NC0086304_Permit Issuance_19980925

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. Ernest Williams
Catawba County Schools
P.O.Box 1000
Newton, North Carolina 28658
Dear Mr. Williams:
Q���r
NCDENR
September25, 1998
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
Permit No. NCO086304
East Catawba Middle School
Catawba County
In accordance with the application for a discharge permit received on March 2, 1998, the Division
is forwarding herewith the subject state - NPDES 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 December 6, 1983.
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,
Post Office Drawer 27447, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7447. Unless such a demand is made, this
permit shall be final and binding.
As previously stated, monitoring frequencies were based on a Class I rating for the proposed
septic tank/sand filter system. If the facility is rated as Class II after engineering plans are finalized,
monitoring frequencies would be modified accordingly.
Please take notice that this permit is not transferable. Part Il, EA. addresses the requirements to be
followed in case of change in ownership or control of this discharge.
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, Coastal Area
Management Act, or any other Federal or Local governmental permits may be required.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Mr. Tom Belnick,
telephone number [phone], extension 543.
Sincerel
Orig'Ing Signed By
David A. Goodrich
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E.
cc: Central Files
Mooresville Regional Office, Water Quality
NPDES Unit, Permit File
Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit
Technical Assistance and Certification
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

Permit No. NCO086304
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
a
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,
Catawba County Schools
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at
East Catawba Middle School
SR 1821
Catawba, North Carolina
Catawba County
to receiving waters designated as Balls Creek in the Catawba 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 November 1, 1998
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on April 30, 2000.
Signed this day September 25, 1998.
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

Permit No. NCO086304
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
Catawba County Schools
is hereby authorized to:
O
1. After receiving an Authorization to Construct from the Division of Water Quality, construct and
operate a 0.0065 MGD wastewater treatment plant consisting of dual inline septic tanks, dosing
tanks, dual sand filter beds, UV disinfection, and fish ladder aeration, located at SR 1821 (Shiloh
Church Road), Catawba, Catawba County (see Part III of this Permit), and
,2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into Balls
Creek (via Outfall 001), which is classified WS-IV waters in the Catawba River Basin.

Lj
\ c %!
Ik
- 18TT
all
`_\• k l am It
0qfiO
.
it
1003
�• � � � jam. � � •� 0
r o . Chse
i
1S • ' } ' • • 1'ri 4
dial-
;` In ankh
✓� OW It f
u It f : Hi f
17
{ } _ r •.ol
_.
Ball reek
` �� O 11' '•' a ` ! )
' {"•�,►o cam fOUOQS.If
Latitude: 35*38' 55"
Longitude: 81° 05' 47'
USGS Quad #: E14NE
River Basin M Catawba 030832
Receiving Stream: Balls Creek
Stream C1ass:WS-1V
East Catawba Middle School
NC 0086304
Catawba County

A (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS - FINAL
Permit No. NC0086304
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall serial number
001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
4 & LUE ; Z�t-'+S#*.N l<?.:. � t
l,, i�i- .'• `{ • e$"�. .5 "'So #} i a <:��.�
;:} t <a!�'t y�� � a P t'.:iPA 4,Y•��+},s�
';.,. $ta::' -7: �."aSs•4)
i5 `� ;
..6 ��..�.� -IRING�I
�4es..�1m1
..
...i,....e._ ...K}
._�e`4sr•n
i:�,%
_
�sc'�S,x.tC�.a..
.f�,�{`.[g:,:.z.T.�i-e�.•s: �*',�Ct �.., <}
ifovera
`
e e
M
Naxim
an .
,,@..'�.
i<.a,•3�:mMim"
a'`.). sr u��,Y:y7saI[^rµ�am e3Pn e ��.
. .
,ws.,at!r
�YK9'y<
oca.
q a
nT,Ypoe•
Flow
Weekly
Instantaneous
or
ay'
m9
45.0mg/1
2/Month
Gra
otal SuspendedResidue
mg
mg
on
ra
as
Y
ra b
E
empera ure
Weekly
Grab
pH
on
Grab
Total Residual orine
ug/13
2 ek
Gra-15-
Fecal o i orm (geometric mean
m
m
on
ra
Notes:
1. Sample locations: E - Effluent, I - Influent
2. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units.
3. TRC limit applies only if chlorine is used for disinfection.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

17491
NORTH CAROLINA
CATAWBA COUNTY i'PUEJUC NOTICE
— WR_GR
STATE OF NORTH
CAROLINA .__. .... __............ ...........................
-' ENVIRONMENTAL - I.
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION being first dui s: That he or
POST OFFICE BOX 29535 g y sworn s sa y
"YtALEIGH. N.C. 27626-0535
10 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO ISSUE
I A' STATE NPDES PERMIT - r
On ihe`basb of thorough staff review she IS .............._........ .. _, Of the
anil'appli<diidh of Article 21 of Chapter Hickory Daily Record, a newspaper pub-
3. General smms. and -. North
nd other
-5
Carolina, Public law tutlished at Hickory, North Carolina; that in
lawiyyl aand.ras and regulations, the the issues of the said newspaper for the
N't twaroiirtaEnWonmenlalManage-
men, Commission, proposes to Issue a following days, to wit:
permit to discharge to the persons listed
below effeclWo 9114/98 and subject to
ap.d.k.ndBians. Persons. vishipg ,o comment upon ar
object b Iha proposed determinations-'-- ""'
are 1ci `o d•�o submit same m writing to
the ,.p6ove bddress no later than
a 28,98. Ali mane ms no
prior to
that date will be considered in the for- ' - - - -- -- - ...... - --.. ............. .......
mutation o1 Real determinations regard-
ing the proposed permit. A public meet-
ing may be held where the Director of d%/
the Division of Environmental Manage- there appeared _ _ spaced
mutt finds a signgicom degree of public
weras�in a proposed permit. lines of advertising as per attached named
A copy of the draft permit is available advertiser'
by writing
mar calling the Division of En- '
vallaental Management, P.O. Box
29535.__ Raleigh, North Carolina The Hickory Daily Record is a qualified news-
27626-0535.1919)733-7015. paper within the meaning of section I-597 of the
Th. application cad .,her Warmatian l StN. C.
may be inGeneraStatutes of N
speaed at these locations /
during n.nnio olgks hours. Copies lof
e " _ -
thei information normal
on file are available
upor.request and payment of the cosh .. -_-.-. _. ._........ ............
of.aeproduction. All such comments or Affiant
requests regarding a proposed permit
should make reference to the NPDES
permit number listed below.
DmeJuly 28.1998 Sworn to and subscribed before me,
A.-PrestortHoward Jr., P.E., Director
Division of Environmental Management
Public narks of imem m issue a St.,.
NPDES permit to the following: this ...... _. day of
1 NPDES No. NC0086301 CatawbaCounty Schools, P.O.Box low,
N wrdn 'NC 28658 has applied for a t� q
p ins t for a facility located al East y
Cate bo Middle School, SR 1821, Co- .... _.
,o b. Catawba County. The faahry
TI d- 0.0065 MGD of heated
t t from one ..,fall into Balls •„rs
Crack. a . CI. s WS-IV stream in the C.-
low R10 clsm which has a . 1
nevi d hi_N •cis and Boor new of , Notary Public
.J, _j'mhmd parameters are water
gbalily-lim8ea, but this discharge may
affect future altoc lions. My Commission Expires
PUB}ISH: JULY 31, 1998
= t, , - ........11999

Project Phone Log
NPDES NCO086304
Facility:East Catawba Middle School
Tom Belnick, NPDES Unit
Jefiri
Call fromStai(M
HorliChe,,9/1lN�
/tNi P Ki�+^t✓l�'^^�H'��4Y�iM OVIV S/7iY
70Y-663-/699
ALAk.fef-tv,_

DENR/DWQ
'T SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0086304
Mar
IV I. 11 W4�•.
JUN 12 1998
i b'WuZUT
�:
��� __-`'� "_'`�_': • aC t_ Orm.
atio
ility Name
r
Catawba County Schools- East Catawba Middle School
mitte ow:
.MUD
Facility ass:
aci ty ermit tatus:
(i.e. New, Modification,
Existing or Renewal)
New
County:
Cata5ba
a.
eFq�yI w+
bw •u+Ib+...AQAQ arac erlstics
ReceivingStream:
BaIW e
Stream assi cation:WS-IX
u asm:
(Catawba RiverBasin)
Drainage Area (mi ):
3.48
summer c s
Winter c s
(cis):
Average Flow c s
IWC
1.65
=� �"N:� �.� ��� �.� �Lr>���=��� _. ce aneous:
Regional ce: ooresvi e j k/ T
opoQuad:
( I2 eq.3e _ #,wt� -e�o.1 &A P4
Changes Incorporated into New Permit "t 2cA ecA. dr
wpoF -S 6AVI $
°i' pro ose an es
,.b>t � P.. b.:. g _ , ,�°....�..
r arameters� ecte -
.. K...,,..n...� t '�:.-
asis or c an e s
x`,�;':. �.. ,...� a.x,w.... g .. :•r,.t�:
None
one
New Fermit
NC0086304
Summary
Proposed minor facility (East Catawba Middle School) has applied for an NPDES
permit to discharge 100% domestic wastewater through a septic tank/sand filter system
(QD = 0.0065 MGD), with direct discharge to Balls Creek (7Q 10= 0.60 cfs) in the
Catawba River Basin. Balls Creek is not listed on 303(d)/impaired stream lists.
Engineering Alternatives Analysis (EAA). As part of the NPDES application for a
new discharge, the school's consultant (Dewberry and Davis) submitted an EAA report
dated February 25, 1998. The EAA concluded that direct discharge was the most
preferable discharge option, given the poor soils in the surrounding area. Prior to
acquisition of the subject property, the school contracted with a registered soil scientist
for a comprehensive soil survey. A total of 25 backhoe pits were logged, and the onsite
soils were determined unsuitable for subsurface disposal (with concurrence from
Catawba County Health Dept), and many of the test pits were also deemed unsuitable

for an LPP system. Primary limitations for spray or drip alternatives were listed as: 1)
unavailable space due to site plan restrictions and setbacks; and 2) the fact that spray
irrigation would not be suitable during the wet season when the school was actually in
session. Connection to a municipal WWTP is planned after sewer lines are extended to
the school area (currently, the site is 5+ miles away from the nearest WWTP, with
connections planned in the next 5-7 years). NPDES staff (Tom Belnick and Mark
McIntire) reviewed the EAA and found the conclusions justifiable. 'The Mooresville
Regional Office (Todd St John) felt additional documentation was needed to discount
spray/drip alternatives. I discussed non -discharge alternatives further with Catawba
County Schools (Ernest Williams Jr) and felt they had made an adequate attempt to
evaluate alternatives. I discussed further with Region and received concurrence.
Draft Permit Issues. MRO- feel free to comment on the following issues:,��
NutrientMonitoring-
• n Proposed discharge point is located approx. 1.6 miles
upstream of Murray s Mill Lake, which then discharges to Lake Norman. There are �� y
no nutrient monitoring/limits/special conditions required for this WWTP since <
0.05 MGD and Ball's Creek is not classified as NSW. D
• Facility Class II - The Staff Report indicated the WWTP would be Class II or less,
epen ing on final plans. The monitoring requirements in this draft permit are based 1J
on Class II status, and would need to be changed if the rating dropped to Class I. o-
7•1
• Permit Expiration Date- In order to keep the sub -basin schedule intact, this draft
permit expiration ate as been set at April 30, 2000; therefore, P ermittee will have 0•K•
less than 2 years duration before permit renewal
DMR Data. New applicant- no data.
WLA. Speculative limits were developed by TMDL in January 1998 for a proposed
wastewater flow of 0.0065 MGD discharging into Ball's Creek. Modeling results
indicated secondary limits (30/30 mg/1) for BOD5/TSS were appropriate for this stream
segment. No NH3 limits were necessary; therefore, NH3 monitoring was added to the
draft permit per monitoring requirements for a Class II domestic wastewater facility (per
2B.0508). There were no instream monitoring requirements listed in the spec limit.
Regional Staff Report. A SR was received on March 31,1998. The SR raised two
issues: 1) during the site visit, the applicant questioned whether they could discharge to
an UT to Ball's Creek, rather an directly to Ball's Creek; and 2) what QD was the
applicant requesting. I `°"'' '� the applicant and stated original ' pp that then ongmal spec Iurut
request and EAA report was for direct discharge to Ball's Creek, and any proposed
change in the discharge location would result in additional staff review; the applicant
said to move forward with the original proposal. The spec limit was for a proposed QD
= 0.0065 MGD, while the EAA listed inconsistent values ranging from 0.0046-0.0078
MGD; I verified with consultant that the appropriate QD is 0.0065 MGD (based on 650
students @ 10 gpd).

DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NCO086304 (Continued)
Proposed Schedule for Permit Issuance
Draft Permit to Public Notice:
Permit Scheduled to Issue:
State Contact
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached
permit, please contact Tom Belnick at [phone], extension 543.
Copies of the following are attached to provide further information on the permit
development: .
• Reasonable Potential Analysis (majors only)
• Existing permit effluent sheets with changes noted (existing facilities only)
• Draft Permit
NPDES Recommendation by: Date: 5 -1 q -qj5
Regional Office Comments
This space is used by the Regional office personnel to identify speck concerns in
reference to issuance of the subject permit.
1
4�zeo GL
Gt !/ �o �,� Ito � ob D'�. �°�••�
Regional Recommendation by: Date: A0,44o22,
Reviewed By:
Regional Supervisor: ,�. Date: xZtz, A?
NPDES Unit: Date:

Division of Water Quafity
MEMO): �°r'/ - /' Date: 3JL 3 AK
To: Subject:
( ���Cttl�
T /tA fP.�..-B✓ 4,
7
�, eu,
4,H7z 4� ek,�S,
l/^o K/I 45
1 ✓`^� Qn C c.
54q�j /�j'/J
R (� J.-yr/c-7� ve
w�' GC/S(�✓�^ /t /Lrir-Gti�
o
GonL✓/�
w r /Gt ✓ 0 vim /'L�Go/+i i✓•s—r, oLc. �l cam, .
e��
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
PO Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 / Phone: [phone]

3,u -9s
EAA Review `
Catawba County Schools
(East Catawba Middle School)
Catawba County
NC0086304
1.0 Introduction
Catawba County Schools is proposing construction of a new school with 650 students. Their preferred
wastewater discharge option is a dual septic tank/dual sand filter/UV treatment system to treat up to
7,800 gpd, with direct discharge to Balls Creek (7Q10= 0.60 cfs). Balls Creek is classified WS-IV; is
not impaired or listed on 303(d); and is located in the Catawba River Basin (030832). NPDES has
already prepared speculative limits for this proposed discharge. Catawba County hopes to receive
NPDES approval by May 18, 1998.
2.0 EAA Review
Data used for this EAA review was based on the following submissions:
• Preliminary Engineering Report. Wastewater Treatment Plant, East Catawba Middle School.
Prepared for East Catawba Middle School by Dewberry & Davis, Charlotte, N.C. February 25, 1998
• Catawba County Public Health Department. Letter from Russell Williams (Registered Sanitarian) to
Catawba County Schools. February 3, 1998.
The submitted EAA evaluated 1) connection to municipal; 2) subsurface disposal; 3) spray irrigation;
and 4) surface discharge. Costs were developed only for direct discharge ($217,000), since all other
options were determined to be infeasible. A comprehensive soil survey was conducted by a N.C.
licensed soil scientist (Toney Jacobs & Assoc, Mooresville, N.C.) prior to purchase of the site by the
County. The soil survey included 25 backhoe test pits on the site, and Russell Williams with Catawba
County Public Health was onsite during the investigation. The conclusion of the consulting soil
scientist, Catawba County Public Health, as well as DEH was that site soils were not amenable to
subsurface disposal. Much of the site soils were also determined unsuitable for LPP systems. The letter
from Russell Williams also stated his recommendation for direct discharge as the only viable alternative,
since the spray irrigation system would be too cumbersome and complicated to operate, and the school
would not be operating during the dryest time of the year when spray would be most appropriate.
Finally, potential connections to municipal WWTPs (both City of Newton and Catawba County) were
evaluated; however, no sewer lines were available within 7 miles, and there were no firm plans to
extend sewer to the site within the next 5 years.
3.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
The soil studies and County Health letter provide sufficient data to recommend direct discharge as the
most viable wastewater treatment alternative. I am still awaiting MRO comments from Todd St.John.
Unless MRO has strong objections, I recommend proceeding with the NPDES application.
Prepared By: Tom Belnick, NPDES Unit
Date: March 20, 1998

Public Health Department
Environmental Health Division
PO Box 389 • 100-A South West Boulevard • Newton, North Carolina 28658
[phone] FAX [phone]
February 3, 1998
Mr. Ernest Williams
Catawba County Schools
PO Box 1000
Newton, NC 28658
Dear Mr. Williams:
I have received correspondence from Mr. Tony Jacobs, Soil Scientist as to the possibilities of acquiring
a subsurface wastewater system at the new East Catawba Middle School site. I evaluated much of the
soil with Mr. Jacobs and agree with his findings and recommendations. There was too much variability
on the site due to drainage mottles at variable depths on the lower or rear area of the site thus making it
unsuitable for a subsurface system.
The conclusion of all parties involved was to have a combination of two alternative systems which are
spray irregation and a discharge permit (NPDES) to Balls Creek. The spray irrigation system cannot
be operated during excessive rainfall periods (> 1/2" per week) thus making the operator switch to the
discharge system as a backup.
My recommendation is to permit the discharge system only. Between excessive rainfalls and hard
freezes the spray irrigation system would be too cumbersome and complicated to operate, not to
mention keeping up with how much rain had fallen that week. The school is also not in operation
during the dryest time of the year. For these and other factors I feel the discharge (NPDES) permit is
the only alternative.
If I can be of any further assistance in this matter, please contact me at 704-465-8268 any Monday
through Friday between 8 am and 9 am.
Sincerely,
Russell B. Williams, R.S.
Environmental Health Specialist
0.
pc Frank Cockinos
Tony Jacobs
I1
"Keeping the SpiritAlive Since 1842!" Pxrycen °a„.

Subject: East Catawba Middle
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 08:15:28 +0500 ET
From: "St. John, Todd" <nlea511 @mro.enr.state.nc.us>
Reply -To: todd [e-mail]
Organization: NC DEHNR Mooresville Regional Ofc.
To: torn [e-mail]
what flow are they actually asking for?
they got a flow reduction approval letter for 7 gallons/student, but
that appeared to be for a non -discharge option... will that apply for
an NPDES permit??? I'm thinking we should have a bit more safety
factor... this is a water supply stream...? (please advise)
hope all those acrchdalites are being nice to you...
Todd St. John
Environmental Engineer
3/' i8 - W 9 Jolh , MXO
3 q�6 Tra�1/ d JD�h ►P4%
hen-4((,r�w�� wk. aa�•��,j ev4/�a>.
_IlpF GOrlUrnc
�
Ali, �`L[Jn�l�h �rrrviJ � /xi��i� at hGK yfG�
yQC h.•ti-'-�4e')' ,E'ncor.J 4�Ou7 ��rkJ
— W�ia>< does 'ockl y,,G� �pi
Law .j /lrr��lrl - lti'i�/�
Ern �z
LT,t,�td d6 VtAy l �Ci.CWIL °'�Ar
q -30 i s IhA-tiv, '(), -[� (r 6� �,4-W (7°Y-AY- 6333
�J tucj I JM(wt Sp{tu�s-7ttn�'
Vie((
C��

—axe/
Ta
S _ T r�
(-joy-Yb -6333)
c
e�rP(g2�—`IbY-350,
,2,
Qa'"r -7oY-342- ©you
YAAD Or
QO
M(s
�� �o.�yL-bYol

CO 1�"h mldi(e
Afal ter
email seoif: 3/zo/qs
Todd- Good question about what flow they're asking for. However, before asking them this, I need to make
sure that direct discharge is the preferable option. I was impressed with the data they provided indicating soils
were not amenable for onsite disposal or spray. They actually conducted a soil survey with 25 test pits (I
generally see no soil data in the submitted EAAs!), and included a letter from the County Health Dept agreeing
with their conclusions. It also appears that DEHwas involved with the soils investigation. My primary
question at this point is- does the region agree that direct discharge is the only available option for this site,
based on the data provided in the EAA? I'll be out all next week, but if you can email back I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.

WA
POINT SOURCE BRANCH
SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes_No X
If Yes, SOC No.
To: Permits and Engineering Unit
Water Quality Section
Attention: Tom Belnick
Date: March 25, 1998
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
County: Catawba
Permit No. NCO086304
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: East Catawba Middle School
P.O. Box 1000
Newton, NC 28658
2. Date of Investigation: March 20, 1998
3. Report Prepared By: Todd St. John
4. Persons Contacted and Telephone Number: Ernest Williams [phone]
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 150 in Catawba
County, travel north on Highway 16 approximately 4 miles to Buffalo Shoals Road. Turn
right on Buffalo Shoals Road and travel approximately 3 miles to Shiloh Road which forks
to the left. Travel approximately 150 yards on Shiloh Road. The proposed school and WWTP
will be located on the left hand side. There is currently an access road on the left hand side
of Shiloh Road which, if still in existence, will lead to the proposed WWTP. The WWTP
will likely be located on the left hand side of the access road. However, the precise location
of the plant has not been determined.
6. Discharge Point(s). List for all discharge points: (The exact position of the discharge is
undetermined but will be on Balls Creek at or below the following coordinates:)
Latitude: 37' 38' 56" Longitude: 81° 38' 56"
Attach a U.S.G.S. map extract and indicate treatment facility site and discharge point on
map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No.: E14NE U.S.G.S. Name: Catawba, NC

7. Site size and expansion are consistent with application?
Yes X No_ If No, explain:
8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included): The proposed facility will likely be on
a sloping hillside. The proposed site(s) for the facilities does not appear to be in the 100 year
flood plain.
9. Location of nearest dwelling: There two dwellings near the proposed WWTP. Considering
the possible locations being considered, the closest building should be more than 300 feet.
However, the finalized plans should be reviewed to determine the exact distance.
10. Receiving stream or affected surface waters: Balls Creek
a. Classification: WS IV
b. River Basin and Subbasin No.: CTB32
C. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream uses: The proposed
discharge location is in a natural stream area. The stream bottom is sand and gravel
with scattered pools and riffles. The stream is approximately 10 feet wide.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted: 7,800 gpd (Ultimate Design Capacity)
b. What is the current permitted capacity of the wastewater treatment facility? N/A
C. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current design capacity)? N/A
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous Authorizations to Construct
issued in the previous two years: N/A
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially constructed wastewater
treatment facilities: N/A
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater treatment facilities: The
proposed system is a dual train septic tank and recirculating sand filter system with
UV disinfection and re -aeration.
g. Possible toxic impacts to surface waters: N/A
h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only): N/A
Page 2

2. Residuals handling and utilization/disposal scheme: Not currently proposed.
Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet): WWTP will be Class II or
less. However, no rating can be determined at this time because no definite plans for the
W WTP have been proposed.
4. SIC Code(s): 8211
Wastewater Code(s) of actual wastewater, not particular facilities, i.e., non -contact cooling
water discharge from a metal plating company would be 14, not 56.
Primary: 03 Secondary:
Main Treatment Unit Code: 45007 (proposed)
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds or are any public monies
involved (municipals only)? N/A
Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests: N/A
Important SOC, JOC or Compliance Schedule dates: N/A
4. Alternative Analysis Evaluation: Has the facility evaluated all of the non -discharge options
available. Please provide regional perspective for each option evaluated.
Spray Irrigation: See Part IV Recommendations
Connection to Regional Sewer System: See Part IV Recommendations
Subsurface: See Part IV Recommendations
Other Disposal Options: See Part IV Recommendations
Other Special Items: N/A
PART IV - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Catawba County Schools has applied for an NPDES Permit to discharge treated domestic
wastewater from wastewater treatment facilities to be constructed to serve the proposed East
Catawba Middle School. This Office offers the following comments:
Page 3

Ernest Williams, Jr., of Catawba County Schools has indicated that the school system would
prefer a subsurface system to treat the domestic waste generated by the proposed school. However,
according to the soil scientist, Tony Jacobs, Joe Lynn of DEH reviewed the site and concluded that
a subsurface system could not be permitted. There does not appear to be any documentation from
Mr. Lynn. The Town of Newton's sewer system is five miles away eliminating the possibility sewer
connection at this time. However, there may be sewer service in the area in approximately five years.
The site review revealed that a reuse or drip system may be possible. However, cost and storage may
prove impractical, but there is no clear documentation to substantiate this. The engineer did not
present any clear reasons as to why reuse or drip irrigation should be eliminated as options. This
Office recommends that these methods be explored further.
In the event that the nondischarge options are eliminated, this Office investigated one of
several possible discharge locations. Mr. Williams verbally proposed discharging to an apparently
intermittent channel to Balls Creek. The writer advised that this may result in more stringent
limitations, and, if the stream has a "zero" 7Q10, discharging to this channel may be impossible. In
any event, this Office recommends that any discharge be required to be into Balls Creek itself. The
writer investigated the most upstream site on Balls Creek where the discharge would be located. The
site seemed adequate for a discharge. The site is a natural creek channel and appears to support the
Class WS IV uses.
This Office does not recommend issuing an NPDES permit until the nondischarge options
are more thoroughly explored. If the nondischarge options are eliminated (and documented) this
Office recommends issuing a NPDES permit with a discharge directly to Balls Creek.
&�
Signature of *port Preparer
Water Quality FKgional Supervisor
Date
Page 4

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. Stephen Hilton
Assistant Superintendent
Catawba County Schools
Post Office Box 1000
Newton, North Carolina 28658
Dear Mr. Hilton:
C�
A4 j* Le
)A
D E N R _
s-r1-qB
Thi) 5ene+nl co+isiporo(G+tt{
January 20, 1998 %N) MOLJ L e e.n R r� yncd `-
f'"J"if tivm&m. POleAje eePfr
une(a C41AWL4 Covn%School,
NC_oo8C304. ThAob, TDA(ge-kax
nrP[)E S llnii
r �
Subject: Speculative Discharge Limits
East Catawba Middle School
Catawba County
I am writing in response to the request made by Mr. Chad Huggins, P.E. of Frank
C. Cockinos & Associates, Inc for speculative limits for the subject wastewater discharge.
We are hereby supplying limits that would currently be assigned to the facility if the
capacity were 0.0065 million gallons per day (MGD) discharging to Balls Creek in
Catawba County.
The proposed discharge location on Balls Creek has a drainage area of
approximately 3.48 square miles. An estimated summer 7Q 10 flow of 0.60 cubic feet per
second was derived for this location based on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
methodology for determining low flows. Balls Creek is within the Catawba River Basin
and flows northeast until it discharges to Lake Norman. Applicable limits for the East
Catawba Middle School discharge may be assigned as follows:
Parameter Units Limits (Monthly avg.)
BODS mg/1 30.0 1 °/
TSS mg/I 30.0
pH SU 6.0 — 9.0
Fecal coliform /100m1 200
Residual chlorine µg/I 28
Under current DWQ procedure, dechlorination and chlorine limits are now
required for all new or expanding discharges proposing the use of chlorine for
disinfection. The level of residual chlorine in your effluent necessary to ensure against
acute toxicity is given above. The process of chlorination/dechlorination or an alternate
form of disinfection, such as ultraviolet radiation,'siiould'allow the facility to comply
with fecal coliform limits without the use of chlorine.
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

IFIVO
��
,
D E N R
The limits given herein are speculative and are not binding unless they are part of
an issued NPDES permit. Response to a speculative request does not guarantee that the
Division will issue an NPDES permit to discharge treated wastewater. In accordance
with the North Carolina General Statutes, the practicable waste treatment and disposal
alternative with the least adverse impact on the environment must be implemented.
Nondischarge alternatives, such as spray irrigation or connection to a regional treatment
and disposal system, are considered to be environmentally preferable to a discharge.
Therefore, prior to submittal of an NPDES application, a detailed alternatives analysis
must be prepared to assure that the environmentally sound alternative was selected from
the reasonable cost effective options. A guidance document to assist you or your
consultant in preparing an engineering alternatives analysis is enclosed. All information
pertaining to this request has been sent to our Central Files for storage. If it becomes
necessary to request an NPDES permit, please submit a complete application package
including the appropriate fees.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Woolfolk at [phone],
extension 505.
Sincerely,
David A. Goodrich
Supervisor, NPDES Unit
cc: Central Files
NPDES Unif
Mooresville Regional Office — Water Quality Section
Chad Huggins, P.E., Frank C. Cockinos & Associates, Inc.
600 Lexington Avenue
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203

FRANK C. COCKINOS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
600 LEXINGTON AVENUE
CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203
September 26, 1997
N.C. Division of Water Quality
Post Office Box 29535
Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535
Attention: Mr. Dave Goodrich
Reference: East Catawba Middle School
Proposed Discharge Limits
Dear Mr. Goodrich:
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Attached please find one (1) U.S.G.S. map locating the proposed
site and discharge point for the above referenced schools
wastewater. Please inform our office as to the foreseeable
effluent limits for this discharge point.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact this
office.
CHH/mc
Attachment
cc: Mr. Ernest Williams
Very truly yours,
FRANK C. COCKINOS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Chad H. Huggins, P.E.
ap 2 9 1991
POINT SOURCE BRANCH

�. O l�L GREIK
qb
Of
%PRI IT i
- d� wl�' �`�' ?K 4 ti
,
52
J/�.' ....: . 1 I � \(\'\�,\ q99, p \\.•JJJJJJJ '. C. 111
{' as •. �,_.�
' '�•�_._,� .��i�J _ .n __ ...� a "1
�- ✓jam �� 2t�
CATAWBA COUNTY 5EWMINTEROEPTOR5 FRANK C. COCKINOS a ASSOCIATES, INC.
EA5T CATAWBA -MIDDLE 5GHOOL CONSULTING ENGINEERS
BANDY HIGH 5GHOOL 600 LEXINGTON AVE., CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203
DATE-AUCU5T 22. 1997
CATAWBA COUNTY. NORTH CAROLINA I COMM. NO. 772.01 1 MAP NO. 4
V NC.N-pANNELL. INC.. C'.1...... •.. ............

East Catawba Middle School
Requested speculative limits for discharging 0.0065 MGD to Balls Creek. Request from
Chad H. Huggins, P.E. of Frank C. Cockinos & Associates on September 26, 1997.
Balls Creek is in the Catawba River Basin, subbasin 03-08-32, classified as WS-IV CA.
The mean annual runoff in the area is 1.1 cfs/m2. The hydrologic area is HA10. Used
the equation to calculate low flow for the drainage area.
At discharge point At Murray's Mill Lake
DA=3.48 mil DA=5.2 mil
S7Q10 = 0.60 cfs S7Q10=0.90 cfs
W7Q10 = 0.95 cfs W7Q10=1.42 cfs
30Q2 = 1.32 cfs 30Q2=1.97 cfs
Qavg=3.83 cfs Qavg=5.72 cfs
Distance from proposed discharge to Murrays Mill Lake is 1.6 miles. Average slope is
21.62 ft/mile.
Runoff:
os7Q10=0.90 — 0.60 = 0.30 cfs
ow7Q10= 0.47 cfs
AQavg= 1.89 cfs
Rsummer=0.3 cfs/1.6 miles = 0.1875 cfs/mi
Rwinter=0.294 cfS/mi
Rang=1.118 cfs/mi

� n r
I
I 99
Ph
'cep dD
�.
-Murr¢ s -
I.dkee
c
•\, \I`� am 1Mt, ew Ch
3947 ��� i mil• �� A .^{C
40' loo0 3
f'. L
3946
�V I0p-
00
— /•
3945 i ✓' O
�� T
oo
\ "-PfnepG roveCam
i
S
'Bandy
3944 �•• „ _
1 i fig✓ r437 _ 9 v
\ 1N
Pmq Grove /
en
'r064
3943I --
Z
i t - Ball Creek
Cam r0.,d, -
690000
FEET

Received: from SpoolDir by NRDEM02 (Mercury 1.31); 8 Dec 97 14:17:43 EST
Return -path: <nl [e-mail]>
Received: from lists.sips.state.nc.us by mordor.eh nr. state. nc. us (Mercury 1.31);
8 Dec 97 14:17:37 EST
Received: from mro.ehnr.state.nc.us by lists. sips. state. nc.us (SMI-8.6/SMI-SVR4)
id OAA16237; Mon, 8 Dec 1997 14:05:45 -0500
Received: from NROAR05/SpoolDir by mro.ehnr.state.nc.us (Mercury 1.31);
8 Dec 97 14:17:50 +0500
Received: from SpoolDir by NROAR05 (Mercury 1.31); 8 Dec 97 14:17:35 +0500
From: "Scheller, Robert" <[e-mail]>
Organization: NC DEHNR Mooresville Regional Ofc.
To: "MICHELLE WOO LFOLK"<[e-mail]. nc.us>
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 1997 14:17:35 +0500 ET
Subject: Re: Proposed discharge to Balls Creek
X-Confirm-Reading-To: "Scheller, Robert" <[e-mail]>
X-pmrgc: 1
Priority: normal
In-reply-to:<[e-mail] r. state. nc. us>
X-mailer: Pegasus Mail for Windows (v2.54)
Message-ID:<3489 FAC789 E@mro. eh n r. state. nc. us>
X-PMFLAGS: 33562752 0
have some first-hand info on Balls Creek. The water is classified
as WS- IV CA. It appears to be meeting it's classification. The
watershed is low to moderately developed. The stream is used for
primary recreation, fishing, and agriculture (irrigation).
RScheller MRO

SUMMER
1/98, MEW, ECATAW
SUMMER AT SECONDARY LIMITS
MODEL RESULTS
Discharger
:
EAST CATAWBA MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Receiving Stream :
BALLS CREEK
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The End D.O.
is 7.56
mg/l.
The End CBOD
is 2.04
mg/l.
The End NBOD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
is 1.44
mg/l.
WLA
WLA
WLA
DO Min
CBOD
NBOD
DO Waste Flow
(mg/1)
Milepoint Reach #
(mg/1)
(mg/1)
(mg/1) (mgd)
Segment 1
------
6.93
----------------
0.00 1
----
----
-- ----------
Reach 1
45.00
90.00
0.00 0.00650

*** MODEL SUMMARY DATA ***
Discharger : EAST CATAWBA MIDDLE SCHOOL Subbasin : 030832
Receiving Stream : BALLS CREEK Stream Class: WS-IV
Summer 7Q10 : 0.6 Winter 7Q10 0.95
Design Temperature: 28.0
LENGTH
SLOPE
VELOCITY
DEPTH
Kd
Kd
Ka
Ka
KN
------------
mile
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ft/mi
fps
I ft
design I
@200
I design I
@200
I design
Segment 1
1 1.60
21.62
0.256
1 0.44
1 0.59 1
0.41
111.86 1
9.96
0.93
Reach 1
t
Flow
CBOD
NBOD
D.O.
cfs
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
Segment 1
Reach 1
Waste
0.010
45.000
90.000
0.000
Headwaters
0.600
2.000
1.000
7.050
Tributary
0.000
2.000
1.000
7.050
* Runoff
0.188
2.000
1.000
7.050
* Runoff flow is in cfs/mile

Seg #
Reach #
Seg Mi
D.O.
1
1
0.00
6.93
1
1
0.10
7.08
1
1
0.20
7.19
1
1
0.30
7.27
1
1
0.40
7.33
1
1
0.50
7.38
1
1
0.60
7.41
1
1
0.70
7.44
1
1
0.80
7.47
1
1
0.90
7.49
1
1
1.00
7.50
1
1
1.10
7.52
1
1
1.20
7.53
1
1
1.30
7.54
1
1
1.40
7.55
1
1
1.50
7.55
1
1
1.60
7.56
SUMMER
1/98, MEW,
ECATAW
SUMMER AT
SECONDARY LIMITS
CBOD
NBOD Flow
2.71
2.47
0.61
2.65
2.37
0.63
2.60
2.28
0.65
2.54
2.20
0.67
2.49
2.12
0.69
2.44
2.04
0.70
2.40
1.97
0.72
2.36
1.90
0.74
2.31
1.84
0.76
2.27
1.78
0.78
2.24
1.72
0.80
2.20
1.67
0.82
2.16
1.62
0.84
2.13
1.57
0.85
2.10
1.52
0.87
2.07
1.48
0.89
2.04
1.44
0.91

MODEL INPUTS FOR LEVEL B ANALYSIS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Facility Name:
Gmn---CnAataa 1 R
hnhoU
NPDES No.:
Type of Waste:
Facility Status:
Receiving Stream:
Stream Classification:
y.PS_ N CP,-
Subbasin:
- -
County:
Regional Office:
MG oTZeSy t LLC
Topo Quad:
--_
Cl— 4NC Cl�lSr✓
FLOW INFORMATION
-- - -
USGS #
-- --
Date of Flow Estimates:
Drainage Area (mi2):-
- -
-------
Summer 7 10 (cfs):
-- ---------
0 �_-- - ----
Winter 7Q10 (cfs): _-
- O q 5
Average Flow (cfs):
30Q2 (cfs):-
IWC at Point of Discharge (%):
Cummulative IWC (%):
MODEL INPUT INFORMATION
LENGTH OF REACH (miles)
- --
INCREMENTAL LENGTH (mies—)--
- - - -- --- - - - --- --
0. 7-
WASTE CHARACTERISTICS
FLOW (MGD)
CBOD (mg/1)
416 -- -
NBOD (mg/1)
90
D.O. (mg/1)
--
RUNOFF CHARACTERISTICS
7Q10 (cfs/mi)
QA (cfs/mi)
f �/
CBOD (mg/1)
- - -- --
- -- -L
NBOD m /1
-- — ---
D.O. (mg/1)
TRIBUTARY CHARACTERISTICS
7Q10 (cfs)
QA (cfs)
-- -- ----
CBOD (mg/I)
NBOD (mg/1)
D.O. (mg/1)
SLOPE (fpm)
Name of facility�_.--

East Catawba Middle School
Residual Chlorine
Ammonia as NH3
(summer)
7Q10 (CFS)
0.6
7Q10 (CFS)
0.6
DESIGN FLOW (MGD)
0.0065
DESIGN FLOW (MGD)
0.0065
DESIGN FLOW (CFS)
0.010075
DESIGN FLOW (CFS)
0.01008
STREAM STD (UG/L)
17.0
STREAM STD (MG/L)
1.0
UPS BACKGROUND LEVEL {
0
UPS BACKGROUND LEVEL
0.22
IWC (%)
1.65
IWC (%)
1.65
Allowable Concentration (ug
1029.41
Allowable Concentration (
47.45
Ammonia as NH3
(winter)
7Q10 (CFS)
0.95
Fecal Limit
200/100m1
DESIGN FLOW (MGD)
0.0065
Ratio of 59.6 :1
DESIGN FLOW (CFS)
0.01008
STREAM STD (MG/L)
1.8
UPS BACKGROUND LEVEL
0.22
IWC (%)
1.05
Allowable Concentration (
150.78
LJ L
mew 1 /16/98

EM - ENVIROlME n MANAGEMENT
.0308 CATAWBA RIVER BASIN
Name of Stream
sv�w �Uk
Classification
Description Class Date Index No.
2B .0300
McLin Creek
From Catawba County SR 1734 to a
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-76-5-(0.7)
point 0.2 mile upstream of Catawba
County SR 1722
Long Creek
From source to McLin Creek
WS-IV
B/3/92
11-76-5-1
Hagan Fork
From source to Catawba County SR 1806
C
9/1/74
11-76-5-2-(1)
Hagan Fork
From Catawba County SR 1806 to
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-76-5-2-(2)
McLin Creek
McLin Creek
From a point 0.2 mile upstream of
WS-IV CA
8/3/92
11-76-5-(3)
Catawba County SR 1722 to Lyle Creek
Unnamed Tributary at
From source to Lake Norman, Catawba
WS-1V CA
8/3/92
11-77
Catawba
River
Buffalo Shoals Creek
From source to a point 0.2 mile
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-78-(0.5)
downstream of Broad Meadow Creek
Globe Creek
From source to Buffalo Shoals Creek
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-78-1
Broad Meadow Creek
From source to Buffalo Shoals Creek
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-78-2
Buffalo Shoals Creek
From a point 0.2 mile downstream of
WS-IY CA
8/3/92
11-78-(3)
Broad Meadow (reek to Lake Norman,
Catawba River
Reeder Creek
From source to a point 0.5 mile
WS-IV&B
8/3/92
11-79-(1)
upstream of mouth
Reeder Creek
From a point 0.5 mile upstream of
WS-IV&B CA
B/3/92
11-79-(2)
mouth to Lake Norman, Catawba River
Balls Creek (hurrays
From source to a point 0.7 mile
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-80-(0.5)
Mill Lake)
upstream of mouth
Gold Mine Creek
From source to Balls Creek
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-80-1
Balls Creek
From a point 0.7 mile upstream of
WS-IV CA
8/3/92
11-80-(2)
mouth to Lake, Norman, Catawba River
Terrapin Creek
From source to a point 0.5 mile
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-81-(1)
upstream of mouth
Terrapin Creek
From a point 0.5 mile upstream of
WS-IV CA
8/3/92
11-81-(2)
mouth to Lake Norman, Catawba River
- -
Norwood Creek
From source to a point 0.2 mile up-
WS-IV
8/3/92
1t-82-(0.5)
stream of Iredell County SR 1328
Bass Creek
From source to Norwood Creek
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-82-1
Powder Spring Branch
From source to Norwood Creek
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-82-2
Norwood Creek
From a point 0.2 mile upstream of
WS-IV CA
8/3/92
11-82-(3)
Iredell County SR 1328 to Lake Norman,
Catawba River
Hicks Creek
From source to a point 0.6 mile
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-83-(0.5)
upstream of mouth
Big Branch
From source to a point 0.4 mile
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-83-1-(1)
upstream of mouth
Big Branch
From a point 0.4 mile upstream of
WS-1v CA
8/3/92
. 11-83-1-(2)
mouth to Hicks (reek
Hicks Creek
From a point 0.6 mile upstream of
WS-IV CA
8/3/92
11-83-(2)
mouth to Lake Norman, Catawba River
Rocky Creek (Youngs Creek)
From source to a point 0.6 mile
WS-IV
8/3/92
11-84-(1)
upstream of month
18

lq I U 303(d) LIST FOR THE CATAWBA RIVER BASIN
1 lJ
Name of Stream
Description
Class
Wtrbdy
Problem Parameter
Overall
Rating
Major Sources
(P,NP) Subcategory
TMDL or
MS?
Priority
Catawba River
From 1234 to 140
C
30830
Hg(30)
NS
TMDL
High
Corpening Creek
SR-1819/ McDowell
C
30830
PS
NP
40
MS
Low
Corpening Creek
SR-1794/McDowell
C
30830
NS
NP
10
MS
Low
High Shoals Creek
From source to South Muddy Creek
C
30830
Hg(27.3)
NS
TMDL
High
Harper Creek
From source to Wilson Creek
C Tr ORW
30831
Sed
PS
NP
13
MS
Medium
North Harper Creek
Source to Harper Creek/FSR 58
C Tr ORW
30831
Hg(20)
PS
TMDL
High
Lower Creek
SR1143 to 0.7 mi down of Bristol Cr
WS-IV
30831
Fecal(36.4), Sed
PS
NP
32,10
MS
Low
Muddy Fork
Ab Schneidr Mills to Lower L River
C
30832
Sed
PS
NP,P
10,08
MS
Low
McDowell Creek
Hwy 21 to SR2136
WS-IV
30833
Sed
PS
MS
Medium
Henry Fork
From SR 1008 to South Fork
C ORW
30835
Fecal(35),Turb(14.3)
NS
NP
18,20
MS
Medium
Clark Creek
1149 to 0.6 mile dwnstm of SR2014
C
30835
PS
NP
10,18,61,62,90,43
MS
IMedium
Clark Creek
0.6 mile down of SR2014 to SR2012
WS-IV
30835
PS
NP
10,18,61.62,90,43
MS
Medium
Clark Creek
SR1274 to SF Catawba R
WS-IV
30835
Cu (30.8), Turb(25.8),
Fecal(80)
PS
NP, P
10,18,61,62,90,03
TMDL(Cu),
MS
Medium,
High (Cu)
Catawba Creek
Source to SR-2446, Gaston
C
30837
Sed
PS
jNP
61,62
MS
Med-high
Catawba Creek
From SR 2446 to SR-2439, Gaston
C
30837
NS
NP,P
61,62, 06,03
MS
Med-high
Crowders Creek
SR 1118 to SR 1125
C
30837
PS
NP
40
MS
Med-high
Crowders Creek
Sr 1125 to SR1131
C
30837
PS
NP
40
MS
Med-high
Crowders Creek
SR 1108 to NC 321
C
30837
PS
NP
40
MS
Med-high
Crowders Creek
NC 321- SR 2424
C
30837
PS
P
08.03
MS
Med-high
McGill Creek
From source to Crowders Creek
C
30837
NS
MS
Med-high
Abernethy Creek
From source to Lithium Co. discharge
C
30837
PS
NP
40
MS
Med-high
Abernethy Creek
Lithium Co. discharge to Crowders Ck
C
30837
NS
IP
03
MS
Med-high
UT Crowders Ck
From source to Crowders Creek
C
30837
PS
MS
Med-high
McCullough Branch
From source to Sugar Creek
C
30834
NS
P
08
MS
Medium
Sixmile Creek
From source to North Carolina -South
C
30838
Sed
PS
INP, P
10, 32,08
IMS
Medium
fill greet nod Il-Jeri on 303(d)

CATAWBA RIVER BASINWIDE
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
PLAN
July, 1995
Prepared by:
North Carolina
Division of Environmental Management
Water Quality Section
P.O. Box 29535
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535
[phone]
This document was approved and endorsed by the NC Environmental Management
Commission on February 9, 1995 to be used as a guide by the NC Division of
Environmental Management in carrying out its Water Quality Program duties and
responsibilities in the Catawba River Basin.
Cover Photo Credits
Top la- C=Iotte Skyline, NC Division of Travel and Tourism
Top righn Cowaos Ford Dam, Lake Norman, Duke Power
Bottom le[T: Johns River, NC Division of Water Resources
Bw= right: NC Division of Travel and Tourism
I.

Catawba River Basin
n,2n4,2n
An Ambient Monitoring Station
ON
Figure 4.2U Water Quality Monitoring Stations in Subbasin 03-08-32, Mid Catawba River (Lake Hickory to Lake Norman)

MAJOR WATER QUALITY ISSUES AND RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
Several water quality issues emerge as being of particular importance in light of factors such as the
degree of water quality degradation, the value of the resources being impacted and the number of
users affected. Those issues considered most significant on a basinwide scale are presented below
along with recommended management or research actions. These include: oxygen -consuming
wastes, nutrients, toxicants, sedimentation, color, urban stormwater and fecal coliform bacteria.
A. MANAGEMENT OF OXYGEN -CONSUMING WASTES FROM
DISCHARGE FACILITIES
The Division of Environmental Management has the responsibility of ensuring that the
waste limits in NPDES discharge permits are established so as to protect dissolved oxygen
standards in receiving waters. In the past, these limits have been established on a case -by -
case basis, but followup studies that have examined the cumulative affects of multiple
discharges on receiving streams have found that this approach sometimes results in
overallocating the waste assimilative capacity of the receiving waters. Under the basinwide
approach, efforts are being made, as resources allow, to establish strategies called total
maximum daily loads (TMDLs) which would apply to multiple dischargers on streams or
watershed areas within the basin. TMDLs include recommended permit limits designed to
protect water quality standards and provide additional capacity for future expansions or
new facilities. TMDLs for BOD have been established for the following streams:
• _ Lyle Creek Watershed
• Sugar Creek Watershed
• South Fork Catawba River
• Crowders, McGills and Abernethy Creeks
• Six Mile Creek Watershed
The strategies for each of these water bodies are presented in Section 6.3 of Chapter 6.
These TMDLs are based on predictive computer modeling that takes into account such
factors as water quality data, stream flow and physical conditions, waste loading and waste
assimilative capacity. Appendix III summarizes the modeling methodology.
In addition to setting TMDLs for stream protection, TMDLs are also recommended for
protection of the transitional environment between free flowing streams and lake waters in
the tribuary arms of major lakes along the mainstem of the Catawba River (Lake James,
Lake Hickory, Rhodhiss Lake, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, Mountain Island
Lake and Lake Wylie). This is a potentially sensitive area to loading of oxygen demanding
wastes. As stream waters slow and deepen as they enter a lake, the rate at which oxygen
enters the water is reduced. This means that a concentration of oxygen demanding waste
that was acceptable in a free flowing stream may result in dissolved oxygen levels below
the state standard in the transitional areas.
Accordingly, it is recommended that all new and expanding dischargers of oxygen
consuming wastes that discharge to the lakes along the mainstem of the Catawba River
r (except Lake Wylie - see Nutrients, below) or are predicted to increase oxygen demanding
waste loading to the lakes, should meet a minimum treatment limits of 15 mg/l BOD5 and 4
mg/l NH3-N. These limits will help to protect dissolved oxygen water quality standards in
the Catawba River chain of lakes and will allow for continued growth in the region.
vi

Chapter 2 - General Basin Description With Water Quality Standards and Classifications
Average rainfall in the basin ranges from about 45 inches per year in the lower portion near
Charlotte to more than 50 inches per year in the headwaters. The average July temperature ranges
from about 80°F at Charlotte to about 71°F in the headwaters with the average January temperature
ranging from 45°F near Charlotte to 36°F in the upper basin. The evapotranspiration rate ranges
from 42 inches per year near Charlotte to 38 inches in the headwaters.
Land cover, based on a 1982 assessment by the Natural Resources Conservation Service is
dominated by forest (45%), urban/built-up areas (23%) and agriculture (16%) which jointly
comprise 84% of the land/water surface area in the entire basin. The remaining basin area is
comprised of other cover types such as open water, rural transportation and minor development.
2.2 MAJOR LAKES IN THE CATAWBA RIVER BASIN
As noted above, one of the most prominent hydrologic features of the Catawba River basin is the
series of hydropower impoundments along the river's length that are widely referred to as the
Catawba chain lakes (Figure 2.3). From a water quality standpoint, the water quality of each
r
`-
Lake
°
q
Rhodhiss
Hickory
Lake
Lookout Shoals
a
Lake
a�yec
Lake
xera',
fosk
Ilk
6a
��Pf
James
laeObFotk
Ga�a�b
J
Lake
N
°c�
Norman
T
e
�6d
Mountain
F o s
Island Lake
s�.eem�rwe
L e Wylie
Figure 2.3 Catawba River Chain Lakes
2-4

Chapter 6 . Basinwide Goals, Water Quality Concerns and Recommended Management Strategies
General Recommended Strategies for
Expanding and Proposed Dischargers in the Catawba Basin
The transitional environment between free flowing streams and lakes is a potentially sensitive area
to loading of oxygen demanding wastes. As stream waters slow and deepen as they enter a lake,
the rate at which oxygen enters the water is reduced. This means that a concentration of oxygen
demanding waste that was acceptable in a free flowing stream may result in dissolved oxygen
levels below the State standard.
1 The seven major reservoirs that make up the chain of lakes along the Catawba River create many
$ transition zones between streams and lakes. The hundreds of tributaries to the seven major
reservoirs create local environments where waters may be relatively sensitive to oxygen demanding
wastes. Due to the transitional nature of such waters, the exact allowable amount of oxygen
'# demanding wastes that can be discharged without impairing water quality is difficult to determine.
Water quality studies can be conducted on a case -by -case basis to support wasteload allocations.
o However, due to the widespread occurrence of transitional waters in the Catawba Basin and the
V ?high demand on water for the assimilation of oxygen -consuming wastes, a basinwide strategy is
recommended. Over the past five years, DEM has implemented a minimum treatment strategy for
Q —+- discharges of oxygen demanding waste in the Lake Norman watershed. It is recommended that
this strategy, described below, be extended to all seven major lakes in the Catawba Basin.
r All new and expanding dischargers of oxygen -consuming wastes that discharge to the Catawba
y River Chain of Lakes or are predicted to increase oxygen -demanding waste loading to the lakes,
(Lake James, Rhodhiss Lake, Lake Hickory, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, Mountain
Island Lake, and Lake Wylie) will be required to meet a minimum of advanced treatment limits.
=� o Typical NPDES permit conditions for advanced treatment facilities are 15 mg/1 BODS and 4 mg/1
O a NH3-N. These limits will help to protect water quality standards in the Catawba River chain of
S lakes and will allow for continued growth in the region.
0
V) 6.3.1 Catawba River Mainstem Watersheds (Subbasins 03-08-30 to 03-08-33)
Subbasin 03-08-30 (Catawba River Headwaters. Lake .Tames)
Corpening Creek
Corpening Creek has been listed as an impaired stream due to non -point source pollution from
agricultural and urban runoff from the City of Marion. In addition, Corpening Creek receives
treated. wastewater from the 3.0 MGD Marion WWTP via Youngs Fork Creek. Benthic
macroinvertebrate studies conducted above and below the Marion WWTP indicate only Fair water
quality above the discharge and Fair (1985) or Poor (1990) water quality below the discharge.
This suggests that the Marion WWTP was affecting the invertebrate community but that upstream
non -point pollution sources play a significant role in the stream impairment
Over the past three years, the Marion WWTP has averaged less than 5 mg/l BODS and less that 1
mg/I NH3-N. These concentrations of oxygen -consuming wastes are well below the facilities
secondary treatment based limits. Therefore it is recommended that efforts to address water quality
issues in the Corpening Creek watershed be concentrated upon non -point source pollution
reduction. Section 6.8 contains several recommendations that the City of Marion should consider
in order to begin addressing urban stormwater pollution. Additional information and guidance can
be provided by DEM's Water Quality Section.
Lake James
At present Lake James is fully supporting its designated uses and there is no indication that the lake
is adversely impacted by the discharge of oxygen -consuming wastes. However, there is

B
a � �s s •
` I �-xa
90
III1IIIl(-
�
_ 7,+i' %'+'.;w• fir$ � w. � '� ` \`,� � ` �� /
r`
i
e
uTATESVILLE gq
-� \l\ : j : 1. ' •� �:..
IEPHENs
LEI-
wMw '� ° STATESVILLE Y�—�_,
l ° CLANEMOXT
:TROUTMAN�
� C
'� ••. 10 � � "' � ea iw.e, _ - IIS `
azl
Iu
P '
MAIDEN °.✓„ w. " w.., /'n/ ,`�^°�`^^.. i •150 sae.
Jw ��y 1R1
.✓
�B
-ti
C

—&ll CrceK dot I(Afq(
Chapter 6 - Basinwide Goals, Water Quality Concerns and Recommended Management Strategies
6-3