NC0023981_2nd Draft Permit_20210519

ROY COOPER.
Governor
DIONNE DELLI-GATTI
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
Ms. Elisa Triplett, Superintendent
City of Lenoir, Public Utilities
PO Box 958
Lenoir, North Carolina 28645
Dear Ms. Triplett:
NORTH CAROL! NA
Environmental Quality
May 19, 2021
Wastewater Treatment
Subject: 2nd Draft NPDES Permit Renewal
Permit NC0023981
Lower Creek WWTP
Caldwell County
Grade IV Biological WPCS
SIC Code 4952
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the second draft NPDES permit renewal for your facility.
This second draft is being sent for review and public comment in light of the proposed compliance
schedule, which represents a relaxation of prior limitations, and this requires a second Public
Notice. Please review this draft carefully to ensure thorough understanding of the requirements
and conditions it contains. There are several changes from the existing permit, including:
The following changes were made to the first draft permit sent to you on March 9, 2021:
• To provide an opportunity for the City to develop a plan to assess sources of Total Silver and
Total Zinc in order to come in compliance with the limits in Section A. (1.), a 3-year schedule
of compliance with the option to conduct a Water Effect Ratio (WER) study has been added
to the permit [See Special Condition A. (5.) Schedule of Compliance].
This second draft permit maintains the following significant changes identified in the letter
sent on March 9, 2021:
• Based on details provided in the submitted Process Narrative, system components in the
Supplement to Permit Cover Sheet have been revised.
• Because it had expired on August 31, 2019, the compliance schedule for hardness -dependent
metals has been removed from the permit, as well as the Effluent Sheet showing the limits and
monitoring requirements for Total Cadmium and Total Copper under compliance schedule.
• Based on the reasonable potential analysis (RPA) involving submitted Hardness data, the limits
for Total Cadmium have been revised from 1.8 µg/L monthly average and 9.9 µg/L daily
maximum to 1.6 µg/L monthly average and 8.2 µg/L daily maximum [See A. (1.)].
NORTH D `E�
Department of&Mronme�l Ouellty�
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 1 Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
919.707.9000

• Based on the RPA involving submitted Hardness data, the limits for Total Copper have been
revised from 25.7 µg/L monthly average and 33.0 µg/L daily maximum to 21.6 µg/L monthly
average and 27.0 µg/L daily maximum [See A. (1.)].
• Based on submitted data not exceeding the compliance level of 10 µg/L per the April 13, 2007
Division's Cyanide Compliance guidance memo, Cyanide limits and monitoring have been
removed from the permit [See A. (1.)].
• Based on the RPA showing reasonable potential to violate state water quality standards, Total
Silver and Zinc limits have been added to the permit and the quarterly monitoring requirement
has been changed to monthly monitoring [See A. (1.)].
• Based on Mercury TMDL evaluation showing mercury values reported at levels > 1 ng/L and
since the permitted flow is > 2 MGD, Special Condition A. (6.) - Mercury Minimization Plan
has been revised toward its maintenance.
• Instream monitoring parameters have been removed from the Effluent sheet [A. (1.)] and
placed as a separate Special Condition [See A. (2.)].
• Some of the wording has changed in Special Condition A. (3.) — Chronic Toxicity Permit
Limit, please review each paragraph carefully.
• Special Condition A. (4.) — Effluent Pollutant Scan has been modified to include the specific
three years in which the Effluent Pollutant Scan shall be performed (2023, 2024, and 2025).
• Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs)
and program reports. The requirement to continue reporting discharge monitoring data
electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet
application has been added to your NPDES permit [See A. (5.)].
• A notation was made concerning the Electronic Reporting Rule — 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 [See A. (5.)].
• Parameter codes have been added to the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements
[See A. (1.)], Instream Monitoring [See A. (2.)], and Effluent Pollutant Scan [See A. (4.)].
• Regulatory citations have been added to the permit.
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 except that agency and division names have been updated. The latest version 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
circulation in the general Caldwell 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.
NORTH CAROUNAD_E
Department of th ImnmeMal Dually
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
919.707.9000

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 by email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
-DoccuuSigned by:
1I '^
-9FBBBC952DF8455...
Gary Perlmutter, Environmental Specialist II
NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
Hardcopy: NPDES Files
eCopy: US EPA Region 4
DWR/Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality/Tim Heim
DWR/NPDES Permitting Branch/Municipal Unit — Pretreatment/Kristin
Litzenberger
NORTH CMOUNAD_E
Department of FmDcnmemal Dually
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
919.707.9000

Permit NC0023981
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
PERMIT
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, the
City of Lenoir
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Lower Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
1905 Broadland Road
Lenoir, NC
Caldwell County
to receiving waters designated as Lower Creek in the Catawba 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 Month x, 2021.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2026.
Signed this day Month xx, 2021.
DRAFT
for S. Daniel Smith, Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Page 1 of 14

Permit NC0023981
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.
The City of Lenoir is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate an existing 6.0 MGD wastewater treatment facility that includes the following
components:
• Mechanical bar screen
• Influent pump station
• Vortex grit removal
• A2O process with anaerobic zone, anoxic zone with mixers, and two (2) aeration basins
• Two (2) secondary clarifiers
• Chlorination
• Dechlorination
• One (1) return activated sludge pump
• Two (2) waste activated sludge pumps
• Sludge holding tank with submersible mixer
• Belt filter press
This facility is located at the Lower Creek WWTP, 1905 Broadland Rd, Lenoir, Caldwell County,
and;
2. Discharge treated wastewater from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached
map via Outfall 001 into Lower Creek, which is a classified C water in the Catawba River Basin.
Page 2 of 14

Permit NC0023981
Part I
A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (6.0 MGD)
[15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] Grade IV Biological Pollution Control
System [15A NCAC 08G .0302]
a. Beginning upon the effective date of the permit and lasting until permit expiration, the Permittee is
authorized to discharge treated municipal wastewater from Outfall 001. Such discharges shall be
limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
Parameter Code
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Average
Weekly
Average
Daily
Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
1 Type
Sample
Location
Flow
50050
6.0 MGD
Continuous
Recording
Influent or
Effluent
BOD, 5-day, 20°C (Summer) 2.3
C0310
22.0 mg/L
33.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent &
Effluent
BOD, 5-day, 20°C (Winter) 2,3
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent &
Effluent
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 2
C0530
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent &
Effluent
NH3-N (Summer) 3
C0610
2.0 mg/L
6.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Effluent
NH3-N (Winter) 3
4.6 mg/L
13.8 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Effluent
Fecal Coliform
(geometric mean)
31616
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Dissolved Oxygen (Summer) 3
00300
Daily Average >_ 5 mg/L
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Dissolved Oxygen (Winter) 3
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Temperature
00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Conductivity
00094
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
Effluent
pH
00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 S.U.
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Total Residual Chlorine 4
50060
28 pg/L
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
(mg/L) 5
00900
Monitor and Report
p
QuarterlyComp
p osite
Effluent
Total Copper (as Cu)
01042
21.6 pg/L
27.0 pg/L
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Cadmium (as Cd)
01027
1.6 pg/L
8.2 pg/L
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Silver (as Ag) interim 6
01077
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Silver (as Ag) final 6
0.14 pg/L
0.93 pg/L
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Zinc (as Zn) interim 6
01092
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Zinc (as Zn) final 6
317 pg/L
317 pg/L
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Nitrogen
(NO2+ NO3 + TKN)
C0600
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Phosphorus
C0665
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Chronic Toxicity?
THP3B
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Effluent Pollutant Scan
NC01
Monitor and Report
Footnote 8
Footnote 8
Effluent
Page 3 of 14

Permit NC0023981
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NCDWR's eDMR application system;
see Section A. (6.).
2. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and TSS concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the respective influent value
(85% removal).
3. Summer is defined as April 1 through October 31; Winter is defined as November 1 through March 31.
4. The facility shall monitor TRC when using chlorination for disinfection. The Division shall consider all effluent
TRC values reported below 50 µg/L 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.
5. Effluent Hardness sampling should be in conjunction with testing for hardness -dependent metals (cadmium,
chromium, copper, lead, silver, selenium and zinc).
6. The Permittee shall follow the Total Silver and Total Zinc compliance schedule detailed in Special Condition A.
(5.). Starting on the effective date of this permit, the Permittee shall perform monthly effluent monitoring and
reporting for Total Silver and Total Zinc.
7. Whole Effluent Toxicity will be monitored using the Pass/Fail Ceriodaphnia dubia at 44% effluent. Samples shall
be taken in February, May, August and November; see A. (3.).
8. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit; see A. (4.).
b. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 4 of 14

Permit NC0023981
A. (2.) INSTREAM MONITORING REQUIREMENTS [15A NCAC 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee shall conduct instream monitoring as specified below:
PARAMETER
Parameter Code
SAMPLE TYPE
LOCATION 1
MEASUREMENT FREQUENCY
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
00300
Grab
Upstream,
Downstream
3/week (June 1 — September 30)
1/week (October 1 — May 30)
Temperature
00010
Grab
Upstream,
Downstream
3/week (June 1 — September 30)
1/week (October 1 — May 30)
Conductivity
00094
Grab
Upstream,
Downstream
3/week (June 1 — September 30)
1/week (October 1 — May 30)
Total
(mg/L) Hardness (as CaCO3)
2
00900
Grab
Upstream
1/quarter
Footnotes:
1. U = Upstream at least 100 feet from the outfall. D = Downstream at SR 1142.
2. The Permittee shall sample instream hardness, upstream of the facility's discharge. The sample shall be
representative of the hardness in the receiving stream.
Page 5 of 14

Permit NC0023981
A. (3.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (Quarterly) [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant mortality to
Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 44%.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterly monitoring 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 February, May, August and November.
These months signify the first month of each three month toxicity testing quarter assigned to the facility. Effluent
sampling for this testing must be obtained during representative effluent discharge and 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
Division's 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:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1621
Or, results can be sent to the email, [e-mail].
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental 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 6 of 14

Permit NC0023981
If the Permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by this permit, the results of such monitoring
shall be included in the calculation & reporting of the data submitted on the DMR & all AT Form submitted.
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.
Page 7 of 14

Permit NC0023981
A. (4.) EFFLUENT POLLUTANT SCAN (2.0 MGD) [NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
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: 2023, 2024, and 2025. 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)
Chlorine (total residual, TRC)
Dissolved oxygen
Nitrate / Nitrite
Kjeldahl nitrogen
0il and grease
Phosphorus
Total dissolved solids
Hardness
Antimony
Arsenic
Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Lead
Mercury (Method 1631E)
Nickel
Selenium
Silver
Thallium
Zinc
Cyanide
Total phenolic compounds
Volatile organic compounds:
Acrolein
Acrylonitrile
Benzene
Bromoform
Carbon tetrachloride
Chlorobenzene
Chlorodibromomethane
Chloroethane
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
Chloroform
Dichlorobromomethane
1,1-dichloroethane
1,2-dichloroethane
C0610
50060
00300
00630
00625
00556
C0665
70295
00900
01097
01002
01012
01027
C0034
01042
01051
COMER
01067
01147
01077
01059
01092
00720
32730
34210
34215
34030
32104
32102
34301
34306
85811
34576
32106
32101
34496
32103
Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
1,1-dichloroethylene
1,2-dichloropropane
1,3-dichloropropylene
Ethylbenzene
Methyl bromide
Methyl chloride
Methylene chloride
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
1,1,1-trichloroethane
1,1,2-trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl chloride
Acid -extractable compounds:
P-chloro-m-cresol
2-chlorophenol
2,4-dichlorophenol
2,4-dimethylphenol
4, 6-d i n itro-o-creso l
2,4-dinitrophenol
2-nitrophenol
4-nitrophenol
Pentachlorophenol
Phenol
2,4,6-trichlorophenol
Base -neutral compounds:
Acenaphthene
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
Benzidine
Benzo(a)anthracene
Benzo(a)pyrene
3,4 benzofluoranthene
Benzo(ghi)perylene
Benzo(k)fluoranthene
Bis (2-chloroethoxy) methane
34546
34501
C0541
77163
34371
34413
34418
34423
81549
34475
34010
34506
34511
39180
39175
34452
34586
34601
34606
34657
34616
34591
34646
39032
34694
34621
34205
34200
CO220
39120
C0526
34247
34230
34521
34242
34278
Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether
Bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
4-bromophenyl phenyl ether
Butyl benzyl phthalate
2-chloronaphthalene
4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether
Chrysene
Di-n-butyl phthalate
Di-n-octyl phthalate
Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene
1,2-dichlorobenzene
1,3-dichlorobenzene
1,4-dichlorobenzene
3,3-dichlorobenzidine
Diethyl phthalate
Dimethyl phthalate
2,4-dinitrotoluene
2,6-dinitrotoluene
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorobutadiene
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
Hexachloroethane
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
Isophorone
Naphthalene
Nitrobenzene
N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
N-nitrosodimethylamine
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
34273
34283
C0100
34636
34292
34581
34641
34320
39110
34596
34556
34536
34566
34571
34631
34336
34341
34611
C0626
34346
C0376
34381
C0700
C0702
34386
34396
34403
34408
34696
34447
34428
34438
34433
34461
34469
C0551
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 31 st of each designated
Page 8 of 14

Permit NC0023981
sampling year. 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 may be uploaded at: https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/NPDES_WW-EDMR-Supplemental-
Form
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 122.21(j)(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
Or, results can be sent to the email: [e-mail].
Contact the Division's 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.
Page 9 of 14

Permit NC0023981
A. (5.) SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE FOR TOTAL SILVER AND TOTAL ZINC
LIMITATIONS [NCGS 143-215.1 (b)]
This compliance schedule includes the option for pursuing a Water Effect Ratio (WER) study for
developing site -specific limitations and compliance with the Total Silver and Total Zinc limits.
1. If the Permittee wishes to conduct a WER study to develop site -specific metal limitations, then
within six (6) months of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division of
Water Resources a Water -Effect Ratio (WER) study plan for approval.
a. Within eighteen (18) months of the WER study plan approval by the Division, the
Permittee shall submit to the Division a report summarizing the results of the WER study.
If more than one metal is included in the WER study, a synergistic WER shall be
conducted.
b. If the WER study results in site -specific metal limits, the Permittee shall submit to the
Division a permit modification request to include the WER-derived limits subject to
review and approval by the Division and the appropriate permit modification process.
c. The final metal limits based on the WER-derived limits, if approved, will be placed into
effect immediately with the permit modification and all remaining schedule items will be
removed.
2. If the Permittee does not submit a WER study plan within one year of the permit effective date,
then the Permittee shall follow the Compliance Schedule outlined below (replacing the schedule
in section A.5.1. above) and substitute the dates for one, two and three years from the permit
effective date:
a. Within one (1) year of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit to the Division
of Water Resources a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for Division approval, summarizing
the strategy or actions to be taken to achieve compliance with the Total Silver and Total
Zinc limitations listed in Section A. (1.). This plan will include specific dates for
completion or implementation of each action.
b. Within two (2) years of the permit effective date, the Permittee shall submit a report to the
Division summarizing actions taken in accordance with the Action Plan.
c. The Permittee shall achieve compliance with Total Silver and Total Zinc limitations
specified in Section A. (1.) within three (3) years of the permit effective date.
Upon approval of the CAP by the Division, the report and actions become an enforceable part of this
permit. The Division can reopen this permit to implement interim or alternative limits based on studies
that demonstrate an interim or alternate limit is appropriate. Any modifications to the schedule shall be
requested to the Division at least ninety (90) days before the deadline. Modifications to the schedule in
excess of four months will be subject to public notice.
The WER Study Plan, CAP and all reports shall include the owner's name, NPDES permit number and
Permittee contact person, and shall be submitted to:
(1) NCDEQ / Division of Water Resources
NPDES Permitting
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
(2) NCDEQ / Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office
450 West Hanes Mill Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Page 10 of 14

Permit NC0023981
A. (6.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING - 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)1
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: https://deq.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;
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Permit NC0023981
• 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.federalregister.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.
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.) (d)1
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,
Page 12 of 14

Permit NC0023981
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.)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].
A. (7.) MERCURY MINIMIZATION PLAN (MMP) [NCGS 143-215. 1(b.)]
The Permittee shall maintain and continue to implement the Mercury Minimization Plan (MMP)
developed in the previous permit term. The MMP shall continue to be available for inspection on -site.
The MMP should place emphasis on identification of mercury contributors and goals for reduction.
Results shall be summarized and submitted with the next permit renewal. Performance of the MMP 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 action to address the Waste Load Allocation.
Page 13 of 14

Permit NC0023981
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Facility Information
Latitude: 35°52'55" Sub -Basin: 03-08-31
J
Facility X
Location
Longitude: 81° 34' 35" 8-Digit HUC: 030501D1
Quad 8: D 12 NE (Lenoir)
Stream Class: C
Recelying Stream: Lower Creek
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city of Lenoir -Lower CreekWWiP
981
Permitted Flow: 6.0 MGD
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Caldwell Cowry
Caldwell
Page 14 of 14

DocuSign
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