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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0037001_Permit Issuance_20020408NPDES DOCUMENT SCANNING COVER SHEET NC0037001 Bethany Elementary School 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 Staff Report Instream Assessment (67b) Speculative Limits Environmental Assessment (EA) Document Date: April 8, 2002 This document is printed on reu11ae paper - igprzore any content an the reverse side WATF9 C. w r NCDENR a r� Mr. R.W. Holcomb Rockingham County Schools 511 Harrington Highway Eden, North Carolina 27288 Dear Mr. Holcomb: Michael F. Easley Governor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Acting Director Division of Water Quality April 8, 2002 Subject: Issuance of NPDES Permit NC0037001 Bethany Elementary School WWTP Rockingham County Division personnel have reviewed and approved your application for renewal of the subject permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge permit. This permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dated May 9, 1994 (or as subsequently amended). There have been no significant changes from the draft permit previously sent to you on February 6, 2002. If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings (6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6714). Unless such demand is made, this decision shall be final and binding. Please note that this permit is not transferable except after notice to the Division. The Division may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit. This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by the Division of Water Quality or permits required by the Division of Land Resources, the Coastal Area Management Act or any other Federal or Local governmental permit that may be required. If you have any questions concerning this permit, please contact Charles Weaver at telephone number (919) 733-5083, extension 511. cc: Central Files Winston-Salem Regional Office/Water Quality Section NPDES Unit N. C. Division of Water Quality / NPDES Unit 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us Sincerely, ORIGINAL SIGNED BY SUSAN A. WILSON Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Phone: (919) 733-5083 fax: (919) 733-0719 DENR Customer Service Center: 1 800 623-7748 Permit NC0037001 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 Rockingham County Schools are hereby authorized to discharge domestic wastewater from a facility located at the Bethany Elementary School WWTP NC Highway 65 at NCSR 2316 Bethany Rockingham County to receiving waters designated as Huffines Mill Creek in the Roanoke River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III and IV hereof.Lu,04- 7 �. �U''' , This permit shall become effective May 1, 2002 ;oil" V,a This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on April 30, 2007. Signed this day April 8, 2002. ORIGINAL SIGNED BY SUSAN A. WILSON Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Acting Director Division of Water Quality By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission 3Zo 17 , at'4 Permit NC0037001 SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET The Rockingham County Schools are hereby authorized to: 1. Continue to operate an existing 0.01 MGD wastewater treatment facility with the following components: • Septic tank/pump tank • Dual pump system with flow meters and zone control • Recirculating sand filter system • UV disinfection system This facility is located off NC Highway 65 at NCSR 2316 in Bethany at the Bethany Elementary School WWTP in Rockingham County. 2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into Huffines Mill Creek, classified C waters in the Roanoke River Basin. Quad: Bethany, N.C. Latitude: 36°20'00" Longitude: 79°51'27" Stream CIass: C Subbasin: 30203 Receiving Stream: Huffines Mill Creek 0 NC0037001 Rockingham County Schools Bethany Elementary School North SCALE 1:24000 Permit NC0037001 A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS During the period beginning on the effective date of this 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. Daily Maximum Measurement Frequency Sample Type • Sample Location Flow 0.01 MGD Weekly Instantaneous Influent or Effluent BOD, 5-day (202C) 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L 2/Month Grab Effluent Total Suspended Residue 30.0 mg/L 45.0 me L-- 2/Month Grab Effluent NH3 as N (April 1 — October 31) 14.0 mg/L 3S . I / ) - `Monthly _-- Grab Effluent NH3 as N (November 1— March 31) Monthly Grab Effluent Dissolved Oxygen Weekly Grab Effluent Fecal Coliform (geometric mean) 200 / 100 ml 400 / 100 ml 2/Month Grab Effluent Total Residual Chlorine1 28pg/L 2/Week Grab Effluent Temperature (°C) Weekly Grab Effluent pH2 2/Month Grab Effluent Footnotes: 1. Limits and monitoring are required only if chlorine is added to the treatment system. 2. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. ��--3/L , insvl-�.-,eot Y.: PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROUNA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSIOWNPDES UNIT 1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH, NC 27699-1617 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO ISSUE A NPDES WASTER WATER PERMIT On the basis of thorough staff review end application of NC General Stat413 14321, Public law 92.500 and other - lawful standards and regulafiont, the North Canine Environmental Management Commission proposes to issue a National Pdlutant Discharge Eirina6m System (NPDES) waste water discharge permit to the person(s) listed below effective 45 days fro the publish date of this notice. Written cormhenls rogueing the proposed permit wit be accepted until 30 days after the publish date of this notice. Written comments reputing ~&tthrnrtLLr Lnifrm 1921 Vance Street • PO Box 2157 • Reidsville, NC 27320. 336-349;4331 i meeting for the proposed permit should the Division receive a significant degree o pubic interest. Copies of the draft permit and other supporting Information on Tde used to defamire o:raid s present In the draft permit ars evadable upon request and payment of the costs of repradcrcti ri. Mel comments ander requests for tiommecri to the NC Division of Water Cuddly at the above address weal I,4s. Christine Jackson at 919-733.5083, extension 538. Please Include the NPDES permit number (attached) In any oomxnunication. Interested persons may also visit the Division of Water Duality at 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604-1148 between the tours al 8:00 am. and 5:00 pm. lo review iniarttation on Be. NPDES Permit Number NC0085022, Michael R. Hodgin (U.S. 220 Trailer Park), 4404 Caine= Dike, Greensboro, NC 27406 has applied for a permit renewal for a facility located in the proposed permit wdl be Rockingham County 'tweeted until 30days after discharging well -filter the publish date d els notice. backwash waster water ido Al comments nsceived pripr an unnamed tributary to lirhatrefiltit a aXrSHetik* Creek in the in the final determinations Roanoke River Basin. regarding the proposed Curter* noparameters are parr&The oiedoroMheNC water quality limited. This 13, 'sion of Water Quality discharging may affect may a is allocations In this portion of , the receiving stream. NPDES Permit Number NC0077135, Fred D. Curl (Hidden Valley Estates WWTP), 707 North English Street, Greensboro, NC 27405 has apded for a perm* renewal for a facility located '0 Rockingham County discharging treated waste water into an unnamed tributary to Lick Fork Creek n the Roanoke River Basin. Currently ammonia nitrogen and total residual chlorine are water quality limited. This discharge may affect future allocations in this portion of the receiving stream. NPDES Permit Number N00037001, Rockingham County Schools (Bethany Elementary School WWTP), 511 Harrington Highway, Eden, NC 27288 has applied for a permit renewal for a freely braced n Rocking -a m County discharged treated waster water into Hullnes Mil Creek in the Roanoke River Basin. Currently ammonia nitrogen and total residential ddonie are water quality lint tact. This discharge may affect future allocations n this portion dine receiving stream. February 8, 2002 Affidavit of Publication North Carolina Rockingham Coif ity v4, 4�0 <, Before the undersigned, a Notary Public Said ounty and State, duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized aw to admin- ister oaths, personally appeared David Clevenger, who being first dually sworn, deposes and says. That he is an official of Media General of Reidsville, Inc. engaged in the publication of a newspaper known as The Reidsville Review, published, issued and entered as sec- ond class mail in the City of Reidsville, in said County and State; that he is authorized to make this affidavit and sworn statement, that the notice or other legal advertisement, a true copy of which is attached hereto, was published in The Reidsville Review on the following dates: \w 5 Z r RMQ MAR 2 0 2002 Dm BUDGET OFFICE and that the said newspaper in which such notice, paper document, or legal advertisement was published, at the time of each and every such publication, a newspaper meeting all the requirements and qualifica- tions of Section I-597 of the General Statutes of North Carolina and was qualified newspaper within the meaning of Section I-597 of theif� General Statutes of North Carolina. aECF1VFD r (Affiant) Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day of t r ' CER L.:. R21c)(L/1--) t ' 'ip _ PaAI Rockingham County Schools Maintenance Office 391 County Home Road Reidsville, NC 27320 October 16, 2001 Attention: Valery Stephens NC Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Dear Ms. Stephens: Thomas D. Strader Maintenance Director (336) 634-3270 / Fax 634-3272 We received your letter dated October 12, 2001 requesting the sludge management plan for Bethany Elementary School Permit NC0037001. This plant is a recirculating sand filter with spray aeration. All sludge and solids are held in the head septic tanks. Sludge and solids are pumped and removed annually by Billingsley Septic Tank Company. (Note: This is no longer a dry -creek dumping plant.) Please notify me if further information is needed. Thank you so much for your assistance. Sincerely, -J4477vt.1-1 • fdlY&, Thomas D. Strader Maintenance Director ki Teaching All Students to Become Productive Citizens and Lifelong Learners NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM D To be filed only by dischargers of 100% domestic wastewater (<1 MGD flow) N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality / NPDES Unit 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 North Carolina NPDES Permit Number (if known) NCO() 37001 Please print or type 1. Mailing address of applicant/permittee: Facility Name Owner Name Street Address City State ZIP Code Telephone Number Fax Number e-mail Address Bethany Elementary School Rockingham County Schools 511 Harrington Highway Eden NC 27288 ( 336 ) 627-2611 ( 336 ) b1/-ZbbU 2. Location of facility producing discharge: Name (If different from above) Facility Contact Person Street Address or State Road City / Zip Code County Telephone Number Above R. William Holcomb Above ( 336 ) 627-2611 3. Reason for application: Expansion/Modification * Existing Unpermitted Discharge Renewal X New Facility * Please provide a description of the expansion/modification: NA 4. Description of the existing treatment facilities (list all installed components with capacities): Recirculating sandfilter system with UV disinfection. Page 1 of 2 Version 11/2000 NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM D To be filed only by dischargers of 100% domestic wastewater (<1 MGD flow) 5. Description of wastewater (check all that apply): Type of Facility Generating Wastewater Industrial Number of Employees Commercial Number of Employees Residential Number of Homes School XX Number of Students/Staff Other Describe the source(s) of wastewater (example: subdivision, mobile home park, etc.): Bethany Elementary School 6. Number of separate wastewater discharge pipes (wastewater outfalls): One (1) 7. If the facility has multiple discharge outfalls, record the source(s) of wastewater for each outfall: NA 8. Name of receiving stream(s) (Provide a map showing the exact location of each outfall): Huffines Mill Creek (Map Enclosed) I certify that I am familiar with the information contained in the application and that to the, best of my knowledge and belief such information is true, complete, and accurate. R. William Holcomb Printed Name of Person Signing • Associate Superintendent Title Signature of Applicant Date Signed North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6E (i) provides that: Any person who knowingly makes any false statement representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document files or required to be maintained under Article 21 or regulations of the Environmental Management Commission implementing that Article, or who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any recording or monitoring device or method required to be operated or maintained under Article 21 or regulations of the Environmental Management Commission implementing that Article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000, or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or by both. (18 U.S.C. Section 1001 provides a punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment not more than 5 years, or both for a similar offense.) Page 2 of 2 Version 11/2000 State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director Mr. Daniel McCollum 1122 McCollum Road Madison, North Carolina 27025 AVAI, DENR February 26, 1998 Subject: Permit No. NC0037001 Bethany School Rockingham County Dear Mr. McCollum: Senator Virginia Foxx has asked me to write a letter in reference to the recommendation that was made relative to the expansion request for the wastewater treatment facility at Bethany School. This letter summarizes the key points addressed in the meeting between Senator Foxx and myself on Tuesday, February 10, 1998. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the procedures that were followed prior to issuing the expansion request for the wastewater treatment facility at Bethany School. In order to accommodate the increasing student population at Bethany School, Rockingham County Consolidated Schools requested an Authorization to Construct to expand the wastewater treatment facility from 3,700 gallons per day to 10,000 gallons per day. The primary issue of concern with the expansion request was the fact that the facility discharged into a zero flow stream. In cases where the 30Q2 flow and the 7Q,o flow of the receiving stream are both estimated to be zero, no new or expanded (additional) discharge of oxygen consuming waste is allowed. This prohibition is specifically outlined in the North Carolina Administrative Code Section 15A NCAC 2B.0206 (d)(2). The effective date of this prohibition was February 1, 1976. A copy of this language is attached to this letter for your review. When any facility requests an expansion, the Division requires the Permittee to prepare a detailed engineering report that evaluates all wastewater disposal alternatives. The primary focus of this report is to study all available discharge options and to prepare an economic analysis that compares the cost of implementing each option. The results of this report are used to determine the most environmentally sound of the reasonably cost effective alternatives for wastewater disposal at the subject facility. Tritech Civil Environmental prepared the Engineering Alternatives Analysis report for Bethany School. The following is a summary of the report conclusions: P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-733-0719 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper Bethany School NC0037001 Page 2 of 2 Alternative Description Capital Cost Present Worth Cost 1 Connection to municipal wastewater system $850,000 $873,300 Conventional subsurface disposal $366,244 $411,062 3 Conventional spray irrigation $739,620 $842,554 4 Relocate surface discharge $273,831 $362,729 5 Subsurface drip irrigation $541,272 $578,207 6 Low pressure pipe system $533,900 $569,047 The Division recognizes that the expense to upgrade this facility and to relocate the discharge point was substantial, but it was determined to be the most cost effective option available. Therefore, the school moved forward and a permit authorizing construction was issued on December 22, 1997. The Division would like to point out that Section 15A NCAC 2B.0206 (d)(2) of the North Carolina Administrative Code applies to all discharges throughout the state. This requirement is applicable to all Permittees who wish to expand to a stream with a 30Q2 flow and the 7Q10 estimated to be zero. Should you need additional information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 919-733-5083, extension 597. e f ey T. la, E.I.T. Environmental Engineer NPDES Unit cc: Central Files NPDES Unit State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director February 20, 1998 Senator Virginia A. Foxx Legislative Office Building Room 1120 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2808 A7A ITT ITT Subject: Permit No. NC0037001 Bethany School Rockingham County Dear Senator Foxx: This letter was prepared to summarize the key points of our meeting that took place on Tuesday, February 10, 1998. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the procedures that were followed prior to issuing the expansion request for the wastewater treatment facility at Bethany School. In order to accommodate the increasing student population at Bethany School, Rockingham County Consolidated Schools requested an Authorization to Construct to expand the wastewater treatment facility from 3,700 gallons per day to 10,000 gallons per day. The primary issue of concern with the expansion request was the fact that the facility discharged into a zero flow stream. In cases where the 30Q2 flow and the 7Q,o flow of the receiving stream are both estimated to be zero, no new or expanded (additional) discharge of oxygen consuming waste is allowed. This prohibition is specifically outlined in the North Carolina Administrative Code Section 15A NCAC 2B.0206 (d)(2). A copy of this language is attached to this letter for your review. When any facility requests an expansion, the Division requires the Permittee to prepare a detailed engineering report that evaluates all wastewater disposal alternatives. The primary focus of this report is to study all available discharge options and to prepare an economic analysis that compares the cost of implementing each option. The results of this report are used to determine the most environmentally sound of the reasonably cost effective alternatives for wastewater disposal at the subject facility. Tritech Civil Environmental prepared the Engineering Alternatives Analysis report for Bethany School. The following is a summary of the report conclusions: Alternative Description Capital Cost Present Worth Cost 1 Connection to municipal wastewater system $850,000 $873,300 2 Conventional subsurface disposal $366,244 $411,062 3 Conventional spray irrigation $739,620 $842,554 4 Relocate surface discharge $ 2 7 3, 8 31 $ 3 6 2, 7 2 9 5 Subsurface drip irrigation $541,272 $578,207 6 Low pressure pipe system $533,900 $569,047 P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-733-0719 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper Bethany School NC0037001 Page 2 of 2 The Division recognizes that the expense to upgrade this facility and to relocate the discharge point was substantial, but it was determined to be the most cost effective option available. Therefore, the school moved forward and a permit authorizing construction was issued on December 22, 1997. The Division would like to point out that Section 15A NCAC 2B.0206 (d)(2) of the North Carolina Administrative Code applies to all discharges throughout the state. This requirement is applicable to all Permittees who wish to expand to a stream with a 30Q2 flow and the 7Q10 estimated to be zero. Should you need additional information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 919-733-5083, extension 597. S z e ` ey T. fra, E.I.T. Environmental Engineer NPDES Unit cc: Central Files NPDES Unit s., State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Govemor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director December 2,1997 Representative Cary Allred c/o EconoMed 4307 Sartin Road Burlington, North Carolina 27217 A7A DENR Subject: Bethany School discharge NPDES Permit No. NC0037001 Rockingham County Representative Allred: This letter is to follow up on our telephone conversation on November 13,1997. One of your constituents, Mr. Daniel McCollum, requested a letter stating that the Division of Water Quality will not close Bethany School. You forwarded his request to me and discussed the project with me via telephone on November 13,1997. You requested a review of the Division's files and a written response to Mr. McCollum's request. I have reviewed the Division of Water Quality's files on Bethany School. I have also discussed this matter with Mr. David Goodrich (NPDES Unit Supervisor) and Mr. Steven D. Pellei (the engineer preparing the Authorization to Construct for Bethany School). Listed below are the relevant points in the Division's interaction with Rockingham County Schools concerning Bethany School. 1. It is not within the Division's power to order the closing of any school in North Carolina. The Division's regulatory authority only governs the impact a school (or any other facility) may have on water quality. It is within the Division's authority to set restrictions on where and how Bethany School may treat and discharge its wastewater. Our contact with Rockingham County Schools has been in that context only. 2. Rockingham County Schools was required to relocate the outfall from the Bethany School treatment works from a zero -flow stream to a stream with positive flow. Bethany School currently discharges into a zero -flow stream. At the time of the most recent permit renewal, Rockingham County Schools requested that the Bethany School wastewater treatment plant be expanded to a permitted flow of 10,000 gallons per day. Rockingham County Schools must relocate the outfall at Bethany School because of the explicit rule concerning discharges to zero -flow streams. North Carolina Administrative Code 15A: 02B.0206(d)(2) allows no new discharges to zero -flow streams, and no expansion of existing discharges to zero -flow streams. . 3. Rockingham County Schools and the Division of Water Ouality are formulating a strategy for removal or relocation of outfalls at nine schools in Rockingham County, Bethany School is one of nine schools in Rockingham County which discharge to a zero -flow stream. The Division and Rockingham County Schools are currently formulating a strategy to relocate these outfalls to streams with positive flow. The zero -flow rule mentioned above has been consistently applied to many school systems across North Carolina since the early 1990's, affecting approximately 200 schools. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 919 733-5083, extension 511 (fax) 919 733-0719 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Charles_Weaver@dem.ehnr.state.nc.us While the Division is requiring the outfall at the school to be relocated, the Division has no power to close any school in North Carolina. Furthermore, it was never the Division's intent to force closure of the school or construction of a new school. Those decisions have been made by the Rockingham County Board of Education. A copy of the zero -flow rule is attached to this letter. I will send Mr. McCollum a copy of this letter and its attachment. If you have any other questions about this project, call the NPDES Unit at (919) 733-5083 and ask for Mr. David Goodrich (extension 517) or Mr. Steven Pellei (extension 516). Sincerely, / id,roq Charles H. Weaver, Jr. NPDES Unit cc: Central Files Winston-Salem Regional Office, Water Quality Section NPDES Unit Mr. Daniel McCollum EHNR - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TI SA: 02B .0200 .0205 NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OUTSIDE STANDARDS LIMITS Natural waters may on occasion, or temporarily, have characteristics outside of the normal range established by the standards. The adopted water quality standards relate to the condition of waters as affected by the discharge of sewage, -industrial wastes or other wastes including those from nonpoint sources and other sources of water pollution. Water quality standards will not be considered violated when values outside the normal range are caused by natural conditions. Where wastes are discharged to such waters, the discharger will not be considered a contributor -to substandard conditions provided maximum treatment in compliance with permit requirements is maintained and, therefore, meeting the established limits is beyond the discharger's control. History Note: Authority G.S. 143-214.1; 143 215.3(a)(1); Eff. February 1, 1976; Amended Eff. October 1,1989; January 1, 1985. .0206 FLOW DESIGN CRITERIA FOR EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS (a) Water quality based effluent limitations are developed to allow appropriate frequency and duration of deviations from water quality standards so that the designated uses of receiving waters are protected. There are water quality standards for a number of categories of pollutants and to protect a range of water uses. For this reason, the appropriate frequency and duration of deviations from water quality standards is not the same for all categories of standards. A flow design criterion is used in the development of water quality based effluent limitations as a simplified means of estimating the acceptable frequency and duration of deviations. More complex modeling techniques can also be used to set effluent limitations directly based on frequency and duration criteria published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 304(a) of the Federal Clean Water Act as amended. Use of more complex modeling techniques to set water quality based effluent limitations will be approved by the Commission or its designee on a case -by -case basis. Flow design criteria to calculate water quality based effluent limitations for categories of water quality standards are listed as follows: (1) All standards except toxic substances and aesthetics will be protected using the minimum average flow for a period of seven consecutive days that has an average recurrence of once in ten years (7Q10 flow). Other governing flow strategies such as varying discharges with the receiving waters ability to assimilate wastes *may be designated by the Commission or its designee on a case -by -case basis if the discharger or permit applicant provide evidence which establishes to the satisfaction of the Director that the alternative flow strategies will give equal or better protection for the water quality standards. Better protection for the standards means that deviations from the standard would be expected less frequently than provided by using the 7Q10 flow. (2) Toxic substance standards to protect aquatic life from chronic toxicity will be protected using the 7Q10 flow. (3) Toxic substance standards to protect human health will be: (A) The 7Q10 flow for standards to protect human health through the consumption of water, fish and shellfish from noncarcinogens; (B) The mean annual flow to protect human health from carcinogens through the consumption of water, fish and shellfish unless site specific fish contamination concerns necessitate the use of an alternative design flow; (4) Aesthetic quality will be protected using the minimum average flow for a period of 30 consecutive days that has an average recurrence of once in two years (30Q2 flow). (b) In cases where the stream flow is regulated, a minimum daily low flow may be used as a substitute for the 7Q10 flow except in cases where there are acute toxicity concerns for aquatic life. In the cases where there are acute toxicity concerns, an alternative low flow such as the instantaneous minimum release may be used on a case -by -case basis. • . (c) Flow design criteria are used to develop water quality based effluent limitations and for the design of wastewater treatment facilities. Deviations from a specific water quality standard resulting 'from discharges which are affirmatively demonstrated to be in compliance with water quality based effluent limitations for that standard will not be a violation pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6 when the actual flow is significantly less than the design flow. (d) In cases where the 7Q10 flow of the receiving stream is estimated to be zero, water quality based effluent limitations will be assigned as follows: (1) Where the 30Q2 flow is estimated to be greater than zero, effluent limitations for new or expanded (additional) discharges of oxygen consuming waste will be set at BOD5= 5 mg/1, NH3-N = 2 mg/1 and DO = 6 mg/1, unless it is determined that these limitations will not protect water quality standards. Requirements for existing discharges will be determined on a case -by -case basis by the Director. More NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 05/01/97 Page 8 EHNR - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT T15A: 02B .0200 stringent limits will be applied in cases where violations of water quality standards are predicted to occur for a new or expanded discharge with the limits set pursuant to this Rule, or where existing limits are determined to be inadequate to protect water quality standards_ ~�, (2) If the 30Q2 and 7Q10 flows are both estimated to be zero, no new or expanded (additional) discharge of oxygen consuming waste will be allowed. Requirements for existing discharges to streams where the 30Q2 and 7Q10 flows are both estimated to be zero will be determined on a case -by -case basis. (3) Other water quality standards will be protected by requiring the discharge to meet the standards unless the alternative limitations are determined by the Director to protect the classified water uses. (e) Receiving water flow statistics will be estimated through consultation with the U.S. Geological Survey. Estimates for any given location may be based on actual flow data, modeling analyses, or other methods determined to be appropriate by the Commission or its designee. • History Note: Authority G.S. 143-214.1; 143-215.3 (a) (1); Ef. February 1, 1976; • Amended Eff. February 1, 1993; October 1, 1989; August 1, 1985; January 1, 1985. .0207 MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE DEGREE OF TREATMENT History Note: Authority G.S. 143-214.1; Eff. February 1, 1976; Repealed Eff September 9, 1979. .0208 STANDARDS FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND TEMPERATURE (a) Toxic Substances. The concentration of toxic substances, either alone or in combination with other wastes, in surface waters will not render waters injurious to aquatic life or wildlife, recreational activities, public health, or impair the waters for any designated uses. Specific standards for toxic substances to protect freshwater and tidal saltwater uses are listed in Rules .0211 and .0212 of this Section, respectively. Procedures for interpreting the narrative standard for toxic substances and numerical standards applicable to all waters are as follows: (1) Aquatic life standards. The concentration of toxic substances will not result in chronic toxicity. Any levels in excess of the chronic value will be considered to result in chronic toxicity. In the absence of direct measurements of chronic toxicity, the concentration of toxic substances will not exceed the concentration specified by the fraction of the lowest LC50 value which predicts a no effect chronic level (as determined by the use of acceptable acute/chronic ratios). If an acceptable acute/chronic ratio is not available, then that toxic substance will not exceed one -one hundredth (0.01) of the lowest LC50 or if it is affirmatively demonstrated that a toxic substance has a half-life of less than 96 hours the maximum concentration will not exceed one -twentieth (0.05) of the lowest LC50. (2) Human health standards. The concentration of toxic substances will not exceed the level necessary to protect human health through exposure routes of fish (or shellfish) tissue consumption, water consumption, or other route identified as appropriate for the water body. (A) For non -carcinogens, these concentrations will be determined using a Reference Dose (RfD) as published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 304(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended or a RfD issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as listed in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) file or a RfD approved by the Director after consultation with the State Health director. Water quality standards or criteria used to calculate water quality based effluent limitations to protect human health through the different exposure routes are determined as follows: (i) Fish tissue consumption: WQS = (RfD-DT) x Body Weight / (FCRxBCF) where: WQS = water quality standard or criteria; RfD = reference dose; DT = estimated non -fish dietary intake (when available); • FCR = fish consumption rate (assumed to be 6.5 gm/person-day); BCF = bioconcentration factor, or bioaccumulation factor (BAF), as appropriate. BCF or BAF values are based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publications pursuant to Section 304(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended, literature values, or site specific bioconcentration data approved by the Commission or its designee; FCR values are average consumption rates for a 70 Kg adult for the NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 05/01/97 Page 9 State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director A7A DENR Transmitted via fax - 4 pages total November 13,1997 MEMORANDUM TO: Representative Cary Allred Alamance County FROM: Charles H. Weaver, Jr. NPDES Unit SUBJECT: Daniel McCollum Representative Allred: • This memorandum is in response to your telephone call on November 12, 1997. You and I have not spoken previously. It's likely that Mr. McCollum gave you my name and telephone number, as I have discussed the Bethany School discharge with him on at least two occasions. • Mr. McCollum originally called the NPDES Unit to ask why Bethany School was relocating the outfall for their wastewater discharge, and why county tax money was being spent to fund the relocation. I took his call and subsequently pursued the information he requested. • The permit file (NC0037001) showed that Bethany School had previously discharged into a zero -flow stream. At the time of the most recent permit renewal, Rockingham County Scools (RCS) requested expansion of the wastewater treatment capacity at the school to 10,000 gallons per day. In order to expand the discharge, RCS was required to relocate the outfall from the Bethany School treatment works from a zero -flow stream to a stream with positive flow. The permit was renewed and issued on June 9,1997. RCS recently submitted a request for an Authorization to Construct (AtC) for the new outfall. Those plans are currently being reviewed by one of our senior engineers, Mr. Steven D. Pellei. Mr. Pellei was also the engineer who renewed the permit. • As I explained to Mr. McCollum, RCS was required to relocate the outfall because of the explicit rule concerning discharges to zero -flow streams. NCAC 15A: 02B.0206(d)(2) allows no new discharges to zero - flow streams, and no expansion of existing discharges to zero -flow streams. Mr. McCollum said he had "walked behind the school" and had not seen "any environmental damage". While I sympathized with his comments, I explained that the zero -flow rule is explicit and leaves no room for interpretation. Mr. McCollum then asked me to send him a copy of the zero -flow rule. He later called me back and asked for a copy of the rules governing interbasin transfer. I sent these items to him on September 24,1997. A copy of my letter to Mr. McCollum is attached to this memo, as well as a copy of the zero -flow rule. • I'm puzzled by Mr. McCollum's question about the Division's intention to "close" Bethany School. RCS renewed the permit and requested the AtC in order to upgrade Bethany School's wastewater treatment facilities. Any plans to close the school have not been forwarded to or offered by the Division. • I will be in a training meeting given by Mr. Pellei for most of this morning, and will get an update on the status of the Bethany School AtC as soon as I can speak with him. I have meeting with the NPDES Unit Supervisor, Mr. David Goodrich, scheduled for 2 p.m. today. I will discuss this matter with him also. • Once I have collected the most current information on this project, I will call you back. If you have additional questions, you can contact me via telephone, fax or e-mail (see below). P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 919 733-5083, extension 511 (fax) 919 733-0719 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Charles_Weaver@dem.ehnr.state.nc.us State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director September 24,1997 Mr. Daniel McCollum 1122 McCollum Road Madison, North Carolina 27025 .A7‘7VA C)EHN1=3. Subject: NPDES Permit Guidelines Zero -flow discharge restrictions Bethany Elementary School Permit No. NC0037001 Dear Mr. McCollum: This letter is to follow up on our telephone conversation from last Friday. You asked me to send you a copy of the statute which prohibits new discharges or expansion of existing discharges into zero -flow receiving streams. This restriction is cited in the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A: 02B.0206 (d)(2). A copy of the regulation is enclosed. The restriction of discharges into zero -flow streams is a state law. The Division must abide by the statute. Zero -flow streams are most likely to become threats to public health if discharges of wastewater are continually expanded into them. The aesthetic quality of the receiving stream and the downstream threats to human & animal life were also considered when this policy was developed. The site you discussed with me (Bethany Elementary School), while seemingly posing no risk to the surrounding environment, must abide by the same rules as all other dischargers into zero -flow streams. The outfall for Bethany Elementary had to be relocated to accomodate the expanded flow from the school's wastewater treatment system. Title 15A: 02B.0206 (d)(2) allowed no other solution. If you have any other questions concerning this matter, please contact me at telephone number (919) 733-5083, extension 511. Sincerely, Cory Charles H. Weaver, Jr. cc: NPDES Unit P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone (919) 733-5083 FAX (919) 733-0719 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled / 10% post -consumer paper Page 1 Note for Charles Weaver From: Steve Pellei Date: Wed, Oct 8, 1997 9:25 AM Subject: Tritech... To: Nancy Owens Cc: Charles Weaver submitted $400 when they only needed to submit $150 for Bethany School ATC. I called and informed them that I will return their check but they need to send in a check for $150 along with a letter from the BOE authorizing Tritech to act as their agent. The date we recieve this $ will be the application received date. Do you have a return letter shell for something like this? Charles - just FYI in case you seee their check come in. Thanks, Steve State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director Av"7A EDBNJF{ February 5, 1997 Mr. Van Moore & Mr. R. William Holcomb Rockingham County Schools 511 Harrington Highway Eden, North Carolina 27288 Subject: Request for Additional Information NPDES Nos. NC0037001 & NC0036994 Bethany and Monroeton Schools Rockingham County Dear Mr. Moore and Mr. Holcomb: The Division received your Engineering Economic Analyses of Wastewater Disposal Options for Bethany and Monroeton Schools on December 20, 1996. As discussed in conversations with Mr. Jesse Wilson and Mr. Max Frazier, the Division will require additional information in order to complete our review. Please provide clarification or additional information on the following items. General Comments: Comments included below pertain to both Bethany and Monroeton Schools. Estimated Waste Flow: For Bethany, justification for the estimated waste flow of 10,000 GPD should be made. State guidelines1 stipulate a typical daily flow for day schools at 10-15 GPD/student. Past water use records will provide a more accurate record of per capita daily use. If you elect to use values significantly different from those mentioned above, adequate justification for your decision must be provided. Plans for future class expansion should be outlined and an estimated time line for expansion should be included. Consequently, any wastewater treatment disposal alternatives should be sized accordingly to accommodate the flow. Connection to Regional Sewer: Although connection to regional systems seems costly, please provide a cost estimate to connect any regional systems within a five mile radius. The analysis of this option should investigate the possibility of cost sharing with other potential users. Maps of the proposed routes should be submitted. Subsurface Disposal System: A soil scientist report, a site plan, a letter from a land owner indicating land cost, and an 0 & M cost estimate were referenced but not included. Please provide these items. As outlined in the Division's "Guidance for Evaluation of Wastewater Disposal Alternatives", the analysis of subsurface and irrigation disposal systems must include a preliminary report from a soil scientist. To adequately evaluate subsurface and irrigation disposal systems, an on -site soils analysis needs to be performed and submitted. This evaluation should include: • a copy of field notes and boring log information, 1NCAC 2H 0.0219 (copy attached) P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-733-0719 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper Request for Additional Information Rockingham County Schools • a soils site map overlain on a topographic map, • a description of soil characteristics to include texture, structure, soil wetness and mineralogy, • a characterization of the depth of soil to 48" or to a restrictive horizon, and • ✓soil loading rate recommendations. The on -site soil survey should include enough soil borings to adequately characterize the site. Additionally, justification should be provided on the number and location of soil borings completed. Generalized county soil survey maps are not adequate for the evaluation, but may be used as a reference tool to plan the field work required for evaluation. In addition, provide information as to the amount of land which is available on -site and the number of students and staff which could be served by an on -site system. Conventional and low pressure disposal systems should be investigated. The use of a low pressure system may reduce land requirements. Spray Irrigation: The evaluation of a spray irrigation disposal option should include components capable of treatment to secondary limits and disinfection. Areas dedicated for reserve or repair are not required. Documentation of the non -availability of land should be included. Existing Treatment System: Discuss the inadequacies, if any, of the existing treatment system components. Can these components be used for treatment, pumping or storage in the various disposal alternatives, thereby reducing costs? Discharge to Surface Waters: Any treatment system must meet the requirements for dual path treatment facilities and on -site standby power as stipulated in 2H .0124 (copy attached). In addition, all treatment systems must meet minimum design criteria as outlined in the attached document, "The Authorization to Construct Process". Costs: Unit prices should be referenced and operation and maintenance costs should be included. Sources of your estimated land costs should be documented. A present value of costs analysis should be performed on these options as outlined in the document, "Guidance for the Evaluation of Wastewater Disposal Alternatives". Costs should include recurring 0 & M costs, operator costs, annual fees, and lab analysis costs. Please submit all additional information no later than March 15, 1997. If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact me at (919) 733-5083, ext. 516. Serely Steven D. Pellei, P.E. Environmental Engineer Attachment cc: Central Files Winston-Salem Regional Office, Water Quality Unit Mr. Jesse W. Wilson, P.E. Tritech Environmental, PC P.O. Box 4127 Asheboro, North Carolina 27204 Steven Pellei, Permits and Engineering