NC0084573_Permit Issuance_20170313

Water Resources
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
March 13, 2017
Mr. Chris Henderson
Lincoln County Department of Public Works
115 W. Main Street
Lincolnton, NC 28037
Dear Permittee:
ROY COOPER
Gow...
MICHAEL S: REGAN
Secretan
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
fir aor
Subject: Issuance of NPDES Permit NCO084573
Lincoln County WTP
Class PC-1
Lincoln County
Division personnel have reviewed and approved your application for renewal of the subject
permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge permit. This permit
is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the
Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency dated October 15, 2007 (or as subsequently amended).
The final permit includes the following significant changes from the existing permit:
➢ The monitoring requirement for iron has been removed as there is currently no water
quality standard for iron.
➢ Monitoring requirements for effluent and upstream hardness were added according to
policy requiring hardness sampling for facilities also monitoring for hardness -
dependent metals.
➢ The whole effluent toxicity requirement has been changed from a chronic toxicity test
to an acute toxicity test as the updated instream waste concentration (IWC)
calculation of 0.24% requires an acute toxicity test according to toxicity monitoring
policy. See Section A. (2) for details.
➢ Section A. (3) has been added because of the four toxicity failures within the most
recent four quarters.
➢ Section A. (4) has been added to require electronic submission of effluent data.
Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports
(DMRs).
➢ Regulatory citations have been added to the permit.
➢ An updated outfall map has been included.
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources
1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
919 807 6300 919-807-6389 FAX
https://deq.nc.govlaboutIdMsions/water-resourcestwater-resources-permits/wastewater-bc chlnpdes-wastewater-permits

If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are
unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request
within thirty (30) days following receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a
written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and
filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings (6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North
Carolina 27699-6714). Unless such demand is made, this decision shall be final and
binding.
Please note that this permit is not transferable except after notice to the Division. The
Division may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit. This permit
does not affect the legal requirements to obtain any other Federal, State, or Local
governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions concerning this permit, please contact Emily Phillips at telephone
number [phone], or via e-mail [[e-mail]].
cerely,
G
;4liP. S. Jay Zimmerm G.
cc: NPDES Unit
Central Files
Mooresville Regional Office

Permit NCO084573
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provisions 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,
Lincoln County
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Lincoln County WTP
7674 Tree Farm Road
Denver
Lincoln County
to receiving waters designated as Lake Norman (Little Creek Arm) in sub -basin 03-08-32 of
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 April 1, 2017.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on March 31, 2020.
Signed this day March 13, 2017.
S&ector,
Zimmerman, P.G.
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Page 1 of 7

Permit NCO084573
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge are hereby
revoked, and as of this issuance, any previously issued permit bearing this number is no longer
effective. Therefore, the exclusive authority to operate and discharge from this facility arises under the
permit conditions, requirements, terms, and provisions included herein.
Lincoln County
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate a conventional water treatment plant with a discharge of
dechlorinated, filter -backwash wastewater. This facility has a design potable flowrate of
3.99 MGD. For the period November 2013 to October 2016, the maximum, monthly
average wastewater discharge was 0.094 MGD.
The facility is located at Lincoln WTP (7674 Tree Farm Road) in Denver, in Lincoln
County.
2. Discharge from said treatment works via Outfall 001, at the location specified on the
attached map into Lake Norman (Little Creek Arm) [stream ID: 11-(75)] currently
classified WS-IV, B; CA waters in sub -basin 03-08-32 [HUC: 0305010112] of the Catawba
River Basin.
Page 2 of 7

Permit NCO084573
Part I
A. (1) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
[ 15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq., 15A NCAC 02B.0500 et seq.]
Beginning with the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is
authorized to discharge treated wastewater from Outfall 001. Such discharges shall be
limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
;• fi k x: s - � r
.4
`,�
"f: -� --s-;�-^e �:� i.�r�:;e S
x �T4f�1�5,-
^" 'Lwfw.
�Y.,s r+w� a�r,.��ctr..��
1=•-�; r:.„�., ---zr--- x--" ,^�- ,"'�_,�:a it "':T:
�F"n1 .•%.rw. "^• • xr • •� e
�.
;FFLUN[i�►RTT
_ .
1+r - _
� {x���� j S �
.-� .Yi'
^gerrf,,
Cw`-'.i-•-�y-�-
� + ��/�}J....--
� 7 •i�!-ri ia+ �.,..
"ey.t 3+fit _ y
j� [ �7iy Y .rw
`e Lam+. �Iy�i`�s�+r �. i
�'`'Qa�
.. ;_.`'�. W
r,!„1'ir'�S"-.1-Y'^.0
� .. 1'`ia��•iIQ�•. 1
i �� �'�_.�,.. �• 1 L1
�-S 7,F,..,,.,•
f•^,.. +e-utr"-�i'f.•_"
:1�W . �
� j����
�y _ _
'�F.•
,�
ui +Rs_� i
J T 1t„ '- '#+ ,rl ' ¢1 • ,
+ h 5•� r i i.' A �_• •+T 'F+� i�..,,jjll��Z.r�Y �•�
i r-e - ���yIeae„��,
�f:t.Y
{ r� '�c� �y � +
a`r .1.}'� '.], �: � .+;
tom''. , S
'�,'..^ a�{����-ti137
-
•V. 4
� .'[ "rr
�>� V
1'1Yi5i++
.::..r.<•i Z ...ter [_" - u,. _e',: r+ta:.• a's' t,.i,t _„_ •.i.".+L:..
'=-.t....� �:.,a-'.':•i.:3
1Gi ti.�:wr 1`3 :�:P.:::.:s
iw��w.�M ;{'
�ti��.:..li-s� `r
.j�4�
:ik�.x•f- i
m,�it�.C�•- ,o-.t,
Flow 50050
Monitor & Report
Weekly
Instantaneous
Effluent
Total Suspended Solids C0530
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
2/Month
Grab
Effluent
Total Residual Chlorine 2 50060
28 Ng/L
2/Month
Grab
Effluent
pH 00400
>6.Oand <9.0
2/Month
Grab
Effluent
standard units
Turbidity 00070
Monitor & Report
2/Month
Grab
Effluent
Total Aluminum 01105
Monitor & Report
Quarterly 3
Grab
Effluent
Total Manganese 01055
Monitor & Report
Quarterly 3
Grab
Effluent
Total Fluoride 00951
Monitor & Report
Quarterly 3
Grab
Effluent
Total Copper 01042
Monitor & Report
Quarterly 3
Grab
Effluent
Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 00900
Monitor & Report
Quarterly 3
Grab
Effluent
Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 00900
Monitor & Report
Quarterly 3
Grab
Upstream a
Total Nitrogen
C0600
(NO2+NO3+TKN
Monitor & Report
Quarterly
Grab
Effluent
Total Phosphorus C0665
Monitor & Report
Quarterly
Grab
Effluent
Whole Effluent Toxicity 5 TGE6C
Monitor & Report
Quarterly
Grab
Effluent
Footnotes:
1. The permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using the NC DWR's eDMR application
system [see A. (4)].
2. The Division shall consider all effluent TRC values reported below 50 µg/l to be in compliance with the permit.
However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North Carolina certified
laboratory (including field certified), even if these values fall below 50 µg/l.
3. Monitoring should be performed in conjunction with toxicity testing.
4. Upstream = 50 feet upstream of the discharge point.
5. Pimephales promelas 24-hour pass/fail test @ 90%. Toxicity testing should be performed during the months
of March, June, September, and December [see A. (2)].
THERE SHALL BE NO DISCHARGE OF FLOATING SOLIDS OR VISIBLE FOAM IN OTHER
THAN TRACE AMOUNTS.
Page 3 of 7

Permit NCO084573
A. (2) ACUTE TOXICITY MONITORING (QUARTERLY)
[ 15A NCAC 02B.0500 et seq.]
The Permittee shall conduct acute toxicity tests on a quarteriz� basis using protocols defined
in the North Carolina Procedure Document entitled "Pass/Fail Methodology For Determining
Acute Toxicity In A Single Effluent Concentration" (Revised -December 2010 or subsequent
versions) . The monitoring shall be performed as a Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) 24
hour static test. The effluent concentration at which there may be at no time significant
acute mortality is 90% (defined as treatment two in the procedure document) . The tests will
be performed during the months of March, June, September and December. These
months signify the first month of each three month toxicity .testing quarter assigned to the
facility. Effluent sampling for this testing must be obtained during representative effluent
discharge and shall be performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all
treatment processes.
The parameter code for Pimephales promelas is TGE6C. All toxicity testing results required
as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent Discharge Form (MR-1) for the
month in which it was performed, using the appropriate parameter code. Additionally, DWR
Form AT-2 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention:North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Water Sciences Section no
later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
Test data shall be complete and accurate and include all supporting chemical/physical
measurements performed in association with the toxicity tests, as well as all dose/response
data. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported if
chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during any month, the Permittee will
complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity (AT) test form indicating
the facility name, permit number, pipe number, county, and the month/year of the report
with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment area of the form. The report shall be
submitted to the Water Sciences Section at the address cited above.
Should any test data from either these monitoring requirements or tests performed by the
North Carolina Division of Water Resources indicate potential impacts to the receiving
stream, this permit may be re -opened and modified to include alternate monitoring
requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as
minimum control organism survival and appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute
an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than
the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring.
Page 4 of 7

Permit NCO084573
A. (3) PERMIT RE -OPENER: WHOLE EFFLUENT TOXICITY
[NCGS 143-215.1 (b)]
Whole Effluent Toxicity monitoring results indicating aquatic toxicity may result in the
Division of Water Resources re -opening this permit or requesting by letter that further action
be taken. Additional metals testing, a toxicity identification evaluation, a toxicity reduction
evaluation, and/or an assessment of discharge treatment alternatives may be requested.
A. (4) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF MONITORING REPORTS
[NCGS 143-215.1 (b)]
Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs)
and program reports. The final NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was adopted and became
effective on December 21, 2015.
NOTE: This special condition supplements or supersedes the following sections within Part
II of this permit (Standard Conditions for NPDES Permits):
• Section B. (11.) Signatory Requirements
• Section D. (2.) Reporting
• Section D. (6.) Records Retention
• Section E. (5.) Monitoring Reports
1. Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.1 and Section E. (5.1 (all
The permittee shall report discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's
Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each
month and submitted electronically using eDMR. The eDMR system allows permitted
facilities to enter monitoring data and submit DMRs electronically using the internet. Until
such time that the state's eDMR application is compliant with EPA's Cross -Media Electronic
Reporting Regulation (CROMERR), permittees will be required to submit all discharge
monitoring data to the state electronically using eDMR and will be required to complete the
eDMR submission by printing, signing, and submitting one signed original and a copy of the
computer printed eDMR to the following address:
NC DEQ / Division of Water Resources / Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
If a permittee is unable to use the eDMR system due to a demonstrated hardship or due to
the facility being physically located in an area where less than 10 percent of the households
have broadband access, then a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting
requirements may be granted and discharge monitoring data may be submitted on paper
DMR forms (MR 1, 1. 1, 2, 3) or alternative forms approved by the Director. Duplicate signed
copies shall be submitted to the mailing address above. See "How to Request a Waiver from
Electronic Reporting" section below.
Regardless of the submission method, the first DMR is due on the last day of the month
following the issuance of the permit or in the case of a new facility, on the last day of the
month following the commencement of discharge.
Page 5 of 7

Permit NCO084573
Starting on December 21, 2020, the permittee must electronically report the following
compliance monitoring data and reports, when applicable:
Sewer Overflow/ Bypass Event Reports;
Pretreatment Program Annual Reports; and
Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 316(b) Annual Reports.
The permittee may seek an electronic reporting waiver from the Division (see "How to
Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting" section below).
2. Electronic Submissions
In accordance with 40 CFR 122.41(1) (9), the permittee must identify the initial recipient at
the time of each electronic submission. The permittee should use the EPA's website
resources to identify the initial recipient for the electronic submission.
Initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities means the
entity (EPA or the state authorized by EPA to implement the NPDES program) that is the
designated entity for receiving electronic NPDES data [see 40 CFR 127.2(b)].
EPA plans to establish a website that will also link to the appropriate electronic reporting
tool for each type of electronic submission and for each state. Instructions on how to access
and use the appropriate electronic reporting tool will be available as well. Information on
EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule is found at:
http: / /www2.epa.goy/compliance/final-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-
npdes-electronic-reporting_rule.
Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the "Reporting Requirements"
section above.
3. How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting
The permittee may seek a temporary electronic reporting waiver from the Division. To obtain
an electronic reporting waiver, a permittee must first submit an electronic reporting waiver
request to the Division. Requests for temporary electronic reporting waivers must be
submitted in writing to the Division for written approval at least sixty (60) days prior to the
date the facility would be required under this permit to begin submitting monitoring data
and reports. The duration of a temporary waiver shall not exceed 5 years and shall
thereupon expire. At such time, monitoring data and reports shall be submitted
electronically to the Division unless the permittee re -applies for and is granted a new
temporary electronic reporting waiver by the Division. Approved electronic reporting waivers
are not transferrable. Only permittees with an approved reporting waiver request may
submit monitoring data and reports on paper to the Division for the period that the approved
reporting waiver request is effective.
Information on eDMR and the application for a temporary electronic reporting waiver are
found on the following web page:
http: / / deg.nc. gov / about/ divisions / water -resources / edmr
4. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) M and Supersedes Section B.
11. d
All eDMRs submitted to the permit issuing authority shall be signed by a person described
in Part II, Section B. (11.) (a) or by a duly authorized representative of that person as
described in Part II, Section B. (11.)(b). A person, and not a position, must be delegated
signatory authority for eDMR reporting purposes.
Page 6 of 7

Permit NCO084573
For eDMR submissions, the person signing and submitting the DMR must obtain an eDMR
user account and login credentials to access the eDMR system. For more information on
North Carolina's eDMR system, registering for eDMR and obtaining an eDMR user account,
please visit the following web page:
http://deg.nc.gov/aboutZdivisions/­water-resources/edmr
Certification. Any person submitting an electronic DMR using the state's eDMR system shall
make the following certification [40 CFR 122.221. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF
CERTIFICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED:
'T certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under
my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified
personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the
person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering
the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true,
accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false
information, including the possibility off fines and imprisonment for knowing violations."
5. Records Retention [Supplements Section D. tb.j]
The permittee shall retain records of all Discharge Monitoring Reports, including eDMR
submissions. These records or copies shall be maintained for a period of at least 3 years
from the date of the report. This period may be extended by request of the Director at any
time [40 CFR 122.41 ].
Page 7 of 7

6

Phillips, Sarah E
From:
Adam Jolicoeur <[e-mail]>
Sent:
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 10.46 AM
To:
Phillips, Sarah E
Cc:
Tuvia, Ori A
Subject:
Permit/ Screw Press
Emily,
Mr. Tuvia has asked me to inform you that we are currently using a Huber Screw Press, to dewater our sludge. When the
first permit was issued, the Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant was using a drying bed. I hope this was helpful.
Regards,
WTP Superintendent
Lincoln County
Department of Public Works
7674 Tree Farm Rd.
Denver NC 28037
Office: 704-483-7070
Email: a [e-mail]
Website: www.hncolncoaM.org
�`A
DISCLAIMER: Pursuant to the Freedom of Information -Privacy Acts (FOIPA)
and North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132, Public Records, this electronic
mail message and any attachments hereto, as well as any electronic mail message(s)
sent in response to it may be considered public record and as such subject to
request and review by anyone at any time.

Young, Brianna A
From: Adam Jolicoeur <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 8:06 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit Question/ NCO084573
Attachments: D00012317.pdf
Ms. Young,
I noticed your contact information was on the bottom the draft permit, previously I had been working with Ms. Wojcik. I
have a few questions, the first question I list below to Ms. Wojcik concerning what is listed under Note, see attached.
Also, the draft permit has listed Section A. (3) Permit Re -Opener, I looked up GS 143-215.1(B), that includes
modification and revocation of permit. Is that a possibility? For a monitor only sample, should these two items be listed
on the permit? Also, next year we will start the expansion of the water treatment plant, will there be any issues with the
additional discharge volume, with the new permit?
Best Regards,
i
WTP Superintendent
Lincoln County
Department of Public Works
7674 Tree Farm Rd.
Denver NC 28037
Office: 704-483-7070
Email: [e-mail]
Website: wwwlincolncounty.org
s
\�CX
From: Adam Jolicoeur Lmailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2017 10:00 AM
To: 'Wojcik, Meredith U
Subject: RE: Acute Fathead Minnow Toxicity Testing Question
Meredith,
I hope you are doing well. I have received a copy of the permit draft, and I noticed under A.(2) Acute Toxicity
Monitoring, under Note; it refers to invalid test will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed. (See
attached) That does not sound like a monitor only? If you recall this is the same question I asked before, if scan down to
the bottom of this email. If you could clarify I would appreciate it very much.

Regards,
Adam
From: Wojcik, Meredith L[mailto:Meredith.WojcikCabncdenr.govl
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 9:23 AM
To: Adam ]olicoeur
Subject: FW: Acute Fathead Minnow Toxicity Testing Question
Hello,
Below is the response from our toxicology unit. She confirmed that you all will be monitoring only, and that I had the
incorrect language for monitoring and instead had the limit language. I am sorry about that error, and very grateful that
you caught it. Hopefully everything is cleared up now, and the attached language is what will be used in your permit. The
effluent concentration will be 90% and the months for monitoring will be March, June, September, and December.
I think at this point we are ready to move forward and finish the drafting of this permit. It will be peer -reviewed and
then public noticed sometime early next year.
Again, I apologize for the error and thanks for all your help.
Meredith
From: Meadows, Susan
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 9:17 AM
To: Wojcik, Meredith L <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Acute Fathead Minnow Toxicity Testing Question
Okay.
They will be "Monitoring Only" and that does mean the paragraph regarding follow-up testing needs to be removed.
It is as follows:
"Should the Permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required, then monthly monitoring
will begin immediately. Upon submission of a valid test, this monthly test requirement will revert to quarterly in the
months specified above."
This paragraph is necessary for an Acute "Limit"
To remain "Monitoring Only" that needs to be removed.
And I have attached the language template for Fathead Acute Monitoring Only also.
Hope that helps.
Susie
Susan Meadows
Environmental Biologist
Aquatic Toxicology Branch
DWR/Water Sciences Section
Department of Environmental Quality
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
4401 Reedy Creek Road

Raleigh, NC 27607
Nothing Compares
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Wojcik, Meredith L
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 9:07 AM
To: Meadows, Susan <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Acute Fathead Minnow Toxicity Testing Question
Hi Susan,
I am attaching a copy of their current permit that expired back in 2015 and a copy of the draft permit I am working on
right now. This is the facility that is switching from chronic toxicity monitoring to acute based on updated IWC
calculations (IWC = 0.24).
Let me know if you need something else from me.
Thanks,
Meredith
From: Meadows, Susan
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 9:00 AM
To: Wojcik, Meredith L<[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Acute Fathead Minnow Toxicity Testing Question
I would need to see their permit to answer this question. Not knowing how they were testing before makes it difficult to
speculate. Usually if a facility is given Acute Fathead testing, it's highly likely it is Monitoring Only, but not always.
Have them send along a copy of the permit.
Susie
Susan Meadows
Environmental Biologist
Aquatic Toxicology Branch
DWR/Water Sciences Section
Department of Environmental Quality
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
susa n. meadows @ ncdenr.sov
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
i --'Nothing Compares

Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Wojcik, Meredith L
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 8:28 AM
To: Meadows, Susan <susan.meadows(@ncdenr.gov>
Subject: Acute Fathead Minnow Toxicity Testing Question
Hello,
I just received a question from a permittee asking for clarification about acute toxicity monitoring for the fathead
minnow. Here are their questions/concerns:
I read the attached description, and one thing I needed to verify with you. When we are switched to fathead minnows
for toxicity testing, will this be a monitor only as we are currently, or will it be for actual compliance?
I was referring to the last section of the description under note, where it indicated invalid test will require immediate
follow-up testing.
Could you shine some light on this for us? I was under the impression that this was solely a monitoring requirement and
not a limit that would be enforced for compliance, but perhaps I am wrong.
Thank you,
Meredith Wojcik
Environmental Specialist
Division of Water Resources
Department of Environmental Quality
[phone]
meredith.woicik Dncdenr.aov
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
NC-5�""NothNCompares�
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed
to third parties.
DISCLAIMER: Pursuant to the Freedom of Information -Privacy Acts (FOIPA)
and North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132, Public Records, this electronic
mail message and any attachments hereto, as well as any electronic mail message(s)
sent in response to it may be considered public record and as such subject to
request and review by anyone at any time.

Permit NCO084573
A. (2) ACUTE TOXICITY MONITORING (QUARTERLY)
[15A NCAC 0213.0500 et seq.]
The Permittee shall conduct acute toxicity tests on a Quarterly basis using protocols defined
in the North Carolina Procedure Document entitled "Pass/Fail Methodology For Determining
Acute Toxicity In A Single Effluent Concentration" (Revised -December 2010 or subsequent
versions). The monitoring shall be performed as a Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) 24
hour static test. The effluent concentration at which there may be at no time significant
acute mortality is 90% (defined as treatment two in the procedure document). The tests will
be performed during the months of March, June, September and December. These
months signify the first month of each three month toxicity testing quarter assigned to the
facility. Effluent sampling for this testing must be obtained during representative effluent
discharge and shall be performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all
treatment processes.
The parameter code for Amephales promelas is TGE6C. All toxicity testing results required
as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent Discharge Form (MR-1) for the
month in which it was performed, using the appropriate parameter code. Additionally, DWR
Form AT-2 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention:North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Water Sciences Section no
later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
Test data shall be complete and accurate and include all supporting chemical/physical
measurements performed in association with the toxicity tests, as well as all dose/response
data. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported if
chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during any month, the Permittee will
complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity (AT) test form indicating
the facility name, permit number, pipe number, county, and the month/year of the report
with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment area of the form. The report shall be
submitted to the Water Sciences Section at the address cited above.
Should the Permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required,
then monthly monitoring will begin immediately. Upon submission of a valid test, this
monthly test requirement will revert to quarterly in the months specified above
Should any test data from either these monitoring requirements or tests performed by the
North Carolina Division of Water Resources indicate potential impacts to the receiving
stream, this permit may be re -opened and modified to include alternate monitoring
requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as
minimum control organism survival and appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute
an invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than
the last day of the month following the month of the initial monitoring.
Page 4 of 7

The Charlotte Observer Publishing Co.
Charlotte, NC
North Carolina } ss Affidavit of Publication
Mecklenburg County }
Charlotte Observer
REFERENCE: 145583 NCDENR/DWQ/POINT SOURCE
0002878822 Public Notice North Carolina Environmental
Management Commission/NPDES Unit 1617
Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said County and
State, duly authorized to administer oaths affirmations, etc.,
personally appeared, being duly sworn or affirmed according to
law, cloth depose and say that he/she is a representative of The
Charlotte Observer Publishing Company, a corporation
organized and doing business under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and publishing a newspaper known as The Charlotte
Observer in the city of Charlotte, County of Mecklenburg, and
State of North Carolina and that as such he/she is familiar with
the books, records, files, and business of said Corporation and
by reference to the files of said publication, the attached
advertisement was inserted. The following is correctly copied
from the books and files of the aforesaid Corporation and
Publication.
PUBLISHED ON: 01/15/2017
AD SPACE: 48 LINES
FILED ON: 01/20/2017
NAME:
In Testim;�onyy�y\77 h�ereeof I have hereunto set my hand and
Notary:l�'c'�f`-�( _,I,'A_ JX--q
P,ECEiVEDINCDEQIDVVR
JAN 27 N11,
PUBLIC NOTICE
udire Emkonmonlal Unit rnam
1617 Mail Se PDES Unit
ifi1] Mall SerJoe Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Nof a 01 Intent to Issue a
NPDES Waale er Pa h
N Carolina Emironmemel Mahage-
nmmi 2. OmW9ea to I65Ye 9
TITLE:
DATE:
my seal, the day and year aforesaid.
My commission Expires:
My Clmrliission Expires MaW, 2021
2 3 2017

Lincoln County WTP 2 Outfall 001
NCO084573 Freshwater RPA- 95% Probability/95% Confidence Using Metal Translators Qw = 0.094 MGD
13WALI,IILI-
Qw (MGD) = 0.09
IQIOS left)= 49.15
7QIOS (cfs) = 60.00
7QIOW(cfs)= NO 7010w DATA
30Q2 (cfs) = NO 30Q2 DATA
Avg. Stream Flow, QA (cfs) = NO QA DATA
Receiving Stream: Catawba River HUC 0305010112
DATA POINTS = 58
WWTP/WTP Class: PC-1
IWC% @ IQIOS = 0.295563305
IWC%@7QIOS= 0.242245082
IWC%@7QIOW= NIA
IWC%@30Q2= NIA
IW%C@QA= NIA
Stream Class: WS-IV, B; CA
COMBINED HARDNESS (mg/L)
Acute = 25 mg/L
Cbronic = 25 mg/L
YOU HAVE DESIGNATED THIS RECEIVING
STREAM AS WATER SUPPLY
Effluent Hard:0 value> 100 M91L
Effluent Ham Avg = 25 mg/L
PARAMETER
NC STANDARDS OR EPA CRITERIA
REASONABLE POTENTIAL RESULTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION
TYPEr
J
]
Applied
Chronic Acilk'
n #Det. Max Pred Cw Allowable Cw
(11
a
2
D
Standard
Acute: 3,543.06
No RP, Predicted Max <50%of Allowable Cw-No
Copper
NC
7.8806 FW(7QIOs) I0.472(i
ug/L
18 3
6.85
Monitoring required
Chronic: 3,253 17
No RP, Predicted Max < 50% of Allowable Cw - No
No value> Allowable Cw
Monitoring required
Acute: NO WQS
No RP, Predicted Max < 50% ofAllowable Cw-No
Fluoride
NC
1800 FW(7QIOs)
ug/L
18 12
327.5
Monitoring required
Chronic: 743,049.1
NO RP, Predicted Max<50%oF Allowable Cw-No
No value> Allowable Cw
Monitodng required
Acute:
0 0
N/A
_
_
Chronic:—_____—___
Acute:
N/A
___
Chronic--------------------------------------
Acute:
0 o
N/A
Acute:
N/A
9595 Final FW RPA w_upsbeam avg data column_diss to tmalmetals_nodetects_limiteddefauhs 2016_822, rpa
Page 1 of t 11/2312016

REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS
Data
1 6/19/2012
2 9/4/2012
3 12/4/2012
4 3/5/2013
5 6/4/2013
6 9/10/2013
7 12110/2013
8 3/4/2014
9 613/2014
10 9/2/2014
11 12/2/2014
12 302015
13 6/2/2015
14 9/2/2015
15 3/1/2016
16 12/1/2015
17 6f7/2016
18 9/6/2016
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
Uae'PASTE SPECIAL
Copper
vaWes•tnan"Copy
. Maximum Bata
points = 58
Data
BDL=112DL
Results
<
5
2.5
Std Dev.
1.4363
<
10
5
Mean
2.6944
<
10
5
C.V.
0.5331
<
10
5
n
18
<
10
5
<
5
2.5
Mult Factor =
1.37
<
5
2.5
Max. Value
5.00 ug/L
<
5
2.5
Max. Fred Cw
6.85 ug/L
<
5
2.5
<
5
2.5
<
5
2.5
<
5
2.5
<
5
2.5
<
1
0.5
<
1
0.5
1
1
2
2
2
2
Uae'P S, SPECaLL
Fluoride
vmvar men-Copr
. Maximum data
points = 58
Date
Data
BDL=II2DL
Results
6/19/2012
<
500
250
Std Dev.
54,2597
6/4/2013
<
100
50
Mean
118.3333
9/10/2013
<
100
50
C.V.
0.4565
12/10/2013
<
100
50
n
18
3/4/2014
<
100
50
6/2/2015
<
100
50
Mult Factor =
1.31
9/4/2012
160
160
Max. Value
250.0 ug/L
12/4/2012
140
140
Max. Fred Cw
327.5 ug/L
3/5/2013
160
160
6/312014
160
160
9/2/2014
110
110
12IV2014
160
160
3/3/2015
120
120
9/2/2015
120
120
12/1/2015
110
110
3/1/2016
110
110
6/7/2016
120
120
9/6/2016
160
160
9595 Final FW RPA w_upstream avg data column_diss to totalmetals_nodetects_limiteddefaults 2016_822, data
-2- 11/23/2016

COUNTY OF LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA
C"115 WEST MAIN STREET, 214o FLOOR CITIZENS CENTER, LINCOLNTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28092
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PHONE [phone]
FAX [phone]
WWW. LINCOLNCOUNTY.ORG
Mr. Bob Sledge
NC DENR/DWR/NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center RECEIVED/DEN Raleigh, NC 27699 1617 R/DWR
September 10, 2014
SEP 2 2 2014
Water Quality
Re: NPDES Permit NCO084573 Renewal Request Permitting Section
Dear Mr. Sledge,
I am writing this letter to you to formally request the renewal of our WTP NPDES Permit,
NC0084573. You should find the permit application filled out completely with all pertinent
information and diagrams requested. Since our last NPDES permit renewal, a new Huber
Screw Press has been installed to process the Alum Sludge. The Operator in Responsible
Charge is Mr. Adam Jolicoeur and his contact information is:
Adam Jolicoeur
7674 Tree Farm Road
Denver, NC 28037
(704) 483 — 7070 Office
(704) 483 — 7072 Fax
[e-mail]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
C
Chris Henderson
Senior Utility Engineer
[e-mail]

`� R Z•Y \�ya.�
IB=
NCO084573 N
ude380-59-33
# E15SW
ving Stream: Lake Norman
Lincoln County WTP
n Class: WS-IV & B CA
3sin: 30832
SCALE 1:24 000
\� WTP LOCATION
LVVHI IVIV

LINCOLN COUNTY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
PROCESS FLOW SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
LAKE NORMAN
I
WATER INTAKE&
PUMP STATION
3.9 MGD
PRE-MIOX `
ALUM
PRE -CAUSTIC
SEDIMENTATION BASINS
500,000 gallons
PRE -FILTER MIOX ill
ORTHOPHOSPHATE
FLOURIDE
CAUSTIC
POST MIOX
Clear ells
1 1
Million Million
Gallon I Gallon
W
HIGH SERVICE PUMPS
(2) H.S. Pump 3 mgd
TO LINCOLN COUNTY
WATER DISTRIBUTON SYSTEM
FILTER
BACKWASH
Z
m
n
a
m
3
L„
v
m fJ
tz
63
90
o
Z
o
P
�
O
WASTE (Alum Sludge)
SOLIDS
THICKENERS
089.1101-0:)
189,0000
Gallons
I
SOLIDS DEWATERING
HUBER SCREW PRESS
I
LANDFILL OR LAND APPLICATION
DISPOSAL
NPDES Permit No. NCO084S73
Sodium Thiosulphate
DISCHARGE TO LAKE
(Average flow 59,000 GPD)
Department of Public Works
cw4c
Water Treatment

LINCOLN COUNTY
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
RESIDUALS MANAGEMENT PLAN
June 2012
SEP
Water QL, -
Pe Water
c
Prepared by
GOODWYN, M I LLS AN D CAWOOD, I NC.
2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
-�r�111•i
GOODWYN ! 1•11LL5 I CAWOOD
tHTFGRnr;.0 Uisi 1pt tit% PROvI•N SOLL1110-14s

TREATMENT MODIFICATIONS
The intent of the design of the proposed improvements is to comply with all requirements of DENR - Public Water
Supply Section 15A:18C.0300-18C.0700. The improvements do not modify the direct Flow of the water through the
process, and will continue to follow the conventional surface water filtration process. The notable improvements to the
sludge handling facility are modifications to the gravity thickeners, new polymer feed system, installation of progressive
cavity pumps with smart stator technology followed by an energy -efficient screw press, and conveyors to transfer
dewatered solids to a dumpster or open bed truck. All filtrate and process wastewater is returned to the existing yard
drain pump station to be treated through the solids handling process. All decant from the gravity thickeners exits
through the floating decant arms and flow is hydraulically controlled by electrically actuated valves. Prior to final
discharge, all decant is clechlorinated with a dechlorinating agent to comply with current chlorine residual concentrations
per the existing NDPES permit.
Gravity Thickeners
The existing gravity thickeners are being retrofitted with a center column cage with two steel rake arms driven by a
continuous torque standard shaft i HP drive. The rake arms will have adjustable 304 stainless steel squeegees to
scrape the bottom of the tank. The existing tanks will be grouted to submerge the 8" withdrawal line and provide a
sump for sludge removal. The gravity thickeners will also receive floating decanters which consist of an 8" diameter
schedule 40, 304 stainless steel pipe with twenty (20) 2" diameter orifices with foam core floats attached to the
decant pipe. The decant pipe will float with the water level and primarily controlled by the electrically actuated valve.
The low water and high water level in the gravity thickener shall be 799.22' and 812.60', respectively, providing 1' of
free board in each thickener.
Progressive Cavity Pumps
A sludge handling building will be constructed to house the dewatering feed pumps, dewatering mechanism and
conveyance system. As sludge exits the gravity thickeners, sludge can either enter the existing dewatering system
for redundancy or enter the new dewatering system by simply operating two manual valves outside the existing
sludge dewatering building. Sludge will enter the new sludge handling building into a header reducing down to 3"
prior to entering the Feed pumps. The design will utilize progressive cavity pumps to pump the settled sludge from
the thickeners to a screw press. The progressive cavity pumps are designed to pump 6 to 20 GPM at a solids
content of 0.8 to 1.2% with a 3 HP motor.
Screw Press 8d Convey arice System
The screw press was piloted and studied extensively on -site at the Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant using
alum sludge from the current process in place for treated potable water. During the pilot, the feed solid
concentration to the screw press ranged from 0.8 to 1.2%. It was determined that at a flow rate of 4 GPM, the
screw handled 20 pounds per hour of dry solids. The cake produced was 24.6% dry solids. The maximum
throughput of the screw press is 45 pounds per dry solids at 8 GPM; however, the cake produced was only 20% dry

solids. The screw press will 6e rated to handling 40 to 90 pounds per hour of dry solids at 8 to 16 GPM producing
20 to 25% dry solids. After the dewatering process, cake solids will be conveyed through a series of four (4) shafted
screw conveyors to lift the solids to be discharged into a dumpster in a cover bay.
Chemical Feed System
Prior to sludge entering the screw press, polymer is introduced to assist with dewatering. Neat polymer will be
dosed into an aging tank with a peristaltic pump. A 500-gallon aging tank will 6e utilized to create batches of dilute
polymer. The chemical feed system is outfitted with a mixer to provide a complete mix system as well as a site glass
to monitor consistency of dilute polymer make up. Dilute polymer will then be fed to the screw press with a
duty/standy6y progressive cavity pump solely used for dilute polymer. The polymer will be injected downstream of
the sludge feed polymer pumps and prior to a 2" check valve designed specifically for mixing. A detention time of
45 seconds has been provided between the point of polymer injection and the screw press inlet so that the polymer
can activate and optimally assist in cjewatering.
CONCLUSION
All aforementioned equipment was installed to improve the current process of dewate►ing solids. The existing gravity
thickeners did not have a mechanical thickening mechanism; therefore, with this addition, it can be assumed that the feed
solids from the thickeners will be greater than the range observed in the pilot. Furthermore, the decanting arm will assist
in assuring that a quality clarified supernate in the thickener is decanted. Previously, the peripheral decant lines were
fixed withdrawing at a Fixed elevation with no indication to the location of the sludge blanket. The progressive cavity and
screw press tandem was selected due to the performance displayed in the pilot, efficiency and reliable operation as well
as ease of operation and maintenance. A shafted conveyor was selected to lift solids because of the simplicity of the
conveyors. The designed system provides redundancy as well as flex16ility. All unit operations have a minimum of two
installations or the ability to be expanded to two installations. The sludge handling facility will 6e expandable and can
receive two additional progressive cavity pumps and screw presses as the need for solids handling increases. For the
interim, the existing sludge handling system will be left in Full working order if 6ack up is needed.
The proposed system was designed to meet the clients need with regard to redundancy, capacity, efficiency and
reliability for current and future demands. With this proposed system, the Lincoln County Pu6l1c Works Lincoln
County Water Treatment Plant will 6e able to produce the desired 3.999 MGD with a method for sludge dewatering
to handle the volume of sludge 6eing produced by the sedimentation and filtration processes.
Also, the existing vacuum drying bed will remain intact for redundancy of sludge removal. The existing quick disconnect
from the sludge thickeners will also remain in place. Thus, the operator can utilise the drying bed as necessary or may
haul wet sludge. The design will allow for a system where the operator has three (3) options of processing sludge.

Sludge Handling System
Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant Recommended Operations Protocol
1.0 OBJECTIVE
The intent of the sludge handling operations at the Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant is to
provide solids handling of alum sludge in an efficient manner. In addition, the sludge handling
system protocol shall provide the operations staff methods and recommended procedures to
properly and efficiently operate the system described herein.
2.0 SCOPE
The sludge handling system provided is a combination of unit operations including two solids
thickeners, one positive displacement feed pump, a polymer system, and one dewatering press,.
The previous method of dewatering was a vacuum drying bed; however the County determined
that it was critical that the process no longer be weather dependent. The new sludge handling
system provides a process that requires minimal power and delivers processed solids at a percent
solids concentration acceptable for delivery to the local landfill. The sludge must meet the
requirements of the landfill and pass the paint filter liquids test. Additional optimization of the
solids handling system shall be as determined to be sensible by the operator.
3.0 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The equipment basis of design for the sludge handling system consists of the following unit
operations:
1. Thickeners (Westech)
a. The thickeners allow the operator to improve the consistency and solids content of
the sludge prior to conveyance to the dewatering process
2. Progressive Cavity Pump (Seepex)
a. The progressive cavity pump provides the required positive displacement,
metered flow pattern required for sludge processing
3. Polymer Feed System (Acrison)
a. The polymer system is a batch makeup system that is controlled locally by level
b. The Huber programmable logic control (PLC) provides a signal for startup and for
the feed pumps to deliver the necessary polymer dose to the sludge
4. Screw Press (Huber)
a. The screw press dewaters the sludge to a cake product
5. Conveyance (Custom Conveyors)
a. The conveyors transport dewatered cake to an owner selected dewatering bin
The Westech thickeners, Seepex feed pump, Acrison polymer system, Huber screw press, and
Huber conveyors work together to provide a complete process.
4.0 OPERATION
2

Sludge Handling System
Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant Recommended Operations Protocol
4.1 Thickeners
The sludge thickener mechanisms and their operation are critical in the success of the solids
dewatering process. The thickeners are fit with mechanical thickening devices at the bottom of
the conical tanks. The bottom of the conical tanks, where the 8 inch diameter effluent sludge
pipe is located, is at approximate elevation of 780 feet. The grade elevation at the tanks is
approximately 798 feet, thus the depth at which sludge can accumulate is upward of 18 vertical
feet. In addition, the decant mechanism for the water allows for the decanting of the tank to a
low water level (LWL) of near elevation 799. The top of wall of the sludge thickeners is near
814.8 allowing for over 13 feet of wastewater from the water treatment plant to accumulate from
the backwashing of filters and the removal of solids in the sedimentation process.
The operation of the sludge thickeners is critical to the dewatering process. The operator
controls the thickness of the solids with the rotating thickener and the available pressure (head)
in the tanks. The water level in the tank feeding the sludge dewatering process provides
backpressure on the sludge feed pumps. The 8 inch diameter sludge feed line operated at flow
rates between 8 and 20 gallons per minute provides little frictional headless in the pipe due to
velocity. The velocity of the sludge in the 8 inch pipe at 20 gallons per minute is near 0.13 feet
per second. However, the thixotropic properties of the sludge may create difficulties when
starting the dewatering process, specifically when it has not been operational for periods greater
than 12 hours.
4.2 Progressive Cavity Pump and Polymer System
The sludge feed pump suction is located at approximate elevation of 801.5 feet. Thus, the
operator shall, at a minimum, allow for the pumps to have a flooded suction. For operation of
the dewatering system, the tank from which the operator elects to process solids should have a
water level sufficient to overcome the head loss, which is minimal due to the low velocity in the
8 inch pipe, and the viscous/thixotropic properties of the sludge._ The pressure of the tanks
should read on the pressure gauge on the suction side of the pump to indicate to the operator that
sufficient head is present for beginning the dewatering process. It is recommended that the tank
water level be at a minimum elevation of 805 feet for the startup of the dewatering system.
Continuous use by the operator and logging of startup data should allow the operator to increase
or decrease this water level for startup dependent upon the comfort level with the sludge
consistency and backpressure on the pump.
Upon process initiation, the sludge (plug) valve from the thickener which is to be utilized for
sludge dewatering shall be opened. The operator shall fluidize the influent sludge line by turning
on the water connection at the suction of the pump. The water will provide lubrication of the pipe
for improved sludge conveyance.
3

Sludge Handling System
Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant Recommended Operations Protocol
The pressure gauge on the suction side of the pump shall be utilized to determine when sufficient
head pressure has built up behind the pump for startup. The operator may replace the existing
pressure gauge with a combination vacuum gauge to insure that a vacuum has not been created,
thereby protecting the progressive cavity pumps from running dry. The operator may elect to
wait until adequate sludge consistency is being conveyed to the screw press before initiating
polymer system injection.
Reducing the polymer injection prior to the sludge becoming consistency may waste costly
polymer. Once the sludge is actively being conveyed in the piping system, the polymer injection
can be initiated. All water and inconsistent sludge content prior to polymer injection and the
dewatering of the sludge shall flow as designed to the yard drain pump station that recycles the
contents to the thickener.
Additional flushing quick connections near the thickener on the conveyance piping are
recommended should plugging of the line become frequent during shut down periods. Existing
connections to the 8 inch pipe make this connection easily constructed and the conveyance line
cleared with the water pressure of the line. The thickener level must be elevated to force the
water pressure to move and lubricated around the sludge travelling toward the pump, in lieu of
simply filling the tank where the pressure may be lower.
4.3 Screw Press and Conveyance
After initiation of the process and confirmation of active sludge movement with consistency, the
process may then be operated and controlled by the Huber controller. The controller is designed
to operate the polymer system, dewatering system and dried -solids conveyance system.
5.0 SYSTEM TERMINATION
Process termination is another critical component of the operations. Due to the known properties
of water treatment sludge, issues may develop in the feed piping that cause difficulties during the
subsequent startup. Operators shall fluidize the sludge feed line, and process sludge to the drain
through the screw press._ The wasted water and sludge will then be recycled back to the
thickener through the yard drain pump station. The feed line pressure gauge shall be monitored
and the pressure supplied by the water should increase the pressure in the line to indicate good
fluidization.
6.0 TESTING AND REPORTING
It is recommended that multiple data entries be logged with each startup. These factors will aid
in the optimization of the process not only by present operators but by future operations staff.
The entries should include, but not be limited to:
1. Thickener utilized for dewatering process (1 or 2);
4

A 4�
1
a
� � A
Sludge Handling System
Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant Recommended Operations Protocol
2. Water elevation in thickener at startup;
3. Time between shutdown and startup;
4. Percent solids influent;
5. Polymer usage;
6. Average sludge flow rate;
7. Percent solids processed;
S. Process run time;
9. Faults encountered during processing;
10. Total sludge volume processed;
11. Thickener run times; and
12. Sludge line pressure.
Data logging, whether in the PLC or in tabular form, allows operators to constructively
troubleshoot. Process optimization is made more efficient, and quality information becomes
readily accessible to management purposes.- Many other data points should also be evaluated
and the operator should use good judgment in determining the necessary additional points to
monitor.
The operator shall utilize the data log to make decisions on the run times for the thickener
mechanisms._ It is likely that the thickener should not be run at all times, as the thickening of the
alum sludge when not processing solids may create a consistency that is difficult to convey and
process. In addition, the solids may be forced into the lower elevations of the pipe between the
thickener and the feed pump and become consolidated creating problems for the subsequent
startup. Other actions that aids in the clearing of this sludge line are the flushing of the line prior
to process termination and utilizing the available head pressure in the tanks to feed the pumps.
Modifications to the sludge handling process operations protocol shall be made as data becomes
available for analysis. Improved comprehension of the specific installation through the data
collected shall provide improved operations.
7.0 SUMMARY
The sludge handling system shall be operated to meet the requirement for delivery of the
dewatered product to the local landfill. The operations staff must be cognizant of the
aforementioned items to provide a system that functions properly and efficiently as designed.
Data shall be recorded and tracked so that changes can be made to the sludge handling system. It
is recommended that process changes be made immediately when the sludge handling system is
not operating as intended. These changes shall be at the discretion of the operator responsible
for the system at that time. Efficient sludge handling operations at the Lincoln County Water
Treatment Plant is an integral process to the overall treatment process and shall be operated with
the recommendations provided, data collected and experience gained while the sludge handling
system is in operation.
5