NC0027359_Permit (Issuance)_19981019

NPDES DOCUMENT SCANNING COVER SHEET
NPDES Permit:
NC0027359
Hiwassee
Hydro Plant
Document Type: ,
Permit Issuance
Wasteload Allocation
Authorization to Construct (AtC)
Permit Modification
Complete File - Historical
Engineering Alternatives (EAA)
Correspondence
Instream Assessment (67b)
Speculative Limits
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Permit
History
Document Date:
October 19, 1998
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content on the resrerse side

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Ms. Janet K. Watts
Manager of Environmental Affairs
Tennessee Valley Authority
1101 Market Street
LP 5D
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402-2801
Dear Ms. Watts:
*Vila
NCDENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
October 19, 1998
Subject: Final NPDES Permit
Permit No. NC0027359
TVA- Hiwassee Hydro Plant
Cherokee County
In accordance with the application for a discharge permit received on January 27, 1997, the Division is
forwarding herewith the subject NPDES permit. This permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North
Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dated December 6, 1983, and as subsequently amended.
Please note the following changes that have been made to the final permit in response to comments offered
by TVA and the Asheville Regional Office:
• On the Supplement to Permit Cover sheet, the words "from water generators" have been deleted, and
"treatment works" has been changed to "facility."
• Oil and Grease monitoring has been eliminated (limits still apply). The footnote instead requires that the
tailrace be visually inspected at least once a quarter, and an additional note requires best management
practices be employed.
• Temperature monitoring has been eliminated (limits still apply). The words "due to the facility's
operation" have been included in the footnote.
• The pH limitation includes the words "unless ambient river conditions prevent compliance with this
range."
• The stipulation prohibiting addition of chromium, copper, or zinc to the discharge has been deleted, as
this condition is covered sufficiently in a requirement to notify the Division of any additives possibly
toxic to aquatic life.
• Language conceming quarterly DMR submission is specified on effluent pages. For any outfalls
requiring only semi-annual monitoring, the language is the same to maintain reporting frequency
consistently throughout the permit.
In response to TVA's comments dated August 31, 1998:
• TVA requested that the permit expiration date be moved to the year 2003 to allow a full five-year term
for the permit. This facility is located in a sub -basin in the Hiwassee River Basin which is assigned an
expiration date of August 31, 2002. The Division coordinates the expiration dates of all facilities in
each sub -basin in the State in order to renew permits in a river basin at the same time. Once a facility's
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
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permit has been issued with an expiration date consistent with the sub -basin schedule, renewal should
occur every five years.
• Flow monitoring is still required quarterly or semi-annually, depending on the outfall; however, this
monitoring may be satisfied by a reasonable estimate.
• Comments pertaining to Part I, Section B and Part II were valid concerns; however, these parts of the
permit are considered standard conditions (boiler plate language) and cannot be changed to represent
individual facilities. The requirement to incorporate standard permit conditions verbatim or by
reference is stipulated in 40 CFR § 122.43. Language is interpreted appropriately for each facility.
If any parts, measurement frequencies, or sampling requirements contained in this permit are unacceptable
to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following
receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of
the North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, Post Office
Drawer 27447, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7447. Unless such demand is made, this decision shall be
final and binding.
Please take note that this permit is not transferable. Part II, E. 4. addresses the requirements to be followed
in case of change in ownership or control of this discharge. This permit does not affect the legal
requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by the Division of Land Resources or any other
Federal or Local governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this permit, please contact Bethany A. Bolt at (919) 733-
5083, extension 551.
Enclosure
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality Section
Point Source Compliance Enforcement Unit
Mr. Roosevelt Childress, EPA
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E.
Technical Assistance & Certification Unit
Central Files
NPDES Unit

Permit No. NC0027359
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
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,
Tennessee Valley Authority
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at
Hiwassee Hydro Plant
at the Hiwassee Dam
west of Hiwassee Village
Cherokee County
to receiving waters designated as the Hiwassee River in the Hiwassee 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 December 1, 1998.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on August 31, 2002.
Signed this day October 19, 1998.
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
Tennessee Valley Authority
is hereby authorized to:
Permit No. NC0027359
1. Continue to discharge water from a station sump which receives flow from wheel pit leakage
and power house floor drains (Outfall 001), discharge unwatering sump water (Outfall 002),
discharge non -contact cooling water (Outfalls 003 and 004), and discharge station sump water,
as well as upper and lower gallery drain water (Outfall 005), located at Hiwassee Hydro Plant,
at the Hiwassee Dam, west of Hiwassee Village, Cherokee County (See Part III, A. of this
Permit), and
2. Discharge from said facility at the location specified on the attached map into the Hiwassee
River which is classified C waters in the Hiwassee River Basin.

ROAD CLASSIFICATION
PRIMARY HIGHWAY
HARD SURFACE
SECONDARY HIGHWAY
HARD SURFACE COMP
UGHT-DUTY ROAD, HARD OR
IMPROVED SURFACE
UNIMPROVED ROAD - - -
Latitude 35°09'01" Longitude 84°10'41"
Map # G2NW
Stream Class
Sub -basin 40502
C
Discharge Codes 48
Receiving Stream Hiwassee River
Permitted Flow Flow is not limited
r
Chambers
MIleX8O
SCALE 1:24 000
0
0
1 MILE
. 7000 FEET
1" I
0
1 KILOMETER
CONTOUR INTERVAL 40 FEET
QUAD LOCATION
z,,,___\..ii
Tennessee Valley Authority
NC0027359
Cherokee County
Hiwassee Hydro Plant

A (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL
Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge waters from the station
sump (receiving flow from Unit 1 floor drains and wheel pit leakage) from outfall(s) serial number 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by
the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Average
Weekly
Average,.::
Daily
Maximum
Measurement
.Frequency..
Sample ;;
Type
Sample
Location"
Flow
Quarterly
Estimate
E
Oil and Grease'
15 mg/I
20 mg/I
i
E
pH2
E
Notes:
Sample locations: E - Effluent
The tailrace shall be visually inspected for oil sheens at least once a quarter at this hydroelectric facility. Confirmation that a visual inspection was
conducted should be clearly noted on the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form.
2 The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units unless ambient river conditions prevent compliance with this range.
Best management practices (BMPs) must be employed to ensure that excessive pollutants are not discharged to the surface waters of the State.
These practices should include as a minimum, changing oil absorbent pads quarterly and cleaning accumulated sediment in the bottom of the sump
routinely.t
Chemical wheel pit cleaning is permitted on a monthly basis. When cleaning of the wheel pit occurs, the tailrace shall be inspected visually for foam and oil.
Cleaning shall be conducted only with pre -approved solvents. Should the Permittee wish to change cleaning solvents, a written request should be made to the
Division including the MSDS for the proposed solvent.
Mechanical cleaning operations which do not contribute any wastewater to the discharge are not limited by this permit. Non -discharging cleaning operations
may be conducted as often as necessary to ensure safety and proper facility operation.
The Permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division prior to the use of any chemical additive in the discharge. The Permittee shall notify the
Director in writing at least ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional additive in the discharge which may be toxic to aquatic life (other
than additives previously approved by the Division). Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 (if applicable), a
copy of the MSDS for the additive, and a map indicating the discharge point and receiving stream.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous calendar quarter shall be recorded and reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form and postmarked
no later than the 30'' day following the completed reporting period. The first DMR is due on the 30' day of the month following the calendar quarter in which the
permit was issued. tThe Permittee shall confirm in writing that BMPs have been employed as specified in this permit with each DMR submitted.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam (other than trace amounts) in the effluent.

A (2). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL
Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge waters from draft tube
unwatering operations from outfall(s) serial number 002: Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Average
Weekly
Average
Daily
Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type
Sample
Location*
Flow
Quarterly
Estimate
E
Oil and Grease'
15 mg/l
20 mgll
1
E
pH2
E
Notes:
Sample locations: E - Effluent
3 The tailrace shall be visually inspected for oil sheens at least once a quarter at this hydroelectric facility. Confirmation that a visual inspection was
conducted should be clearly noted on the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form.
4 The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units unless ambient river conditions prevent compliance with this range.
Best management practices (BMPs) must be employed to ensure that excessive pollutants are not discharged to the surface waters of the State.
These practices should include as a minimum, changing oil absorbent pads quarterly and cleaning accumulated sediment in the bottom of the sump
routinely. t
Chemical wheel pit cleaning is permitted on a monthly basis. When cleaning of the wheel pit occurs, the tailrace shall be inspected visually for foam and oil.
Cleaning shall be conducted only with pre -approved solvents. Should the Permittee wish to change cleaning solvents, a written request should be made to the
Division including the MSDS for the proposed solvent.
Mechanical cleaning operations which do not contribute any wastewater to the discharge are not limited by this permit. Non -discharging cleaning operations
may be conducted as often as necessary to ensure safety and proper facility operation.
The Permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division prior to the use of any chemical additive in the discharge. The Permittee shall notify the
Director in writing at least ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional additive in the discharge which may be toxic to aquatic life (other
than additives previously approved by the Division). Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 (if applicable), a
copy of the MSDS for the additive, and a map indicating the discharge point and receiving stream.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous calendar quarter shall be recorded and reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form and postmarked
no later than the 30"' day following the completed reporting period. The first DMR is due on the 30"' day of the month following the calendar quarter in which the
permit was issued. tThe Permittee shall confirm in writing that BMPs have been employed as specified in this permit with each DMR submitted.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam (other than trace amounts) in the effluent.

A (3). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL
Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge once -through cooling
waters from generator air cooling and bearing cooling from outfall(s) serial number 003 and 004. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the
Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Average
Weekly
Average
Daily
Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type
Sample
Location*
Flow
Semi-annually
Estimate
E
Temperature1
1
1
E
pH2
E
Notes:
* Sample locations: E - Effluent
The temperature of the effluent will be regulated so that the temperature of the receiving stream does not increase more than 2.8°C above the natural water
temperature. Receiving water temperature shall not exceed a maximum of 29°C due to the facility's operation.
2 The pH shall not be Tess than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units unless ambient river conditions prevent compliance with this range.
The Permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division prior to the use of any chemical additive in the discharge. The Permittee shall notify the
Director in writing at least ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional additive in the discharge which may be toxic to aquatic life (other
than additives previously approved by the Division). Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 (if applicable), a
copy of the MSDS for the additive, and a map indicating the discharge point and receiving stream.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous calendar quarter shall be recorded and reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form and postmarked
no later than the 30"' day following the completed reporting period. The first DMR is due on the 30' day of the month following the calendar quarter in which the
permit was issued.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam (other than trace amounts) in the effluent.

A (4). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL
Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge waters from the lower and
upper gallery drains, and waters from Unit 2 floor drains and wheel pit leakage, from outfall(s) serial number 005. Such discharges shall be limited and
monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Average
Weekly
Average
Daily
Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type .
Sample
Location'
Flow
Quarterly
Estimate
E
Oil and Grease1
15 mg/I
20 mg/I
1
E
pH2
E
Notes:
* Sample locations: E - Effluent
5 The tailrace shall be visually inspected for oil sheens at least once a quarter at this hydroelectric facility. Confirmation that a visual inspection was
conducted should be clearly noted on the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form.
6 The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units unless ambient river conditions prevent compliance with this range.
Best management practices (BMPs) must be employed to ensure that excessive pollutants are not discharged to the surface waters of the State.
These practices should include as a minimum, changing oil absorbent pads quarterly and cleaning accumulated sediment in the bottom of the sump
routinely.t
Chemical wheel pit cleaning is permitted on a monthly basis. When cleaning of the wheel pit occurs, the tailrace shall be inspected visually for foam and oil.
Cleaning shall be conducted only with pre -approved solvents. Should the Permittee wish to change cleaning solvents, a written request should be made to the
Division including the MSDS for the proposed solvent.
Mechanical cleaning operations which do not contribute any wastewater to the discharge are not limited by this permit. Non -discharging cleaning operations
may be conducted as often as necessary to ensure safety and proper facility operation.
The Permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division prior to the use of any chemical additive in the discharge. The Permittee shall notify the
Director in writing at least ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional additive in the discharge which may be toxic to aquatic life (other
than additives previously approved by the Division). Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 (if applicable), a
copy of the MSDS for the additive, and a map indicating the discharge point and receiving stream.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous calendar quarter shall be recorded and reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form and postmarked
no later than the 30th day following the completed reporting period. The first DMR is due on the 30") day of the month following the calendar quarter in which the
permit was issued. tThe Permittee shall confirm in writing that BMPs have been employed as specified in this permit with each DMR submitted.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam (other than trace amounts) in the effluent.

114
Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402-2881
August 31, 1998
Mr. David Goodrich
North Carolina Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality/Water Quality Section
NPDES Unit
512 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Dear Mr. Goodrich:
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY (TVA) - CHATUGE HYDRO PLANT (CTH) -
NPDES PERMIT NO. NC0027332, FONTANA HYDRO PLANT (FNH) - NPDES
PERMIT NO. NC0027341, AND HIWASSEE HYDRO PLANT (HIH) - NPDES
PERMIT NO. NC0027359 - COMMENTS ON DRAFT HYDRO PERMITS
TVA received draft NPDES permits for the above -mentioned facilities on August 5 and
is submitting the following general and site -specific comments. The general comments
below are common to all three permits.
General Comments
Permit Cover Sheet and Supplement to Permit Cover Sheet
TVA requests that the permit expiration date be moved to the year 2003 to allow a
full five-year term under the reissued permits.,i't_�
TVA asks that the words "from water generators" be deleted from the description of
noncontact cooling water in the list of authorized discharges on the Supplement to
Permit Cover Sheets. This simpler description would more generally describe the
noncontact cooling water which may originate from generator air cooling, generator
bearing cooling, oil cooling, and other types of cooling activities.

Mr. David Goodrich
Page 2
August 31, 1998
/3. TVA would prefer that the words "treatment works" be changed to "facility" on the
Supplement to Permit Cover Sheets to more accurately describe the discharge.
Pages A(1), A(2), A(3 ), or A(4)
1. TVA requests that the requirement to visually inspect the tailrace after wicket gate
lubrication be eliminated from the permits. This is not practical for several reasons.
At this point in time, CTH is not staffed but is remotely operated from another
facility.
This trend of eliminating personnel and operating the plants from a remote location
is expected to continue at TVA hydro plants, and the use of roving maintenance
crews will increase. Also, wicket gate lubrication is done automatically, and the
operators at staffed plants may not be available to inspect the tailrace after wicket
gate lubrication because it could occur after hours or on weekends or holidays.
2. TVA asks that the stipulation "There shall be no chromium, zinc, or copper added to
the discharge except as preapproved additives to biocidal compounds" be removed
because it is redundant, and the preceding requirement in the permit to notify the
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) of the addition of toxic compounds is sufficiently
protective. There may be compounds other than biocides that might contribute trace
amounts of these elements to the discharge, and the criteria to prohibit their use
should be geared towards preventing releases of these compounds in harmful
amounts.
3. TVA requests that temperature and flow monitoring requirements be removed from
the cooling water pages of these permits. Noncontact cooling water discharges from
these plants should not measurably impact the receiving streams as these are small
volumes of noncontact cooling water (hundreds of gallons per minute) in proportion
to the turbine discharges (hundreds of thousands of gallons per minute) with which
they mix. The state previously granted an exemption to this requirement in a letter
dated January 29, 1987, and agreed with TVA that "any temperature change would
be negligible ...."
IX' TVA also asks that wording of Note 1 pertaining to temperature be changed to
"Receiving water temperature shall not exceed a maximum of [value based on
stream classification] due to the facility's operation." TVA does not have control
over the receiving water temperature but only over the amount of heat that it adds to
the receiving stream from its operations.

•
Mr. David Goodrich
Page 3
August 31, 1998
• _ 6.
r �
ram.
"1 •
v i
A understands from previous telephone conversations with DWQ personnel that
although there is a pH limitation of six to nine standard units (6-9 s.u.), routine
monitoring is not required by the permittee. However, this permit condition as
stated does not take into account that the majority of releases at a hydro plant are
essentially raw river water. This permit condition implies a requirement to be
within the range of 6-9 s.u. even when ambient river conditions are outside that
range. TVA requests inclusion of wording that permitted discharges shall be in the
range of 6-9 s.u. except when ambient river conditions prevent compliance with that
condition. 5 , .4 11 i c
In previous permits for CTH and HIH, these facilities were given the option of
submitting Best Management Practices certifications in lieu of quarterly monitoring.
There has been no indication that this provision has not been sufficiently protective
of water quality in North Carolina. TVA requests that these certifications be
allowed in the renewed permits for CTH, HIH, and FNH.
r - �, Part I - General
1. TVA requests that the wording of Section B.2. be changed to mirror the language in
the general permit: r c�,� _ r• 0 , ; ��
N1D i f r�
"Permittee shall at all times provide the operation an maintenance necessary to
operate the existing facilities in accordance with Part Il. C.2 of this permit."
In this manner, the interpretation that the state is attempting to regulate efficiency of
the generation of electricity at the plants is avoided.
Part II - General
2. There appears to be a conflict between Sections B.9 and B.10 of this part. In
Section B.9, the continuation of any activity is prohibited unless thernaittee
applies for and ob_.' a newpermit. In Section B.10, the continuation of
discharges (an activity) is automatically allowed if the permittee makes an
ap lication 180 days prior to the expiration. TVA prefers the wording in
Section B.10 an would ask at ection B.9 be eliminated because it is up to the
state to issue a permit, and the date that a permit is obtained is outside of TVA's
control.
T�1

if\Ar4 , frf)`--k-)‘ -1-C'
i tj✓ ?C '
X'-' 4
Mr. David Goodrich V
{)` �- e'
Page 4 ti� �, , .•
August 31, 1998 . J
iC 2‘ s f* ' t'
c;t) - '—' - '
0 '' . ,k 1 4 - A3'.
4. The current language in Section D.2. seems to indicate that although quarterly
monitoring is the maximum frequency required in the permit, monthly reports from
these facilities will have to be submitted. TVA feels it is unnecessary and
burdensome to submit multiple copies of reports containing no data or the same data
and requests that Section D.2. be modified to read:
"Monitoring results obtained during the previous calendar quarter shall be
recorded and reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Form (DEM
No. MR 1, 1.1, 2, 3) or alternative form(s) approved by the Director, DEM, and
postmarked no later than the 30th day following the completed reporting period"
"The first DMR is due on the 30th of the month following the calendar quarter in
which thepermit was issued, or in the case o a new facility, on the 30th dayo the
.f .f tY .f
month following the calendar quarter in which the discharge commenced .... "j �; ��, ; t. ,
el�4'- i c- r
5. TVA requests clarification of the statementlat requires that flow A --
measurement devices that are selected be capable of measuring flows with a
"maximum deviation of less than +10 percent." The meaning is unclear. TVA also
asks that the terminology be changed from "Once -through condenser cooling water"
to "non -contact cooling water" to accurately reflect the operations of a hydroelectric
plant. TVA also asserts that estimating flow from the station sumps based on pump
rated capacities should be sufficient and that any supplemental flow monitoring
devices are not necessary. TVA therefore asks that sump discharges be included
(along with cooling water estimates) in the provision that certain flows shall not be
subject to the flow measurement accuracy requirement.
Site -Specific Comments
Chatuge Hydro
1. TVA asks that the spelling of Chatuge Dam be corrected on the Supplement to
Permit Cover Sheet.

Mr. David Goodrich
Page 5
August 31, 1998
TVA appreciates the opportunity to comment on these permits. If you have any
questions about these comments, please call Lindy Printz at [phone].
Janet K. Watts
Manager of Advanced Production Technology
and Regulatory Integration
5D Lookout Place

PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
POST OFFICE BOX 29535
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27626-0535
NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO ISSUE A STATE
NPDES PERMIT
On the basis of thorough staff review and application of Article 21 of Chapter 143,
General Statutes of North Carolina, Public Law 92-500 and other lawful standards
and regulations, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission pro-
poses to issue a permit to discharge to the persons listed below effective 8/31/98 and
subject to special conditions.
Persons wishing to comment upon or object to the proposed determinations are in-
vited to submit same in writing to the above address no later than 8/21/98. All com-
ments received prior to that date will be considered in the formulation of final determi-
nations regarding the proposed permit. A public meeting may be held where the Di-
rector of the Division of Environmental Management finds a significant degree of
public interest in a proposed permit.
A copy of the draft permit is available by writing or calling the Division of Environmen-
tal Management, P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535, (919) 733-
7015.
The application and other information may be inspected at these locations during
normal office hours. Copies of the information on file are available upon request and
payment of the cost of reproduction. All such comments or requests regarding a pro-
posed permit should make reference to the NPDES permit number listed below.
Date
.4 9,0444k-
A. Preston Howard Jr., P.E. Director
tJ Division of Environmental Mana45enenL
Public notice of intent to issue a State NPDES permit to the following:
1. NPDES No. NC0027359. Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market Street, LP 5D,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402-2801 has applied for a permit renewal for a facility
located at Hiwassee Hydro Plant, at the Hiwassee Dam, west of Hiwassee Village,
Cherokee County. The facility discharges sump water and non -contact cooling water
from five outfalls into the Hiwassee River, a Class C stream in the Hiwassee River
Basin. No parameters are water quality limited, but this discharge may affect future
allocations.

(Form prepared by William C. Lassiter, General Counsel for North Carolina Press Association,
and approved by the Attorney General of North Carolina.)
CLIPPING OF'
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT
NORTH CAROLINA
Cherokee County
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said County and State, duly
commissioned, qualified, and authorized by law to administer oaths,
personally appeared
Glenn Harbison
who being first duly sworn, deposes and says: that ... he is
Assoc. Publisher
(Owner, publisher or employee authorized to make this affidavit)
engaged in the publication of a newspaper known as
THE CHEROKEE SCOUT
published, issued, and entered as second class mail in the City of Murphy,
in said County and State; that ... he is authorized to make this affidavit
and sworn statement; that the notice or other legal advertisement, a true
copy of which is attached hereto, was published in The Cherokee Scout on
the following dates:
July 22, 1998
and that the said newspaper in which such notice, paper, document, or
legal advertisement was published was, at the time of each and every
publication, a newspaper meeting all of the requirements and qualifica-
tions of Section 1-597 of the General Statutes of North Carolina and was
a qualified newspaper within the meaning of Section 1-597 of the
General Statutes of North Carolina.
This
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
of September
My Commission expires:
(SEAL)
3rd day of..... September , 19 ...98
(signature of person making affidavit)
3rd
Notary Public
, 19.98
day

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Ms. Janet K. Watts
Manager of Environmental Affairs
Tennessee Valley Authority
1101 Market Street
LP 5D
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402-2801
Dear Ms. Watts:
I r;
DEN R
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit
Permit No. NC0027359
TVA- Hiwassee Hydro Plant
Cherokee County
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the draft permit for the above referenced hydroelectric facility. In an effort to
permit hydroelectric facilities more consistently, the following changes have been incorporated into this permit:
• Outfalls 001 and 002 require Quarterly monitoring of the effluent for Oil and Grease and Flow estimates.
• Outfalls 003 and 004 require Semi-annual Flow estimates and Temperature monitoring.
• Outfall 005 requires Quarterly monitoring of the effluent for Oil and Grease and Flow estimates.
• Outfall 006 has been removed.
Please note that under a general permit, monitoring requirements would be similar for the outfalls fitting the
appropriate description (decided by the Permittee); however, monitoring results are only required to be kept on record
at the facility, rather than reported monthly to the Division of Water Quality. Should you wish to reconsider
coverage under the general permit for hydroelectric facilities (NCG500000), please notify the Division so that
appropriate materials may be sent to you.
Please review the draft permit carefully and submit requested information and any comments to David Goodrich by
June 13, 1998 at the following address: NCDENR, DWQ/Water Quality Section, NPDES Unit, Post Office Box
29535, 512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535.
If you have any questions concerning this draft permit, please contact Bethany A. Bolt at [phone], extension
551.
Sincerely,
David A. GoodTSch
Supervisor, NPDES Unit
Enclosure
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality Section
NPDES Unit
Central Files
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
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SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes No x
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
TO: PERMITS AND ENGINEERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
ATTENTION: Bethany Bolt
DATE: March 11, 1998
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Cherokee COUNTY
PERMIT NUMBER NC0027359
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: Tennessee Valley Authority-Hiwassee Dam
Mailing: Ms. Janet K. Watts
Manager of Environmental Affairs
TVA
1101 Market Street
LP 5D
Chattanooga Tenn. 37402-2801
2. Date of Investigation:
3. Report Prepared By: Kerry Becker
4. Persons Contacted and Telephone Number:
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of Hwy 64 and NCSR 1140
near Hayesville, travel on NCSR 1140 to NCSR 1146. Continue on NCSR
1146 crossing over the Hiwassee River to an immediate right on the
access road leading to the Dam.
6. Discharge Point(s), List for all discharge points:
Latitude: 35° 09' 02" Longitude: 84° 10' 44"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. G2 NW U.S.G.S. Quad Name Unaka
7. Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
Yes No If No, explain: N/A
8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included): N/A

9. Location of nearest dwelling: Greater than 500 ft.
10. Receiving stream or affected surface waters:
a. Classification: C
b. River Basin and Subbasin No.: 040502
c. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: The tail waters of the Dam constitute the majority of the
flow of the Hiwassee River.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted Usually the entire flow of
the River is directed through the facility. MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity)
b. What is the current permitted capacity of the Wastewater
Treatment facility? N/A
c. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity N/A
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially
constructed wastewater treatment facilities: None, the facility
uses best management practices to collect any oil leakage.
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater treatment
facilities: None proposed.
g. Possible toxic impacts to surface waters: None known.
2. Residuals handling and utilization/disposal scheme: No sludge is
generated from this facility.
3. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet):

4. SIC Codes (s) : 4 911
Primary 48 Secondary
Main Treatment Unit Code: Pipe 001 (Station Pump) 530-0; Pipes:
002,003,004: 000-0
PART III - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Although a General Permit is available for this type of facility, that
permit, unlike the individual NPDES permit, does not allow for the
implementation of Best Management Practices as an alternative to effluent
monitoring. Since these facilities generate small quantities of oil
which are handled via oil absorption equipment and oil and water
separators and since the waters from the wheel pits, etc. are discharged
when the dam is generating power making it difficult to collect samples,
it seems prudent to renew the individual permit for this facility. The
General Permit should be modified at the next issuance period to allow
incorporation of BMPs as an alternative to effluent analyses.
4k-
Signatu a of Report Preparer
Water Quality Regional Supervisor
&4/1/2///f1Per
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NC0027359
BAB
NOTES FOR HIWASSEE HYDRO PLANT (TVA)
PERMIT RENEWAL (NC0027359)
Wastewater discharge from Hiwassee Hydro Plant (Hiwassee Dam, Cherokee County) to
Hiwassee River in the Hiwassee Basin.
15A NCAC 2B .0300 Index # 1-(74): Classified as C- 7/ 1 /61.
Former Individual Permit effective 4/1/93; expired 12/31/97.
WLA Information:
N/A
DMR Review:
N/A -data not available; 1995 correspondence indicates BMPs being used in lieu of monitoring.
Correspondence:
• 1/27/97 letter (renewal submittal) stated six outfalls have been reduced to five (no 006).
Upper gallery drain water has been routed to 005, which was only the lower g. drain.
• Submittal says 005 receives sump water from Unit 2 (earlier correspondence in '93
complained that description should be "drains" and not "sump" wastewaters.)
• 5/6/97 Inspection report by Kerry Becker (ARO) indicated BMPs were in place.
General Comments:
Should BMP exemption from monitoring be continued in next permit, or should it be more
consistent with the general permit for hydros?
Kerry's staff report recommends renewal with BMP exemption and modification of the
general permit to include this feature; however, based on Keith Hanes recommendations for
Fontana's monitoring (no BMP exemption if we issue an individual) and discussions with
Dave, the renewal will include the minimal monitoring as in the general. Dave and I agree
that although BMPs are important to encourage, monitoring is not excessive and should
remain in this renewal. Keith also stated that even with monitoring requirements, such
practices such as oil absorbent checks/replacement will be employed anyway. Perhaps it is
an issue to be revisited in the future for the Hydro General Permit.
Regarding Comments from Permittee (8/31/98):
• Several concerns regarding monitoring (such as visual inspection of wicket gates at
lubrication), since many of TVA's hydros are operated remotely and rely only on
roving maintenance crews. Difficult to project exactly when this lubrication will
take place since it is automatic. Lindy Printz (TVA) also noted that TVA ultimately
wants to employ water -based lubrication at these facilities.
• Temperature monitoring is extremely difficult at these facilities given the location of
discharges.
• Several comments dealt with boiler plate language, which is unalterable. Explained
to Lindy that the language is interpreted appropriately for each facility, and that it is
required to be included verbatim per 40 CFR Part 122.43.
• Dave suggested arriving at a compromise between Kerry and Keith's
recommendations for these permits; e.g. routine inspections that facilities must

NC0027359 BAB
report rather than full exemption with BMPs or monitoring as prescribed in current
general permit. '
• Final revisions: No Temperature or OB&G monitoring; however, limits still apply (as
will pH in the general permit). A visual inspection of the tailrace must be completed
at least once a quarter, and BMPs must be employed (confirmation of which should
be included on the DMR form) to prevent oil spills. Flow monitoring is still required
quarterly or semi-annually, depending on the outfall, but may be an estimate.
Other minor changes in wording are included in accordance with permittee's
comments (see cover letter dated 10/ 19/98). Stipulation prohibiting addition of
chromium, copper, or zinc to discharge was deleted, as this condition is sufficiently
addressed with language regarding additives possibly toxic to aquatic life. DMRs
may be submitted quarterly rather than monthly given monitoring schedule.
cc: General Permit file

Effluent Characteristic
Flow
Oil and Grease
A. (). El -FLUENT LEVIITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL** Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Peimittee is authorized to discharge from
outfall(s) serial number 001- station sump. S ;ch di charges shall be imited a��d rr�onityredby th pierrnitt as specified below:
(I�-Ct i V i -t cow -cn'1-- r!lk i I ora.i n s 5 WW1 (r--f� c le.41
Discharge Limitation: Monitoring Requirements
L'us/day Units (specify Measurement Sample Sample
Mon. Avg. Daily Max. Fre uenc Type Location
Ltd✓ r�y
Estimate/Pump I or E
/I 1 00.0 mgJ. 2 l "o th C,Fab F
15X mg/I 20)(mg/I ? rrth-j Grab E
-fr-e/IX
Mon. Avg. Daily Max
ni T Gi 2 a pe rni -� �
Me.c-IA.an I c�� C� l0�'1 I yt `� �{ ``
a-+� tons .
*Sample locations: E - Effluent, I - Influent
**In F o these monito '. equir ments, best ..- :.ement practices ... y ► employed to e • :.-e that exc - : ive ..11utant e not
to t' - surfce waters o e State. . hese prac i es sho ld include, . a minim m, changi : oil a. sorben .ads qu. -rly . d cleani
umula -d sedim- in the bon .,m of th- mp rout ely. A le -r of certific, on mus .e submittecl t the Divisiov o ' nvironme
anagem:. t • .. erly stating at Be anagement ' ac ' - - s are employed.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
NI U CAA rovtti L WI 7: n ci CO pexf ee-i-c ... .
v r'i o `1-1 rTY t 'fU o-v-v- { --e- lei ✓ i c 10 vi
.°11-L 1 (7 [ / MStS, vvt ap, c _
Fe r S ka)il

A. (). EFl~LUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL* Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from
outfall(s) serial number 002 - unwatering sump. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
Effluent Characteristic.
Sa+ as Do
Discharge Limitation: Monitoring Requirements
Lbs/day .units (specify y
Measurement Sample *Sample
Mon. Avg. Daily Max Mon. Avg. Daily Max. Frequency Type Location
G IS RE e d IRED FOR TS OUTFAL
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

A. (). EP LUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL
Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from
outfall(s) serial number 003-Noncontact cooling water. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
Effluent Characteristic
Flow
Temperature
Total FesiaUai LTilorine
Discharge Limitation! Monitoring Requirements
Lbs/day Units (specify Measurement Sample
*Sample
Mon. Avg. Daily Max Mon. Avg. Daily Max. Frequency Type Location
-Anrf Cramp E
THERE SHALL BE NO CHROMIUM, ZINC, OR COPPER ADDED TO THE TREATMENT SYSTEM EXCEPT AS PRE -APPROVED
ADDITIVES TO BIOCIDAL COMPOUNDS (See Part III, D.).
'J*The temperature of the effluent shall be such as not to cause an increase in the temperature of the receiving stream of more than 2.8°C and in
no case cause the ambient water temperature to exceed 29°C.
The permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division of Environmental Management prior to utilizing any biocide in the cooling water (See
Part III, D.).
The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

A. (). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Perrnittee is authorized to discharge from
outfall(s) serial number 004-Noncontact cooling water. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
Effluent Characteristic
Flow
Temperature
Total Residual Chlorine
as Ova
Discharge Limitation: Monitoring Requirements
Lbs/day Units (specify Measurement Sample *Sample
Mon. Avg. Daily Max Mon. Avg. Daily Max. Frequency Type Location
THERE SHALL BE NO CHROMIUM, ZINC, OR COPPER ADDED TO THE TREATMENT SYSTEM EXCEPT AS PRE -APPROVED
ADDITIVES TO BIOCIDAL COMPOUNDS (See Part III, D.).
*The temperature of the effluent shall be such as not to cause an increase in the temperature of the receiving stream of more than 2.8°C and in
no case cause the ambient water temperature to exceed 29°C.
The permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division of Environmental Management prior to utilizing any biocide in the cooling water (See
Part III, D.).
The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

A. (). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL** Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Perrnittee is authorized to discharge from
outfall(s) serial number 005 - lower gallery sump. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
Effluent Characteristic Discharge Limitation! Monitoring Requirement:
Lbs/day Units (specify Measurement Sample
*Sample
Mon. Avg. Daily Max Mon, Avg. Daily Max. Frequency Type Location
Flow 2/Month Estimate/Pump I or E
Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/I 20.0 mg/I 2/Month Grab E
Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/I 45.0 mg/I 2/Month Grab E
S a as DO I
* Sample Locations: E - Effluent, I - Influent
**In lieu of these monitoring requirements, best management practices may be employed to ensure that excessive pollutants are not discharged
to the surface waters of the State. These practices should include, as a minimum, changing oil absorbent pads quarterly and cleaning
accumulated sediment in the bottom of the sump routinely. A letter of certification must be submitted to the Division of Environmental
Management quarterly stating that Best Management Practices are employed.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

•
A. (). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL* Permit No. NC0027359
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Peimittee is authorized to discharge from
outfall(s) serial -. mber 006 - upper gallery drains. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
Effluent Characteristic.
Lbs/day
. Daily
Discharge Limitation Monitoring Requirement.
Units {specify Measurement Sample *Sample
Max Monvq Daily Max. Frequency Type Locatioji
*NO MONITORI 3 IS REQUIRED FOR THIS DISCHARGE.
There shall be discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts