NC0063096_Environmental Assessment_20070216

NPDES DOCUMENT SCANNING COVER SHEET
NC0063096
Holly Springs WWTP
NPDES Permit:
Document Type:
Permit Issuance
Wasteload Allocation
Authorization to Construct (AtC)
Permit Modification
Complete File - Historical
Engineering Alternatives (EAA)
Correspondence
Owner Name Change
Meeting Notes
Instream Assessment (67b)
Speculative Limits
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Document Date:
February 16, 2007
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FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TOWN OF HOLLY SPRINGS
EXPANSION OF THE UTLEY CREEK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
CONTACT: JOHN R. BLOWE, P.E., CHIEF
CONSTRUCTION GRANTS AND LOANS SECTION
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
1633 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1633
[phone]
February 16, 2007

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FNSI)
Article 1, Chapter 113A of the North Carolina General Statutes requires an action to be subject to
the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NCEPA) if it involves the
expenditure of public funds and a potential impact is anticipated to the environment. The project
has been evaluated for compliance with the NCEPA and determined to be a major agency action,
which will affect the environment.
Project Applicant: Town of Holly Springs, North Carolina
Project Description: The Town of Holly Springs will expand the treatment capacity of the
Utley Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) from 1.75 million
gallons per day (MGD) to 6.0 MGD. The treatment train will be upgraded
with a new headworks structure, two parallel activated sludge oxidation
ditches. tertiary disc filters, and a low -high UV disinfection system.
Project Number: CS370722-02
Project Cost: $22,371,000
State Revolving Fund
Loan: $15,000,000
Local Funding: $ 7,371,000
The review process indicated that significant adverse environmental impacts should not occur if
mitigative measures are implemented, and an environmental impact statement will not be
required. The decision was based on information in the 201 Facilities Plan Amendment and
reviews by governmental agencies. An environmental assessment supporting this action is
attached. This FNS1 completes the environmental review record, which is available for
inspection at the State Clearinghouse.
No administrative action will be taken on the proposed project for at least thirty days after
notification that the FNS1 has been published in the North Carolina Environmental Bulletin.
Sincerely
lan W. Klimek, P.E.. Di ctor
Division of Water Quality

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
A. Proposed Facilities and Actions
Figure 1 shows the location of the proposed upgrade and expansion of the Utley Creek WWTP.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The Town of Holly Springs proposes to upgrade and expand
the current Utley Creek WWTP from 1.75 million gallons per day (MGD) to a capacity of 6.0
MGD. The expanded and upgraded WWTP will produce reuse quality effluent. The existing
NPDES permit for the Utley Creek WWTP limits the discharge capacity to 2.4 MGD. However,
the Town has elected to upgrade and expand the facility to be capable of treating 6.0 MGD. The
proposed facilities improvements include abandoning the existing headworks and constructing
new headworks consisting of a Parshall flume, two mechanical bar screens, one manually
cleaned bar screen, two grit removal units, and an influent pump station that will also pump
return activated sludge; modifying the existing 1.2 MG oxidation ditch and constructing two new
2.4 MG oxidation ditches to obtain a five -stage biological nutrient removal with a 6.0 MGD total
capacity; constructing three new clarifiers; converting the existing clarifier and an existing 0.5
MGD extended aeration system for sludge treatment; replacing the existing traveling bridge
effluent filters with disc filters; replacing the existing low-pressure/low-intensity ultraviolet
disinfection system with a new low-pressure/high-intensity ultraviolet disinfection system; and
replacing the existing aerobic digestion and liquid land application sludge disposal system with a
solids reduction process, which consists of aerobic digestion, solids reduction, and disposal by
landfill and land application of Class B sludge.
The October 2005 Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan continues to recommend that
the Town of Holly Springs remove its effluent discharge from Utley Creek, and the Division of
Water Quality (DWQ) concurs with the need to eliminate this discharge. In a letter from the
Town to the Deputy Director of the DWQ (Exhibit 1), the Town has committed to sending its
treated effluent to the Western Wake Water Reclamation Facility (WWWRF) for discharge into
the Cape Fear River below Buckhom Dam when the WWWRF becomes operational. Any
Authorizations to Construct or other necessary permits (orders, etc.) for expansion of the Utley
Creek WWTP will include a condition stating that the treated effluent must be removed from
Utley Creek by the date established in the Certificate Authorizing the Towns of Cary, Apex, and
Morrisville and Wake County to Increase Their Transfer of Water from the Haw River basin to
the Neuse River basin under the Provisions of G.S. 143-215.221.
B. Existing Environment
Topography and Soils. The Town of Holly Springs lies in the Piedmont physiographic province
of North Carolina. The project service area lies within three major geologic regions: the
Durham -Sanford Triassic Basin in the northwest, the Raleigh Belt in the northeast, and the
Sandhills in the south. Elevations at the Utley Creek WWTP ranges from 305 to 360 feet.
Predominant soils in the project area are the Mayodan-Granville-Creedmoor and Creedmoor-
White Store associations. The Mayodan-Granville-Creedmoor association is a soil that is
derived from sandstone, shale, and mudstone that is gently sloping to moderately steep, deep or
moderately deep, well -drained and moderately well -drained soils that have a subsoil of friable
sandy clay loam to firm clay. The Creedmoor-White Store association is a group of soils that are
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also derived from sandstone, shale and mudstone that are gently sloping to hilly, deep and
moderately deep, that are well drained and that have a very firm, clayey subsoil.
Surface Water. This project is located within the Cape Fear River Basin. Utley Creek forms the
southern boundary of the WWTP site and varies in width from 10 to 20 feet. There is an
unnamed stream which ranges in breadth from 2 to 8 feet that flows from north to south across to
the WWTP site. The subbasin of Utley Creek (03-06-07) into which the WWTP discharges is
classified as a Class C surface water and is not listed as impaired. Although this stretch of the
creek is not listed as impaired, there have been numerous concerns regarding local water quality
such as algal blooms and fish kills attributed to discharge from the Utley Creek facility that have
led DWQ to recommend that Holly Springs ultimately remove its discharge from this water
body.
Water Supply. The town of Holly Springs obtains its potable water from the city of Raleigh and
Harnett County.
C. Existing Wastewater Facilities
Holly Springs' Utley Creek WWTP was constructed in the mid-1980s with a treatment capacity
of 0.25 MGD and provided secondary treatment. The treatment process included a dual train
rectangular package plant, each with its own bar screen, an aeration basin, and two hopper
bottom clarifiers. The effluent was disinfected with chlorine prior to discharge.
In 1996, the facility increased capacity to 0.50 MGD with the addition of a circular package
treatment unit that consisted of a singular circular steel tank with two aeration basins, two
secondary clarifiers, and an aerobic digester. A traveling bridge -type filter and an ultraviolet
disinfection system were also installed.
In 2000, an oxidation ditch and secondary clarifier were added that allowed the WWTP a total
treatment capacity of 1.5 MGD. Also added at this time were an influent flume, a mechanical
screen, an aerated grit removal system, an additional traveling bridge filter, and an updated low-
pressure ultraviolet disinfection system. Biosolids at the WWTP are stabilized in 300,000 gallon
holding tanks, and stabilization is accomplished via aerobic digestion. The town contracts with a
private hauler for land application of the biosolids following the addition of lime prior to land
application, per 40 CFR-Part 503 regulations. Utley Creek's collection system has been in
service since 1985 and is comprised of approximately 71 miles of collection lines and 21 sewer
lift stations. Most of the major force mains are made of ductile iron, and the smaller mains are
made of PVC.
The NPDES permit limits for the Utley Creek WWTP are:
Parameter
Flow
BOD5 (monthly average Summer -Winter)
NH3-N (monthly average Summer -Winter)
TSS (monthly average)
Fecal Coliform (monthly average)
Total Residual Chlorine
2
Limit
2.4 MGD
5.0 mg/1 and 10.0 mg/1
1.0 mg/1 and 2.0 mg/1
30.0 mg/1
200.0 Count 100 ML
17 µg/L

Total Nitrogen
Total Phosphorus
43,800 lbs/year
3,653 lbs/year
D. Need for Proposed Facilities and Actions
Located in southwestern Wake County, the Town of Holly Springs has a population of
approximately 15,000 persons. Currently, the Town is experiencing significant growth at a rate
of over 10 percent a year and projects that the population in 2030 will be over 60,000 persons.
This rate of growth strains the existing wastewater infrastructure and requires continued attention
to its facilities.
In 2002, the Town, along with the Town of Cary, Town of Morrisville, Town of Apex, and
Research Triangle Park (South) agreed to jointly participate in the planning for the WWWRF,
which is anticipated to be operational by 2011. The WWWRF could provide an adequate, long-
term solution to wastewater disposal needs for Holly Springs. However, it does not address
Holly Springs' wastewater treatment in the short-term.
Due to the growth rate in Holly Springs, the need for more wastewater treatment capacity will
outstrip the current capacity (1.75 MGD) of the Utley Creek WWTP by 2010 based on flow
projections in the 201 Facilities Plan Amendment. The Town's 20-year flow need is 6.0 MGD.
Therefore, the Town will expand the Utley Creek WWTP from the current 1.75 MGD to 6.0
MGD for use when the WWWRF eventually accepts its treated effluent. The Town will relocate
the treated effluent discharge from the Utley Creek WWTP to the Cape Fear River (via the
WWWRF) at such time that the regional project outfall to the Cape Fear River is available, as
stated in the letter in Exhibit 1.
E. Alternatives Analysis
An alternatives analysis was performed on various ways to expand the capacity of the Town's
wastewater treatment facilities. These alternatives were as follows: (1) No -Action Alternative,
(2) Optimum Operation of Existing Facilities, (3) Land Application, (4) Harnett County Regional
Interconnection, (5) Western Wake Regional Treatment, (6) Effluent Reuse, and (7) Utley Creek
WWTP Expansion.
No -Action Alternative: This alternative would result in no improvements or expansions to the
existing sewer system. Though the system is in good condition and will continue to operate,
flow violations and capacity shortcomings will occur in the future as the Town's population
outgrows the current capacity of the system. The No -Action Alternative was deemed infeasible
because it does not provide the necessary capacity for future growth and does not eliminate the
discharge to Utley Creek, which is one of the desired goals.
Optimum Operation of Existing Facilities Alternative: This alternative is essentially the same as
the No -Action Alternative, as records indicate that the Utley Creek WWTP is operating
efficiently. The required increase in wastewater treatment capacity cannot be met under this
alternative. Furthermore, it does not eliminate the discharge into Utley Creek, which is one of
the desired goals.
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Land Application Altemative: Using spray irrigation as an alternative to surface water discharge
was analyzed. Because the quantity of well -drained soils in the Holly Springs area is highly
limited, the Town would have to purchase land outside of its jurisdiction. Furthermore, if the
5,200 acres that would eventually be needed to apply 6.0 MGD of effluent were available, the
total capital cost (not including the needed WWTP expansion) for the land purchase and
construction of the land application system would be a minimum of $104,000,000. Therefore,
the high cost of land, limited suitability of area soils, and the cost of treatment facilities make
this alternative not cost efficient.
Harnett County Regional Interconnection Alternative: Holly Springs has examined the option of
a partnership with Harnett County in the Fuquay/North Harnett County Regional Project. As
part of this altemative, the Town would expand the Utley Creek WWTP to the already -permitted
capacity of 2.4 MGD and construct a raw wastewater transmission system to the proposed
Harnett County WWTP at Lillington. This alternative would provide an interim solution until
the WWWRF became operational. Substantial improvements to the Harnett County interceptor
system would be required to handle the additional 3.5 MGD average flow, as would retrofits and
enlargements to major pump stations and force mains in the Middle Creek watershed. Also, the
Harnett County wastewater improvements have been designed and permitted with construction
already underway. Therefore, this altemative was not deemed feasible due to timing and cost
issues.
Western Wake Regional Treatment Alternative: When completed, the proposed WWWRF could
provide Holly Springs with the additional wastewater capacity needed for continued growth.
However, the WWWRF is not scheduled to be operational until 2011, and the Town will need
additional capacity at the Utley Creek WWTP much sooner than that. Though full participation
in the WWWRF remains a viable, long-term solution for the Town, it does not address the
immediate needs of the Town and was therefore rejected as the Preferred Altemative.
Effluent Reuse Alternative: The Town would reuse the treated effluent as a way to relieve the
quantity of wastewater discharged into Utley Creek. While the reuse water system will help the
Town with the overall goal of reducing the volume of wastewater discharged to Utley Creek as
well as annual pollutant loading of the receiving stream, its initial customer base will consist of
only residential seasonal users and irrigation systems. Therefore, implementation of the Effluent
Reuse Alternative will not alleviate the need for the WWTP expansion and increased NPDES
discharge. It is not a viable alternative and remains a separate, independent project.
Utley Creek WWTP Expansion Alternative: Under this alternative, the Utley Creek WWTP
would expand its capacity from 1.75 MGD to 6.0 MGD for use when the WWWRF eventually
accepts its treated effluent. Expanding the existing facilities would occur on the existing plant
site and disturb approximately nine acres. This altemative is the Preferred Alternative because it
addresses the short-term wastewater treatment needs of Holly Springs in the most timely, cost-
efficient manner.
F. Environmental Consequences and Mitigative Measures
Topography and Soils: The Utley Creek WWTP upgrade and expansion will occur entirely on
the existing WWTP site and will not impact the topography of the site. The upgrade and
expansion of the WWTP may impact portions of the 100-year floodplain. Sediment and erosion
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control practices will be compliant with the North Carolina Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual.
Land Use: The expansion and upgrade of the Utley Creek WWTP will not impact current or
future land use pattems.
Wetlands: The project will affect a small perennial stream that has a length of 806 feet on the
WWTP site. The stream will be rerouted to allow for the placement of facilities involved in the
expansion and upgrade. This stream will be filled in, and the natural drainage will be redirected
by a 60-inch storm drain that will relocate this tributary to Utley Creek. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACOE) will require a Section 404/401 Individual Permit (Action ID #200420744).
The Town of Holly Springs has entered into an agreement with the North Carolina Department
of Environment and Natural Resources Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP). The EEP will
mitigate the stream impacts related to this project.
Important Farmlands: No prime or unique agricultural lands exist within the project area.
Public Lands. and Scenic. Recreational. and State Natural Areas: No public lands or scenic,
recreational, or state natural areas will be impacted by the upgrade and expansion of the Utley
Creek WWTP.
Cultural Resources: In a letter dated October 6, 2005, the North Carolina State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) stated that no historic resources would be impacted by the proposed
project (Project No. ER 05-2065).
Air Quality: The operation of the upgraded and expanded WWTP will not adversely impact air
quality. However, there will be short-term construction impacts associated with dust and minor
burning during site clearing. Construction will comply with local burning ordinances as well as
dust control measures as prescribed in the North Carolina Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual.
Noise Levels: Construction activities will temporarily increase noise levels, which should return
to normal once construction is complete. The operation of heavy construction equipment will be
limited to the hours specified in the Town's Noise Ordinance and other standards. Mufflers on
all equipment will be checked to ensure that the noise generated is not excessive.
Water Resources: Groundwater resources will not be impacted due to the upgrade and expansion
of the Utley Creek WWTP. According to modeling done by Tetra Tech, Inc., operation of the
upgraded and expanded Utley Creek WWTP will not negatively impact water quality within
Utley Creek in the interim before shifting its treated effluent to the WWWRF. Based on the
recommendations made in the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Division of Water Quality's October 2005 Cape Fear Basinwide Water Quality Plan,
it is recommended that Holly Springs shift its wastewater discharge from Utley Creek to the
WWWRF when it becomes operational, which will improve water quality. During construction,
degradation of water quality will be minimized by the Section 404/401 permit, Sedimentation
and Erosion Control permits, and local ordinances.
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Forest Resources: The upgrade and expansion of the Utley Creek WWTP will impact 8.5 acres
of pine/hardwood forest and 0.45 acre of scrub utility right-of-way. The North Carolina
Department of Forest Resources did not comment on the project.
Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitat: The construction and operation of the Utley Creek WWTP
expansion and upgrade will not impact shellfish or fish and their habitat. The eventual shifting
of the effluent from the WWTP to the WWWRF will improve the habitat of fish and shellfish.
Wildlife and Natural Vegetation: No protected species, neither flora nor fauna, are expected to
be impacted by the proposed upgrade and expansion of the Utley Creek WWTP.
Introduction of Toxic Substances: As part of the construction process, substances such as fuels,
lubricants, antifreeze, etc. will be used and may be introduced into the environment through
spillage or other events. All construction activity will be performed in accordance with Federal,
State, and local rules and regulations to avoid environmental impacts.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed the proposed project and concluded that the
requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act have been fulfilled. The North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the DWQ Raleigh Regional Office, the Division of
Environmental Health, and the NPDES and PERCS Units concur with the proposed project. The
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources is not aware of any properties of architectural,
historical, or archaeological significance that would be affected by the project. Other state
agencies did not submit objections to this project
G. Public Participation, Sources Consulted
A public hearing was held on January 17, 2006 on the proposed project. The current user charge
for in -town users for 5,000 gallons per month is $48.00. The proposed project will result in an
increased charge of $7.85 for a total of $55.85 for 5,000 gallons per month for the typical user.
No opposition to the plan was presented at the public hearing.
Sources consulted about this project for information or concurrence included:
1) The Town of Holly Springs
2) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
-Wildlife Resources Commission
-DWQ Raleigh Regional Office — Surface Water Protection Section
-NPDES Units
-PERCs Unit
-Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
3) North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
4) North Carolina State Clearinghouse
5) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
6) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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