NC0021407_authorization to construct_20041216

Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
December 16, 2004
Mr. Richard Betz, Town Administrator
Town of Highlands
Post Office Box 460
Highlands, North Carolina 28741
SUBJECT: A to C No. 021407A01
Authorization to Construct
Cullasaja River, Wastewater Treatment Plant
Upgrade Improvements
NPDES Permit No. NC0021407
Macon County
Dear Mr. Betz:
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
A letter of request for Authorization to Construct was received on August 20, 2004 by the
Division, and final plans and specifications for the subject project have been reviewed and found
to be satisfactory. Authorization is hereby granted for the construction of modifications to the
existing 0.5 MGD dual path Wastewater Treatment Plant, with discharge of treated wastewater
into the Cullasaja River in the Little Tennessee River Basin.
This authorization results in an increase in design and permitted capacity to 1.5 MGD,
and is awarded for the construction of the following specific modifications:
Construction of two new SBR basins for a capacity to treat 1.5 MGD flow; one
post-SBR flow equalization basin; two disk filters; a dual train UV system;
conversion of existing SBR basins to aerobic digesters, and conversion of the
existing aerobic digester to a sludge holding basin.
This Authorization to Construct is issued in accordance with Part III, Paragraph A of
NPDES Permit No. NC0021407, issued October 13, 2004, and shall be subject to revocation,
unless the wastewater treatment facilities are constructed in accordance with the conditions and
limitations specified in Permit No. NC0021407.
The sludge generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed of in accordance
with G.S. 143-215.1 and in a manner approved by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality.
In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of
nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective action, including those as may
be required by this Division, such as the construction of additional or replacement wastewater
treatment or disposal facilities.
The Asheville Regional Office, telephone number [phone], shall be notified at
least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of operation of the installed facilities so that an on -site No Carolina
Naturally
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Phone [phone] Customer Service
Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us 512 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27604 FAX [phone]
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Mr. Richard Betz, Town Administrator
December 16, 2004
Page 2
inspection can be made. Such notification to the regional supervisor shall be made during the
normal office hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, excluding State
holidays.
Upon completion of construction and prior to operation of this permitted facility, a
certification must be received from a professional engineer certifying that the permitted facility
has been installed in accordance with the NPDES Permit, this Authorization to Construct and the
approved plans and specifications. Mail the Certification to Cecil G. Madden, Jr., P.E.,
Construction Grants & Loans, DWQ/DENR, 1633 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,
NC 27699-1633.
Upon classification of the facility by the Certification Commission, the Permittee shall
employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator to be in responsible charge (ORC) of the
wastewater treatment facilities. The operator must hold a certificate of the type and grade at
least equivalent to or greater than the classification assigned to the wastewater treatment
facilities by the Certification Commission.
The Permittee must also employ a certified backup operator of the appropriate type and
grade to comply with the conditions of T15A:8G.0202. The ORC of the facility must visit each
Class I facility at least weekly and each Class II, III and IV facility at least daily, excluding
weekends and holidays, must properly manage the facility, must document daily operation and
maintenance of the facility, and must comply with all other conditions of T15A:8G.0202.
A copy of the approved plans and specifications shall be maintained on file by the
Permittee for the life of the facility.
During the construction of the proposed additions/modifications, the Permittee shall
continue to properly maintain and operate the existing wastewater treatment facilities at all times,
and in such a manner, as necessary to comply with the effluent limits specified in the NPDES
Permit.
You are reminded that it is mandatory for the project to be constructed in accordance
with the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act, and, when applicable, the North
Carolina Dam Safety Act. In addition, the specifications must clearly state what the contractor's
responsibilities shall be in complying with these Acts.
Failure to abide by the requirements contained in this Authorization to Construct may
subject the Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division of Water Quality in accordance
with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to 143-215.6C.
The issuance of this Authorization to Construct does not preclude the Permittee from
complying with any and all statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances which may be imposed by
other government agencies (local, state, and federal) which have jurisdiction.

Mr. Richard Betz, Town Administrator
December 16, 2004
Page 3
One (1) set of approved plans and specifications is being forwarded to you. If you have
any questions or need additional information, please contact Cecil G. Madden, Jr., P.E. at
telephone number [phone].
Sincere
Alan W. Klimek, P.E.
ID: dr
cc: W. K. Dickson & Co., Inc. (Attn: Michael Osborne, P.E.)
Macon County Health Department
Asheville Regional Office, Surface Water Protection
Technical Assistance and Certification Unit
Daniel Blaisdell, P.E.
SWP-PSB
Cecil G. Madden, Jr., P.E.
Ishwar C. Devkota, P.E.
ATC Files
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