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Home My WebLink AboutNC0000272_Permit (Issuance)_20241002 Blank Page Blank Page SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge are hereby revoked. As of this permit 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. Blue Ridge Paper Products, Inc. dba Evergreen Packaging is hereby authorized to: Continue operation of a 4.9 MGD wastewater treatment plant for the treatment of wastewater associated with the Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. pulp and paper mill, landfill leachate, the Town of Canton’s municipal wastewater, stormwater runoff, and recovered treated groundwater, black liquor, and fuel oil associated with the EPA Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action [AOC] (CERCLA Docket No. CERCLA-04-2024-7000). The treatment system consists of the following treatment units: Grit Chamber Bar Screen Lift Pumps Polymer addition pH control ( CO2 injection or H2SO4 backup) Three primary clarifiers Nutrient Feed Aeration basins Three secondary clarifiers Residual belt presses Effluent flow measurement Cascade post aeration with oxygen injection Instream oxygen injection facilities The facility is located at the Canton Mill WWTP, off Highway 215, Canton, Haywood County, and; Discharge treated wastewater from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map through outfall 001 into the Pigeon River, which is classified C water, in the French Broad River Basin. Part I A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq., 02B.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge treated industrial, municipal, groundwater, stormwater, and landfill wastewater through outfall(s) 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored6 by the Permittee as specified below: Effluent Characteristics Limits Monitoring Requirements Monthly Average Daily Maximum Measurement Frequency Sample Type Sample Location1 Flow 4.9 MGD Continuous Recording I or E1 BOD, 5-day, 20°C 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I, E1 Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I, E1 NH3-N, mg/L Daily Composite E1 Color7, PCU, mg/L Daily Composite E1 Dissolved Oxygen2, mg/L Daily Grab E1 Temperature, °C Daily Grab E1 pH3 Daily Grab E1 Conductivity, µmho/cm Daily Grab E1 Fecal Coliform 200/100 mL 400/100 mL Weekly Grab E1 Total Nitrogen (NO2-N + NO3-N + TKN), mg/L Monthly Composite E1 Total Phosphorus, mg/L Monthly Composite E1 Chronic Toxicity4 Quarterly Composite E1 Total Hardness, mg/L Monthly Composite E1 40 Applicable PFAS compounds See Footnote 10 Semi-annually Grab E1 Conductivity5, µmho/cm Weekly Grab Pigeon River Fecal Coliform5,9 Weekly Grab Pigeon River Color5,7, mg/L Weekly Grab Pigeon River Dissolved Oxygen5, mg/L Weekly Grab Pigeon River Footnotes: Sample Location: I- Influent, E1 – Effluent, Pigeon River - Instream sampling as specified in A. (5.) Instream Monitoring Special Condition. The daily average effluent dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 6.0 mg/L. The pH of the effluent shall not be less than 6.0 nor greater than 9.0 (on the standard units scale). Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia dubia) at 12.7% Effluent Concentration: March, June, September, December (see A. (2.) Chronic Toxicity Permit Limit). See A. (3.) Instream Monitoring Special Condition. The permittee shall submit Discharge Monitoring Reports electronically using NC DWR’s eDMR application system. Please See Special Condition A. (5.). All samples collected for color analysis and for use in the above calculation shall be measured and reported using the procedure referenced in 39 FR 430.11 (b) (May 29, 1974) true and apparent color or as amended by the EPA. The temperature of the effluent will be regulated so that the temperature of the receiving stream does not increase more than 2.8°C (5.05°F) above the natural water temperature and does not exceed a maximum of 32°C (89.6°F). The facility shall conduct separate Fecal Coliform monitoring for the Town of Canton Influent and the facility’s influent to determine the cause of fecal coliform limit violations. The facility shall employ method 1633 for analyzing PFAS compounds (version December 1, 2024). See Special Condition A. (9.). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. The facility shall complete and submit EPA Form 2C for this Outfall no later than 6 months from the effective date of the permit and submit it to the Industrial NPDES permitting Unit. Definitions: MGD – Million gallons per day lb/day – Pounds per day mL – Milliliter BOD – Biochemical Oxygen Demand (g/L - Micrograms per liter PCU – Platinum Cobalt Units A. (2.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT [15A NCAC 02B.0200 et seq.] The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant mortality to Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 12.7%. The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterly monitoring using test procedures outlined in the “North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure,” Revised December 2010, or subsequent versions or “North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure” (Revised- December 2010) or subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of March, June, September, and December. 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. If the quarterly test procedure results in a failure or ChV below the permit limit, then multiple-concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum, in each of the two following months as described in “North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure” (Revised-December 2010) or subsequent versions. All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the months in which tests were performed, using the parameter code TGP3B for the pass/fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value. Additionally, DWR Form AT-3 (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 Or, results can be sent to the email, ATForms.ATB@deq.nc.gov. 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, accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical measurements and all concentration/response data, and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved designate signature. 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 a month in which toxicity monitoring is required, 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, monitoring will be required during the following month. Assessment of toxicity compliance is based on the toxicity testing month. Should any test data from this monitoring requirement 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, minimum control organism reproduction, 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. A. (3.) INSTREM MONITORING [15A NCAC 02B.0500 et seq.] Stream Designation Mile Marker Location Description Parameter Frequency UP DN1 63.8 62.9 Pigeon River upstream of the waste treatment plant outfall (prior to mixing with the discharge) Pigeon River at Fiberville Bridge D.O. Fecal Coliform Temperature D.O. Conductivity Color Fecal Coliform Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly All instream samples shall be grab. The permittee shall submit Discharge Monitoring Reports electronically using NC DWR’s eDMR application system. Please See Special Condition A. (5.). All samples collected for color analysis and for use in the above calculation shall be measured and reported using the procedure referenced in 39 FR 430.11 (b) (May 29, 1974) true and apparent color or as amended by the EPA. A. (4.) TOWN OF CANTON INFLOW and INFILTRATION [NCGS 143-215.1] The permittee shall make continued efforts to promote reduction of inflow/infiltration to the Town of Canton's wastewater collection system. A. (5.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS [G.S. 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 Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)] 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 DENR / 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. Starting on December 21, 2025, 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). Electronic Submissions In accordance with 40 CFR 122.41(l)(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.gov/compliance/final-national-polluta nt-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule. Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the “Reporting Requirements” section above. 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://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) 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. 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://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr Certification. Any person submitting an electronic DMR using the state’s eDMR system shall make the following certification [40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED: "I 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 of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." Records Retention [Supplements Section D. (6.)] 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]. A. (6.) MIXING ZONE [NCGS 143-215.1] The mixing zone is defined as 0.4 miles between the diffuser and the Fiberville Bridge. (7.) ENGINEERING ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS (EAA) [15A NCAC 02H .0105] Prior to adding new wastewater sources to the existing discharge, the new owner must submit the Engineering Alternatives Analysis (EAA) for this facility to justify the flow. Guidance for the EAA is available to download from the Division’s website - https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/permitting/npdes-wastewater/permitting-process#Apply_NPDES The Permittee shall submit two copies of the EAA to the Division’s Central Office at the following address: NC Division of Water Resources NPDES Industrial Permitting Unit Supervisor 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 (8.) MAJOR MODIFICATION APPLICATION [40 CFR 122.63] Prior to adding new wastewater sources to the existing discharge, the Permittee must submit the Major Modification Application, including full characterization of the proposed waste stream (EPA Form 1 and EPA Form 2C). The Permittee shall submit two copies of the Major Modification Application to the Division’s Central Office at the following address: NC Division of Water Resources NPDES Industrial Permitting Unit Supervisor 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 (9.) PFAS MONITORING IN THE EFFLUENT [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] Monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall be conducted using the most current EPA method 1633 (version January 31, 2024) and shall include all target analytes listed under Table 1 of the method until such time as the EPA publishes a 40 CFR part 136 Final PFAS Method for wastewater in the Federal Register, after which monitoring of PFAS shall be conducted using the approved Final PFAS Method. Monitoring takes effect the first full calendar quarter following three (3) months after the effective date of the permit (December 1, 2024) and will be at a semi-annually frequency. Appendix A has been added to the permit to identify the current parameters listed under Table 1 of the Method 1633 Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) (EPA, December 2024), in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples and the appropriate PCS codes for use when reporting in the electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs). The list of parameters may also be found at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-01/method-1633-final-for-web-posting.pdf For eDMR reporting, PFAS monitoring shall be reported under reporting outfall location PFAS1. Until PFAS monitoring is conducted using the approved Final PFAS Method for wastewater, the Permittee shall include a qualifier in their PFAS reports noting, “Draft Method 1633 used – certification waived.” Please note that specific considerations and protocols are required to avoid cross-contamination and minimize sample bias for PFAS. A current listing of laboratories accredited to perform EPA Draft Method 1633 can be found here: https://www.denix.osd.mil/edqw/accreditation/accreditedlabs/index.html. To view the labs, search for ‘Draft EPA Method 1633’ under Methods. Please note that different labs are accredited for different matrices. NOTES - Sampling and Analytical: • The analytical methods should be the most recent versions of the analytical method(s) stated above. Sampling must be planned so that required holding times for analytical methods are met. • EPA Draft Method 1633 is multi-lab validated with the 4th draft. Using one of the analytical laboratories included above will allow consistency in analytical method and in anticipation of a final method. • The Division considers “J” flag values valid and relevant in the decision-making process and hence all “J” flag values should be reported. • Laboratories approved for Aqueous matrix may be utilized. Please note that the lab used does not have to be physically in the State of North Carolina. Appendix A. PFAS Target Analytes EPA Method 1633 Target Analyte Name Abbreviation CAS Number Parameter Code Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids Perfluorobutanoic acid PFBA 375-22-4 51522 Perfluoropentanoic acid PFPeA 2706-90-3 51623 Perfluorohexanoic acid PFHxA 307-24-4 51624 Perfluoroheptanoic acid PFHpA 375-85-9 51625 Perfluorooctanoic acid PFOA 335-67-1 51521 Perfluorononanoic acid PFNA 375-95-1 51626 Perfluorodecanoic acid PFDA 335-76-2 51627 Perfluoroundecanoic acid PFUnA 2058-94-8 51628 Perfluorododecanoic acid PFDoA 307-55-1 51629 Perfluorotridecanoic acid PFTrDA 72629-94-8 51630 Perfluorotetradecanoic acid PFTeDA 376-06-7 51531 Perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid PFBS 375-73-5 52602 Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid PFPeS 2706-91-4 52610 Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid PFHxS 355-46-4 52605 Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid PFHpS 375-92-8 52604 Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid PFOS 1763-23-1 52606 Perfluorononanesulfonic acid PFNS 68259-12-1 52611 Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid PFDS 335-77-3 52603 Perfluorododecanesulfonic acid PFDoS 79780-39-5 52632 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acids 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid 4:2FTS 757124-72-4 52607 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid 6:2FTS 27619-97-2 52608 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid 8:2FTS 39108-34-4 52609 Perfluorooctane sulfonamides Perfluorooctanesulfonamide PFOSA 754-91-6 51525 N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide NMeFOSA 31506-32-8 52641 N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide NEtFOSA 4151-50-2 52642 Target Analyte Name Abbreviation CAS Number Parameter Code Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acids N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid NMeFOSAA 2355-31-9 51644 N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid NEtFOSAA 2991-50-6 51643 Perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanols N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoethanol NMeFOSE 24448-09-7 51642 N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoethanol NetFOSE 1691-99-2 51641 Per- and Polyfluorother carboxylic acids Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid HFPO-DA 13252-13-6 52612 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid ADONA 919005-14-4 52636 Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid PFMPA 377-73-1 PF002 Perlfuoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid PFMBA 863090-89-5 PF006 Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid NFDHA 151772-58-6 52626 Ether sulfonic acids 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid 9Cl-PF3ONS 756426-58-1 PF003 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid 11Cl-PF3OUdS 763051-92-9 PF004 Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid PFEESA 113507-82-7 52629 Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids 3-Perfluoropropyl propanoic acid 3:3FTCA 356-02-5 PF001 2H,2H,3H,3H-Perfluorooctanoic acid 5:3FTCA 914637-49-3 PF007 3-Perfluoroheptyl propanoic acid 7:3FTCA 812-70-4 PF005