HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQ0015487_Industrial Wastewater Pond Closure Plan_20180814INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER POND CLOSURE PLAN
CLOSED-LOOP RECYCLE PERMIT NO. WQ 0015487
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
SUNCREST CHIP MILL
HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC
Prepared for:
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
August 14, 2018
_____________________________________
Robert Martin, LG
Principal Geologist
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER POND CLOSURE PLAN
CLOSED-LOOP RECYCLE PERMIT NO. WQ 0015487
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
SUNCREST CHIP MILL
HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC
Prepared for:
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Prepared by:
MARTIN&SLAGLE GEOSCIENCES, PA
PO BOX 1023
BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC 28711
828-669-3929
Industrial Wastewater Closure Plan
Powell Industries, Inc.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Work Sequence Summary 2
3.0 Site Stormwater Sampling 3
4.0 Interim Stormwater Management 5
5.0 Upper Pond Closure-Conversion to Non-Wastewater Pond 6
A. Wastewater Sampling, Analysis and Disposal 6
B. Soil and Wastewater Residuals Analysis 6
C. Soil and Wastewater Residuals Disposal 7
D. Closure Report 8
Figures
Figure 1: Closure Plan-Site Map
Figure 2: Closure Plan-Pond Detail Map
Attachments
Attachment A: Closure of Permitted Wastewater Ponds and Lagoons-Checklist and Instruction
Items
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER POND CLOSURE PLAN
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
SUNCREST CHIP MILL
HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC
CLOSED-LOOP RECYCLE PERMIT NO. WQ 0015487
1.0 INTRODUCTION
On January 17, 2017, Powell Industries, Inc. (PI) requested that the Closed-Loop Recycle Permit
for this facility be rescinded by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division
of Water Resources (DWR). The wastewater recycle pond, 0.2-acre Upper Pond was permitted
as a non-discharge system which collected the wastewater discharge from the wet-decking
process conducted as part of the chipping process. In addition to receiving process wastewater,
the Upper Pond also received stormwater runoff from the various areas of the mill property. The
wet-decking process which generated the permitted wastewater discharge has been
discontinued. (Reference Checklist Item I.b.)
In a letter from DWR on April 3, 2017, specific closure requirements for the Upper Pond as well
as “Guidelines for the Closure of Permitted Wastewater Ponds and Lagoons” (June 22, 2012)
were forwarded to PI. Analytical results for water samples collected by DWR on May 25, 2016
and PI on November 8, 2016 were also attached. This clo sure plan was prepared in accordance
with the requirements included in DWR’s letter. The Checklist included in Attachment A of the
guidelines has been completed and is attached to this closure plan. Instruction Items associated
with the checked items are addressed and referenced in this plan.
Closure of the Upper Pond will require management of site stormwater currently being
discharged into the Upper Pond. A 0.3-acre stormwater retention pond (Lower Pond) is situated
immediately downstream of the Upper Pond. The two ponds are not hydraulically connected by
outlet works other than a high level open channel spillway from the Upper Pond. Figure 1 shows
the 11-acre property with process areas and stormwater conveyances.
Industrial Wastewater Closure Plan
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DWR believes that a hydraulic connection exists between the Lower Pond and a NC Department
of Transportation (NCDOT) culvert that drains stormwater from the low area downstream of the
Lower Pond dam east beneath Highway 276, Jonathan Creek Road. If the Lower Pond is
incorporated into the permanent stormwater management syst em, DWR requires a dye trace
study to confirm the connection. PI has chosen not to incorporate the Lower Pond into the
permanent stormwater system eliminating the need to conduct the dye trace study.
The goal of this pond closure plan is to remediate the Upper Pond by removal and proper disposal
of impounded water and residual sediments in accordance with DWR Pond Closure
Requirements. (Reference Checklist Item II.a.) Closure of the Upper Pond will be conducted in
phases in order to continue to manage site stormwater, eliminate runoff into the Upper Pond
and allow site operations to continue during closure activities.
Management of stormwater during pond closure activities will require evaluation of the water
quality associated with site runoff prior to discharge into the Upper Pond. Once water quality is
characterized for the site runoff, stormwater runoff will be temporarily routed to the Lower
Pond. Site stormwater quality issues identified through sampling will be addressed by
incorporating temporary and permanent Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs).
2.0 Work Sequence Summary
A summary of the work sequence for the pond closure activities is provided in the table below.
No. Task Description
Phase I
1 Conduct “site audit” (Per 4/3/17 DWR letter) to identify potential waste streams and identify
opportunities to improve stormwater quality.
2 Sample and analyze representative site stormwater water quality samples during a rainfall
runoff event and sample water in the Lower and Upper Pond (prior to dewatering).
3 Dewater Lower Stormwater Pond by pumping into Upper Wastewater Recycle Pond.
4 Design and install stormwater bypass system into Lower Stormwater Pond.
Industrial Wastewater Closure Plan
Powell Industries, Inc.
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5 Dewater Upper Wastewater Recycle Pond by pumping into tankers and delivering to
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
6 Conduct testing of wastewater residuals samples and native soil samples from the Upper
Wastewater Recycle Pond.
7 Remediate Upper Wastewater Recycle Pond by removal and disposal of wastewater residuals
and sediment based on results of testing and requirements specified in “Guidelines for the
Closure of Permitted Wastewater Ponds and Lagoons.”
Phase 2
8 Design new stormwater management system to meet stormwater discharge permit
requirements. A treatment train system with stormwater wetlands is envisioned as shown on
Figure 1.
9 Construct new stormwater management system. It is expected the final stormwater
management system will operate by gravity and the existing pump system will not be required.
3.0 Site Stormwater Sampling
A preliminary site survey was conducted to identify the activities that may contribute to
diminished stormwater quality. Based on this survey, sample locations upstream of the ponds
were selected for sampling and analysis. Stormwater runoff samples will be collected following
a rain event to characterize the first flush of runoff.
1. Stormwater samples will be collected from the locations shown on Figure 1. Sampling
locations were selected to quantify the contribution to runoff from activities conducted
upstream of the sampling point. Grab samples will be collected into clean laboratory supplied
containers and placed on ice for transport to the analytical laboratory. DWR will be notified
of the sampling schedule to coordinate splitting samples.
2. Two (2) stormwater samples will be collected and analyzed for monitoring parameters
included in PI’s NPDES Stormwater General Permit No. NCG210000 (Certificate of Coverage
NCG210097). Additional parameters were added based on the sampling conducted by DWR
and PI. Stormwater samples will be analyzed for the following parameters:
Industrial Wastewater Closure Plan
Powell Industries, Inc.
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Total Suspended Solids – EPA Method 2540D
pH – EPA Method 9040
Total Phenolic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds - EPA Method 6200
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds – EPA Method 625
Nutrients- ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, TKN, total phosphorus
BOD
COD
Turbidity
3. One water sample will be collected from each pond (stormwater and wastewater) and
analyzed for the following parameters:
Metals- arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, lead, magnesium, mercury
molybdenum, nickel, selenium, sodium, zinc
Total Phenolic Compounds
Total Suspended Solids – EPA Method 2540D
pH – EPA Method 9040
Volatile Organic Compounds - EPA Method 6200
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds – EPA Method 625
Nutrients –ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, TKN, total phosphorus
BOD
Turbidity
Based on review of the laboratory analyses, temporary SCMs will be selected and implemented
to reduce contaminants from discharging into the Jonathan Creek.
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4.0 Interim Stormwater Management
SCMs on the Powell Industries site will comply with the North Carolina Forestry Association
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prepared for PI in 2003. This SWPPP describes
the measures implemented at the PI site to:
Identify pollution sources that affect water quality of stormwater discharge.
Describe the practices that can reduce these problem areas.
Provide the operation and maintenance necessary to ensure the permitted stormwater
controls operate as intended.
SCMs implemented at the site consist of proper management of materials at the PI site, including
storage of wood and mulch, proper storage and containment of fuels, hydraulic fluids and
hazardous materials as well as proper storage, transport, and management of empty containers.
A detailed list of materials and the measures implemented is included in the SWPPP. Monthly
stormwater inspections, daily cleanup activities as well as other maintenance measures for the
site are also specified in the SWPPP.
In addition to these site SCMs, temporary stormwater management measures will be
implemented during the pond closure activities. Stormwater runoff will be conveyed through a
separate stormwater and bypass system into the lower pond, as shown in Figure 1. The
temporary bypass will consist of a 360-ft long, 36-inch diameter HDPE pipe which will be
connected to the two existing stormwater system lines that currently discharge into the upper
pond. The bypass line will be connected at the existing catch basin junction boxes and intercept
all upstream stormwater flow from being conveyed into the upper pond. A rock apron will be
installed at the outlet of the temporary bypass into the lower pond to prevent erosion.
Potential stormwater treatment areas are identified on Figure 1. These areas will be designed to
improve stormwater quality based on the results of initial stormwater sampling described in
Section 3.0. If use of the lower pond is necessary to meet discharge requirements, a stormwater
Industrial Wastewater Closure Plan
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outfall will be installed on the lower pond. Stormwater discharges will be monitored quarterly
at the outfall during closure of the upper industrial wastewater pond. Monitoring results will be
reported to DWR and Department of Energy, Minerals and Land Resources (DEMLR).
5.0 Upper Pond Closure
A. Wastewater Sampling, Analysis and Disposal
Closure of the Upper Pond will involve dewatering of the impoundment and proper disposal of
the water based on the analytical results of Item 3 above. (Reference Checklist Item IV.a.)
Wastewater sampling will be accomplished during the stormwater sampling event. Results will
be used to make decisions regarding disposal of the wastewater currently contained in the Upper
Pond. Water currently collecting in the pond is being pumped to a frack tank and transported to
the Town of Waynesville Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for disposal. If analytical results
indicate no change in water quality since the last sampling event, the water from the Upper Pond
will be pumped to the frack tank and disposed of at the WWTP. (Reference Checklist Item III.b.)
B. Soil and Wastewater Residuals Analysis
Following dewatering, the sediments remaining in the base of the Upper Pond will be sampled
according to the following:
1. Two composite sediment samples will be collected above the residual soil base and
analyzed by a DWR certified laboratory for the following parameters.
Metals- arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, lead, magnesium, mercury
molybdenum, nickel, selenium, sodium, zinc.
Nutrients –ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, TKN, total phosphorus
Total Phenolic Compounds
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) – EPA Method 625
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Four aliquots of sediment will be taken from various locations in the base of the pond as
shown on Figure 2. The four aliquots will be collected into a stainless steel bowl, mixed then
placed in appropriate containers provided by the laboratory.
2. A sediment grab sample will be collected from each aliquot location placed in laboratory
supplied containers and analyzed for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - EPA Method
8260. Soil samples to be analyzed for VOCs will not be composited.
3. A second composite sample will be collected of the residual soil beneath the sediment in
the same manner described above. Four aliquots will be composited and analyzed for all
constituents except VOCs. Four grab samples, one from each location will be collected
and analyzed for VOCs.
The analytical results will be evaluated to estimate the quantity of sediment to be removed , the
depth of excavation and the method of disposal. Sample results will be evaluated with respect
to hazardous characteristics. It is not anticipated that that ignitability, corrosivity or reactivity
will be an issue at this site based on the wastewater source. However, if any one of the metals,
volatile organics or semi-volatile organics listed in the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
(TCLP) exceed their respective regulatory limit, the sample will be analyzed for leachability using
the TCLP Method to determine if any of the wastewater residuals should be managed as a
hazardous waste. (Reference Checklist Item IV.b.)
C. Soil and Wastewater Residuals Disposal
Disposal method(s) for wastewater residuals and soil will be determined following evaluation of
analytical results. Since the Upper Pond may be used for future stormwater management,
wastewater residuals and impacted soil as determined by analysis will be removed and disposed
of. Soil may be stockpiled on site before permanent removal to a disposal facility. If wastewater
Industrial Wastewater Closure Plan
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residuals/soil are stockpiled on site, they will be placed on plastic sheeting and covered with
plastic sheeting to prevent contact with precipitation.
Options for non-hazardous wastewater residuals disposal, depending on analytical results,
include transportation to White Oak, Haywood County Landfill or Republic Waste Management
in South Carolina. Depending on the moisture content, the wastewater residuals may need to
be mixed with a desiccant such as kiln dried sawdust to reduce the moisture content in order to
pass the paint filter test as required for disposal at landfills. (Reference Checklist Item III.c.)
D. Closure Report
Upon completion of the industrial wastewater pond closure a report will be prepared for
submittal to and approval by the NCDEQ, DWR. The report will include:
A description of the closure activities;
Sampling results;
Volume of wastewater residuals/soils disposed and the location of disposal;
Companies and contractors responsible for closure activities;
Final certifications for proper wastewater and residuals disposal; (Reference Checklist
Item V.b., V.c.)
Request for rescission of the Wastewater Closed-Loop Recycle Permit;
Request for the pond to be incorporated into the site stormwater management system.
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JONATHAN CREEK RD[
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FIGURE1MARTIN & SLAGL EGeoSciences, PAPO Box 1023Black Mountain, NC 28711828.669.3929 828.669.5289
INDUSTRIAL WASTE PONDCLOSURE PLANPOWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.SUNCREST CHIP MILLHAYWOOD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
LEGENDgExisting Stormwater Structure
Existing Stormwater Conveyance
Proposed Temporary Stormwater Bypass
Potential Stormwater Treatment Area
Parcel Boundaries
Streets
Water Sample Locations
@?Stormwater Sample
@?Wastewater Sample
SCALE: 1"= 100'DR: TPOCHK:REV:DATE: 9/21/17
Temporary Stormwater Bypass
Potential StormwaterTreatment Area
Potential StormwaterTreatment Area
Potential StormwaterTreatment Area
Upper Pond
Lower Pond
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CSS-02 CSS-02
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CSS-01CSS-01
JONATHAN CREEK RD[
0 3015Feet
FIGURE2MARTIN & SLAGL EGeoSciences, PAPO Box 1023Black Mountain, NC 28711828.669.3929 828.669.5289
INDUSTRIAL WASTE PONDCLOSURE PLANPOWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.SUNCREST CHIP MILLHAYWOOD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
LEGEND
!A Composite Sample Location
Stormwater
SCALE: 1"=30'DR: TPOCHK:REV:DATE: 9/21/17
1
2
3
4
Pump Station
Embankment
Lower Pond
Upper Pond
Overflow Conveya nce
ATTACHMENT
CLOSURE OF PERMITTED WASTEWATER PONDS
AND LAGOONS
CHECKLIST AND INSTRUCTION ITEMS
Jlit'A RCDERR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor
Division of Water Quality
Charles Wakild, P. E.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Aquifer Protection Section Staff
Interested Parties
Director
June 22,2012
Division of Water Quality i\ '{}--~?
Dee Freeman
Secretary
SUBJECT:
Ted L. Bush, Jr., Deputy Di~rct
Guidelines for the Closure o mitted Wastewater Ponds and Lagoons
Purpose
The purpose ofthese guidelines is to provide a course of action for the closure of permitted Non-Discharge
wastewater treatment ponds, storage ponds, or lagoons. According to G.S. 143-215.1, construction and operation
of any sewer system, treatment works or disposal system within the state of North Carolina requires a permit. lSA
NCAC 2T .OlOS(j) requires that waste treatment systems (or parts thereof, such as lagoons, storage ponds, etc.)
authorized by a permit must be properly closed before that permit (or parts thereof) can become inactive. These
guidelines provide clarification as to what "properly closed" entails.
While each structure must be considered for its unique circumstances, the Aquifer Protection Section (APS) has
,'outlined'gerreraiprocedures (attached) to ·be used for closure ofwastewater .. treatmerlfponds 'aruflago'oris pehriittea ·· .
by the Section. These guidelines are not intended to address lagoons used for animal waste and their associated
facilities, or ponds used for the storage of coal combustion by-products. However, it is the intent of APS to require
similar close out procedures for comparable scenarios in coordination with other permitting agencies such as the
Surface Water Protection, or other interested parties. These guidelines supersede Guidelines for the Closure of
Treatment Ponds and Lagoons implemented August 18,2003.
Closure Approval •
The closure of a Non-Discharge permitted wastewater treatment or storage pond or lagoon should begin with
notification by the permittee to the APS. This should include a request to close a specific permitted pond or lagoon,
and an indication whether the permit should be modified or rescinded. APS will make available the attached
closure checklist/ guidelines to the permittee, who should propose a closure plan based on the attached guidelines.
This closure plan should generally include or describe the following (see next page):
1617 Mall Service Center, Raleigh. North Carolina 27699.1617
Location ; 512 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: 919-807-6300 I FAX: 919-807-6492
lntemet: WIIW.ncwatergualltv.org
An Equal Opportunity I Affirmative Action Employer N~JthCarolina ;vaturall!l
Guidelines for the Closure of Permitted Wastewater Treatment Storage Ponds and Lagoons
• Checklist with chosen options and requirements indicated (Attachment A, page A-1)
• Historical use of impoundment (include all waste streams) and current status
• Future plan for site
• Disposal options for wastewater
• Disposal options for sludge
• Sludge disposallocation(s)
• Sampling plan for wastewater and/or sludge
Once the permittee submits their closure plan, a preliminary inspection will be conducted and an inspection report
with additional closure instructions (if needed) will be presented to the pennittee. The permittee will then submit a
final closure report documenting their closure procedure. The final closure report may include the foUowing:
• Sampling results
• Volume of sludge disposed and location
• Companies/Contractors involved
• Final Certifications
The RegionaJ Office will conduct a fmal inspection and present the results of that inspection to 1he pennittee, along
with their recommendation to the APS Central Office for approval or disapproval of a permit modification or
rescission .
Applicable Regulations
Regulations that may be applicable to the abandonment ofNon-Discharge permitted ponds and lagoons are listed
below . These guidelines do not go into the detailed requirements of the regulation listed. However, each bullet
summarizes how the regulation may be applicable to the action requested.
• Title ISA NCAC 2L, Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable To The Groundwaters of
North Carolina. This regulation requires that groundwaters must be protected to a level of quality at least
-· ~·· .. ····=· ..... .. .. as -high as that required under standards established in Section .. 0202 of that Rule.
• Title )5A NCAC 2T, Waste Not Discharged to Surface Waters. This rule establishes requirements that are
protective of surface water and groundwater standards for systems that treat, store, transport, and dispose
of residuals and do not discharge waste to surface waters.
Other pertinent standards and regulations may be found in the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
(DENR) Division of Land Resources (DLR) regulations pertaining to Sedimentation and Erosion Control and Dam
Safety, the DENR Division of Waste Management (DWM) regulations pertaining to the disposal of wastes and
sludge, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations pertaining to transportation of materials on public
highways.
cc : Surface Water Protection (Matt Matthews)
Attachments
A. Checklist and Instruction Items
B. Flow Charts
Page2
ATTACHMENT A
. ' " . ' . ~· . ' . .. .. ·' .. ' ... : . . .. ' . ., .
ATTACHMENT A CLOSURE OF PERMITTED WASTEWATER PONDS AND LAGOONS
Checklist and Instruction Items
The purpose of the following checklist and instruction items is to aid in the development of a closure plan for
a permitted Non-Discharge wastewater pond or lagoon to be submitted to tbe appropriate APS Regional
office for approval.
The following checklist allows the applicant to identify the type of lagoon to be closed, and the preferred closure
and disposal options. The selected options include references to instruction items (e.g. Item A) found on
subsequent pages of this attachment. The instruction items describe what steps are expected to be complete prior to
approval of the closure plan, ·including expected sampling and monitoring, and final certifications of complete
closure. Note that the following steps are not all inclusive, as each site is unique and may hav~ varying site
conditions . In addition, flowcharts (Attachment B) have been provided as an alternate to the instructional Items A-
H. These charts contain the same information, but give a visual representation of the closure process. For
questions, contact the approving APS Regional Supervisor. Please check all items below that apply and submit a
completed copy with the lagoon closure plan.
I. Type of Pond or Lagoon System
___ a. Primary and Secondary Biological Wastewater Lagoon Systems (examples: food processing treatment
lagoons, municipal treatment systems without pretreatment programs, neighborhood treatment systems).
v' b. Primary and Secondary Industrial Wastewater Lagoon Systems( examples: non-food type industrial
treatment systems, municipal treatment systems with pretreatment program).
·---c. Tertiary Wastewater Pond Systems ( examples: wastewater biological treatment systems with tertiary
treatment to include infiltration disposal pond systems, effluent polishing pond systems).
II. Closure Options -Structure
vi a. Conversion to Non-Wastewater Pond -Change ofUse (Item B)
, . ~~b .. Complete or parti;;tl removal of .s.t.ructu.re .(Items _ G) . _ .. . .. -.. _
___ c. Site Reclamation (Item F and H)
III. Final Liquid and Solid Content Disposal Options
--r--a. Wastewater D-isposal to Onsite Permitted Field (Item A)
1/ b. Wastewater Disposal through Pump and -Haul (Item A)
\7' c. Sludge Disposal to Permitted Site (Items C and D)
___ d. Sludge Left in Place (Items C and E)
IV. Sampling and Monitoring Requirements
v" a. Wastewater Sampling . Required (Items A and m
V' b. Soil and Sludge\-Sampling Requ~d (Items C and F)
___ c. Groundwater Monitoring Required (Item G)
v. Final Certification Required for Closure Activities, as required ip. Item l.
---r_a .. Structural Deconstruction (Professional Engineer or Hydrogeologist)
V" b. Wastewater Disposal (Facility ORC)
V c. Sludge Disposal (ORC I Licensed Sludge Land Application Contractor)
, r.: '·-'--·" ,. -r. -.. ._; ;._.,.,_ ..._:·.,,'. ; •• ,: •
__ d. Other (Explain: _____________________ -'
A-1
Attachment A June 22, 2012
A IT ACHMENT A CLOSURE OF PERMITTED WASTEWATER PONDS AND LAGOONS
Item A. Wastewater Sampling, Analvsis, and Disposal
I .. Pond samples require a composite sampling technique. Samples should be composited from several
locations. An adequate number of representative and composite samples should be taken and developed
respectively.
2 . For permitted disposal sites, sample and analyze wastewater in accordance with permit conditions. In the
absence of permit specified monitoring, sample for the following parameters:
a. Fecal coliform bacteria, chlorine residuals (if used as disinfectant), total nitrogen, BOD5, TSS, pH.
b. Other parameters may be required based on waste stre~ms, as directed by the APS Regional
Supervisor. ·
3. All wastewater samples must be analyzed by a DWQ-certified laboratory.
4. Once the wastewater is sampled, the pond/lagoon can be dewatered to a permitted disposal site (uniform
application of wastewater) or through a pump and haul permit.
5. Remove or plug all inflow and outflow piping, etc to the pond/lagoon
Item B. Conversion to Non-Wastewater Pond (Tertiary Treatment Ponds Only)
6. Determine pond liquid volume (if water accumulates after complete disposal per Item A, Wastewater
Sampling, Analysis, and Disposal).
7. If some sludge remains, sludge can be left in place, in accordance with Item E#23 below. Otherwise,
remove all residuals and dispose of properly per Item D, Sludge and Soil Disposal.
8. Disinfect and/or treat pond to meet Item B#II requirements below.
9. Sample pond (see Item A, Wastewater Sampling, Analysis, and Disposal)
I 0. No pond discharge is allowed to surface water without prior approval from an appropriate Surface Water
Section Regional Office. Note that pond discharge to class SA waters is not allowable.
II. All discharges must meet water quality standards applicable to receiving stream classification or per limits
provided by DWQ when water quality stream standards for monitored parameters are not defined .
··.:·-.;:_· . ·•·.·"' ... • '· ....... ,. ___ ·-~·-• ___ ...... _ ....... = ........... _·.···':·I"' ,._ •. ' .. _:· ·' . .')~' ···-··-~ •. ,.
Item C. Soil and Sludge Analysis
12. All soil and sludge samples require a composite sampling technique. An adequate number of
representative and composite samples should be taken and developed respectively. Thickness of sludge or
soil and surface acreage should be c~nsidered. Example: one composite sample per acre foot.
13 . All soil and sludge samples must be analyzed by a DWQ-certified laboratory.
14 . For biological wastewater lagoons systems and tertiary wastewater pond systems, soil or sludge shall be
sampled for: u
a. Pathogen and Vector Attraction Reductions. Testing should be done per I 5A NCAC 02T .11 00. If
project concerns only a tertiary pond, and pond sediments/sludge meets Class A pathogen
reduction requirements (maximum of 1000 fecal coliform bacteria colonies per gram of total
solids), additional characterization for pH, metals, nutrients, and solids as stated in 14.b and 14.c
(below) may not be required, as determined on a case by case basis.
b. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, zinc, TKN,
ammonia nitrogen, nitrate/nitrite, nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium (mg/kg dry .
wt basis), percent total solids and pH.
c. Other parameters may be required based on waste streams, as directed by the APS Regional
Supervisor.
A-2
Attachment A June 22, 2012
ATTACHMENT A CLOSURE OF PERMITTED WASTEWATER PONDS AND LAGOONS
15. For industrial wastewater lagoon systems, this should be the same as biological wastewater lagoon system
sampling plus site-specific parameters and hazardous characterization to include, but not limited to, TCLP,
ignitability, corrosivity and reactivity.
16. If the sludge or soil samples are:
a. Required to be analyzed for hazardous characteristics and results exceed hazardous characteristics
regulatory limits, the material needs to be removed and reported to and managed in accordance
with the Hazardous Waste Section in the Division of Waste Management.
b. Not required to be analyzed for hazardous characteristics or results do not exceed the hazardous
characteristics regulatory limits, the soil can be left in place if the following conditions are met :
i. Total concentrations of contaminants in soil .do not exceed protection of groundwater soil
concentrations for North Carolina based on 2L standards, as calculate~ using the Transport
Model for Calculation of Soil-to-Groundwater Concentrations from the USEP A 1996 Soil
Screening Guidance document. (The EPA Transport model can be found in the "Soil
Remediation Goals Table" at http://portal .ncdenr.orglweb/wm/sf/ihs/ihsguide or the "2L,
MCL, and Soil Screening Levels Table" at
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wm/hw/technical/guidance.)
ii. Total concentrations of contaminants in the soil ex'ceed protection of groundwater soil
concentrations for North Carolina, but results do not exceed naturally-occurring
background concentrations,
iii. A more stringent soil clean-up level is not necessary due to site specific conditions as
· determined by the Division.
For sludge left in place, see Item E, Sludge Left in Place. For sludge disposal, see Item D, Sludge
and Soil DisposaL
c. Not required to be analyzed for hazardous characteristics or results do not exceed hazardous
characteristics regulatory limits, but total concentration results exceed corresponding protection of
groundwater soil concentrations for North Carolina as calculated using the Transport Model from
. , the USEPA 1996 .SoilS<;reeningQuldanc.e do~ument d.es~r~bed.in 16(b)(i), soil and sludge _mu~t b~.
disposed of according to Item D, siudge 'and So1lriisposal. 'For soils that exceed protection of' ..
groundwater levels, Item G, Groundwater Post Closure Monitoring, must also be considered.
17. For ponds or lagoon bottoms that intercept groundwater, Regional Offices will determine what type of
sampling is required for the remaining contents on a case by case basis.
Item D. Sludge and Soil Disposal
18. Measure surface area and depth of sludge and soil (if required) to determine disp<tsal volume
19. Sample sludge and soil (if required) for permitted disposal option including pathogen and vector attraction
reduction verification (see Item C, Soil and Sludge Analysis)
20. If a tertiary pond and sludge/sediments meet Class A pathogen and vector attraction reduction
requirements, sludge/sediments can be land applied uniformly on site without sludge permitting action
(additional sludge or soil characterization may not be required, as determined on a case by case basis).
21 . If sludge or soil does not meet Class A pathogen and vector attraction reduction requirements,
sludge/sediments may require a permit modification to land apply.
22. Pathogen and vector attraction reduction testing will not be requjred if sludge or soil is taken to a permitted
compost or another treatment facility for further stabilization.
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Attachment A June 22, 2012
ATTACHMENT A CLOSURE OF PERMITTED WASTEWATER PONDS AND LAGOONS
Item E. Sludge Left in Place
23. For closure purposes, the Division of Water Quality considers it practical to remove sludge content from
structures. The Division will evaluate the applicability of leaving any remaining volume of sludge content
in the structure on a case-by case basis. Sufficient technical justification shall be provided to support such
recommendation.
Item F. Liner Demolition/Disposal
24. lf a synthetic liner is present, remove synthetic liner, scarify/rip/disk underlying material in cases where
. there is no potential benefit for reuse of the structure based on projected future site use.
a . If there are_ rio historical problems with the lagoon (documented seepage, etc.) and the liner is intact
after dewatering with no visible indications of seepage, soil sampling may still. be required on a
case-by-case basis.
b. If liner and/or lagoon issues are documented, the soH material under the synthetic liner should be
sampled according to Item C, Soil and Sludge Analysis.
25. If clay liner is present, scarify/rip/disk and/or remove and reuse as cap if filling. If the liner is natural clay,
sampling may be required on a case by case basis if the following conditions are not met: ·
a. Based on existing groundwater monitoring data, no groundwater violations are present,
b. Domestic wastewater systems only,
c. Surficial layer of earthen material (top 6"-12") removed , and
d. All sludge removed and the remaining material is only soil and not co-mingled soil/sludge.
26. lfthe clay liner does not meet the conditions in #25 above, the clay liner should be sampled according to
Item C, Soil and Sludge Analysis.
27. If a pond or lagoon does not have a liner, the underlying soil should be sampled according to Item C, Soil
and Sludge Analysis.
Item G. Groundwater Post Closure Monitorine
2&.-For faoiUtiGswith;no .historic-groundwater monitoring; monitoring may be required based on post closure
soil sample results. Contact Regional Office for directions. If groundwater monitoring is not required,
permittee can petition the Division for rescission once the site is reclaimed.
29. For ponds or lagoons with historic groundwater monitoring and no groundwater violations were detected,
no further groundwater monitoring will be required, as recommended by the Regional Office based on
existing data.
30. For ponds or lagoons with historic groundwater monitoring and/or ISA NCAC 2L standards were
exceeded, the following actions would be required: u ·
a. Maintain permit with limited actions as recommended by the Regional Office (e.g. annual
groundwater monitoring and reporting).
b. Continue groundwater monitoring as permitted for a minimum of three sampling events.
i. If there are no further groundwater exceedances detected or exceedances show a trend of
lowering toward groundwater standards, the permittee could petition the Division for
permit rescission.
ii. If groundwater exceedances continue at the same level, continued monitoring and or site
evaluation would be required at the Regional Office Supervisor's discretion.
c. In lieu of groundwater monitoring, the Permittee may provide predictive calculations, acceptable to
the Director, to demonstrate groundwater standards can be met at the property boundary.
Attachment A June 22, 2012
ATTACHMENT A CLOSURE OF PERMITTED WASTEWATER PONDS AND LAGOONS
Item H. Berms/Lagoon Walls and Site Reclamation*
31. In cases where retention of municipal structures provides no value based on projected future site use, it is
recommended that minimal demolition be performed to breach or remove sidewalls (dependent on the size)
when the liner is demolished. Minimal demolition may be considered feasible in cases where retention of
the structure or a portion thereof poses minimal risks based on conditions such as low population densities
of surrounding areas, low hazard environment, low probability of encroaching development, etc.
32. For privately owned and higher risk municipal structures, more extensive structure demolition is
recommended to include, but not be limited to, removal of berms/dike walls and general grading of project
site.
33. If structure is completely constructed at or below grade, fill with clean material (partia! or complete,
depending on size) and/or grade site to minimize any hazards posed by existing conditions.
34. If structure is finished in the groundwater table, see Item C #17.
35. Stabilize the site with vegetation. Establishment of trees, grasses, and other viable cover crops should be
considered to assist site stabilization and with removing any remaining nutrients.
*Recognize the added value of planned reclamation efforts. Reclamation activities incorporating created artificial
wetland systems, planted trees, and other pro-active actions viewed as either mitigation efforts or secondary
environmental protecti~n measures may assist with enabling the closure project to qualifY for recognition and
benefit from other environmental programs, such as those offered through conservation easements.
Item I. Final Certifications
36. For deconstruction including berm removal, berm breaching, or liner destruction, submit a letter certified
by the overseeing professional engineer that action was taken according to the approved plan, as well as all
local and state regulations.
37. For wastewater disposal, submit a copy of the monitoring report that documents lagoon wastewater disposal
activities, certified by the facility ORC.
-38: ·For· sludge disposal; ·submit a-copy of the records-documenting lagoon sludge disposal, certified by the __
licensed sludge land application contractor if land applied. If sludge was disposed of in a landfill, records
from the receiving facility shall be provided.
39. Sampling results from any post-closure sampling conducted at the facility to document proper removal of
sludge in accordance with the approved closure plan shall be submitted.
40. Photos of closure activities documenting conditions prior to initiating closure, closure activities, and post-
closure conditions are recommended, but not required.
41. Other.
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Attachment A June 22, 2012