HomeMy WebLinkAboutWI0400551_Permit (Modification)_20230331 6�,i SUia•Q
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S.BISER ` a
secretary ` ^jpA
RICHARD E.ROGERS,JR. NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
March 31, 2023
Ms. Jessica Bednarcik
Senior Vice President EHS&CCP
526 South Church St.
Mail Code EC05Z
Charlotte,NC 28202
Re: UIC Permit Type Other No.W10400551
Duke Belews Creek Steam Station Plant
Stokes County,NC
Sent electronically and via U.S.Postal Service
Dear Ms. Jessica Bednarcik:
In accordance with permit modification request received February 15,2023,and additional information
received March 10, and March 29,2023,we are forwarding this permit to construct and operate in-situ
groundwater remediation injection wells located at the above referenced facility. This permit shall be
effective,unless revoked, from the date of issuance until September 30, 2025 (expiration date of original
permit),and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations stated therein,including the requirement to
submit a Final Project Evaluation(FPE)as stated in PART VI—MONITORING AND REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS. Please read the entire permit to ensure that you are aware of all compliance
requirements of the permit.
Please note that the monitoring plan(Table 1)has been modified from the original permit and is
included in the permit as Attachment A.
In order to continue uninterrupted legal use of this well for the stated purpose,you should submit an
application to renew the permit 120 days prior to its expiration date. As indicated in the permit,this
permit is not transferable to any person without prior notice to,and approval by,the Director of the
Division of Water Resources(DWR). If you have any questions regarding your permit or the
Underground Injection Control Program,please call me at(919) 707-3668.
Best Regards,
L"YA
Michael Rogers,P.G.NC&FL(inactive)
Underground Injection Control(UIC)Program Manager
Division of Water Resources
Groundwater Resources Section
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality- Division of Water Resources
QMailing address:1636 MSC,Raleigh NC 27699-1636
Physical address:512 North Salisbury Street,Raleigh NC 27604
GgYY�In E-mnmC�lY1�4
919.707.9000
cc: Winston-Salem Regional Office,WQROS (sent electronically)
Bob Wyrick,AECOM(sent electronically)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality- Division of Water Resources
QMailing address:1636 MSC,Raleigh NC 27699-1636
t�arncnna: Q � Physical address:512 North Salisbury Street.Raleigh NC 27604
919.707.9000
NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ)
RALEIGH,NORTH CAROLINA
PERMIT FOR THE USE OF A WELL FOR INJECTION
In accordance with the provisions of Article 7, Chapter 87; Article 21, Chapter 143; and other
applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations
PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED TO
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
Stokes County
W10400551
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF 74 INJECTION WELL(S)TYPE OTHER
defined in Title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code 2C .0209(5)(b)(xiii). These injection
points are located at the Belews Creek Steam Station, 3195 Pine Hall Road, Belews Creek, NC
27009, and will be constructed, operated, and monitoring in accordance with the permit
modification request received February 15, 2023, and in conformity with the specifications and
supporting data submitted March 10 and March 29, 2023, all of which are filed with the
Department of Environmental Quality and are considered a part of this permit.
This permit is for construction and operation, and does not waive any provisions of the Water Use
Act or any other applicable Laws, Rules, or Regulations. Operation and use of an injection well
shall be in compliance with Title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code 02C .0100 and .0200,
and any other Laws, Rules, and Regulations pertaining to well construction and use.
This permit shall be effective,unless revoked, from the date of issuance until September 30, 2025
(expiration date of original permit).
Permit issued the 3 1'day of March 2023
for Richard Rogers, Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission.
Permit No.WI0400551 PAGE 1 OF 8
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PART I—PERMIT GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. The Permittee shall comply with all conditions of this permit and with the standards and criteria
specified in Criteria and Standards Applicable to Injection Wells (15A NCAC 2C .0200).
Noncompliance with conditions of this permit constitutes a violation of the North Carolina
Well Construction Act and is grounds for enforcement action as provided for in N.C.G.S. 87-
94.
2. This permit shall become voidable unless the facility is constructed in accordance with the
conditions of this permit,the approved plans and specifications,and other supporting data[I 5A
NCAC 02C .0211(k)].
3. This permit is valid only for construction and operation of the number of injection wells
described in the application and other supporting data. Construction of additional injection
wells must be approved in advance by the Division of Water Resources (DWR) [15A NCAC
.0211(a)].
4. This permit is not transferable without prior notice and approval. In the event there is a desire
for the facility to change ownership,or there is a name change of the Permittee,a formal permit
amendment request and any supporting materials must be submitted at least 30 days prior to
the date of the change [15A NCAC 02C .0211(o)].
5. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility of complying
with any and all statutes, rules,regulations, or ordinances that may be imposed by other local,
state, and federal agencies having jurisdiction. Furthermore, the issuance of this permit does
not imply that all regulatory requirements have been met [15A NCAC 02C .0203].
PART II-WELL CONSTRUCTION GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. Each injection well shall be constructed in such a manner that water from land surface cannot
migrate into the gravel pack or well screen [15A NCAC 02C .0225(h)(4)].
2. Bentonite grout shall not be used to seal any water-bearing zone with a chloride concentration
equal to or greater than 1,500 milligrams per liter. In areas where elevated chloride levels are
known to exist or are probable, such as coastal areas, chloride levels shall be verified in the
field to determine existing conditions. [15A NCAC .0225(h)(8)].
3. Each injection well shall be secured to reasonably insure against unauthorized access and use.
Each well shall be permanently labeled with a warning that it is for injection purposes and the
entrance to each well shall be secured with a locking cap as defined in G.S. 87-85(16) [15A
NCAC 02C .0225(h)(23)].
4. Each injection well shall be afforded reasonable protection against damage during construction
and use [15A NCAC 02C .02250)(3)].
5. Each permanent injection well shall have a permanently affixed identification plate [15A
NCAC .0225(h)(20)].
6. If not previously submitted, a copy of the completed Well Construction Record(Form GW-1)
Permit No.W10400551 PAGE 2 OF 8
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shall be submitted as described in Part VI.3 of this permit (the original document goes to the
address indicated on the form).
PART III-WELL CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. At least forty-eight (48) hours prior to constructing or operating any injection well, the
Permittee shall notify the Underground Injection Control(UIC)Central Office staff,telephone
number 919-707-9000, and the Winston-Salem Regional Office staff, telephone number 336-
776-9800.
2. Included in additional information received by DWR on August 12,2020,was a written request
for a variance to the injection well construction rule 15A NCAC 02C.0225(h), which states
that wells shall not hydraulically connect aquifers or zones having differences in water quality.
Information provided indicates there exists vertical hydraulic connectivity of
hydrostratigraphic zones, and that the distribution of contaminates of interest(COI)crosses the
zones. Corrective action has been proposed with infiltration wells constructed with well screen
and/or sand pack material across three water-bearing zones (saprolite, transition, and bedrock
zones) to better improve the effectiveness of the proposed groundwater remediation system.
The proposed infiltration wells are not expected to generate a risk to groundwater or human
health and no water supply wells are located within 500 feet of the wells. The factors specified
are sufficient to satisfy the conditions for approval of a variance as defined in Rule 15A NCAC
02C .0241. The granting of this variance is for the screened and packed intervals only, and in
no way relieves the owner or agent from other requirements of the North Carolina Well
Construction Standards, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation that may be regulated
by other agencies.
PART IV- OPERATION AND USE CONDITIONS
1. The Permittee shall be required to comply with the terms and conditions of this permit even
if compliance requires a reduction or elimination of the permitted activity [15A NCAC 02C
.0211(i)].
2. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility for damages
to surface water or groundwater resulting from the operation of this facility[15A NCAC 02C
.0206].
3. The injection facility shall be properly maintained and operated at all times to achieve
compliance with the conditions of this permit and the rules of 15A NCAC 02C .0200, even
if compliance requires a reduction or elimination of the permitted activity [15A NCAC 02C
.0211(i)].
4. In the event that the facility fails to perform satisfactorily resulting in the creation of nuisance
conditions, failure of the injection zone to adequately assimilate the injected fluid, or
daylighting, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective actions including,but not limited
to,repairs,modifications,or abandonment of the injection facility. The Permitee shall report
non-compliance according to Part VI.7 of this permit [15A NCAC 02C .0206].
Permit No.W10400551 PAGE 3 OF 8
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PART V- INSPECTIONS [15A NCAC 02C .02110)]
1. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Water Resources
(DWR) may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property, premises, or
place on or related to the injection facility at any reasonable time for the purpose of determining
compliance with this permit, may inspect or copy any records that must be maintained under
the terms and conditions of this permit,and may obtain samples of groundwater, surface water,
or injection fluids.
2. DWR representatives shall have reasonable access for purposes of inspection,observation,and
sampling associated with injection and any related facilities as provided for in N.C.G.S. 87-
90.
3. Provisions shall be made for collecting any necessary and appropriate samples associated with
the injection facility activities.
PART VI - MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. The revised monitoring plan provided through an additional information request received
March 10, 2023, shall be followed (Attachment A). Any additional monitoring, including
groundwater, surface water, or soil sampling, deemed necessary to ensure surface water and
groundwater protection may be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule
shall be followed [15A NCAC 02C .0225(k)].
2. An Annual Report with all historical monitoring results shall be submitted in bound hard copy
format with attached CD or flash drive to the UIC Program Central Office, and Winston-Salem
Regional Office starting within one year of the first injection event. Monitoring reports shall
include, a summary of injection activities and monitoring results, analytical data presented in
a spreadsheet distinguishing between pre-injection and post injection data, and an update on
the status and location of monitoring and injection wells. Well locations may be given in a
table with the name and geographic coordinates or shown on an updated version of the site
map [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)].
3. Copies of records of well construction, repair, or abandonment shall be submitted within 30
days of completion of such activities [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)].
4. An Injection Event Record(IER)shall be submitted within 30 days of each individual injection
event, if applicable [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)].
5. The Permittee shall submit a Final Project Evaluation(FPE)within 9 months after completing
all injection-related activity associated with this permit or produce an interim evaluation to be
submitted with a renewal application for this permit. Both the final project evaluation and
interim evaluation shall contain historical monitoring data and updated contaminant plume and
potentiometric surface maps.PLEASE NOTE: Injectants and related reaction byproducts must
attenuate to pre-inj ection concentrations or groundwater standards specified in rule 15A NCAC
02L .0202, whichever is greater, in order for this permit to be closed. Otherwise, corrective
action as described in Part VII may be rNuired [15A NCAC 02C .0225(1)].
Permit No.WI0400551 PAGE 4 OF 8
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6. All monitoring results, forms, and reports required in this Part shall be submitted to:
UIC Program Water Quality Regional Operations
NC Division of Water Resources and WQROS Winston-Salem Regional Office
1636 Mail Service Center 450 West Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300
Raleigh,NC 27699-1636 Winston-Salem,NC 27105
7. The Permittee shall report any monitoring or other information that indicates noncompliance
with a specific permit condition, that a contaminant may cause a violation of applicable
groundwater quality standards, or that a malfunction of the injection system may cause the
injected fluids to migrate outside the approved injection zone or area. As specified in rule
15A NCAC 02C .0211(p), noncompliance notification shall be as follows:
(A) Oral notification shall be given within 24 hours of the occurrence,or first knowledge
of the occurrence, to the Winston-Salem Regional Office, telephone number 336-
776-9800.
(B) Written notification shall be made within five days of the occurrence and submitted
to the addresses in Item#6 above.
(C) The written notification shall contain a description of the noncompliance and its
cause: the period of noncompliance, including dates and times; if the noncompliance
has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and any steps
taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the
noncompliance.
PART VII- CORRECTIVE ACTION [15A NCAC 02C .0206]
1. Any injection well not constructed or operated in accordance with this permit, or the criteria
and standards specified in 15A NCAC 02C .0200, shall be subject to corrective action as
provided under rule 15A NCAC 02C .0206.
2. The following corrective actions shall apply to elevated concentrations of inj ectants or reaction
byproducts resulting from the permitted injection activity:
(A) Continued monitoring until concentrations return to pre-injection values or meet the
standards specified in 15A NCAC 02L .0202, whichever are greater. The frequency,
duration, and location of monitoring shall be appropriate for site specific conditions and
potential receptors.
(B) Groundwater quality parameters that do not attenuate as described in 2(A) above may
warrant a corrective action plan as provided under rule 15A NCAC 02C.0206,depending
on the type, concentration, and distribution of the groundwater quality standards being
exceeded.
PART VIII- PERMIT RENEWAL [15A NCAC 02C .021 I(h)]
In order to continue uninterrupted legal use of the injection facility for the stated purpose, the
Permittee should submit an application to renew the permit 120 days prior to its expiration date.
Permit No.W10400551 PAGE 5 OF 8
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PART IX- CHANGE OF WELL STATUS [15A NCAC 02C .0240]
1. The Permittee shall provide written notification within 15 days of any change of status of an
injection well. Such a change would include the discontinued use of a well for injection. If a
well is taken completely out of service temporarily, the Permittee must install a sanitary seal.
If a well is not to be used for any purpose that well must be permanently abandoned according
to 15A NCAC 2C .0240, Well Construction Standards.
2. When operations have ceased at the facility and a well will no longer be used for any purpose,
the Permittee shall abandon that injection well in accordance with the procedures specified in
15A NCAC 2C .0240, including but not limited to the following:
(A)All casing and screen materials may be removed prior to initiation of abandonment
procedures if such removal will not cause or contribute to contamination of the
groundwaters.
(B)The entire depth of each well shall be sounded before it is sealed to insure freedom
from obstructions that may interfere with sealing operations.
(C)The well shall be thoroughly disinfected, prior to sealing, if WQROS staff determines
that failure to do so could lead to the contamination of an underground source of
drinking water.
(D)Drilled wells shall be completely filled with cement grout or bentonite grout, which
shall be introduced into the well through a pipe which extends to the bottom of the well
and is raised as the well is filled.
(E) In the case of gravel-packed wells in which the casing and screens have not been
removed, neat-cement, or bentonite grout shall be injected into the well completely
filling it from the bottom of the casing to the top.
(F) In those cases when,as a result of the injection operations,a subsurface cavity has been
created,each well shall be abandoned in such a manner that will prevent the movement
of fluids into or between underground sources of drinking water and in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the permit.
(G)The Permittee shall submit a copy of the Well Abandonment Record(Form GW-30) as
specified in 15A NCAC 2C .0225(l)within 30 days of completion of abandonment.
3. The written documentation required in Part IX(1) and(2)(G) shall be submitted to:
UIC Program
DEQ-Division of Water Resources
1636 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1636
Permit No.WI0400551 PAGE 6 OF 8
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ATTACHMENT A
Table 1
Constituent •
Total
Alkalinity, Bicarbonate x
Alkalinity, Carbonate x
Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 x
Nitrate (EPA 353.2, EPA 365.1)
Nitrite+ Nitrate(Colorimetric) x_
Total Phosphorus(Colorimetric) x
Inorganic300.0)
Chloride x
Fluoride x
Sulfate x
Sulfide x
Site • ii
Lithium x
Cobalt x
Manganese x
Thallium x
Beryllium x
Strontium x
Antimony x
Barium x
Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium 3500Cr B-2011 x
Molybdenum x
Vanadium x
Dissolved and Total Metals(by ICP EPA 00
Aluminum x
Calcium x _
Iron x
Magnesium x
Potassium x
Sodium x
Mercury(EPA 245.1)
Mercury I x
Geochemical Parameters
pH x
Oxidation-Reduction Potential x
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) x
Specific Conductivity x
Total Dissolved Solids x
Total Suspended Solids x
Total Organic Carbon x
Biological Oxygen Demand _ x
Total Hardness x
Ferrous Iron x
Ferric Iron x
Bacterial Counts(biofouling) x
Permit No.W10400551 PAGE 7 OF 8
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Table 1 (Cont.)
Unrelated Site Constituents (B)
Total PCBs EPA 8082) x
Pesticides EPA 8081) x
Lead and Silver(200.7/245.1) x
VOCs(EPA 8260) x
SVOCs EPA 8270 x
PFAS EPA 537.1 aqueous) x
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid(PFOS) x
Perfluoro-n-octanoic acid PFOA) x
Perfluoro-1-butanesulfonic acid(PFBS) x
Notes:
A)Duke Energy plans to monitor the full-list of constituents on a semi-annual basis in 2023. Pending analytical
results, Duke Energy may submit a request to the NCDEQ for a reduction in the monitored constituents and/or the
samping frequency(e.g., annual).
B)Unrelated site constituents will be monitored, including select WAS compounds, at NCDEQ's request. These
constituents are unrelated to Duke Energy and the operations and activities at the Belews Creek Steam Station.
WAS= per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances
PCB=polychlorinated biphenyl
SVOC= semi-volatile organic compound
VOC =volatile organic compound
Permit No.WI0400551 PAGE 8 OF 8
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