharge.
10. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition
A. (6).
11. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F @ 4.9%, January, April, July, October. See Special Condition A.(4).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 6 of 45

Permit NCO041696
A. (3.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (10.5 MGD) [15A
NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A
NCAC 08G .0302]
a) Beginning upon expansion to 10.5 MGD and lasting until expiration. The Permittee is
authorized to discharge from outfall 001 treated municipal and pretreated industrial
wastewater. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified
below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Measurement
Sample
Sample
PARAMETER
Average
Average
Maximum
Frequency
Type
Location
Flow
50050
10.5 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
Total Monthly Flow
82220
Monitor and Report
Continuous
Calculated
I or E
BODE 20°C 3
C0310
15.0 m /L
22.5 m /L
Daily
Composite
I and E
Total Suspended
Solids
C0530
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
I and E
Ammonia (NH3 as N)
C0610
4.0 mg/L
12.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
E
Dissolved Oxygen,
00300
Daily Average > 5 mg/L
Daily
Grab
E
m /L
Temperature, °C
00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Conductivity,
00094
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
µmho/cm
Fecal Coliform
(Geometric Mean)
31616
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
Daily
Grab
E
pH
00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units
Daily
Grab
E
Total Residual
Chlorine (TRC) 4,
50060
28 pg/L
Daily
Grab
E
/L
Total Hardness 5 [as
00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
CaCO3 m /L
Total Hardness 5 [as
00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Grab
U
CaCO3 m /L
total kjeldahl
00625
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
nitrogen TKN
NO2 + NO3
00630
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
Total Nitrogen 6
(TN), mg/L
C0600
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
(NO2+NO3+TKN)
Total Phosphorus
(TP), mg/L
C0665
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
TN Load
146,659 lb/year
Annual
Calculated
E
TP Load'
33,200 lb/year
Annual
Calculated
E
Dissolved Oxygen,
00300
Monitor and Report
Variable 8,9
Grab
U and D
mg/L
Temperature, °C
00010
Monitor and Report
Variable 1,9
Grab
U and D
Conductivity,
µmho/cm
00094
Monitor and Report
Variable 1,9
Grab
U and D
Effluent Pollutant
Scan10
NC01
Monitor and Report
Footnote 10
Footnote 10
E
Chronic Toxici 11
I TGP38
I See Footnote 11
1 QuarterlyComposite
I E
Page 7 of 15

Permit NCO041696
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application
system. See Special Condition A. (8).
2. Sample Location: E - Effluent, I - Influent, U - Upstream at least 100 feet from the outfall, D - Downstream,1
mile from the outfall, at North Carolina State Road (NCSR)1001.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the
respective influent value (85 % removal).
4. The Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance
with the permit. However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North
Carolina certified laboratory (including field certified), even if these values fall below 50 ug/l.
5. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness -dependent metals
(cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the
facility's discharge. The sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream.
6. For a given wastewater sample, total nitrogen (TN) = TKN + NO3-N + NO2-N, where TKN is total kjeldahl
nitrogen, and NOs-N and NO2-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, respectively.
7. TN and TP load is the mass of total nitrogen and total phosphorous discharged in a given period of time. See
special condition A. (5).
8. Variable monitoring frequency is defined as follows: samples collected three times per week during June 1
through September 30 and once per week October 1 through May 31.
9. If the Permittee is a member of a monitoring coalition program, sampling may be waived as long as the
monitoring coalition agrees to sample at a minimum frequency of quarterly, and the Permittee has obtained
approval from DWR-NPDES Permitting Unit that the location being monitored by the Coalition and the sampling
is representative of the receiving stream for this discharge. The Permittee is responsible for submitting test results
with its permit renewal application package. If Coalition membership is canceled or the Coalition terminates
sampling at the approved station, the Permittee will immediately notify the Division and resume sampling for
upstream of its discharge.
10. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition
A. (6).
11. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F Q 6.7%, January, April, July, October. See Special Condition A.(4).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 8 of 45

Permit NCO041696
A. (4.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY) [15A NCAC 02B.0200 et seq.]
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant
mortality to Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 2.4% at 3.5 MGD; 4.9% at 7.5 MGD;
and 6.7% at 10.5 MGD.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, uag rterlmonitoring using test procedures outlined in
the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure," Revised December 2010, or
subsequent versions or "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure"
(Revised -December 2010) or subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of
January, April, July, October. Effluent sampling for this testing shall be performed at the NPDES
permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment processes.
If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter results in a failure or ChV
below the permit limit, then multiple -concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum, in
each of the two following months as described in "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole
Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -December 2010 or subsequent versions).
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered electronically using
the Divisions eDMR system for the months in which tests were performed, using the parameter code
TGP3B for the pass/fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value. Additionally, DWR Form AT-3
(original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1623 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1623
Or, results can be sent to the email, [e-mail].
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Water Sciences Section no later than 30
days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
Test data shall be complete, accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical measurements and all
concentration/response data, and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved
designate signature. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and
reported if chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required, the Permittee will complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity (AT)
test form indicating the facility name, permit number, pipe number, county, and the month/year of
the report with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment area of the form. The report shall be
submitted to the Water Sciences Section at the address cited above.
Should the Permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required,
monitoring will be required during the following month. Assessment of toxicity compliance is based
on the toxicity testing quarter, which is the three-month time interval that begins on the first day of
the month in which toxicity testing is required by this permit and continues until the final day of the
third month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina
Division of Water Resources indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this permit may be re-
opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or limits.
Page 9 of 45

Permit NCO041696
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum control
organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and appropriate environmental
controls, shall constitute an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed
no later than the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring.
A. (5.) CALCULATION OF TOTAL NITROGEN AND TOTAL PHOSPHORUS LOADS [G.S.143-
215.1 B ]
Total Nitrogen (TN) load limits and total phosphorous (TP) load limits are annual limits and
apply on a calendar year basis for the 7.5 MGD and 10.5 MGD flow tiers.
(a.)The Permittee shall calculate annual TN/TP loads as follows:
(i) Monthly TN (or TP) Load (lb/mo) = TN (or TP) x TMF x 8.34
where:
TN or = the average Total Nitrogen or Total Phosphorus
TP concentration (mg/L) of the composite samples collected
during the month
TMF = the Total Monthly Flow of wastewater discharged during
the month (MG/mo)
8.34 = conversion factor, from (mg/L x MG) to pounds
(ii.) Annual TN (or TP) Load (lb/yr) = Sum of the 12 Monthly TN (or TP) Loads for
the calendar year
(b.)The Permittee shall report monthly Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus results (mg/L
and lb/mo) in the appropriate discharge monitoring report for each month and shall
report each calendar year's results (lb/yr) with the December report for that year.
A. (6.) EFFLUENT POLLUTANT SCAN [G.S.143-215.1(B)]
a) The Permittee shall perform a total of three (3) Effluent Pollutant Scans for all parameters listed
below. One scan must be performed in each of the following years: 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Analytical methods shall be in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136 and shall be sufficiently sensitive
to determine whether parameters are present in concentrations greater than applicable standards
and criteria. Samples should be collected with one quarterly toxicity test each year and must
represent seasonal variation [i.e., do not sample in the same quarter every year]. Unless otherwise
indicated, metals shall be analyzed as "total recoverable."
Ammonia (as N)
C0610
Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
34546
Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether
34273
Chlorine (total residual, TRC)
50060
1,1-dichloroethylene
34501
Bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether
34283
Dissolved oxygen
00300
1,2-dichloropropane
C0541
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
C0100
Nitrate / Nitrite
00630
1,3-dichloropropylene
77163
4-bromophenyl phenyl ether
34636
Kjeldahl nitrogen
00625
Ethylbenzene
34371
Butyl benzyl phthalate
34292
Oil and grease
00556
Methyl bromide
34413
2-chloronaphthalene
34581
Phosphorus
C0665
Methyl chloride
34418
4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether
34641
Total dissolved solids
70295
Methylene chloride
34423
Chrysene
34320
Hardness
00900
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
81549
Di-n-butyl phthalate
39110
Antimony
01097
Tetrachloroethylene
34475
Di-n-octyl phthalate
34596
Arsenic
01002
Toluene
34010
Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene
34556
Beryllium
01012
1,1,1-trichloroethane
34506
1,2-dichlorobenzene
34536
Cadmium
01027
1,1,2-trichloroethane
34511
1,3-dichlorobenzene
34566
Page 10 of 15

Permit NCO041696
Chromium
C0034
Trichloroethylene
39180
1,4-dichlorobenzene
34571
Copper
01042
Vinyl chloride
39175
3,3-dichlorobenzidine
34631
Lead
01051
Acid -extractable compounds:
Diethyl phthalate
34336
Mercury (Method 1631E)
COMER
P-chloro-m-cresol
34452
Dimethyl phthalate
34341
Nickel
01067
2-chlorophenol
34586
2,4-dinitrotoluene
34611
Selenium
01147
2,4-dichlorophenol
34601
2,6-dinitrotoluene
C0626
Silver
01077
2,4-dimethylphenol
34606
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
34346
Thallium
01059
4,6-dinitro-o-cresol
34657
Fluoranthene
C0376
Zinc
01092
2,4-dinitrophenol
34616
Fluorene
34381
Cyanide
00720
2-nitrophenol
34591
Hexachlorobenzene
C0700
Total phenolic compounds
32730
4-nitrophenol
34646
Hexachlorobutadiene
C0702
Volatile organic compounds:
Pentachlorophenol
39032
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
34386
Acrolein
34210
Phenol
34694
Hexachloroethane
34396
Acrylonitrile
34215
2,4,6-trichlorophenol
34621
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
34403
Benzene
34030
Base -neutral compounds:
Isophorone
34408
Bromoform
32104
Acenaphthene
34205
Naphthalene
34696
Carbon tetrachloride
32102
Acenaphthylene
34200
Nitrobenzene
34447
Chlorobenzene
34301
Anthracene
CO220
N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
34428
Chlorodibromomethane
34306
Benzidine
39120
N-nitrosodimethylamine
34438
Chloroethane
85811
Benzo(a)anthracene
C0526
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
34433
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
34576
Benzo(a)pyrene
34247
Phenanthrene
34461
Chloroform
32106
3,4 benzofluoranthene
34230
Pyrene
34469
Dichlorobromomethane
32101
Benzo(ghi)perylene
34521
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
C0551
1,1-dichloroethane
34496
Benzo(k)fluoranthene
34242
1,2-dichloroethane
32103
Bis(2-chloroethoxy) methane
34278
b) Reporting. Test results shall be reported electronically using the Division's eDMR system or
on DWR Form DMR-PPA-1(or on a form approved by the Director) by December 31st of each
designated sampling year.
c) The Permittee must at least report completion of the test in the eDMR system by entering "1"
or "Y" for parameter code NC01- Annual Pollutant Scan. If utilizing the DWR Form submit to
the following address:
NC DEQ / DWR / NPDES Files, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-
1617.Or the form maybe uploaded at: https: [,edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/NPDESWW-EDMR-
Supplemental-Form
d) Additional Toxicity Testing Requirements for Municipal Permit Renewal. Please note that
Municipal facilities that are subject to the Effluent Pollutant Scan requirements listed above are
also subject to additional toxicity testing requirements specified in Federal Regulation 40 CFR
122.210)(5). The US EPA requires four (4) toxicity tests for a test organism other than the test
species currently required in this permit. The multiple species tests should be conducted either
quarterly for a 12-month period prior to submittal of the permit renewal application, or four
tests performed at least annually in the four- and one-half year period prior to the application.
These tests shall be performed for acute or chronic toxicity, whichever is specified in this permit.
The multiple species toxicity test results shall be filed with the Aquatic Toxicology Branch at
the following address:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Page 11 of 15

Permit NCO041696
Or, results can be sent to the email, [e-mail].
Contact the Divisions Aquatic Toxicology Branch at 919-743-8401 for guidance on conducting
the additional toxicity tests and reporting requirements. Results should also be summarized
in Part E (Toxicity Testing Data) of EPA Municipal Application Form 2A, when submitting the
permit renewal application to the NPDES Permitting Unit.
A. (7.) MERCURY MINIMIZATION PLAN (MMP) [G.S.143-215.1(B)1
The Permittee shall continue to implement a mercury minimization plan during this permit term. The
MMP was developed by August 1, 2018 and shall continue to be available for inspection on -site. The
MMP places emphasis on identification of mercury contributors and goals for reduction. Results shall
be summarized and submitted with the next permit renewal. Performance of the Mercury
Minimization Plan will meet the requirements of the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) for mercury
approved by USEPA on October 12, 2012, unless and until a Waste Load Allocation specific to this
facility is developed and this NPDES permit is amended to require further actions to address the
Waste Load Allocation.
A. (8.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS
[G.S.143-215.1(B)]
Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and
program reports. The final NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was adopted and became effective on
December 21, 2015.
NOTE: This special condition supplements or supersedes the following sections within Part II of this
permit (Standard Conditions for NPDES Permits):
• Section B. (11.) Signatory Requirements
• Section D. (2.) Reporting
• Section D. (6.) Records Retention
• Section E. (5.) Monitoring Reports
1. Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)]
The Permittee shall report discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic
Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and
submitted electronically using eDMR. The eDMR system allows permitted facilities to enter
monitoring data and submit DMRs electronically using the internet. Until such time that the state's
eDMR application is compliant with EPA's Cross -Media Electronic Reporting Regulation
(CROMERR), Permittees will be required to submit all discharge monitoring data to the state
electronically using eDMR and will be required to complete the eDMR submission by printing,
signing, and submitting one signed original and a copy of the computer printed eDMR to the following
address:
NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Page 12 of 15

Permit NC0041696
If a permittee is unable to use the eDMR system due to a demonstrated hardship or due to the facility
being physically located in an area where less than 10 percent of the households have broadband
access, then a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements may be granted
and discharge monitoring data may be submitted on paper DMR forms (MR 1,1.1, 2,3) or alternative
forms approved by the Director. Duplicate signed copies shall be submitted to the mailing address
address above. See "How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting' section below.
Regardless of the submission method, the first DMR is due on the last day of the month following the
issuance of the permit or, in the case of a new facility, on the last day of the month following the
commencement of discharge.
NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule - Phase 2 Extension. EPA extended the Phase 2 deadline to
December 21, 2025. The current compliance date, effective January 4, 2021, was extended as a final
regulation change published in the November 2, 2020 Federal Register.
Starting on December 21, 2025, the Permittee must electronically report the following compliance
monitoring data and reports, when applicable:
Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports;
Pretreatment Program Annual Reports; and
Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 316(b) Annual Reports.
The Permittee may seek an electronic reporting waiver from the Division (see "How to Request a
Waiver from Electronic Reporting" section below).
2. Electronic Submissions
In accordance with 40 CFR 122.41 (1) (9), the Permittee must identify the initial recipient at the time of
each electronic submission. The Permittee should use the EPA's website resources to identify the
initial recipient for the electronic submission.
Initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities 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)].
EPA plans to establish a website that will also link to the appropriate electronic reporting tool for each
type of electronic submission and for each state. Instructions on how to access and use the
appropriate electronic reporting tool will be available as well. Information on EPA's NPDES
Electronic Reporting Rule is found at
https: / / www.federalreg aster. gov/ documents/ 2015/ 10/ 22/ 2015-24954/ national-pollutant-discharge-
elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule
Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the "Reporting Requirements" section above.
Page 13 of 15

Permit NCO041696
3. How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting
The Permittee may seek a temporary electronic reporting waiver from the Division. To obtain an
electronic reporting waiver, a permittee must first submit an electronic reporting waiver request to
the Division. Requests for temporary electronic reporting waivers must be submitted in writing to
the Division for written approval at least sixty (60) days prior to the date the facility would be
required under this permit to begin submitting monitoring data and reports. The duration of a
temporary waiver shall not exceed 5 years and shall thereupon expire. At such time, monitoring data
and reports shall be submitted electronically to the Division unless the permittee re -applies for and is
granted a new temporary electronic reporting waiver by the Division. Approved electronic reporting
waivers are not transferrable. Only permittees with an approved reporting waiver request may
submit monitoring data and reports on paper to the Division for the period that the approved
reporting waiver request is effective.
Information on eDMR and the application for a temporary electronic reporting waiver are found on
the following web page:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
4. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and Supersedes Section B. (11.)
All eDMRs submitted to the permit issuing authority shall be signed by a person described in Part II,
Section B. (11.) (a) or by a duly authorized representative of that person as described in Part II, Section
B. (11.)(b). A person, and not a position, must be delegated signatory authority for eDMR reporting
purposes.
For eDMR submissions, the person signing and submitting the DMR must obtain an eDMR user
account and login credentials to access the eDMR system. For more information on North Carolina's
eDMR system, registering for eDMR, and obtaining an eDMR user account, please visit the following
web page:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
Certification. Any person submitting an electronic DMR using the state's eDMR system shall make
the following certification [40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL
BE ACCEPTED:
"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 submitted 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."
5. Records Retention [Supplements Section D. (6.)]
The Permittee shall retain records of all Discharge Monitoring Reports, including eDMR submissions.
These records or copies shall be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the date of the report.
This period may be extended by request of the Director at any time [40 CFR 122.41].
Page 14 of 15

Permit No. N00041696
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Permitted Flow: 3.5UGD, 7.5MGD, maUGD HUC 03050101
State GHduz s S Quad: 2 aE/vl+m,kC Latitude 35 k't"N Longitude @° 32'25"
Page 15 0 15

Draft Fact Sheet
NPDES Permit No. NCO041696
Permit Writer / Email Contact Diana Yitbarek / diana.yitbarek(a,ncdenr.gov
Date: 12/ 18/2020
Division/Unit: NC DEQ Division of Water Resources / NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
Fact Sheet Template: Version 01/09/2017
Permitting Action:
X❑ Renewal
❑ Renewal with Expansion
❑ New Discharge
❑ Modification (Fact Sheet should be tailored to mod request)
Note: A complete application should include the following:
• For New Dischargers, EPA Form 2A or 2D requirements, Engineering Alternatives Analysis, Fee
• For Existing Dischargers (POTW), EPA Form 2A, three effluent pollutant scans, four 2nd species WET
tests.
• For Existing Dischargers (Non-POTW), EPA Form 2C with correct analytical requirements based on
industry category.
Complete applicable sections below. If not applicable, enter N.A.
1. Basic Facility Information
Table 1. Facility Information
Facility Information
Applicant/Facility Name:
Town of Valdese/Lake Rhodhiss Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
Applicant Address:
P.O. Box 339, Valdese NC
Facility Address:
2100 Lake Rhodhiss Drive, Valdese NC
Permitted Discharge Flow:
3.5 million gallons per day (MGD)
Facility Type/Waste:
Major Municipal/ Domestic and Industrial
Facility Class:
Class/Grade IV
Treatment Units:
Influent pump station, screening and grit removal structure/vortex grit
collector, primary clarifiers, aeration basins, secondary clarifiers, gravity
sludge thickener, chlorination, dechlorination/sulfur dioxide structure,
dewatering structure, and composting
Pretreatment Program (Y/N)
Y
County:
Burke
Region
Asheville Regional Office (ARO)
Permitting Action: The Town of Valdese (Town) applied for NPDES permit renewal for Lake Rhodhiss
WWTP in August 2020. The WWTP has a design capacity of 7.5 MGD and is currently authorized to
discharge 3.5 MGD into Lake Rhodhiss, a class WS-IV, B, CA waters. The class denotes use as a water
supply, primary recreation, and critical area waterbody. The Town of Valdese - Lake Rhodhiss WWTP
(Facility) serves 8,000 residents in Burke County and the Towns of Valdese, Drexel, and Rutherford. This
Facility also serves eight significant industrial users (SIUs) and two non -significant categorical industrial
users (NSCIUs) in their pretreatment program. The Town has a long-term monitoring plan (LTMP). The
SIUs include two industries subject to categorical standards. The average industrial flow discharged by
the SIUs is 1.3 MGD, or 38% of the total permitted flow of 3.5 MGD.
Page 1 of 14

August 3, 2020, Town's cover letter for renewal application explains that there are no plans for upgrades
in the near future and requests that the three tiers remain in effect (3.5, 7.5, and 10.5 MGD), as with the
last permit cycle.
Table 2. Significant Industrial Users discharging to the Valdese — Lake Rhodhiss WWTP and daily flows.
Industry
Description
SIU Daily Flow (gpd)
Valdese Water Recycling, LLC
40 CFR 437.47 Part D/
10,100 to 30,000
Centralized waste treatment
facility
By Design, LLC
40 CFR 433/ Metal finisher
500
Kleen Tech, Inc
SIC Codes 7218, 812332,
66,000
313312/ Industrial laundry
Valdese Weavers #1
SIC Code 2262/ Dyes, slashes,
285,000
and weaves upholstery fabric
Valdese Weavers #2
SIC Code 2262/ Dyes, slashes,
285,000
and weaves upholstery fabric
Valdese Weavers #3
SIC Code 2262/ Dyes, slashes,
46,000
and weaves upholstery fabric
Bimbo Bakeries USA
SIC Code 2051/ Manufactures
13,000
breads and buns
Meridian Specialty Yarn Group
SIC Codes 2281, 2269/ Dyes
620,000
natural and synthetic yarns
Valdese Water Recycling, LLC (VWR) started discharging to this facility in 2018. VWR is a centralized
waste treatment facility that operates under subcategory D, facility that treats or recovers some
combination of metal -bearing, oily, or organic waste, wastewater, or used material received from off -site.
Valdese Weavers #1, #2, and #3 is a large fabric industry that contributes about 616,000 gpd and has
operated since 1915. We suggest the pretreatment program verifies the usage of perfluorinated
compounds in this process. For information about the pretreatment activities for this facility, see
Attachment PT summary.pdf
Facility Background: In 2001, the Division added an effluent limitation and monitoring page with a
higher flow of 10.5 MGD based on the Town's request for expansion. The Construction Grants and Loans
Section stipulated the areas that must increase capacity and upgrade before the WWTP can expand to 10.5
MGD. In 2011, the Town requested an additional effluent limitation and monitoring page with a lower
flow of 3.5 MGD due to reduced wastewater flow to the Facility. At the present time this fact sheet
assessment is based on a wastewater plant flow of 3.5 MGD.
2. Receiving Waterbody Information:
Table 3. Receiving Waterbody Information
Outfalls/Receiving Stream(s):
Outfall 001 — Lake Rhodhiss (Catawba River)
Stream Segment:
Upper Catawba l l-(37)
Stream Classification:
WS-IV, B, CA
Drainage Area (mi2):
705
Summer 7Q10 (cfs)
225*
Winter 7Q10 (cfs):
225 (Dam Release)*
Page 2 of 14

30Q2 (cfs):
225 (Dam Release)*
Average Flow (cfs):
225 (Dam Release)*
Instream Waste Concentration
(IWC) (% effluent):
2.4 % at 3.5 MGD (7Q10S)
4.9 % at 7.5 MGD (7Q10S)
6.7 % at 10.5 MGD (7Q10S)
303(d) listed/parameter:
No
Subject to TMDL/parameter:
Yes- Mercury Statewide TMDL implemented in 2012.
Basin/Sub-basin/HUC:
CTB31/03-08-31/03050101
USGS Topo Quad:
D12SE/ Valdese, NC
* Value taken from previous fact meet, 2015. 2000 to 2011 fact sheets used a similar value, 228.7. There
is not currently available data reported by USGS.
3. Effluent Data Summary
Effluent data for Outfall 001 is summarized below from May 2016 through August 2020.
Table 4. Effluent Data Summary with permit limits Outfall 001
Parameter
Units
Average
Max
Min
Permit Limit
Flow
MGD
1.85
14.73
0.29
MA* 3.5 MGD
BOD5
mg/l
4.2
208
0.079
MA 30.0 mg/I
WA* 45.0 mg/I
NH3N
mg/l
0.62
5.5
0.34
Total Suspended
mg/1
14.3
3184
2.50
MA 30.0 mg/I
Solids (TSS)
WA 45.0 mg/I
pH
SU
6.9
9.3
5.8
6.0 < pH < 9.0
Temperature
°C
20.5
29
8
Conductivity
umhos/cm
905
49600
139
Dissolved Oxygen
mg/l
7.9
11.7
5.0
DA*> 5.0 mg/I
(DO)
Fecal Coliform
#/100 ml
7.1
61600
1
MA 200/100ml
(Geomean)
WA 400/100ml
Total Residual
µg/1
28
49
19
DM* 28.00 ug/I
Chlorine (TRC)
Total Nitrogen (TN)
mg/1
8.8
21.1
2.4
Total Phosphorus
mg/1
1.4
17.6
0.17
(TP)
Total Hardness (as
mg/1
23.3
43.7
11.1
CaCO3)
*MA -Monthly Average, WA -Weekly Average, DM -Daily Maximum, DA=Daily Average.
Table 5. Effluent Data Summary from expanded effluent pollutant scan Outfall 001
Parameter
Units
Average
Max
Min
Chloride (as Cl)
mg/1
204
245
163
Sulfate
mg/l
41.57
117
0.049
Phenol
mg/l
0.008
0.010
0.005
Chromium
µg/1
4.6
31.0
1.0
Copper
µg/l
8.52
26
1
Magnesium
µg/1
2390
2390
2390
Page 3 of 14

Mercury
ng/1
2.74
7.56
1.11
Molybdenum
µg/1
2.4
10.0
1.0
Nickel
µg/l
2.2
10.0
1.0
Zinc
µg/1
75.7
374
1
Sample results for antimony, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, cyanide, lead, selenium, silver, tin, titanium, and
vanadium were less than the method detection limit. Variances in chromium total and sulfate were detected. The
average result for chromium total from 2016 to 2019 was 1.03. The average result for chromium total in 2020 is
17.3. The average result in 2016 for sulfate was 0.074. The average for sulfate from 2017 to 2019 was 96.9.
17.3 for chromium total and 96.9 for sulfate is within the allowed concentration and currently accepted water
quality standards; however, these variances are noted for the pretreatment program, regional office, and upcoming
permitting cycle to evaluate industrial waste flow changes and monitoring requirements for this Facility.
4. Instream Data Summary
Instream monitoring may be required in certain situations, for example, 1) to verify model predictions
when model results for instream D.O. are within 1 mg/l of instream standard at full permitted flow; 2) to
verify model predictions for outfall diffuser; 3) to provide data for future total maximum daily load
(TMDL); 4) based on other instream concerns. Instream monitoring may be conducted by the Permittee,
and there are also Monitoring Coalitions established in several basins that conduct instream sampling for
the Permittee (in which case instream monitoring is waived in the permit as long as coalition membership
is maintained).
Instream data summary and instream monitoring proposed for this permit action:
The current permit requires instream [upstream (U) and downstream (D)] monitoring for dissolved
oxygen, conductivity, and temperature. U monitoring is required for total hardness.
Table 6. U and D sampling points information
Location
Longitude
Latitude
U sampling point at Water Plant
810 33' 34"
350 46' 38"
Pump House - (- 0.97 miles West
of WWTP
D sampling point at NCSR 1001
810 31' 27"
350 46' 54"
Castle Bridge Boat Access - (- 1.07
miles East of WWTP
The table below summarizes instream and effluent (Eff) data from the analyzed period, May 2016 -
August 2020.
Table 7. Average, maximum, and minimum instream and effluent data summary
Average
of Value
Max of Value
Min of Value
Parameter
U
Eff
D
U
Eff
D
U
Eff
D
Temperature, °C
22
20.5
22.1
31
29
31
7
8
6
Conductivity, umhos/cm
56.7
905.1
48.3
1804
49600.0*
91
31
126
24
Dissolved Oxygen (DO), mg/1
9.5
7.8
9.7
11.4
11.7
11.5
7.2
5
6.7
pH
8.2
6.9
8.2
9.3
9.3
9.1
7.2
5.8
7.3
Total Hardness (as CaCO3),
m 1
11.1
23.3
14.8
43.7
6.8
11.1
*Effluent was murky due to rainfall and heavier flows at plant. Subsequent daily conductivity readings revealed typical effluent
numbers.
Page 4 of 14

T-tests were run to analyze relationships between instream sample results. A statistically significant
difference is determined when the t-test p-value result is < 0.05.
Temperature: The maximum downstream temperature was 31 degrees Celsius, and the maximum
temperature differential between the upstream and downstream samples was 5 degrees Celsius. It was
concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between the upstream and downstream
temperatures.
Conductivity: As a major Facility with industrial sources, instream monitoring for conductivity was
added in the last permit cycle. The variances in downstream and upstream conductivity were large.
However, since a one-time event caused this variance, the t-test concluded no statistically significant
difference between upstream and downstream conductivity.
DO: The minimum downstream D.O. detected was 6.7 mg/l, and the maximum D.O. differential between
the upstream and downstream samples was 2.5 mg/l. It was concluded that there is a statistically
significant difference between upstream and downstream D.O.
pH: As noted in the table above, pH was above 9.0 for both upstream and downstream samples and was
not detected below 6.0 for any of the instream data collected. The pH data was reported from December
2016 to January 2018. The current permit does not have instream monitoring requirements for pH. It was
concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between upstream and downstream pH.
For this permit application renewal, the Permittee requested the removal of instream monitoring. The
Division cannot remove instream monitoring requirements. The instream data is needed to assess instream
conditions prior to and subsequent to the wastewater discharge, and basin planers use the data for
different pollution management planning (15A. NCAC 0213.508). The next Catawba Basin plan will start
in 2022, and it will be in the interest of Basin Planning to have instream data. The draft permit maintains
the instream monitoring requirements from the previous permit.
Is this facility a member of a Monitoring Coalition with waived instream monitoring (YIN): NO. See Map
Name of Monitoring Coalition: NA
5. Compliance Summary
Below find summaries of compliance data from May 2016 to August 2020.
Compliance record with permit effluent limits (past S years):
The Facility received a total of ten notices of violation (NOVs) for exceeding limits for TSS, fecal
coliform, BOD5, and pH, and permit conditions violation for failure to maintain the composite sampling
time. The Facility also received ten enforcement cases for exceeding limits for TSS and fecal coliform.
The ARO, Linda Wiggs, is working with the Facility to monitor the Facility's compliance performance.
Monthly Average (M.A.) Compliance Summary
• TSS, MA was exceeded in five periods (2/2017, 4/2017, 10/2017, 2/2020, and 5/2020).
Maximum MA exceedance was February 2020 with 167,33 mg/l. (MA limit: 30 mg/1).
• Fecal, MA was exceeded in five periods (11/2016, 1/2017, 2/2017, 4/2018, and 3/2019).
Maximum MA exceedance was February 2017 with 4794#/100 ml. (M.A. limit: 200#/100ml)
• BOD5 was detected at 208 mg/1 on 2/7/2020.
• pH was detected over the daily maximum seven times, with a max of 9.6, and have not reached
the daily minimum three times, with a min of 5.0.
Page 5 of 14

Weekly Average (W.A.) Compliance Summary
• TSS, WA was exceeded in eight weekly periods (five periods in 2017, one in 2018, and two in
2020). See Attachment 41696 DMR.xlsx for details.
• Fecal, WA was exceeded in nine periods (one period in 2016, four in 2017, three in 2019, and one
in 2020)
• BOD5, WA was exceeded in one period in 2020.
Summary of the compliance record with aquatic toxicity test limits and any second species test results
(past 5 years):
None indicated. The Facility passed fourteen of fourteen quarterly chronic toxicity tests and complied
with all four 2nd species WET tests.
Summary of the results from the most recent compliance inspection:
The last facility inspection conducted in July 2020 reported that the facility was in compliance with the
permit, and the items in previous inspection reports had been addressed.
The February 2019 inspection noted wastewater splashing beyond the aeration basins walls in several
locations. The previously installed splash guards were no longer effective. The March 2015 inspection
also noted this was also occurring. After the February 2019 inspection, additional splash guards were
added to the areas of question, with the addition of rubber insulation and sealant applied to seams and
seeping points.
6. Water Quality -Based Effluent Limitations (WQBELs)
Dilution and Mixing
In accordance with 15A NCAC 2B.0206, the following stream flows are used for dilution considerations
for development of WQBELs: 1 Q 10 streamflow (acute Aquatic Life); 7Q 10 streamflow (chronic Aquatic
Life; non -carcinogen H.H.); 30Q2 streamflow (aesthetics); annual average flow (carcinogen, H.H.).
If applicable, describe any other dilution factors considered (e.g., based on CORMIX model results):
N.A.
If applicable, describe any mixing zones established in accordance with 15A NCAC 2B.0204(b): NA
Stream flow values were extracted from the previous fact sheet, 2015. There is not currently available
data reported by USGS.
Oxygen -Consuming Waste Limitations
Limitations for oxygen -consuming waste (e.g., BOD) are generally based on water quality modeling to
ensure protection of the instream dissolved oxygen (D.O.) water quality standard. Secondary TBEL
limits (e.g., BOD= 30 mg/1 for Municipals) may be appropriate if deemed more stringent based on
dilution and model results.
If permit limits are more stringent than TBELs, describe how limits were developed:
The current permit limits for BOD are secondary TBELs and are based on 40 CFR 133.102.
Page 6 of 14

Ammonia and Total Residual Chlorine Limitations
Limitations for ammonia are based on protection of aquatic life utilizing an ammonia chronic criterion of
1.0 mg/1(summer) and 1.8 mg/l (winter). Acute ammonia limits are derived from chronic criteria,
utilizing a multiplication factor of 3 for Municipals and a multiplication factor of 5 for Non -Municipals.
Limitations for Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) are based on the N.C. water quality standard for protection
of aquatic life (17 ug/1) and capped at 28 ug/1(acute impacts). Due to analytical issues, all TRC values
reported below 50 ug/1 are considered compliant with their permit limit.
Describe any proposed changes to ammonia and/or TRC limits for this permit renewal: The current
permit does not set limits for ammonia for the 3.5 MGD flow tier. It sets limits for the 7.5 and 10.5 MGD
flow tiers. For the 3.5 MGD flow tier, the calculated allowable discharge concentration for ammonia in
summer is 33.4 mg/1 and in winter is 67.3 mg/l. None of the ammonia results from the evaluated period
exceeded 35 mg/l. The maximum value of ammonia reported was 5.52 mg/l; therefore, there is no need to
set a 33.4 mg/1 limit for the 3.5 MGD flow tier. For the 7.5 and 10.5 MGD flow tiers, the ammonia limits
will be the same as the previous permit cycle.
The facility uses chlorination as its primary disinfection. The current permit limits TRC at 28 ug/L as a
daily maximum. Though several reported TRC values exceeded the 28 ug/L daily maximum limit, the
facility is considered compliant with its permit since all reported values were less than 50 ug/L. The TRC
limit has been reviewed in the attached WLA and has been found to be protective. No changes are
proposed for TRC.
Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) for Toxicants
The need for toxicant limits is based upon a demonstration of reasonable potential to exceed water quality
standards, a statistical evaluation that is conducted during every permit renewal utilizing the most recent
effluent data for each outfall. The RPA is conducted in accordance with 40 CFR 122.44 (d) (i). The NC
RPA procedure utilizes the following: 1) 95% Confidence Level/95% Probability; 2) assumption of zero
background; 3) use of/z detection limit for "less than" values; and 4) stream flows used for dilution
consideration based on 15A NCAC 2B.0206. Effective April 6, 2016, N.C. began implementation of
dissolved metals criteria in the RPA process in accordance with guidance titled NPDES Implementation of
Instream Dissolved Metals Standards, dated June 10, 2016.
The RPAs were conducted for permitted flows of 3.5 MGD, 7.5 MGD, and 10.5 MGD with a 7Q10S of
225 cubic feet per second (cfs) and default hardness values.
The results of the RPA showed that the facility does not require any additional toxicant limitations.
The answers below are based on the RPA. Pollutants of concern included toxicants with positive
detections and defined water quality standards/EPA criteria and BPJ. Based on these analyses, the
following permitting actions are proposed for this permit:
RPAs were conducted on effluent toxicant data collected in the Permittee's May 2016 through August
2020 effluent pollutant scans, DMRs, former reasonable potential analysis (RPA), and an additional
effluent scan provided by the ARO. Pollutants of concern included toxicants with positive detections and
associated water quality standards/criteria. The data set was limited for total phenolic compounds and
sulfate. Based on this analysis, the following permitting actions are proposed for this permit:
• Effluent Limit with Monitoring. The following parameters will receive a water quality -based
effluent limit (WQBEL) since they demonstrated a reasonable potential to exceed applicable
water quality standards/criteria: N.A.
Page 7 of 14

Monitoring Only. The following parameters will receive a monitor -only requirement since they
did not demonstrate reasonable potential to exceed applicable water quality standards/criteria,
but the maximum predicted concentration was >50% of the allowable concentration: N.A.
No Limit or Monitoring: The following parameters will not receive a limit or monitoring, since
they did not demonstrate reasonable potential to exceed applicable water quality
standards/criteria and the maximum predicted concentration was <50% of the allowable
concentration: Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Cobalt, Copper, Cyanide, Lead, Magnesium,
Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Selenium, Silver, Sulfates, Tin, Titanium, Vanadium, Zinc, and
Total Phenolic Compounds. These compounds will be monitored in the pretreatment program
during this permit cycle.
POTW Effluent Pollutant Scan Review: Four effluent pollutant scans were evaluated for
additional pollutants of concern.
o The following parameter(s) will receive a water quality -based effluent limit (WQBEL)
with monitoring, since as part of a limited data set, two samples exceeded the allowable
discharge concentration: N.A.
o The following parameter(s) will receive a monitor -only requirement, since as part of a
limited data set, one sample exceeded the allowable discharge concentration: N.A.
If applicable, attach a spreadsheet of the RPA results as well as a copy of the Dissolved Metals
Implementation Fact Sheet for freshwater/saltwater to this Fact Sheet. Include a printout of the RPA
Dissolved to Total Metal Calculator sheet if this is a Municipality with a Pretreatment Program.
Documents included in draft package.
Toxicity Testing Limitations
Permit limits and monitoring requirements for Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) have been established in
accordance with Division guidance (per WET Memo, 8/2/1999). Per WET guidance, all NPDES permits
issued to Major facilities or any facility discharging "complex" wastewater (contains anything other than
domestic waste) will contain appropriate WET limits and monitoring requirements, with several
exceptions. The State has received prior EPA approval to use an Alternative WET Test Procedure in
NPDES permits, using single concentration screening tests, with multiple dilution follow-up upon a test
failure.
Describe proposed toxicity test requirement: This is a Major Publicly Owned Treatment Work (POTW),
and a chronic WET limit will continue on a quarterly frequency at Outfall 001 at 2.4% effluent
concentration using Ceriodaphnia dubia. For 7.5 MGD and 10.5 MGD flows, a quarterly chronic WET
limit would apply at 4.9 % and 6.7 % effluent concentration, respectively, using Ceriodaphnia dubia.
Mercury Statewide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Evaluation
There is a statewide TMDL for mercury approved by EPA in 2012. The TMDL target was to comply
with EPA's mercury fish tissue criteria (0.3 mg/kg) for human health protection. The TMDL established a
wasteload allocation for point sources of 37 kg/year (81 lb/year) and is applicable to municipals and
industrial facilities with known mercury discharges. Given the small contribution of mercury from point
sources (-2% of total load), the TMDL emphasizes mercury minimization plans (MMPs) for point source
control. Municipal facilities > 2 MGD and discharging quantifiable levels of mercury (>1 ng/1) will
receive an MMP requirement. Industrials are evaluated on a case -by -case basis, depending if mercury is a
pollutant of concern. Effluent limits may also be added if annual average effluent concentrations exceed
the WQBEL value (based on the NC WQS of 12 ng/1) and/or if any individual value exceeds a TBEL
value of 47 ng/1
Page 8 of 14

Below find summaries of compliance mercury data from February 2017 to August 2020.
Table 8. Mercury Effluent Data Summary - 3.5 MGD
2017
2C_8
2019
2020
# of Samples
5
-
5
4
Annual Average, ng/L
3.8
3.3
2.3
1.45
Maximum Value, ng/L
5.25
7.56
3.54
1.99
TBEL, ng/L
WQBEL, ng/L
509.7
Table 9. Mercury Effluent Data Summary - 7.5 MGD
2017
2019
21'_9
2020
# of Samples
5
4
3
4
Annual Average, ng/L
3.8
3.3
D
1.46
Maximum Value, ng/L
5.25
7.55
1.99
TBEL, ng/L
=?
WQBEL, ngfL==
1
Table 10. Mercury Effluent Data Summary - 10.5 MGD
2v_9
2020
# of Samples
3
-
]
4
An nu al Average, ng/L
8
2
1.46
Maximum Value, ng/L
5 25
7 56
5=
1.99
TBEL, ng/L
=?
WQBEL, ngfL
177.9
Describe proposed permit actions based on mercury evaluation: Mercury evaluation results were
available and used 1631E. No annual average mercury concentration exceeded the WQBEL, and no
individual mercury sample exceeded the TBEL. The maximum value reported in this period was 7.56
ng/l. No mercury limit is required. However, since the facility is >2 MGD and reported quantifiable levels
of mercury (> 1 ng/1), a mercury minimization plan (MMP) was added to this permit in the last permit
cycle and will continue in this permit cycle. See 2018 MMP
Other TMDL/Nutrient Management Strategy Considerations
If applicable, describe any other TMDLs/Nutrient Management Strategies and their implementation
within this permit:
Lake Rhodhiss was listed in 303d list for high pH beginning in 2006 and removed from it in 2014 and
dropped plans for the nutrient TMDL, as it was no longer impaired. Due to lower pH and algal growth in
the lake, the Division decided to change nutrient monitoring frequencies from weekly to monthly and
eliminate instream monitoring requirements for four facilities (Marion, Morganton, Lenoir, and Valdese)
discharging to Lake Rhodhiss. The permit reflects the monthly nutrient (T.P. and T.N.; TKN + NO3-N +
NO2-N) monitoring for 3.5 MGD, 7.5 MGD, and 10.5 MGD flows.
The permit also reflects annual nutrient (T.N. and T.P. loads) monitoring for the 7.5 MGD and 10.5 MGD
flow tiers. Since the Facility is currently operating at a flow limit of 3.5 MGD and there is no proposal to
increase to 7.5 MGD or 10.5 MGD, the annual load T.N. and T.P. limits were added for the 7.5 MGD
flow tier. The Division will consider a flow increase for this facility as an expansion; therefore, the annual
T.N. and T.P. load limit calculated for 10.5 MGD is set for 7.5 MGD until a final nutrient TMDL for the
Page 9 of 14

Catawba River Basin is concluded. Mass load limits were calculated in 2009 based on the Point Source
Action Plan and EPA recommendations, using the 2007-2009 average discharge flows, nutrient
concentrations.
Other WQBEL Considerations
If applicable, describe any other parameters of concern evaluated for WQBELs: N.A.
If applicable, describe any special actions (HQW or ORW) this receiving stream and classification shall
comply with in order to protect the designated waterbody: N.A.
If applicable, describe any compliance schedules proposed for this permit renewal in accordance with
15A NCAC 2H 0107(c)(2)(B), 40CFR 122.47, and EPA May 2007 Memo: N.A.
If applicable, describe any water quality standards variances proposed in accordance with NCGS 143-
215.3(e) and 15A NCAC 2B.0226 for this permit renewal: NA
7. Technology -Based Effluent Limitations (TBELs)
Municipals if not applicable, delete and skip to Industrials)
Are concentration limits in the permit at least as stringent as secondary treatment requirements (30 mg/l
BOD5/TSS for Monthly Average, and 45 mg/l for BOD5/TSS for Weekly Average). YES
If NO, provide a justification for alternative limitations (e.g., waste stabilization pond). NA
Are 85% removal requirements for BOD5/TSS included in the permit? YES
If NO, provide a justification (e.g., waste stabilization pond). NA
8. Antidegradation Review (New/Expanding Discharge)
The objective of an antidegradation review is to ensure that a new or increased pollutant loading will not
degrade water quality. Permitting actions for new or expanding discharges require an antidegradation
review in accordance with 15A NCAC 2B.0201. Each applicant for a new/expanding NPDES permit
must document an effort to consider non -discharge alternatives per 15A NCAC 2H.0105( c)(2). In all
cases, existing instream water uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect the existing use is
maintained and protected.
If applicable, describe the results of the antidegradation review, including the Engineering Alternatives
Analysis (EAA) and any water quality modeling results: NA
9. Antibacksliding Review
Sections 402(o)(2) and 303(d)(4) of the CWA and federal regulations at 40 CFR 122.44(1) prohibit
backsliding of effluent limitations in NPDES permits. These provisions require effluent limitations in a
reissued permit to be as stringent as those in the previous permit, with some exceptions where limitations
may be relaxed (e.g., based on new information, increases in production may warrant less stringent TBEL
limits, or WQBELs may be less stringent based on updated RPA or dilution).
Are any effluent limitations less stringent than previous permit (YES/NO): NO
If YES, confirm that antibacksliding provisions are not violated: NA
Page 10 of 14

10. Monitoring Requirements
Monitoring frequencies for NPDES permitting are established in accordance with the following
regulations and guidance: 1) State Regulation for Surface Water Monitoring, 15A NCAC 2B.0500; 2)
NPDES Guidance, Monitoring Frequency for Toxic Substances (7/15/2010 Memo); 3) NPDES Guidance,
Reduced Monitoring Frequencies for Facilities with Superior Compliance (10/22/2012 Memo); 4) Best
Professional Judgement (BPJ). Per US EPA (Interim Guidance, 1996), monitoring requirements are not
considered effluent limitations under Section 402(o) of the Clean Water Act, and therefore anti -
backsliding prohibitions would not be triggered by reductions in monitoring frequencies.
For instream monitoring, refer to Section 4.
With this permit renewal, the Town requested to reduce the monitoring frequency of ammonia from daily
to weekly. Data was reviewed from May 2016 - August 2020 and compared against the criteria
established in the October 12, 2012, DWQ Guidance Regarding the Reduction of Monitoring Frequencies
in NPDES Permits for Exceptionally Performing Facilities. The compliance facility's compliance report
does not meet the approval criteria for monitoring reduction. The Division will maintain the daily
monitoring frequency requirements for BOD5, total suspended solids, ammonia, dissolved oxygen,
temperature, conductivity, pH, total residual chlorine, and fecal coliform.
Additionally, the Permittee requested the removal of instream monitoring. The Division cannot remove
instream monitoring requirements according to 15A. NCAC 02B.508. The draft permit maintains the
same instream monitoring requirements as the current permit.
11. Electronic Reporting Requirements
The US EPA NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was finalized on December 21, 2015. Effective
December 21, 2016, NPDES regulated facilities are required to submit Discharge Monitoring Reports
(DMRs) electronically. While NPDES regulated facilities would initially be required to submit additional
NPDES reports electronically effective December 21, 2020, EPA is proposing to extend this deadline
from December 21, 2020, to December 21, 2025. This permit contains the requirements for electronic
reporting, consistent with Federal requirements. The current compliance date will be extended if the
implementation date is extended as a final regulation change in the federal register.
12.Summary of Proposed Permitting Actions
Table 11. Current Permit Conditions and Proposed Changes for 3.5 MGD, 7.5 MGD,
and 10.5 MGD
Parameter
Current Permit
Proposed Change
Basis for Condition/Change
Flow
MA 3.5 MGD,
No changes
15A NCAC 2B .0505
7.5 MGD and 10.5
MGD
Total Monthly Flow
Monitor and report
Added TMF
For calculation of T.N. and T.P.
(TMF)
continuously for 7.5 and
requirement for 7.5
Loads
10.5 MGD
MGD flow
BOD5
For 3.5 and 7.5 MGD
No changes
TBEL. Secondary treatment
MA 30.0 mg/1
standards/40 CFR 133 / 15A NCAC
WA 45.0 mg/1
2B .0406.
For 10.5 MGD
WQBEL. Based on speculative
MA 15.0 mg/1
limits of 1998 calculated using BPJ.
WA 22.5 mg/1
(for 10.5 MGD)
Page 11 of 14

NH3-N
For 3.5, monitoring only.
No changes
WQBEL based on WLA
For 7.5 MGD
calculations for 3.5 and 7.5 MGD
MA 16.0 mg/l
Limits for 10.5 MGD flow are based
WA 35.0 mg/l
on speculative limits of 2008
10.5 MGD
calculated using BPJ
MA 4.0 mg/l
15A NCAC 2B .0500 — Surface
WA 12.0 mg/1
Water Monitoring: Reporting
TSS
MA 30 mg/l
No changes
TBEL. Secondary treatment
WA 45 mg/l
standards/40 CFR 133 / 15A NCAC
For 3.5, 7.5, and 10.5
2B .0406.
MGD (All Flows).
DO
Monitor and report daily
No changes
No change in instream monitoring
for effluent and instream
for All Flows"
WQBEL. State WQ standard, 15A
NCAC 2B .0200, 15A NCAC
2B.0500
Fecal coliform
MA 200 /100ml
No changes
WQBEL. State W.Q. standard, 15A
(Geometric Mean)
WA 400 /100ml
NCAC 2B .0200.
for All flows
pH
6 — 9 S.U.
No changes
WQBEL. State W.Q. standard, 15A
for All Flows
NCAC 2B .0200
Temperature
Monitor and report daily
No changes
15A NCAC 2B.0200 and 15A
for effluent and instream
NCAC 2B.0500
for All Flows
Conductivity
Monitor and report daily
No changes
The facility has industrial
for effluent and instream
dischargers and pretreatment
for All Flows
program 15A NCAC 2B.0500
TRC
DM 28.0 µg/l
No changes
WQBEL. Maximum daily limit to
for All Flows
protect acute toxicity
Total Nitrogen (TN)
Monitor and report
No changes
15A NCAC 2B .0500 — Surface
monthly
Water Monitoring and Reporting.
for All Flows
TN Load
Monitor and report
Maintained the load
Recommended by the U.S.
annually (as lb/yr) for
for 10.5 MGD and
Environmental Protection Agency
10.5 MGD
added annual T.N.
(EPA)', that the current loading of
Annual TN mass limit
load limit for 7.5
total nitrogen discharged be frozen
of 146,659 lb/yr for 7.5
MGD
upon expansion to the flow of 10.5
and 10.5 MGD
MGD. Mass load limits were
calculated in 2009, using the 2007-
1 Because of the impaired status of Lake Rhodhiss, it has been recommended by the US Environmental
Protection Agency, that the current loading of total nitrogen and total phosphorus discharged be frozen upon
expansion to the flow of 10.5 MGD. Therefore, based on calculations using the 2007 - 2009 average discharge
flows and nutrient concentrations, nitrogen and phosphorus mass limitations have been placed in the 10.5 MGD
effluent page for the Valdese -Lake Rhodhiss WWTP. This strategy would cap the nutrient inputs from the potential
expansion of Valdese discharge and other expanding discharges to Lake Rhodhiss until the TMDL is fully
developed. At 10.5 MGD, the total nitrogen mass load limit will be 146,659 lbs/year and the total phosphorus
mass load limit will be 33,200 lbs/year. (2011 Fact Sheet)
Page 12 of 14

2009 average discharge flows,
nutrient concentrations.
Since there are no plans for
expansion to 10.5 MGD, in the near
future, the annual T.N. load limit
calculated for 10.5 MGD is set for
7.5 MGD until a final TMDL for the
Catawba River Basin is concluded.
Total Phosphorus
Monitor and report
No changes
15A NCAC 2B .0500 — Surface
(TP)
monthly
Water Monitoring and Reporting.
for All Flows
TP Load
Monitor and report
Maintained the load
Recommended by the US EPA, that
monthly
for 10.5 MGD and
the current loading of total
(as lb/yr) for 10.5 MGD
added annual T.P.
phosphorous discharged be frozen
and 7.5 MGD
load limit for 7.5
upon expansion to the flow of 10.5
Annual T.P. mass limit
MGD
MGD. Mass load limits were
of 33,200 lb/yr
calculated in 2009 based on the
Point Source Action Plan, using the
2007-2009 average discharge flows
and nutrient concentrations.
Since there are no plans for
expansion to 10.5 MGD, in the near
future, the annual T.N. load limit
calculated for 10.5 MGD is set for
7.5 MGD until a final TMDL for the
Catawba River Basin is concluded.
TKN
Monthly monitoring for
No changes
Lake Rhoddis was delisted from
10.5 MGD
303d.
NOz + NO3
Monthly monitoring for
No changes
Lake Rhoddis was delisted from
10.5 MGD
303d.
Total Hardness
Quarterly monitoring
No changes
Hardness -dependent dissolved
upstream and in effluent
metals water quality standards
for All Flows
approved in 2016; facility with
pretreatment program
Toxicity Test
Chronic limit, 2.4%
No changes
WQBEL. No toxics in toxic
effluent for 3.5 MGD,
amounts. 15A NCAC 2B.0200 and
4.9 % for 7.5 MGD
15A NCAC 2B.0500
6.7 % for 10.5 MGD
Effluent Pollutant
Three times per permit
No changes. Next
40 CFR 122
Scan
cycle for All flows
scans must be
performed in each of
the following years:
2022, 2023, and
2024.
Mercury
MMP
No changes
Consistent with EPA approved 2012
Minimization Plan
for All Flows
Statewide Mercury TMDL
(MMP)
Implementation.
Page 13 of 14

Electronic
Electronic reporting
Added language for
In accordance with EPA Electronic
Reporting
special condition
new electronic
Reporting Rule 2015 and Rule -
for All Flows
reporting deadline
Phase 2 Extension
December 21, 2025
* M.A. - Monthly Average, WA — Weekly Average, D.M. — Daily Max.
**All Flows = 3.5, 7.5, and 10.5 MGD
13. Public Notice Schedule
Permit to Public Notice: December 22, 2020
Per 15A NCAC 2H .0109 & .0111, The Division will receive comments for a period of 30 days following
the publication date of the public notice. Any request for a public hearing shall be submitted to the
Director within the 30 days comment period indicating the interest of the party filing such request and the
reasons why a hearing is warranted.
14. Fact Sheet Addendum (If applicable)
Were there any changes made since the Draft Permit was public noticed (Yes/No): XX
If Yes, list changes and their basis below: XX
15. Fact Sheet Attachments (See bookmarks):
1. RPAs Spreadsheets Summary for 3.5, 7.5, and 10.5 MGD. Each sheet contains: input information
tab, data analyzed tab, results summary tab, and dissolve to total metals calculation tab
2. BOD and TSS Removal Rate Calculations
3. Data Summary for Reduced NPDES Permit Monitoring Reduction Frequency Evaluation
4. NH3/TRC/Fecal Waste Load Allocation (WLA) Spreadsheet
5. Mercury TMDL Calculations
6. Toxicity Summary/WET Testing Summary
7. Instream Data Summary and Ttest
8. Pretreatment Summary
9. Limit violations Summary and Compliance Facility Report from ECHO
10. Renewal Application
11. Renewal Application Addendums
o Signed Effluent Pollutant Scans
o Process Flow
12. Correspondence
13. Additional information - ARO Effluent Scan
14. NPDES Implementation of Instream Dissolved Metals Standards — Freshwater Standards
15. NPDES standard conditions (Parts 1I, I1I, and IV)
16. Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) 41696 DMR.xlsx file available upon request. See "tab name"
and description below
■ "0" - Raw data with 15168 data points
■ "M.A." - Monthly average limit verification
■ "W.A." - Weekly average limit verification
■ "MGD" - Annual average daily flow limit verification
■ "TRC" - Total residual chlorine limit verification
■ " BFF" - Average, maximum, minimum values for effluent data
■ "Instream" - Instream data summary
■ "T-test' — T-test for instream data
■ "NH3" — Ammonia data summary
■ `BOD" — BOD data summary
■ "Violations" — Violations
Page 14 of 14