NC0040797_Permit (Modification)_20030131

NPDES DOCUHENT !SCANNING: COVER !SHEET
NPDES Permit:
NC0040797
Henry Fork WWTP
Document Type:
Permit Issuance
Wasteload Allocation
Authorization to Construct (AtC)
Permit Modification
Complete File - Historical
Engineering Alternatives (EAA)
Correspondence
Owner Name Change
Instream Assessment (67b)
Speculative Limits
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Document Date:
January 31, 2003
This document is printed on reusce paper - ignore any
content on the reirerse side

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Mr. James Kirby
City of Hickory
P.O. Box 398
Hickory, North Carolina 28603
January 31. 2003
Subject:
Permit Modification Issuance
City of Hickory - HenryFork WWTP
NPDES Permit No. NC0040797
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Kirby:
Based on an agreement between the State of North Carolina and the Environmental Protection Agency.
this permit is being re -opened to require a weekly average limit for ammonia. After calculating allowable
concentrations and analyzing past ammonia data. the Division has set this limit at three times your
monthly average concentration (not to exceed 35 mg/L).
Enclosed please find the modified permit. This permit modification 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.
If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit modification
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 (6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh. North Carolina 27699-6714). Unless such
demand is made, this decision shall be final and binding.
Please take notice 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
requirement to obtain other permits which may be required by the Division of Water Quality or permits
required by the Division of Land Resources. Coastal Area Management Act or any other Federal or Local
government permit that may be required.
If you have any questions, comments. or concerns regarding this permit modification. please do not
hesitate to contact Christie Jackson at [phone], extension 538.
cc: Central Files
NPDES Unit Files
Mooresville Regional Office
EPA Region IV
Sincerely,
Ket.S
Alan W. Klimek. P.E.
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled / 10% post -consumer paper

Permit NC0040797
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, the
City of Hickory
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
City of Hickory / Henry Fork WWTP
On NCSR 1144 approximately 1.5 miles from NCSR 1008
South of Hickory
Catawba County
to receiving waters designated as Henry Fork River 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 March 1, 2003.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on July 31, 2005.
Signed this day January 31, 2003.
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

Permit NC0040797
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
The City of Hickory is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate an existing 9.0 MGD wastewater treatment system with the
following components:
• Mechanical bar screen
• Influent pump station
• Influent flow meter
• Grit removal
• Flow equalization basin
• Two primary clarifiers
• Two aeration basins
• Two sludge holding basins
• Alum and polymer feed systems
• Odor control system
• Standby power generator
• Effluent diffuser
The facility is located south of Hickory at Henry Fork WWTP on on NCSR 1144
approximately 1.5 miles from NCSR 1008 in Catawba County.
2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached
map into Henry Fork River, classified C waters in the Catawba River Basin.

AP
Facility Information
Latitude: 35°39'49" Sub -Basin: 03-08-35
Longitude: 81°19'30"
Quad #: E13NE
Stream Class: C
Receiving Stream: Henry Fork River
Permitted Flow: 90 MGD
Hickory -Henry Fork WWTP
NC0040797
Catawba County

Permit NC0040797
A. (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS - FINAL
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 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 Location1
Flow
_ 9.0 MGD
Continuous
Recording
Influent or Effluent
BOD5
(April 1- October 31) 2
19.0 mg/L
28.5 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent and Effluent
BOD5
(November 1- March 31) 2
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Influent and Effluent
Total Suspended Solids 2
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
_
Daily
Composite
Influent and Effluent
NH3 as N
(April 1- October 31)
2.5 mg/L
7.5 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Effluent
NH3 as N
(November 1- March 31)
6.2 mg/L
18.6 mg/L
Daily
Composite
Effluent
Dissolved Oxygen 3
Daily
Grab
Effluent,
Upstream & Downstream
Fecal Coliform
200/100 ml
400/100 ml
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Fecal Coliform
See Note 1
Grab
Upstream & Downstream
pH4
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Total Residual Chlorine 5
28 µg/L
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Temperature
Daily
Grab
Effluent,
Upstream & Downstream
Temperature
See Note 1
Grab
Upstream & Downstream
Total Nitrogen
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Total Phosphorus -
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Conductivity
Daily
Grab
Effluent
Conductivity
See Note 1
Grab
Upstream & Downstream
Chronic Toxicity 6
Quarterly
Composite
Effluent
Total Cadmium
6 µg/L
15 µg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Fluoride
5283 µg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Total Nickel
258 µg/L
261 µg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Total Selenium
14.7 µg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
MBAS
_
1467 µg/L
Weekly
Composite
Effluent
Total Copper
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
Total Zinc
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
Chloride
_
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
Total Cyanide 7
2/Month
Grab
Effluent
Total Silver
2/Month
Composite
Effluent
Color 8
Monthly
Composite
Effluent
Color (April 1- October 31) 8
Monthly
Grab
Upstream & Downstream
Notes:
1 Upstream = at least 100 feet upstream from the outfall. Downstream = at NCSR 1143. Stream
samples shall be grab samples collected three times per week during June, July, August, and
September and once per week during the remaining months of the year.
2 The monthly average BOD5 and Total Suspended Residue concentrations shall not exceed 15% of
the respective influent value (85% removal).

Permit NC0040797
A. (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
(continued)
Notes:
3 The daily average dissolved oxygen effluent concentrations shall not be less than 5.0 mg/L.
4 The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units.
5 Limitation. and monitoring requirement applies only if chlorine is added during treatment.
6 Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F ® 34%; February, May, August and November. See A. (2.).
7 The quantitation limit for cyanide shall be 10 µg/L (10 ppb). Levels reported as "<10 µg/L" shall be
considered zero for compliance purposes.
8 Color samples will be analyzed for ADMI color at natural pH. Samples will be analyzed by a state
certified laboratory. See A. (3.).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
A. (2.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY)
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant
mortality to Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 34 %.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterly monitoring using test procedures outlined in
the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure," Revised February 1998, or
subsequent versions or "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure"
(Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of
February, May, August and November. Effluent sampling for this testing shall be performed at the
NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment processes.
If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter results in a failure or ChV below
the permit limit, then multiple -concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum, in each of the
two following months as described in "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test
Procedure" (Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions.
The chronic value for multiple concentration tests will be determined using the geometric mean of the
highest concentration having no detectable impairment of reproduction or survival and the lowest
concentration that does have a detectable impairment of reproduction or survival. The defmition of
"detectable impairment," collection methods, exposure regimes, and further statistical methods are
specified in the "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -
February 1998) or subsequent versions.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent
Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) 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, DWQ Form AT-3
(original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: NC DENR DWQ / Environmental Sciences Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences Branch no later
than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
(continued on next page)

Permit NC0040797
A. (2.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY)
(continued)
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 Environmental Sciences Branch 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.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this permit may be re-
opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum control
organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and appropriate environmental controls,
shall constitute an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later
than the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring.
A. (3.) COLOR PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS FOR TIER 3 FACILITY
This facility has been classified as a Tier 3 color discharger. The permittee will conduct color monitoring
of instream stations (upstream, downstream) on a monthly basis during summer season (April -October).
The permittee will record whether a color plume was observed around the outfall pipe during the
monthly instream sampling events, and include that information on the monthly discharge monitoring
report. Effluent samples will be collected monthly for color on a year-round basis. Color samples will be
analyzed for ADMI color at natural pH. Effluent samples will consist of 24-hour composites, while
instream samples will be collected as grabs. Samples will be analyzed by a state certified laboratory.
The permittee will prepare a Pollution Prevention/Best Management Practices (BMPs) report. This
report will address the potential for the facility to reduce effluent color by incorporating pollution
prevention measures and/or BMPs prior to treatment. This report could include an evaluation of the
dyeing process, looking at the potential for dye substitution, improving dyeing efficiencies, etc. The
report could also investigate whether any BMPs could be implemented that would reduce the amount of
color discharged to the treatment plant. The permittee could do this work independently, or request
voluntary assistance from the North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental
Assistance. The permittee will also prepare a Color Reduction Study, which will involve an end -of -pipe
treatment evaluation that develops cost estimates for reducing effluent color by 75% and 90%. Both
reports will be submitted within 24 months of the permit effective date.
If data show that water quality standards for color are being violated by the discharge permitted by the
terms of this permit, then the Director may reopen this permit for the purpose of imposing additional
requirements pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H.0114. Alternatively, if future conditions change and color is no
longer a component of the influent wastestream, then the permittee may request a permit modification
to remove color permit requirements.

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 4
ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER
61 FORSYTH STREET
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960
November 26, 2002
Ms. Christie Jackson
NPDES Unit
Division of Water Quality
North Carolina Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
zoo £ - 330
SUBJ: Review of NPDES Permit Modifications
Weekly Average Ammonia Limits
Dear Ms. Jackson:
In accordance with the EPA/NCDENR MOA, we have completed our review of the draft
permit modifications to include weekly average ammonia limits. The permits that were reviewed
and have no comment are listed below.
Facility
City of Gastonia WWTP
City of Graham WWTP
City of Fayetteville/Cross Creek WWTP
City of High Point/East Side WWTP
OWASA/Mason Farm WWTP
City of Asheboro WWTP
Town of Siler City WWTP
Johnston County Regional WWTP
City of Hickory/Henry Fork WWTP
City of Dunn/Black River WWTP
Town of Robbins WWTP
Town of Holly Springs WWTP
NPDES Permit No.
NC0020184
NC0021211
NC0023957
NC0024210
NC0025241
NC0026123
NC0026441
NC0030716
iwte0040-74Yrk
NC0043176
NC0062855
NC0063096
Two draft permit modifications, Fuquay-Varina/Kenneth Creek WWTP (NC0028118) and
the City of Burlington/South Burlington WWTP (NC0023876) are not correct. The Fuquay-
Varina draft modification does not have the weekly average limit for the summer months in the
table and the Burlington draft modification does not have the summer and winter weekly average
limits in the table. This no comment letter is conditional for these two permits until the
appropriate corrections are made.
Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer)

2
We request that we be afforded an additional review opportunity only if significant
changes are made to the draft permit modification prior to issuance, or if additional significant
comments to this modification are received. Otherwise, please send us one copy of the final
permit modification when issued. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
[phone] or at [e-mail].
Sin erely,
Mado S. Dominy
NPDES & Biosolids Section
Permits, Grants and Technical Assistance Branch
Water Management Division

draft,permit modification reviews
Subject: draft permit modification reviews
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 10:55:48 -0500
From: John Giorgino <[e-mail]>
To: Christie Jackson <Christie.Jackson©ncmail.net>
CC: Matt Matthews <[e-mail]>,
Kevin Bowden <[e-mail]>
Hi Christie,
Thank you for sending our unit the following draft permit modifications
for our review:
0020184
0024210
0023957
0021211
0026123
0063096
0025241
0028118
00/0797
0062855
0023876
0026441
0030716
Concerning NC0026.4.41: •I noticed sections A(2) :and A(3) were not attached •
to the document.
ConcerningiNC0030716: IWC's are not calculated consistently with
permitted flows. I believe the problem lies with the 7Q10. Our data
base has it listed at .184 and the permit has it at 170. Can you review
the calculations and forward the correct 7Q10 for our records?
I have no comments with the other facilities at this time, Thanks for
allowing us to participate in the review process.
Best Regards,
John
John Giorgino
Aquatic Toxicology Unit
Office: 919 733-2136
Fax: [phone]
1 of 11/14/022:19 PN

Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
-Re er f D 0e14-4 Ffle for
Con4ipl+( PuUl'c )}edrt7
repot+
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Greg Thorpe
Bobby Blowe
February 8, 2002
Findings and Recommendations
Public Hearing held on August 28, 2001
Re: Renewal of NPDES permits
NC0005274
NC0006190
NC0074268
NC0020184
NC0025496
NC0044440
NC0040797
Yorkshire Americas, Inc.
Delta Apparel, Inc.
City of Gastonia, Crowder's Creek
City of Gastonia, Long Creek
City of Lincolnton
City of Cherryville
City of Hickory, Henry Fork
WATER Q; i10
SEC, V)1
As you requested, I served as Hearing Officer for a public hearing to obtain comments
relative to the proposed color removal requirements necessary for the renewal of the above listed
draft NPDES permits. The hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. on August 28, 2001 at the Citizen's
Resource Center in Dallas, NC. The hearing was held in response to numerous complaints about
the colored effluent plumes from some of the above permitted facilities. These plumes are
primarily due to the large number of textile dischargers in the Catawba River Basin.
BACKGROUND
15A NCAC 02B.0211(3)(f) states, in part, that colored wastes are allowed only in " such
amounts as shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation or to
aquatic life and wildlife or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality or impair the
waters for any designated uses". Noticeably colored effluent from the above facilities, as well as
others, in the Catawba River Basin has been the subject of an ever increasing number of
complaints over the years. However, there has been no evidence collected by the Division, nor
presented by others, to indicate that these facilities are having anything other than an aesthetic
impact on the receiving stream.
�A
,
Customer Service
1 800 623-7748
Construction Grants and Loans Section
E-MailAdress www.nccgl.net
1633 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1633 [phone]
FAX [phone]