NC0032131_Draft Permit_20210405

ROY COOPER
Governor
DIONNE DELLFGATTI
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Chris Robbins
Tweetsie Railroad, Inc.
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Dear Mr. Robbins:
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 5, 2021
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit NCO032131
Tweetsie Railroad WWTP
Grade II Biological WPCS
Watauga County
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the Draft NPDES permit renewal for your facility. Please review
this draft carefully to ensure thorough understanding of the requirements and conditions it contains. We
understand from your renewal application that there have been no significant changes to the treatment
system. There are a few changes in the draft from the existing permit. These changes are summarized
below.
• Regulatory Citations — Language has been added where necessary in the permit to provide
regulatory citations for permit requirements.
• Electronic Reporting — Permit language has been added to be consistent with the finalization of
federal requirements for electronic reporting.
The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) that are a part of the permit are not included in this
draft document (cover, map, and Part I). The conditions are the same as in your current permit. The latest
version of the standard conditions is available at https://bit.ly/3k5NFaL 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 general
circulation in the Watauga County area soliciting public comments on this draft permit. Please provide
any written comments you may have to me no later than 30 days after receipt of this draft permit.
D E 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
919.707.9000

Chris Robbins
Tweetsie Railroad WWTP- Draft Permit
Page 2
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 call me at [phone] or contact me by email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
i
Bradley Bennett
Compliance and Expedited Permitting Unit
cc: NPDES Files - electronic
Winston-Salem Regional Office / Water Quality — electronic
Operator Certification Program/Maureen Kinney — electronic

Draft Permit NCO032131
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
1»1.7i•INN
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision 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,
Tweetsie Railroad, Inc.
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Tweetsie Railroad WWTP
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
Blowing Rock
Watauga County
to receiving waters designated as the Middle Fork of the South Fork New River in subbasin 05-07-01 of the New
River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth in
Parts I, II, III and IV hereof.
This permit shall become effective.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on March 31, 2026.
If the permittee intends to continue discharging at the facility beyond the term of this permit, a renewal
application must be submitted no later than October 2, 2025 (180 days before the expiration of this permit)
Signed this day.
S. Daniel Smith, Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Page 1 of 8

Draft Pen -nit NCO032131
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge are hereby revoked, and as
of this 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.
Tweetsie Railroad, Inc.
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate an existing 0.07 MGD wastewater treatment system with the following
components:
• Bar screen
• Diversion box
• Dual train aeration basins
• Dual equalization tanks
• Dual two -chamber clarifiers
• Chlorine contact chamber
• Tertiary filter unit with mudwell chamber
• Dechlorination
• Flow meter
• Re -aeration
• Emergency generator
The facility is located northeast of Blowing Rock at Tweetsie Railroad (300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane)
in Watauga County.
2. After receiving an Authorization to Construct (ATC) permit from the Division, construct and operate
additional facilities needed to meet the 0.175 MGD flow, final effluent limitations and conditions in
the permit; and after submitting an engineering authorization (EA) documenting compliance with the
ATC.
3. Discharge from said treatment works via Outfa11001, at the location specified on the attached map
into the Middle Fork of the South Fork New River [10-1-2-(6))] currently classified WS-1V; Trout +
waters in subbasin 05-07-01 [HUC: 050500010201] of the New River Basin.
Page 2 of 8

Draft Permit NCO032131
Part I
A. (1) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (0.07 MGD)
[15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq., 15A NCAC 02B.0500 et seq.]
Grade II Biological Water Pollution Control System [I 5A NCAC 08G.0302]
Beginning with the effective date of this permit and lasting until expansion above 0.07 MGD or expiration,
whichever is sooner, the Permittee is authorized to discharge treated wastewater from Outfall 001. Such
discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
Monthly
Daily
Measurement
Sample
Sample
Parameter Code
Average
Maximum
Frequency
Type
Location
Flow 50050
0.07 MGD
Continuous
Recording
Influent or
Effluent
BOD, 5-day, (20°C) — Summer* C0310
5.0 mg/L
7.5 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
BOD, 5-day, (20°C) — Winter* C0310
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Total Suspended Solids C0530
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
NH3 as N — Summer* C0610
2.0 mg/L
10.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
NH3 as N — Winter* C0610
4.0 mg/L
20.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Dissolved Oxygen 00300
Daily average > 5.0 mg/L
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
Fecal Coliform 31616
200/100 ml
400/100 ml
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
(geometric mean)
Total Residual Chlorine 2 50060
17 Ng/L
2/Week
Grab
Effluent
Temperature (°C) 00010
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
Total Nitrogen C0600
Semi -Annually
Composite
Effluent
(NO2+NO3+TKN)
Total Phosphorus C0655
Semi -Annually
Composite
Effluent
pH 00400
>6.Oand <9.0
— —
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
standard units
'Summer: April 1- October 31
Winter: November 1 - March 31
Footnotes:
1. The permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using the NC DWR's eDMR system [see A. (3)].
2. The Division shall consider all effluent TRC values reported below 50 µg/I 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 µg/l.
THERE SHALL BE NO DISCHARGE OF FLOATING SOLIDS OR VISIBLE FOAM IN OTHER THAN TRACE
AMOUNTS.
Page 3 of 8

Draft Permit NCO032131
A. (2) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (0.175 MGD)
[I 5A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq., 15A NCAC 02B.0500 et seq.]
Grade II Biological Water Pollution Control System [ 15A NCAC 08G.0302]
During the period beginning after expansion above 0.07 MGD and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is
authorized to discharge treated wastewater from Outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by
the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Daily
Measurement
Sample
Sample
Parameter Code
Average
Maximum
Frequency
Type
Location
Flow 50050
0.175 MGD
Continuous
Recording
Influent or
Effluent
BOD, 5-day, (20°C) — Summer* C0310
5.0 mg/L
7.5 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
BOD, 5-day, (20°C) — Winter* C0310
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Total Suspended Solids C0530
10.0 mg/L
15.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
NH3 as N — Summer* C0610
2.0 mg/L
10.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
NH3 as N — Winter* C0610
4.0 mg/L
20.0 mg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Dissolved Oxygen 00300
Daily average > 5.0 mg/L
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
Fecal Coliform
31616
(geometric mean)
200/100 ml
400/100 ml
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
Total Residual Chlorine 2 50060
17 Ng/L
2/Week
Grab
Effluent
Temperature (°C) 00010
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
Total Nitrogen C0600
(NO2+NO3+TKN)
Semi -Annually
Composite
Effluent
Total Phosphorus C0655
Semi -Annually
Composite
Effluent
pH 00400
>6.Oand <9.0
— —
Weekly
Grab
Effluent
standard units
*Summer: April 1 — October 31
*Winter. November 1— March 31
Footnotes:
1. The permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using the NC DWR's eDMR system [see A. (3)].
2. The Division shall consider all effluent TRC values reported below 50 µg/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 µg/l.
THERE SHALL BE NO DISCHARGE OF FLOATING SOLIDS OR VISIBLE FOAM IN OTHER THAN TRACE
AMOUNTS.
Page 4 of 8

Draft Permit NCO032131
A. (3) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF MONITORING REPORTS
[NCGS 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. The eDMR system may be
accessed at: hgps://deg.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr.
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
following address:
NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
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.
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.
Page 5 of 8

Draft Permit NC0032131
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: hUs://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/10/22/2015-
24954/national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdgs-electronic-reporting-rule
Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the "Reporting Requirements" section above.
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. Sianatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and Supersedes Section B. (11.) Ml
All eDMRs submitted to the permit issuing authority shall be signed by a person described in Part H,
Section B. (I 1.)(a) or by a duly authorized representative of that person as described in Part H,
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:
h t tp: //d eq. nc. gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
Page 6 of 8

Draft Permit NC0032131
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.)1
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 7 of 8

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North NPDES Permit: NC0032131
Page 8 of 8