NC0025879_Draft Permit_20220906

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS,Jr. ¢t'
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
September 6, 2022
The Honorable Shaun Adams, Mayor
Town of Robbinsville
PO Box 126
Robbinsville,NC 28771-0126
Subject: Review of Draft Permit
NPDES NC0025879
Town of Robbinsville Sewer Plant
WPCS Grade III
Graham County
Your Honor:
On July 15, 2022, The Division of Water Resources (DWR or the Division) received your application to •
renew the subject NPDES permit for discharges to surface waters of the State. We hereby provide this
permit draft for your review and comment as your opportunity to correct errors, if any
Please review this draft carefully to ensure your understanding of its limits and monitoring requirements.
Concurrent with this transmission,the Division will solicit public comment by publishing a notice in
newspapers having circulation in the general Graham County area, as required by the NPDES Program.
Please submit your written comments (if any), attention NCDEQ/DWR/NPDES, attention Wren
Thedford,no later than October 7,2022 approximately 30 days after receiving this document. We
welcome your written comments,but they are not mandatory.
This draft permit includes significant changes from your existing permit. DWR requires these
changes because your active and proposed permitted flows discharge to receiving streams currently
classified C; Trout [see permit sections A. (1.) and A. (2.)].
Newly Added Instream Monitoring Includes:
> Turbidity has been added to determine compliance with 15A
NCAC 02B.0211 (21).
➢ Dissolved Oxygen has been added to determine compliance
with 15A NCAC 02B.0211 (6).
> Temperature and a footnote regarding temperature increases
was added to determine compliance with 15A NCAC
02B.0211 (18).
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617—919.707.3616

Summary of Other Changes for Renewal:
1) updated the Site Map and permit text for Electronic Reporting[section A. (4.)]
2) added parameter codes to Effluent Characteristics [Tables A. (1.)and A. (2.)]
3) resorted effluent tables [Tables A. (1.)and A. (2.)] according to monitoring
frequency(most frequent to least frequent)
4) added pH to the monitoring tables instead of the previous footnote reference.
The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) that are a part of the permit are not included in
this draft document(cover, map, and Part I). The conditions are the same as in your current permit
except that agency and division names have been updated. The latest version is available at
[https://bit.ly/3k5NFaL] and can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF file.
Following the 30-day public comment period, the Division will review all pertinent comments and take
appropriate action prior to issuing a final permit. If you have questions, please email the undersigned at
[joe.corporon@,ncdenr.gov]. In support of mandated emergency response to ('ovid 19, most of NC state
government currently functions remotely, therefore correspondence via email is preferred.
Respectfully,
Joe R. Corporo , P.G.
DEQ/DWR/ PDES Permitting
Enclosure: NPDES Permit NC0025879 (renewal DRAFT)
cc: NPDES files[Laser ache]
r
ARO Tim Heim;Landon Davidson
OCU Maureen Kinney
MJ Chen,PhD,PE,Senior PJM,McGill Associates PA
[[e-mail]]

Permit NC0025879
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER W TER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
(NPDES)
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
Town of Robbinsville
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Town of Robbinsville Sewer Plant
(existing) SW Corner of Old Hwy 129 and Knight Street
(proposed) Sandhole Road
Graham County
to receiving waters designated as Long Creek (existing) and Cheoah River(proposed) within the Little
Tennessee 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 , 2022.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on November 30, 2027.
Signed this day , 2022.
for Richard E. Rogers, Jr., Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Page 1 of 7

Permit NC0025879
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge are hereby
revoked. As of thispermit issuance, anypreviouslyissuedpermit bearingthis number is no longer
effective. Therefore,the exclusive authority to operate and discharge from this facility arises under the
permit conditions, requirements, terms, and provisions included herein.
The Town of Robbinsville
is hereby authorized to:
1. continue to operate an existing 0.630 MGD wastewater treatment facility utilizing:
• mechanical bar screen
• influent pump station
• splitter device [divides flow 0.315/0.315 MGD]
• two (2) each anoxic basins (in parallel)
• two (2) each anaerobic basins (in parallel)
• two (2) each post-anoxic basins (in parallel)
• two (2) each clarifiers (in parallel)
• aerated sludge holding basin w/ sludge pump, belt filter press, and lime feed
• two (2) each post-clarifier liquid filters (in parallel)
• UV disinfection
• continuous flow measurement flume
• appurtenant piping to Outfall 001
these facilities located at the Town of Robbinsville Sewer Plant, SW corner of Old HWY 129 and
Knight Street, Robbinsville, and
discharge from said treatment works via Outfall 001, as located on the attached map, into Long Creek
[stream segment 2-190-4-(5)], a waterbody currently classified C; Trout within hydrological unit 04-
04-04 [HUC: 060102040106] of the Little Tennessee River Basin, and
2. after submitting to DWR a request to expand wastewater treatment facilities, and after receiving
DWR's Authorization to Construct permit, and after submitting an Engineer's Certification Form
confirming that new facilities have been constructed in accord with this permit and said
Authorization to Construct,then
3. discharge via relocated Outfall 001, as identified on the attached map, into the Cheoah River
[stream index 2-190-4-(5)], a waterbody currently classified C; Trout within hydrological unit
04-04-04 [HUC: 060102040106] of the Little Tennessee River Basin.
Page 2 of 7

Permit NC0025879
Part I
A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
[15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq.,02B .0500 et seq.;WPCS Grade WW-III, 15A NCAC 08G.0302]
Beginning on the effective date and lasting until DWR approval of flow expansion,the Permittee is authorized to 1
discharge via Outfall 001 into Long Creek. Such discharge shall be limited,monitored,and reported 1 by the
Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Monthly Weekly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
PCS Codes Average Average Maximum Frequency Type Location2
Flow 50050 0.630 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
Total Suspended Solids 3 C0530 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L 3/Week Composite I&E
BOD,5-day(20°C)3 CO310 5.0 mg/L 7.5 mg/L 3/Week Composite I&E
pH[Standard Units] 00400 Not<6.0 or>9.0 s.u. 3/Week Grab E
F�i
Total Residual Chlorine 4 50060 28 ugiL5 3/Week Grab E
Fecal Coliform 31616 200/100 mL 400/100 mL 3/Week Grab E
(Geometric mean)
Turbidity 00070 Monitor and Report Weekly Grab U&D
Dissolved Oxygen 00300 Monitor and Report Weekly Grab U&D
Temperature(°C)6 00010 Monitor and Report 6 Weekly Grab U& D
Ammonia(NH3 as N) C0610 2.0 mg/L 6.0 mg/L Weekly Composite L
[01 Apr—31 Oct]
Ammonia(NH3 as N) CO610 4.0 mg/L 12.0 mg/L Weekly Composite E
[01Nov—31 Mar]
7 45.2 lbs/day
Total Nitrogen(TN) C0600 7 Monthly Composite E
[NO2+NO3+TKN] Annual average
7 3.8 lbs/day
Total Phosphorus(TP) C0655 Annual average 7 Monthly Composite E
8 COMER Monitor and Report 8 Once(1)per Grab 8 E
Total Mercury p Permit Cycle
Footnotes:
1. Beginning on the effective date of this permit,the Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically
using NC DWR's eDMR application system [See Special Condition A.(3.)].
2. Sample Locations:E-Effluent,I—Influent.U=Upstream;D=Downstream(minimum 100 feet below the outfall)
3. The monthly average effluent BOD-5 and Total Suspended Solids concentrations shall not exceed 15%of the
respective influent value(i.e.,85%removal required).
4. Total Residual Chlorine(TRC)limits and monitoring apply only if chlorine is added to the waste stream during
treatment processes.
5. The Division shall consider compliant all effluent TRC values reported below 50 µg/L.However,the Permittee shall
continue to record and submit all values reported by North Carolina-certified test methods(including field certified),
even if these values are reported below 50 µg/L.
Page 3 of 7

Permit NC0025879
6. Trout Waters: Effluent,by discharge of heated liquids,shall not increase receiving-stream temperature by more than
0.5 degrees C(0.9 degrees F);in no case shall effluent cause instream to exceed 20 degrees C(68 degrees F).If
receiving-stream background naturally exceed 20 degrees C,effluent shall NOT increase instream temperatures.
7. TN/TP Annual Average shall reflect the average of composite samples collected Monthly during each calendar year.
8. Total Mercury shall be monitored using EPA Method 1631E[See Special Condition A.(5.)].This sample shall be
collected during the Permittee's last reporting year,and the results submitted with the Application to Renew this
permit.
Condition: The Permittee shall discharge no floating solids or foam visible in other than trace amounts.
A. (2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Upon receipt of a DWR approved Authorization to Construct permit and after submitting and receiving
approval of an Engineering Certification Form for flow expansion to the Cheoah River,the Permittee
is authorized to discharge via relocated Outfall 001. Such discharge shall be limited, monitored, and
reported 1 by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Monthly Weekly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
PCS Codes Average Average Maximum Frequency Type Location2
Flow 50050 0.850 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
Total Suspended Solids 3 C0530 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L 3/Week Composite I&E
BOD,5-day(20°C)3 C0310 5.0 mg/L 7.5 mg/L 3/Week Composite I& L
pH[Standard Units] 00400 Not<6.0 or>9.0 s.u. 3/Week Grab E
Total Residual Chlorine 4 50060 28 ug/L5 3/Week Grab E
Fecal Coliform 31616 200i100 mL 400/100 mL 3/Week Grab E
(Geometric mean)
Turbidity 00070 Monitor and Report Weekly Grab U&D
Dissolved Oxygen 00300 Monitor and Report Weekly Grab U&D
Temperature(°C)6 00010 Monitor and Report 6 Weekly Grab U&D
Ammonia(NH3 as N) C0610 1.0 mg/L 3.0 mg/L Weekly Composite E
[01Apr—31 Oct]
Ammonia(NH3 as N) C0610 2.0 mg/L 6.0 mg/L Weekly Composite E
[01Nov—31Mar]
7 45.2 1bs/day
Total Nitrogen(TN) C0600 7 Monthly Composite E
[NO2+NO3+TKN] Annual average
7 8.8 lbs/day
Total Phosphorus(TP) C0655 Annual average7
Monthly Composite E
Total Mercury 8 COMER Monitor and Report 8 Once(1)per Grab 8
Permit Cycle
Footnotes:
1. Beginning on the effective date of this permit,the Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports
electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system[See Special Condition A.(3.)].
Page 4 of 7

Permit NC0025879
2. Sample Locations: E-Effluent,I—Influent.U=Upstream;D=Downstream(minimum 100 feet below the outfall)
v effluent BOD-5 and Total Suspended Solids concentrations shall not exceed 15%of the
3. The monthly average p
respective influent value(i.e.,85%removal required).
4. Total Residual Chlorine(TRC)limits and monitoring apply only if chlorine is added to the waste stream during
treatment processes.
5. The Division shall consider compliant all effluent TRC values reported below 50 µg/L.However,the Permittee
shall continue to record and submit all values reported by North Carolina certified test methods(including field
certified),even if these values are reported below 50 µg/L.
6. Trout Waters:Effluent,by discharge of heated liquids,shall not increase receiving-stream temperature by more
than 0.5 degrees C(0.9 degrees F);in no case shall effluent cause instream to exceed 20 degrees C(68 degrees F).
If receiving-stream background naturally exceed 20 degrees C,effluent shall NOT increase instream temperatures
7. TN/TP Annual Average shall reflect the average of composite samples collected Monthly during each calendar year.
8. Total Mercury shall be monitored using EPA Method 1631E [See Special Condition A.(5.)].This sample shall be
collected during the Permittee's last reporting year,and the results submitted with the Application to Renew.
Condition: The Permittee shall discharge no floating solids or foam visible in other than trace amounts.
A. (3.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS
[G.S. 143-215.1(b)]
Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports(DMRs) and
program reports. The final NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was adopted and became effective on
December 21,2015.
NOTE: This special condition supplements or supersedes the following sections within Part II of this
permit(Standard Conditions for NPDES Permits):
• Section B. (11.) Signatory Requirements
• Section D. (2.) Reporting
• Section D. (6.) Records Retention
• Section E. (5.)Monitoring Reports
I. Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)]
The permittee shall report discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic
Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and
submitted electronically using eDMR. The eDMR system allows permitted facilities to enter
monitoring data and submit DMRs electronically using the internet. Until such time that the state's
eDMR application is compliant with EPA's Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Regulation
(CROMERR), permittees will be required to submit all discharge monitoring data to the state
electronically using eDMR and will be required to complete the eDMR submission by printing,
signing, and submitting one signed original and a copy of the computer printed eDMR to the following
address:
NC DEQ/Division of Water Resources/Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Page 5 of 7

Permit NC0025879
If a permittee is unable to use the eDMR system due to a demonstrated hardship or due to the facility
being physically located in an area where less than 10 percent of the households have broadband
access,then a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements may be granted
and discharge monitoring data may be submitted on paper DMR forms (MR 1, 1.1, 2, 3) or alternative
forms approved by the Director. Duplicate signed copies shall be submitted to the mailing address
above. See "How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting"section below.
Regardless of the submission method,the first DMR is due on the last day of the month following the
issuance of the permit or in the case of a new facility, on the last day of the month following the
commencement of discharge.
Starting on December 21,2020, the permittee must electronically report the following compliance
monitoring data and reports, when applicable:
• Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports
• Pretreatment Program Annual Reports, and
• Clean Water Act(CWA) Section 316(b)Annual Reports.
The permittee may seek an electronic reporting waiver from the Division (see "How to Request a
Waiver from Electronic Reporting" section below).
2. Electronic Submissions
In accordance with 40 CFR 122.41(1)(9),the permittee must identify the initial recipient at the time of
each electronic submission. The permittee should use the EPA's website resources to identify the
initial recipient for the electronic submission.
Initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities means the entity
(EPA or the state authorized by EPA to implement the NPDES program)that is the designated entity
for receiving electronic NPDES data [see 40 CFR 127.2(b)].
EPA plans to establish a website that will also link to the appropriate electronic reporting tool for each
type of electronic submission and for each state. Instructions on how to access and use the appropriate
electronic reporting tool will be available as well. Information on EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting
Rule is found at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/10/22/2015-24954/national-
pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule
Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the"Reporting Requirements" section above.
3. How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting
The permittee may seek a temporary electronic reporting waiver from the Division. To obtain an
electronic reporting waiver, a permittee must first submit an electronic reporting waiver request to the
Division. Requests for temporary electronic reporting waivers must be submitted in writing to the
Division for written approval at least sixty(60) days prior to the date the facility would be required
under this permit to begin submitting monitoring data and reports. The duration of a temporary waiver
shall not exceed 5 years and shall thereupon expire. At such time, monitoring data and reports shall be
submitted electronically to the Division unless the permittee re-applies for and is granted a new
temporary electronic reporting waiver by the Division. Approved electronic reporting waivers are not
transferrable. Only permittees with an approved reporting waiver request may submit monitoring data
Page 6 of 7

Permit NC0025879
and reports on paper to the Division for the period that the approved reporting waiver request is
effective.
Information on eDMR and the application for a temporary electronic reporting waiver are found on the
following web page:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
4. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and Supersedes Section B. (11.) (d)]
All eDMRs submitted to the permit issuing authority shall be signed by a person described in Part II,
Section B. (11.)(a) or by a duly authorized representative of that person as described in Part II, Section
B. (11.)(b). A person, and not a position, must be delegated signatory authority for eDMR reporting
purposes.
For eDMR submissions, the person signing and submitting the DMR must obtain an eDMR user
account and login credentials to access the eDMR system. For more information on North Carolina's
eDMR system, registering for eDMR and obtaining an eDMR user account, please visit the following
web page:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
Certification. Any person submitting an electronic DMR using the state's eDMR system shall make the
following certification [40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL
BE ACCEPTED:
"I certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my
direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel
properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons
who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the
information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. lam
aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of
fines and imprisonment for knowing violations."
5. Records Retention [Supplements Section D. (6.)]
The permittee shall retain records of all Discharge Monitoring Reports, including eDMR submissions.
These records or copies shall be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the date of the report.
This period may be extended by request of the Director at any time [40 CFR 122.41].
Page 7 of 7

,lN,JNil 7-3\WI(' ,..,...-6----.,_ r-,---- ,.-e; 0\75-•..--- e-___.\:.,.;.„ . - .„ _,-----?\),..,.). ,,-,...,Ifi. j' (.(,(:_\.,i_&"kx..11:2_-_,--71()
`�) ) 1 i
lia yy„ . { : AWN--
p Proposed Expansion ,it "( '
y�' �-� ` `�` • Ir.
`, �, Outfall 001 <i
+ r- S \` ' (Flows NE) '
11• _ J c t:
7...".„......7*0,0
� ` 1 =/ `+ i �y)r41 ( Lat. 35° 19' 55"N ���'`�
'4' `� ..�. ,�,--',f~ . t Long. 83°48'34"W sl���'
i \ 46-..*'%,......./ ''' -\"( r--.)\\ - li.
fc?„;8.---,) 6,;-, r / ; /IX-A, ) <>\--- "'...,i;oi --*---"N `,. ---r.---' \ \>---i.,... 0...---,,,----.7.-L_-_-)---11 ‘ ----,::-":-:*,:ir-_ -)
\,_ 4, ' Z i ) .:,,, . i- -----, -..... ----==-,..-- /--------,,,,,----, -....;,---- -----------zut— ----.......2...„.... .c
N.,/i7i'-"V__-::A,rt' -\ `. f.. --:.-"...._._", -,-; . . • —ik'114 .
/ v
11
x-=- Outfa11001 ; Nii1.1.kis1,, 1,; •,Flows N � :\ *
'C;' �°�
N {' ` . I Sweet Water Road '\.
) ! \,„._ G M 1 p). illityri. -,i 't as 11
, �, j I ;w.- iv'FT' AlL . tee
-- • _
".-5--f(
,..- ) . __,,,,- 44. \ ‘0 °I 11 0
-.._ ..-..-'71--- ttlk 1/7/4 odo It ,......... ..............,
0 - y---"N -zi,ci ; .24 (
,4., 7-/-- ../..;___)'LL,,\\\ ';..... .--• ' _ 6 . \, . ,
—5) I) ' ' ri.
r /5 �� II gar �� 1 Cheoah River
Long Creek - I !�- Nt..-}i (Flows
(Flows N) -/ .4) • •• . . .„.. ,, NE) r
co
.__.„
\,,,
. . .i.„
///7 - • ilk.,. c ,.- , i. k\i„) ,-,-- r-o
\t! ,T, 1-__,,,,„14110\ a', \s1---, .. .-------,
t
' Iti..-1` . i 2k v, i • •
7 • • . ‘ ...IA a
J ; „t::;:::�•
• +• / !'"+ t ail = ' J �1 •■ , i�j ;.
to j J •
s• , tt r Pit :'e '- •
::::::::•::,,,:. i i*k• \A lt,„1.;:\ 11 , I- • L
• (;) ::.:i':i:::.:: :,.. .41(7,
, .......... _ ._,,.. .,„... , , ....,
,....,,......„:„...,.. ill) . 11 NC Hwy 129 • 1 `. ��4�4. •
N "• r
T 0W (\ (-\t ? ^r1S 0 1 f • \. •` y j
• \� 1 _ .-.h-)---\,, I / �, �� ram'
11
Town of Robbinsville
Town of Robbinsville Sewer Plant Facility
Latitude: 35° 19'43" N State Grid/USGS: F3SW/Robbinsville,NC Location
Longitude: 83°48'40" W HUC: 060102040106
Stream Class: C;Trout Hydrological Unit: 04-04-04 not to scale
Stream Basin: Tributary to Santeetlah Lake,Little Tennessee River Basin
Permitted Flow: Phased—[existing]0.630 MGD/0.800 MGD[proposed] North
NPDES Permit NC0025879
Receiving Streams: [existing]Long Creek(UT to)/Cheoah River[proposed] 1 V /6 Graham County