WQ0031506_Annual Report_20240222

Initial Review
Reviewer
nathaniel.thorn burg
Is this submittal an application? (Excluding additional information.) *
Yes No
If not an application what is the submittal type?* Annual Report
Residual Annual Report
Additional Information
Other
Annual Report Year* 2023
Permit Number (IR) * WQ0031506
Applicant/Permittee Orange Water And Sewer Authority
Email Notifications
Does this need review by the hydrogeologist? * Yes No
Regional Office
CO Reviewer
Admin Reviewer

Submittal Form
Project Contact Information
Please provide information on the person to be contacted by NDB Staff regarding electronic submittal, confirmation of receipt, and other correspondence.
Name* Wilmer Lawson
Email Address*
[e-mail]
Project Information
.........................
Application/Document Type*
New (Fee Required)
Modification - Major (Fee Required)
Renewal with Major Modification (Fee
Required)
Annual Report
Additional Information
Other
Phone Number*
19195374211
Modification - Minor
Renewal
GW-59, NDMR, NDMLR, NDAR-1,
N DAR-2
Residual Annual Report
Change of Ownership
We no longer accept these monitoring reports through this portal. Please click on the link below and it will take you to the correct form.
https://edoes.deq.nc.gov/Forms/NonDischarge_Monitoring_Report
Permit Type:*
Wastewater Irrigation
High -Rate Infiltration
Other Wastewater
Reclaimed Water
Closed -Loop Recycle
Residuals
Single -Family Residence Wastewater
Other
Irrigation
Permit Number:*
WQ0031506
Has Current Existing permit number
Applicant/Permittee Address*
400 Jones Ferry RD=d Carrboro NC 27510
Facility Name*
Mason Farm WWTP
Please provide comments/notes on your current submittal below.
Attached is the Annual Wastewater Report card which includes an annual summary of performance for the reclaimed water system. The annual
report has been emailed to all RCW users, made available on the OWASA website and physical copies placed beside the bulk customer sign -in
sheet.
At this time, paper copies are no longer required. If you have any questions about what is required, please contact Nathaniel Thornburg
at [e-mail].
Please attach all information required or requested for this submittal to be reviewed here.
(Application Form, Engineering Plans, Specifications, Calculations, Etc.)
2023 Wastewater Report Card.pdf 6.11 MB
Upload only 1 PDF document (less than 250 MB). Multiple documents must be combined into one PDF file unless file is larger
than upload limit.
* By checking this box, I acknowledge that I understand the application will not be accepted for pre -review until the fee (if required) has
been received by the Non -Discharge Branch. Application fees must be submitted by check or money order and made payable to the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). I also confirm that the uploaded document is a single PDF with all parts
of the application in correct order (as specified by the application).
Mail payment to:
NCDEQ — Division of Water Resources
Attn: Non -Discharge Branch
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Signature
w%r'ot aeopAw
Submission Date 2/22/2024

A N/,, N
WA7-ST

ONE WATER.
ONE COMMUNITY.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority is our commun
trusted partner for clean water and environmental protection.
OWASA's wastewater team operates a system that treats about 7 million gallons of wastewater per
day; that's about 3 billion gallons per year! We work hard day and night to collect, treat and clean the
community's wastewater, and reclaim it (save it after treatment it for reuse) where we can.
Wastewater treatment is the biological process of removing pollutants from the water so it can be
returned safely to the environment. OWASA's treatment system mimics nature's processes and uses
technology to speed it up.
ONE WATER: AN INTEGRATED
APPROACH TO WATER MANAGEMENT
OWASA takes an integrated approach to
managing surface water, drinking water,
wastewater, and reclaimed water. It is
our responsibility to protect the health
and quality of life of our local commu-
nity and environment, from our drink-
ing water sources to the point that
treated wastewater is returned to the
environment. Stewardship is a core value
in OWASA's daily operations. Part of that
ONE WATER
value means being a guardian of the environment
through our wastewater treatment efforts. In 2023, we recycled (or reclaimed) approximately 7.8% of
the wastewater treated at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant for use in building cooling,
toilet flushing, and irrigation. This helps to reduce treated drinking water demand, which increases the
resilience of our community.
Treated wastewater that is not reclaimed is used to maintain certain processes in the wastewater treat-
ment plant or is returned to Morgan Creek. This water, which eventually flows into Jordan Lake, has
completed a comprehensive treatment process and is not harmful to the environment, our community,
or our neighbors downstream.

'11%7 You may not think about it in your daily life, but you send
us wastewater every day —when you flush, wash your hands,
take a shower, and wash your clothes! Anything that you flush
down your toilet or goes down a drain flows through your plumbing
and connects with the community sewer system that OWASA operates.
Our community sewer system is made of about 3.5
derground pipes that carry wastewater to the Mas
Wastewater Treatment Plant. The sewer system
gravity wherever possible to move the wastewat
through the underground pipes in an energy -effi-
cient way, but there are areas of low elevation
where nature needs some help. To keep things
moving, OWASA maintains 21 pump stations
that help the wastewater along to the treat-
ment plant.

I
YOUR WASTEWATER
TEAM: CHAMPIONS OF T,
ENVIRONMENT
It takes a seam of experts to keep things moving!
Ka
The team at OWASA's Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant consists of experts representing a
wide range of backgrounds.
A certified operator is at the wastewater treatment plant 24 hours a day, 7 days and week, and 365 days
a year. Operators are critical to ensure the plant is functioning properly and to troubleshoot any issues
that arise. Their expert knowledge of our treatment plant is key for OWASA to operate effectively and
efficiently.
Meanwhile, scientists on our laboratory team systematically sample different parts of the wastewater
treatment process, including the treated wastewater that is released into Morgan Creek. We call this
water "effluent". These checks are critical to confirm that our treatment process is working and ensures
clean water for communities downstream.
At OWASA, we have made great strides in preventative maintenance over the last several years to re-
duce infrastructure failure across our service area. From time to time, we turn to our expert mechanics
who can repair equipment quickly and get it back in operation.
Overseeing the treatment process is a complex job that falls to Wil Lawson, OWASA's wastewater
treatment plant and biosolids recycling manager. Wil has a background in environmental science and has
worked in multiple positions at our wastewater treatment plant. If you have any questions about the
wastewater treatment process, please contact Wil at [phone].

SPOTLIGHT: CAREERS IN
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Our wastewater treatment plant team is made of individuals with many skillsets and experiences that
are valuable to OWASM work. If you are interested in an exciting, rewarding career that allows you to
serve your community, please keep an eye out for open positions on our jobs page at 0WASA.9j! /
openings. Here are some of the positions that make up our current wastewater treatment team:
•
•
•
•
n
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR APPRENTICESHIP
Role: One-year program designed to provide on-the-job training, mentorship and classroom instruction for individ-
uals seeking a rewarding career in wastewater treatment
Qualifications: Four years of high school or equivalent; valid NC driver's license
Salary: $49,088 plus benefits
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR
Role: Monitor and maintain plant processes and troubleshoot issues as they occur
Qualifications: Four years of high school or equivalent; OWASA pays for the pursuit of necessary certifications
Salary Range: $54,554-$81,830 plus benefits
BIOSOLIDS RECYCLING TECHNICIAN
Role: Assist biosolids recycling program by driving tractor trailers and operating
heavy equipment
Qualifications: Four years of high school or equivalent; Class A
CDL with tanker endorsement
Salary Range: $44,508-$66,762 plus benefits and home
every night
LABORATORY ANALYST
Role• Maintain effective quality control by con-
ducting compliance and non-compliance sam-
pling
Qualifications: Two-year associate de-
gree, high school diploma, or equivalent;
Wastewater Treatment Operator's Grade
I certification desired
Salary Range: $54,554-$81,830 plus
benefits
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
Role: Perform mechanical repairs on
all equipment within the treatment sys-
tem
Qualifications: Four years of high
school or equivalent
Salary Range: $46,111-$69,167 plus
benefits with 6 months of facility mainte-
nance experience

CAUTIQy
Wasterwater Effluent Quality Annual Data Summary (Permit # NC0025241)
Water Quality Measure Regulatory Limit OWASA Calendar Notes
Year Results

BIOSOLIDS
E K 1 E r_ I
A E.
RESOURCE
Once wastewater arrives at the treatment plant, we
separate liquids from solids. While liquids are treated,
we produce a nutrient -rich material called biosolids th
have beneficial uses in agriculture by improving soil qu
and stability. We apply these biosolids to OWASA-owned land
and provide it to farmers in Orange, Chatham, and Alamance coun-
ties in accordance with state permits and regulations. What we don't ap-
ply to land as biosolids, we compost into a soil additive in partnership with a
regional composter. Last year, we recycled more than 8.7 million gallons of biosolids through
this program. As reported in the table below, the substances in our biosolids met or surpassed all
state and federal regulations.
Biosolids Quality Annual
Substance
Fecal Coliform Bacteria (*cfu)
Data Summary (Permit #'sWQ0021828/WQOOO
EPA Limit for Exceptional • ...
1,000
1169)
• ..
145 (max)
Mercury (**ppm)
17
0.491
Cadmium (ppm)
39
1.18
Arsenic (ppm)
41
6.13
Lead (ppm)
300
1 1.8
Copper (ppm)
1,500
307
Zinc (ppm)
2,800
1000
Nickel (ppm)
420
17.7
Molybdenum (ppm)
n/a
6.13
Selenium (ppm)
36
9.2
*cfu = colony -forming units
**ppm = parts per million

RECLAIMED WATER:
A PARTNERSHIP FOR
'_'ONSERVATION
OWASA and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) partnered to develop a reclaimed
water system following multiple droughts in the early-2000s. This system provides UNC with the capa-
bility to use considerably less treated drinking water, leaving more for community needs. This also helps
extend our drinking water supply in case of extreme drought in the future. Reclaimed water is used by
UNC facilities for high volume needs like chilled water for cooling, irrigation and toilet flushing. The cost
to operate and maintain the reclaimed water system is paid for solely by OWASA's reclaimed water
customers.
L
cBOD (*mg/L)
Limit
10
Daily Maximum
Limit
15
OWASA Monthly
Average
<2
OWASA Max Daily
Number
<2
Fecal Coliform (cfu/100 mL)
14
25
<1
5
Ammonia (mg/L)
4
6
<1
2.46
Total Suspended Solids (mg/L)
5
10
<2.5
<2.5
Turbidity (**ntu)
N/A
10
N/A
9.8
Flow (***MGD)
0.75
1.75
< values are below detection limit.
* mg/L = milligrams per liter
** Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (measurement of cloudiness)
*** Million Gallons Per Day

PFAS: A
PROACTIVE
APPROACH
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, known as
PFAS, are a group of compounds that can nega-
tively impact the environment and public health.
PFAS are used in a variety of everyday prod-
ucts like carpet, clothing, furniture fabric, paper
packaging for food and cookware to increase
resistance to water, grease, or stains. Some-
times referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS
compounds do not break down easily overtime,
remaining in the environment and making their
way into sources of drinking water worldwide.
OWASA is closely following scientific research
on best practices to monitor and treat PFAS in
wastewater and biosolids. While much is still
not fully understood about detecting and ad-
dressing PFAS in wastewater and biosolids, we
are committed to a holistic approach to reduc-
ing PFAS in all our services and byproducts.
e
More information on PFAS is available on
the OWASA website.
A LONG-TERM PLAN
FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
PROTECTION
Planning for the future is important for the long-
term sustainability of OWASA's operations.
Our comprehensive master plan, which iden-
tifies long-term improvements for the Mason
Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant, is nearing
completion.

SEWER
OVERFLOWS
AND TREATMF
BYPASSES
Everything that goes down a drain in your home or business flow
community's wastewater system. Sometimes, what is not supposcU LU Utz: 11ua11cu
can create sewer overflows. Grease, for example, can build up in sewer pipes like fatty de-
posits in an artery. Nature can also cause overflows when a tree root cracks an underground pipe allowing
groundwater to enter the system.
OWASA's Distribution and Collection Team plays a key role in preventing sewer overflows through their main-
tenance efforts. Issues like broken sewer service line caps and cracked sewer lines can be identified through
smoke testing, where non -toxic smoke is pushed through the sewer system. Where these issues exist, smoke
can be seen exiting through the cracks. Some of these identified issues are on private property, and that is where
you can help! Maintaining your private sewer lines when these issues are identified helps protect your property
and the community's sewer system.
Electronic alarms at pump stations throughout our system help us prevent overflows by notifying us of poten-
tial issues, which we investigate quickly to keep the wastewater moving. This is important because untreated
wastewater can have negative impacts on the environment. We count on the community to alert us, too. If you
see an overflow, please keep people and pets clear of the area and notify OWASA immediately at 919-968-4421.
Last year, the total volume of reported overflows in OWASA's wastewater collection system was 4,527 gallons.
As noted in the table below, overflow events occurred due to roots in sewer pipes and contractor errors.
SewerOverflows Annual D,
• 111
Location
Gallons
1/16/2023
201 Howell St. Chapel Hill, NC
1800
Roots
3/15/2023
325 Lightning BugTrl. Chapel Hill, NC
1575
Roots
7/10/2023
690 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Chapel
52
Other (Contractor)
Hill, NC
10/19/2023
1300Arboretum Dr. Chapel Hill, NC
450
Roots
1 1 /2/2023
851 Willow Dr. Chapel Hill, NC
650
Other (Contractor)
We also had to bypass treatment at the wastewater treatment plant for 6,500 gallons due to a mechanical issue.
A bypass is when wastewater is spilled after it arrives at the treatment plant.

ONLIV
1SH THE THREE PS!
Flushing the wrong materials can harm the wastewater system by causing costly and messy clogs and can
impact water quality in our streams and lakes. This is a friendly reminder that The Three P's are the only
things that should be flushed down the toilet: Pee, Poo and toilet Paper!
Protect your community's wastewater system
Together, we can protect our community's water and wastewater systems as well as the environment.
Please help keep these items out of our sewers:
W�U�UJJ��
FEMININE
PRODUCTS
These products expand and absorb
moisture, making it difficult for them to
travel through pipes. They also do not
break down into smaller pieces.
"FLUSHABLE"
WIPES
Despite the advertising, these are much
more durable than toilet tissue! They
clog wastewater pipes and get caught in
the equipment at the treatment plant.
Please dispose of wipes in the trash.
DISPOSABLE
J�J DIAPERS
Like feminine products, diapers
expand and absorb moisture, and are
very bulky. Diapers are never meant
to be flushed!
OILS AND
GREASE
Inside a sewer or plumbing drain, fat, oil
and grease harden into a plaster -like sub-
stance that can block flow. Please scrape
or wipe fat, oil and grease off pots, pans,
plates and bowls before washing them
and dispose of it in a waste bin.
e� PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
DENTAL
FLOSS
This strong and durable string loves to
wrap itself around anything and every-
thing that travels down the same path,
helping create big clogs.
OTHER
PRODUCTS
Other products that should not be
flushed include sand, hair, kitty litter,
condoms and cotton balls.
Please don't flush prescription medications. Wastewater treatment plants were not designed to remove pharmaceuticals. If they are
flushed and enter the wastewater system, they may enter a creek, river, or lake that acts as a water supply for a community down-
stream, or harm aquatic life. The Police Departments of Chapel Hill and Carrboro have "no questions asked" drop boxes where you
can discard of your leftover medicines.
00
t DISPOSAL Lvl Hl
Chapel Hill Police Headquarters
828 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
919-968-2760
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Carrboro Police Department
100 N. Greensboro St.
(Century Center)
919-918-7397
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am — 5:00 pm

o
ti
4f
Yf
Our team mowed and cleared
124 miles of easements in the
community to help keep tree
and shrub roots from grow-
ing into the wastewater sys- Last year, OWASA replaced 999 feet of
tem, and to maintain access sewer line and rehabilitated 10,244 feet
to OWASA infrastructure for
of sewer line across the community. This
maintenance and repairs. work helps keep wastewater flowing to
the treatment plant.
Our team smoke tested over 82 miles of
sewer lines across the community. Smoke New sewer line totaling 7,972
testing helps identify cracks in the sewer feet was installed at the cost
system for repair. of developers for new prop-
erties in our service area in
2023. New lines are important
in OWASXs work to continue
serving a growing community.

CONTACT OWASA ANYTIMF
OWASA is proud to be our community's trusted partner for clean water
and environmental protection! Under the streets, in the field, at the lab
and in the office, our diverse team diligently manages the community's
wastewater system. Contact us anytime. We welcome your questions
and feedback!
ORANGE WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC, 27510
919-968-4421
[e-mail]
owasa.org
@OWASA_N C
Orange Water and SewerAuthority
Orange Water & Sewer Authority
op