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NC0003425_Comments on Draft Permit_20170222
SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER Telephone 919-967-1450 601 WEST ROSEMARY STREET, SUITE 220 Facsimile 919-929-9421 CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516-2356 February 22, 2017 VIA EMAIL AND U.S. MAIL Mr. S. Jay Zimmerman, Director DENR Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, N.C., 27699-1617 jay.zimmerman@ncdenr.gov publiccomments@ncdenr.gov FEB 2 7 2017 ' J ' Re: Draft NPDES Wastewater Permit — Roxboro Steam Station, # NC0003425 Dear Mr. Zimmerman: On behalf of the Roanoke River Basin Association (the "Association"), we submit the following comments on the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permit noticed for public comment by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ "), Division of Water Resources ("DWR"), which purports to allow Duke Energy Progress LLC ("Duke Energy") to discharge unlimited pollution into Hyco Lake, tributary streams, and waters of North Carolina and the United States. In 2016, we submitted comments on a previous version of this permit, and the comments we submitted then remain applicable to this new draft of the permit, except as modified below. This letter repeats those comments where appropriate and adds additional comments on the new draft. As set forth below, the proposed permit violates the Clean Water Act ("CWA") because, among other things: it allows unlimited pollution of Hyco Lake by a host of coal ash pollutants; it authorizes a wastewater treatment facility to malfunction and leak wastewater; it illegally turns North Carolina streams, a river, and a part of Hyco Lake into wastewater ditches with no clean water protections; it puts in place overly lax and ineffective limits for some toxic pollutants; and it reduces substantially clean water protections that have been contained in NPDES permits for the Roxboro facility for years. This proposed permit tries to allow Duke Energy to dump the water out of its Roxboro coal ash lagoons into Hyco Lake without adequate protections for many toxic substances; to legalize Duke Energy's longstanding violations of the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law; Charlottesville • Chapel Hill • Atlanta • Asheville • Birmingham • Charleston • Nashville • Richmond • Washington, DC 100% recycled paper and to allow Duke Energy leave its coal ash in unlined pits that will pollute Person County for decades to come. Over 160 commenters submitted written comments on the earlier draft NPDES permits for Roxboro and Duke's nearby Mayo coal ash sites, over 98% of which called for stricter standards and more cleanup at these sites, in addition to the scores of citizens who commented at the public hearing. DEQ should heed the clear message of these commenters and the specific points raised in RRBA's comments on the 2016 and 2017 draft permits, to require Duke Energy to remove its coal ash from the unlined, leaking pits at these sites and impose stricter, technology-based limits on coal ash pollutants until all the ash can be removed. I. Introduction At Roxboro, Duke Energy stores approximately 19.5 million tons of coal ash in two unlined lagoons — the East and West Ash Basins — and millions more in unlined landfill and fill areas, all on the banks of Hyco Lake in Person County. This coal ash pollutes the groundwater at the site, and according to the data in Duke Energy's Comprehensive Site Assessment (CSA) and Corrective Action Plans (CAP), it sits up to 73 feet below the groundwater table in the West Ash Basin and up to 79 feet below the groundwater table in the East Ash Basin. The East Ash Basin is 50 years old, and the West Ash Basin is over 40 years old. Their waters are held back only by leaking dikes made of earth. The coal ash lagoons are authorized to discharge wastewater only through a single outlet into Hyco Lake, The East Ash Basin impounds and -partially buries two unnamed tributary streams that flow to Hyco Lake. The waste boundary of the East Ash Basin does not include the area now referred to by Duke Energy as the "Eastern Extension" — this is an impounded stream outside the berm of the ash basin and outside the basin's waste boundary. Duke Energy employees have confirmed under oath that this "Extension" area plays no role in the wastewater treatment system at Roxboro. The West Ash Basin impounds and partially buries Sargents River (also called Sargents Creek), which has been rerouted and wrongly labeled as a discharge canal, and which carries pollutants from the West Ash Basin and dumps them into Hyco Lake. Duke Energy has also wrongly appropriated a portion of Hyco Lake — like Sargents River, a water of the United States and of North Carolina — into its wastewater treatment system. The West Ash Basin does not include the "Extension" area south of the filter dike; this is an impounded portion of Sargents River that is not part of the waste treatment system at Roxboro. Hyco Lake is an important water, recreational, fishing, and economic resource for North Carolina, the region, and Person County. Families live along the lake. Local residents, people who live in surrounding communities, and visitors from other areas fish, swim, and boat in and on the Lake. Hyco Lake provides habitat for bald eagles and other wildlife. However, Hyco Lake has been seriously harmed by the pollution from Duke Energy's coal ash lagoon. Over the years, coal ash pollution from the Roxboro plant has devastated the fish population, requiring long-term fish consumption advisories and leading EPA to identify the 2 site as a proven ecological damage case. In recent years, sampling of Hyco Lake's surface water, sediments, and fish tissue has continued to show elevated levels of coal ash contaminants including arsenic, boron, selenium, aluminum, copper, and others. The contaminated groundwater at Roxboro flows directly into Hyco Lake, making it an additional source of unpermitted surface water pollution. Since at least 2010, DEQ has known of contaminated groundwater discharging "heavy metals" to surface waters at Roxboro. See Email from J. Zimmerman to D. Watts (Mar. 10, 2010), Attachment 1. Moreover, as set out above, Duke Energy has illegally taken Sargents River and a bay of Hyco Lake and made them part of its wastewater treatment system. As a result, untreated coal ash polluted water flows directly into the River from the coal ash basins and then into the Lake. This unlawful design denies Hyco Lake and Sargents River the protections of the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law. On August 16, 2013, DEQ filed a verified complaint with the Wake County Superior Court which set out that Duke Energy is discharging pollutants without authorization from unpermitted discharges it constructed at Roxboro. Further, it has been discovered that Duke Energy's Roxboro coal ash lagoons have additional illegal leaks. DEQ's complaint also set out under oath that Duke Energy has violated groundwater standards at Roxboro. DEQ stated — under oath — that Duke Energy's unpermitted engineered discharges at Roxboro violate state law and that "without ... taking corrective action," these seeps "pose[] a serious danger to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of North Carolina and serious harm to the water resources of the State." Verified Complaint & Motion for Injunctive Relief, State of North Carolina ex rel. N.C. DENR, DWQ v. Duke Energy Progress, LLC, No. 13 CVS 11032 (Wake Co., August 16, 2013) (Attachment 2), at 1204. As a result, DEQ asked the court to enter a permanent injunction requiring Duke "to abate the violations of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1, [and] NPDES Permits" at Roxboro. Id. Prayer for Relief ¶ 2. Since filing this complaint, however, DEQ has done nothing to require Duke Energy to stop violating the law and its permit at Roxboro. Further, DEQ's action proposes nothing to protect,Sargents River or the bay of Hyco Lake from Duke Energy's coal ash pollution. Rather than following through on its sworn statements and publicly -announced intention to obtain injunctive relief and corrective action, DEQ is now proposing to grant Duke amnesty for the leaks emerging from its coal ash wastewater treatment lagoon. Duke Energy has faced extensive public pressure and litigation by the Association and other community organizations in North Carolina to force Duke Energy to address its primitive unlined and leaking coal ash storage in North Carolina. In May of 2015, Duke Energy operating companies, including the owner of the Roxboro coal ash lagoons, pleaded guilty 18 times to 9 coal ash crimes across North Carolina. These crimes included unpermitted coal ash lagoon discharges very much like those flowing from the Roxboro coal ash lagoons. Duke Energy operating companies paid a $102 million fine, and they are under nationwide criminal probation. Under court orders, the criminal plea agreement, statutes, regulatory requirements, and settlement agreements with conservation groups, Duke Energy is now required to excavate all the coal ash from unlined coal ash pits at 8 of its 14 coal ash storage sites in North Carolina, plus all its sites in South Carolina. In addition, in response to this intense public and legal pressure and stronger legal and regulatory requirements, Duke Energy will empty the water, to the extent that can be done, from all its coal ash lagoons in North Carolina. However, at Roxboro and five other coal ash storage sites in North Carolina, Duke Energy has refused to commit to removing the ash from its unlined, leaking, polluting, and dangerous primitive coal ash pits. Instead, Duke Energy hopes to be able to pump the coal ash polluted water out of its leaking lagoons into nearby lakes and rivers and then leave its polluting coal ash in the groundwater in unlined pits near waterbodies, where the coal ash will continue to pollute the state's waters forever. Duke Energy cannot leave its polluting coal ash in place at Roxboro under the terms of its existing NPDES permit. The Roxboro coal ash pits leak, and they pollute Hyco Lake and its tributary waterways — all in open violation of the Clean Water Act and the NPDES permit. DEQ has allowed this illegal pollution to continue without taking any effective action to stop it. Instead, DEQ now proposes to change Duke Energy's NPDES permit to legalize coal ash pollution that has been illegal for decades. At the same time, DEQ tries to give Duke Energy a pass on complying with the Clean Water Act when it pumps its coal ash polluted water into Hyco Lake by imposing no limits on many toxic pollutants for the millions of gallons of coal ash polluted water Duke Energy will pump out of its' coal ash lagoons to then flow into Hyco Lake. This proposed permit fails to protect the public and public waters, and it violates the Clean Water Act. DEQ should require that Duke adopt the best available technology to .treat the coal ash polluted water before it is dumped into Sargents River and Hyco Lake, as DEQ has required at other coal ash sites in Wilmington and Charlotte; should require Duke Energy to stop the leaks and discharges of polluted wastewater; and should require Duke Energy remove the coal ash and wastewater from the lagoon, with adequate protections of Hyco Lake and its tributaries. II. Permit Comments A. The Proposed Permit Violates the Clean Water Act Because It Does Not Protect Hyco Lake and Is Inconsistent with Other Permits Issued by DEQ. (1) Dumping Coal Ash pollution into Hyco Lake and Sargents River from Duke Energy's Coal Ash Lagoons The proposed Roxboro permit is written to allow Duke Energy to pump all its coal ash polluted water from the Roxboro coal ash lagoons into Hyco Lake. Part I, Sections A. (2.) & (3.). Millions of gallons of coal ash polluted water will be pumped into Hyco Lake during the so-called "decanting" and "dewatering" phases, over,a period of weeks or months. 4 The 2017 Draft Permit contains some 'improvements over the 2016 Draft Permit. The 2017 Draft requires that the decanting/dewatering of the Roxboro lagoons will include treatment by "physical -chemical treatment," but without defining what that term means. The 2017 Draft also requires monitoring — but places no limits — for arsenic, molybdenum, chromium, and turbidity during decanting/dewatering of the coal ash lagoons into Sargents River and the bay of Hyco Lake. Unlike the 2016 Draft Permit, there are limits for thallium where the bay of Hyco Lake (misleadingly referred to by Duke Energy as the heated water discharge canal) opens into the remainder of Hyco Lake (Outfall 003), but no limits for coal ash pollutants at Outfall 002, further along the rerouted portion of Sargents River, just before it joins the bay of Hyco Lake. The permit contains no monitoring or limits for the point source discharges of pollutants out of the south end of the West Ash Basin at the filter dike into Sargents River. It is important to emphasize that Sargents River is part and parcel of the water system of Hyco Lake. It flows directly into Hyco Lake, and its waters are part of what creates the Lake. Therefore, when the coal ash polluted water is dumped into Sargents River, it has entered the water system that forms Hyco Lake. Again, in stark contrast to permits DEQ has issued for other facilities for dewatering, the permit includes NO LIMITS AT ALL on toxic coal ash pollutants when the water polluted by coal ash is pumped from the coal ash lagoons into this water system at the filter dike, and again as it flows through Outfall 002 further along the rerouted Sargents River channel. The permit also contains no limits except for thallium when the coal ash pollution leaves the bay of Hyco Lake and flows into the rest of the Lake at Outfall 003. There are no limits for arsenic, mercury, lead, selenium, boron, barium, chloride, aluminum, copper, or any of the numerous other pollutants associated with coal ash contamination, including those found at elevated levels in Hyco Lake historically and today. Given the high levels of pollution in this wastewater — which has saturated and been steeping in the coal ash for years — and the history of coal ash contamination problems in Hyco Lake, this glaring lack of coal ash pollution limits is unacceptable. Most disturbingly, there are no limits even during the removal of the so-called interstitial water — the water that is mixed in with coal ash. This water is permeated with coal ash and coal ash pollutants, and those pollutants will be further stirred up during the pumping of this water - and the mechanical removal of the ash. To make matters worse, the 2017 Draft Permit doubles the amount of this highly polluted water that can be discharged into the Hyco Lake system every day — to 2 million gallons. For this permit to have real meaning and for it to protect Hyco Lake and the waters of the Roanoke River Basin, there must be meaningful limits upon coal ash pollutants where they enter the water system at the filter dike, and at Outfall 002. And there must be effective limits both when the top layers of coal ash water are pumped out and when the heavily polluted bottom layers are forced out into Sargents River and Hyco Lake. The design of this permit underscores the need for limits for the discharge from the coal ash lagoons into Sargents River. Even with the substantial dilution of the unprotected Sargents River and an entire bay of Hyco Lake, the calculations of DEQ require limits for thallium when the bay of Hyco Lake joins the remainder of Hyco Lake (Outfall 003), and monitoring for a suite of toxic and heavy metal coal ash pollutants (arsenic, selenium, chloride, mercury, antimony, and molybdenum). These requirements for the entrance of the bay into Hyco Lake demonstrate that the coal ash lagoons will discharge large quantities of coal ash pollutants into these waterways, yet the limits and monitoring imposed at the bay entrance provide no protection for the bay itself and the waters flowing into it, and at that point cannot protect the Lake.,. These are not substances that go away. They have for years been building up in the sediments and natural systems of Sargents River and Hyco Lake, and they will continue to do so while Duke Energy merely monitors for them. The only way to protect Hyco Lake, as well as Sargents River, is to impose meaningful limits at the point where these pollutants actually enter into the water system of Hyco Lake. Waiting to monitor or imposing limits where the bay enters the rest of Hyco Lake is simply monitoring and measuring the extent of pollution, after dilution, that should have been eliminated before the coal ash lagoons emptied into this water system. The harm has already been done. There is no treatment system and no reasonable opportunity for a treatment system at a point in the middle of the mouth of the bay (Outfall 003) where it joins the rest of Hyco Lake. Further, to ensure that Hyco Lake is protected, there must also be meaningful limits for the full suite of coal ash pollutants at Outfall 003, where the bay empties into the rest of the Lake. Sampling by Duke Energy of the surface water, sediments, and fish tissue in Hyco Lake reveals elevated levels of coal ash pollutants, including chloride, sulfate, total dissolved solids (TDS), bromide, aluminum, boron, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, strontium, and zinc, among others. Since Duke Energy is required to treat the coal ash polluted water by "physical/chemical treatment," presumably Duke Energy and DEQ believe that Hyco Lake and Sargents River do need protection from the coal ash lagoon water, and that this treatment will remove coal ash pollution to acceptable levels. If so, then why does the draft permit not include express limits? The apparent reason is to deny the citizens of North Carolina, and perhaps DEQ itself, the ability to enforce this permit against Duke Energy if its undefined "physical/chemical treatment" malfunctions or does not remove coal ash pollutants to acceptable levels. DEQ should not adopt a permit that is transparently drafted to deny the rights of North Carolina citizens and to deny even DEQ itself the ability to hold Duke Energy accountable for its pollution of Hyco Lake. (2) Selenium at Outfall 006 Selenium was detected above the water quality standard at Outfall 006, which discharges coal pile runoff into the Hyco Reservoir. In the 2017 Draft Permit, DEQ has improved over the 2016 Draft Permit by including limits for selenium. But while the other pollutants at Outfall 006 are measured twice a month, selenium — a harmful coal ash pollutant — is the sole pollutant measured only monthly. To make the selenium limits effective, Duke Energy should be required to test for selenium when it is testing for the other pollutants, twice a month. Col Also, the 2017 Draft Permit allows Duke Energy to submit key portions of the NPDES application — detailing the pollutants in the discharge — six months after the issuance of the permit. This important information must be provided before a permit is issued. (3) FGD Outfalls Sections A. (10-11) contain provisions governing Duke Energy's internal outfalls for its flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber waste (Outfalls 010-011). This waste contains high concentrations of the most toxic substances associated with coal ash. The 2017 Draft Permit makes clear what may have been implied by the 2016 Draft Permit: there shall be no discharge of untreated FGD blowdown, and there will be collection of pH samples, with the limits for pH contained in a footnote. These sections of the permit appear to contain limits on arsenic, mercury, selenium, and nitrate/nitrite. However, each of these apparent limits is qualified by a footnote, footnote 3. Footnote 3 provides that these limits do not apply until December 31, 2023 — the last possible day for compliance with the federal Effluent Limitation Guideline rule. This date is also beyond the expiration date of this permit, which is only valid for five years. During the intervening six years, in fact there are no limits for arsenic, mercury, and selenium, among other pollutants. The permit's two-stage FGD requirements are nonsensical and ineffective. Section A (10) sets out limits for the existing treatment system. Yet, these limits are not effective until December 31, 2023, when Duke Energy represents it will have installed a new FGD system. Section A (11) sets out limits for a supposedly new and improved FGD system, but the permit limits remain the same. Consequently, the limits for the existing system are meaningless, because they do not apply during the permit term, and the new system provides no improvements in the treatment limits. There are several significant problems with the design of these limits. First, there must be meaningful limits for the current operation of the FGD treatment system until the new system is installed. It makes no sense and denies Hyco Lake and Sargents River any Clean Water Act protections to have absolutely no effective limits for the existing treatment of FGD discharges. There is no reason to wait until the end of 2023 to put in place limits for the currently operating system. Second, the new, improved FGD system should have improved limits. That is the point of installing it, according to the Fact Sheet accompanying the 2017 Draft Permit. Third, by choosing the absolute last day to make limits effective, the 2017 Draft Permit puts the schedule of Duke Energy ahead of the protection of Hyco Lake and Sargents River. The Fact Sheet itself simply adds in an additional six months of delay in case of unforeseen and unspecified permitting delays. Duke Energy and DEQ should ensure that no such delays occur, 7 for the benefit of these important waterways. Further, the Fact Sheet accepts Duke Energy's proposed timeline — a proposal that happens to consume all the time legally available — with only conclusory justifications for these delays. DEQ should require a tighter timeline for Duke Energy that is both reasonable and also protective of these waterways. Fourth, the mercury limits for this FGD waste are unjustifiably high, regardless of when they go into effect. They are 1000% to 1500% higher than comparable mercury limits for the NPDES permits recently issued by DEQ for Duke Energy's Riverbend plant in Charlotte and its Sutton plant in Wilmington. DEQ is simply not providing the same protections to Person County that it is providing to the metropolitan communities of Charlotte and Wilmington. This permit for this rural community should contain the same mercury limits as those permits for major cities. (4) Lack of Clean Water Act Protections These failures to require effective limits on Duke Energy's coal ash pollution betray the public's interest in Hyco Lake and violate the Clean Water Act. .Under the Clean Water Act, polluters must control their discharges of pollutants using the best available technology economically achievable ("BAT"): "such effluent limitations shall require the elimination of discharges of all pollutants if the Administrator finds ... that such elimination is technologically and economically achievable." 33 U.S.C. § 131 l(b)(2)(A). The EPA requires that "'[t]echnology-based effluent limitations shall be established under this subpart for solids, sludges, filter backwash, and other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or control of wastewaters in the same manner as for other pollutants." 40 C.F.R. § 125.3(g). In the absence of promulgated effluent limitation guidelines, the NPDES permit writer must use best professional judgment ("BPJ") to determine the BAT standard applicable to the coal ash discharges at Roxboro. 33 U.S.C. § 1342(a)(1)(B); 40 C.F.R. § 125.3; 15A N.C. Admin. Code 2H.0118. When applying BPJ, "[i]ndividual judgments []take the place of uniform national guidelines, but the technology-based standard remains the same." Texas Oil & Gas Assn v. EPA, 161 F.3d 923 (5th Cir. 1998). In other words, the DWR must operate within strict limits when identifying BAT based on BPJ. The first step in identifying BAT is identifying available technologies. At a minimum, technological availability is "based on the performance of the single best -performing plant in an industrial field." Chem. Mfrs. Ass'n v. EPA, 870 F.2d 177, 226 (5th Cir.) decision clarified on reh'g, 885 F.2d 253 (5th Cir. 1989); see Am. Paper Inst. v. Train, 543 F.2d 328, 346 (D.C. Cir. 1976) (BAT should "at a minimum, be established with reference to the best performer in any industrial category"). In other words, if the technology is being applied by any plant in the industry, it is achievable. See Kennecott v. EPA, 780 F.2d 445, 448 (4th Cir. 1985) ("In setting BAT, EPA uses not the average plant,, but the optimally operating plant, the pilot plant which acts as a beacon to show what is possible"). But determination of technological availability is not limited to a single industrial field. "Congress contemplated that EPA might use technology from other industries to establish the [BAT]." 780 F.2d at 453. International facilities can also be used to define BAT. Am. Frozen Food Inst. v. Train, 539 F.2d 107,132 (D.C. Cir. 1976). EPA's NPDES Permit Writers' Manual states that "BAT limitations may be based on effluent reductions attainable through changes in a facility's processes and operations.... even when those technologies are not common industry practice. "1 Even pilot studies and laboratory studies can be used to establish BAT; the technology need not be in commercial use to be considered available. See Am. Paper Inst. v. Train, 543 F.2d 328, 353 (D.C. Cir. 1976). In sum, BAT requires "a commitment of the maximum resources economically possible to the ultimate goal of eliminating all polluting discharges." EPA v. National Crushed Stone Ass'n, 449 U.S. 64; 74 (1980) (emphasis added). There- can be no doubt that there are technologies available so that Duke Energy can remove large amounts of pollutants from its coal ash polluted water before it is discharged into Hyco Lake. The 2017 Draft Permit recognizes this fact by requiring "physical/chemical treatment," but the Draft Permit does not provide any other definition of what that treatment will be. Without meaningful limits accompanying this unspecified treatment method, the Draft Permit puts in place only a hope that the undefined treatment system will protect the Hycc Lake water system. In fact, DEQ has already imposed such limits for Duke Energy's "decanting" and "dewatering" of its Sutton (Wilmington) facility and its Riverbend (Charlotte) facility. Attachments 3 and 4. Duke Energy is using wastewater treatment technologies to achieve those limits at those locations. These same limits can and should be used for Roxboro. At Roxboro, the same limits that protect the waters of Charlotte and Wilmington should be in this permit to protect the waters of Person County. As well, Dominion Energy in Virginia has in place wastewater treatment facilities at its Bremo facility on the James River and its Possum Point facility on the Potomac, where it is pumping out water from coal ash lagoons. Under agreements with a conservation group and a local county, express limits are in place for the operation of those facilities. Limits should be put in place at Roxboro, also. B. The Proposed Permit Abandons Tributary Streams to Duke Energy's Coal Ash Pollution, in Violation of the Clean Water Act. At Roxboro, an unnamed tributary stream that flows to Hyco Lake is being contaminated with seeps emerging from the east side of the East Ash Basin: This stream is not part of Duke Energy's wastewater treatment system at Roxboro. It is not an authorized outfall or effluent channel in the current NPDES permit, because it is not part of the coal ash wastewater system. See, e.g., Roxboro CSA, Fig. 2-1 (showing that waste boundary for East Ash Basin does not extend into this area, and it is not an outfall). 'EPA, NPDES Permit Writers' Manual (Sept. 20 10) at p. 5-16, available at: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/basics/upload/pwm_2010.pdf. r E Consequently, there is no conceivable justification to designate this pollution of a tributary of Hyco Lake as a supposed "outfall." This flow of pollution is not part of wastewater treatment; it is not a discharge of treated effluent. It is simply a flow of polluted water into a stream that is not part of any wastewater treatment system. The Fact Sheet acknowledges that this "outfall" has not been permitted in recent years and that this is where an old outfall "used to discharge[]." But for years, since there is no wastewater treatment system operating there, this flow of polluted water has not been designated a permitted "outfall." However, now that Duke Energy has had to acknowledge its coal ash pollution of this stream and the seeps flowing into it, and faces liability for this pollution, DEQ is attempting to legalize Duke Energy's illegal pollution of this stream by arbitrarily designating it as. Outfall 001, without any justification other than to legalize this pollution that is unrelated to any wastewater treatment. Duke Energy cannot be allowed to take a free-flowing stream as part of its coal ash discharge system, and DEQ cannot designate such a stream as an outfall. Similarly, the portions of Sargents River south of the West Ash Basin filter dike are not part of the waste treatment system at Roxboro and seep pollution of this river is not authorized by the permit. CSA Fig. 2-1 (showing waste boundary for West Ash Basin). The permit's attempt to legalize the seeps and designate a stream as a wastewater outfall is a clear example of a proposed permit that illegally eliminates or reduces the protections of the nation's waters from pollution. The Clean Water Act's NPDES permitting program is structured around progressive improvements in pollution control over time. The Clean Water Act permit is a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit that is required to make progress towards Congress's "national goal" of eliminating discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States. 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251(a)(1). For this reason, the CWA includes anti -backsliding requirements to ensure that the limits and conditions imposed new or modified NPDES permits for a facility are at least as stringent as those in previous permits. 33 U.S.C. § 1342(0); 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(1)(1) ("[W]hen a permit is renewed or reissued, interim effluent limitations, standards or conditions must be at least as stringent as the final effluent limitations, standards, or conditions in the previous permit ...."). The CWA's anti -backsliding requirements apply to all NPDES permit provisions, not just effluent limits based on BPJ. 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(1)(1); In the Matter of Star-Kist Caribe, Inc., Petitioner, 2 E.A.D. 758 at *3 (E.P.A. Mar. 8, 1989). EPA, NPDES Permit Writers' Manual Chapter 7, § 7.2.2, p. 7-4 (Sept. 2010), available at http://water.epa. gov/polwaste/npdes/basics/upload/pwm_Chapt_07.pdf. The draft permit wrongly abandons the streams at Roxboro to Duke Energy's coal ash pollution. This backsliding is even more egregious because these streams are part of the Dan River and Roanoke River Basins. These'waterways have suffered the most from Duke Energy's coal ash pollution. The Dan River catastrophe dumped over 20 million gallons and 39,000 tons of coal ash into these waterways. Bromide from Duke Energy's coal ash caused carcinogens to 10 enter drinking water systems in these watersheds. The Roanoke River Basin has more leaking Duke Energy coal ash sites than any other part of North Carolina — Belew's Creek, Roxboro, Mayo, and Dan River. It is inexcusable for DEQ to remove protections from the Dan River and the Roanoke River Basins. Moreover, Section A (1) of the 2017 Draft Permit purports to permit this Outfall 001, but allows Duke Energy six months after the issuance of the permit to submit parts of the permit application. DEQ cannot issue a valid permit for coal ash pollution before Duke Energy has submitted a complete application. Moreover, the sections of the application at issue are Items V and VI, which detail the pollutants being discharged. This qualification of the 2017 Draft Permit indicates that Duke Energy and DEQ do not now know what pollutants this"outfall" will discharge into Hyco Lake, and that DEQ would issue this permit before either DEQ or Duke Energy have that knowledge. There are these additional problems with this portion of the permit. There are no limits for a wide range of coal ash pollutants. Such an extraordinary permit provision should at a minimum include strict limits on all coal ash pollutants. As well, without any justification, the permit provides that monthly sampling will fall to quarterly sampling after a year. Any reduction in the frequency of sampling should be based on the facts gathered over the first year of the . permit's operation, and should not be automatically assumed. C. The "Extension" Areas Adjacent to the East and West Ash Basins Are Not Permitted. DEQ's NPDES permit scheme includes the monitoring of compliance boundaries for groundwater contamination around the treatment facility. Duke Energy is now attempting to change its waste boundary and the delineation of its "waste treatment units" to encompass the "extension" areas outside its West and East Ash Basins in order to get the benefit of a compliance boundary around them to authorize unlimited groundwater contamination in these areas. Duke Energy, Ash Basin Extension Impoundments and Discharge Canals Assessment Work Plan (August 2016), at Fig. 1-2. Duke Energy has identified coal ash outside its permitted waste treatment facility, but rather than clean up this unpermitted source of groundwater and surface water pollution, Duke Energy is requesting that DEQ redraw its boundaries to incorporate and legalize this unpermitted coal ash waste and pollution. Id. at 2-4. There is no justification for such a request. These areas have been separated from the ash basins for decades. Id. at ES -l. They play no role in the waste treatment system at Roxboro, as a Duke Energy employee has testified under oath. Nor are they included within the waste boundary in Duke Energy's Comprehensive Site Assessments, Corrective Action Plans, and other CAMA filings. In other words, Duke Energy has acknowledged repeatedly that these areas are not part of its coal ash impoundments and the waste treatment system at Roxboro. Thus, there is no justification for weakening the permit by arbitrarily redrawing the waste boundaries, treatment unit boundaries, and/or compliance boundaries at Roxboro to allow unlimited pollution of these waters. 11 D. The Draft Permit Would Give Duke Energy Amnesty for Its Unlawful Activity and Illegally Authorize the Roxboro Waste Water Treatment Plant to Leak. The Roxboro coal ash lagoons are permitted as a wastewater treatment facility. They are required to contain and treat wastewater and to discharge the treated water (presumably with pollutants removed) from a defined and designed outfall. In this case, the Roxboro wastewater treatment facility malfunctions by leaking and discharging untreated polluted wastewater from undesigned holes in the wastewater treatment facility. These leaks violate the basic purpose and basic provisions of the existing and all prior permits, even provisions that remain in the draft permit. This draft permit authorizes the operation of an "ash pond treatment system" that must be "properly operated and maintained." Draft Permit Section I.A. (2-3); II.C. (2). Of course, a properly operated and maintained wastewater treatment plant discharges only as designed and does not spring leaks from its sides and bottom. In other words, a wastewater treatment facility cannot operate properly or legally if it receives wastewater and then spews it into the environment, and into the waters of the state and the United States, outside the designed treatment system. By malfunctioning in that way, a wastewater treatment facility would be a wastewater transmission facility, leaking and disposing of dirty wastewater into the surrounding environment. But that is what this draft permit tries to allow. It tries to legalize defects in the wastewater treatment facility — flows of untreated wastewater containing coal ash pollutants — that have been illegal since the first NPDES permit was issued for this facility. Draft Permit Section A. (1.). And it even proposes to legalize future failures in the wastewater treatment facility, if it cracks or springs a leak in the future. Section A. (15.) ("Discharge from Seepage") There is no justification for these changes. No aspect of Duke Energy's wastewater treatment system requires a new outfall to Hyco Lake that legalizes the seeps; on the contrary, its system is leaking in the same way it has illegally leaked for years. DEQ is simply attempting to legalize Duke Energy's ongoing, illegal discharges. As set out above, this attempt violates the anti -backsliding requirements of the Clean Water Act. As set out below, this attempt violates the Clean Water Act requirement that Duke Energy use the best available technology to eliminate its pollution of United States and North Carolina waters, because it does not require excavation of the coal ash. This approach further violates the BAT requirement, in that the draft permit would allow Duke Energy to avoid using key components of even its existing, minimal treatment technology of settling out pollutants in the lagoons and skimming discharge water from the top and/or using a filter dike prior to discharge from the permitted outfalls. This is an impermissible step backwards from using available treatment technology, and accordingly it violates the CWA's BAT requirements. 12 The Fact Sheet for the 2016 Draft Permit asserted without any justification that "precipitation, adsorption, and settling" — that is, the use of an unlined coal ash lagoon that is intended to contain the ash and accompanying pollutants, but that has failed and is failing to do so — "has been determined by NC to be BAT for this facility." Fact Sheet at 2. A lagoon that has contaminated the groundwater for years, and is known to leak and seep, could not possibly represent BAT for this facility. DEQ made the same statement in its fact sheet for the H.F. Lee draft NPDES wastewater permit in 2013, yet Duke Energy subsequently determined that — far from being BAT— the H.F. Lee coal ash lagoons were "not suited" for the long-term storage of coal ash and needed to be fully excavated. Duke Energy, Safe Basin Closure Update, https://www. duke -energy. com/Assets/apps/map-ash- management/img/pdf/SafeBasinClosureUpdate—HFLee.pdf. Moreover, the West Ash Basin at Roxboro is located in a flood plain, just like the H.F. Lee basins. The Fact Sheet for the 2017 Draft Permit deletes this statement regarding BAT. It is now recognized that operation of these coal ash lagoons is not BAT for this facility, but instead is an antiquated and failing way to store coal ash and to deal with coal ash pollution. Indeed, Duke Energy has in effect recognized this fact by agreeing to cease operating and to excavate the ash from 10 of its 16 coal ash sites in the Carolinas. Moreover, the closing of all coal ash lagoons and the excavation of 10 of them (to date) have been required by the North Carolina Superior Court, South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Quality, and/or the North Carolina Legislature. Here, there is no evidence that DEQ has analyzed the available technology to control the ash pond discharges, though DEQ now recognizes that the existing facility is not the best available technology. Without the required BPJ analysis.and imposition of meaningful BAT standards, the permit cannot comply with the requirements of the CWA. Further, the permit's attempt to authorize the ongoing leaks of pollution from the Roxboro lagoons violates the basic requirements of the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law, because it purports to issue a permit for a malfunctioning wastewater treatment facility that leaks in undesigned ways and pollutes the surrounding environment with untreated wastewater, rather than treating wastewater before discharge into the environment. A wastewater treatment lagoon contained only by leaking, earthen impoundments is not BAT under any circumstances, and this violation of the requirements of the Clean Water Act is even worse at Roxboro because DEQ is proposing to allow such a primitive facility, the West Ash Basin, to operate entirely within the 100 year flood plain of Hyco Lake, placing the public and our water resources at risk in perpetuity. E. Permitting Waters of the United States as Components of Duke Energy's Private Wastewater System Violates the Clean Water Act and North Carolina Law. DEQ's draft permit for Roxboro designates the stream east of the East Ash Basin as a permitted outfall, Outfall 001. To the extent this Roxboro permit contemplates allowing Duke Energy to take public waters for its private use — either by designating jurisdictional streams as "effluent channels" or otherwise — such an approach is illegal. As jurisdictional waters, such 13 streams cannot be permitted as components of Duke Energy's private wastewater treatment system. DEQ has no legal authority, to convert a stream — a water of the United States and of North Carolina — into a Duke Energy wastewater ditch with no clean water protections. The Clean Water Act provides no mechanism to convert jurisdictional waters into point source discharges. The Clean Water Act "requires permits for the discharge of `pollutants' from any `point source' into `waters of the United States.'" 40 C.F.R. § 122.1(b)(1)(emphasis added). By definition, a "point source" cannot be a "water of the United States"; a point source conveys pollutants to a water of the United States. In sum, jurisdictional waters cannot be point sources. Instead, water quality standards must be met in the jurisdictional waterbody — here, the streams flowing into Hyco Lake. North Carolina law incorporates the, same foundational assumption that a point source cannot be a stream, that is, a water of the United States or of North Carolina. ."Effluent channel means a discernable confined and discrete conveyance which is used for transporting treated wastewater to a receiving stream or other body of water." 15A N.C. Admin. Code 213.0202 (emphasis added). Restated, an effluent channel conveys wastewater to a receiving stream or body of water; the effluent channel cannot itself be the receiving stream. North Carolina law makes this point doubly clear by prohibiting designation of an effluent channel if that channel "contain[s] natural waters except when such waters occur in direct response to rainfall events by overland runoff." 15A N.C. Admin. Code 2B.0228(2). "Natural waters" include ground and surface waters, as does the Clean Water Act. North Carolina law prohibits designation of an effluent channel if that channel contains natural, jurisdictional surface waters. North Carolina law also prohibits designation of an effluent channel if that channel contains groundwater. In other words, an effluent channel can only be designated if that channel would be dry except during rainfall events and as a result of transporting waste water. Streams or seeps'that are jurisdictional surface water tributaries and/or are influenced by natural ground water cannot be designated as "effluent channels." This approach cannot be implemented consistent with federal and state law. The 2017 Draft Permit also violates the Clean Water Act by treating Sargents River and the bay of Hyco Lake as part of Duke Energy's coal ash waste water treatment system. These bodies of water are waters of the United States and North Carolina. Sargents River is a free- flowing water body that existed prior to Duke Energy's Roxboro coal ash facility, and Hyco Lake was formed by damming numerous waters of the United"S-tates and North Carolina, including Hyco River and Sargents River. This Draft Permit does not treat these waterways as waters of the United States and waters of North Carolina entitled to the protections of the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law. Discharges into them are not "internal" outfalls into parts of a wastewater system, but instead unpermitted discharges into waters of the United States and North Carolina. This permit must also give these waterways the full protections -of the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law. 14 F. The Coal Ash Must Be Removed from the Roxboro Unlined Pits to Prevent Illegal Pollution. DEQ is engaging in these illegal contortions in the draft permit in an attempt to dodge its basic responsibility to require Duke Energy to stop its coal ash pollution of waters of North Carolina and the United States. Moreover, there is no excuse for DEQ allowing Duke Energy to continue to operate such a waste treatment system within the 100 -year flood plain of Hyco Lake. Instead of stopping the ongoing pollution and safeguarding the public water resources of North Carolina, DEQ is engaging in various awkward and illegal permit drafting to avoid the obvious solution: to stop the ongoing illegal water pollution from the Roxboro unlined pits and remove the threat of catastrophic failure, Duke Energy must remove its coal ash to its very nearby lined, modern landfill. That is the solution that is being implemented at every utility -owned waterfront coal ash storage site in South Carolina. That is the solution being implemented at eight other Duke Energy coal ash storage sites in North Carolina. At Roxboro and Duke Energy's nearby Mayo facility, Duke has existing lined landfills whose planned capacity would hold the coal ash without any separate landfill construction and with minimal transportation. Moreover, there is ample space for an additional lined landfill on Duke Energy's 6,095 acre parcel at Roxboro. Any NPDES permit issued by DEQ for the Roxboro facility must incorporate the Clean Water Act's requirement of best available technology to eliminate discharges if the facility is capable of achieving such elimination. In this case, all the utilities in the Carolinas, including Duke Energy itself, are already implementing a guaranteed approach to eliminating their discharges: removal of their unlined coal ash to dry, lined landfill storage or recycling. (1) SCE&G In South Carolina, SCE&G had unpermitted seeps and groundwater contamination at its Wateree Station facility on the portion of the Catawba River called the Wateree River. Today, SCE&G is in the midst of removing all its coal ash from unlined lagoons at Wateree Station to safe, dry, lined storage in a landfill away from the Wateree River. SCE&G has already removed over 1 million tons of coal ash from its Wateree facility. In filings with the South Carolina Public Service Commission, SCE&G has publicly stated its commitment to clean up the coal ash at its other facilities in South Carolina as well. Attachment 5, at 26. SCE&G has also stated publicly that its cleanup has had no effect on customer rates. Eric Connor, "Coal ash cleanup: Someone will pay; will it be customers?" Greenville News (Apr. 28, 2014). At the same time, groundwater contamination has dropped by 60 to 90%. (2) Santee Cooper South Carolina's Public Service Authority utility, known as Santee Cooper, has also committed to excavate its coal ash from unlined lagoons and store it in dry, lined landfills or recycle it for concrete. Santee Cooper's Executive Vice President of Corporate Services described the removal and recycling of the unlined coal ash from the lagoons as "cost-effective" 15 and a "triple win" for the utility's customers, the environment, and the local economy. Attachment 6. At last report, Santee Cooper has already removed over 700,000 tons from its Grainger Generating Station in Conway, SC, where unlined coal ash had contaminated the groundwater and adjacent wetlands with arsenic and other pollutants. Attachment 7. Santee Cooper is also moving ahead with excavation from its Jefferies Generating Station in Moncks Corner, SC. David Wren, "Coal ash removal at Santee Cooper's power plants years ahead of schedule," Post & Courier (Jan. 26, 2015). A concrete recycling facility has been built at its Winyah facility to remove and reprocess ash, and a new modern lined landfill is being built to hold ash that is not recycled. Id. Santee Cooper also states that its actions to eliminate the unlined storage of coal ash will have no effect on its rates. Jim Pierobon, "Smart Utilities Know There Are Responsible Solutions for Their Coal Ash Waste," The Energy Fix (Jan. 12, 2015). (3) Duke Energy — South Carolina In April 2015, conservation groups signed an agreement with Duke Energy for Duke to remove all the coal ash from its W.S. Lee facility on the Saluda River in Anderson County, South Carolina. Attachment 8. Duke will remove all the coal ash to dry, lined storage away from the river, including the ash from two leaking lagoons and in an ash storage area near the lagoons. In September 2014, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control entered into a consent enforcement agreement with Duke Energy in which Duke was required to remove coal ash from two other storage areas on the Saluda River's banks at the Lee facility. Attachment 9. Since then, Duke Energy has begun removing ash from the site and has permitted a new, lined landfill for removed ash. Duke Energy's other coal ash site in South Carolina is the H.B. Robinson facility on Lake Robinson and Black Creek in Darlington County, SC. On April 30, 2015, after months of public pressure from conservation groups calling for a cleanup, Duke publicly committed to excavating all the coal ash at Robinson and storing it in a dry, lined landfill on site. Sammy Fretwell, "Duke to clean up toxin -riddled waste pond in Hartsville," The State (Apr. 30, 2015). Duke Energy has moved forward with permitting and constructing a lined landfill to hold the excavated ash. (4) Duke Energy — North Carolina Duke Energy is now required by court order and legislation to remove the ash from seven sites across the state. Recently, after insisting that it had to leave the coal ash in unlined pits at its Buck facility, Duke Energy entered into a settlement agreement with conservation groups requiring it to excavate all the coal ash from the Buck site, either to a lined landfill or to be recycled into concrete. Duke Energy's excavation of 10 sites in two states, totaling approximately 48 million tons of coal ash, is proof positive that dewatering and ash removal are achievable as BAT to stop the ongoing discharges of coal ash pollutants from the Roxboro lagoons. Accordingly, ash removal should be required in the NPDES permit for Roxboro in order to ensure the discharges are stopped. [1r: In sum, excavation and dry, lined storage of coal ash formerly stored in unlined, leaking lagoons is already standard practice among all the major utilities in the Carolinas, and Duke Energy is now required to excavate the ash from 10 of its coal ash sites in the Carolinas. Removal of the ash to dry, lined storage or concrete recycling is not only economically achievable but cost effective, according to the utilities putting these cleanup methods into practice. And it eliminates the continuing seepage into groundwater and surface waters, as well as the risk of a catastrophic dam failure or spill, such as Duke Energy's Dan River spill in February 2014. Accordingly, DEQ must incorporate into the NPDES permit provisions requiring the dewatering and excavation of the unlined coal ash from the leaking unlined pit at Roxboro, in combination with a reasonable schedule of compliance to achieve the Clean Water Act's goal of eliminating the discharge of pollutants to public waters. G. DEQ Has Acknowledged that Zero Discharge Is Attainable for Seeps But Fails to Require that Solution or to Impose Corresponding TBELS or Any Schedule of Completion. DEQ's fact sheet for a draft NPDES permit at another Duke Energy coal ash site, Riverbend, conceded that a zero discharge technological solution is available to Duke Energy to address coal ash seeps, but DEQ has failed to impose TBELs based on that technology. The Riverbend Fact Sheet acknowledged, with respect to seeps, that "[r]eleases of this nature would typically be addressed through an enforcement action requiring their elimination. . . ." Attachment 10, at 3. The draft permit originally proposed by DEQ for Riverbend further recognized the availability of a zero discharge solution — collection and "rerouting the discharge" and "discontinuing the discharge" are available solutions for meeting technology-based effluent limits. Attachment 11, at Condition A(5) n.4. Nonetheless, DEQ requires no action from Duke Energy at Roxboro to address the seeps, but instead proposes in the draft permit simply to allow them to continue. This complete disregard of an acknowledged solution to these uncontrolled discharges does not satisfy the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act. Indeed, DEQ must require compliance with the discharge limits achievable by the implementation of the best available technology now, just as it has in the Sutton NPDES permit. EPA defines a compliance schedule as "a schedule of remedial measures, ... including an enforceable sequence of interim requirements (for example, actions, operations, or milestone events) ...." 40 C.F.R. § 122.2. Under EPA regulations, DWQ may use compliance schedules to achieve "compliance with CWA [Clean Water Act] and regulations ... as soon as possible, but not later than the applicable statutory deadline under the CWA." 40 C.F.R. § 122.47(a)(1)(emphasis added). The Clean Water Act requires dischargers of color pollution to comply with BAT -based effluent limits by March 31, 1989. 33 U.S.C. §131 l(b)(2)(A), (F). Thus, "a permit writer may not establish a compliance schedule in a permit for TBELS [technology-based effluent limits] because the statutory deadlines for meeting technology standards ... have passed." EPA Permit Writers Manual, Section p. 9-8 (2010); see also EPA Permit Writers Manual, Section 9.1.3 p. 148 (1996). 17 H. The Draft Permit Should Promptly Require Dry Handling of All Coal Ash at Roxboro. The permit improperly allows Duke Energy to continue sluicing bottom ash at Roxboro until 2021. Sections A. (2) and (3). The Roxboro facility has utilized dry handling of fly ash since the 1980s, and there is no reason why it needs five additional years to implement dry handling of bottom ash. At other facilities, including Duke Energy's nearby Mayo facility, the dry handling requirement for bottom ash becomes effective in 2018. The 2017 Fact Sheet includes Duke, Energy's proposed timeline, including an added six- month delay for unforeseen permitting delays, as well as other general delays. Since Duke Energy has implemented dry ash handling in many places in its system, including at Roxboro, it is not clear why this long timeline is needed to do something that Duke Energy must have been contemplating for years. DEQ should re-examine and shorten this timeline. I. DEQ Cannot Permit the Existing Seeps or Permit In Advance Unidentified and Thus Unpermitted Discharges. As set out above, not only does the draft permit attempt to authorize the existing seeps and leaks from the coal ash lagoon, it also attempts to put in place in advance a procedure for seeps that have not yet occurred and whose nature is unknown. Draft Permit Section A. (15.). The draft permit refers to modifying the permit to include the new seep, but it does not specify what public notice and comment procedures, if any, will be used for such "modification." In other words, the draft permit tries to give Duke Energy amnesty in advance for these malfunctions of its unlined Roxboro coal ash lagoon. (1) The Draft Permit Violates the CWA's Prohibition on Unpermitted Point Source Discharges. Any non jurisdictional stream of contaminated water discharging from the Roxboro coal ash lagoons to surface waters of the United States is a point source discharge. Rather than, stopping the unlawful discharge, the draft permit impermissibly designates the free-flowing stream that receives these seep discharges as itself being a permitted outfall. Thus, the proposed permit purports to authorize unspecified point source discharges, in violation of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. § 1311(a). Under the CWA, "Every identifiable point that emits pollution is a point source which must be authorized by a NPDES permit...." U.S. v. Tom -Kat Dev., Inc., 614 F. Supp. 613, 614 (D. Alaska 1985) (citing 40 C.F.R. § 122.1(b) (1). Accord U.S. v. Earth Sciences, Inc., 599 F.2d 368,373 (10th Cir. 1979); Legal Envtl Assistance Found., Inc. v. Hodel, 586 F. Supp. 1163, 1168 (E.D. Tenn. 1984); U.S. v. Saint Bernard Parish, 589 F. Supp. 617 (E.D. La. 1984)). The "NPDES program requires permits for the discharge of `pollutants' from any `point source' into `waters of the United States."' 40 C.F.R. § 122.1(b)(1) (emphasis added). Rather than complying with this straightforward requirement of the CWA, the proposed permit instead tries to legalize the existing illegal seeps by creating a single, fictional outfall 18 (001). , And while the 2017 Draft Permit adds monitoring for a number of coal ash pollutants, there still are no limits on many toxic pollutants from these seeps, including lead, mercury, chloride, and many others. Draft Permit Section A. (1.). The permit also attempts to legalize in advance now nonexistent but future occurring unpermitted discharges. The draft permit's authorization of the seeps violates the most basic principles of the Clean Water Act. DEQ itself acknowledges in the Riverbend Fact Sheet that "[t]he CWA NPDES permitting program does not normally envision permitting of uncontrolled releases from treatment systems" and "[r]eleases of this nature would typically be addressed through an enforcement action requiring their elimination rather than permitting." Attachment 10, at 3 (emphasis added). Indeed, DEQ has pending an enforcement action that has identified illegal drains and other unpermitted seep discharges at Roxboro — an enforcement action that DEQ has not diligently prosecuted. Yet, in this draft permit, DEQ attempts to legalize what it has already stated, under oath, is illegal and a serious threat to North Carolina's people and their water quality. (2) The Proposed Permit Attempts to Shield Duke from Further Legal Violations The seeps are prohibited under Duke Energy's current NPDES permit. These "uncontrolled releases" of leaking wastewater should be the subject of an enforcement action requiring their elimination. Indeed, DEQ has filed such an action in state Superior Court for the engineered drains and other identified seeps. Duke Energy's operating companies have pleaded guilty to criminal violations of the Clean Water Act for exactly such unpermitted discharges. DEQ's proposed permit purports to legalize these previously illegal discharges with the stroke of a pen, rather than requiring Duke Energy to take any action to remedy the violations. Even more shockingly, DEQ is proposing to grant Duke amnesty for unknown numbers of future violations of the Clean Water Act as well. This is nothing more than an attempt to shield Duke Energy from having to comply with the laws it has been violating for years. (3) The Draft Permit's Authorization of Future Seeps Violates the CWA's Public Participation Requirements. The draft permit would allow Duke to evade public notice and comment and the opportunity for a public hearing and for judicial review, along with all the other requirements of the state NPDES permitting program, 33 U.S.C. § 1342(b). While the draft permit vaguely states that the permit would be "modified," there is no indication that public notice and comment would be required. Further, the draft permit purports to set out that any new seep would be handled in the same way as the existing seeps — without knowledge as to the nature or circumstances of the new seep. It is beyond the authority of DEQ to authorize new point source discharges without the full procedures of a modification of the NPDES permit with public comment and EPA oversight. EPA's regulations authorize limited administrative changes to an active permit through minor 19 modifications, 40 U.S.C. § 122.63, none of which condone the administrative addition of a new point source discharge, which must be permitted as an NPDES outfall. Nor can DEQ prejudge the way a new point source discharge would be addressed, by simply adding the seep to a list to be addressed in the same way as it proposes to address the existing seeps. This scheme is inconsistent with the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The existing permit and all prior ones are the result of the full agency process, public review, public comment, and the procedures required by the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law. These illegal flows of polluted -water into tributary streams and Hyco Lake, prohibited by the existing permit, cannot be made legitimate by totally changing the permit to allow contaminated water to pop out of this purported wastewater treatment facility and flow into these waterways. It is inconceivable that a permitted wastewater treatment facility would be allowed to repeatedly open up leaks and discharge polluted water from the supposed wastewater treatment lagoons into a public waterway. This proposed option is not law enforcement or pollution elimination at all, but instead an option for the law enforcement agency to try to find a way to make unlawful and polluting activities "permitted" and avoid dealing with the risks to the public. This stratagem should not be adopted by a state agency that has the responsibility of enforcing the law and protecting the State's natural resources and the public interest. Instead, this permit should require the implementation of the proven method of eliminating seeps from these defective wastewater treatment systems — removal of the ash to safe, dry lined storage and appropriate dewatering of the lagoons. J. The Draft Permit is Inconsistent with the Removed Substances Provision. For the same reasons, the proposed permit's attempt to authorize the seeps violates the Clean Water Act's anti -backsliding provisions because it is inconsistent with the Removed Substances provision of the current Roxboro NPDES permit, which provides an important limitation in the permit to prevent the entrance of pollutants removed in the course of settling treatment from entering State and navigable waters. The State of North Carolina has included an important standard condition in its NPDES permits for waste treatment systems like the Roxboro lagoon, known as the Removed Substances provision. The Removed Substances provision of the Roxboro permit, Part II.C.6, provides: "Solids, sludges ... or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or control of wastewaters shall be utilized/disposed of... in a manner such as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering waters of the State or navigable waters of the United States." (emphasis added) This is a common-sense provision to prevent pollutants removed by waste treatment facilities from escaping out into the environment. The Removed Substances provision is an important component of the Clean Water Act's protections, and prevents waters of the United States from being polluted by waste treatment facilities such as the Roxboro coal ash settling lagoon. In the Matter of 539 Alaska Placer Miners, Nos. 1085-06-14-402C & 1087-08-03- 402C, 1990 WL 324284 at *8 (EPA 1990) (inclusion of Removed Substance provision "is based 20 on the simple proposition that there is no way one can protect the water quality of the waters of the U.S if the [polluter] is allowed to redeposit the pollutants collected in his settling ponds"); 40 C.F.R. § 440.148(c) (Removed Substances provisions ensure that "measures shall be taken to assure that pollutants materials removed from the process water and waste streams will be retained in storage areas ") (emphasis added). In the context of the Roxboro permit, the Removed Substances provision is also the implementation of a required permit component under the implementing regulations of the Clean Water Act. The implementing regulations for the Clean Water Act require that "[t]echnology- based effluent limitations shall be established under this subpart for solids, sludges, filter backwash, and other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or control of wastewaters in the same manner as for other pollutants." 40 C.F.R. § 125.3(g). Under the existing permit issued to Duke Energy for the Roxboro plant, DEQ did not set individual TBELs for seeps from the ash basin but rather took the only responsible step, of treating zero liquid discharge as the BAT for contaminated seeps from a coal ash impoundment. That is, consistent with the requirement to set TBELs for pollutants removed by the wastewater treatment ash ponds, the existing permit prohibits any discharge of removed substances to waters of the United States or of North Carolina. DEQ itself has cited Duke Energy for violating the Removed Substances provision by allowing pollutants to enter waters of the State and navigable waters due to uncontrolled releases from Duke Energy's coal ash lagoons at its Dan River facility. In a February 28, 2014 Notice of Violation, DEQ cites the discharge "of coal combustion residuals from the ash pond to the Dan River, class C waters of the State" as violating the Removed Substances provision: "Failure to utilize or dispose solids removed from the treatment process in such a manner as to prevent pollutants from entering waters of the State (Part II, Section C. 6. of NPDES permit)." Part II.C.6 of the Dan River NPDES Permit contains the Removed Substances permit provision. At Roxboro, the draft permit purports to allow pollutants removed in the course of treatment to enter waters of the State and United States via uncontrolled releases that have sprung and that may spring out of the lagoon and start discharging to public waters at any time. As such, the proposed permit violates the Clean Water Act's anti -backsliding requirements in this additional way by attempting to authorize illegal discharges prohibited by the existing permit's Removed Substances Provision. Indeed, there is no indication that DEQ is eliminating the Removed Substances provision from the draft permit; the Removed Substances provision is part of the standard conditions for all NPDES permits in North Carolina. Consequently, this aspect of the draft permit is contrary to this fundamental condition, applicable to all NPDES permits and all wastewater treatment facilities in North Carolina. K. The Draft Permit Threatens the Safety of the Roxboro Dam. By allowing seeps to continue, DEQ is threatening the safety of the Roxboro coal ash dam. DEQ itself has previously acknowledged the danger of seeps for earthen dams at Roxboro. 21 In 2010, DEQ issued a dam safety Notice of Inspection of another earthen dam at Roxboro and warned: Two of the more common types of earth dam failures are caused or influenced by excessive seepage. Excessive seepage can produce progressive internal erosion of soil from the downstream slope of the dam or foundation toward the upstream side to form an open conduit or "pipe." Seepage pressures decrease the strength characteristics of the embankment soil. The resulting reduction in embankment stability can produce a slide failure of the downstream slope. Attachment 12, at 2 (emphasis added). The Roxboro coal ash dams are high hazard dams. DEQ is ignoring its own warnings by trying to allow the Roxboro seeps to continue and by purporting to allow future, unknown seeps, without any knowledge of their future effects on the Roxboro coal ash dams. L. The Department Cannot Issue a Permit to a Facility that is Violating Surface Water Standards. Hyco Lake has a long history of serious contamination from Duke Energy's Roxboro coal ash facility. As recently as this year, Duke Energy's own human Health Risk Assessment study concluded that exposure to fish tissue caught from Hyco Reservoir and consumed under recreational and subsistence fishing scenarios resulted in potentially unacceptable noncarcinogenic health risk. CAP Pt. 2, Appendix D, p. 5-16. The ongoing contamination of Hyco Lake and its tributaries means that the draft permit cannot be validly issued. NPDES permits control pollution by setting (1) limits based on the technology available to treat pollutants ("technology based effluent limits") and (2) any additional limits necessary to protect water quality ("water quality -based effluent limits") on the wastewater dischargers. 33 U.S.C. §§ 131 l(b), 1314(b); 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(a)(1), (d). An NPDES permit must assure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including state water quality standards. 33 U.S.C. § 1342(a)(1)(A); 40 C.F.R. § 122.43(a); 15A N.C. Admin. Code 2H.01 18. Similarly, North Carolina law provides that "[n]o permit may be issued when the imposition of conditions cannot reasonably ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards." 15A N.C. Admin. Code 2H.01 12(c); see also N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143 -215.6a -c (authorizing civil and criminal penalties and injunctive relief for violations of surface water standards). At Roxboro, Duke Energy is violating surface water criteria in jurisdictional waters at Roxboro, including Hyco Lake and Sargents River. E.g., Corrective Action Plan Pt. 1, at Tables 1-3, 2-11. In addition, Duke Energy is violating water quality criteria in the unnamed stream running along the east side of the East Ash Basin. This stream discharges at the location 22 identified in Duke Energy's CAMA reports as 5-13; the results from this sampling location show violations of water quality criteria for at least aluminum, boron, cobalt, iron, manganese, sulfate, TDS, and vanadium. CAP Pt. 1, Fig. 1-2; Table 1-3. DEQ can remedy an ongoing violation of surface water quality standards and "ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards" in these waters only by requiring that the source of the pollution, the coal ash, be removed; that the seeps of coal ash polluted water into these waters be stopped; and that the coal ash be removed from the unlined pits, where it contaminates groundwater and the seeps/streams that flow into Hyco Lake and its tributaries, directly or indirectly. These discharges cannot be permitted as long as surface water quality standards are being violated at Roxboro. M. The Draft Permit Fails to Account for Discharges of Wastewater Through Hydrologically Connected Groundwater. The Clean Water Act is a strict liability statute prohibiting the discharge of any pollutant to a water of the United States without a permit. 33 U.S.C. § 131 l(a). The Roxboro coal ash pond discharges significant quantities of contaminated wastewater to Hyco Lake and its tributaries through groundwater via a direct hydrologic connection to the Lake and streams. Indeed, DEQ has known of contaminated groundwater discharging "heavy metals" to surface waters at Roxboro since at least 2010, yet has not taken action to monitor, control, or stop this discharge. Attachment 1. That discharge is not included in the current permit, and attempting to add it now would violate the anti -backsliding provision of the Clean Water Act. 33 U.S.C. § 1342(0); 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(1)(1) ("[W]hen a permit is renewed or reissued, interim effluent limitations, standards or conditions must be at least as stringent as the final effluent limitations, standards, or conditions in the previous permit ...."). The United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") recently emphasized "EPA's longstanding position []that a discharge from a point source to jurisdictional surface waters that moves through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection" comes under the purview of the CWA. See Amicus Brief, Hawaii Wildlife Fund v. County of Maui (No. 15-17447, 9th Cir.), at 5 (Attachment 13). As expressed by DOJ, "it would hardly make sense for the CWA to encompass a polluter who discharges pollutants via a pipe running from the factory directly to the riverbank, but not a polluter who dumps the same pollutants into a man-made settling basin some distance short of the river and then allows the pollutants to seep into the river'via the groundwater." Id. at 16 (quoting N. Cal. River Watch v. Mercer Fraser Co., No. 04-4620, 2005 WL 2122052, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 1, 2005)). The same reasoning applies here. As discharges to Hyco Lake and nearby streams via hydrologically connected groundwater were not authorized 23 and therefore prohibited under the current permit, they cannot be authorized in the draft permit, and they are not in the draft permit. Consequently, DEQ must require Duke Energy to stop the discharge of contaminated wastewater to Hyco Lake and its tributaries via hydrologically connected groundwater by removing the source of contamination — Duke Energy's coal ash — from the unlined storage areas at Roxboro. N. The Draft Permit Has Inadequate Monitoring. During decanting and dewatering, Duke Energy should be required to take daily samples. These activities are not part of the normal operation of the plant because they are not part of its wastewater treatment function. Special care needs to be taken to ensure the limits in the permit are enforced. As discussed above, the draft permit has no limits for toxic pollutant discharges into Hyco Lake, and even the monitoring of these substances is mainly quarterly, while the rest are monthly (with the exception of pH and ammonia). The internal outfall from the coal ash lagoons still contains only weekly monitoring for the dumping of the interstitial water, and monitoring only once every three months when the water more than three feet above the ash is being pumped into the Hyco Lake water system. During the dumping of millions of gallons of coal ash polluted water into Hyco Lake — an important regional water resource — daily sampling is essential for limits to have real meaning. DEQ also only imposes quarterly monitoring requirements at Outfall 010 for effluent limitations that apply on a daily and monthly basis. 2017 Draft Permit at 15. At Outfall 001, to be used for certain previously unpermitted seeps, the Draft Permit only requires monthly monitoring for the first year, after which time monitoring is only required quarterly. Draft Permit at 4. These lax monitoring requirements are clearly insufficient to ensure compliance with effluent limitations and provide critical information on the discharge of pollutants, especially during ash pond closure. Any final permit must be corrected accordingly and include much more robust monitoring requirements. O. The Proposed Permit Violates North Carolina's Groundwater Rules. Because of the groundwater contamination at and beyond the compliance boundary at Roxboro, the state groundwater rules prohibit DEQ from issuing the proposed NPDES permit for the Roxboro coal ash lagoon. North Carolina's groundwater rules state that "the [Environmental Management] Commission will not approve any disposal system subject to the provisions of G.S. 143-215.1 Which would result in a violation of a groundwater quality standard beyond a designated compliance boundary." 15A N.C.A.C. 2L .0103(b)(2). The draft permit states on its face that it is issued under the authority of "North Carolina General State 143-215.1." The Roxboro coal ash lagoons are disposal systems for purposes of the 2L groundwater rules, with compliance 24� boundaries set by the rules. 15A N.C.A.C. 2L .0107. Because DEQ issues this permit under authority delegated by the Environmental Management Commission, this prohibition applies to DEQ as well. There is no question that the disposal system authorized by this permit will result in a violation of a groundwater quality standard at a designated compliance boundary. It already has. Groundwater contamination at Roxboro has been documented for years. Indeed, DEQ has ordered Duke Energy to undertake assessment activities and filed an enforcement case in Superior Court seeking injunctive relief to abate groundwater contamination at the site, identifying at least one violation of groundwater standards already. Duke Energy's own studies and its expert witnesses confirm that Duke Energy has contaminated the groundwater with elevated levels of pollutants at levels above both state groundwater standards and Duke Energy's own proposed background concentrations. See, e.g., Corrective Action Plan Part 1, at Tables 2- 10 to 2-11. The groundwater violations at and beyond the compliance boundary will only continue, in violation of the state groundwater rules, if the ash is allowed to remain in the unlined lagoon where it will continue leaching pollutants into the groundwater. Because this disposal system has already resulted in violations of groundwater quality standards and will continue to do so, DEQ cannot issue the proposed NPDES permit without imposing conditions sufficient to ensure these violations will cease. A requirement for final closure of the Roxboro coal,ash impoundments and removal of the ash to dry, lined storage is the only assured solution to stop ongoing violations of quality standards at the compliance boundary. Accordingly, the permit should require removal of the ash to safe, dry lined storage. P. DEQ Fails to Exercise Its Best Professional Judgment to Establish BTA under 316(b). DEQ is permitted to allow Roxboro until the next permitting cycle to provide sufficient information to establish final impingement mortality and entrainment BTA. 40 C.F.R. § 125.98(b)(6) However, DEQ must still "establish interim BTA requirements in the permit on a site-specific basis based on the Director's best professional judgment." Id. (emphasis added). There is no indication that DEQ has engaged in such analysis in this proceeding. Rather, the Fact Sheet simply states: "The permittee shall comply with the Cooling Water Intake Structure Rule per 40 CFR 125.95. The Division approved the facility request for an alternative schedule in ' accordance with 40 CFR 125.95(a)(2). The permittee shall submit all the materials required by the Rule with the next renewal application." Fact Sheet at 3. 25 Roxboro first applied for its renewed permit in 2011, and the EPA's final rule regarding 316(b) was released two full years ago. DEQ has had more than sufficient time to assess at least interim BTA for Roxboro. As such, any final permit must include, at minimum, interim BTA standards based on DEQ's best professional judgment and consideration of the factors and technologies specified at 40 C.F.R. §§ 125.94 and 125.98. Q. Duke Energy's New Treatment System Will Pollute Hyco Lake and Sargents River. The draft permit sets up a new treatment system to address pollution from the Roxboro facility after the coal ash lagoon operation is abandoned. A new retention basin will be constructed, discharging into Hyco Lake by way of Sargents River through new Outfalls 0012A, 0012B, and 0012C. Page 2 and 3 and Section (A.) (12) to (14). This new retention basin will receive streams of highly polluted water, including leachate from the Roxboro coal ash landfill, coal pile runoff, and other industrial wastes. Yet, the draft permit contains no limits for the coal ash and other toxic and heavy metal pollutants (other than ammonia and only for Outfall 0012C) that this retention basin will dump into Hyco Lake and Sargents River. The Roxboro coal ash landfill is receiving coal ash and in the future will receive all of Duke Energy's fly and bottom ash. It should be expected that the leachate from this landfill will be highly polluted with toxins and heavy metals from coal ash. The draft permit would allow this highly polluted leachate to go directly to Hyco Lake after being dumped into Sargents River, after passing through only the newly constructed retention basin. There is no requirement for any real treatment of this leachate. It will simply be dumped into the retention basin, wiih a host of other industrial and coal ash wastes, and then discharged into Hyco Lake after being dumped into Sargents River. There is no requirement for any kind of physical or chemical treatment facility. There are no limits for coal ash pollutants discharged from the retention basin into Sargents River and thus into Hyco Lake. This is a recipe for yet another coal ash scandal at Roxboro. After all the failures of DEQ and Duke Energy in their management of coal ash and coal ash pollution, the public has a right to expect that going forward both DEQ and Duke Energy will make every effort to protect North Carolina's waters from coal ash pollution. Instead, the draft permit would abdicate DEQ's responsibility to put in place protective and meaningful pollution limits, and would also give the public every reason not to trust Duke Energy's handling of this pollution. There must be meaningful and enforceable limits for the coal ash pollutants in Duke Energy's coal ash landfill leachate, when it enters the retention basin and when it leaves the basin and flows into Sargents River and thereby into Hyco Lake. This permit is an opportunity for Duke Energy and DEQ to set a new path for protecting Hyco Lake and Sargents River from the continuing pollution by Duke Energy's coal ash and its operation of the Roxboro facility. But instead of putting in place protections for the public and Hyco Lake and Sargents River, once more DEQ and Duke Energy propose to make Hyco Lake a dumping ground for Duke Energy's coal ash and other pollution, without limits for the discharge into Sargents River which would protect the waters of the Lake and the river. For all the reasons given above, this disturbing approach violates the Clean Water Act and North Carolina law. R. Additional Points The months for acute toxicity testing are missing in the first paragraph of Section A. (16). Section A. (15) refers to the Catawba River; we believe the intended reference is either the intake canal or Hyco Lake. Under the Clean Water Act, DEQ and Duke Energy cannot render a portion of a permit unenforceable by citizens by inserting the phrase "State Enforceable Only," as has been done on Attachment 2 of the draft permit. That phrase should be deleted. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Sincerely, 4&�� l Frank S. Holleman III 5 Senior Attorney Nicholas S. Torrey Staff Attorney 04l EXHIBIT 1 Zimmerman to Watts Email re: Duke & Progress Energy Well Installation March 10, 2010 From: Zimmerman, Jay <jay.zimmennan@ncdenr.gov> Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 9:16 AM To: Watts, Debra <debra.watts@ncdenr.gov> Cc: Bush, Ted <ted.bush@ncdenr.gov>; Smith, Eric <eric.g.smith@ncdenr.gov> Subject: RE: Duke and Progress Energy - Well Installation Schedule Debra, The dates for Progress Energy don't seem aggressive enough considering some of the issues. The SWPS has some new information suggesting heavy metals are leaching into the surface waters via groundwater at Roxboro plant at Hyco Lake. They also have concerns that the ash pond at Cape Fear may be leaking. Danny Smith may bring this up during his field visit with Chuck and Eric Smith. Have we or do we intend to negotiate a more aggressive schedule or do we agree with what they propose? What role do the regions have (ours in this case)? Thx E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties. ........... . ..... ....... ........... ....................... . ............ . ... .. . ......... .... .................... .. ... From: Watts, Debra Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 5:12 PM To: Bush, Ted; Barnhardt, Art; Davidson, Landon; Knight, Sherri; May, David; Pitner, Andrew; Stehman, Charles; Zimmerman, Jay Cc: Smith, Eric; Wilcox, Betty; Watts, Debra Subject: Duke and Progress Energy - Well Installation Schedule Regional Supervisors: APS had asked both Duke and Progress Energy to place wells at their compliance boundaries for their facilities with Ash Ponds. Duke has submitted a fairly aggressive schedule (below in email from Allen Stowe). Progress Energy has provided the chart below as to when they will have final proposed locations. We are providing these dates to you to give you an idea when the utility companies may be contacting you. Please let myself or Eric Smith know if you have questions. Debra Progress Energy Facilities Date Date for Proposed I Locations Target Sampling Date Ashville I location r location with ARO Weatherspoon June 14, 2010 Fall 2010 Lee July 19, 2010 Fall 2010 Mayo September 13, 2010 Fall 2010 Roxboro November 22, 2010 Spring 2011 Cape Fear December 20, 2010 Spring 2011 ........ ...... ........ .. I ....................... ............... .. .. ................................ . . .. .... ............. . ............. .... . ... ........................ . From: Stowe, Allen [mailto:Allen.Stowe@duke-energy.com] Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 2:04 PM To: Watts, Debra Cc: Sullivan, Ed M; Everett, George T; Nispel, Debbie Subject: Duke Energy Ash Basin Monitoring - Well Installation Schedule Debra, I have listed our projected well installation schedule for the groundwater monitoring well systems around our ash basins. As we discussed, we will need written confirmation from Aquifer Protection regarding well locations before initiating well installation, which is reflected in the table below: Order Facility Aquifer Protection' Approval Date Well Installation Date 1 Riverbend Steam Station April 1, 2010 August 31, 2010 2 Marshall Steam Station Aril 1, 2010 August 31, 2010 3 Allen Steam Station May 1, 2010 September 30, 2010 4 Cliffside Steam Station May 1, 2010 September 30, 2010 5 Buck Steam Station May 15, 2010 October 15, 2010 6 Belews Creek Steam Station June 1, 2010 October 31, 2010 7 Dan River Steam Station June 1, 2010 October 31, 2010 If you need any additional information, please let me know. Thanks Allen Stowe L, EHS Water Management Duke Energy Carolinas Allen.Stowe@duke-energy.com 704-382-4309 (Office) 704-516-5548 (Cell) EXHIBIT 2 Plaintiff State of North Carolina Complaint and Motion for Injunctive Relief August 16, 2013 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION COUNTY OF WAKE 13 CVS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ex rel. ) NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ) ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL ) RESOURCES, ) Plaintiff, ) V. ) COMPLAINT AND MOTION. FOR DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS, INC., ) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF RULE 65 N.C.R.C.P. Defendant. ) The Plaintiff State of North Carolina in accordance with Article 21• of Chapter 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and N.C. Gen. Stat. § IA -1, Rule 65, complaining of the Defendant alleges and says: PARTIES 1. Plaintiff is the sovereign State of North Carolina. This action is being brought upon the relation of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources ("DENR") and its Division of Water Resources ("DWR" or "division"),' an agency of the State established pursuant to the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-279.1 et seg., and vested with the statutory -authority regarding protection of the environment and enforcement of environmental laws pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-211 et seq. 2. Defendant, Duke Energy Progress, Inc. (formerly Carolina Power & Light Company d/b/a Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., prior to April 29, 2013), is a corporation I DENR's Division of Water Quality and Division of Water Resources have been combined. and are currently operating under the name of Division of Water Resources. All actions taken by the DWQ are considered to have been taken by the DWR. 0 organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina. Defendant's principal place of business is in Wake County, North Carolina and is located at 410 South Wilmington Street, PEB 17B5, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601. Defendant's Registered Agent is CT Corporation System, 150 Fayetteville Street, Box 1011, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 3. Defendant owns the following six (6) Facilities ("6 Facilities"): (1) Mayo Steam Electric Generating Plant ("Mayo Steam Electric Plant") in Person County; (2) Roxboro Steam Electric Generating Plant ("Roxboro Steam Electric Plant") in Person County; (3) Cape Fear Steam Electric Generating Plant ("Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant") in Chatham County; (4) H.F. Lee Steam Electric Plant ("Lee Steam Electric Plant") in Wayne County; (5) Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant in.Robeson County; and (6) L. Y. Sutton Electric Plant ("Sutton Electric Plant") in New Hanover County. 4. Defendant or its predecessor was doing business in all of the counties set forth in paragraph 3 above, at each of the 6 Facilities, at the time th6 violations or threatened violations were committed that gave rise to this action. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 5. The Superior Court has jurisdiction of this action for injunctive relief for existing or threatened violations of various laws and rules and regulations governing the protection of the State's water resources pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7A-245 and 143-215.6C, and for such other relief as the Court shall deem -proper. 2 6. Wake County ' is a proper venue for this action because Defendant's principal place of business is located in Wake County. GENERAL ALLEGATIONS Applicable Laws and Regulations 7. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.3(a)(1), the Environmental Management Commission ("EMC" or the "Commission") has the power "[t]o make rules implementing Articles 21, 21A, 21-B or 38 of... Chapter" 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes. These statutes, and the rules adopted under them, are designed to further the public policy of the State, as declared in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-211, "to provide for the conservation of its water and air resources ... [and], within the context of this Article [21 ] and Articles 21A and 21B of this Chapter [143], to achieve and to maintain for the citizens of the State a total environment of superior quality." 8. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-2.11 further provides that "[s]tandards of water and air purity shall be designed to protect human health, to prevent injury to plant and animal life, to prevent damage to public and private property, to insure the continued enjoyment of the natural attractions of the State, to encourage the expansion of employment opportunities, to provide a permanent foundation for healthy industrial development and to secure for the people of North Carolina, now and in the future, the beneficial uses of these great natural resources." 9. The Commission has the power to issue permits with conditions attached which the Commission believes are necessary to achieve the purposes of Article 21 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1(b)(4). 10. Pursuant to its authority in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.3(a)(4) to delegate such of its powers as it deems necessary, the Commission has delegated the authority to issue permits, 3 and particularly discharge permits, to the Director of the Division of Water Resources ("Director"). See Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code ("NCAC"), rule 2H.01122. A copy of this rule is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 1, and is incorporated herein by reference. 11. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1 requires a permit before any person can "make any outlets into the waters of the State" or "cause or permit any waste, directly or indirectly, to be discharged to or in any manner intermixed with the waters of the State in violation of the water quality standards applicable to the assigned classifications ... unless allowed as a condition of any permit, special order or other appropriate instrument issued or entered into by the Commission under the provisions of this Article [Article 21 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes]." N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143-215.1(a) (1) and (6). 12. The Commission's rules in 15A NCAC Subchapter 2L (hereinafter ."2L Rules") "establish a series of classifications and water quality standards applicable to the groundwaters of the State."- 15A NCAC 2L.0101(a). A copy of the 2L Rules is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 2 and is incorporated herein by reference. 13. "Groundwaters" are defined in the 2L Rules as "those waters occurring in the subsurface under saturated conditions." 15A NCAC 2L.0102(11). 14. The 2L Rules "are applicable to all activities or actions, intentional or accidental, which contribute to the degradation of groundwater quality, regardless of any permit issued by a governmental agency authorizing such action or activity except an innocent landowner who is a bona fide purchaser of property which contains a source of groundwater contamination, who 2 15A NCAC 2H.0112. This Rule actually delegates the authority to issue discharge permits to the Director of the former DWQ. However, this authority has now been delegated to the Director of the DWR. 4 purchased such property without knowledge or a reasonable basis for knowing that groundwater contamination had occurred, or a person whose interest or ownership in the property is based or derived from a security interest in the property, shall not be considered a responsible party." 15A NCAC 2L.0101(b). 15. The policy section of the 2L Rules provides that the 2L Rules "are intended to maintain and preserve the quality of the groundwaters, prevent and abate pollution and contamination of the waters of the state, protect public health, and permit management of the groundwaters for their best usage by the citizens of North Carolina." 15A NCAC 2L.0103(a). 16. "Contaminant" is defined in the 2L Rules as "any substance occurring in groundwater in concentrations which exceed the groundwater quality standards specified in Rule .0202 of the Subchapter." 15A NCAC 2L.0102(4). 17. "Natural Conditions" are defined in the 2L Rules as "the physical, biological, chemical and radiological conditions which occur naturally." 15A NCAC 2L.0102(16). 18. The policy section of the 2L Rules provides further that, "[i]t is the policy of the Commission that the best usage of the groundwaters of the state is as a source of drinking water. These groundwaters generally are a potable source of drinking water without the necessity of significant treatment. It is the intent of these Rules to protect the overall high quality of North Carolina's groundwaters to the levet established by the standards and to enhance and restore the quality of degraded groundwaters where feasible and necessary to protect human health and the environment, or to ensure their suitability as a future source of drinking water." 15A NCAC 2L.0103(a). 19. The policy section of the 2L Rules provides further that, "[n]o person shall conduct or cause to be conducted, any activity which causes the concentration of any substance to exceed E 11 that specified in Rule .0202 of this Subchapter, except as authorized by the rules of this Subchapter." 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). 20. The groundwater "Standards" are specified, in 15A NCAC 2L.0202. See 15A NCAC 2L.0102(23). Some groundwater standards and their concentrations are specifically listed in 15A NCAC 2L.0202(g) and (h). If a substance is not specifically listed and if it is naturally occurring, the standard is the naturally occurring concentration as determined by the Director. 15A NCAC 2L.0202(c). If a substance is listed, if it is naturally occurring and the substance exceeds the established standard, the standard shall be the naturally occurring concentration as determined by the Director. 15A NCAC 2L .0202(b)(3). If a substance is not specifically listed and it is not naturally occurring, the substance cannot be permitted in concentrations at or above the practical quantitation limit in Class GA or Class GSA waters, except that the Director may establish interim maximum allowable concentrations ("IMAC") pursuant to 15A NCAC 2L.0202(c). These are listed in Appendix #1 of 15A NCAC 2L. The IMACs are the established standard until adopted by rule. See the last page of Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 2. 21. The DWQ Director established the IMAC for Antimony .on August 1, 2010 and for Thallium on October 1, 2010, substances for which standards had not been established under the 2L Rules. A copy of the Public Notice establishing the IMACs and a copy of the Approved IMACs are attached hereto as Plaintiff s Exhibit Nos. 3 and 4, respectively, and both exhibits are incorporated herein by reference. The interim maximum allowable concentration for Thallium is 0.2 micrograms per liter (" gg/L") established pursuant to 15A NCAC 2L .0202(c). The interim maximum allowable concentration for Antimony is 1 µg/L established pursuant to 15A NCAC 2L.0202(c). Seethe last page of Plaintiffs Exhibit No: 2. R 22. "It is the intention of the Commission to protect all groundwaters to a level of quality at least as high as that required under the standards established in Rule .0202 of this Subchapter." 15A NCAC 2L.0103(b). 23. A "Compliance Boundary" is defined in the 2L Rules as "a boundary around a disposal system at and beyond which groundwater quality standards may not be exceeded and only applies to facilities which have received an individual permit issued under the authority of [N.C. Gen. Stat. §] 143-215.1 or [N.C. Gen. Stat. §] 130A." 15A NCAC 2L.0102(3). 24. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2L.0107(a), "[f]or disposal systems individually permitted, prior to December 30; 1983, the compliance boundary is established at a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the waste boundary or at the property boundary, whichever is closer to the source." 25. The "Waste Boundary" is defined in the 2L Rules as "the perimeter of the permitted waste disposal area." 15A NCAC 2L.0102(26). 26. A "Corrective Action Plan" is defined in the 2L Rules as "a plan for eliminating sources of groundwater contamination or for achieving groundwater quality restoration or both." 15A NCAC 2L.0102(5). A site assessment pursuant to a corrective action plan should include the source and cause of contamination, any imminent hazards to public health and safety, all receptors and significant exposure pathways, the horizontal and vertical extent of the contamination, as well as all geological and hydrogeological features influencing the movement of the contamination. 15A NCAC 2L.0106 (g). 27. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.6C, "[w]henever the Department has reasonable cause to believe that any person has violated or is threatening to violate any of the provisions of this Part [Part 1, Article 21, of the General Statutes], any of the terms of any permit 7 issued pursuant to this Part, or a rule implementing this Part, ..." the Department is authorized to "request the Attorney General to institute -a civil action in the name of the State upon the relation of the Department for injunctive relief to restrain the violation or threatened violation." 28. The statute further provides that "[u]pon a determination by the court that the alleged violation of the provisions of this Part or the regulations of the Commission has occurred . or is threatened, the court shall grant the relief necessary to prevent or abate the violation or threatened violation." N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.6C. 29. Additionally, the section provides that "[n]either the institution of the action nor any of the proceedings thereon shall relieve any party to such proceedings from any penalty prescribed for the violation of this Part." N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.6C. 30. Defendant is a person consistent with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-212(4) and pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.6C. Factual and Legal Allegations All 6 Facilities 31. With the exception of the Sutton Electric Plant, which began groundwater monitoring in 1984, and added new monitoring wells between 1990 and 2011, Defendant implemented a voluntary groundwater monitoring program at most of the 6 Facilities in 2006. 32. In 2009, the DWQ required Defendant to place monitoring wells at the compliance boundaries of all of the Coal Ash Ponds at all 6 Facilities. 33. The DWQ approved Defendant's proposed locations of compliance boundary wells and monitoring wells at each of the 6 Facilities on the following dates: (1) Mayo Steam Electric Plant— November 12, 2010; (2) Roxboro Steam Electric Plant — November 12, 2010; 8 (3) Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant — January 4, 2011; (4) Lee Steam Electric Plant — January 4, 2011; (5) . Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant— November 1, 2010; and (6) Sutton Electric Plant — March 17, 2011 and October 24, 2011. 34. Defendant constructed compliance monitoring wells at the compliance boundaries of the Coal. Ash Ponds at each of the 6 Facilities on -the following dates: (1) Mayo Steam Electric Plant — November 2010; (2) Roxboro Steam Electric Plant — October and November 2010; (3) Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant — September 2010; (4) Lee Steam Electric Plant — July 2010 and September 2012; (5) Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant — August 2010; and (6) Sutton Electric Plant —1990 to 2012. 35. Each of the 6 Facilities has a specific set of parameters being monitored: (1) Mayo Steam Electric Plant — Aluminum, Antimony; Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, pH, Selenium, Sulfate, Thallium, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Level, and Zinc; (2) Roxboro Steam Electric Plant — Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, pH; Selenium, Sulfate, Thallium, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Level, and Zinc; (3) Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant — Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, pH, Selenium, Sulfate, Thallium, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Level, and Zinc; (4) Lee Steam Electric Plant — Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, pH, Selenium, Sulfate, Thallium, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Level, and Zinc; (5) Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant - Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, 01 Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, pH, Selenium, Sulfate, Thallium, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Level, and Zinc; and (6) Sutton Electric Plant — Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, pH, Selenium, Sulfate, Thallium, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Level, and Zinc. 36. In 2010 and 2011, with the exception of the Sutton Electric Plant, Defendant began submitting groundwater monitoring data to the DWQ from 5 of the 6 Facilities. Although actual groundwater monitoring started in 1984, the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit required groundwater monitoring to begin in the spring of 1990. 37. On June 17, 2011, the DWQ adopted a Policy for Compliance Evaluation of Long -Term Permitted Facilities with No Prior Groundwater Monitoring Requirements (hereinafter the "Policy for Compliance Evaluation"). A copy of the Policy for Compliance Evaluation is attached hereto as plaintiff's Exhibit No. 5 and is incorporated herein by reference. . 38. The Policy for Compliance Evaluation establishes an approach to evaluate groundwater compliance at long-term permitted: facilities. Specifically, the Policy for Compliance Evaluation requires staff and responsible parties to consider multiple factors before determining if groundwater concentrations in samples taken at the permitted facility are a� violation of the groundwater standards, or if the concentration is naturally occurring. Such factors considered are well design, sample integrity, analytical methods, statistical testing, etc. 39. All 6 Facilities are subject to the Policy for Compliance Evaluation and Plaintiff has been working with the Defendant to move through the evaluative process as described in the policy. 40. Plaintiff's Aquifer Protection staff compiled tables of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the 6 Facilities. The 6 Facilities began submitting data in lut 2010, and Plaintiff's Aquifer Protection staff prepared 6 charts of the Ash Pond Exceedances from 2010 to July 16, 2013. The 6 charts are labeled by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit number and facility name. Each chart is attached hereto and labeled individually as Plaintiff's Exhibit: No. 6 (Mayo Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart); No. 7 (Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart); No. 8 (Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart); No. 9 (Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart); No. 10 (Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart); and No. 11 (Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart); respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. 41. Each of the 6 charts contains the following information: the well number, the parameter sampled, the date of the sample, the 2L Groundwater Standard, the sampling result and the unit of measurement. Mayo ,Steam Electric Plant 42. On July 12, 1982, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1, other lawful statutes and regulations issued by the Commission, and the Clean Water Act, the DWQ issued NPDES Permit No. NC0038377 to Progress Energy for the Mayo Steam Electric Plant .("Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit"), located in Person County, North Carolina. 43. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit has been renewed subsequently. The current NPDES Permit was re -issued on October 14, 2009, with an expiration date of March 31, 2012. On September 28, 2011, Progress Energy submitted a renewal application to the DWQ. Since the Defendant timely applied for re -issuance 180 days prior to the expiration date, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §.15013-3, Defendant can continue to operate under the 2009 Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit until a new permit has been issued. A copy of the 2009 11 Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit No. NCO038377 is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 12, and is incorporated herein by reference. 44. A Special Order by Consent -was approved by the EMC for the Mayo Steam Electric Plant on June 25, 2012 and transmitted to Progress Energy on June 26, 2012. A copy of the transmittal letter and EMC SOC WQ S10-012 is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 13 and is incorporated herein by reference. To the extent that the SOC modifies the terms of the 2009 NPDES Permit for the Mayo Steam Electric Plant, the SOC controls those terms of the permit until a new NPDES permit is issued or a judicial order is issued. 45. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of treated wastewater to receiving waters designated as the Mayo Reservoir in the Roanoke River Basin in ' accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set forth in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 46. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a cooling tower system less than once per year when the cooling towers and circulating water system are drained by gravity and discharges a wastestream directly into the Mayo Reservoir through Outfall 001. 47. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a cooling tower blowdown system that indirectly discharges to Mayo Reservoir via Internal Outfall 008 to the Ash Pond Treatment System at Outfall 002. Cooling tower blowdown is usually mixed with ash sluice water prior to discharge to the ash pond. 48. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes an Ash Pond Treatment System at Outfall 002 that discharges directly into the Mayo Reservoir. The Ash Pond receives ash transport water, coal pile runoff, storm water runoff, cooling tower blowdown and various low volume wastes such as boiler blowdown, oily waste treatment, wastes/backwash from the 12 water treatment processes including Reverse -Osmosis wastewater, plant area wash down water, equipment heat exchanger water, and treated domestic wastewater. 49. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a stormwater discharge system to discharge stormwater to the Mayo Reservoir through Outfalls 004, 005, 006a, 006b, 006c, 006d, 006e, and 010. Drainage from the outside storage area discharges at Outfall 004. Drainage from the industrial area and the oilibottled gas storage area discharges at Outfall 005. Drainage from the cooling tower(s) chemical feed building structure and the cooling tower area discharges at Outfalls 006a, 006b, 006c, 006d and 006e. Drainage from the haul road for coal ash, limestone, gypsum and gaseous anhydrous ammonia discharges at Outfall 010. 50. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 001 (cooling tower system) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Free Available Chlorine, Time of Chlorine Addition, Total Chromium, Total Zinc, Priority Pollutants and pH. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit prohibits the discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds ("PCBs") such as those used for transformer fluid. 51. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the indirect discharge from Outfall 008 (cooling tower blowdown system) to the Ash Pond Treatment System require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Free Available Chlorine, Time of Chlorine Addition, Total Chromium, Total Zinc, Priority Pollutants and pH. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit does not authorize a direct discharge to the Mayo Reservoir. 52. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 002 (Ash Pond Treatment System) require 13 sampling for the following parameters without FGD wastewater: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, Total Selenium, Acute Toxicity, Total Arsenic, Total Copper, Total Iron and pH. After the FGD system is used to treat FGD wastewater, the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit requires sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, Total Selenium, Acute Toxicity, Total Mercury, Total Arsenic, Total Cadmium, Total Chlorides, Total Chromium, Total Copper, Total Fluoride, Total Lead, Total Manganese, Total_ Nickel, Total Silver, Total Zinc, Total Barium, Total Thallium, Total Vanadium, Total Antimony, Total Boron, Total Cobalt, Total Molybdenum, Total Iron and pH. Among other things, the SOC authorizes Defendant to comply with all terms of its NPDES permit except for Interim Limits for Mercury, Selenium, Boron, Manganese and Thallium during the period of the SOC. 53. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit also requires Acute Toxicity monitoring, Fish Tissue Sampling for Arsenic only, an annual biological, physical and chemical study of Selenium,- and annual monitoring of the waters of Crutchfield Branch, 100 yards downstream of the ash pond, for Arsenic, Copper and Selenium. 54. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the for the discharge from Outfall 010 (stormwater discharge system) _ require sampling for the following parameters: 13 Priority Pollutant Metals (Silver, Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Nickel Lead, Antimony, Selenium, Thallium, Zinc), Aluminum, Boron, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Sulfate, Oil and Grease, pH and Total Rainfall. 14 Unyermitted Seeps at the Mayo Steam Electric Plant 55. As mentioned above, the Defendant's Mayo Steam Electric Plant has two permitted outfalls and eight stormwater outlets discharging directly into the Mayo Reservoir which are included in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 56. Defendant's Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit does not authorize the Defendant to make any outlet or discharge any wastewater or stormwater other than those included in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 57. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit expressly prohibits a discharge from the ash pond to Crutchfield Branch. Condition A.(8) states: "There shall be no direct discharge from the ash pond to Crutchfield Branch. There shall. be no violation of water quality standards in Crutchfield Branch due to any indirect discharge from the ash pond. The permittee shall monitor the waters of Crutchfield Branch, 100 yards downstream of the dike, once per year by grab sample for the following: arsenic, copper, and selenium." 58. Seeps identified at Defendant's Mayo Steam Electric Plant, include engineered discharges from the toe -drains of its Ash Pond, which are at different locations from the outfalls and stormwater outlets described in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. Defendant's Ash Pond dam has 2 engineered toe -drains (running east and west) that continuously discharge to Crutchfield Branch and Defendant does riot have a permit for this direct discharge. 59. A seep or discharge from the Ash Pond of the Mayo Steam Electric Plant that is not included in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit is an unpermitted discharge in violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1(a)(1) and (a)(6). 15 Exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards at the Mayo Steam Electric Plant 60. The Plaintiff s Aquifer Protection staff compiled tables of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the - Mayo Steam Electric Plant from November 2010 through July 16, 2013, and prepared a chart of the Ash Pond. Exceedances which are listed in the Mayo Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart. See Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 6. 61. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Chromium (10 µg/L) in compliance wells BG -1 and BG - 2 during three sampling events from December 2010 to July 2012, with concentrations ranging from 10.2 µg/L to 40.1 µg/L. 62. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Manganese (50 µg/L) in compliance wells BG -1, BG -2, CW -1, CW -1D; CW -2, CW -21), CW -3, CW -5 and CW -6 during eight sampling events from December 2010 through May 2013, with concentrations ranging from 52.6 gg/L to 1,440 gg/L. 63. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Total Dissolved Solids (500 milligrams per liter ("mg/L")) in compliance wells CW -3 and CW -6 during three sampling events from July 2012 through April 2013, with concentrations ranging from 520 mg/L to 550 mg/L. 64. The Mayo Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart.shows exceedances 4 from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Total Iron (300 µg/L) in compliance wells BG -1, BG -2, CW -21), CW -3, CW -4, CW -5 and CW -6 during eight sampling events from December 2010 through May 2013, with concentrations ranging from 312 gg/L to 2,660 µg/L. 16 65. The DWR staff is working with the Defendant to determine if these exceedances are naturally occurring or if corrective action will be required. Roxboro Steam Electric Plant 66. On June 30, 1981, pursuant to N.C. Geri. Stat. § 143-215.1, other lawful statutes and regulations issued by the Commission, and the Clean Water Act, the DWQ issued NPDES Permit No. NC0003425 to Progress Energy for the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant ("Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit"), located in Person County, North Carolina. 67. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit has been renewed subsequently. The current NPDES Permit was re -issued on April 9, 2007, with an expiration date of March 31, 2012. On October 10, 2011, Progress Energy submitted a renewal application to the DWQ. Since the Defendant's predecessor timely applied for re -issuance 180 days prior to the expiration date, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 150B-3, Defendant can continue to operate under the 2009 Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit until a new permit has been issued. A copy of the 2007 Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0003425 is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 14, and is incorporated herein by reference. 68. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of treated wastewater to receiving waters designated as the Hyco Lake in the Roanoke River Basin in accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set forth in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 69. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a Heated Water Discharge Canal System at Outfall 003. At the point that the discharge canal enters Hyco Lake, it contains flows from several wastestreams including once through cooling water, stormwater runoff and the effluent from the Ash Pond at Internal Outfall 002. 17 70. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a coal pile runoff treatment system at Outfall 006 that handles runoff from the coal pile and other coal handling areas, including limestone piles, gypsum piles and truck wheel washwater. The waters are routed to a retention pond for treatment by neutralization, sedimentation and equalization prior to being discharged directly into Hyco Lake. 71. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes an Ash Pond Treatment System at Internal Outfall 002 that discharges to the heated water discharge canal and ultimately into the Hyco Lake through Outfall 003. The Ash Pond treats ash transport, low volume wastewater, runoff from the ash landfill, dry flyash handling system washwater, coal pile runoff silo washwater, stormwater runoff, cooling tower blowdown from unit number 4 and domestic sewage plant effluent. 72. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a cooling tower blowdown system from unit number 4 at Internal Outfall 005 which discharges into the Ash Transport System, and ultimately flows into the Ash Pond at Internal Outfall 002. 73. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a chemical metal cleaning treatment system at Internal Outfall 009 that occasionally discharges a wastestream to the Ash Pond Treatment System. It contains chemical metal cleaning wastes. 74. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a domestic wastewater treatment system at Internal Outfall 008 that flows into the Ash Pond Treatment System. 75. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes discharges from an FGD treatment system at Internal Outfall 010. This wastestream is generated from blowdown 18 from the FGD treatment unit. After treatment in the bioreactors, this effluent is discharged into the heated water discharge canal. 76. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 003 (heated water discharge canal system to the Hyco Reservoir) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, Temperature, Total Arsenic, pH and Acute Toxicity. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit prohibits the discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts 77. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 006 (coal pile runoff treatment system to the Hyco Reservoir) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Total Suspended Solids, Acute Toxicity and pH. 78. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 002 (Ash Pond Treatment System) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Total Selenium, Oil and Grease and Total Suspended Solids. 79. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the 'Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 005 (cooling tower blowdown system) requite sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Free Available Chlorine, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Chromium, Total Zinc and 126 Priority Pollutants. 80. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 008 (domestic wastewater 19 treatment system) to the Ash Pond require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, -Total Ammonia and pH. 81.- The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 009 (heated water discharge canal system) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Total Suspended Solids, Oil and Grease, Total Copper and Total Iron. 82. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 010 (FGD treatment system), require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Total Beryllium, Total Mercury, Total Antimony, Total Selenium, Total Silver and Total Vanadium. 83. Stormwater runoff to the heated water discharge canal is included in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. Unpermitted Seeps at the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant 84. As mentioned above, the Defendant's Roxboro Steam Electric Plant has seven permitted outfalls, with two outfalls (Outfalls 003 and 006) discharging directly into Hyco Lake which are included in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 85. Defendant's Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit does not authorize the Defendant to make any outlet or discharge any wastewater or stormwater other than those included in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 86. Seeps identified ,at Defendant's Roxboro Steam Electric Plant, include 7 engineered discharges to the heated water discharge canal, which are at different locations from the outfalls and stormwater outlets described in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 20 87. Seeps identified at Defendant's Roxboro Steam , Electric Plant, include 2 stormwater discharges directly to Hyco Lake, which are at different locations from the outfalls and stormwater outlets described in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 88. A seep or discharge from the Ash Pond or any other part of the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant that is not included in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit is an unpermitted discharge in violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1(a)(1) and (a)(6). Exceedances in Violation of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant 89. The Plaintiff's Aquifer Protection staff compiled a table of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant from November 2010 through July 16, 2013, and prepared a chart of the Ash Pond Exceedances which are listed in in the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart. See Plaintiff s Exhibit No. 7. 90. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Sulfate (250 mg/L) in monitoring well CW - 5 during seven sampling events from November 2010 to April 2013, with concentrations ranging from 296 mg/L to 873 mg/L. Although Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. Monitoring well CW -5 is located at the compliance boundary of the Ash Pond Treatment System at the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant. 91. Defendant's exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards for Sulfate at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond are violations of the groundwater standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). 21 Other Exceedances of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant 92. The Roxboro Steam - Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Chromium (10 µg/L) in compliance well BG -1 during five sampling events from November 2010 to November 2012, with concentrations ranging from 11.1 µg/L to 42.7 µg/L. The last sample from this well remained an exceedance of the 2L Groundwater Standard. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows additional exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Chromium in wells CW -1, CW -2D, and CW -4 during three sampling events from November 2010 through July 2011, with concentrations ranging from 16.9 µg/L to 29.6 µg/L. 93. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Manganese (50 µg/L) in compliance well CW -3D during eight sampling events from . November 2010 through April 2013, with concentrations ranging from 84.8 µg/L to 416 gg/L. The Roxboro Steam Electric • Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Manganese in compliance wells CW -1 and CW -2 during one sampling event in" November 2010, with concentrations of 180 µg/L and 52.9 µg/L, respectively. 94. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Dissolved Solids (500 mg/L) in CW -3, CW -4 and CW -5 during seven sampling events from November 2010 through April 2013, with concentrations ranging from 570 mg/L to 652 mg/L in CW -3; with a value of 612 mg/L in CW - 4 in November 2011; and with concentrations ranging from 616 mg/L to 1,510 mg/L in CW -5. 22 95. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Iron (300 g/L) in compliance well BG -1 during six sampling events, from November 2010 to November 2012 with concentrations ranging from 307 µg/L to 881 pg/L. The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Iron in compliance wells CW -1, CW -2, CW -2D, CW -3, CW -3D and CW -4 during eight sampling events from November 2010 through April 2013, with concentrations ranging from 321 µg/L to 2,290 µg/L. 96. The DWR staff is working with the Defendant to determine if these exceedances are naturally occurring or if corrective action will be required. Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant 97. On August 30, 1976, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1, other lawful statutes and regulations issued by the Commission, and the Clean Water Act, the DWQ issued NPDES Permit No. NC0003433 to Progress -Energy for the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant ("Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit"), located in Chatham County, North Carolina. 98. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit has been renewed subsequently. The current Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit was re -issued on July 22, 2011, with an effective date of September 1, 2011, and with an expiration date of July 31, 2016. A copy of the current Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0003433 is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 15, and'is incorporated herein by reference. 99. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of treated wastewater to -receiving waters designated as an unnamed tributary to the Cape Fear River in the Cape Fear River Basin in accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set forth in the NPDES permit. 23 100. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the West Ash Pond Treatment System (Internal Outfall 00 1) to discharge through Outfall 007 into an unnamed tributary of the Cape Fear River. The West Ash Pond receives treated wastewater including ash sluice waters (bottom and fly), coal pile runoff, No. 2 fuel oil tank runoff, settling basin drains, sand bed filter backwash, parking lot drains, equipment cooling tower blowdown and drain, boiler blowdown, metal cleaning waste, oil unloading area drains, softenef regenerate, demineralizer regenerate, acid/caustic sump wastewater, yard and floor drains, and ash trench drain wastewater. 101. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a Once -Through Cooling Water and Stormwater System (Internal Outfall 003) that discharges a wastestream through Outfall 007 into an unnamed tributary of the Cape Fear River. 102. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the East Ash Pond Treatment System (Internal Outfall 005) to discharge through Outfall 007 into an unnamed tributary of the Cape Fear River.. The East Ash Pond receives treated wastewater including ash sluice waters (bottom and fly), runoff from yard drains, air preheater washes, electrostatic precipitator washes, metal cleaning wastes, spent sandblast material, and treated sanitary wastewater. 103. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of the Combined Wastewater to the Cape Fear River at Outfall 007, which is a combination of all the internal outfalls. 104. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 001 (West Ash Pond Treatment System) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total 24 Suspended Solids, Total Arsenic, Total Selenium, Ammonia -Nitrogen, Total Iron and Total Copper. 105. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the ' discharge from Internal Outfall 003 (Once -Through Cooling Water and Stormwater System) require sampling for Flow. 106. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Internal Outfall 005 (East Ash Pond Treatment System) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, Total Arsenic, Total Selenium, Fecal Coliforrxi, Ammonia -Nitrogen, Total Iron and Total Copper. 107. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 007 (Combined wastewater and stormwater discharge) require sampling four the following parameters: Flow, Total Chromium, Total Arsenic,, Total Selenium, Total Mercury, Total Nickel, Total Copper, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Fecal Coliform, Temperature, pH and Chronic Toxicity. The permit also prohibits the discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Unpermitted Seeps at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant 108. As mentioned above, the Defendant's Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant has four permitted outfalls, with one (Outfall 007) discharging directly into the Cape Fear River or into an unnamed tributary to the Cape Fear River, which are included in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 25 4 109. Defendant's Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit does not authorize the Defendant to make any outlet or discharge any wastewater or stormwater other than those included in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 110. Seeps identified at Defendant's Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant, include potential discharges from its 1985 Ash Pond, which are at different locations from the outfalls and stormwater outlets described in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. ' 111. During an NPDES inspection on September 23, 2009, documented,sample results from swamp/drainage area near permitted ' Internal Outfall 005 indicated the possibility of seepage from the 1985 Ash pond. A grab sample was taken during the inspection by Progress Energy and processed at Tritest Lab in Raleigh. Another grab sample was taken by DWQ and processed at the DWQ Lab. The lab results showed the following: for Aluminum (the Tritest Lab reported 216 gg/L; the DWQ Lab reported 1,400 gg/L); for Arsenic (the Tritest Lab reported <3 gg/L; the DWQ Lab reported 140 gg/L); for Molybdenum (the Tritest Lab reported <5 gg/L; the DWQ Lab reported 550 gg/L); for Selenium (the Tritest Lab reported <2 gg/L; the DWQ Lab reported 240 gg/L); and for Vanadium (the Tritest Lab reported 13.3 gg/L; the DWQ Lab reported 250 gg/L). Based on its review of the above results, the Plaintiffs Raleigh Regional Office Surface Water Protection Staff concludes there may be seepage from Defendant's 1985 Ash Pond. 112. A seep or discharge from the Ash Ponds or any other part of the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant that is not included in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit is an unpermitted discharge in violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1(a)(1) and (a)(6). 26 Exceedances in Holation of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant 113. Plaintiff's Aquifer Protection staff compiled a table of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the Cape Fear Steam Electric -Plant from December 2010 through July 16, 2013, and prepared a chart of the Ash Pond Exceedances which are listed in the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash. Pond Exceedances Chart. See Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 8. 114. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Boron�(700 gg/L) in monitoring well CMW- 1 during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging. from 1,790 µg/L to 2,950 pg/L; in monitoring well CMW-6 during six sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 704 pg/L to 1,010 µg/L; and in monitoring well CMW-8 during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013,with concentrations ranging from 1,070'µg/L to 1,340 pg/L. Although Boron is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from 'the waste water treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 115. Monitoring well CMW-1 is located at the southwest corner of the compliance boundary of the West Ash Pond Treatment System at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant. Well CMW-1 is located immediately adjacent to the compliance boundary and the Cape Fear River. Monitoring well CMW-6 is located at the southeast corner of the compliance boundary of the East Ash Pond Treatment System at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant. The monitoring well is located approximately 300 feet southeast of the East Ash Pond. Monitoring well CMW-8 is located on the western side of the compliance boundary of the West Ash Pond Treatment System 27 at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant. CMW-8 is located immediately between the compliance boundary and the Cape Fear River. 116. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart also shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Selenium (20 pg/L) in monitoring well CMW-3 during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 20.6 pg/L to 41.2 µg/L. Although Selenium is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 117. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart also shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Sulfate (250 mg/L) in monitoring well CMW-2 during seven sampling events from November 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 260 mg/L to 630 mg/L. Although Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the waste water treatment and,disposal associated with coal burning activities. 118. Monitoring well CMW-2 is. located adjacent to the 1956 Semi -Active Ash Pond located in the northwest corner of the site. CMW-2, is also located on the west-northwest compliance boundary, immediate adjacent to the Cape Fear River 119. Defendant's. exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards for Boron, Selenium and Sulfate at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Ponds are violations of the groundwater standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). Other Exceedances of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant 120. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Arsenic (10 pg/L) in compliance well 28 CTMW-8 during one sampling event in June 2012, with a concentration of 10.5 µg/L. However, Arsenic is naturally occurring and no other exceedances of arsenic have been identified in this well or in other compliance monitoring wells. 121. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Iron (300 µg/L) in CMW-1 during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with a maximum observed concentration of 54,600 µg/L; in compliance wells CMW-7, CMW-8, CTMW-1 and CTMW-8 during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 416 µg/L to 52,700 µg/L; in compliance wells BGMW-4, BGTMW-4, CMW-2, CMW-3, CMW-5, CMW-6, CTMW-2 and CTMW-7 during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 303 µg/L to 5,950 µg/L. 122. 'The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Manganese (50 µg/L) in compliance monitoring wells BGMW-4, CMW-1, CMW-2; CMW-3, CMW-5, CMW-6, CMW-7, CMW-8, CTMW-1, CTMW-2, CTMW-7 and CTMW-8, during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 51.9 µg/I, to 18;000 µg/L. 123. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Boron in monitoring well CMW-3 during seven sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 714 µg/L to 1,260 µg/L. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart also shows an exceedance from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Sulfate in CMW-3 during one sampling event with a concentration of 388 mg/L. Monitoring well CMW-3 is located at the 29 northwest corner of the compliance boundary of the West Ash' Pond Treatment System at the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant, adjacent to the 1956 Semi -Active Ash Pond. 124. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Dissolved Solids (500 mg/L) in compliance wells CMW-2, CMW-3, CMW-6, and CTMW-8, during eight sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 502 mg/L to 1,100 mg/L. 125. The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for pH levels in monitoring well BGTMW-4 during three sampling events from December 2010 to March 2013, with concentrations of 10.3, 9.4 and 9. 1,, respectively. However, recent sampling events did not identify pH outside the acceptable 2L Groundwater Standard range of 6.5 to 8.5. 126. The DWR staff is working with the Defendant to determine if these exceedances are naturally occurring or if corrective action will be required. Lee Steam Electric Plant 127. , On June 30, 1977, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1, other lawful statutes and regulations issued by the Commission, and the Clean Water Act, the DWQ issued NPDES Permit No. NC0003417 to the Progress Energy for the H.F. Lee Steam Electric Plant ("Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit"), located in Wayne County, North Carolina. 128. The. Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit has been renewed subsequently. The current Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit was re -issued on October 14, 2009, with an effective date of November 1, 2009, and with an expiration date of May 31, 2013. A copy of the current Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0003417 is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 16, and is incorporated herein by reference. kul 129. The Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit was also modified on November 1, 2009, to reflect a name change. 130. On November 20, 2012, Defendant submitted a renewal application to the DWQ. While the renewal application is being processed, Defendant continues to operate the Lee Steam Electric Plant under the 2009 Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 131. The Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit"authorizes the. discharge of treated wastewater to receiving waters designated as the Neuse River in the Neuse River Basin in accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set forth in the Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 132. The Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes an Ash Pond Treatment System at Outfall 001 that discharges directly into the Neuse River. The Ash Pond receives ash transport water, including effluent from a Rotamix System, storm water runoff, various low volume wastes (such as filter plant blowdown and wash water, combustion turbine wash water), and precipitator and air pre -heater wash water. 133. The Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of re- circulated condenser cooling water, non -contact cooling water, coal pile runoff, low volume waste, sanitary wastes, stormwater runoff and evaporative cooler wastewater and contaminant stormwater from the combustion turbine site directly into the Neuse River through Outfall 002. 134. The Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of filter plant wastewater, equipment and contaminant drains, reverse osmosis reject and filter backwash, and quenched -heat recovery steam generator blowdown via Outfall 003 directly into the Neuse River.. Generally, chemical metal cleaning wastes are treated by evaporation in boilers. 31 Unvermitted Seeps at the Lee Steam Electric Plant 135. As mentioned above, the Defendant's Lee Steam Electric Plant has three permitted outfalls discharging directly into the Neuse River which are included in the Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 136. Defendant's Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit does not authorize the Defendant to make any outlet or discharge any wastewater or stormwater other than those included in the Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 137. Upon information and belief, Plaintiff believes there are non -engineered seeps at Defendant's Lee Steam Electric Plant, which are at different locations from the outfalls described in the Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 138. A. seep or discharge from the Ash Pond or any other part of the Lee Steam Electric Plant that is not included in the Lee Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit is an unpermitted discharge in violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1(a)(1) and (a)(6). Exceedances In Violation of the 2L Groundwater Standards at the Lee Steam Electric Plant 139. Plaintiff's Aquifer Protection staff compiled tables of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the Lee Steam Electric Plant from December 2010 through July 16, 2013, and prepared a chart of the Ash Pond Exceedances which are listed in in the Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart. See Plaintiffs Exhibit No. 9. 140. The Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Afsenic (10 µg/L) in compliance well CMW-6 during six sampling events from December 2010 through June 2012, with a maximum concentration of 665 µg/L; in replacement well CMW-6R during two sampling events from October 2012 and March 2013, with concentrations of 30.2 gg/L and 10.2 µg/L, respectively; and in CMW-10 during one 32 sampling event in December 2010, with a concentration of 12 µg/L. Although Arsenic is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 141. The Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 24 Groundwater Standard for Boron (700 gg/L) in CMW-5 and CMW-6 (with the last two samples taken in CMW-6's replacement well CMW-6R) during eight sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 3,940 gg/L and 4,940 gg/L, respectively; in CMW-8 during two sampling events in April 2012 and in March 2013, with concentrations of 754 gg/L and 1,170 µg/L, respectively; and in CW -3 during three sampling events from October 2011 through March 2012, with a maximum concentration of 947 µg/L. Although Boron is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the waste water treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 142. The Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Chromium (10 µg/L) in CMW-10 during two sampling events in December 2010 and March 2012, with concentrations of 50.3 µg/L and -20.2 µg/L, respectively. Although Chromium is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 143. Defendant's exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards for Arsenic, Boron, and Chromium at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Lee Steam Electric Plant are violations of the groundwater standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L .0103(d). 33 Other Exceedances of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Lee Steam Electric Plant 144. The Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows consistent exceedances from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Iron (300 gg/L) in compliance well BGMW- 9 during eight sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 2,960 gg/L; in compliance wells CMW-10, CMW-6/CMW-6R, and.CMW-7 during eight sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 33,600 gg/L, 11,200 gg/L and 12,400 gg/L, respectively; in compliance well BW -1 during five sampling events from October 2011 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 26,700 gg/L; in compliance well CMW-5 during six sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with a . maximum concentration of 1,140 gg/L; in compliance well CW -2 during five sampling events from October 2011 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 17,500 gg/L; in compliance well CW -4 during five sampling events from October 2011 through March 2013; with a maximum concentration of 13,200 gg/L; in compliance well CTMW-1 during seven sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 3,690 gg/L; in compliance wells CW -1 and CW -3 during four sampling events from October 2011 through March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 8,540 gg/L and 28,600 gg/L, respectively; and in compliance wells BGMW-10 and CMW-8 during one sampling event in March 2013 with maximum concentrations of 6,050 4g/L and 898 gg/L, respectively. 145. The Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond- Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Manganese (50 gg/L) in compliance wells CMW-6/6R and CMW-7 during eight sampling events from December 2010 through March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 936 +gg/L and 616 gg/L, respectively; in compliance wells CMW-10 and CTMW-1 during seven sampling events from December 2010 through 34 March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 732 gg/L and 102 gg/L, respectively; in compliance well BGMW-9 during -six sampling events from December 2010 through October 2012, with a maximum concentration 322 gg/L; in compliance well CMW-5 during five sampling events from December 2010 through March 2012, with a maximum concentration of 163 gg/L; in compliance wells CW -1, CW -2, CW -3, CW -4, and BW -1 during eight sampling events from October 2011 through March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 494 gg/L, 205 gg/L, 3,080 gg/L, 1,260 gg/L and 1,130 gg/L, respectively; in compliance well CMW-8 during two sampling events in March 2012 and March 2013, with concentrations of 51.1 gg/L and 2,340 gg/L, respectively; and in compliance well BGMW-10 during one sampling event in March 2013, with a concentration.of 83 gg/L. 146. The Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows an exceedance from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Dissolved Solids (500 mg/L) in CW -1 during one sampling event in March 2012, with a concentration of 1,900 mg/L. 147. The DWR staff is working with the Defendant to determine if these exceedances are naturally occurring or if corrective action will be required. Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant 148. On March 20, 1.980, pursuant to N.C. Geri. Stat. § 143-215.1, other lawful statutes and regulations issued by the Commission, and the Clean Water Act, the DWQ issued NPDES Permit No. NC0005363 to Progress Energy for the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant ("Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit"), located in Robeson County, North Carolina. 149. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit has been renewed subsequently. The current Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit was re -issued on 35 November 20, 2009, with an effective date of January 1, 2010, and with an expiration date of July 31, 2014. A copy of the current Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0005363 is attached hereto as Plaintiffs Exhibit No: 17, and is incorporated herein by reference. 150. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the continued. discharge from a 225 -acre cooling pond ("Ash Pond") under extremely severe weather conditions, where unavoidable to prevent loss of life, severe property damage, or damage to the cooling -pond structure, or during pond maintenance. The Ash Pond receives recirculated cooling water, coal pile runoff, storm water runoff, ash sluice water, domestic wastewater, various low volume wastes including reject water from operation of a reserve osmosis water treatment unit, and chemical metal cleaning wastewater,.. discharged from Outfall 001 (potentially). 151. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the continuous discharge of Non -Contact Cooling Water from heat exchanger units through Outfall 002. 152. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes a Stormwater Discharge System to discharge stormwater from outfalls SW -1, SW -2, and SW -3 into the Lumber River. 153. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 001 (Ash Pond) require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease; Total Suspended Solids, Total Copper, Total Iron, Total Arsenic, Total Selenium pH, Temperature and Acute Toxicity. 154. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the discharge from Outfall 002 (Non -Contact Cooling Water 36 - J system) .require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Temperature, Total Residual Chlorine, Time of Chlorine Addition and pH. 155. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit for the Stormwafer Discharge System require sampling for the following parameters: 40 CFR Part 43 Appendix A 13 Priority Pollutant Metals, Aluminum, Boron, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Sulfate, Oil and Grease, pH and Total Rainfall. Stormwater from the Weatherspoon Plant must also be assessed for qualitative monitoring requirements, including: • Color, Odor, Clarity, Floating 'Solids, Suspended Solids, Foam, Oil Sheen, Erosion or deposition at the outfall and other obvious indicators of stormwater pollution. Exceedances in Holation of 2L Groundwater Standards at the' Weathersnoon Steam Electric Plant 156. The Aquifer Protection staff of Plaintiffs predecessor division compiled a table of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant from - November 2010 through July 16, 2013, and prepared a chart of the Ash Pond Exceedances which are listed in in the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart. See Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 10. 157. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the alternate 2L Groundwater Standard for Iron (above the naturally occurring background concentration of 2,040 µg/L) in compliance wells CW4 and CW -3 during eight sampling events from November 2010 through March 2013, with concentrations ranging from 2,060 gg/L .to 4,140 µg/L; and in monitoring well CW -3 during two sampling events in June 2011 and June 2012, with concentrations of 3,740 pg/L and 2,120 µg/L, respectively. Although Iron is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this 37 site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the waste water treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 158. Defendant's exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards for Iron at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond are violations of the groundwater standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). Other Exceedances of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant 1.59. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart showsan exceedance from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Thallium (0.2 gg/L) in background monitoring well BW -1 during one sampling event in June 2012, with a concentration of 0.66 gg/L. Background monitoring well BW -1 is located at the compliance boundary of the Ash Pond Treatment System at the Weatherspoon Plant. Well BW -1 is located about 600 feet northwest of the active ash pond. Whether one exceedance of the Thallium standard is sufficient to constitute a violation is unclear., 160. The Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart'shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Manganese (50 µg/L) in monitoring well CW -1 during two sampling events in November 2010 and June 2011, with concentrations of 53.4 µg/L and 53.5 µg/L respectively; and in monitoring well CW -3 during one sampling event in March 2013, with a concentration of 55 gg/L. 161. The DWR staff is working with the Defendant to determine if these exceedances are naturally'occurring or if corrective action will be required. 38 Sutton Electric Plant 162 On June 30, 1977, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1, other lawful statutes and regulations issued by the Commission, and the Clean Water Act, the DWQ issued NPDES Permit No. NCO001422 to the Progress Energy for the L. V. Sutton Electric Plant ("Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit"), located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. 163. The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit has been renewed subsequently. The current Sutton Steam Electric Plant NPDES Permit was re -issued on December 2, 2011, with an effective- date of January 1, 2012, and with an expiration date of December 31, 2016. A copy of the current Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit No. NC0001422 is attached hereto as Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 18, and is incorporated herein by reference. 164. The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of wastewater to receiving waters designated as the Cape Fear River in the Cape Fear River Basin in accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements and other conditions set forth in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit. 165. The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of cooling pond blowdown, recirculation cooling water, non -contact cooling water and treated wastewater from Internal Outfalls 002, Internal Outfall 003, and Internal Outfall 004 via Outfall 001, 'which discharges directly into the Cape Fear River, Class C -Swamp waters in the Cape Fear River Basin. 166. The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of coal pile runoff, low volume wastes, ash sluice water (including wastewater generated from the Rotomix system), and stormwater through Internal Outfall 002. MI 167 The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of chemical metal cleaning waste through Internal. Outfall 003. Generally, chemical metal cleaning wastes are treated by evaporation in boilers. 168 The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of coal pile runoff, low volume wastes, and stormwater runoff from Internal Outfall 004. 169. The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of ultrafilter water treatment system filter backwash, closed cooling water cooler blowdown, reverse- osmosis/electrodeionization'system reject wastewater and other low volume wastewater to the Cooling Pond from new Internal Outfall 005 after beginning operation of a natural gas fired combined cycle generation facility. 170. The Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit authorizes the discharge of low volume wastewater including the heat recovery steam generator blowdown and auxiliary boiler blowdown into the cooling pond from the new Internal Outfall 006 after beginning operation of a natural gas fired combined cycle generation facility. 171. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit for discharges from Outfall 001 require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Temperature, Total Residual Chlorine, Time of Chlorine Addition, Total Copper, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Dissolved Oxygen, Acute Toxicity, Total Mercury, pH, Total Suspended Solids, Total Selenium, and Total Arsenic. 172. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit for discharges from Internal Outfall 002 require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, Total Arsenic, Total Selenium, and Amonia-Nitrogen. 40 173. - The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit for discharges from Internal Outfall 003 require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Total Copper and Total Iron. 174. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit for discharges from Outfall 004 require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, Total Selenium, Total Arsenic and Ammonia - Nitrogen. 175. The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit for Internal Outfall 005 require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, and pH. 176 ' The effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant . NPDES Permit for Internal Outfall 006 require sampling for the following parameters: Flow, Oil and Grease, Total Suspended Solids, and pH. Exceedances in Isolation of 2L Groundwater Standards at the Sutton Electric Plant 177. The groundwater monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit require sampling the following compliance wells MW -4B (background), MW -5C (background), MW -7C, MW -11, MW -12, MW -19, MW -21C, MW -22B, MW -22C, MW -23B, MW -23C, MW -24B, MW -24C, MW -27B, MW -28B, MW -28C and MW -31C. All current wells being sampled are located at or beyond the Compliance Boundary. Prior to October 24, 2012, the groundwater monitoring requirements in the Sutton Electric Plant NPDES Permit required sampling the following wells MW -2C, MW -413 (background), MW -5C (background), MW -6C, MW -7C, MW -8, MW -9, MW -10, MW -11, MW -12, MW -17, MW -18, and MW -19. Some wells sampled prior to October 24, 2012, were located inside the Compliance Boundary. 41 178. Plaintiffs Aquifer Protection staff compiled a table of the analytical results of groundwater samples collected at the. Sutton Electric Plant from March 2010 through July 16, 2013, and prepared a chart of the Ash Pond Exceedances which are listed in in the Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart. See Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 11. 179. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Thallium (0.2 gg/L) in compliance wells MW -19 during four sampling events from October 2011 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 0.62 µg/L; and in compliance wells MW -22C and MW -24B during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 0.35 µg/L and 0.586 µg/L, respectively. Although Thallium is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 180. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Antimony (1 µg/L) in compliance well MW -24B during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013 with a maximum concentration of 1.1 pg/L. Although Antimony is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 181. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Boron (700 gg/L) in compliance well MW -7C during two sampling events in March 2012 and June 2012, with a' maximum concentration of 767 pg/L; in compliance well MW -12 during four sampling events from March 2012 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,510 gg/L; in MW -19 during five sampling events from 42 October 2011 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,940 gg/L; in compliance well MW -21 C during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,720 µg/L; in compliance well MW -22C during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 2,100 µg/L; in compliance well MW -23B during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013 with a maximum concentration of 1,330 µg/L; in compliance well MW -23C during two sampling .events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 2,580 µg/L; in compliance well MW -24B during two sampling events from in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,420 gg/L; In compliance well MW -24C during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,160 µg/L; in compliance well MW -28C during one sampling event in March 2013, with a concentration of 1,030 gg/L; and in compliance well MW -31C during sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,120 gg/L. Although Boron is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 182. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Selenium (20 gg/L) in compliance well MW -27B during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 37.1 gg/L. Although Selenium is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 43 183. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Total Dissolved Solids (500 mg/L) at compliance well MW - 24C during two sampling events from October 2012 to March 2013, ,with a maximum concentration of 579 mg/L. The presence of Total Dissolved Solids in groundwater and the specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal- associated- with coal burning activities. 184. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Sulfate (250 mg/L) in compliance well MW -21C during one sampling event in October 2012, with a concentration of 814 mg/L. Although Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the waste water treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 185. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 2L GW standard for Manganese (50 gg/L) in compliance well MW -7C during four sampling events from March 2012 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 458 µg2); in compliance well MW -12 during four sampling events from March 2012 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 281 gg/L; in compliance well MW -19 during three sampling events- from October 2011 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 508 gg/L; in compliance well MW -21C during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,460 gg/L; in compliance well MW - 22B during one sampling event in October 2012, with a concentration of 116 gg/L; and in compliance wells MW -22C, MW -23B, MW -23C, MW 24B, MW -24C, MW -28C, and MW -31 C during two, sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with maximum concentrations of 44 798 µg/L, 348 µg/L, 1,150 µg/L, 805 µg/L, 2,360 µg/L, 367 µg/L and 1,800 gg/L, respectively. Although Manganese is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 186. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Iron (3 00 gg/L) in compliance well MW -11 during one sampling event in March 2011 with a concentration of 420 µg/L; in compliance well MW -21C during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 7,680 µg/L; in compliance well MW -24C during one sampling event in October 2012, with a concentration of 2,860 µg/L; and in compliance well MW -31C during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration - of 2,820 pg/L. Although Iron is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the waste water treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 187. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows an exceedance from the 21, Groundwater Standard for Lead (15 pg/L) in compliance well MW -12 during one sampling event in March 2012, with a concentration of 17.3 µg/L. Although Lead is a naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the wastewater treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities. 188. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows an exceedance from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Arsenic (10 µg/L) in compliance well MW -21C during one sampling event in March 2013, with a concentration of 15 pg/L. Although Arsenic is a 45 naturally occurring element, its presence in groundwater and specific occurrence at this site indicates impacts to groundwater resulting from the waste water treatment and disposal associated with coal burning activities.. 189. Defendant's exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards for Thallium, Antimony, Boron, Selenium, Total Dissolved Solids, Sulfate, Manganese, Iron, Lead and Arsenic at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Sutton Electric Plant Ash Ponds are violations of the groundwater standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). Risk Factors Due to Exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards at the Sutton Electric Plant 190. Violations above 2L Groundwater Standards have been measured in compliance wells MW -7C, MW -19, MW -21C, MW -22B, MW -22C, MW -23B, MW -23C, and MW -28C which are located upgradient of two water supply wells (PW#3 and PW#4) serving the New Hanover Water System identified as CFPUA/NHC-421 (No. NC0465191). Water supply wells PW#3 and PW#4 are located approximately 2,200 feet from the compliance boundary or approximately 2,700 feet from the edge of the ash ponds. 191. Compliance well MW -7C has shown violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards for Boron, Iron, and Manganese. Compliance well MW -19 has shown pH, Boron, Iron, Manganese, and Thallium violations. Compliance well MW -21 C has shown violations Sulfate, Arsenic, Boron, Iron, and Manganese. Compliance well MW -22B has shown pH and Manganese violations. Compliance well MW -22C has shown pH, Boron, Iron, Manganese, and Thallium violations. Compliance well MW -23B has shown pH, Boron, and Manganese violations. Compliance well MW -28C has shown pH, Boron, and Manganese. 46 Other Exceedances of the 2L Groundwater Standards at the Sutton Electric Plant 192. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Manganese (50 gg/L) in compliance well MW -10 during four sampling events from October 2011 to June 2012, with a maximum concentration of 96.7 gg/L; in compliance well MW -11 during four sampling events from March 2012 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 99.6 gg/L; in compliance well MW -27B during two sampling events in October 2012 and March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 229 gg/L; in background well MW -413 during one sampling event in June 2012, with a concentration of 265 gg/L; and in background well MW -5C during four sampling events from March 2012 to March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 447 gg/L. 193. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond Exceedances Chart shows exceedances from the 2L Groundwater Standard for Iron (300 gg/L) .in compliance well MW -7C during two sampling events in March 2012 and June 2012, with a maximum concentration of 707 gg/L; in compliance well MW -12 during four sampling events from March 2011 to October 2012, with a maximum concentration of 1,490 gg/L; in compliance well MW -19 during one sampling event in March 2010, with a concentration of 322 gg/L; in compliance well MW22-C during one sampling event in March 2013, with a concentration of 431 gg/L; in background well MW -413 during eight sampling events from March 2010 through March 2013, with a maximum concentration of 1,650 gg/L. 194. The Sutton Electric Plant Ash Pond - Exceedances Chart consistently shows exceedances from the 21, Groundwater Standard for pH (6.5-8.5) in compliance wells MW -5C, MW -7C, MW -10, MW -11, MW -12, MW -19, MW -2213, MW -22C, MW -2313, MW -23C, MW - 47 24B, MW -24C, MW-27B,.MW-28C, and MW -31C during eight sampling events from March 2010 through March 2013 with levels ranging from 4.5 to 6.47. 195. The DWR staff is working with the Defendant to determine if these exceedances are naturally occurring or if corrective action will be required. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF 196. The allegations contained in paragraphs 1 through 195 are incorporated into these claims for relief as if fully set forth herein. 197. With the exception of the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant and the Sutton Electric Plant, which have no unpermitted seeps, Defendant's unpermitted seeps from the 4 of the 6 Facilities (Mayo, Roxboro, Cape Fear and Lee) are violations of N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143- 215.1(a)(1) and (a)(6). 198. Defendant's exceedances of the groundwater standards for Sulfate at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Roxboro Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond are violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). 199. Defendant's exceedances of the.groundwater standards for Boron, Selenium and Sulfate at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant Ash Ponds are violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). 200. Defendant's exceedances of the groundwater standards for Arsenic, Boron, and Chromium at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Lee Steam Electric Plant Ash Ponds Treatment System are violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.4103 (d). 48 201. Defendant's exceedances of the groundwater standards for Iron at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Weatherspoon Steam Electric Plant Ash Pond are violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). 202. Defendant's exceedances of the groundwater standards for Thallium, Antimony, Boron, Selenium, Total Dissolved Solids, Sulfate, Manganese, Iron, Lead and Arsenic at or beyond the compliance boundary of the Sutton Electric Plant Ash Ponds are violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards as prohibited by 15A NCAC 2L.0103(d). 203. Plaintiff is entitled to injunctive relief, as set forth more specifically in the prayer for relief, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.6C. 204. Defendant's violations of N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 143-215.1(a)(1) and (a)(6) for the unpermitted seeps and Defendant's violations and potential violations of the 2L Groundwater Standards, without assessing the problem and taking corrective action, poses a serious danger to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of North Carolina and serious harm to the water resources of the State. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHERFORE, the Plaintiff, State of North Carolina, prays that the Court grant to it the following relief 1. That the Court accepts this verified complaint as an affidavit upon which to base all orders of the Court;. 2. That the Court preliminarily, and upon final judgment permanently enter a mandatory injunction requiring the Defendant to abate the violations of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143- 215.1, NPDES Permits and groundwater standards at the 6 Facilities; 3. That the Court preliminarily, and upon final judgment permanently enter a mandatory injunction requiring the Defendant take the steps required in the attached "Ash Ponds 49 Assessment Needs", which is attached hereto as Plaintiffs Exhibit No. 19, and is incorporated herein by reference; 4. That the Defendant be taxed with the costs of this action; 5. Any other and further relief that the Court deems to be just and proper. Respectfully submitted, this the � day of August, 2013. go Special puty At omey General NC State B . 12176 per@ncdoj. By onald W. Laton Assistant Attorney General atate B o. 3 d By Anita LeVea Assistant Attorney General NC State Bar No. 13667 ALeveaux@ncdoj.gov By oll AA-.s� Ysssistant e L. Oliver Attorney General NC State Bar No. 16771 joliver@ncdoj.gov N.C. Department of Justice Environmental Division Post Office Box 629 Raleigh, NC 27602-6629 (919) 716-6600 phone (919) 716-6750 facsimile Attorneys for the Plaintiff State of North Carolina ex rel. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources 50 EXHIBIT 3 Sutton NPDES Permit NC0001422 December 7, 2015 Permit NC0001422 V STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 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 Water Quality Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, Duke Energy Progress, LLC is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the L. V. Sutton Energy Complex 801 Sutton Steam Plant Road, Wilmington New Hanover County to receiving waters designated as the Cape Fear River and Sutton Lake in the Cape Fear River Basin in accordance with the discharge limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III, and Appendix A. This permit modification shall become effective December 7, 2015. This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2016. Signed this day December 3, 2015. Original signed by S. Jay Zimmerman S. Jay Zimmerman P.G., Director Division of Water Resources By the Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Page 1 of 19 V Permit NC0001422 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. Duke Energy Progress, LLC is hereby authorized to: 1. Continue to discharge cooling water, low volume wastes, stormwater, and treated wastewater from internal wastewater outfalls 005, 006, 007, and 009 to the Effluent Channel, and internal stormwater outfalls SW001, SW002, SW003, SW004, SW005, SW006, and SWO07 to the Effluent Channel (the Effluent Channel discharges via external Outfall 008 to the Sutton Lake); ash pond discharge, groundwater, treated wastewater, and stormwater runoff (Outfall 001, Outfall 002 and Outfall 004); at a facility located at Sutton Steam Electric Plant, 801 Sutton Steam Plant Road, Wilmington, New Hanover County, and 2. Discharge wastewater (via Outfall 002, Outfall 004, and Outfall 008) from said treatment works at the locations specified on the attached map into the Sutton Lake which is classified C waters in the Cape Fear River Basin. 3. Discharge wastewater and groundwater (via Outfall 00 1) from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into the Cape Fear River, classified C -Swamp waters in the Cape Fear River Basin. Page 2 of 19 Permit NC0001422 Part I A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 001 - normal operation)? [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 to the Cape Fear River from Outfall 001 - removing the free water above the settled ash layer that does not involve mechanical disturbance of the ash (recirculation cooling water, non -contact cooling water, and treated wastewater from outfalls 002, and 004). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored6 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average_ _ Daily maximum Measurement Sample Sample Frequency Type Location' Flow, MGD Daily Estimate or pump logs Effluent Tem erature1,2, °C Quarterly Grab U, D Tem erature2, OC Daily Grab Effluent pH 6.0s H<_ 9.0 Weekly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids, /L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent _mg Total Nitrogen NO2 + NO3 + TKN , mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Acute Toxicity3 Monthly Grab Effluent Total Mercury4 47.0 ng/L 47.0 ng/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 µg L 50.0 µg L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 µg/L 56.0 µg/L Weekly . Grab Effluent Total Iron 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Lead 25.0 µ L 33.8 µ L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 µ L 15.0 µ L. Weekly Grab Effluent Total Aluminum Weekly Grab Effluent Total Copper, L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, L Weekly Grab Effluent Turbiditys I I Weekly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. U: Upstream, 2700 feet above outfall. D: Downstream, 1.25 miles below outfall. 2. The receiving water's temperature shall not be increased by more than 2.8°C above ambient water temperature and in no case exceed 32°C, except in the mixing zone described as follows: Extending from the eastern shore to the centerline of the river and extending not more than 1.25 miles downstream nor more than 2700 feet from the point of discharge. The cross- sectional area of the mixing zone shall not exceed 9% of the total cross sectional area of the river at the point of discharge nor 2.5% at the mouth of Toomer's Creek. 3. Acute Toxicity Limit (Fathead Minnow, 24 hour at 90%); Part I, Condition A. (10.). 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 5. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. 6. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). 7. The drawdown rate shall not exceed 1 foot/week to maintain the integrity of the dams, unless approved by the DEQ Dam Safety Program. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 3 of 19 Permit NC0001422 A. (2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 001 -dewatering phase)$ [15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq., 02B.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the commencement date of the dewatering operation and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge to the Cape Fear River from Outfall 001 Dewaterinq-removinq the interstitial water/ash gore water (recirculation cooling water, non - contact cooling water, and treated wastewater from outfalls 002, and 004). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored6 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average Daily Maximum Measurement Sample Frequency Type Sample FLocation' Flow 2.1 MGD (applies only to ash pond discharge) Daily Estimate Or pump logs Effluent Tem erature1,2, °C Quarterly Grab U, D Tem erature2, OC Daily Grab Effluent pH 6.0< H <_ 9.0 Daily Daily Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 m L 20.0 m L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids mg L7 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen NO2 + NO3 + TKN), mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Acute ToxiCity3 Monthly Grab Effluent Total Iron 1.0 m L 1.0 m L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 µ L 15.0 µ L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Aluminum Weekly Grab Effluent Total Lead 25.0 µg L 33.8 pg L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 pg/L 50.0 pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 pg/L 56.0 pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Mercury4 47.0 n L 47.0 n L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Copper, µ L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, µ L Weekly Grab Effluent Turbidity5 Weekly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. U: Upstream, 2700 feet above outfall. D: Downstream, 1.25 miles below outfall. 2. The receiving water's temperature shall not be increased by more than 2.8°C above ambient water temperature and in no case exceed 32°C, except in the mixing zone described as follows: Extending from the eastern shore to the centerline of the river and extending not more than 1.25 miles downstream nor more than 2700 feet from the point of discharge. The cross- sectional area of the mixing zone shall not exceed 9% of the total cross sectional area of the river at the point of discharge nor 2.5% at the mouth of Toomer's Creek. 3. Acute Toxicity Limit (Fathead Minnow, 24 hour at 90%); Part I, Condition A. (10.). 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 5. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. 6. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). 7. The facility shall continuously monitor TSS concentration and the dewatering pump shall be shutoff automatically when the limits are exceeded. 8. The drawdown rate shall not exceed 1 foot/week to maintain the integrity of the dams, unless approved by the DEQ Dam Safety Program. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 4of19 Permit NC0001422 A. (3.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002 -normal operation)4, s [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 to Sutton Lake and/or to the 1971 ash pond from Outfall 002 - removing of free water above the settled ash layer that does not involve mechanical disturbance of the ash (Old Ash Pond - coal pile runoff, low volume wastes, ash sluice water, and stormwater runoff). Such discharges to Sutton Lake shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average Daily Maximum Measurement Frequency Sample Sample Location Type Flow, MGD Weekly Pump Logs or similar Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent pH 6.0s pH <_ 9.0 Weekly Grab Effluent Total Copper, pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 µg/L 50.0 µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 µg/L 56.0 µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Mercury 47.0 ng/L 47.0 ng/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Iron 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Aluminum Weekly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity 2 Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 2. Chronic Toxicity Limit (Ceriodaphnia dubia at 90%); Part I, Condition A. (21.). 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). 4. The facility shall submit EPA Form 2C for Outfall 002 as soon as practicable, but no later than 180 days from the effective date of this permit. 5. The drawdown rate shall not exceed 1 foot/week to maintain the integrity of the dams, unless approved by the DEQ Dam Safety Program. ✓ There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 5of19 Permit NC0001422 A. (4.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 004 -normal operation)4, 5 [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 to Sutton Lake and/or to Outfall 001 from Outfall 004 - removing of free water above the settled ash layer that does not involve mechanical disturbance of the ash (New Ash Pond - ash sluice water, coal pile runoff, low volume wastes, and stormwater runoff). Such discharges to Sutton Lake shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Daily Average Maximum Measurement Sample Sample Frequency Type Location Flow, MGD Weekly Pump Logs or similar Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent pH 6.0<_ H<_ 9.0 Weekly Grab Effluent Total Co er, pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 pg/L 50.0 pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 gg L 56.0 gg L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Mercury 47.0 ng/L 47.0 ng/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Iron 1.0 m L 1.0 m L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Aluminum Weekly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity 2 Quarterly Grab I Effluent Notes: 1. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 2. Chronic Toxicity Limit (Ceriodaphnia dubia at 90%); Part I, Condition A. (21). 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). 4. The facility shall submit EPA Form 2C for Outfall 004 as soon as practicable, but no later than 180 days from the effective date of this permit. 5. The drawdown rate shall not exceed 1 foot/week to maintain the integrity of the dams, unless approved by the DEQ Dam Safety Program. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 6 of 19 Permit NC0001422 A. (5.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 005) [15A N,CAC 0213 .0400 et seq., 0213 .0500 et seq.] Beginning with the commencement of this discharge and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from Internal Outfall 005 (Combined Cycle Plant - ultrafilter water treatment system filter backwash, closed cooling water cooler blowdown, Reverse Osmosis/Electrodeionization system reject wastewater, and other low volume wastewater) to the Effluent Channel. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored) by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS EFFLUENT .LIMITATIONS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly: Average 'Daily, Maximum Measurement Frequenc Sample - Type _, Sample 'Location Flow, MGD Daily Pump Logs or similar Influent or Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L 2/Month Grab ' Effluent Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L 2/Month Grab Effluent PH 6.0 < pH < 9.0 2/Month Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. A. (6.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 006) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] Beginning with -the commencement of this discharge and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from Internal Outfall 006 (Combined Cycle Plant - low volume wastewater including the Heat Recovery Steam generator blowdown and auxiliary boiler blowdown) to the Effluent Channel. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT, CHARACTERISTICS EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average Daily Maximum Measurementr Frequency Sample Type Sairiplg Location Flow, MGD Daily Pump Logs or similar Influent or Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L 2/Month Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L 2/Month Grab Effluent PH 6.0 < pH < 9.0 2/Month Grab Effluent Notes: 1.. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 7of19 Y Permit NC0001422 A. (7.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 007) [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 from Internal Outfall 007 (stormwater flows from the closure activities for coal-fired units, separate from stormwater outfalls SW001 through SWO07) to the Effluent Channel. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored2 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average - Daily' 'Maximum _ Measurement Fre_ uency_ Sample ' Type _ Sample Location Flow, MGD Sample Weekly Pump Logs or similar Effluent Oil and Grease. 15.0 m L 20.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic, µ L 15.0 m L 20.0 m L Monthly Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium, pg/L Monthly Grab Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrite as N, mg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercury', ng/L Effluent Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 2. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. A. (8.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 009) [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 from Internal Outfall 009 (low volume wastes from a new simple cycle combustion turbine) to the Effluent Channel. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS CHARACTERISTICS _ Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample Average Maximum Frequency a 'Location Flow, MGD Weekly Pump Logs Effluent or similar Oil and Grease 15.0 m L 20.0 m L Monthly Grab Effluent Total Suspended 30.0 mg/ L 100.0 mg/ L Monthly Grab Effluent Solids - pH 6.0 < pH < 9.0 2/Month Grab Effluent Notes: 1.. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 8 of 19 Permit NC0001422 A. (9.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 008)5,7 [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 to Sutton Lake from Outfall 008 (from internal wastewater outfalls 005, 006, 007, and 009, and internal stormwater outfalls SWO01 through SWO07). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored6 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Avera a Daily Maximum Measurement Sample Frequency Tye Sample Location' Flow, MGD Daily Estimate or pump logs Effluent -Temperature OC Daily Grab Effluent -Temperature 1,2, OC Daily Weekly Grab Instream Oil and Grease 15.0 mg7L 20.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen NO2 + NO3 + TKN , mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Dissolved Oxygen, mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent H 6.0s H <_ 9.0 Daily Grab Effluent Total Phosphor -us, mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity3 Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercury4, ng/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic, pg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium, pg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, pg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, µ L Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. Instream: 1000 feet from outfall. The facility is allowed 12 months from the effective date of the permit to begin daily instream temperature monitoring. The time is allowed for the facility to budget, design, and install the automatic monitoring station. In the interim, the instream temperature monitoring shall be conducted on a weekly basis. 2. The receiving water's temperature shall not be increased by more than 2.8°C above ambient water temperature and in no case exceed 32°C. The limit is not being implemented until further notice (Please see A. (26.)). 3. Chronic Toxicity Limit (Ceriodaphnia dubia at 90%); Part I, Condition A. (21.). 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 5. The facility shall install a screen or a barrier at the end of the Effluent Channel to minimize fish migration into the Channel. The design of the screen/barrier shall be submitted to the Division for approval no later than 6 month from the effective date of the permit. The screen/barrier shall be installed no later than 6 months after Division approval. 6. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (23.). 7. The facility shall submit EPA Form 2C for Outfall 008 as soon as practicable, but no later than 180 days from the effective' date of this permit. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 9 of 19 Permit NC0001422 A. (10.) ACUTE TOXICITY LIMIT (QUARTERLY)- OUTFALL 001 [15A NCAC 02B .0200 et seq.] The permittee shall conduct acute toxicity tests on a monthlU basis using protocols defined in the North Carolina Procedure Document entitled "Pass/Fail Methodology For Determining Acute Toxicity In A Single Effluent Concentration" (Revised -July, 1992 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). Effluent, samples for self-monitoring purposes must be obtained during representative effluent discharge below all waste treatment. All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR -1) for the month in which it was performed, using the parameter code TGE6C. 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 1623 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1623 Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental 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 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 Environmental 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. A. (11.) GROUNDWATER MONITORING, WELL CONSTRUCTION, AND SAMPLING The permittee shall conduct groundwater monitoring to determine the compliance of this NPDES permitted facility with the current groundwater Standards found under 15A NCAC 2L.0200. The monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the Sampling Plan approved by the Division. A. (12.) STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY INSPECTIONS OF ASH POND DAMS The facility shall meet the dam design and dam safety requirements per 15A NCAC 2K. A. (13.) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES PLAN The Permittee shall continue to implement a Best Management Practices (BMP) Plan to control the discharge of oils and the hazardous and toxic substances listed in 40 CFR, Part 117 and Tables II Page 10 of 19 Permit NC0001422 and III of Appendix D to 40 CFR, Part 122, and shall maintain the Plan at the plant site and shall be available for inspection by EPA and DWR personnel. A. (14.) INTAKE SCREEN BACKWASH Continued intake screen backwash discharge is permitted without limitations or monitoring requirements. A. (15.) NO DISCHARGE OF PCBs As specified by 40 CFR 423.13 (a), there shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds such as those commonly used for transformer fluid. A. (16.) BIOCIDE CONDITION The permittee shall not use any biocides except those approved in conjunction with the permit application. The permittee shall notify the Director in writing not later than ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional biocide used in cooling systems which may be toxic to aquatic life other than those previously reported to the Division of Water Resources. Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 and a map locating the discharge point and receiving stream. Completion of a Biocide Worksheet 101 is not necessary for the introduction of a new biocide into an outfall currently being tested for toxicity. A. (17.) FISH TISSUE MONITORING NEAR ASH POND DISCHARGE — OUTFALL 001, and OUTFALLS 002/004 The facility shall conduct fish tissue monitoring at two locations (Sutton Lake and Cape Fear River) annually and submit the results with the NPDES permit renewal application. The objective of the monitoring is to evaluate potential uptake of pollutants by fish tissue near the Ash Pond discharge. The parameters analyzed in fish tissue shall be arsenic, selenium, and mercury. The monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the Sampling Plan approved by the Division. After the plan is approved by the Division, it will become an enforceable part of the permit. A. (18.) CLEAN WATER ACT SECTION 316(B) The permittee shall comply with the Cooling Water Intake Structure Rule per 40 CFR 125.95. The permittee shall submit all the materials required by the Rule with the next renewal application. A. (19.) ASH POND CLOSURE The facility shall prepare an Ash Ponds Closure Plan in anticipation of the ash pond closure. This Plan shall be submitted to the Division one month prior to the closure of the ash ponds. A. (20.) LOWER CAPE FEAR MODELING The permittee may elect to conduct a water quality model of the dilution factor for Outfall 001. Contingent upon EPA approval of the Lower Cape Fear Modeling and its results, the Reasonable Potential Analysis will be conducted again and the permit limits will be based on the new flow numbers established by the model. A. (21.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY) — OUTFALLS 002, 004, 008 [15A NCAC 0213 .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 90.0%. The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, quarterlmonitoring 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 Page 11 of 19 Permit NC0001422 of February, May, August, and November. 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. If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter 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 1623 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1623 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 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. (22.) INSTREAM MONITORING The facility shall conduct semiannual instream monitoring (1000 ft. upstream and 1000 ft. downstream of the Outfall 001, and 1000 ft from Outfall 004) for total arsenic, total selenium, total mercury (method 1631E), total chromium, total lead, total cadmium, total copper, and total zinc. The monitoring results shall be submitted with the NPDES permit renewal application. A. (23.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS (STATE ENFORCEABLE ONLY) [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] Proposed federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and specify that, if a state does not establish a system to receive such submittals, then permittees ; Page 12 of 19 Permit NC0001422 must submit DMRs electronically to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Division anticipates that these regulations will be adopted and is beginning implementation in late 2013. 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.) • Section D. (6.) • Section E. (5.) Reporting Records Retention Monitoring Reports 1. Reporting [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (all Beginning no later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, the permittee shall begin reporting 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 / DWR / Information Processing Unit ATTENTION: Central Files / eDMR 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. Requests for temporary waivers from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements 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 using eDMR. Temporary waivers shall be valid for twelve (12) months and shall thereupon expire. At such time, DMRs shall be submitted electronically to the Division unless the permittee re -applies for and is granted a new temporary waiver by the Division. Information on eDMR and application for a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements is found on the following web page: http: //portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/admin/bog/ipu/edmr 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 13 of 19 Permit NC0001422 2. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.1 (b) and supersedes Section B. (11.) Ldu 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: / /-portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq / admin / bog/ ipu / 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 certcfy, 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." 3. Records Retention [Supplements Section D. (6.)1 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 122.411. A. (24.) APPLICABLE STATE LAW (STATE ENFORCEABLE ONLY) [G. S. 143-215.1(b)] This facility shall meet the requirements of Senate Bill 729 (Coal Ash Management Act). This permit may be reopened to include new requirements imposed by Senate Bill 729. A. (25.) STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN The permittee shall develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP). The SPPP shall be maintained on site unless exempted from this requirement by the Division. The SPPP is public information. The SPPP should also specifically and separately address deconstruction, demolition, coal, and/or coal ash hauling or disposal activities. The SPPP shall include, at a minimum, the following items: 1. Site Overview. The Site Overview shall provide a description of the physical facility and the potential pollutant sources that may be expected to contribute to contamination of stormwater discharges. The Site Overview shall contain the following: (a) A general location map (USGS quadrangle map or appropriately drafted equivalent map), showing the facility's location in relation to transportation routes and surface waters; the name of the receiving waters to which the stormwater outfalls discharge, or if the discharge is to a municipal separate storm sewer system, the name of the municipality and the ultimate receiving waters; and accurate latitude and longitude of the points of stormwater discharge associated with industrial activity. The general location map (or alternatively the site map) shall identify whether any receiving waters are impaired (on the state's 303(d) list Page 14 -of 19 Permit NC0001422 of impaired waters) or if the site is located in a watershed for which a TMDL has been established, and what the parameters of concern are. (b) A narrative description of storage practices, loading and unloading activities, outdoor process areas, dust or particulate generating or control processes, and waste disposal practices. A narrative description of the potential pollutants that could be expected to be present in the stormwater discharge from each outfall. The narrative should also reference deconstruction, demolition, coal, and/or coal ash hauling or disposal activities where applicable. (c) A site map drawn at a scale sufficient to clearly depict: the site property boundary; the stormwater discharge outfalls; all on-site and adjacent surface waters and wetlands; industrial activity areas (including storage of materials, disposal areas, process areas, loading and unloading areas, and haul roads); site topography and finished grade; all drainage features and structures; drainage area boundaries and total contributing area for each outfall; direction of flow in each drainage area; industrial activities occurring in each drainage area; buildings; stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs); and impervious surfaces. The site map must indicate the percentage of each drainage area that is impervious, and the site map must include a graphic scale indication and north arrow. (d) A list of significant spills or leaks of pollutants during the previous three (3) years and any corrective actions taken to mitigate spill impacts. (e) Certification that the stormwater outfalls have been evaluated for the presence of non- stormwater discharges. The permittee shall submit the first certification no later than 90 days after the effective date of this permit to the Stormwater Permitting Program Central Office and shall re -certify annually that the stormwater outfalls have been evaluated for the presence of non-stormwater discharges. For any non-stormwater discharge identified, the permittee shall indicate how that discharge is permitted or otherwise authorized. The certification statement will be signed in accordance with the requirements found in Part II, Standard Conditions, Section B, Paragraph 11: 2. Stormwater Management Strategy. The Stormwater Management Strategy shall contain a narrative description of the materials management practices employed which control or minimize the stormwater exposure of significant materials, including structural and nonstructural measures. This strategy should also address deconstruction, demolition, coal, and/or coal ash hauling or disposal activities where applicable. The Stormwater Management Strategy, at a minimum, shall incorporate the following: (a) Feasibility Study. A review of the technical and economic feasibility of changing the methods of operations and/or storage practices to eliminate or reduce exposure of materials and processes to rainfall and run-on flows. Wherever practical, the permittee shall prevent exposure of all storage areas, material handling operations, and manufacturing or fueling operations. In areas where elimination of exposure is not practical, this review shall document the feasibility of diverting the stormwater run-on away from areas of potential contamination. (b) Secondary Containment Requirements and Records. Secondary containment is required for: bulk storagequid materials; storage in any amount of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) water priority chemicals; and storage in any amount of hazardous substances, in order to prevent leaks and spills from contaminating stormwater runoff. A table or summary of all such tanks and stored materials and their associated secondary containment areas shall be maintained. If the secondary containment devices are connected to stormwater conveyance systems, the connection shall be controlled by manually activated valves or other similar devices (which shall be secured closed with a locking mechanism). Any stormwater that accumulates in the containment area shall be observed for color, foam, outfall staining, visible sheens and Page 15 of 19 Permit NC0001422 dry weather flow, prior to release of the accumulated stormwater. Accumulated stormwater shall be released if found to be uncontaminated by any material. Records documenting the individual making the observation, the description of the accumulated stormwater, and the date and time of the release shall be kept for a period of five (5) years. For facilities subject to a federal oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), any portion of the SPCC Plan fully compliant with the requirements of this permit may be used to demonstrate compliance with this permit. In addition to secondary containment for tankage, the permittee shall provide drip pans or other similar protection measures for truck or rail car liquid loading and unloading stations. (c) BMP Summary. A listing of site structural and non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall be provided. The installation and implementation of BMPs shall be based on the assessment of the potential for sources to contribute significant quantities of pollutants to stormwater discharges and on data collected through monitoring of stormwater discharges. The BMP Summary shall include a written record of the specific rationale for installation and implementation of the selected site BMPs. The BMP Summary 'should also address deconstruction, demolition, coal, and/or coal ash hauling or disposal activities where applicable. The permittee shall refer to the BMPs described in EPA's Multi -Sector Permit (MSGP) and Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet for Steam Electric Power Generating Facilities (EPA -833-F-06-030) for guidance on BMPs that may be appropriate for this site. The BMP Summary shall be reviewed and updated annually. 3. Spill Prevention and Response Procedures. The Spill Prevention and Response Procedures (SPRP) shall incorporate an assessment of potential pollutant sources based on a materials inventory of the facility. Facility personnel responsible for implementing the SPRP shall be identified in a written list incorporated into the SPRP and signed and dated by each individual acknowledging their responsibilities for the plan. A responsible person shall be on-site at all times during facility operations that have increased potential to contaminate stormwater runoff through spills or exposure of materials associated with the facility operations. The SPRP must be site stormwater specific. Therefore, an oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plan (SPCC) may be a component of the SPRP; but may not be sufficient to completely address the stormwater aspects of the SPRP. The common elements of the SPCC with the SPRP may be incorporated by reference into the SPRP. 4. Preventative Maintenance and Good Housekeeping Program. A preventative maintenance and good housekeeping program shall be developed and implemented. The program shall address all stormwater control systems (if applicable), stormwater discharge outfalls, all on-site and adjacent surface waters and wetlands, industrial activity areas (including material storage areas, material handling areas, disposal areas, process areas, loading and unloading areas, and haul roads), all drainage features and structures, and existing structural BMPs. The program shall establish schedules of inspections, maintenance, and housekeeping activities of stormwater control systems, as well as facility equipment, facility areas, and facility systems that present a potential for stormwater exposure or stormwater pollution where not already addressed under another element of the SPPP. Inspection of material handling areas and regular cleaning schedules of these areas shall be incorporated into the program. Compliance with the established schedules for inspections, maintenance, and housekeeping shall be recorded and maintained in the SPPP. The program should also address deconstruction, demolition, coal, and/or coal ash hauling or disposal activities where applicable. The Good Housekeeping Program shall also include, but not be limited to, BMPs to accomplish the following: (a) Minimize contamination of stormwater runoff from oil-bearing equipment in switchyard areas; (b) Minimize contamination of stormwater runoff from delivery vehicles and rail cars arriving and departing the plant site; Page 16 of 19 Permit NC0001422 (c) Inspect all residue -hauling vehicles for proper covering over the load, adequate gate - sealing, and overall integrity of the container body. Repair vehicles as necessary; and (d) Reduce or control the tracking of ash and residue from ash loading and storage areas; 5. Facility Inspections. Inspections of the facility (including tanks, pipes, and equipment) and all stormwater systems shall occur as part of the Preventative Maintenance and Good Housekeeping Program at a minimum on a semi-annual schedule, once during the first half of the year (January to June), and once during the second half (July to December), with at least 60 days separating inspection dates (unless performed more frequently than semi-annually). 6. Employee Training. Training programs shall be developed and training provided at a minimum on an annual basis for facility personnel with responsibilities for: spill response and cleanup, preventative maintenance activities, and for any of the facility's operations that have the potential to contaminate stormwater runoff. The facility personnel responsible for implementing the training shall be identified, and their annual training shall be documented by the signature of each employee trained. 7. Responsible Party. The SPPP shall identify a specific position or positions responsible for the overall coordination, development, implementation, and revision of the SPPP. Responsibilities for all components of the SPPP shall be documented and position assignments provided. 8. SPPP Amendment and Annual Update. The permittee shall amend the SPPP whenever there is a change in design, construction, operation, site drainage, maintenance, or configuration of the physical features which may have a significant effect on the potential for the discharge of pollutants to surface waters. All aspects of the SPPP shall be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. The annual update shall include: (a) an updated list of significant spills or leaks of pollutants for the previous three (3) years, or the notation that no spills have occurred (element of the Site Overview); (b) a written re -certification that the stormwater outfalls have been evaluated for the presence of non-stormwater discharges (element of the Site Overview); (c) a documented re-evaluation of the effectiveness of the on-site stormwater BMPs (BMP Summary element of the Stormwater Management Strategy). (d) a review and comparison of stormwater sample analytical data to any applicable limits or benchmark values (if applicable) over the past year. If the Director notifies the permittee that the SPPP does not meet one or more of the minimum requirements of the permit, the permittee shall have 30 days to respond. Within 30 days of such notice, the permittee shall submit a time schedule to the Director for modifying the SPPP to meet minimum requirements. The permittee shall provide certification in writing to the Director that the changes have been made. 9. SPPP Implementation. The permittee shall implement the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and all appropriate BMPs consistent with the provisions of this permit, in order to control contaminants entering surface waters via stormwater. Implementation of the SPPP shall include documentation of all monitoring, measurements, inspections, maintenance activities, and training provided to employees, including the log of the sampling data and of actions taken to implement BMPs associated with the industrial activities, including vehicle maintenance activities. Such documentation shall be kept on-site for a period of five (5) years and made available to the Director or the Director's authorized representative immediately upon request. A. (26.) TEMPERATURE LIMIT COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE- OUTFALL 008 The facility shall develop the plan for compliance with the State temperature standard and submit the plan to the Division within 1 year from the effective date of the permit. The plan shall contain Page 17 of 19 Permit NC0001422 milestones and the specific action items. After the plan is approved by the Division, it will become an enforceable part of the permit. A. (27.) ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AND DEFINITIONS 1. EPA methods 200.7 or 200.8 (or the most current versions) shall be used for analyses of all metals except for total mercury. 2. All effluent samples for all external outfalls shall be taken at the most accessible location after the final treatment but prior to discharge to waters of the U.S. (40 CFR 122.416)). 3. The term low volume waste sources means wastewater from all sources except thouse for which specific limitations are otherwise established in this part (40 CFR 423.11 (b)). 4. The term chemical metal cleaning waste means any wastewater resulting from cleaning any metal process equipment with chemical compounds, including, but not limited to, boiler tube cleaning (40 CFR 423.11 (c)). 5. The term metal cleaning waste means any wastewater resulting from cleaning [with or without chemical cleaning compounds] any metal process equipment including, but not limited to, boiler tube cleaning, boiler fireside cleaning, and air preheater cleaning (40 CFR 423.11 (d)). 6. For all outfalls where the flow measurement is to be "estimated" the estimate can be done by using calibrated V -notch weir, stop -watch and graduated cylinder, or other method approved by the Division. 7. During normal operations removing of the free water above the settled wet ash layer shall not involve mechanical disturbance of the ash. Page 18 of 19 Permit NC0001422 Appendix A. Plan for Identification of New Discharges (attached). Page 19 of 19 EXHIBIT 4 Riverbend Final NPDES Permit NC0004961 February 12, 2016 r Water Resources ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY February 12, 2016 Mt. Hairy Sidetis, Senior Vice President Environmental, Health and Safety Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Mail Code EC13K P.O. Box 1006 Charlotte, North Carolina 28201-1006 PAT MCCRORY Govemor DONALD R. VAN DER VAART Secrelai), S. JAY ZIMMERMAN Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance Permit No. NC0004961 Rivetbend Steam Station Gaston County Deal Mr. Sidetis: Di eclor The Division of Water Resources is foiivatding herewith the Final NPDES permit for Riverbend Steam Station. This permit renewal 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). A public hearing was held on April 8, 2015 in Lincolnton seeking- comments on the Draft permit. This Final permit incorporates recommendations of the DWR Heating Officer, EPA, as well as other changes. Listed below are all changes from the Draft permit: • The Outfall 010 .was eliminated and the Special Condition A. (16.) was updated to meet the requirements of The Water Quality Standard Regulatory Revisions Final Rule that has become effective on October 20, 2015. • Fish tissue monitoring was increased to annually from once every five years to address the EPA comment. Please see Special Condition A. (12.). • The Additional Conditions and Definitions Special Condition was added to the permit to address the EPA comment. Please see Special Condition A. (20.). • Measurement frequency was changed from "Episodic" to "Per discharge event" (Outfall 002A) to address the EPA comment. • The Flow 1 -nit was added for Outfall 002 (dewatering phase) to address the EPA comment. • The automatic pump shutoff requirements for TSS limit exceedance was added for Outfall 002 to address the EPA comment. • The vas -fiance from Monthly Avetage TSS,limit (Outfall 002 and Outfall 011) was eliminated to address the EPA comment. State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality I Water Resources 1617 Mail service Center I Raleigh, Noah Carolina 27699-1611 919 707 9000 • Monitoring frequency for all parameters was increased to Weekly for Outfall 002 to address the EPA comment. • The specific date of December 31, 2019 replaced 4.5•yeats for Outfall 002. This change was made to address EPA comment. Please see Special Condition A. (2). • Clarifying language was added to define the discharge from the ash pond under normal operating conditions to address the Heating Officer -recommendation and the comment from the permittee. Please see Special Condition A. (2). • The definition of dewatering was added to Special Condition A. (3.). The definition was added to address the Hearing Office recommendation and the comment from the permittee. • The effluent concentration for Whole Effluent Toxicity was changed to correct a typo, the correct concentration is 2.7%. Please see footnote to Special Conditions A. (2.) and A. (3). The footnote describing conditions for monitoring Total Copper and Total Iron was removed (Outfall 011) to correct an error. • Description of the wastewater sources for Outfall 001 and Outfall 002 was updated to reflect the current status of the facility. • Clarifying language was added to the Outfall 002 to define the conditions under which the limits for Total Coppet and Total Iron are applicable. This change was made to address the Hearing Officer recommendation. • A distinct outfall was created for each seep with the effluent limits equivalent to the water quality standards, Technology -Based limits (TSS and Oil & Grease) were also added in accordance with the 40 CFR 423. • The monthly seep monitoring was extended to a 12 month period, after which the monitoring Nvill be reduced to quarterly: • The following requitements were added to the Condition A. (2.). — Outfall 001: flow limit; use of a floating pump station with free water skimmed from the basin surface using an adjustable weir; daily monitoring of flow; continuous monitoring of TSS with auto pump shut-off if TSS concentration (15 minute average) exceeds half the maximum daily TSS limit (pumping will be allowed to continue if interruption might result in a dam failure or damage); real time pH monitoring with an auto shut-off if the 15 --minute running average pH falls below 6.1 standard units or rises above 8.9 standard units; drawdown to no less than three feet above the ash; and monitoring for total chromium, total lead, total cadmium, and total dissolved solids. If any parts, measurement frequencies, or sampling tequirements contained in this permit are unacceptable to you, you have the tight to an adjudicatoiy hearing upon written request witivn 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 a demand is made, this permit shall be final and binding. Please take notice that this permit is not transferable except after notice to the Division of Water Resources. Tlie Division may require modification or revocation and teissuance of the permit. This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain other permits which may be requited by the Division of Water Resources, the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, the Coastal Area Management Act, o -r any other federal or local governmental permit. If you have any questions on this peimit, please contact Setgei Chernikov at 919-807-6386. Sin.cetely, *S.4;ettnaan, P.G. Ditector, Division of Water Resources Hardcopy: Cental Files NPDES Files Mooiesville Regional Office, SWPS Email: US EPA, Region IV Aquatic Toxicology Unit David MeriTman, Catawba Riverkeepet, [david@catawbaiiverkeepel.org] Peimit NC0004961 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 provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the Riverbend Steam Station Mount Holly Gaston County to receiving waters designated as the Catawba River (Mountain Island Lake) in the Catawba River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III, and Appendix A. This permit shall become effective March 1, 2016. This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 29, 2020. Signed this day February 12, 2016. S. Jayi m an P.G., Director Division f er Resources By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Page 1 of 27 Permit NC0004961 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. Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC is- hereby authorized to: 1. Continue to discharge: • Water from the plant chiller system (outfall 001). • Ash basin discharge (outfall 002) consisting of consisting of stormwater from roof drains and paving, treated groundwater, track hopper sump (groundwater), coal pile runoff, general plant/trailer sanitary wastewater, turbine and boiler rooms sumps, vehicle rinse water, and stormwater from pond areas, upgradient watershed, and miscellaneous stormwater flows. Yard sump overflow (outfall 002A). 12 potentially- contaminated groundwater seeps (outfalls 101-112). Wastewater, stormwater and groundwater (outfall 011). From a facility located at Riverbend Steam Station, Mount Holly in Gaston County, and 2. Discharge wastewater from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into the Catawba River, which is classified WS -IV and B -CA waters in the Catawba River Basin. Page 2 of 27 Permit NCO004961 Part I A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 001.) [15A NCAC 0213 .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge plant chiller system from outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified below: Notes: 1. Downstream sampling point: downstream at Mountain Island Lake. If samples are collected below the water surface, the Permittee will record the sample depth on the DMR form. 2. The ambient temperature shall not exceed 89.60F (32.00C) and is defined as the daily average downstream water temperature. When the Riverbend Station effluent temperature is recorded below 89.60F (32.00C), as a daily average, then monitoring and reporting of the downstream water temperature is not required. In cases where the Permittee experiences equipment problems and is unable to obtain daily temperatures from the existing temperature monitoring system, the temperature monitoring must be reestablished within five working days. 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). Chlorination of the once through condenser cooling water, discharged through outfall 001, is not allowed under this permit. Should Duke Energy wish to chlorinate its condenser cooling water, a Division permission must be requested and received prior to commencing chlorination. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 3 of 27 EN' 'A C- HAR.A. ERISTICS •. - T ;1 -Yy- - - `ti I.l - ;' r = - - - - 1Vloiit- hl a "n� -iVieasu"re `e xn ;S - - -P. tion. Flow, MGD Monthly Pump Logs Influent or Effluent Temperature (°F) Monthly Grab Effluent Temperature (oF)2 59.6 (32-C) Monthly Grab Downstream Notes: 1. Downstream sampling point: downstream at Mountain Island Lake. If samples are collected below the water surface, the Permittee will record the sample depth on the DMR form. 2. The ambient temperature shall not exceed 89.60F (32.00C) and is defined as the daily average downstream water temperature. When the Riverbend Station effluent temperature is recorded below 89.60F (32.00C), as a daily average, then monitoring and reporting of the downstream water temperature is not required. In cases where the Permittee experiences equipment problems and is unable to obtain daily temperatures from the existing temperature monitoring system, the temperature monitoring must be reestablished within five working days. 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). Chlorination of the once through condenser cooling water, discharged through outfall 001, is not allowed under this permit. Should Duke Energy wish to chlorinate its condenser cooling water, a Division permission must be requested and received prior to commencing chlorination. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 3 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002 -normal operation) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002 - Ash Pond Discharge (removing the free water above the settled ash layer that does not involve mechanical movement of the ash). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored6 by the Permittee as specified below: U -FEEL ENT ; •,��- _ 4.� .0 A •'RI CS} _ ��•� _ - LLLIMITS =__ _ _ _ RERMONITORING`_UIREM_ .a - _ "a" ;Sa I cats ri' (Me m -- r M u -- Flow 5.74 MGD Daily Pump logs or estimate Influent or Effluent Total Suspended Sol & 23,0 mg/L 75.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 11.0 mg/L 15.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Copper' 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Iron' 1.0 mg/L 1,0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 52.5 g/L 72.5 ug/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 68.0 g/L 127.5 /L Weekly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrite as N 0.65 mg/L 0.85 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.5 HglU 14,5 Hg/12 Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 13.6 pg/L7 25.5pg/L7 Weekly Grab Effluent Total Mercury 47.0 ng/L5 47,0 ng/L5 Weekly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrite as N 0,13 mg1U 0.17 mg/L7 Weekly. Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen (NO2 + NO3 + TKN), mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent pH2 Weekly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity3 Monthly Grab Effluent Turbidit 4 NTU Weekly Grab Effluent Total Chromium, pg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium, g/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Lead, g/L Weekl _t___ Grab Effluent TDS, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply when chemical metal cleaning wastewaters are being discharged. 2. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. The facility shall conduct a real time pH monitoring with an auto shut-off if the 15 -minute running average pH falls below 6.1 standard units or rises above 8.9 standard units. 3. Whole Effluent Toxicity shall be monitored by chronic toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F at 2.7%. Tests shall be conducted in January, April, July and October (see Part A.(6.) for details). 4. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. 5. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 6. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge ' monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 7. The TBEL limits shall be met no later than December 31, 2019. This time period is provided in order for the facility to budget, design, and construct the treatment system. Permit might be re -opened to implement the final EPA Effluent Guidelines and more stringent limits might be added. 8. The facility shall continuously monitor TSS concentration and the dewatering pump shall be shutoff automatically when the one half of the Daily Maximum limit (15 minutes -average) is Page 4 of 27 Permit NC0004961 exceeded. Pumping will be allowed to continue if interruption might result in a dam failure or damage. The facility is allowed to drawdown the wastewater in the lagoon to no less than three feet above the ash. The facility shall use of a floating pump station with free water skimmed from the basin surface using an adjustable weir. The metal cleaning waste, coal pile runoff, ash transport water, domestic wastewater, and low volume waste shall be discharged into the ash settling pond. No chemicals, cleaners, or other additives may be presentAn the vehicle wash water to be discharged from this outfall. , There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. The level of water in the pond should not be lowered more than 1 ft/week, unless approved by the DEQ Dam Safety Program. Page 5 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (3.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002-dowatering phase) [15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq., 02B.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the commencement date of the dewatering operations and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall'002 - Ash Pond Discharge (Dewatering -removing the interstitial water). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored7 by the Permittee as specified below: `EFFLUENT; Ci� ET C ATRI S ICS HRA - �_'"- Y,• - ___ '\y, - �u �1-h':.>=, - fir. - ���_ "p- - ;�- - j -- REQ - IREME T - ,om- -Mo`n"th}`l \S• `- ':1==:Mea9u- r ''A 'Maxi'mum - m - re ent: - =_S -am Ie T•� "e;'- - -S am- le - L`-o-cafisoi�'•n''i`=- . ._ Flow 1.45 MGD Weekly Pump logs or estimate Influent or Effluent Total Suspended Solids' 23.0 mg/L 75.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 11.0 mg/L 15.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Copper2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Iron2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.5 Ng/L 14.5 g/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 13.6pg/L. 25.5 g/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Aluminum 3.18 mg/L 3.18 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Mercury 47.0 ng/1_6 47.0 ng/Ls Weekly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrate as N 0.13 mg/L 0.17 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus, mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen (NO2 + NO3+ TKN), mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent H3 Weekly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity4 Weekly Grab Effluent Turbidity5, NTU Weekly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. The facility shall continuously monitor TSS concentration and the dewatering pump shall be shutoff automatically when the limits are exceeded. 2. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply when chemical metal cleaning wastewaters are being discharged. 3. The pH -shall not be'less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. Whole Effluent Toxicity shall be monitored by chronic toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/ F at 2.7%. Tests shall be conducted in January, April, July and October (see Part A.(6.) for details). 5. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. 6. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 7. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). The metal cleaning waste, coal pile runoff, ash transport water, domestic wastewater, and low volume waste shall be discharged into the ash settling pond. No chemicals, cleaners, or other additives may be present in the vehicle wash water to be discharged from this outfall. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. The level of water in the pond should not be lowered more than 1 ft/week unless approved by the DEQ Darn Safety Program. Page 6 of 27 Permit NCO004961 A. (4.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING'r REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002A) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this p6rmit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002A —Yard Sump -Overflows. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified below: --_ � EFFLUENT.. - :" ""= ''" _� _; -- `" A " �.IM1TS `_ - - = ' `'` Y : , ;;'MONITORING'REQUIREMENTS ". - - - ."i`t -CH� C TE ST1CS �RA RI ; _- - - _ - _ _ - -- - - - MonEhl' _Dail f�easureme" "'x::Sam"'1e'T 'e°, :'r Sa` "te Loc ion . Ave ra' a g 'M azimum ` qu y^:,. :Fre' `enc` _ Flow, MGD Per discharge Estimate Effluent event Total Suspended Solids 23.0 mg/L 75.0 mg/L Per discharge Grab Effluent event Oil and Grease 11,0 mg/L 15.0 mg/L Per discharge Grab Effluent event Fecal Coliform, CPU/100 mL Per discharge Grab Effluent event Total Copper2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Per discharge Grab Effluent event Total Iron2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Per discharge Grab Effluent event pH4 Per discharge Grab Effluent event Notes: 1. Effluent samples shall be collected prior to the discharge to the receiving stream. 2. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply when chemical metal cleaning wastewaters are being discharged. 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 4. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9,0 standard units. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. ALL FLOWS SHALL BE REPORTED ON MONTHLY DMRS. SHOULD NO FLOW OCCUR DURING A GIVEN MONTH, THE WORDS "NO FLOW" SHOULD BE CLEARLY WRITEN ON THE FRONT OF THE DMR. ALL SAMPLES SHALL BE OF A REPRESENTATIVE DISCHARGE. Page 7 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (5.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY) (Outfall 002) [15A NCAC 02B .0200 et seq.] The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant mortality to CeHodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 2.7%. 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. 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 test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter 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 TGP313 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 1623 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1623 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 quarter, which is the three month time interval that begins on the first day of the month in which toxicity testing is required by this permit and continues until the final day of the third 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. Page 8 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (6.) BIOCIDE CONDITION The permittee shall not use any biocides except those approved in conjunction with the permit application, The permittee shall notify the Director in writing not later than ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional biocide used in cooling systems which may be toxic to aquatic life other than those previously reported to the Division of Water Resources. Such notification shall include. completion of Biocide Worksheet.Form 101 and a map locating the discharge point and receivig stream. Completion of a Biocide Worksheet 101 is not necessary for the introduction of a new biocide into an outfall currently being tested for toxicity. A. (7.) SPECIAL CONDITIONS The following special conditions are applicable to all outfalls regulated by NC0004961: o There shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds. ® Discharge of any product registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to any waste stream which may ultimately be released to lakes, rivers, streams or other waters of the United States is prohibited unless specifically authorized elsewhere in this permit. Discharge of chlorine from the use of chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or other similar chlorination compounds for disinfection in the plant potable and service water systems and in sewage treatment is authorized. Use of restricted use pesticides for lake management purposes by applicators licensed by the N.C. Pesticide Board is allowed, © The Permittee shall report all visible discharges of floating materials, such as an oil sheen, to the Director when submitting DMRs A. (S.) PERMIT TERMS The following are applicable to all outfalls regulated by NC0004961: • It has been determined from information submitted that the plans and procedures in place at Riverbend Steam Station are equivalent to that of a BMP. A. (9.) ASH SETTLING BASIN Beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, there shall be no discharge of plant wastewater to the ash pond unless the Permittee provides and maintains at all times a minimum free water volume (between the top of the sediment level and the minimum discharge elevation) equivalent to the sum -of the maximum 24-hour plant discharges plus all direct rainfall and all runoff flows to the pond resulting from a 10 -year, 24-hour rainfall event, when using a runoff coefficient of 1.0. During the term of the permit, the Permittee shall remove settled material from the ponds or otherwise enlarge the available storage capacities in order to maintain the required minimum volumes at all times. The Permittee shall determine and report to the permit issuing authority the following on an annual basis: 1) the actual free water volume of the ash pond, 2) physical measurements of the dimensions of the free water volume in sufficient detail to allow validation of the calculated volume, and 3) a certification that the required volume is available with adequate safety factor to include all solids expected to be deposited in the pond for the following year. Present information indicates a needed volume of 86.2 acre-feet in addition to solids that will be deposited to the ash pond; any change to plant operations affecting such certification shall be reported to the Director within five days. NOTE: In the event that adequate volume has been certified to exist for the term of the permit, periodic certification is not needed. Page 9 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A.(10.) GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELL CONSTRUCTION AND SAMPLING The permittee shall conduct groundwater monitoring to determine the compliance of this NPDES permitted facility with the current groundwater Standards found under 15A NCAC 2L .0200. The monitoring shall,be conducted in accordance with the Sampling Plan approved by the Division. A. (11.) STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY INSPECTIONS OF ASH POND DAM The facility shall meet the dam design and dam safety requirements per 15A NCAC 2K, A.(12.) FISH TISSUE MONITORING NEAR ASH POND DISCHARGE The facility shall conduct fish tissue monitoring annually and submit the results with the NPDES permit renewal application. The objective of the monitoring is to evaluate potential uptake of pollutants by fish tissue near the Ash Pond discharge. The parameters analyzed in fish tissue shall be arsenic, selenium, and mercury. The monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the Sampling Plan approved by the Division. A. (13.) INSTREAM MONITORING, The facility shall conduct semiannual instream monitoring (one upstream and one downstream of the ash pond discharge) for arsenic, selenium, mercury (method 1631E), chromium, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, total hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Instream monitoring should be conducted at the stations that have already been established through the BIP monitoring program: B (upstream of the Outfall 002) and C (downstream of the Outfall -'002). The monitoring results shall be submitted with the NPDES permit renewal application. A.(14.) ASH POND CLOSURE The facility shall prepare an Ash Pond Closure Plan in anticipation of the facility closure. This Plan shall be submitted to the Division one month prior to the decommissioning of the ponds. A.(15.) PRIORITY POLLUTANT ANALYSIS The Permittee shall conduct a priority pollutant analysis (in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136) once per permit cycle at outfall 002 and submit the results with the application for permit renewal. A.(16.) SEEP POLLUTANT ANALYSIS The facility identified 12 unpermitted seeps (all non -engineered) from the ash settling basin, of which 10 of the seeps have been classified as "jurisdictional waters" by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Jurisdictional Water Seeps. For the jurisdictional water seeps, the facility shall determine within 90 days from the effective date of the permit if a seep meets the state water quality standards established in 15A NCAC 2B .0200 and submit the results of this determination to the Division. If the standards are not contravened, the facility shall conduct monitoring for the parameters specified in A. (2 1.), A. (22.), A. (23.), A. (24,), A. (25.), A. (26.), A. (27.), A. (28,), A. (29.), A. (30.), A. (3 1.), and A. (32.). If any of the water quality standards are exceeded (with the exception of the Action Level standards), the facility shall be considered in violation of the Clean Water Act until one of the options below is fully implemented. The facility shall: 1) Submit a complete application for 404 Permit (within 30 days after determining that a water quality standards exceeded) to pump the seep discharge to one of the existing outfalls, install a pipe to discharge the seep to the Catawba River, or install on in-situ treatment system. After the 404 Permit is obtained, the facility shall complete the installation of the pump, pipe, or treatment system within 180 days from the date of the 404 permit receipt and begin pumping/ discharging or treatment. 2) Demonstrate through modeling that the decanting and dewatering of the ash basin will result in the elimination of the seep and submit the modeling results to the Division within 120 days from the effective date of the permit. Within 180 days from the completion of the dewatering Page 10 of 27 Permit NC0004961 the facility shall confirm that the seep flow 6eased. If the seep flow continues, the facility shall choose one of the other options in this Special Condition, 3) Demonstrate that the seep is discharging through the designated "Effluent Channel' and the water quality standards in the receiving stream are not contravened. This demonstration should be submitted to the Division no later than 180 days from the effective date of the permit. The "Effluent Channel' designation should be established by the DEQ Regional Office personnel prior to the issuance of the permit and appropriate 404 permit shall be obtained. All effluent limits, including water quality -based effluent limits, remain applicable notwithstanding any action by the Permittee to address the violation through one of the identified options, so that any discharg6 in exceedance of an applicable effluent limit is a violation of the Permit as long as the seep remains flowing. If jurisdictional water seeps contravene Action Level Standard, the facility shall conduct a Whole Effluent Toxicity Test (WET test). If the WET result passes, the facility shall be considered in compliance with the, state water quality standards. If the WET test fails and the Toxicity Identification Evaluation determines that the parameter contravening the water quality standard is responsible for the failure the facility shall be considered in violation and, shall implement one of the 3 options identified above. Non -Jurisdictional Water Seeps For the non jurisdictional water seeps the facility shall demonstrate that they will not violate water quality standards in the receiving stream or that the seep does not discharge to jurisdictional waters or that the seep does not carry pollutants indicating ash characteristics and submit this demonstration to the Division within 90 days from the effective date of the permit. If such demonstration is not possible or not approved by the Division, the facility shall choose one of the 3 options identified above. New Identified Seeps If new seeps are identified, the facility shall follow the procedures outlined above for either jurisdictional waters or non jurisdictional waters. The deadlines for new seeps shall be calculated from the date of the seep discovery. Table 1. List of Identified Seeps The.permittee has identified 12 potentially contaminated seeps in the areas adjacent to the Mountain Island Lake. The locations of the seeps are identified on the map attached to the permit. Seep Coordinates and Assigned Outfall Numbers Seep ID Latitude Longitude Outfall number S-1 35.365 -80.967 101 S-2 35.365 -80.966 102 S-3 36.369 -80.965 103 S-4 35.371 -80.963 104 S-5* 35.370 -80.963 105 S-6 35.367 -80.958 106 S-7 35.367 -80.957 107 S-8* 35.365 -80,956 108 S-9 35.371 -80.963 109 5-10 35,369 -80.960 110 5-11 35.369 -80.960 111 5-12 1 35.368 -80.959 112 *Non jurisdictional seeps Page 11 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (17.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS (State Enforceable Only) [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] Proposed federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and specify that, if a state does not establish a system to receive such submittals, then permittees must submit DMRs electronically to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Division anticipates that these regulations will be adopted and is beginning implementation in late 2013. 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 [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.1 (a)1 Beginning no later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, the permittee shall begin reporting 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 / DWR / Information Processing Unit ATTENTION: Central Files / eDMR 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. Requests for temporary waivers from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements 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 using eDMR. Temporary waivers shall be valid for twelve (12) months and shall thereupon expire. At such time, DMRs shall be submitted electronically to the Division unless the permittee re -applies for and is granted a new temporary waiver by the Division. Information on eDMR and application for a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements is found on the following web page: http• / Iportal.ncdenr.org/web/wa/admin/bog/ipu/edmr Page 12 of 27 Permit NC0004961 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. 2. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and supersedes Section B. (11.) 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. (I 1.)(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:/1 portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/admin/bo /g ipu/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 certzN, underpenalty 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 offines and imprisonment for knowing violations." 3. Records Retention Lupplements 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. (18.) APPLICABLE STATE LAW (State Enforceable Only) This facility shall meet the requirements of Senate Bill 729 (Coal Ash Management Act). This permit may be reopened to include new requirements imposed by Senate Bill 729. Page 13 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (19.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 011) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 011 — Former Stormwater Outfall 1. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT_';MONITORING CHARACTERISTICS - - REQUIREMENTS, _ - - - Monttil ` ;'Daily Average Maximum Measurement ; Sample Type: Sample`Locdtion `. 'Fregiaericy'; - Flow, MGD Monthly Pump logs or estimate Influent or Effluent Total Suspended Solids 23.0 mg/L 75.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 91.0 mg/L 95.0 mg/L Annuall Grab Effluent Total Arsenic, ug/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium, g/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercury4, ng/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrate as N, mg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent .Total Phosphorus, mg/L Semi-annually Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen (NO2+ NO3 + TKN), mg/L Semi-annually Grab Effluent pHA Monthly Grab Effluent Turbidity2, NTU Monthly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 2. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. A. (20.) ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AND DEFINITIONS 1. EPA methods 200.7 or 200.8 (or the most current versions) shall be used for analyses of all metals except for total mercury. 2. All effluent samples for all external outfalls shall be taken at the most accessible location after the final treatment but prior to discharge to waters of the U.S. (40 CFR 122.416)). 3. The term low volume waste sources means wastewater from all sources except those for which specific limitations are otherwise established in this part (40 CFR 423.11 (b)). 4. The term chemical metal cleaning waste means any wastewater resulting from cleaning any metal process equipment with chemical compounds, including, but not limited to, boiler tube cleaning (40 CFR 423.11 (c)). 5. The term metal cleaning waste means any wastewater resulting from cleaning [with or without chemical cleaning compounds] any metal process equipment including, but not limited to, boiler tube cleaning, boiler fireside cleaning, and air preheater cleaning (40 CFR 423.11 (d)). 6. For all outfalls where the flow measurement is to be "estimated" the estimate can be done by using calibrated,V-notch weir, stop -watch and graduated cylinder, or other method approved by the Division. Page 14 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (21.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 101) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 101 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT :;_- -.:-..`,-_ ". `,•`= ; .` :':..::. :. CHARACTERISTICS :.: :: • : ` ,. :::.. `_=<<LI"MITS ....; `= Daily Average' Maztmum` _;. '. =: -=_ :"=-MONITORING;REQUIREMENT$, IVleasa:reineni''` "Sample;Type: Samplelocatkn = .Y: : Frdqudricy?:: Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent H3 Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Month[y/Quarterly Month[/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercur 4, ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 pg/L 50,0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 pg/L 15.0 g/L Month' /Quarterl Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 g/L 1,022.0 ug/L Monthl/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Lead, Hg/L 25.Opg/L 33.8 Hg/L Month ly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25,0 pg/L 25.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 pg/L 56.0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthl /Quarterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Monthl/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS 30,0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L. Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Qu rterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, prnho/cm Month ly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: u 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.) . 2. The facility shall conduct'monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CER 122.41 a). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 15 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (22.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 102) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 102 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee asspecified below: =. I I - -- ONITO ING" E UIRE ENTS EFFLUENT = :L M T.S' `.r. M R R Q M TE ��_ - - RA RIC ._ - - - _ `as "�"e' y'e" :Sam^• e�''""-e � 'rSam� Ie�Lo t n 'Me - - p. re era" zimu F iieric e Ma m %1v ; Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercur 4, ng/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 Hg/L 50.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2,0 Hg/L 15.0 N /L Monthly/Quarterl Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 g/L 1,022.0 Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, Hg/L Month/ /Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, Hg/L 25,OHg/L 33.8 pg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 lug/L 25.0 lug/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 lug/L 56.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L MonthlylQuarterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent .Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/QuarterlL Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, Hmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.416). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 16 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (23.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 103) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 103 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: f F_FL.UENT;,'=C MIM -MONITORING=RE UIREMEN7S = C " A _ H RAC SICS - i' RI E - - - _ _ -Mo ;D`'I =:MeTs' enion ai a u'rem ° Sa' ' le T e': m le Loc Y..,' Y K Yp p - - p- T" 'Maxim ` ,Fre Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Month' /Quarter) Grab Effluent Total Mercury4, ng/L uarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1,0 mg/L 1,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, Hg/L Monthly/Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 g/L 50.0 Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2,0 ug/L 15.0 pg/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 /L 1,022.0 g/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, pg/L Monthly/Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, Ng/L 25.Olug/L 33,8 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 g/L 25,0 Hg/L Monthly/Quarter) Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 ug/L 56.0 Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10,0 mg/L 10,0 mg/L Month ly/Qu arter'F Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Month' /Qu arterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 m /L 250.0 m /L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent - TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Monthly/Quartegy Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarter) Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, lumho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CPR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 17 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (24.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 104) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 104 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: MONITO ING'REQ UIRE_MENTS = ;hFFL'UENT°= I R 1 �C� STIGS.� - - -_ -CHARA TERI - � - - Month' "Dail -Meas'u're tit":`J Sam I T a" L`oc' 'oii` - y . m p.- , Yp, p ve � �`Mazirriurii� Fre nc '�a -_ _ -- •`4�_ - - - A rage; Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent H3 Month ly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Month' /.Quarter) Grab Effluent Total Mercury4, ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, lag/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 lag/L 50.0 lag/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 g/L 15.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 Ng/L 1,022.0 lag/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Monthly/Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, lag/L 25.Olag/L 33,8 lag/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 lag/L 25.0 lag/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 Ng/L 56.0 lag/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 m /L 500.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30,0 mg/L 100,0 mg/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, °C Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, umho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.410). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 18 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (25.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS -(Outfall 105) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 105 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: trFLIJ N -_ _ "LI lTS`_.;',;'' _ 0' - - )_T.. ° M M NITORIiVG. REQl11REMENTS::: _ - :- - _ - : -. C�HARA CTr., R E I _ _- "o e:: Mas re ent ;° eT ra u m $am "I Location_ = - --�Mazim Fre ec - - g urn" qu n Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent H3 Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 m /L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarteqy Grab Effluent Total Mercu 4, ng/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 pg/L 50.0 Pg/L Monthly/Quarterl Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 pg/L 15.0 pg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 pg/L 1,022.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, pg/L 25.Opg/L 33.8 ptg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 Hg/L 25.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 g/L 56.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterl Grab Effluent TDS . 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, pmho/cm Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 19 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (26.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 106) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 106 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: EFI=GUENT `, MONITORINGREQUIREMENTS"" aCw, 'ARA E 1 - H - - �; 'Ie ocati n �Mo �t - 'Dail"'._. easuremeritIe:T •e. , ;',Sam o Maxi ,• '- - - m ►n. - re n q - Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarter) Grab Effluent Total Mercury4, ng/L Monthly/Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, iag/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, ug/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 g1L 50.0 fag/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 g/L 15.0 lag/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 g/L 1,022.0 ug/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper; lag/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, pg/L 25.Ofag/L 33.8 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 fag/L 25.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 fag/L 56.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg1L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarter) Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, Nmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low now conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 1.22.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 20 of 27 Permit NCOOO4961 A. (27.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 107) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 107 - Seep Discharge, Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: ONI ,ORING'R UI E TS , T �Q REM N _ n _ �t _ H_AR_AGTE I TICS_ _ _ - iVfo'"" i e er_i ' e' f Da I asurem Sam le -T' Sam"le'Loc` tion .n„lily',=�=,: - ,Y� �`M t„�'�- .p .Yp. a, _ Ave `a` et :F e" - - r ;:Maximum- Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercur 4, ng/L Monthly/Q arterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, ptg/L Monthl /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 ug/L 50.0 pg/L Month ly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2,0 ug/L 15.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 g/L 1,022.0 ug/L MonthlylQuarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, ug/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Lead, pg/L 25.Oug/L 33.8 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 ug/L 25.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 g/L 56.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250,0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Month l /Qu arterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, pmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use'EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow'? should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 21 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A.'(28.) EFFLUENT LIMtITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 1.08) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 108 -Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: EFUENT, - : ,LIMITS _ MON ITORING'REQUIREMENTS;',; C•ST CS. _CTE I I - FIA RA ; :, ocalion Dail ' ,;E';1Neasuremerit . am I a e _ -2 y "e - - -Ave 'e � im m � •,F n - - - - - ra ax' "u' re u 'c �M_ a Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarter) Grab Effluent Total Mercu 4, ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10,0 Hg/L 50.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 ug/L 15.0 pg/L_ Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 g/L 1,022.0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Lead, Hg/L 25,ONg/L 33.8 g/L Month ly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25,0 g/L 25.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 g/L 56.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250,0 mg/L. 250.0 mg/L Month ly/Qu arteqL Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500,0 mg/L Month ly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100,0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, prnho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly -3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 U). - There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 22 of 27 Permit NCOOO4961 A. (29.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 109) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., O2B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 109 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee asspecified below: EFFLUENT 'LIMITS C A TRI I -:_ E - � �Sale Ty 'e: am`eLocation-orl_ ver ` "e�'. ''m a" "Maze um � `F a "`uery``c '�:• -- g r Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercur 4, ng/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, pg/L Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 Ng/L 50.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 g/L 15.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 /L 1,022.0 g/L Month' /Quarterl Grab Effluent Total Copper, pg/L Monthly]Qu rterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, g/L 25.Opg/L 33.8 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 Hg/L 25.0 gIL Month' /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 Ng/L 56.0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L. 500.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/ uarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, pmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be- reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low now conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 23 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (30.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 110) [I5A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 110 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: ARA H ER I T. - - - - LIMIT$`_ - = 'MONITORING�REQUIREMENTS., - _ .,'Moiithl `' - _ --.Dail ''Mea§ureme`rit::: -Said ' le T e � lSairi 'le` Location Avera a Maximum ; ::Fre`' uenc`'2= g q Y Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent H3 Monthly/Qua terly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Month/ /Quarter/ Grab Effluent Total Mercury4, ng/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Qua terly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 Hg/L 50.0 ug/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 g/L 15.0 Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 ug/L 1,022.0 Hg/L Monthl/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Lead, Hg/L 25.OHg/L 33.8 Hg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 Hg/L 25.0 H /L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 pg/L 56.0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, umho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin 'submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.) . •2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date -of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low now conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 24 of 27 Permit NCOOO4961 A. (31.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 111) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., O2B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 111 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored? by the Permittee as specified below: �FFLIJENT.: :: ;' :":: =;"-LIMITS' :. - - _ - MONITORING REQUIREMENTS . C ,A$TICR...0 E •..:_ = N ATRI Moiitl ly,. sainpleType '.-' Sample Location" "-'Average Maximum .: - Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent pH3 Month! /Quarterly Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/QuarteqL Grab Effluent Total Mercur 4, ng/L Monthly/ uarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, ug/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 Ng/L 50,0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 Ng/L 15.0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarter! Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 ug/L 1,022.0 g/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Lead, pg/L 25.ONg/L 33,8 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 µg/L 25,0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5,0 pg/L 56,0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250,0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Month! lQu arterly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Month! /Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30,0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15,0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, pmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.) 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low flow conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible roam in other than trace amounts. Page 25 of 27 Permit NC0004961 A. (32.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 112) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 112 - Seep Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as si3ecified below: ''°f,ft< LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS.; _ S I -- CNARACTERICS T - - _- - - -- - = D •'.f- , M6asu'remerit ;� m ' e ' e Location i, ;`,t: , Vii. - i,il' .7 ` - - -• C„J'_.-,; - 1' - - ,'1..� - - ax` =Fre"uen C "Ave a e'." ':M imam a=; Flow, MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent H3 Monthly/Qua terl Grab Effluent Fluoride 1.8 mg/L 1.8 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercur 4, ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Barium 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron, mg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Manganese, pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Zinc, Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.0 g/L 50.0 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium 2.0 g/L 15.0 pg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Chromium 50.0 g/L .1,022.0 pg/L Month/ /Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Copper, g/L Monthly/Qu rterl Grab Effluent Total Lead, pg/L 25.Opg/L 33.8 pg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Nickel 25.0 pg/L 25.0 Ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 5.0 pg/L 56.0 Ng/L Month lylQuarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate as N 10.0 mg/L 10.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Sulfates 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Chlorides 250.0 mg/L 250.0 mg/L Month ly/Quart6rly Grab Effluent TDS 500.0 mg/L 500.0 mg/L Month/ /Quarter) Grab Effluent Total Hardness, mg/L 100.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent TSS, mg/L 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Temperature, OC Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance, pmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. If the facility is unable to obtain a seep sample due to the dry or low now conditions preventing the facility from obtaining a representative sample, the "no flow" should be reported on the DMR. This requirement is established in the Section D of the Standard Conditions and 40 CFR 122.41 (j). There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 26 of 27 Permit NC0004961 Appendix A Plan for Identification of New Discharges (attached). Page 27 of 27 EXHIBIT 5 South Carolina Electric & Gas Company Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) February 28, 2014 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. South Carolina Electric & Gas Company'"s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) (Please type or print) Submitted by: , K: Chad Burgess Addre§sc SCANA Corp. 220 Operation_Wpy MC C222 Cayce, SC 2903-3701 BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF'SOUTH CAROLINA COVER SHEET 'DOCKET NUMBER: 2014 0 - E SC Bar Nximber: ,69456 Telephone: 803-217-814.1 Fax: 803-217-7810 Other: Email: chad.burgess(a�scana.tom NOTE: The cover sheet and information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filing.and service'of pleadings or'otherpapers as required by law_ This form is,required for use by the, Public Service Commission of South Carolina for the purpose; of docketing and must be filled out completely,. DOCKETING INFORMATION (Clhecic,all that apply.) ❑ Emergency Relief demanded in petition ❑ Request, fdr,i'tem to be placed on Commission' s. Agenda expeditiously ❑, Other: INDUSTRY (Check one) XATURE OF ACTION (Checli all that apply) R Electric ❑ Affidavit ❑ Letter ❑ Request ❑ Electric/Gas ❑ Agreement '❑ Memorandum ❑ Request for Certificatio ❑ Electric/Telecommunications ❑ Answer ❑ Motion ❑ Request for investigatior ❑ Electric/Water ❑ Appellate Review ,❑ Objection ❑ Resale Agreement ❑ Electric/Water/Telecom. ❑ Applibation ❑ Petition ❑ Resale Amendment ❑ Electric/Water/Sewer ❑ Brief ❑ Petition for Reconsideration ❑ Reservation Letter ❑ Gas ❑ Certificate ❑ R'ailr�—oa�c — — � �-^�-- ��— ❑Comments '❑ Sewer ❑ Telecommunicdtions ❑ Transportation ❑ Water ❑ WatedS_ewer, ❑ Administrafive'Matter ❑ Other: ❑ Coniplaint ❑ Consent Order ❑ Discovery ❑ Exhibit ❑ Petition for Rulemaking ❑ Response Petition for Rule•to-$how-Cause--❑ Respoitse-to Discovery Petition to Intervene ❑Return to Petition ❑ Petition to Intervene Out of Time ❑ Stipulation ❑ Prefiled, Testimony ❑ Subpoena ❑ Promotion Q.Othein ❑ Expedited,Consideration ❑ Interconnection Agreement ❑ lntereoimection, Amendment ❑ Late -Filed E'xhibit ❑ Proposed Order lntegrated,ResourcePlan ❑ Protest ❑ Publisher's Affidavit, ❑ Report ROvvEp FOR LBVJ"47 Y Februar . 28j, .2,014 February __ . _ VIA EL CTRONIOLVILIXG The Honorable Jocelyn ,G, Boyd Chief Clerk/Administrator Public S'orvlce'Commission of South Carolina 101 Executive Center Drive Columbia; South ',Carph a 20210 K. Chad Burgess Associate General counsel chad.burciess6Dkona.com ohAa Electric -&,,Ga , Company,s. 2014, 14te afed ResourceRE. 'South G# 5 Plan Docket No: 20, -14 -- Dear Ms. Boyd - In --accordance with S.C. Code Atn;§58-37-40 (Supp.2013):and Drder No. 987- .502 enclosed you will -find the 2oI4 Integrated. Resource Plan 'of.South Carolina Electric & Gas -,Company, ((SCE&G20_14,IRP"); This filing -also serves, to :satisfy the annual reporting requirements of the Utility, Fa'jW5 c 'Siting ,and Environmental __ Protection Ad.:S.C. Code A,.nn,§ 5'8-8-3-340. By copy of this- letter, we; Are—also serving the Sbutli Carolina Office ,of Regulatory 9t4ff andthe.South. Q in Energy Office with acopy 'of the SCE_ &G 2014 IRP .and attach a dertificatbbf :service to that pffqct: Ifyou ,have: any ctuestioiis 6k,.c-o—ncern.s".,please doriot hesitate to, c'oii_teci1-u8 ; Very KCB/kms cc: John W' Flitter .Jeffery M. Nelson; Esquire_ Ashlio Lancast6r' ,(all via'plectribilik -and Tj:-8. truIy, .yours, K. Chad"Ikd--kess First Class., Mail) BEFORE, THE PUBLIC SERVICE, COMMISSION �or, SOUTH CAROLINA DOCKET NO.,2014- 4E INRE: South CarolinaElectric&.Gas Company's Thtegrated Resource Plan CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE This is the certify that I have caused to be served this day one (1) copy of the 2014 Integrated Resource Plan of South Carolina Electric & Gas Company via electronic mail and U.S. First Class Mail to the persons named below at the address set forth: Jefffey Nelson, Esquire Office of Regulatory Staff 1401 Main Street, Suite 900 Columbia, SC 29201 inelsoii@rL4bast6ff;sc.gov John Flitter 'Office, of Regulatory St4ff 1401 MainStreet, Suite 900 Columbia, SC 29201 iflittergregstaff.sc.,gov Ashliie Lancaster SC Energy -Office 1200 Senate Street -408"Weide-Hampton Building Co1uhabia,'SC. 29201 alancaster@energy.sc.gpv ,,Karen M. Scruggs Cdycej $outliCatotifia This 28th ,day of Fekdafy201Q1 4 2014 Integrated Resource Plan A SCANA COMPANY Introduction This document presents South Carolina Electric & Gas Company's ("SCE&G" or "Company") Integrated Resource Plan ("IRP") for meeting the energy needs of its customers over the next fifteen years, 2014 through 2028. This document is filed with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina ("Commission") in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 58-37-40 (Supp. 2013) and Order No. 98-502 and also serves to satisfy the annual reporting requirements of the Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 58-33-430 (Supp. 2013). The objective of the Company's IRP is to develop a resource plan that will provide reliable and economically priced energy to its customers while complying with all environmental laws and regulations. I. Demand and Energy Forecast for the Fifteen -Year Period Ending 2028 Total territorial energy sales on SCE&G's system are expected to grow at an average rate of 1.6% per year over the next 15 years, while firm territorial summer peak demand and winter peak demand will increase at 1.6% and 1.7% per year, respectively, over this forecast horizon. The table below contains these projected loads. By convention winter follows summer. Summer Peak (MW) Winter Peak QMW) Energy Sales (GWH) 2014 4,786 4,496 22,648 2015 4,849 4,557 22,732 2016 4,968 4,632 22,944 2017 5,073 4,713 23,423 2018 5,166 4,814 23,765 2019 5,245 4,894 24,279 2020 5,319 4,967 24,683 2021 5,385 5,057 25,065 2022 5,458 5,152 25,533 2023 5,540 5,249 26,032 2024 5,623 5,349 26,514 2025 5,705 5,447 27,007 2026 5,789 5,541 27,481 2027 5,867 5,636 27,935 2028 5,943 5,731 28,397 The energy sales forecast for SCE&G is made for over 30 individual categories. The categories are subgroups of our seven classes of customers. The three primary customer classes - residential, commercial, and industrial - comprise just over 93% of our sales. The following bar chart shows the relative contribution to territorial sales made by each class. The "other" class in the chart below includes street lighting, other public authorities, municipalities and electric cooperatives. Percent Sales By Class 2014 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% Residential Commercial Industrial Other 6 I SCE&G's forecasting process is divided into two parts: development of the baseline forecast, followed by adjustments for energy efficiency impacts. A detailed description of the short-range baseline forecasting process and statistical models is contained in Appendix A of this report. Short-range is defined as the next two years. Appendix B contains similar information for the long-range methodology. Long range is defined as beyond two years. Sales projections for each group are based on statistical and econometric models derived from historical relationships. 1. System Peak Demand: Summer vs. Winter SCE&G usually peaks in the summer as seen in the chart below. This is reasonable for several reasons. First, the climate in SCE&G's service area is generally hotter in the summer than colder in the winter relative to a given base temperature. Second,'the penetration of air - conditioners among SCE&G's customers approaches 100% since there are no real substitutes for electric air -conditioners at present. Finally, a large number of residential and gas customers heat their homes and businesses with natural gas. Results of the peak demand forecast methodology used herein show that the general pattern of higher summer peaks relative to winter peaks will continue. The following charts shows SCE&G's experience with summer versus winter peaking. By industry convention, the winter period is assumed to follow the summer period. In 19 of the past 24 years, SCE&G peaked in the summer. One other notable feature of the peak demand chart is the greater variability in winter peak demand. Comparison of SCE&G Annual Summer and Winter Peak History 1990-2013 MW 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 PLOT summer winter — 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 Year The forecast of summer peak demand is developed by combining the load profile characteristics of each customer class collected in the Company's Load Research Program with forecasted energy. The winter peak demand is projected through its correlation with annual energy sales and winter degree-day departures from normal. 2. DSM Impact on Forecast SCE&G expects its energy efficiency ("EE") programs to reduce retail sales in 2014 by 84,627 MWH or approximately 85 GVM. Retail sales after this EE impact are expected to be 22,035 GWH. Therefore, the EE programs are expected to reduce retail sales by 0.384% from 3 what they would have been. To gauge how its EE programs compared to other companies in the Southeast, SCE&G analyzed the EE impacts filed with the U.S. Energy Information Administration ("EIA") in 2012, the latest year available. There were 47 companies filing from the Southeast, in particular, from the NERC regions of SERC and FRCC. Two companies were dropped from the analysis for bad data. The chart below shows graphically the distribution of reported results. The median EE impact was 0.19%. Thus half the companies showed results higher and half lower than this median value. SCE&G's expectation for 2014 is twice this median value placing it in the top half of the distribution and almost into the top quartile. Clearly SCE&G's EE programs compare favorably with other companies in the Southeast. EIA 861 Reported Energy Efficiency Impacts for 2012 80 70 60 50 c d m 40 a 30 20 10 ` — 0 0.075 0.225 0.375 0.525 eepct Lognormal Lower Quartile 0.03 Median 0.19 Upper Quartile 0.51 0.675 0.825 As part of the forecast development, the 0.38% EE savings was divided into a residential and commercial component. In addition, savings due to lighting efficiencies were removed from the class numbers and combined with lighting efficiency effects due to federally mandated measures. This was necessary to produce a consistent forecast of lighting efficiency effects. After this adjustment, the annual EE percentages used to produce the forecast were determined to be 0.31% and 0.13% for the residential and commercial sectors, respectively. The table below illustrates the calculation of the EE reductions. The far right-hand column labeled "Cumulative M Reductions" is the sum of the residential and commercial cumulative reductions and represents the "SCE&G DSM Programs" column shown in a subsequent forecast summary table. 3. Energy Efficiency Adjustments Several adjustments were made to the baseline projections to incorporate significant factors not reflected in historical experience. These were increased air-conditioning and heat pump efficiency standards and improved lighting efficiencies, both mandated by federal law, and the addition of SCE&G's energy efficiency programs. The following table shows the baseline projection, the energy efficiency adjustments and the resulting forecast of territorial energy sales. 5 Baseline Residential (GWH) Cumulative Reductions (GWH) Derivation of Annual EE Savings Incremental Baseline Cumulative Reductions Commercial Reductions (GWH) Inc. % (GWH) (GWH) Incremental Reductions (GWH) Inc. % Cumulative Reductions (GWH) 2014 7,883 - - - 7,247 - - - - 2015 7,919 - - - 7,257 - - - - 2016 8,053 -25 -25 -0.31 7,437 -10 -10 -0.13 -35 2017 8,192 -50 -25 -0.31 7,615 -20 -10 -0.13 -70 2018 8,318 -76 -26 -0.31 7,777 -30 -10 -0.13 -106 2019 8,511 -103 -26 -0.31 8,042 -40 -10 -0.13 -143 2020 8,697 -129 -27 -0.31 8,300 -51 -11 -0.13 -180 2021 8,877 -157 -28 -0.31 8,544 -62 -11 -0.13 -219 2022 9,054 -185 -28 -0.31 8,783 -73 -11 -0.13 -259 2023 9,242 -214 -29 -0.31 9,041 -85 -12 -0.13 -299 2024 9,420 -243 -29 -0.31 9,288 -97 -12 -0.13 -340 2025 9,602 -273 -30 -0.31 9,540 -110 -12 -0.13 -382 2026 9,777 -303 -30 -0.31 9,782 -122 -13 -0.13 -425 2027 9,947 -334 -31 -0.31 10,015 -135 -13 -0.13 -469 2028 10,120 -365 -31 -0.31 10,257 -149 -13 -0.13 -514 3. Energy Efficiency Adjustments Several adjustments were made to the baseline projections to incorporate significant factors not reflected in historical experience. These were increased air-conditioning and heat pump efficiency standards and improved lighting efficiencies, both mandated by federal law, and the addition of SCE&G's energy efficiency programs. The following table shows the baseline projection, the energy efficiency adjustments and the resulting forecast of territorial energy sales. 5 Baseline sales are projected to grow at the rate of 2.0% per year. The impact of energy efficiency, both from SCE&G's DSM programs and from federal mandates, causes the ultimate territorial sales growth to fall to 1.6% per year as reported earlier. Since the baseline forecast utilizes historical relationships between energy use and driver variables such as weather, economics, and customer behavior, it embodies changes which have occurred between them over time. For example, construction techniques which result in better insulated houses have had a dampening effect on energy use. Because this process happens with the addition of new houses and/or extensive home renovations, it occurs gradually. Over time this factor and others are captured in the forecast methodology. However, when significant events occur that impact energy use but are not captured in the historical relationships, they must be accounted for outside the traditional model structure. The first adjustment relates to federal mandates for air-conditioning units and heat pumps. In 2006, the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ("SEER") for newly manufactured appliances was raised from 10 to 13, which means that cooling loads for a house that replaced a 10 SEER unit with a 13 SEER unit would decrease by 30% assuming no change Baseline Sales (GWR) Energy Efficiency SCE&G Total DSM Federal EE Programs Mandates Impact (GWH) (GWH) (G Territorial Sales (GWH) 2014 22,773 0 -125 -125 22,648 2015 22,919 0 -187 -187 22,732 2016 23,446 -35 -467 -502 22,944 2017 23,999 -70 -506 -576 23,423 2018 24,415 -106 -544 -650 23,765 2019 25,011 -143 -589 -732 24,279 2020 25,565 -180 -702 -882 24,683 2021 26,103 -219 -819 -1,038 25,065 2022 26,633 -259 -841 -1,100 25,533 2023 27,195 -299 -864 -1,163 26,032 2024 27,740 -340 -886 -1,226 26,514 2025 28,297 -382 -908 -1,290 27,007 2026 28,836 -425 -930 -1,355 27,481 2027 29,355 -469 -951 -1,420 27,935 2028 29,883 -514 -972 -1,486 28,397 Baseline sales are projected to grow at the rate of 2.0% per year. The impact of energy efficiency, both from SCE&G's DSM programs and from federal mandates, causes the ultimate territorial sales growth to fall to 1.6% per year as reported earlier. Since the baseline forecast utilizes historical relationships between energy use and driver variables such as weather, economics, and customer behavior, it embodies changes which have occurred between them over time. For example, construction techniques which result in better insulated houses have had a dampening effect on energy use. Because this process happens with the addition of new houses and/or extensive home renovations, it occurs gradually. Over time this factor and others are captured in the forecast methodology. However, when significant events occur that impact energy use but are not captured in the historical relationships, they must be accounted for outside the traditional model structure. The first adjustment relates to federal mandates for air-conditioning units and heat pumps. In 2006, the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ("SEER") for newly manufactured appliances was raised from 10 to 13, which means that cooling loads for a house that replaced a 10 SEER unit with a 13 SEER unit would decrease by 30% assuming no change in other factors. The last mandated change to efficiencies like this took place in 1992, when the minimum SEER was raised from 8 to 10, a 25% increase in energy efficiency. Since then air - conditioner and heat pump manufacturers introduced much higher -efficiency units, and models are now available with SEERS over 20. However, overall market production of heat pumps and air -conditioners is concentrated at the lower end of the SEER mandate. The 2006 minimum SEER rating represented a significant change in energy use which would not be fully captured by statistical forecasting techniques based on historical relationships. For this reason an adjustment to the baseline was warranted. A second reduction was made to the baseline energy projections beginning in 2013 for savings related to lighting. Mandated federal efficiencies as a result of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 took effect in 2013 and will be phased in through 2015. Standard incandescent light bulbs are inexpensive and provide good illumination, but they are extremely inefficient. Compact fluorescent light bulbs ("CFLs") have become increasingly popular over the past several years as substitutes. They last much longer and generally use about one-fourth the energy that incandescent light bulbs use. However, CFLs are more expensive and still have some unpopular lighting characteristics, so their large-scale use as a result of market forces was not guaranteed. The new mandates will not force a complete switchover to CFLs, but they will impose efficiency standards that can only be met by them or newly developed high -efficiency incandescent light bulbs. Again, this shift in lighting represents a change in energy use which was not fully reflected in the historical data. The final adjustment to the baseline forecast was to account for SCE&G's new set of energy efficiency programs. These energy efficiency programs along with the others in SCE&G's existing DSM portfolio are discussed later in the IRP. In developing the forecast it was assumed that the impacts of these programs were captured in the baseline forecast for the next two years but thereafter had to be reflected in the forecast on an incremental basis. 4. Load Impact of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs The Company's energy efficiency programs ("EE") and its demand response programs ("DR") will reduce the need for additional generating capacity on the system. The EE programs implemented by our customers should lower not only their overall energy needs but also their power needs during peak periods. The DR programs serve more directly as a substitute for peaking capacity. The Company has two DR programs: an interruptible program for large 00 N N N N N N N N N N N NN N N m O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N N N N N N N N N W V M W .A W N F, O l0 W V M W S I n I p rn rn cn rn n Ln u, Ln Ln ;u•I Ln a �D O In AA W N N0 LO 00 V 01 w� N N0 C N N W N N N N N W W N O V N 4:�- C. m In (0 I -A 00 Ln O (0 Ln I -A VI 0) O N 0) m O N ao n M NN N N 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 N Ul .A N O l0 V M (n .A W N I-- is V W lO M A I -A O V to .A W N N O O H IL T 3 m fu m m W O OV OW O M N (D •A W W W M •A W tOi1 `C O �? M N O V Ul W I-- O W V Ln N O W (n W i i A m f! O w m ko P. V_ N m w w F" w V w r* m 'c rn of rn rn to to cn cn cn ,cn cn to cn cn cn B M N FA O O w w V m m w .A W N N O d N fD (n V W O N W •A V O N A- .A W O A. 7 Ln m Ul CO I -A .A w W m w Pb V W w w C. z v 3 v W W W W N N N N N N N N N N N, to 3 I" I -A O O lO l0 l0 w w w V V m M Ln V) C. W O m w w m N w m W l0 Cn V O V _ v u, v1 cn n u, v, ,A rA 3 (DD l0 w V V m In .AW W N N0 to w V 0) A • M 00 O N W U7. w N .P Ol V m A 00 7 N Ol (0 0) N 00 V .A O Ln Ln N 0) 00 0) C. r i (D o � � O a CDPL CPC CD ~ �� . CD CL o PD 0 CD � UQ C �- CD �O! CCD c o � r4 - CD CD n O o O �C3 C, uq A� A � d O cn O CD ti C �C CD N O M cn 'd O O CD 0 tro cn CD En CDO CD N O O CCD w rn rn r II. SCE&G's Program for Meeting Its Demand and Energy Forecasts in an Economic and Reliable Manner A. Demand Side Management Demand Side Management (DSM) can be broadly defined as the set of actions that can be taken to influence the level and timing of the consumption of energy. There are two common subsets of Demand Side Management: Energy Efficiency and Load Management (also known as Demand Response). Energy Efficiency typically includes actions designed to increase efficiency by maintaining the same level of production or comfort, but using less energy input in an economically efficient way. Load Management typically includes actions specifically designed to encourage customers to reduce usage during peak times or shift that usage to other times. Energy Efficiency SCE&G's Energy Efficiency programs include Customer Information Programs, Web -Based Information and Services Programs, Energy Conservation and the Demand Side Management Programs. A description of each follows: 1. Customer Information Programs: SCE&G's customer information programs fall under two headings: the Annual Energy Efficiency Campaigns and Web -based Information Initiatives. The following is an overview of each. Annual Energy Efficiency Campaigns a. Customer Insights and Analysis: In 2013, SCE&G continued to proactively educate its customers and create awareness on issues related to energy efficiency and conservation. To help maximize the effectiveness of our campaigns, ongoing customer feedback is used to ensure marketing and communications efforts are consistent with what customers value most. Key insights gained through SCE&G's Brand Health Study and Voice of the Customer Panels are integrated to ensure we are communicating in a consistent manner that customers will understand. As a result, SCE&G continues to highlight programs/services that reflect three main categories identified by our customers as offering the best opportunity to 0 save energy and money. These areas include rebates and incentives, in-home services and education. b. Media/Channel Preferences: Placement of all marketing, and advertising is carefully reviewed, taking into consideration the customers' preferred methods of receiving information about SCE&G's energy efficiency programs and services. Priority channels include television (local news and select cable stations); online banner advertising, radio, electronic/print newsletters, direct mail, bill inserts and newspapers (major daily and weekly minority publications). SCE&G's statewide business office locations also serve as a distribution point for sharing information with customers. In addition, SCE&G has also incorporated social media, e.g. Twitter and Facebook, into its communications strategy. Key South Carolina markets covered, with all marketing communications, include Columbia, Charleston, Aiken and Beaufort. c. Public Affairs/News Media/Speakers Bureau: Furthermore, SCE&G understands the value of public affairs as an integral part of a well-rounded energy efficiency communication strategy and actively engages news media (broadcast and print) for coverage of key programs and services that will benefit our customers now and in the future. Public Affairs and Marketing staff also provide support with securing company experts to address a variety of organizations through a formal Speakers' Bureau, extending our outreach to church groups, senior citizen and low-income housing communities, civic organizations, builder groups and homeowner associations. d. Special Events: Another key component to SCE&G's annual marketing initiatives include participation in a variety of events that offer the opportunity to further extend customer education and outreach of energy information. SCE&G's 2013 schedule included a solid mix of special events to include the Home Builders Association ("HBA") Home Improvement Show and Tour of Homes in Columbia and Black Expos in Columbia and Charleston. e. EnergyWise Communications: Brand positioning of SCE&G's energy efficiency programs and services with all marketing and advertising initiatives falls under the EnergyWise umbrella — an SCE&G registered trademark in South 10 Carolina and encompasses general awareness education as well as program specific offerings. General Awareness Education: Last year's advertising included messaging on a wide range of topics such as year-round and seasonal energy efficiency tips that are practical for customers to manage on their own or that have a no -cost, low-cost factor to them. Examples include thermostat settings, checking air filters monthly, water heater settings and unplugging appliances that are sometimes perceived to be "energy vampires" (lights, TV's, computers, cell phone chargers, etc.). Program Specific Offerings: In 2013, SCE&G continued to heavily promote its portfolio of residential electric rebate/incentive programs under its Demand Side Management (DSM) department — many of which were featured in our general awareness advertising schedule. Specific programs included ENERGY STAR Lighting, our free Home Energy Check-up, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Residential Heating & Cooling and Water Heating Equipment. 2. Web -Based Information and Services Programs: SCE&G's online offerings can be broken into four components: Customer Awareness Information, the Energy Analyzer, free online Energy Audit and EnergyWise e -newsletter. Altogether, there have been more than 5.1 million visits to SCE&G's website in 2013. Customers must be registered to use the interactive tools Energy Analyzer and Energy Audit. There are over 350,000 customers registered for this access. Descriptions of the four categories listed above follows: a. Customer Awareness Information: The SCE&G website, www.seeg.com, supports all communication efforts to promote energy savings information — both general awareness tips and program -specific overviews, tools and resources — all through a section called `Be EnergyWise and Save". Energy savings information includes detailed information on each of the Demand Side Management programs for residential and commercial/industrial customers, as well as how-to videos on insulation, thermostats and door and windows. b. Energy Analyzer: The Energy Analyzer, in use since 2004, is a 24 -month bill analysis tool. It uses complex analytics to identify a customer's seasonal 11 usages and target the best ways to reduce demand. This Web -based tool allows customers to access their current and historical consumption data and compare their energy usage month-to-month and year-to-year -- noting trends, temperature impact and spikes in their consumption. There were a little over 106,000 visits to the Energy Analyzer tool in 2013. c. Online Energy Audit: The Online Energy Audit tool leads customers through the process of creating a complete inventory of their home's insulation and appliance efficiency. The tool allows customers to see the energy and financial savings of upgrades before making an investment. Over 7,000 customers used the Energy Audit tool in 2013. d. SCE&G EnergyWise E -Newsletter: SCE&G's web -based information and services included ongoing management of its EnergyWise e -newsletter to support customer demand for additional information on ways to help them save energy. A total of 2,464 customers are registered for the e -newsletters distributed in 2013. 3. Energy Conservation Energy conservation is a term that has been used interchangeably with energy efficiency. However, energy conservation has the connotation of using less energy in order to save rather than using less energy to perform the same or better function more efficiently. The following is an overview of each SCE&G energy conservation offering: a. Energy Saver / Conservation Rate: The Rate 6 (Energy Saver/Conservation) rewards homeowners and homebuilders who upgrade their existing homes or build their new homes to a high level of energy efficiency with a reduced electric rate. This reduced rate, combined with a significant reduction in energy usage, provides for considerable savings for our customers. Participation in the program is very easy as the requirements are prescriptive which is beneficial to all of our customers and trade allies. Homes built to this standard have improved comfort levels and increased re- sale value over homes built to the minimum building code standard, which is also a significant benefit to participants. Information on this program is ,available on our website and by brochure. 12 b. Seasonal Rates: Many of our rates are designed with components that vary by season. Energy provided in the peak usage season is charged a premium to encourage conservation and efficient use. 4. Demand Side Management Programs In 2013, SCE&G completed a comprehensive evaluation of the existing DSM programs with the specific intention of updating programs and introducing new programs to the DSM portfolio. In May 2013, the Company presented the new portfolio to the Commission and received approval in November 2013. The Commission approved a suite of eleven (11) DSM programs, which includes nine programs targeting SCE&G's residential customer classes and two programs targeting SCE&G's commercial and industrial customer classes. A description of each program follows: a. Residential Home Energy Reports provides customers with free monthly/bi- monthly reports comparing their energy usage to a peer group and providing information to help identify, analyze and act upon potential energy efficiency measures and behaviors. b. Residential Energy Information Display provides customers with an in-home display that shows information from the customer's meter regarding current energy usage and cost; and the approximate use and cost to date for the month. The displays were distributed to targeted customers, upon their request, at a discounted price. c. Residential Home Energy Check-up program provides customers with a visual energy assessment performed by SCE&G staff at the customer's home. At the completion of the visit, customers are offered an energy efficiency kit containing simple measures, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs ("CFL"), water heater wraps and/or pipe insulation. The Home Energy Check-up is provided free of charge to all residential customers who elect to participate. d. Residential Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program promotes a comprehensive energy efficiency audit of the home by trained contractors. SCE&G provides incentives to customers for implementing specific measures based on the audit findings. 13 e. Residential ENERGY STAR Lighting program incentivizes residential customers to purchase and install high -efficiency ENERGY STAR® qualified lighting products by providing discounts to the manufacturers and retailers. f. Residential Heating & Cooling and Water.Heating Equipment program provides incentives to customers for purchasing and installing high efficiency HVAC equipment and non -electric resistance water heaters in new and existing homes. g. Residential Heating & Cooling Efficiency Improvements program provides residential customers with incentives to improve the efficiency of existing AC and heat pump systems through HVAC tune-ups (system optimizer), complete duct replacements, duct insulation and duct sealing. The system optimizer was discontinued in May 2013. h. Residential ENERGY STAR° New Homes program provides incentives to customers and builders who are willing to commit to ENERGY STAR® standards in new home construction. i. Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP), approved by the Commission in April 2013, provides qualifying customers energy education, an on-site energy survey of the dwelling, and direct installation of low-cost energy saving measures at no additional cost to the customer. The program is delivered in a neighborhood door-to-door sweep approach and offers customers who are eligible and wish to participate a variety of direct installation energy efficiency measures. j. Commercial and Industrial Prescriptive program provides incentives to non- residential customers to invest in high -efficiency lighting and fixtures, high efficiency motors and other equipment. To ensure simplicity, the program includes a master list of measures and incentive levels that are easily accessible to commercial and industrial customers on the website. k. Commercial and Industrial Custom program provides custom incentives to commercial and industrial customers based on the calculated efficiency benefits of their particular energy efficiency plans or construction proposals. This program applies to technologies and applications that are more complex and 14 customer -specific. All aspects of this program fit within the parameters of both retrofit and new construction projects. 5. Load Management Programs The primary goal of SCE&G's load management programs is to reduce the need for additional generating capacity. There are four load management programs: Standby Generator Program, Interruptible Load Program, Real Time Pricing Rate and the Time of Use Rates. A description of each follows: a. Standby Generator Program: The Standby Generator Program for wholesale customers provides about 25 megawatts of peaking capacity that can be called upon when reserve capacity is low on the system. This capacity is owned by our wholesale customers and through a contractual arrangement is made available to SCE&G dispatchers. SCE&G has a retail version of its standby generator program in which SCE&G can call on 20 or more customers to run their emergency generators. This retail program provides about 17 MWs of additional capacity as needed. b. Interruptible Load Program: SCE&G has over 150 megawatts of interruptible customer load under contract. Participating customers receive a discount on their demand charges, for shedding load when SCE&G is short of capacity. c. Real Time Pricing ("RTP") Rate: A number of customers receive power under our real time pricing rate. During peak usage periods throughout the year when capacity is low in the market, the RTP program sends a high price signal to participating customers which encourages conservation and load shifting. Of course during low usage periods, prices are lower. d. Time of Use Rates: Our time of use rates contain higher charges during the peak usage periods of the day and lower charges during off-peak periods. This encourages customers to conserve energy during peak periods and to shift energy consumption to off-peak periods. All SCE&G customers have the option of purchasing electricity under a time of use rate. SCE&G's resource plan shows the need for additional capacity in the future to continue providing reliable electric service to its customers. As SCE&G evaluates how to satisfy this need, the Company will consider, among other things, demand response technologies. 15 B. Supply'Side Management Clean Energy at SCE&G Clean energy includes energy efficiency and clean energy supply options like nuclear power, hydro power, combined heat and power and renewable energy. 1. Existing Sources of Clean Energy SCE&G is committed to generating more of its power from clean energy sources. This commitment is reflected: in the amount of current and projected generation coming from clean sources, in the certified renewable energy credits that the Company generates each year, in the Company's net metering program, and in the Company's support for Palmetto Clean Energy, Inc. Below is a discussion of each of these topics. a. Current Generation: SCE&G currently generates clean energy from hydro, nuclear, solar and biomass. The following chart shows the current and expected amounts of clean energy in GWH and as a percentage of retail sales. As seen in the chart above, SCE&G currently generates a little over 30% of its retail sales from clean energy sources but by 2019 it expects to generate about 74% from clean energy. According to the EIA, the U.S. as a nation currently generates about 33% of its retail sales as clean energy and it expects this percentage to increase slightly over the next ten years or so. The following chart graphs EIA's forecast for US clean energy. 16 SCE&G Clean Energy Plan 30,000 80% 25,000 70 60% 20,000 50% NIp s 15,000 40% 10,000 30% 20 5,000 10% - 0% .�oti� �atiti �oti3 ti�yh ti�ti� ti�y� �otiti ti��h — - Clean Energy ...... Retail Sales ® ® ® % Clean Energy 011614 As seen in the chart above, SCE&G currently generates a little over 30% of its retail sales from clean energy sources but by 2019 it expects to generate about 74% from clean energy. According to the EIA, the U.S. as a nation currently generates about 33% of its retail sales as clean energy and it expects this percentage to increase slightly over the next ten years or so. The following chart graphs EIA's forecast for US clean energy. 16 SCE&G compares very favorably to the nation in its clean energy plans since by 2019 it should be meeting about twice as much of its retail sales with clean energy on a relative basis compared to the nation. b. Renewable Energy Credits: The SCE&G-owned electric generator, located at the KapStone Charleston Kraft LLC facility, generates electricity using a mixture of coal and biomass. KapStone Charleston Kraft, LLC, produces black liquor through its Kraft pulping process and produces and purchases biomass fuels. These fuels which are used to produce renewable energy and the electricity generated qualify for Renewable Energy Certificates ("REC") as approved by Green -e Energy, a leading national independent certification and verification program for renewable energy administered by the Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit company based in San Francisco, California. The nearby table shows the MWHs of renewable energy generated by the Kapstone generator, formerly known as the Cogen South generator: Year MWh US Clean Energy Forecast 371,573 1.7% 2008 EIA AE02014 2009 351,614 1.7% 2010 346,190 36.0% 2011 5,000 1.5% 2012 414,047 1.9% 2013 385,202 1.8% 35.5 X 4,000 35.0% 34.5 (D 3,000 34.0% 0 2,000 33.5% =33.0% 32.5% 1,000 32.0% 31.5 - -Clean Energy ...... Net Generation to the Grid ® ® ® % Clean Energy oioeia SCE&G compares very favorably to the nation in its clean energy plans since by 2019 it should be meeting about twice as much of its retail sales with clean energy on a relative basis compared to the nation. b. Renewable Energy Credits: The SCE&G-owned electric generator, located at the KapStone Charleston Kraft LLC facility, generates electricity using a mixture of coal and biomass. KapStone Charleston Kraft, LLC, produces black liquor through its Kraft pulping process and produces and purchases biomass fuels. These fuels which are used to produce renewable energy and the electricity generated qualify for Renewable Energy Certificates ("REC") as approved by Green -e Energy, a leading national independent certification and verification program for renewable energy administered by the Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit company based in San Francisco, California. The nearby table shows the MWHs of renewable energy generated by the Kapstone generator, formerly known as the Cogen South generator: Year MWh % of Retail Sales 2007 371,573 1.7% 2008 369,780 1.7% 2009 351,614 1.7% 2010 346,190 1.5% 2011 336,604 1.5% 2012 414,047 1.9% 2013 385,202 1.8% c. Boeing Solar Generator: In 2011, SCE&G installed approximately 10 acres of thin-film laminate panels (18,095 individual panels) on the roof of Boeing's North Charleston assembly plant. The PV system, having an alternating current peak output of 2.35 MW, began generating in October 2011. All RECs and energy generated by the roof top solar system are provided to 17 Boeing for onsite use. At the time of completion this was the largest roof -top solar generator in the Southeast. Over the last two years the Boeing solar plant has generated the following amounts of energy: Year MWh 2012 3,513 2013 3,410 d. Net Metering Rates and the PR -1 Rate: Protecting the environment includes encouraging and helping our customers to take steps to do the same. Net -metering provides a way for residential and commercial customers interested in generating their own renewable electricity to partially power their homes or businesses and sell the excess energy back to SCE&G. For residential customers, the generator output capacity cannot exceed the annual maximum household demand or 20 KW, whichever is less.. For small commercial customers, the generator output capacity cannot exceed the annual maximum demand of the business or 100 KW, whichever is less. Under its PR -1 rate for qualifying facilities, the Company will pay the qualifying customer for any power generated and transmitted to the SCE&G system. The PR -1 rate is developed using SCE&G's avoided costs. e. Palmetto Clean Energy, Inc.: Palmetto Clean Energy, Inc. ("PaCE") is a non-profit, tax exempt organization formed by SCE&G, Duke Energy, Progress Energy, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff ("ORS") and the S.C. Energy Office for the purpose of promoting the development of renewable power in South Carolina. Customers make a tax deductible contribution to PaCE and PaCE uses the funds collected to pay renewable generators a financial incentive for their power. 2. Future Clean Energy SCE&G is participating in activities seeking to advance renewable technologies in the future. Specifically the Company is involved with off -shore wind activities in the state, co -firing with biomass fuels, building solar generation, studying smart grid opportunities and distribution automation. These activities are set forth in more detail below. a. I New, Renewable Projects: SCE&G's customers'and other South Carolina stakeholders have expressed a desire for solar energy in the State, and SCE&G is looking for ways to integrate 18 additional solar into the system in the most economical way possible while beginning to grow a new energy economy in South Carolina based on a diverse portfolio of generation. SCE&G currently has approximately 4 megawatts of solar generation on the system, and plans to build new solar farms that will add up to 20 megawatts of renewable energy to our system. We have created an experienced team focused on research, design, and implementation of renewable energy resources (solar, wind, and biomass). In 2014-2016, we plan to install several solar farms on the system. These solar farms will be built in various locations throughout the system and will include opportunities for research, education, and expansion of the energy economy in S.C. b. Off -Shore Wind Activities: SCANA/SCE&G is a founding member of the Southeastern Coastal Wind Coalition and participates in the Utility Advisory Group of that organization. The mission of Southeastern Coastal Wind Coalition is to advance the coastal and offshore wind industry in ways that result in net economic benefits to industry, utilities, ratepayers, and citizens of the Southeast. The focus is three fold: 1. Research and Analysis — objective, transparent, data -driven, and focused on economics. 2. Policy / Market Making — exploring multistate collaborative efforts and working with utilities, not against them. 3. Education and Outreach — website, communications, and targeted outreach. SCE&G participated in the Regulatory Task Force for Coastal Clean Energy. This task force -was established with a 2008 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to identify and overcome existing barriers for coastal clean energy development for wind, wave and tidal energy projects in South Carolina. Efforts included an offshore wind transmission study; a wind, wave and ocean current study; and creation of a Regulatory Task Force. The mission of the Regulatory Task Force was to foster a regulatory environment conducive to wind, wave and tidal energy development in state waters. The Regulatory Task Force was comprised of state and federal regulatory and resource protection agencies, universities, private industry and utility companies. SCANA/SCE&G participated in discussions to locate a 40 MW demonstration wind farm off the coast of Georgetown. This effort, known as Palmetto Wind, includes Clemson University's Restoration Institute, Coastal Carolina University, Santee Cooper, the S.C. Energy 19 Office and various utilities. Palmetto Wind has been put on hold due to the high cost of the project. SCE&G invested $3.5 million in the Clemson University Restoration Institute's wind turbine drive train -testing facility at the Clemson campus in North Charleston. This new facility is dedicated to groundbreaking research, education, and innovation with the world's most advanced wind turbine drive train testing facility capable of full-scale highly accelerated mechanical and electrical testing of advanced drive train systems for wind turbines. c. Co -firing with Biomass: SCE&G continues to investigate and evaluate the co -firing of biomass and other engineered waste products in our existing coal burning facilities. The goal of the project is to determine the operational practicality as well as the economic and fuel supply implications of co -firing in existing coal units. Co -firing of biomass fuel in our existing units represents an opportunity to include additional renewable fuels in our production mix without having to build new facilities or spend significant capital on existing facilities. Results are evaluated by the Fossil Hydro department to determine the feasibility for a future course of action. d. Smart Grid Activities: SCE&G currently has approximately 9,300 AMI meters that are installed predominately on our medium to large commercial customers as well as our smaller industrial customers. Other applications where this technology is deployed include all time -of - use accounts and all accounts with customer generation (net metering). These meters utilize public wireless networks as the communication backbone and have full two-way communication capability. Register readings and load profile data are remotely collected daily from all AMI meters. In addition to traditional metering functions, the technology also provides real-time monitoring capability including power outage/restoration, meter/site diagnostics, and power quality monitoring. Load profile data is provided to customers daily via web applications enabling these customers to have quick access to energy usage allowing better management of their energy consumption. Moving forward, this technology will also enable more sophisticated DSM offerings that may be attractive to a variety of customer classes. e. Distribution Automation: SCE&G is continuing to expand the penetration of automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ("SCADA") switching and other intelligent devices 20 throughout the system. We have approximately 850 SCADA switches and reclosers, most of which can detect system outages and operate automatically to isolate sections of line with problems thereby minimizing the number of affected customers. Some of these isolating switches can communicate with each other to determine the optimal configuration to restore service to as many customers as possible without operator intervention. We are continuing to evaluate systems that will help these automated devices communicate with each other and safely reconfigure the system in a fully automated fashion. L Environmental Mitigation Activities: In order to reduce NOx emissions and to meet compliance requirements, SCE&G installed Selective Catalytic Reduction ("SCR") equipment at Cope Station in the fall of 2008. The SCR began full time operation on January 1, 2009, and has run well since -that time. It is capable of reducing NOx.emissions at Cope Station by approximately 90%. SCE&G is also utilizing the existing SCRs at Williams and Wateree Stations along with previously installed low NOx burners at the other coal-fired units to meet the Clean Air Interstate Rule ("CAIR") requirements for NOx which are in effect while the Cross State Air Pollution Rule is under a court-ordered stay. Additionally, SCE&G has installed flue gas desulfurization ("FGD") equipment, commonly known as wet scrubbers, at Williams and Wateree Stations to reduce SO2 emissions. The in-service dates for Williams and Wateree Stations were February 25, 2010, and October 12, 2010, respectively. Scrubber performance tests at both stations met the SO2 designed removal rate of 98%. Mercury emission control has also been realized in the industry via the operation of FGD equipment. Consequently, the continued operation of the FGD equipment will contribute to SCE&G's strategy for meeting the impending requirements of the US EPA's Mercury and Air Toxics Standard ("MATS°') that will become effective on April 16, 2015. The Chem -Mod fuel additive being used at McMeekin Station, Cope Station, and Williams Station will similarly contribute to SCE&G's efforts in stack emission control for mercury, as well as for NOx and SO2. In response to the US EPA's impending MATS, the last coal-fired boiler at Urquhart Station, Unit 3, was converted to natural gas. Decommissioning of the plant's former coal handling facilities is in progress. Also in response to MATS Canadys Station ceased operations on November 6, 2013, and decommissioning efforts are in progress. In an effort to cease bottom ash sluicing to the Wateree Station's ash ponds, SCE&G installed two remote submerged flight conveyors that dewater boiler bottom ash sluice and 21 recycle the overflow back to the boiler for reuse. This retrofit was completed for Units 1 and 2 during October 2012. The bottom ash is then marketed as an ingredient in the manufacture of pre -stressed concrete products. g. Nuclear Power in the Future — Small and Modular: Small Modular Reactor ("SMR") technology continues to be developed. DOE has awarded two grants, totaling $452 million, for SMR development. At about a third, or less, of the size of current nuclear power plants, SMRs could make available, for a smaller capital investment, a modular design for specific generation needs. SCE&G will continue to evaluate this technology as it develops. 3. Summary of Proposed and Recently Finalized Regulations The EPA has either proposed or recently finalized 6 regulations and modified one additional regulation. These are Cross -State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR"), Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS"), Greenhouse Gases, Cooling Water Intake Structures, Coal Combustion Residuals, Effluent Limitation Guidelines, and a new 1 -hour sulfur dioxide National - Ambient Air Quality Standard ("NAAQS"). a. Cross -State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") On December 30, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a stay delaying implementation of CSAPR pending the outcome of a legal appeal. On August 21, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated CSAPR and left CAIR in place. The federal court ordered the EPA to continue administering the previously promulgated CAIR. On October 5, 2012, the EPA filed a petition for rehearing of the order. On January 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals -for the D.C. Circuit denied EPA's petition for rehearing. The Court ordered EPA to continue to enforce the 2005 CAIR until CSAPR could be re -issued. The EPA's petition for rehearing of the Court of Appeals' order was denied. In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the Court of Appeals' decision and oral arguments were held on December, 10, 2013. A decision is still pending. Air quality control installations that SCE&G has already completed have allowed the Company to comply with the reinstated CAIR and will also allow it to comply with CSAPR if reinstated. CSAPR, which was intended to replace CAIR, was initially finalized in July 2011 under the, Clean Air Act and would affect 27 states including South Carolina, requiring reductions in 22 sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions beginning in 2012, with stricter reductions in 2014. The rule established an emissions cap for SO2 and NOx and limited the trading region for emission allowances by separating affected states into two groups with no trading between the groups. SCE&G Fossil Hydro generation is in compliance with emission limits set by CSAPR and CAIR: b. Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS") Proposed under the Clean Air Act, this rule sets numeric emission limits for mercury.- particulate ercury;particulate matter as a surrogate for toxic metals, and hydrogen chloride as a surrogate for acid gases. The final rule also revises new source performance standards for power plants to address emissions of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The rule would replace the court -vacated Clean Air Mercury Rule. MATS was proposed in May 2011, and the final rule was issued on December 21, 2011. The rule became effective on April 16, 2012. Compliance with MATS is required within three years. A 1 -year extension may be granted by the state permitting authorities if additional time is needed for units that are required to run for reliability purposes which would otherwise be deactivated, or which, due to factors beyond the control of the owner/operator, have a delay in installation of controls or need to operate because another unit has had such a delay. It is expected that coal-fired.generators will need to have a combination of flue gas desulfurization, selective catalytic reduction and fabric filters in order to comply with the standards. A second year of extension may also be possible for reliability critical units that qualify for an Administrative Order at the end of the 1 -year extension. All extension requests must be supported by the written concurrence of the appropriate Planning Authority and will be considered by EPA on a case-by-case basis, supplemented by consultation with FERC and/or other entities with relevant reliability. expertise as appropriate. SCE&G applied for and received a 1 -year extension from DHEC for both McMeekin and Canadys. With the retirement of Canadys in the 4th quarter of 2013, only McMeekin has a waiver that will allow the continued use of coal until April 2016. 23 e. Greenhouse Gases The EPA's rule addressing the emission of greenhouse gases was proposed under the Clean Air Act and would establish performance standards for new and modified generating units, along with emissions guidelines for existing generating units. This action will amend the new source performance standards ("NSPS") for electric generating units ("EGU") and will establish the first NSPS for greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions. The Rule essentially requires all new fossil fuel -fired power plants to meet the carbon dioxide ("CO2") emissions profile of a combined cycle natural gas plant. While most new natural gas plants wilt not be required to include any new technologies, no new coal plants can be constructed without carbon capture and sequestration ("CCS") capabilities. The first part of this rule,, related to new generation sources, was released in April 2012 and was expected to become final in March 2013. As part of the President's Climate Action Plan and by Presidential Memorandum issued June 25, 2013, the EPA issued a revised carbon standard for new power plants by re -proposing NSPS under the CAA for emissions of carbon dioxide from newly constructed fossil fuel -fired units. The April 2012 rule was withdrawn by EPA and the new rule, which became final on January 8, 2014, still requires all new fossil fuel -fired power plants to meet the carbon dioxide emissions profile of a combined cycle natural gas plant. While most new natural gas plants will not be required to include any new technologies, no new coal fired plants could be constructed without carbon capture and sequestration capabilities. The Company is evaluating the final rule, but does not plan to construct new coal fired units in the near future. The Presidential Memorandum also directed EPA to issue standards, regulations, or guidelines for existing units by June 1, 2014, to be made final no later than June 1, 2015. The Company also cannot predict when rules will become final for existing units, if at all, or what conditions they may impose on the Company, if any. SCE&G's new nuclear generation will mitigate CO2 concerns going forward. The following chart shows that SCE&G's CO2 emissions will fall well below its 1995 level after the next several years. 24 d. Cooling Water Intake Structures Proposed under section §316(b) of the Clean Water Act, this rule is intended to reduce damage to aquatic life through impingement, when organisms are trapped against inlet screens, and entrainment, when they are drawn into the generator's cooling water system. Facilities that withdraw at least 2 million gallons per day would be subject to a limit on the number of fish that can be killed through impingement: Facilities that withdraw at least 125 million gallons per day and new units at existing facilities may be subject to more stringent restrictions. The rule was proposed in April 2011, and a final rule is now expected by April 17, 2014. There is considerable uncertainty regarding when the regulations would be effective and the steps that would have to be taken in order to meet them. Facilities must comply with Best Available Technology Standards within 8 years, but many required submittals are due much earlier, as early as six months after rule promulgation. Compliance actions range from enhanced screening and reconfiguration of water intake systems to installation of cooling towers to reduce the flow rate. On SCE&G's system, Jasper, Cope and Wateree Stations have closed cycle cooling towers installed and should not be significantly affected by these regulations. The Company is currently conducting studies and is developing or implementing compliance plans for these initiatives. 25 SCE&G Electric CO2 21 19 17 15 o 13 11 7 v1 W 1� 00 O O -1 O O O O O H c-1 N m 'It Ln W c 1 c -I -1 -1 ci 1, 00 O O .--1 N ci -4 ri N N N _ O O O O O O O N N N N N N N OO O O O N N N N N O O O O O O N N N N N N Actual -Projected Projected 1995 Actual 2005 Actual 010614 d. Cooling Water Intake Structures Proposed under section §316(b) of the Clean Water Act, this rule is intended to reduce damage to aquatic life through impingement, when organisms are trapped against inlet screens, and entrainment, when they are drawn into the generator's cooling water system. Facilities that withdraw at least 2 million gallons per day would be subject to a limit on the number of fish that can be killed through impingement: Facilities that withdraw at least 125 million gallons per day and new units at existing facilities may be subject to more stringent restrictions. The rule was proposed in April 2011, and a final rule is now expected by April 17, 2014. There is considerable uncertainty regarding when the regulations would be effective and the steps that would have to be taken in order to meet them. Facilities must comply with Best Available Technology Standards within 8 years, but many required submittals are due much earlier, as early as six months after rule promulgation. Compliance actions range from enhanced screening and reconfiguration of water intake systems to installation of cooling towers to reduce the flow rate. On SCE&G's system, Jasper, Cope and Wateree Stations have closed cycle cooling towers installed and should not be significantly affected by these regulations. The Company is currently conducting studies and is developing or implementing compliance plans for these initiatives. 25 e. Coal Combustion Residuals In response to concerns over the potential structural failure of coal ash impoundment facilities instigated by the December 2008 failure that occurred at a Tennessee Valley Authority facility, EPA has proposed changing the classification of coal combustion residuals from its current status of an exempt waste. Two options were proposed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act: (1) list residuals as special hazardous wastes when destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments or (2) regulate as a non -hazardous waste. The proposed rule was released in June 2010 and comments were received through November 2010. EPA has not issued the rule as yet and has not specified when a final rule will be issued. The effective date is believed to be dependent on which option is selected. If coal combustion residuals are classified as non -hazardous wastes, the rule would be effective six months after promulgation. A special hazardous waste designation would likely push compliance out until about 2021 when the state adopts the rule. Timing will- vary from state to state. On January 18, 2012, several environmental groups, led by Earthjustice, filed a notice of intent to sue the EPA to force the agency to finalize its proposed rule determining how coal. combustion residuals (commonly referred to as "coal ash") will be categorized. On January 22, 2013, the Court in the coal combustion residuals ("CCR") deadline litigation postponed the status conference in the case until April 26, 2013. On October 29, a federal district judge ordered EPA to file by December 29, 2013, a timeline for the completion of this rule. However, because environmental groups and coal ash recyclers are in settlement negotiations concerning the timeline, in December, the district court accepted a motion to give EPA additional time (until late January) to file the timeline. In January, a consent decree was filed that sets forth EPA's obligation to sign, by December 19, 2014, a notice for publication in the Federal Register taking final action on the Agency's rule for CCR. The final CCR rule may require the closure of ash ponds. SCE&G has three generating facilities that have employed ash storage ponds, and all of these ponds have either been closed after all ash was removed or are part of an ash pond closure project that includes complete removal of the ash prior to closure. The electric generating facilities which continue to be coal- fired have dry ash handling, and the ash ponds undergoing closure have a detailed dam safety inspection conducted at least quarterly. 26 L Effluent Limitation Guidelines The Clean Water Act ("CWA") establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. It provides EPA and the States with a variety of programs and tools to protect and restore the nation's waters. These programs and tools generally rely either on water quality -based controls, such as water quality standards and water quality -based permit limitations, or technology-based controls such as effluent guidelines and technology-based permit limitations. The EPA is currently developing a proposed rule to amend the effluent guidelines and standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating category. Once issued, the Steam Electric effluent guidelines and standards will be incorporated into State administered wastewater permits known as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permits. EPA's decision to proceed with a rulemaking was announced on September 15, 2009, following completion of a preliminary study. EPA reviewed wastewater discharges from power plants and the treatment technologies available to reduce pollutant discharges. EPA believes that the current regulations, which were last updated in 1982, do not adequately address the pollutants being discharged and have not kept pace with changes that have occurred in the electric power industry over the last three decades. EPA's main reason for this concern is that the air pollution control technologies that have been retrofitted to power plants in order to reduce air emissions put a majority of those contaminants into the wastewater discharge. In 2010, EPA submitted an Information Collection Request ("ICR") to all electric utilities to aid in their review of plant operations, pollution control technologies, and current wastewater discharges. Consequently, SCE&G expended considerable time and resources to answer a 213 -page questionnaire for each of its electric generating facilities. Under the CWA, compliance with applicable limitations is achieved under State -issued National Permit Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. As a facility's NPDES permit is renewed (every 5 years) any new effluent limitations would be incorporated. New federal effluent limitation guidelines for steam electric generating units (the ELG Rule) were published in the Federal Register on June 7, 2013. Comments were due by September 20, 2013, and the rule is expected to be finalized May 22, 2014. EPA expects compliance as soon as possible after July 2017 but no later than July 2020. Once the rule becomes effective, the State environmental regulators will.modify the NPDES permits to match more restrictive standards thus requiring utilities to retrofit each facility with new wastewater treatment technologies. Based on the 27 proposed rule, SCE&G expects that wastewater treatment technology retrofits will be required at Williams and Wateree at a minimum. g. NAAQS 1 -hour SO2 In June 2010, EPA revised the primary SO2 standard by establishing a new 1 -hour standard at a level of 75 parts per billion ("ppb"). The EPA revoked the two existing primary standards of 140 ppb evaluated over 24 -hours, and 30 ppb per hour averaged over an entire year. The new form is the 3 -year average of the 99th percentile of the annual distribution of daily maximum 1 -hour average concentrations. EPA also required states to install new monitors by January 1, 2013. Compliance requires both monitoring and refined dispersion modeling of SO2 sources to meet the new standard. The new 1 -hour national ambient air quality standard ("NAAQS") for SO2 presents new challenges and is driving strategic planning for large SO2 emitters around the country. For this new standard, EPA is requiring the unusual step of using air quality modeling for criteria pollutant attainment designations. EPA released its draft guidance for this State Implementation Plan ("SIP") modeling and the states prepared for designation modeling efforts. However, later guidance issued during June 2012 indicated that EPA would back off of the modeling requirement. Historically, ambient air monitoring data has provided the basis for attainment designations. The shift to using models instead of ambient data poses significant challenges. For example, due to the stringent nature of the short term SO2 standards, the conservative nature of the models and use of conservative inputs in the model (short-term emission limits), the results can significantly overstate reality. Also there are likely to be surprises for historically grandfathered sources or even new well-controlled sources. During 2013, EPA deferred designations for South Carolina for future action. On January 7, 2014, EPA made available two updated draft documents that provide technical assistance for states implementing the 2010 health -based, sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard. These documents provide technical advice on the use of modeling and monitoring to determine if an area meets the 2010 SO2 air quality standard. In a future rule expected in 2014, the EPA will establish requirements for characterizing SO2 air quality in priority areas, focusing on areas with sources that have emissions higher than a threshold amount. The EPA expects to establish these thresholds taking population into account. States will have the flexibility to characterize air 28 quality using modeling of actual emissions or using appropriately sited existing and new monitors. These data would be used in two future rounds of designations in 2017 (based on modeling) and 2020 (based on new monitoring). EPA expects to issue a Data Requirements Rule for implementing the 1 -Hour SO2 standard during 2014. Air quality control installations that SCE&G and GENCO have already completed and planned retirements of older coal-fired units are expected to allow the Company to comply with the 1 -Hour SO2 standard. 4. Supply Side Resources at SCE&G a. Existing Supply Resources SCE&G owns and operates six (6) coal-fired fossil fuel units, one (1) gas-fired steam unit, eight (8) combined cycle gas turbine/steam generator units (gas/oil fired), sixteen (16) peaking turbine units, four (4) hydroelectric generating plants, and one Pumped Storage Facility. In addition, SCE&G receives the output of 85 MWs from a cogeneration facility. The total net non-nuclear summer generating capability rating of these facilities is 4,590 MWs in summer and 4,764 MWs in winter. These ratings, which are updated at least on an annual basis, reflect the expectation for the coming summer and winter seasons. When SCE&G's nuclear capacity (647 MWs in summer and 661 MWs in winter), a long term capacity purchase (25 MWs) and additional capacity (20 MWs) provided through a contract with the Southeastern Power Administration are added, SCE&G's total supply capacity is 5,282 MWs in summers and 5,470 MWs in winter. This is summarized in the table on the following page. s This supply capacity does not include the Company's solar generator with a DC nominal rating of 2.6 MWs which lies behind a customer's meter. M Existing Long Term Supply Resources The following table shows the generating capacity that is available to SCE&G in 2014. Coal -Fired Steam: McMeekin — Near Irmo, SC Wateree — Eastover, SC *Williams — Goose Creek, SC Cope - Cope, SC Kapstone — Charleston, SC Total Coal -Fired Steam Capacity Gas -Fired Steam: Urquhart — Beech Island, SC Nuclear: V. C. Summer - Parr, SC I. C. Turbines: Hardeeville, SC Urquhart — Beech Island, SC Coit — Columbia, SC Parr, SC Williams — Goose Creek, SC Hagood — Charleston, SC Urquhart No. 4 — Beech Island, SC Urquhart Combined Cycle — Beech Island, SC Jasper Combined Cycle — Jasper, SC Total 1. C. Turbines Capacity Hydro: Neal Shoals — Carlisle, SC Parr Shoals — Parr, SC Stevens Creek - Near Martinez, GA Saluda - Near Irmo, SC Fairfield Pumped Storage - Parr, SC •Total Hydro Capacity Other: Long -Term Purchases SEPA Grand Total: In -Service Summer Date MW 1958 250 250 1970 684 684 1973 605 610 1996 415 415 1999 85 85 1991 2,039 2,044 1953 95 961 1984 647 6611 1968 9 9 1969 39 48 1969 28 38 1970 60 73 1972 40 52 1991 128 145 1999 48 49 2002 458 484 2004 852 924 1,662 1,822 1905 3 4 1914 7 12 1914 8 10 1930 200 200 1978 576 576 794 802 25 25 20 20 5.282 * Williams Station is owned by GENCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of SCANA and is operated by SCE&G. Not reflected in the table is a solar PV generator owned by SCE&G with a nominal direct current rating of 2.6 MWs nor a purchase of 300 MWs of firm capacity for the years 2014-2015. 30 The bar chart below shows SCE&G's actual 2013 relative energy generation and relative capacity by fuel source. b. DSM from the Supply Side SCE&G is able to achieve a DSM -like impact from the supply side using its Fairfield Pumped Storage Plant. The Company uses off-peak energy to pump water uphill into the Monticello Reservoir and then displaces on -peak generation by releasing the water and generating power. This accomplishes the same goal as many DSM programs, namely, shifting use to off-peak periods and lowering demands during high cost, on -peak periods. The following graph shows the impact that Fairfield Pumped Storage had on a typical summer weekday. Impact of Pumped Storage Average Summer ®ay in 2013 4000 3500 - m 3000 _ - t 2500 2000 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 Hour of Day `Territorial Load * Net of Fairfield 31 In effect the Fairfield Pumped Storage Plant was used to shave about 218 MWs from the daily peak times of 2:00pm through 6:00pm and to move about 2.4% of customer's daily energy needs off peak. Because of this valuable supply side capability, a similar capability on the demand side, such as a time of use rate, would be less valuable on SCE&G's system than on many other utility systems. c. Planning Reserve Margin and Operating Reserves The Company provides for the reliability of its electric service by maintaining an adequate reserve margin of supply capacity. The appropriate level of reserve capacity for SCE&G is in the range of 14 to 20 percent of its firm peak demand. This range of reserves will allow SCE&G to have adequate daily operating reserves and to have reserves to cover two primary sources of risk: supply risk and demand risk. Supply reserves are needed to balance the "supply risk" that some SCE&G generation capacity may be forced out of service or its capacity reduced on any particular day because of mechanical failures, fuel related problems, environmental limitations or other force majeure/unforeseen events. The amount of capacity forced -out or down -rated will vary from day-to-day. SCE&G's reserve margin range is designed to cover most of these days as well as the outage of any one of our generating units. Another component of reserve margin is the demand reserve. This is needed to cover "demand risk" related to unexpected increases in customer load above our peak demand forecast. This can be the result of extreme weather conditions or other unexpected events. The level of daily operating reserves required by the SCE&G system is dictated by operating agreements with other VACAR companies. VACAR is the organization of utilities serving customers in the Virginia -Carolinas region of the country who have entered into a reserve sharing agreement. These utilities are members of the SERC Reliability Corporation, a nonprofit corporation responsible for promoting and improving the reliability of the bulk power transmission system in much of the southeastern United States. While it can vary by a few megawatts each year, SCE&G's pro -rata share of this capacity is always around 200 megawatts. To analyze these three components of reserve and establish a reserve margin target range, SCE&G employs three methodologies: 1) the component method which analyzes separately each of the three components mentioned above; 2) the traditional and industry standard technique of "Loss of Load Probability," or LOLP, using a range of LOLP from 1 day per year to 32 I day in 10 years; and 3) the largest unit out method. The results of this analysis are summarized in the following table and support a reserve margin target range of 14% to 20%. By maintaining a reserve margin in the 14 to 20 percent range, the Company addresses the uncertainties related to load and to the availability of generation on its system. It also allows the Company to meet its VACAR obligation. SCE&G will monitor its reserve margin policy in light of the changing power markets and its system needs and will make changes to the policy as warranted. d. New Nuclear Capacity On May 30, 2008, SCE&G filed with the Commission a Combined Application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity and for a Base Load Review Order for the construction and operation of two 1,117 net MW nuclear units to be located at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station near Jenkinsville, South Carolina. Following a full hearing on the Combined Application, the Commission issued Order No. 2009-104(A) granting SCE&G, among other things, a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity. On March 30, 2012, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a combined Construction and Operation License ("COL") to SCE&G for each unit. Both units will have the Westinghouse AP 1000 design and -use passive safety systems to enhance the safety of the units. On January 27, 2014, SCE&G and Santee Cooper agreed to increase SCE&G's ownership share from 55% to 60% in three stages. SCE&G will acquire an additional 1% of the 2,234 MWs of capacity when Unit #2 achieves commercial operation which is expected around December 2017 or the first quarter of 2018. An additional 2% will go to SCE&G one year later 33 Low MWs Low % High MWs High % Component Method 766 16.0% 1016 21.3% LOLP 721 14.4% 1171 23.5% Largest Unit 644 13.5% 966 20.2% 644 1171 Reserve Policy 14.0% 20.0% By maintaining a reserve margin in the 14 to 20 percent range, the Company addresses the uncertainties related to load and to the availability of generation on its system. It also allows the Company to meet its VACAR obligation. SCE&G will monitor its reserve margin policy in light of the changing power markets and its system needs and will make changes to the policy as warranted. d. New Nuclear Capacity On May 30, 2008, SCE&G filed with the Commission a Combined Application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity and for a Base Load Review Order for the construction and operation of two 1,117 net MW nuclear units to be located at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station near Jenkinsville, South Carolina. Following a full hearing on the Combined Application, the Commission issued Order No. 2009-104(A) granting SCE&G, among other things, a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity. On March 30, 2012, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a combined Construction and Operation License ("COL") to SCE&G for each unit. Both units will have the Westinghouse AP 1000 design and -use passive safety systems to enhance the safety of the units. On January 27, 2014, SCE&G and Santee Cooper agreed to increase SCE&G's ownership share from 55% to 60% in three stages. SCE&G will acquire an additional 1% of the 2,234 MWs of capacity when Unit #2 achieves commercial operation which is expected around December 2017 or the first quarter of 2018. An additional 2% will go to SCE&G one year later 33 and another 2% one year after that. By December 2019 or the first quarter of 2020, SCE&G will own 60% of both units (670 MWs each) while Santee Cooper will own 40%. e. Retirement of Coal Plants When the EPA promulgated its Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS") on December 21, 2011, SCE&G had six small coal-fired units in its fleet totaling 730 MWs ranging in age from 45 to 57 years that could not meet the emission standards without further modifications to the units. Those six units are displayed in the following table. Plant Name Capacity (MW) Commercialization Date Canadys 1 90 1962 Canadys 2 115 1964 Canadys 3 180 1967 Urquhart 3 95 1955 McMeekin 1 125 1958 McMeekin 2 125 1958 After a thorough retirement analysis, the Company decided that these six units would be retired when the addition of new nuclear capacity was available as a replacement.2 As part of this retirement plan the Company has retired Canadys' Units #1, 2 and 3 and has converted Urquhart #3 to be fired with natural gas while dismantling the coal handling facilities at this unit. The capacity (250 MWs) of the remaining two coal-fired units, McMeekin 1&2, is required to maintain system reliability until the new nuclear capacity is available. Under the MATS regulations but with a one year waiver granted by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control ("SCDHEC") these units cannot run on coal after April 15, 2016. The Company is currently looking at ways to bridge, with dispatchable resources, the gap between the MATS compliance date and the availability of the new nuclear capacity. z In announcing its plans to retire the units in its 2012 Integrated Resource Plan, the Company was careful to note that its retirement plans were subject to change if circumstances changed. See SCE&G's 2012 Integrated Resource Plan, at 29 (May 30, 2012) ("Although today's reference resource plan calls for the retirement of the six coal-fired units, the Company will continue to monitor, among other things, developments in environmental regulation and will continue to analyze its options and modify the plan as needed to benefit its customers."). 34 E Renewable Resources SCE&G continues to monitor the development of renewable sources of energy and looks for economic opportunities hies to include them in its resource plan. 1. Busbar Costs of Renewable Resources The following charts show the busbar cost of renewable resources compared to other potential resource additions. The busbar cost is shown in terms of $/MWh at various capacity factors. It is assumed that the overnight capital costs of solar. PV and off -shore wind are $3,873 per KW and $6,230 per KW respectively. The capital cost for a combined cycle facility and a combustion turbine facility are $1,023 per KW and $676 per KW respectively. Solar PV and off shore wind can be seen as more costly than traditional sources of power. There are four charts shown on the next page. The two charts on the left side of the page show the busbar costs with and without the federal investment tax credit ("ITC"). As an approximation it is assumed that the ITC will reduce the capital cost of solar and wind by 30%. The two charts on the right side of the page show the same information but with the vertical axis truncated at $500/MWh thereby displaying more granularity at higher capacity factors. 35 $/MWh vs Capacity Factor 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Ln O ��-I OO N N MM M d d MM M LD l0 ^ r- 00 M M M Solar PV Off -Shore Wind -!—Combustion Turbine—Combined Cycle $/MWh vs Capacity Factor. 30% ITC for Solar and Wind 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 u1 O Ln ON MM M -:t � OLn M 1.0 lD r^ n 00 00 Ol M O N r-1 ----Solar PV Off -Shore Wind —* --Combustion Turbine Combined Cycle 36 $/MWh vs Capacity factor 500 30% ITC for Solar and Wind 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 — 100 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ln O Ln O to O to O Ln O Ln O Ln O to O Ln O to O rl H N N M M I:t d- Ln Ln lD (D 1, n 00 00 0) M O r -I Ln o un o Ln o Ln o Ln o Ln o Ln o Ln o m o m o i -I e -I N N M M wt ct M M LD lD 1, n 00 M M M O i -I —t -Solar PV-4—Off-Shore Wind —*--Combustion Turbine —K—Combined Cycle $/MWh vs Capacity Factor 30% ITC for Solar and Wind 500 400 300 200 100 — 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ln O Ln O to O to O Ln O Ln O Ln O to O Ln O to O rl H N N M M I:t d- Ln Ln lD (D 1, n 00 00 0) M O r -I Solar PV Off -Shore Wind —* --Combustion Turbine Combined Cycle 2. CO2 Emissions and Renewable Resources The following table compares several types of generation to SCE&G's new nuclear capacity in terms of CO2 output, both emitted and avoided, assuming that half gas and half coal generation is being displaced. Equivalent Avoided CO2 Emissions to SCE&G's New Nuclear Capacity Type Avoided CO2 Emissions Output MWh Capacity MW CO2 Emissions Tons New Nuclear 6,756,327 10,564,560 1,340 0 Solar PV 6,756,327 10,564,560 7,354 0 Offshore Wind 6,756,327 10,564,560 3,260 0 Combined Cycle 6,756,327 25,316,685 3,613 9,434,389 To avoid the same number of tons of CO2 as 1,340 MWs of nuclear capacity, you would need more than 5 times that capacity in solar PV capacity or almost 2.5 times that capacity in off shore wind capacity or more than 2.5 times that capacity in gas fired combined cycle capacity. 3. The Projected Cost of Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Energy The National Renewable Energy Laboratory ("NREL") has produced and made available to the public a financial calculator to evaluate renewable technologies. The NREL model known as the System Advisor Model ("SAM") was used to estimate the level cost of solar energy ("LCOE") in South Carolina under several scenarios. See https:Hsam.nrel.gov for more information on the SAM model. The following table shows the LCOE for a commercial customer seeking a power purchase agreement ("PPA"). The LCOE is reduced by both a federal and a state investment tax credit ("ITC") and by the use of accelerated depreciation, in particular, 5 year MACRS. It assumes the project is financed with 80% debt at 7% interest with a target internal rate of return ("IRR") of 15%. Since the capital cost of a solar PV installation are size and site specific and since the costs continue to change each year, the LCOE is shown for several levels of capital cost. 37 Levelized Cost of Solar Energy for a Commercial Installation Size 2000 KW Size 200 KW Capital Cost $/watt L.C.O.E. $/MWh Capital Cost $/watt L.C.O.E. $/MWh $3.00 $102.50 $4.00 $121.80 $2.50 $88.30 $3.00 $93.40 $2.00 $74.00 $2.50 $79.20 The following table shows similar results for a residential installation. Levelized Cost of Solar Energy for a Residential Installation Size 5 KW Capital Cost $/Watt L.C.O.E. $/MWh $6.00 $193.70 $5.00 $155.00 $4.00 $116.30 $3.00 $77.50 4. Potential Impact of Solar PV on the Resource Plan It is difficult to pinpoint how much and how fast solar photovoltaic energy resources will develop in SCE&G's service territory, but it is evident that these resources will play a role in SCE&G's energy supply in the coming years. The cost of solar panels and associated equipment has been decreasing over the past years. Much of the ongoing and future cost reduction of solar farms is likely to be driven by efficiencies in design and construction, and the pace of reductions is likely to slow, but how far and how fast the costs will drop in the future is not certain. Federal and state tax incentives encourage the installation of solar facilities, but the level of support is likely to change in the future. Finally solar development is encouraged through the policy of net energy metering ("NEM") whereby all solar energy generated at a customer's site is valued at the customer's retail rate. Since much of the utility's fixed costs are recovered through a volumetric, per kWh charge, utilities generally claim that this policy is not sustainable. Conversely, particular solar installations may bring value to the system that is unaccounted for under current rate designs. SCE&G is working to better understand the costs and benefits of solar energy resources on its system so that costs and value are appropriately accounted for. The 38 following table shows the impact of solar generation when its DC capacity is set to 2% of SCE&G's firm system peak. Approximately 56% of the DC rating of solar capacity will be generating on a summer afternoon and contribute to reducing the summer peak demand. There will be no solar generation at the time of SCE&G's winter peak demand which usually occurs between 7 and 8 am. g. Projected Loads and resources SCE&G's resource plan for the next 15 years is shown in the table labeled "SCE&G Forecast Loads and Resources - 2014 IRP " on a subsequent page. The resource plan shows the need for additional capacity and identifies, on a preliminary basis, whether the need is for peaking/intermediate capacity or base load capacity. On line 10 the resource plan shows decreases in capacity which relate to the retirement of coal units as previously discussed. The resource plan shows the addition of peaking capacity on line 8 and the need for any firm one year capacity purchases on line 12. The Company has secured the purchase of 300MWs in the years 2014 through 2016. Capacity is added to maintain the SCE&G's planning reserve margin within the target range of 14% to 20%. The resource plan 39 Impact When Solar DC Capacity Set to 2% of System Peak Percent System Solar Summer Winter Solar of Peak DC MW Peak Peak Energy Retail Year MW @1% Impact Impact MWH Sales 2014 4,786 96 54 0 134,161 0.6% 2015 4,849 97 54 0. 135,927 0.6% 2016 4,968 99 56 0 139,263 0.6% 2017 5,074 101 57 0 142,234 0.6% 2018 5,166 103 58 0 144,813 0.6% 2019 5,246 105 59 0 147,056 0.6% 2020 5,319 106 60 0 149,102 0.6% 2021 5,385 108 60 0 150,952 0.6% 2022 5,458 109 61 0 152,999 0.6% 2023 5,540 111 62 0 155,297 0.6% 2024 5,623 112 63 0 157,624 0.6% 2025 5,704 114 64 0 159,895 0.6% 2026 5,790 116 65 0 162,305 0.6% 2027 5,867 117 66 0 164,464 0.6% 2028 5,942 119 67 0 166,566 0.6% g. Projected Loads and resources SCE&G's resource plan for the next 15 years is shown in the table labeled "SCE&G Forecast Loads and Resources - 2014 IRP " on a subsequent page. The resource plan shows the need for additional capacity and identifies, on a preliminary basis, whether the need is for peaking/intermediate capacity or base load capacity. On line 10 the resource plan shows decreases in capacity which relate to the retirement of coal units as previously discussed. The resource plan shows the addition of peaking capacity on line 8 and the need for any firm one year capacity purchases on line 12. The Company has secured the purchase of 300MWs in the years 2014 through 2016. Capacity is added to maintain the SCE&G's planning reserve margin within the target range of 14% to 20%. The resource plan 39 thus constructed represents one possible way to meet the increasing demand of our customers. Before the Company commits to adding a new resource, it will'perform a study to determine what type resource will best serve our customers. The Company believes that its supply plan, summarized in the following table, will be as benign to the environment as possible because of the Company's continuing efforts to utilize state-of-the-art emission reduction technology in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The supply plan will also help SCE&G keep its cost of energy service at a minimum since the generating units being added are competitive with alternatives in the market. 40 SCE&G Forecast of Summer Loads and Resources - 2014 IRP YEAR 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Load Forecast 1 I Baseline Trend 50461 5113 5272 5407 5525 56321 5734 58301 5921 6023 6125 6227 63321 6430 6525 2 EE Impact -3 4 -37 -58 -80 -103 7129 -156 -171 -187 -203 -220 -236 -253 -270 3 Gross Territorial Peak 5043 5109 5235 5349 5445 5529 5605 5674 5750 5836 5922 6007 6096 6177 6255 4 Demand Response --257 -260 -267 -275 -279 -283 -286 -289 -292 -296 -299 -303 -306 -310 -313 5 Net Territorial Peak 47861 4849 4968 5074 5166 5246 5319 53851 5458 5540 5623 57041 5790 5867 5942 Systern Capacity 6 justing 5282 5287 5290 5293 5293 5918 6242 6288 6288 6288 6381 6474 6567 6660- 6753 Additions 7 Solar Plant (20 NNVs DC) 5 3 3 8 _ Peaking/Intermediate 93 93 93 93 93 93 9 Baseload 625 669 46 10 Retirements -345 11 Total System Capacity 5287 5290 5293 5293 5918 6242 6288 6288 6288 6381 6474 6567 6660 6753 6846 12 Firm Annual Purchase 300 300 375 500 13 Total Production Capability 5587 5590 5668 5793 5918 6242 6288 - 6288 6288 63811 6474 6567 6660 6753 6846 Reserves 14 Margin (1-13-1-5) 801 741 700 719 752 '996 9691 903 830 841 851 863 870 886 904 15 % Reserve Nbrgin (1-14/1-5) 16.7% 15.3% 14.1%1 14.2% 14.6% 19.0% 18.2%1 16.8%1 15.2%1 15.2% 15.1% 15.1% 15.0% 15.1% 15.2% 16 % NERC Resk n L141 L5 -L4 15.9%1 14.5%1 13.4%1 13.4%1 13.8% 18.0% 17.3% F15.9% 14.4%1 14.4%1 14.0 14.4% 14.3%1 14.3% 14.5% Note: L17 shows the reserve margin calculated according to NERC's new definition. See the following link for details: http://www.nerc.com/docs/pc/ris/RIS Report on Reserve Mares Treatment of CCDR %2006.01.10.pdf 41 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 42 III. Transmission System Assessment and Planning SCE&G's transmission planning practices develop and coordinate a program that provides for timely modifications to the SCE&G transmission system to ensure a reliable and economical delivery of power. This program includes the determination of the current capability of the electrical network and a ten-year schedule of future additions and modifications to the system. These additions and modifications are required to support customer growth, provide emergency assistance and maintain economic opportunities for our customers while meeting SCE&G and industry transmission performance standards. SCE&G has an ongoing process to determine the current and future performance level of the SCE&G transmission system. Numerous internal studies are undertaken that address the service needs of our customers. These needs include: 1) distributed load growth of existing residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers, 2) new residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers and 3) customers who use only transmission services on the SCE&G system. SCE&G has developed and adheres to a set of internal Long Range Planning Criteria which can be summarized as follows: The requirements of the SCE&G "LONG RANGE PLANNING CRITERIA " will be satisfied if the system is designed so that during any of the following contingencies, only short -time overloads, low voltages and local loss of load will occur and that after appropriate switching and re -dispatching, all non -radial load can be served with reasonable voltages and that lines and transformers are operating"within acceptable limits. a. Loss of any bus and associated facilities operating at a voltage level of 115kV or above b. Loss of any line operating at a voltage level of 11 SkV or above c. Loss of entire generating capability in any one plant d. Loss of all circuits on a common structure e. Loss of any transmission transformer f. Loss of any generating unit simultaneous with the loss of a single transmission line Outages more severe are considered acceptable if they will not cause equipment damage or result in uncontrolled cascading outside the local area. Furthermore, SCE&G subscribes to the set of mandatory Electric Reliability Organization ("ERO"), also known as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC"), 43 Reliability Standards for Transmission Planning, as approved by the NERC Board of Trustees and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). SCE&G assesses and designs its transmission system to be compliant with the requirements as set forth in these standards. A copy of the NERC Reliability Standards is available at the NERC website http://www.nerc.com/. The SCE&G transmission system is interconnected with Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolinas, South Carolina Public Service Authority ("Santee Cooper"), Georgia Power ("Southern Company") and the Southeastern Electric Power Administration ("SEPA") systems. Because of these interconnections with neighboring systems, system conditions on other systems can affect the capabilities of the SCE&G transmission system and also system conditions on the SCE&G transmission system can affect other systems. SCE&G participates with other transmission planners throughout the southeast to develop current and future power flow and stability models of the integrated transmission grid for the NERC Eastern Interconnection. All participants' models are merged together to produce current and future models of the integrated electrical network. Using these models, SCE&G evaluates its current and future transmission system for compliance with the SCE&G Long Range Planning Criteria and the NERC Reliability Standards. To ensure the reliability of the SCE&G transmission system while considering conditions on other systems and to assess the reliability of the integrated transmission grid, SCE&G participates in assessment studies with neighboring transmission planners in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Also, SCE&G on a periodic and ongoing basis participates with other transmission planners throughout the southeast to assess the reliability of the southeastern integrated transmission grid for the long-term horizon (up to 10 years) and for upcoming seasonal (summer and winter) system conditions. The following is a list of joint studies with neighboring transmission owners completed over the past year: 1. SERC NTSG Reliability 2013 Summer Study 2. SERC NTSG Reliability 2013/2014 Winter Study 3. SERC LTSG 2017 Summer Peak Study 4. SERC NTSG OASIS 2013 January Studies (13Q1) 5. SERC NTSG OASIS 2013 April Studies (13Q2) 6. SERC NTSG OASIS 2013 July Studies (13Q3) 7. SERC NTSG OASIS 2013 October Studies (13Q4) 8. SERC DSG 2014 Summer Peak/Shoulder/Light Load/Winter Peak, 2015 Summer Peak, and 2019 Summer Peak/Light Load/Winter Peak Dynamics Studies 44 9. ERAG 2018 Summer Transmission System Assessment 10. CTCA 2019 Summer Study 11. CTCA 2024 Carolinas Wind Study 12. SCRTP 2014 Summer Peak, 2013/2014 Winter Peak, 2018 Summer Peak, and 2023 Summer Peak Transfer Studies 13. EIPC 2018 & 2023 Roll -Up Integration Studies where the acronyms used above have the following reference: SERC - SERC Reliability Corporation NTSG - Near Term Study Group of SERC LTSG - Long Term Study Group of SERC OASIS - Open Access Same -time Information System DSG Dynamics Study Group ERAG - Eastern Interconnection Reliability Assessment Group CTCA - Carolinas Transmission Coordination Arrangement SCRTP - South Carolina Regional Transmission Planning EIPC - Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative These activities, as discussed above, provide for a reliable and cost effective transmission system for SCE&G customers. Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC) The Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative ("EIPC") was initiated by a coalition of regional Planning Authorities. These Planning Authorities are entities listed on the NERC compliance registry as Planning Authorities and represent the entire Eastern Interconnection. The EIPC was founded to be a broad-based, transparent collaborative process among all interested stakeholders: - State and Federal policy makers - Consumer and environmental interests - Transmission Planning Authorities - Market participants generating, transmitting or consuming electricity within the Eastern Interconnection The EIPC provides a grass-roots approach which builds upon the regional ekpansion plans developed each year by regional stakeholders in collaboration with their respective NERC Planning Authorities. This approach provides coordinated interregional analysis for the entire 45 Eastern Interconnection guided by the consensus input of an open and transparent stakeholder process. The EIPC purpose is to model the impact on the grid of various policy options determined to be of interest by state, provincial and federal policy makers and other stakeholders. This work builds upon, rather than replaces, the current local and regional transmission planning processes developed by the Planning Authorities and associated regional stakeholder groups within the entire Eastern Interconnection. Those processes are informed by the EIPC analysis efforts including the interconnection -wide review of the existing regional plans and development of transmission options associated with the various policy options. FERC Order 1000 — Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation On July 21, 2011, the FERC issued Order 1000 - Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Utilities. With respect to transmission planning, this Final Rule: (1) requires that each public utility transmission provider participate in a regional transmission planning process that produces a regional transmission plan; (2) requires that each public utility transmission provider amend its OATT to describe procedures that provide for the consideration of transmission needs driven by public policy requirements in the local and regional transmission planning processes; (3) removes from FERC -approved tariffs and agreements a federal right of first refusal for certain new transmission facilities; and (4) improves coordination between neighboring transmission planning regions for new interregional transmission facilities. Also, this Final Rule requires that each public utility transmission provider participate in a regional transmission planning process that has: (1) a regional cost allocation method for the cost of new transmission facilities selected in a regional transmission plan for purposes of cost allocation; and (2) an interregional cost allocation method for the cost of certain new transmission facilities that are located in two or more neighboring transmission planning regions and are jointly evaluated by the regions in the interregional transmission coordination procedures required by this Final Rule. Each cost allocation method must satisfy six cost allocation principles. On October 11, 2012, SCE&G filed with the FERC its proposed actions to achieve compliance with the Regional requirements of Order 1000. On April 18, 2013, FERC conditionally accepted SCE&G's filing subject to SCE&G providing more clarity and adding greater detail to SCE&G's compliance plans. On October 15, 2013, SCE&G submitted a second filing addressing these points. FERC is currently reviewing SCE&G's second filing. SCE&G worked with its neighboring planning region (Southeastern Regional Transmission Planning "SERTP") to develop actions to achieve compliance with the interregional requirements of Order 1000. On July 10, 2013, SCE&G filed with the FERC its proposed actions to achieve compliance with the Interregional requirements of Order 1000. FERC is currently reviewing SCE&G's Interregional compliance filing. 47 Short Range Methodology This section presents the development of the short-range electric sales forecasts for the Company. Two years of monthly forecasts for electric customers, average usage, and total usage were developed according to Company class and rate structures, with industrial customers further classified into SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes. Residential customers were classified by housing type (single family, multi -family, and mobile homes), rate, and by a statistical estimate of weather sensitivity. For each forecasting group, the number of customers and either total usage or average usage was estimated for each month of the forecast period. The short-range methodologies used to develop these models were determined primarily by available data, both historical and forecast. Monthly sales .data by class and rate are generally available historically. Daily heating and cooling degree data for Columbia and Charleston are also available historically, and were projected using a 15 -year average of the daily values. Industrial production indices are also available by SIC on a quarterly basis, and can be transformed to a monthly series. Therefore, sales, weather, industrial production indices, and time dependent variables were used in the short range forecast. In general, the forecast groups fall into two classifications, weather sensitive and non -weather sensitive. For the weather sensitive classes, regression analysis was the methodology used, while for the non -weather sensitive classes regression analysis or time series models based on the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) approach of Box -Jenkins were used. The short range forecast developed from these methodologies was also adjusted for federally mandated lighting programs, new industrial loads, terminated contracts, or economic factors as discussed in Section 3. A-1 Regression Models Regression analysis is a method of developing an equation which relates one variable, such as usage, to one or more other variables which help explain fluctuations and trends in the first. This method is mathematically constructed so that the resulting combination of explanatory variables produces the smallest squared error between the historic actual values and those estimated by -the regression. The output of the regression analysis provides an equation for the variable being explained. Several statistics which indicate the success of the regression analysis fit are shown for each model. Several of these indicators are R2, Root Mean Squared Error, Durbin -Watson Statistic, F -Statistic, and the T -Statistics of the Coefficient. PROC REG of SAS' was used to estimate all regression models. PROC AUTOREG of SAS was used if significant autocorrelation, as indicated by the Durbin -Watson statistic, was present in the model. Two variables were used extensively in developing weather sensitive average use models: heating degree days ("HDD") and cooling degree days ("CDD"). The values for HDD and CDD are the average of the values for Charleston and Columbia. The base for HDD was 60° and for CDD was 750. In order to account for cycle billing, the degree day values for each day were weighted by the number of billing cycles which included that day for the current month's billing. The daily weighted degree day values were summed to obtain monthly degree day values. Billing sales for a calendar month may actually reflect consumption that occurred in the previous month based on weather conditions in that period and also consumption occurring in the current month. Therefore, this method more accurately reflects the impact of weather variations on the consumption data. The development of average use models began with plots of the HDD and CDD data versus average use by month. This process led to the grouping of months with similar average use patterns. Summer and winter groups were chosen, with the summer models including the A-2 months of May through October, and the winter models including the months of November through April. For each of the groups, an average use model was developed. Total usage models were developed with a similar methodology for the municipal customers. For these customers, HDD and CDD were weighted based on Cycle 20 distributions. This is the last reading date for bills in any given month, and is generally used for larger customers. Simple plots of average use over time revealed significant changes in average use for some customer groups. Three types of variables were used to measure the effect of time on average use: Number of months since a base period; 2. Dummy variable indicating before or after a specific point in time; and, 3. Dummy variable for a specific month or months. Some models revealed a decreasing trend in average use, which is consistent with conservation efforts and improvements in energy efficiency. However, other models showed an increasing average use over time. This could be the result of larger houses, increasing appliance saturations, lower real electricity prices, and/or higher real incomes. ARIMA Models Autoregressive integrated moving average ("ARIMA") procedures were used in developing the short range forecasts. For various class/rate groups, they were used to develop customer estimates, average use estimates, or total use estimates. ARIMA procedures were developed for the analysis of time series data, i.e., sets of observations generated sequentially in time. This Box -Jenkins approach is based on the assumption that the behavior of a time series is due to one or more identifiable influences. This method recognizes three effects that a particular observation may have on subsequent values in the series: SCI 1. A decaying effect leads to the inclusion of autoregressive (AR) terms; 2. A long-term or permanent effect leads to integrated (I) terms; and, 3. A temporary or limited effect leads to moving average (MA) terms. Seasonal effects may also be explained by adding additional terms of each type (AR, I, or MA). The ARIMA procedure models the behavior of a variable that forms an equally spaced time series with no missing values. The mathematical model is written: Zt = u + Yi (B) X,,t + q (B)/ f (B) at This model expresses the data as a combination of past values of the random shocks and past values of the other series, where: t indexes time B is the backshift operator, that is B (Xt) = Xt-i Zt is the original data or a difference of the original data f(B) is the autoregressive operator, f(B) = 1— fl B - ... - fl Bp u is the constant term q(B) is the moving average operator, q (B) = 1 - ql B - ... - qq B9 at is the independent disturbance, also called the random error Xi,t is the ith input time series yi(B) is the transfer function weights for the ith input series (modeled as a ratio of polynomials) yi(B) is equal to wi (B)/ di (B), where wi (B) and di (B) are polynomials in B. The Box -Jenkins approach is most noted for its three-step iterative process of identification, estimation, and diagnostic checking to deterinine the order of a time series. The autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions are used to identify a tentative model for univariate time series. This tentative model is estimated. After the tentative model has been A-4 fitted to the data, various checks are performed to see if the model is appropriate. These checks involve analysis of the residual series created by the estimation process and often lead to refinements in the tentative model. The iterative process is repeated until a satisfactory model is found. Many computer packages perform this iterative analysis. PROC APJMA of (SAS/ETS)2 was used in developing the ARIMA models contained herein. The attractiveness of ARIMA models comes from data requirements. ARIMA models utilize data about past energy use or customers to forecast future energy use or customers. Past history on energy use and customers serves as a proxy for all the measures of factors underlying energy use and customers when other variables were not available. Univariate ARIMA models were used to forecast average use or total usage when weather-related variables did not significantly affect energy use or alternative independent explanatory variables were not available. Footnotes 1. SAS Institute, Inc., SAS/STAT"" Guide for Personal Computers, Version 6 Edition. Cary, NC: SAS Institute, Inc., 1987. 2. SAS Institute, Inc., SAS/ETS User's Guide, Version 6, First Edition. Cary, NC: SAS Institute, Inc., 1988. A-5 Electric Sales Assumptions For short-term forecasting, over 30 forecasting groups were defined using the Company's customer class and rate structures. Industrial (Class 30) Rate 23 was further divided using SIC codes. In addition, twenty-eight large industrial customers were individually projected. The residential class was disaggregated into several sub -groups, starting first with rate. Next, a regression analysis was done to separate customers into two categories, "more weather -sensitive" and "less weather sensitive". Generally speaking, the former group is associated with higher average use per customer in winter months relative to the latter group. Finally, these categories were divided by housing type (single family, multi -family, and mobile homes). Each municipal account represents a forecasting group and was also individually forecast. Discussions were held with Industrial Marketing and Economic Development representatives within the Company regarding prospects for industrial expansions or new customers, and adjustments made to customer, rate, or account projections where appropriate. Table 1 contains the definition for each group and Table 2 identifies the methodology used and the values forecasted by forecasting groups. The forecast for Company Use is based on historic trends and adjusted for Summer I nuclear plant outages. Unaccounted energy, which is the difference between generation and sales and represents for the most part system losses, is usually between 4-5% of total territorial sales. The average annual loss for the three previous years was 4.6%, and this value was assumed throughout the forecast. The monthly allocations for unaccounted use were based on a regression model using normal total degree-days for the calendar month and total degree-days weighted by cycle billing. Adding Company Use and unaccounted energy to monthly territorial sales produces electric generation requirements. A-6 TABLE 1 Short -Term Forecasting Groups Class Rate/SIC Number Class Name Designation Comment 10 Residential Less Weather- Single Family Rates 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 18, 25, 26, 62, 64 Sensitive Multi Family 67, 68, 69 910 Residential More Weather- Mobile Homes Sensitive 20 Commercial Less Weather- Rate 9 Small General Service Sensitive Rate 12 Churches Rate 20, 21 Medium General Service Rate 22 Schools Rate 24 Large General Service Other Rates 3, 10, 11, 14, 16, 18, 25,26 29, 62, 67, 69 920 Commercial Space Heating Rate 9 Small General Service More Weather - Sensitive 30 Industrial Non -Space Heating Rate 9 Small General Service Rate 20, 21 Medium General Service Rate 23, SIC 22 Textile Mill Products Rate 23, SIC 24 Lumber, Wood Products, Furniture and Fixtures (SIC Codes 24 and 25) Rate 23, SIC 26 Paper and Allied Products Rate 23, SIC 28 Chemical and Allied Products Rate 23, SIC 30 Rubber and Miscellaneous Products Rate 23, SIC 32 Stone, Clay, Glass, and Concrete Rate 23, SIC 33 Primary Metal Industries; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Electric and Electronic Machinery, Equipment and Supplies; and Transportation Equipment (SIC Codes 33-37) Rate 23, SIC 99 Other or Unknown SIC Code* Rate 27, 60 Large General Service Other Rates 18, 25, and 26 60 Street Lighting Rates 3, 9, 13, 17, 18, 25, 26, 29, and 69 70 Other Public Authority Rates 3, 9, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 65 and 66 92 Municipal Rate 60, 61 Three Individual Accounts *Includes small industrial customers from all SIC classifications that were not previously forecasted individually. Industrial Rate 23 also includes Rate 24. Commercial Rate 24 also includes Rate 23. TABLE 2 Summary of Methodologies Used To Produce The Short Range Forecast Value Forecasted Methodology Forecasting Groups Average Use Regression Class 10, All Groups Class 910, All Groups Class 20, Rates 9, 12, 20, 22, 24, 99 Class 920, Rate 9 Class 70, Rate 3 Total Usage ARIMA/ Class 30, Rates 9, 20, 99, and 23, Regression for SIC = 91 and 99 Class 930, Rate 9 Class 60 Class 70, Rates 65, 66 Regression Class 92, All Accounts Class 97, One Account Customers ARE\4A Class 10, All Groups Class 910, All Groups Class 20, All Rates Class 920, Rate 9 Class 30, All Rates Except 60, 99, and 23 for SIC = 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 33, and 91 Class 930, Rate 9 Class 60 Class 70, Rate 3 Appendix S Long Range Sales Forecast Electric Sales Forecast This section presents the development of the long-range electric sales forecast for the Company. The long-range electric sales forecast was developed for six classes of service: residential, commercial, industrial, street lighting, other public authorities, and municipals. These classes were disaggregated into appropriate subgroups where data was available and there were notable differences in the data patterns. The residential, commercial, and industrial classes are considered the major classes of service and account for over 93% of total territorial sales. A customer forecast was developed for each major class of service. For the residential class, forecasts were also produced for those customers categorized into two groups, more and less weather - sensitive. They were further disaggregated into housing types of single family, multi -family and mobile homes. In addition, two residential classes and residential street lighting were evaluated separately. These subgroups were chosen based on available data and differences in the average usage levels and/or data patterns. The industrial class was disaggregated into two digit SIC code classification for the large general service customers, while smaller industrial customers were grouped into an "other" category. These subgroups were chosen to account for the differences in the industrial mix in the service territory. With the exception of the residential group, the forecast for sales was estimated based on total usage in that class of service. The number of residential customers and average usage per customer were estimated separately and total sales were calculated as a product of the two. The forecast for each class of service was developed utilizing an econometric approach. The structure of the econometric model was based upon the relationship between the variable to be forecasted and the economic environment, weather, conservation, and/or price. FIN Forecast Methodology Development of the models for long-term forecasting was econometric in approach and used the technique of regression analysis. Regression analysis is a method of developing an equation which relates one variable, such as sales or customers, to one or more other variables that are statistically correlated with the first, such as weather, personal income or population growth. Generally, the goal is to find the combination of explanatory variables producing the smallest error between the historic actual values and those estimated by the regression. The output of the regression analysis provides an equation for the variable being explained. In the equation, the variable being explained equals the sum of the explanatory variables each multiplied by an estimated coefficient. Various statistics, which indicate the success of the regression analysis fit, were used to evaluate each model. The indicators were R2, mean squared Error of the Regression, Durbin -Watson Statistic and the T -Statistics of the Coefficient. PROC REG and PROC AUTOREG of SAS were used to estimate all regression models. PROC REG was used for preliminary model specification, elimination of insignificant variables, and also for the final model specifications. Model development also included residual analysis for incorporating dummy variables and an analysis of how well the models fit the historical data, plus checks for any statistical problems such as autocorrelation or multicollinearity. PROC AUTOREG was used if autocorrelation was present as indicated by the Durbin -Watson statistic. Prior to developing the long-range models, certain design decisions were made: • The multiplicative or double log model form was chosen. This form allows forecasting based on growth rates, since elasticities with respect to each explanatory variable are given directly by their respective regression coefficients. Elasticity explains the responsiveness of changes in one variable (e.g. sales) to changes in any other variable (e.g. price). Thus, the elasticity coefficient can be applied to the forecasted growth rate of the explanatory variable B-2 to obtain a forecasted growth rate for a dependent variable. These projected growth rates were then applied to the last year of the short range forecast to obtain the forecast level for customers or sales for the long range forecast. This is a constant elasticity model, therefore, it is important to evaluate the reasonableness of the model coefficients. • One way to incorporate conservation effects on electricity is through real prices or time trend variables. Models selected for the major classes would include these variables, if they were statistically significant. • The remaining variables to be included in the models for the major classes would come from four categories: 1 Demographic variables - Population. 2. Measures of economic well-being or activity: real personal income, real per capita income, employment variables, and industrial production indices. 3. Weather variables - average summer/winter temperature or heating and cooling degree- days. 4. Variables identified through residual analysis or knowledge of political changes, major economics events, etc. (e.g., the gas price spike in 2005 attributable to Hurricane Katrina and recession versus non -recession years). Standard statistical procedures were used to obtain preliminary specifications for the models. Model parameters were then estimated using historical data and competitive models were evaluated on the basis of. • Residual analysis and traditional "goodness of fit" measures to determine how well these models fit the historical data and whether there were any statistical problems such as autocorrelation or multicollinearity. • An examination of the model results for the most recently completed full year. IM a An analysis of the reasonableness of the long-term trend generated by the models. The major criteria here was the presence of any obvious problems, such as the forecasts exceeding all rational expectations based on historical trends and current industry expectations. • An analysis of the reasonableness of the elasticity coefficient for each explanatory variable. Over the years a host of studies have been conducted on various elasticities relating to electricity sales. Therefore, one check was to see if the estimated coefficients from Company models were in-line with others. As a result of the evaluative procedure, final models were obtained for each class. • The drivers for the long-range electric forecast included the following variables. Service Area Housing Starts Service Area Real Per Capita Income Service Area Real Personal Income State Industrial Production Indices Real Price of Electricity Average Summer Temperature Average Winter Temperature Heating Degree Days Cooling Degree Days The service area data included Richland, Lexington, Berkeley, Dorchester, Charleston, Aiken and Beaufort counties, which account for the vast majority of total territorial electric sales. Service area historic data and projections were used for all classes with the exception of the industrial class. Industrial productions indices were only available on a statewide basis, so forecasting relationships were developed using that data. Since industry patterns are generally based on regional and national economic patterns, this linking of Company industrial sales to a larger geographic index was appropriate. Economic Assumptions In order to generate the electric sales forecast, forecasts must be available for the independent variables. The forecasts for the economic and demographic variables were obtained from Global Insight, Inc. and the forecasts for the price and weather variables were based on historical data. The trend projection developed by Global Insight is characterized by slow, steady growth, representing the mean of all possible paths that the economy could follow if subject to no major disruptions, such as substantial oil price shocks, untoward swings in policy, or excessively rapid increases in demand. Average summer temperature or CDD (Average of June, July, and August temperature) and average winter temperature or HDD (Average of December (previous year), January and February temperature) were assumed to be equal to the normal values used in the short range forecast. After the trend econometric forecasts were completed, reductions were made to account for higher air-conditioning efficiencies, DSM programs, and the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with more efficient CFL or LED light bulbs. Industrial sales were increased if new customers are anticipated or if there are expansions among existing customers not contained in the short-term projections. Peak Demand Forecast This section describes the procedures used to create the long-range summer and winter peak demand forecasts. It also describes the methodology used to forecast monthly peak demands. Development of summer peak demands will be discussed initially, followed by the construction of winter peaks. M Summer Peak Demand The forecast of summer peak demands was developed with a load factor methodology. This methodology may be characterized as a building-block approach because class, rate, and some individual customer peaks are separately determined and then summed to derive the territorial peak. Briefly, the following steps were used to develop the summer peak demand projections. Load factors for selected classes and rates were first calculated from historical data and then used to estimate peak demands from the projected energy consumption among these categories. Next, planning peaks were determined for a number of large industrial customers. The demands of these customers were forecasted individually. Summing these class, rate, and individual customer demands provided the forecast of summer territorial peak demand. Next, savings identified from SCE&G's demand-side management programs were removed. Finally, the incremental reductions in demand resulting from the Company's standby generator and interruptible programs were subtracted from the peak demand forecast. This calculation gave the firm summer territorial peak demand, which was used for planning purposes. Load Factor Development As mentioned above, load factors are required to calculate KW demands from KWH energy. This can be seen from the following equation, which shows the relationship between annual load factors, energy, and demand: Load Factor =Energy/(Demand x 8760) The load factor is thus seen to be a ratio of total energy consumption relative to what it might have been if the customer had maintained demand at its peak level throughout the year. The value of a system coincident load factor will usually range between 0 and 1, with lower values indicating more variation in a customer's consumption patterns, as typified by residential users with relatively large space -conditioning loads. Conversely, higher values result from more level demand patterns throughout the year, such as those seen in the industrial sector. Rearrangement of the above equation makes it possible to calculate peak demand, given energy and a corresponding load factor. This form of the equation is used to project peak demand herein. The question then becomes one of determining an appropriate load factor to apply to projected energy sales. The load factors used for the peak demand forecast were not based on one-hour coincident peaks. Instead, it was determined that use of a 4 -hour average class peak was more appropriate for forecasting purposes. This was true for two primary reasons. First, analysis of territorial peaks showed that all of the summer peaks had occurred between the hours of 2 and 6 PM. However, the distribution of these peaks between those four hours was fairly evenly spread. It was thus concluded that while the annual peak would occur during the 4 -hour band, it Would not be possible to say with a high degree of confidence during which hour it world happen. Second, the coincident peak demand of the residential and commercial classes depended on the hour of the peak's occurrence. This was due to the former tending to increase over the 4 -hour band, while the latter declined. Thus, load factors based on peaks occurring at, say, 2 PM, would be quite different from those developed for a 5 PM peak. It should also be noted that the class contribution to peak is quite stable for groups other than residential and commercial. This means that the 4 -hour average class demand, for say, municipals, was within 2% of the 1 -hour coincident peak. Consequently, since the hourly probability of occurrence was roughly equal for peak demand, it was decided that a 4 -hour average demand was most appropriate for forecasting purposes. The effect of system line losses were embedded into the class load factors so they could be applied directly to customer level sales and produce generation level demands. This was a convenient way of incorporating line losses into the peak demand projections. M. Energy Projections For those categories whose peak demand was to be projected from KWH sales, the next requirement was a forecast of applicable sales on an annual basis. These projections were utilized in the peak demand forecast construction. In addition, street light sales were excluded from forecast sales levels when required, since there is no contribution to peak demand from this type of sale. Combining load factors and energy sales resulted in a preliminary, or unadjusted peak demand forecast by class and/or rate. The large industrial customers whose peak demands were developed separately were also added to this forecast. Derivation of the planning peak required that the impact of demand reduction programs be subtracted from the unadjusted peak demand forecast. This is true because the capacity expansion plan is sized to meet the firm peak demand, which includes the reductions attributable to such programs. Winter Peak Demand To project winter peaks actual winter peak demands were correlated with three primary explanatory factors: total territorial energy, customers, and weather during the day of the winter peak's occurrence. Other dummy variables were also included in the model to account for unusual events, such as recessions or extremely cold winters. The logic behind the choice of these variables as determinants of winter peak demand is straightforward. Over time, growth in total territorial load is correlated with economic growth and activity in SCE&G's service area, and as such may be used as a proxy variable for those economic factors, which cause winter peak demand to change. It should be noted that the winter peak for any given year by industry convention is defined as occurring after the summer peak for that year. The winter period for each year is December of that year, along with January and February of the following year. For example, the winter peak in 1968 of 962 MW occurred on December 11, 1968, while the winter peak for 1969 of 1,126 MW took place on January 8, 1970. In addition to economic factors, weather also causes winter peak demand to fluctuate, so the impact of this element was measured by two variables: the average of heating degree days (HDD) experienced on the winter peak day in Columbia and Charleston and the minimum temperature on the peak day. The presence of a weather variable reduces the bias which would exist in the other explanatory variables' coefficients if weather were excluded from the regression model, given that the weather variable should be included. When the actual forecast of winter peak demand was calculated, the normal value of heating degree-days over the sample period was used. Although the ratio of winter to summer peak demands fluctuated over the sample period, it did show an increase over time. A primary cause for this increasing ratio was growth in the number of electric space heating customers. Due to the introduction and rapid acceptance of heat pumps over the past three decades, space -heating residential customers increased from less than 5,000 in 1965 to almost 217,000 in 2004, a 10.2% annual growth rate. However, this growth slowed dramatically in the 1990's, so the expectation is that the ratio of summer to winter peaks will change slowly in the future. :• EXHIBIT 6 Santee Cooper Press Release . Santee Cooper announces plans to recycle ash for beneficial use 11/19/2013 5/5/2015 https://www.santeecooper.com/about-santee-cooper/news- rel eases/news-items/santee-cooper-announces-plans-to-recycle-ash-for-beneficial- use. aspx MJ Business to Business 1!2!r Education and Safety Qo Contact Us ® Careers Z�) Storms and Outages 6Zo Blog I 41p s , n I i` santee cooper" -- -- - - - - ° Home > About Santee Cooper_News (,LLeadership Santee Cooper announces plans to recycle ash for Investors ' beneficial use Communications 11/19/2013 I Newsroom i—Energy Matters Santee Cooper announced today plans to use all of the ash in ponds at its Jefferies, Winyah and Grainger generating stations for beneficial purposes. Beneficial use provides economic, environmental and customer benefits. Santee Cooper has recycled fly ash, bottom ash and gypsum since the 1970s. Prior to the recent recession, Santee Cooper was using about 90 percent of those materials for beneficial purposes. Its gypsum recycling program actually brought American Gypsum and about 100 new jobs to Georgetown County in 2008, where that company makes wallboard. The utility's ash is used by the cement and concrete block industries and has helped build projects including Charleston's Ravenel Bridge. Santee Cooper has worked to recycle as much of its ash as possible through the decades. EPA regulations spurring the closure of coal-fired generating stations around the country have resulted in greater demand for ash and the development of new technology that increases the viability of pond ash. "As we continue working to close units at Jefferies and Grainger and consider long-term needs for Winyah, Santee Cooper is focused on solutions that are cost-effective and beneficial to the environment and the economy," said R.M. Singletary, executive vice president of corporate services. "This is a triple win. It is cost-effective, which means it is responsive to our customers' best interests. It utilizes innovative technology to help an important South Carolina industry be sustainable. And it is an EPA -approved use of ash." "This plan also addresses comments by our neighbors, the City of Conway, and DHEC about long-term placement of the ash, and it does so in a manner that is responsible to customers," Singletary added. "It's a solution that really does have something favorable for all involved." The plans announced today will empty the ash ponds at the three stations over the next 10 to 15 years. Santee Cooper will provide excavation, loading and transportation of the ash to the plants where it will be used. Santee Cooper is South Carolina's largest power producer, -the largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com https://www.santeecooper.com/about-santee-cooper/news- rel eases/news-items/santee-cooper- announces- plans -to -recycle -ash -for- beneficial- use.aspx 1/2 Get added to Santee Cooper's Mailing List ,® STAY INFORMED Read Our Blog Energy Educators Institute Annual Reports Power Source Magazine » Employment Opportunities >> Energy Matters R ENERGY & YOU » Green Energy — Reduce the Use Environmental Stewardship Track Your Energy Use eSG B Follow: f 04 N all, . RESIDENTIAL BUSINESSES » Pay My Bill » Our Pates » Start,& Stop Service » Reduce The Use & Save »'Reduce the Use"&,Save, > Pay My, Bill Lake Residents » Report an Outage » Report an=Outage EXHIBIT 7 Grainger Generating Station Ash Removal Report January 17, 2017 'Psantee coope( CERTIFIED MAIL January 17, 2017 Jeffrey P. deBessonet, Director South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Water Facilities Permitting Division 2600 Bull Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 RE: Grainger Generating Station Ash Pond Closure: Ash Removal Report Santee Cooper's annual closure plan states that Santee .Cooper will provide status reports to DHEC every six months regarding the amount of ash and underlying soil removed from Grainger Generating Station. Removal of ash for beneficial use began at Grainger on'March 17, 2014. The following table provides tons of ash and soil removed for 2015 and 2016. JYear Month,' Ash tons ' Scs,il, tons 2.01;5- `Total �284�,438, ';p 2016 January 19,825 0 2016 February 1,757 0 2016 March 36,945 0 2016 Aril 26,918 0 2016 May 28,484 0 2016 June 20,236 1,379 2016 July 30,104 2,973 2016 August 32,982 6,131 2016 September 17,578 586 2016 October 8,864 0 2016 November 24,397 2,746 - 2016 December 18,650 3,241 201}6 Trofaf 266' F74'1 'i�7;056; 201,5,&_,r20r116i T) Of :55;1,'147;9 1,T056 i ame upaatea for clarification on 1/17/17 Sincerely, Susan W. Jacky , P.E. Manager CCP and Waste Management SWJ:ADM:pjc- cc. Frank Holleman P.O. Box 2946101 I Monks comer, SC 29461-61 01 I One Riverwood Drive I Moncks Corner, SC 29461-2901 1 (843) 761-8000 EXHIBIT 8 W.S. Lee Steam Station (SC) Settlement Agreement April 23, 2015 G SETTLEME, Yr ACRE, EMENI! This Settlement Agrcdmdnt ('AgrdcniunV), is entered this 23 day 6f A- k- 20jl'5, betwee'n Upstaf& +'brev''cel and 8AVe Otir SAluda. (aalleecti.vely, the Groups"), on 111.0 - bric h'alidi fthd Du'kc Energy Carolinas, LLC Energy'), on thb othcr,,bri behalf or theniselwas and t6ir respective successors, ptedc' qqssqrs; assigns, aMifiatosj patent c6rftpah'ieg;. subsidiaries shareholders; 6(fiqers.L •directolsi q&PI11s, and. Whereas the -patties hereto earlier entered into an 'agreernmif dated Sqptember 23, 2014 (atacli6l hcreto)' under which Duke. Cnergy agreed to remove aw k8li 'trorii the Inheffid Asti h� shl and, Ash Fill area, . 1,beated at the site 05f, the 6qa_l=rjred,� Wer plant known" as the W.S,-. Lim po -9'tdaM S,tkion 6n the Saluda kiVeri in Anderson Cou arblina (iercinartc afid ike Q-ons'crvaiIqn G'�bups, agreed hdi id, lake -any legal, action ,ufifl , J,dfter'NIdv(jmbdrr 16, M14, pending the potcome of Dti.keEAergy i's �.valu�tlqrT of Primary lib -7 Set6ndqi-y _3 y. Ash Bas .AS-h Agsihi.afid Structural Pill aebu:_ lidpio b5ve nMv.fesbIvqd thdiniAterg set out -in thisAgreem6m:, Novy, therefore, thb patf.ics tb this Agreeriient agree as fb] IoVvs: . Federal A6bjWtj6ft. TIT�. '-�rfic6 acj�AO�Vle go drat the. United States P rriviPoptnui�ial Protection Agency' Or6iiitilgat6d the Hfizardous and Solid W`4�tc ivtatt gcp.OW sus era:; l"Of Coal Ccimbusticn.Rqsi4uajs 60M'1331,e6tric l3tilifi6s.(".0 _-R rulb"), �Vhj . 6 - 11 ��Yas 2615 SOT&I and th'k ilie CCR' rraie ,-sm Min"ifinimi- 66-Or'611ing, 6 fpj- ffiaNjago�hpr-t anddisp4vj of,bb`1 ccinibiistlon ,residuals gid the :cjosur6 of -ash impoundrhents, and flat the CCR rile rquir eg. Duke. Endt to. publish for public availability information regarding implementation of the CCR rule, including periodic progress reports and monitoring information. 2. Undertakings by Duke Energy. In consideration of the promises contained herein, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, Duke Energy agrees to implement the following actions at and with respect to W.S. Lee: (a) Within one (1) year of receiving all required regulatory permits, license, and approvals ("approvals"), and the close of any challenges to those approvals, commence excavating all the coal ash, and further soil removal if required by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control ("DHEC") to prevent impacts to groundwater quality (such ash and soil being hereinafter referred to jointly as the "Removed Ash and Soil") from the Inactive Ash Basin and/or Ash Fill, as indicated on the attached Exhibit A, and diligently complete excavation of both within five (5) years; (b) Within five (5) years of receiving all required regulatory permits, license, and approvals, including the Closure Plan submitted to DHEC and approvals associated with the Closure Plan, including storage or disposal permit requirements, ("approvals"), and the close of any challenges to those approvals, commence excavating all the coal ash, and further soil removal if required by DHEC to prevent impacts to groundwater quality (such ash and soil being hereinafter referred to jointly as the "Removed Ash and Soil") from the Primary Ash3asin, Secondary Ash Basin, and/or Structural Fill at W.S. Lee, as indicated on the attached Exhibit A, and diligently complete excavation of all within ten (10) years of commencement; 2 (c) Dewater all impoundments in compliance the W.S. Lee NPDES permit, as modified (the "Lee NPDES permit"); (d) Dispose of Removed Ash and Soil in lined storage meeting the requirements in Paragraph 3 below, and approved and properly permitted pursuant to applicable law and regulation, unless beneficially recycled in a manner that does not result in application to the surface or subsurface of the land except in a lined facility meeting all the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of Paragraph 3 of this Agreement. (e) Thereafter, stabilize and close, or reuse for disposal, all the areas from which Removed Ash and Soil were taken (collectively the "Lee Impoundments") in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and -the approved Closure Plan. (f) Timely apply for all permits and approvals necessary to facilitate the removal of coal ash and soil from the Lee Impoundments; (g) Close the Lee Impoundments, which may include reuse of the impoundment as a lined landfill, in compliance with the CCR rule and as part of the CCR rule's required Closure Plan, identify all permits required from DHEC and apply for those in a timely manner, as required by the CCR Closure Plan; (h) Sample and analyze groundwater as required by the CCR rule and by the existing NPDES permit and any additional requirements imposed by DHEC; (i) If in two consecutive sample periods, the concentration of any monitored groundwater constituent increases from the prior period's measurement in any sampling well, then Duke Energy shall report the event to DHEC and confer with DHEC on what remedial action is needed, if any, provided that no reporting or remedial action shall be required for any concentrations below the applicable groundwater standard. 3. Duke Energy and the Conservation Groups agree to the following. (a) All of the Removed Ash and Soil from the Lee Impoundments shall be deposited into a properly permitted facility meeting, at a minimum, all siting, construction and engineering requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 258 (Subtitle D of RCRA) and, if disposal occurs in South Carolina, South Carolina's sanitary landfill regulation for Class III landfills (Regulation 61-107.19, Part V), except that a lined landfill on the Lee site that meets all other requirements of this Paragraph may have a waste boundary located 500 feet or more from the Saluda River. Duke Energy will not seek approval of a design pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 258.40(a)(1), S.C. Code Regs. 61-107.19, or under the laws of another state unless it has obtained prior written approval of the Conservation Groups for that design. (b) Removed Ash under this Consent Order will be stored in a lined CCR landfill space meeting all requirements established by applicable statute, law, and regulation. CCR landfill is defined in the CCR rule. Any material that is commingled with Ash shall be disposed of in accord with applicable federal or state regulations. Nothing in this Paragraph shall prohibit the Company from disposing, depositing, or processing Removed Ash through beneficial reuse including lined structural fill applications, lined mine reclamations, abrasives, filter materials, concrete, cement or such other technologies as provided for under state and federal law (including the CCR rule, as applicable). In no event shall 2 any Removed Ash and Soil be placed in a solid waste landfill that does not meet the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph. If the Removed Ash and Soil is removed to and stored in a lined structural fill site, or used for another beneficial purpose, the Removed Ash and Soil will not be permanently deposited on the surface or subsurface of the land except in a lined facility meeting all the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph, provided that Removed Ash and Soil may be relocated and stored temporarily on the surface of the land if part of permanent lined disposal on site in compliance with the approved Closure Plan. Duke Energy shall not place coal ash in or on any perennial stream at the Lee site. 4. Undertakings of the Conservation Groups. In consideration of the promises contained herein, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Conservation Groups agree: (a) The Conservation Groups will not object to, contest, or sue with regard to the Closure Plan for the Lee Impoundments or with regard to any approval needed to comply with this Agreement provided that the closure plan and any approval is consistent with the terms of this Agreement. (b) The Conservation Groups, on behalf of themselves and their successors, predecessors, assigns, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, and employees, hereby completely release and forever discharge Duke Energy from all civil claims that could have been alleged by the Conservation Groups related to unpermitted discharges from the Lee Impoundments, contamination of groundwater from the Lee Impoundments, 5 V I NPDES permit violations related to the Lee Impoundments, and for management of coal ash at W.S. Lee in compliance with this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph shall limit the Conservation Groups' right to enforce compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. (c) The Conservation Groups, on behalf of themselves and their successors, predecessors, assigns, affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, and employees, hereby covenant not to bring a citizen suit for coal ash pollution from the Lee Impoundments under the CCR rule or the South Carolina Pollution Control Act, so long as Duke Energy is substantially in compliance with all terms and conditions of this Agreement. (d) The Conservation Groups shall not object to or otherwise contest or sue in connection with any of the following: (i) The Closure Plan for the Lee Impoundments, provided that plan is consistent with the terms of this Agreement; (ii) Any and all permits and approvals necessary to effectuate this Agreement, facilitate the removal of coal ash and soil from the Lee Impoundments, and close the Lee Impoundments consistent with and as provided in this Agreement, including but not limited to any permit to construct or operate an onsite landfill for the disposal of coal ash and soil. 5. Force Majeure. Duke Energy agrees to perform all requirements under this Agreement within the time limits established under this Agreement, unless the performance is delayed by a force majeure. 0 (a) For purposes of this Agreement, a force majeure is defined as any event arising from causes beyond the control of the company, or any entity controlled by the company or its contractors, which delays or prevents performance of any obligation under this Agreement despite best efforts to fulfill the obligation and includes but is not limited to war, civil unrest, act of God, or act of a governmental or regulatory body delaying performance or making it impossible, including, without limitation, any appeal or decision remanding, overturning, modifying, or otherwise acting (or failing to act) on a permit or similar permission or action that prevents or delays an action needed for the performance of any of the work contemplated under this Agreement such that it prevents or substantially interferes with its performance within the time frames specified herein. (b) The requirement that Duke Energy exercise "best efforts to fulfill the obligation" includes using commercially reasonable efforts to anticipate any potential force majeure event and to address the effects of any potential force majeure event: (i) as it is occurring, and (ii) following the potential force majeure event, such that the delay is minimized to the greatest extent possible. (c) Force majeure does not include financial inability to complete the work, increased. cost of performance, or changes in business or economic circumstances. (d) Failure of a permitting authority to issue a necessary approval in a timely _fashion may constitute a force majeure where the failure of the permitting authority to act prevents Duke Energy from meeting the requirements in this agreement, and is beyond the control of Duke Energy, and Duke Energy has taken all steps available to it to obtain the necessary permit, including but not limited to 7 f submitting a complete permit application, responding to requests for additional information by the permitting authority in a timely fashion, and accepting lawful permit terms and conditions after expeditiously exhausting any legal rights to appeal terms and conditions imposed by the permitting authority. 6. Warranty of Capacity to Enter into Agreement. The parties represent that they have the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement, and that this Agreement is not for the benefit of any parry other than those who have entered into this Agreement, and gives no rights or remedies to any third parties. 7. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement between the parties to this Agreement with respect to .the matters referred to herein. No other representations, covenants, undertakings, or other prior or contemporaneous agreements, oral or written, respecting such matters, which are not specifically incorporated herein, shall be deemed in any way to exist or to bind any of the parties to this Agreement. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that all terms of this Agreement are contractual and not merely a recital. 8. Modification by Writing Only. The parties agree that this Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by all parties to this Agreement and that any oral agreements are not binding until reduced to writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. 9. Binding upon Successors and Assigns. The parties to this Agreement agree that this Agreement is binding upon the parties' respective successors and assigns. 10. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original Agreement, and all of which shall constitute one agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date. Photocopies or facsimile 8 copies of executed copies of this Agreement may be treated as originals. A duly authorized attorney may sign on behalf of a corporate entity. 11. Notice and Communication Between the Parties. (a) Notices required or authorized to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to the persons at the addresses set out below in subparagraph (c). Notices are effective upon receipt. Duke Energy will contemporaneously provide counsel for the Conservation Groups with copies of all: (i) reports submitted to DHEC that are required by this Agreement, as well as any reports submitted to DHEC regarding any spills or releases of coal ash into the Saluda River and any breaks or breaches of the Lee Impoundments); (ii) groundwater monitoring data and NPDES discharge monitoring reports) submitted to DHEC; and (iii) permit applications, including the Closure Plan, submitted to DHEC that are related to the undertakings specified in this agreement; provided however, that any portion of any such report or data that is deemed proprietary information by a Duke Energy contractor, shall be redacted to the extent that itis submitted to DHEC as proprietary information; only those portions deemed proprietary information will be redacted. Commencing six months after the execution of this Settlement•Agreement, and continuing each six months thereafter until one year after excavation of the Removed Ash and Soil has been completed, Duke Energy will provide counsel for the Conservation Groups with a written report summarizing its actions under this Agreement, including (1) the amount of ash and soil removed during the six-month period; (2) the results of all monitoring, sampling and analysis of ash, soil and groundwater at W.S. Lee; (3) the progress of dewatering of Lee Impoundments; (4) all activities performed pursuant to this Agreement during the six-month period; and (5) the destination and/or intended use of the Removed Ash and Soil. (b) Alternatively, in lieu of providing the reports and information above directly to counsel for the Conservation Groups, Duke Energy may choose to make any of the reports and information in subparagraph (a) available on a website that is accessible to the public. If Duke Energy chooses to comply with subparagraph (a) by this alternative means of making any such report or information available via a publicly accessible website, Duke Energy shall first notify counsel for the Conservation Groups regarding which reports or information will be provided by this alternative means. If at any time Duke Energy chooses to no longer make such report or information available on a publicly accessible website, it shall then provide counsel for the Conservation Groups such report or information pursuant to the means described in subparagraph (a). (c) Reports and other materials required by this Agreement to be sent by Duke Energy may be sent by Duke Energy to counsel for the Conservation Groups by e-mail. All other notices may be.delivered in person or sent by U.S. Mail or an overnight delivery service. Any party may change the persons and/or addresses for notice by providing notice to the representative(s) of the other party set out below. For the Conservation Groups: Frank S. Holleman III, Esq. Southern Environmental Law Center 601 W. Rosemary Street, Suite 220 Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516 fholleman@selcnc.org For Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC: Garry S. Rice, Deputy General Counsel Duke Energy Corporation 10 d 550 South Tryon Street Mail Code DEC45A Charlotte, NC 28202 garry.rice@duke-energy.com 12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State ofSouth Carolina. 13. Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective immediately following execution by all of the parties listed below. Executed this 1rn 5 day of A„n a -w by; Executed this rA day of Uy: UPSTAJX FOREVER By: Its:1-5�,ee–t-L- v 1 i r'ec%r 12 n Executed this day of ter`' by: SAVE OUR SALUD By: Its:�.5 L� L." .13 A � �" ^�• 4� R ?.s. "'�,1_.i�. �.ilt / ^ Y t � - '-'?� -.� 4i� `. � ?j�\[j�j,,,�;jy � •�!} �.' .�.xe J•r • c. ter- "2._. •s'` _ , .��` - - - ` �, i ,+; q[�r f Xt, ;7 We Nj� 4. _ to i M1 .... t ,�` i •'� . �j, .. ' , '♦/ ' r Secondary Ash Pond h v -1,— rim rimary Ash Pond AT- � 3#� r. s�'r ,f• � y�` � p# „� � iia `� 4���� � *�` r � ti Bid �r'�:� f �� - �' F � `�_t��$.. t _ i` 1� • �;• _Ar a,i 1 i yN .� _ a i InactiyveAsh B. sin'" 17 Ash Fill Area w J'+, EXHIBIT 9 SC DHEC & Duke Energy Consent Agreement W.S. Lee Steam Station (SC) September 2014 J71 -M, STATE -OF-SOUTH CAROLINA BEFORE TBE-DEPARTMENT'OF 4AND AIIII AND - ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL IN RE; DUDE ENERGY'CAROVNAS, LLC W-j'S. LEE STEAM -STATION ANDERSONCOUNTY CONSENT-AGREEMENT- 14 IENT- 14'43=,H-W This:Consent Agreement-l"S:eiiterdd,,Imto"6 b'e'tweenthe ,South ._Carolina Department :ofHealth .and Envifonmental.Contrbl,(SCi)MC,,,or .the DqpArtinoni) and Dae Ener LLC (Duke Energy) Nyith respect to the, investigation and reinpdiation_,qf two ash,-pj4.c0i.nqnt;keas-,atthe.WUHAfti .State's (W.5.)Lee 'Std' m'gidti6b:located at.105 Lei-, Steam Road, 1e1ton' Soiith.lbaroh'na,.-in.Ajiderson, ' Cduhtv.tT1,�axMap Niini.ber2.60-00-01"'-003-'000). The 'Site -shall include the "Inactive Ash Basin" and` the "Ash -VM Area," .and; all areas -where .,ashother coal cbmbusfibn residuals, of, their constituents, incl4diuk .contaminants, (collectively "Qpal Corhbusti6n, 'Residitals or CCR - or ash) ']bay .have potentially, ly, pljgi*ed -ftqtpt4qst ash placement areas; 61le6tivelv-t&ferr6dto-as,th6"8!te" y IP4e,,j3TIOFgy,i§entdiilg,iint6,.this,.Coii-§biit°Agri66nienttbasse-sg-;Ind.,'6ddress;au-.releastbi, _ _. - � threat ofrelea§e sof C61 Combustion Re8fdiialsor pollutants . from the Site -to-the ,e'nv1r'6_-nm-dnt :and to provide--pnergy. .'for the dispqsitW4 of lbp'Sit' Duke will take all necessary steps in c0tnPjian'ce'wfth:6l1 . efiVkohm6htQ .14Nyg to l)r6veiit futur6 xel6asds, from the Site: Ththe-, interest.of tc9bjAjig the. piAtt6ts herein, Wioiout_,delay, 'Diibb E ConsentConsent4ergy 49'reps to, the, entry f this -Agreementv(thoqt ififg4tibn and without 1hid-a-diiiissibb or' adjudication bf 'any jss'u- 6,6f fkt. of I except xc or',purp6ses-ofenforcmg-thiis rit, Duke Enfty. agrees that -this C-6n��i�t Agreement a�#eerlae u -shall .-bd deemed ;an adinfssion-:of fact and Jayy,only as necessary y -of this � Consent. , for at broefimit 1 I Agreement by the Qepartment or in subsequent actions relating to this Site by the Depaftniefit; #IXDIN,G$'OV- PACT Based .on information known by the liepartmght5 the following findings of fact ,afQ,asserted by the Department ,for purposes. of this Consent Agreement: I '.Duke EhOrgy,owns and operates W;S:. Lee Stearn Station .as a cycling ding stdItionjo supplement supply when electi-icity - demand -is high.. Three .(j) toalriWd units; which became, .9pe_ratiofial in -the 1950's, g—enti,;ite,eipp'r.-O"N-imdtely'370 megawatts MW)'of electri 'ity, Units gaN I and -2 wero"introdUced to service, begihnin'erP in '1951 T6116Wed. by'Uliit,3 in, 1959. Two combustion i.qfbines (CTs) were -addd-d in 2007 and generate, an additional approximiqe:94 NIW's. Thb CTs .use .diesel fuel. or *ural gas as. their fuel source- zod serve .9.emergency Backupjp6wee to,:Odonee Oticl6ar Stati6fi. 2. Prior to 1974, ,CCR was placed 'in the Inactive Ash Basin, Nvllicb is an. uftrd2Mlatqd basih locatedsouthof thp power- plant. Constructed, in 1951, and expanded in IM, theyInactive Ash 'Basin Was, formed by an approximately 3MO fe6t long, rim dike,,that Inipodrid§, approximately 19;qqjres, The dike has.a:,maxidium height of 6Q .feet above -grade with a crest elevation 16vatibn bf,690 feet above sdii 1&61. 3. CMis',,believed to'have been usedih the past as backfill 'into a borrow area identified-asjhe- Ash. Fill A:rea,which is-I.ocated lie6r the, Inaciivc,Asb -Basin. 4. Ort May 1, 2614,])0ke Endgy, itiftiatdd ge9tecIfnical chhfactefization of the inaceive Ash -Basin. 5. On-M4y M. 2014, Ddke Energy -submitted a plan for the geotechnical' characterization on the Ash Fill Area. CONCLUSIONS .OFLAW The Department 'has the -authority to implement -and enforce, laws and related reaulations , ur§dant'to.the South,tafolind Hdzar(f6us WAste'rManag6mehi Act, S.C. Co&Anfi.. §44-5.&10, et. ,seq. (Rev. ?002 and Supp, .10.1 3j, the Pollution Control Act, S . C. Code 2008arid. ,SOpp. 2013) and the ;South Carolina Solid Waste Polidy and .Management Act, S.,CI,Qjdd ,Ann;..§44=9,6-10;.ci.5pq:(Rpv.200-and .Supp. ,201.3)., These -Acts aLitlior'lz"-e,flie-Department ,to issue' orders; Assess- civilpenalties; , conduct Midie8, inVestigAtiohs, arid- research, to, iibAtej.;control ,dhd preventppildtion;,ario toprotectIlle health of persons brthe-dnviro-nmen , t. NO THEREFORE lT f§ AGREED, with.. th6. -d66s&nf of q6h 'Ei* i6d th6 --,rgy 'be i ht, and pursuant to, the, -E�oijth,Carblina HazardoUs. Waste Managemeiit �,ct. the Pollution pdilme Control Act, and/or the Solid Waistd Policy"and, Mariqjzdment Act,that, Qu . Ice Energy shall; 1. Vq*, ninety -(99) -days ,of receipt of .this .fully _eXecuted. Consent Agreement; submit.10 the Deptirtm'eht for review And approval, Arr Ash Removal Plan fdt the'Site. The Ash'R6mbvdI Plan shall ine'ludO a time sch&dU'. le for'implerneptatibn of all major activities required, by t4e Plan. The Ash,Rembval Plan mist .include, bit -is not limitedA6, chaedc.tetizati,on 6fthd' ash,, provisions, for the -safe removal of theash management of stppn,Whter during the project, and ffiftnaEX6rhent ftltdrhativqs f6f the asil'by'-pither'benefleidl reuse or'disposition -in a South Qaralina-ppritlitted Cliiss .3 "solid -waste disposal facility or a facility meeting eqWvaldnt standards outside of South Carolina..The Ash, Rem6vAI Plan shall also include an, evaluation ,of"thq- stability, of,the,rim, dike and, any other ,slopes impounding the CCRplacementareas duflil-ci ash ,f6ffi&ifl activities. Any,c6indents ,generated thf6ugh the DeOgilibent'§ review v of the Ash .Removal Plan, must- be -ad dr ed; ih writing by; Duke Energy within fifteen •(15) days ,of Duke Erbrgy',s-,rftqipt ofj9did d6ffimcifts. .Upon :the Department's approval ,of the ,kslV9e%ri1pval,Planznd the time schedule -tor implementation thereof, the Asli Removal Plan 1� and schedule shall be incorporated herein and become ian enforceable, part ,of this Consent Agreement. 2. 'Submit, -along with but under separate eover�,from.•the Ash Removal Plan, a Health and_ Safety Plan (HASP) ponsistent with Oocupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. The HASP shall be. submitted fq the Department in the form of :one .(1)" electronic copy (.p -df format). Duke Energy. agrees tile. HASP is submitted.to the Department fof informational purposes only. The Department expressly denies, any _liability ,that _may result from Duke. Energy's implement4tion of the HASP., 3, Begin iniplemeniatian ofthe- Ash-Removal.,Plan :described in paragraph ,i Withn fifteen (1 ) days- of Duke Energy's receipt of the Department's written approval. .of the Ash Removal Plan.. -4. Upon completion ofthe work approved in, the Asli Removal Plana submit an Ash, Removal Report to. the Department. The ,Ash Removal Repoft shall surmnafize the activities taken during implementation of 'the Ash Removal Plan and shall-dontain. appropriate documentation thatash lias'been removed fr6in fSe Site `in accordance with the AshRemoval Plan'. 5. 'Within.thidy'(30) days of approval of the Ash Removal .Rdpoft, submit an Assessment Plan 49 the Department. The Assessment Plan shall include; but is not,]imited to; the following: -a description ,of work deeded 'for the 'delineation 'of the vertical and'hofizontal' extent of any confamination, indluding an cissessment of "surface :water, groundwater; and soil underlying the,tSite; .an d aluAf6n'of risks to himftn 'heAlth :aiid .the -environment; and a schedule -for implementation, Upon completion of -the activities'owl'ined injhe;approved Assessment Plan—submit W the Department an Assessment Report summarizing the findings of the investigations pefforfied pursuarit to the A'ssessmetif-Plan. The.Ddp.qrtMeht;shall review'-tlid,,AssessmbnfiRepdi-t to 4 4 determine completion ofthe "field investigation and sufficiency'o'f the documentation: If the Department determines that additional' field .investigation is necessary, Duke Energy shall conduct ,additional field ;investigation to -compleie :such .task. Alternatively, -if the Department determines- the field -investigation to be, complete; ,but th1 ,conclusions �ih Duke Energy's .Assessniei t Report are not approved, .Duke Energy.-sliall submit. a Revision .to the. .Assessment Report within. :thirty _(30)" days after receipt of the Department's disapproval. The Revision shall address the Dep6Rment's.comunent's 7. Within silty (60) days of approval of the -Assessment _Report, submit to the Department .a Closure Plan, which details the actions- to be taken for .the final disposition of .the Site, and evaluates the need'for additional. remediation of soils, surface water and;groundtivatef., :If 'remedial :actions are necessary; Duke Energy -shall also submit to -the .Department for approval ;a Remedial Plan, which. includes -a -proposed remedy, justification for the proposed' 'refiledy„ the design 'of'the- proposed -remedy :and 1 schedule for implementation. The -seheduld of ,implementati'orn must extend through till completion of the remedy., The Closure Plan and,, if necessary, theR&medial Plan -shall be based upon the results of the field investigation,-ash.remoVal activitigs.and the 'folloN�ing seven,(7) criteria:. A. Overall, protection of Human health and, the environment; b. .Compliance with appl'icable,or relevant and appropriate standards,• - c. Zong4orm effectiveness -and permaiietice; Reduction of toxicity, mobility or volume; e. Shoi:t--term effectiveness; f. hmplemeintability; g. Costs. Any comments �geilerated through the Department's review .of,the Closure Plan and .any required Reinedial Plan. must,be 'addressed .in writing by Duke Energy within .fifteen �(15.) days Of Duke- Energy's .receipt,of sai&.commenn. This,fifteen.(j-) day deadline.;may be.. 5 If extended by mutual agreement of the, parties if the .comment resolution requires extensive revision, such as re-engiijeeririg. Upon Department approval of the_•Closure.Plan,, Remedial Plan and.the implementation schedule,.the Closure.Plan; Remedial Plan, and implementation khedule - shall be ricorpofated herein -and become an .enforceable. ,part of this Consent Agreement. 9. Begin .to implement the Closure- Plan and the Remedial Plan -w.ithift forty-five: (45) days of the Department's approval of the.'Plaris;, and thereafter, take all necessary and reasonabie steps -to ensure'tiinely completion of the Plans, 10, 'Vlioii Duke)✓nergy's successful coniplefion..of,the,t6fms of.this Consent Agrd6inent,.submit to the Department- a written- final Report. 'The. Final Report shall contain all necessary documentation supporting Duke Energy's reniddiation of the Site and "successful .arid complete compliance -with this Cbment.Agreement. Once the Department has -approved the Riiial Report, the Departinent will provide Duke.Energy .a w"fitteh approval 'of, completion that provides. a Covenant Not .to Sue 'to.,Duke ,Energy for the, response actions specifically :covered in .this Consent Agreement; approved_ by the Department 'and 'completed an accordance with the, approved work plans and reports'. I1. Notwithstanding.any,other.provision-of:this'ConsentAgreement, including�the-CovenanfNot. to _5iie; the Departtneiit reserves the'Tight to require Duke Energy to perform any additional work at the Site,of to feimliurse the D'e_pafffind it for additional work if Duke Energy, declines. to undertalce such work, if: (i) condifions=at the Site,,previously unknown to the Department, are -discovered -after completion of the work, approved by iM Department pursuant .to this .Consent Agreement ,and warrant further .assessment or remediation to address a release,.or- tlueat of a'release in-. order, toprotect human health or the environment, on(ii) information is. received, iii ,whole or in pant, •after, completion of the work approved �y the Department pursuant to this Consent Agreement, -arid ;these' -previously unknown conditions �or -this information indicates that the completed work ,is hot protective of hUnian health and the environment.. -In exigent,circumstances; the Department reserves the right to perform the additional work` and Duke Energy will reinibursethe Department for,the work lw consideration ;for the Department's Covenant Not to Sue, Duke Energy agrees not to assOt any claims or causes of action -against the Department arising out of response aefivities undertaken at the Site, .or to seek :any other .costs,damages or. attorney's fees from the Department arising, out of response activities undertaken at the 'Sitd `ekcept'for those claims .or causes of action reesulfing from the intentional or.gros'sly negligent acts or omissions.of the Department. 146wev tr Duke Energy reserves a11 available defenses, -not inconsik6ht.wit,h this-to'nsent Agreement, to any claims or causes of action- asset ted ,against, Duke Energy' arising'out of response activities'undertaken at theSite by.the Departtrient. 13. Submit - to, the Department a written• monthly progress report' within thirty, -(3V) days of the execution of this Consent Agreement aid once every morith thereaftei until completion of the- work required under 'this. Consent. Agreement. 'The progress reports, shall include the following:- ;(a) a description -of the -actions which Duke Energy has taken toward achieving compliance with this Consent Agreement during the previous month; (b) results ofsampting 'and tests, in summary format received by Duke Energy duffing the reporting period; (c) description,of,all actions wlucli are kheduled for the nekt,rnonth to4cliieve coimpliance with this Consent Agreement, and other .information relating to the ,progress of the wotk as deemed necessary or requested by 'the. Department; and (d) information regarding the percentage,of .work completed'atid any delays encouirtered, or anti'cipated-'that may.dffe6t the approved schedule for imlilementation -of'-the terms of this Consent Agreement; And -a dese-4tion of efforts made to mitigate delays'or.avoid anticipated delays, _14. Prepare .all Plans and 'perform all activities under this Consent Agtdemetit. following appropriate-DHEC and ERA guidelines: All Plans and 'associated reports shall �be prepared 7 in kcordanc6 vViiii industry standdfdsand endorsed ,by- aTipfess'iohal Engineer ,(P;E;) pd/br- Vrofqs-s1ona'l'Ge6log'-i$t '(P.Q:):ddly 4 1 . ce-nsdd in �8buth-'Cafolinq; Unless otherwise requested;" (l) .paper ,'copy, And one --(1) electronic, ,copy ,(.pdf -format) df -ea6li document prepared Linder tliis- Coiisdnt- Agreement :shall be submitted, to the- DepArtfiidnVs Project, Manager. Unless: otjjqrwise:.directed ,iii writing, all correspondence,, work, plans and reports should be kibinittedtothe D&pArtm n0s Project'm anager-at the f6116wihaAd,dre§8: 4A Hofho y 86tith Cdepli,iia'D6p,dtttbent.,Of-HeAlth, and tnviroiiftitmdl Conttol Bureau of Und'afid Waste Management 2600Bull,$tkeet 'Poluinbia.'SO'uth Car6l - iha 29201 fiprnI6'-str@OIiec.sp:._gov R diffibtirk tthe, D6p',irtftfe-h-t,oh �a quartetly, b6sisi,for'All- pa4, present •and f-dture -*costs, dir6ct incurred b - the, Departnient P.Lirsdatit' to this Consent Agreement 'and- As' and, indilrect -917- ght,.Cpsts include., but are not-Iiiiiited to,'ihe'di'r6ct,and',ilpdiroct costs provided b�,' law, bVersi— of tegotiati4g,theteins ofithi� Consent Agreement; reviewing plans, and repr§, _supervising corresponding workk-An-d "activities?And -'costs -Associated with: public participation. Thd - -beptifimqot shgll pTovId6:dodumefitati6n of its','Oversijfit C6sts in-suMi6i6nt-d6taij �sq,.as, to -sl16iV,thepersonnel 'inVolNi6d, f6f edcliftrson; expenses; and odier-sbdcifc°costs, Payments care'due-to tlie-.Oppgrtmeiit.Witlliiiihfrty-,(30) d4ys-pf,the. date jjoWeV&f, it is q.ns6fit-AgF6&iI1ent if 0 IlId Department's invoice;ta'VioJatioft,oftM'C late. pay neiittis Ppred Within th,ifty (36) addi,fional,days-, N' p t hrunentih -v�,rifip�gat least b6bre thd schedLil'6d -'ddadline _ify, thq:Dep t -flvt 0) days if ally -event occurs VWcfi causes .ot may ,cause a. delay is meeting any 61"rhe, sC'Iidc 4ildd dates for. bqrhpjeti6n,:ofahy,spp&iFidd activity p4rsuant tatliis C6nsept,AP-deffi-ent. Duke.Energy causes 6f -delay. 'it Asdehdiftdble, the measures tak6h or to be tAken'to, _' " or minimize Prewit the delay, and the timetable by,which biae Energy proposes that ihoso, measures will be imple'Indilted. The Department shall -provide written notice to Duke. Energy I 4s soon as, pradtidable that a spp lf�� ti _extelhs6 oftimehas beets grantod'-or.that, no exten-sionlias-teen 9fafit0d. Ari dxtensi6n, shall be,geantdd fok ami scheduled actiVity, delayed by an event- of forcenidft-w,--a which sluill mean d i any event, arising from,.c'a -uses beyond the control .of Duke Energy hat causes. adclay in or prevehts the performance ot,any,dftie civriditip�fisundeir. this- .qbnsent AgrQeihdnt'includihg, but.n6t limited to: 0) acts pf God; fire, war, -insurrection- civil distuibake-p 'NPI'Psibfi-', b),ddv adverse Weather conditions tliat.C'Ould,iC6t'be ,reas�ijfiably P. __P__ ain.tipipatqdpa,ug,ing,unU$Lialdeiay'm-,,tTansportatiOlIAnd/orfidld"*6rk.ad,tiV,ieies,7 c) restraint bydourt.-,otd6tot-otddr.ofp4bli-dauthority; 'O) inability toobtdi6,,aftdr,ekrcise-bftea§6fiabl'e' diligence and timtly, s,ubmdttaj of 'dIf required applications, any necessary -auth rizations, .mits, or licenses due to -.a6ti6h,6r inaction of -any-;&Verhrftetlt -a I agency ,or authority; 'and e) 461' with applicable. table. stAtU I tes, or regulations _n q$ caused by compliance '99veming 't6fItf6:cti4g, pr-O"cUteffidnt of acquisition'despiteprocedures, despite the dkqdis& d Able ,dillgeiice �y OOkp Energy. , not. force which arenotforde w u? reason cye b example; but are not lim''Ited to, unanticipated or :increased casts.,bf pdrfOrmcindq, bhAngdd ec(in6niie-,ciieuinstaiieesi,b6i-rnal.,prec:ip;ltatioi!events; 6rjii iftireby,006 Eh6 .rgy q exercise,, 'dtjc' 4:ijigigrice in obtaining g verrunefttal permits orperfbrhiingIAnyothet kequirementbftfii§ :Consent Agreement or,any prOcedurq necessary ;td provide, performance pur-suant to' the Oir'ovis-io.ns of thi'g,Conslofit Agre6mei it, Any extension, shdII be granted at the -8616 &crdtl6ft 'of the Deptirtintnt, incorporated by 'reference as an enforceable part 'of this Cdn9efit fte'e-im'efit, and, therdOt be iefer'red to as ab.attachnierit to the, Consent Agreement, 171 E'niployees,oft'h6D-6ailih&,iit.the - "I I o 'be denied i.,I--teslidctive,cons�iltaiif� dfid4ontractofs�, n t wi ,ac6ass during` ,normal ,business - hours, -or at'an 'time..wbric underthis Consent Agreement- is, .being performed or during :any.environmentat emergency or, imminent threat ,situation, as determinedby.the Department or as allowed by applicable law. IT 'IS � AGREED THAT Ili -is Consent Agteement shall be bindhig upon . and inure to the benefit of Duke Energy and its officers, directors, agents, receivers, trustees; heirs, executors, admin'Ntfators; successors; and assigns and to the benefit of the Departineiit and 'any successor agency of the State. of .South .Carolina that may. have responsibility for and jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Consent .Agreement.. Dube Energy ;may', n6t .assign its. rights or obligations under this Consent Agreement withoutthe prior: written consent'of the Department. IT IS FURTHER AGREED. that failure to meet any -deadline-or to perform•the requirements .of this,Coiisent Agreement without an d w6ved ektension.of time and failure io timely cure as'noted ,below, may be deeined.a violation of -the Pollution Control Act, the South tarolind Hazardous Waste Management Act and/or- the Solid Waste Management and Policy Act, .as ;amended. Upon ascertaining ,any -such violation, the Department shall, notify Duke Energy in writing of any such deemed violation .and that appropriate actioh,may be initiated by, the Departiiieint-in.,the,appropriate forum to oli'tain compliance 'with Ahe provisions,:of this Consent Agreement aiid tile, aforesaid Acts. Duke Energy 'shall' have thirty (50) days to cure any deemed violations of this Consent Agreement. Applicable penalties may begin to accrue,aftef• Usuance. of'the Departi-nent's'deter-mination.that the alleged violation has not,been cu red 'during,thatthirty (30) day period. ($j,dhatd-ke Pcige FolloiO) Is FOR THESOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT - OF HEALTH AND E NVIRONMENTAL CONTROL Biireau of Land and Waste Managethent Van Keisldr, P�G., Director Division of Compliance and Enfbrcem�ht Attorney Office of Oeneril Counsel WE CONSENT: DUKE ENERGY CAROLINA, LLC Date: C� 42(� j Iq . bate: I Ll '(Please �Ieaily pript,riame and title) 11 EXHIBIT 10 DE_ NR/DWR Fact Sheet for NPDES Development Riverbend Permit Renewal NC0004961 2015 DENR/DWR FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT PERMIT RENEWAL NPDES No. NC0004961 Facility Information Applicant/Facility Name: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC — Riverbend Steam Station Applicant Address_ : P.O. Box 1006, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201 Facility Address: 175 Steam Plant Road; Mount Holly, North Carolina 28120 Permitted Flow No limit Type of Waste: 100% industrial Prim.SIC Code: 4911 — Electric Services Facility/Permit Status: Class I/Active; Renewal County: Gaston County Miscellaneous Receiving Stream: Catawba River (Mt. Island Lake) Regional Office: Mooresville Stream Classification: WS -IV and B -CA State Grid / USGS Quad: F15Sw 303(d) Listed? No Permit Writer: Sergei Chernikov, Ph.D. Subbasin: 03-08-33 Date: May 21, 2014 Drainage Area (mi): 1800 ' 001: Lat. 350 21' 28" N Long. 800 58' 12" W 002: Lat. 350 22' 06" N Long. 80° 57' 31" W 002B: Lat. 35'21'51"N Long. 80'58'11"W 011: Lat. 350 21138" N Long. 80'58'38"W Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 80 Winter 7Q 10 (cfs): 30Q2 (cfs) Average Flow (cfs): 2700 IWC %for Outfall 002: (%) 0.4 — discharge g 2.7 — dewatering SUMMARY Duke Energy's Riverbend Steam Station was a coal fired steam electric plant in Gaston County, the electricity generation was discontinued on 04/1/2013. The facility has 5 permitted outfalls in the current NPDES discharge permit. The sources of wastewater for these outfalls include non - contact cooling water, ash basin discharge, sanitary waste, stormwater from process areas, sump overflows, and potentially contaminated groundwater seeps. The facility has no FGD scrubber. Currently, discharge of cooling water has discontinued and discharge from the ash pond significantly decreased. In addition to NPDES Permit NC0004961, the facility also holds 0388R20 (air permit) and NCD024717423 (Hazardous wastes). The facility is subject to 40 CFR 423 — Steam Electric Power Generation. The following descriptions of the wastes at each outfall are offered: 001— Once through cooling water consisting of intake screen backwash and water from the plant chiller system, turbine lube oil coolers, condensate coolers, main turbine steam condensers and the intake tunnel dewatering sump. Since the facility was shut down, the discharge from this outfall is not anticipated. Pact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 1 002 — Ash basin discharge consisting of induced draft fan and preheater bearing cooling water, stormwater from roof drains and paving, treated groundwater, track hopper sump (groundwater), coal pile runoff, laboratory drain and chemical makeup tanks and drums rinsate wastes, general plant/trailer sanitary wastewater, turbine and boiler rooms sumps, vehicle rinse water, and stormwater from pond areas, upgradient watershed, and miscellaneous stormwater flows. Most of the waste streams have discontinued, but some will remain. 002A- Yard drain sump overflow, discharge occurs rarely. 010 — Combined flow from all seeps. 011 — Former stormwater Outfall 1. Contains stormwater and groundwater flow, also includes wastewater from 10,000 gallon oil separator tank #3. The drainage basin includes a 2.7 acre portion of the main switchyard and 8,700 ft2 of the plant yard between power house and combustion turbine area. The powerhouse covers about 1.5 acres of the drainage basin. 100% of the drainage basin is paved or roofed. This facility discharges to the Mountain Island Lake (Catawba River) in sub -basin 03-08-33. The receiving stream is not listed as impaired. Duke Energy Submitted Application dated May 15, 2014. The current permit expires February 28, 2015. Duke Energy is required by the Coal Ash Management Act to remove all ash from the site by August 1, 2019. The discharge pipe NPDES outfall 002 from the secondary ash basin discharge tower at Riverbend Steam Station will be slip lined to ensure integrity. While this pipe is being slip lined, an alternative arrangement to convey wastewater to the permitted NPDES outfall 002 will be utilized. Temporary piping will be positioned in the secondary ash basin and the treated wastewater will be pumped to the NPDES outfall 002 discharge flow weir, located before the concrete flume that discharges into Mountain Island Lake. Once the slip line repairs are completed, the system will be returned to its original configuration. NPDES monitoring requirements will continue to be collected during the slip line project at the NPDES outfall 002 discharge flow weir. SEEPS -OUTFALL 010 The facility identified 12 unpermitted seeps from the ash settling basin. Seeps can be classified as either engineered seeps (toe drains) from the earthen dam or non -engineered seeps that occur as wastewater moves from the ash settling basin into groundwater and then into surface water, either directly or after emerging on land. Engineered seeps can be captured and routed through a permitted outfall. The non -engineered seeps represent a treatment system that has the potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water. The original design and location of the impoundment are such that wastewaster is not contained and directed to only engineered outfalls as the NPDES program generally contemplates, but wastes are also being released to groundwater and emerging in the form of seeps at the surface at diffuse and remote locations, with wastewater then flowing into surface waters depending on site specific factors. Potential groundwater contamination is regulated through North Carolina's 2L program. The CWA NPDES permitting program does not Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 2 normally envision permitting of uncontrolled releases from treatment systems; such releases are 1 difficult to monitor and control, and it is difficult to accurately predict their impact on water quality. Releases of this nature would typically be addressed through an enforcement action requiring their elimination rather than permitting. The non -engineered seeps at this facility represent a unique circumstance, where the occurrence of the seeps is attributable to an original pond design that will require long-term action to fully address. Recent North Carolina legislation (Coal Ash Management Act of 2014) establishes a framework for addressing all coal ash impoundments in the state to ensure that groundwater and surface water are adequately protected through closure or other measures. However, action to close or otherwise address coal ash impoundments and their threats to surface waters and groundwater will occur over a long term of those actions. In light of the long-term nature of action to fully address these impoundments, the Division is proposing, as an interim measure, to ensure that all non -engineered seeps are appropriately identified, monitored, and subject to protective effluent limits by including the seep discharges as authorized discharges in the facility's NPDES permit. The permit includes requirements to regularly inspect for new seeps, monitoring requirements for all identified seeps, and applicable effluent limits which ensure that the seeps will not result in unacceptable impacts to the receiving stream. The facility identified 12 unpermitted seeps and conducted chemical analysis of the discharges. The total flow from the seeps was measured at 0.14 MGD. Although, all seeps don't have a permanent discharge and discharge from all seeps does not reach the surface water, for the purposes of the permitting it was assumed that all seeps reach the surface water. The seeps are not located on the walls of the dike, they appear as an emerging groundwater in a swampy area adjacent to the lake. The, maximum allowable parameter concentration for seeps was determined by multiplying the highest concentration for a baseline seep data by 10. These values are substantially lower than the allowable concentration determined by the Reasonable Potential Analysis for the combined seep flow. The maximum allowable concentrations for Pb and TDS were established at the level of the water quality standards. ASH POND DAMS Seepage through earthen dams is common and is an expected consequence of impounding water with an earthen embankment. Even the tightest, best -compacted clays cannot prevent some water from seeping through them. Seepage is not necessarily an indication that a dam has structural problems, but should be kept in check through various engineering controls and regularly monitored for changes in quantity or quality which, over time, may result in dam failure. REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS (RPA) The Division conducted EPA -recommended analyses to determine the reasonable potential for toxicants to be discharged at levels exceeding water quality standards/EPA criteria by this facility from outfall 002 (Ash Pond). Calculations included: As, Be, Cd, Total Phenolic Compounds, Cr, Cu, CN, Pb, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, Zn, and Fe (please see attached). The renewal application listed 0.19 MGD as a current flow. The analysis indicates no reasonable potential to violate the surface water quality standards or EPA criteria. However, the monitoring will continue per recommendation of the hearing officer during the last renewal. The Division also considered data for other parameters of concern in the EPA Form 2C that the facility submitted for the renewal. The majority of the parameters were not detected in the Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 3 discharge. The Division reviewed the following parameters that were detected in the discharge and have applicable state standards or EPA criteria for Class C WS -IV stream: fecal coliform, nitrate, Al, Ba, B, Co, Mn, Sb, and Tl. Most of these parameters were well below the state standards/EPA criteria. Only 1 parameter exceeded EPA criteria: Al (162 ug/L is above 87 ug/L). Considering the in -stream waste concentration of only 0.4%, even Al is not expected to violate applicable water quality criterion. The RPA was also conducted for the combined flow from all the seeps. The highest concentration for each constituent was chosen from one of the 12 seeps and used for the RPA. The RPA was not considered for the parameters that don't have an applicable state water quality standard. Calculations included: As, Cd, Chlorides, Cr, Cu, F, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn, Ba, 176, and Mn (please see attached). The analysis indicates no reasonable potential to violate the water quality standards or EPA criteria. The combined flow volume for all the seeps was measured at 0.14 MGD. However, the flow of 0.5 MGD was used for the RPA to incorporate a safety factor, account for potential new seeps that might emerge in the future or increase in flow volume at the existing seeps. The RPA was also conducted for the Outfall 011. Calculations included: As, Cd, Chlorides, Cr, Cu, F, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn, Ba, Fe, and Mn (please see attached). The analysis indicates no reasonable potential to violate the water quality standards or EPA criteria. The flow volume for the Outfall 011 was measured at 0.00036 MGD. However, the flow of 0.001 MGD was used for the RPA to incorporate a safety factor and potential increase in flow. The RPA analysis indicates that existing discharges from the facility outfalls will not cause contravention of the state water -quality standards/ EPA criteria. DEWATERING — OUTFALL 002 To meet the requirements of the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014, the facility needs to dewater two ash ponds and excavate the ash to deposit it in the landfills. The facility highest discharge rate from the dewatering process will be 1.45 MGD. The facility submitted data for the surface water in the ash ponds, interstitial water in the ash, and interstitial ash water that was treated by 20 µm filter and 0.45 µm filter. To evaluate the impact of the dewatering on the receiving stream the RPA was conducted for the wastewater that will be generated by the dewatering process. To introduce the margin of safety, the highest measured concentration for a particular parameter was used. The RPA was conducted for As, Cd, Chlorides, Cr, Cu, F, Pb, Mo, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn, Ba, Fe, and Mn, 5O4, Al, B, Sb, and Tl (please see attached). Based on the results of the RPA, the limit for Total Aluminum will be added to the dewatering effluent page. TECHNOLOGY BASED EFFLUENT LIMITS OUTFALL002 AND OUTFALL 010 The existing federal regulations require development of Technology Based Effluent Limits (TBELs) for the parameters of concern. Since the EPA has not promulgated any new Effluent Guidelines for Power Plants since 1982, the Division has reviewed the performance of the existing coal-fired power plants to establish TBELs: Marshall Steam Station, Belews Steam Station, and Allen Steam Station. Two of these facilities (Belews and Allen) were used by EPA to establish the proposed Effluent Guidelines for Power Plants. The Division focused on the following parameters: Total Arsenic,, Total Mercury, Total Selenium, and Nitrate/nitrite as N. These parameters are consistent with the parameters selected by EPA in the proposed Effluent Guidelines. The Division agrees with the EPA statement from the proposed Effluent Guidelines Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 4 that justifies TBEL limitations for only four pollutants of concern: "Effluent limits and monitoring for all pollutants of concern is not necessary to ensure that the pollutants are adequately controlled because many of the pollutants originate from similar sources, have similar treatabilities, and are removed by similar mechanisms. Because of this, it may be sufficient to establish effluent limits for one pollutant as a surrogate or indicator pollutant that ensures the removal of other pollutants of concern." Based on the review of the effluent data for the past 5 years the Division established the following TBELs for the coal-fired power plants in North Carolina. The monthly average limits for Total Arsenic and Total Selenium are based on 95th percentile of the effluent data, which is consistent with the EPA methodology, and daily maximum limits for these constituents are based on the 99.9th percentile of the effluent data. The Total Mercury limit is based on the Statewide Mercury TMDL implementation strategy and was established by the Division previously. Total Arsenic —10.5 µg/L (Monthly Average); 14.5 µg/L (Daily Maximum) Total Selenium — 13:6 µtg/L (Monthly Average); 25.5 µg/l, (Daily Maximum) Total Mercury — 47.0 ng/L (Monthly Average); 47.0 ng/L (Daily Maximum) The Division does not have any long-term data for Nitrate/nitrate as N. Therefore, the limits for this parameter are based on the proposed EPA Effluent Guidelines. Nitrate/nitrite as N — 0.13 mg/L (Monthly Average); 0.17 mg/L (Daily Maximum) Facility is allowed 4.5 years from the effective date of the permit to comply with the TBELs (Outfall 002 only—Ash Pond Discharge). This time period is provided in order for the facility to budget, design, and construct the treatment system. The compliance schedule is consistent with the proposed EPA Effluent Guidelines that require compliance with the TBELs "as soon as possible within the next permit cycle beginning July 1, 2012". Since the permit cycle is 5 years, the Effluent Guidelines will allow the facility to comply with the TBELs by June 30, 2022. This permit has a more stringent requirements, the facility shall comply with the TBELs by the end of 2019. In the interim, the facility shall comply with the BPJ temporary limits that are derived by multiplying the proposed TBELs by 5, please see below: Total Arsenic — 52.5 µg/L (Monthly Average); 72.5 µg/L (Daily Maximum) Total Selenium — 68.0 µg/L (Monthly Average); 127.5 µg/L (Daily Maximum) Nitrate/nitrite as N — 0.65 mg/L (Monthly Average); 0.85 mg/L (Daily Maximum) Although these interim limits higher than the proposed TBELs, they are significantly lower than the allowable concentrations determined by the Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) - and should be protective of the water quality in the receiving stream. The RPA allowable concentrations are listed below: Total Arsenic —13,632.3 µg/L (Monthly Average); 91,690.8 µg/L (Daily Maximum) Total Selenium —1,363.2 µg/L (Monthly Average); 12,492.0 µg/L (Daily Maximum) TEMPERATURE VARIANCE REMOVAL -OUTFALL 001 The facility historically had a temperature variance in accordance with CWA Section 316(a). In order to maintain the variance the facility had to conduct annual biological and chemical monitoring of the receiving stream to demonstrate that it has a balanced and indigenous Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 5 macroinvertebrate and fish community. The latest BIP (balanced and indigenous population) report was submitted to DWQ in August of 2009. The ESS has reviewed the report and concluded that the Mountain Island Lake near Riverbend Station has a balanced and indigenous macroinvertebrate and fish community. Since the facility discontinued electricity generation in 2013, it does not wish to request continuation of the temperature variance. Therefore, Effluent Sheet A. (1.) was modified to reflect temperature requirements without a variance. CWA SECTION 316(B) Since the facility discontinued electricity generation in 2013 and does not use cooling water, it will not be the subject to the Section 316(b) of Clean Water Act. INSTREAM MONITORING -OUTFALL 002 The facility historically had 7 monitoring station, 2 located upstream and 5 located downstream. It is recommended that the monitoring will continue. The permit also required semi-annual upstream and downstream monitoring of the ash pond discharge. Upstream site (Station B) is approximately 2 miles upstream of the discharge and downstream location (Station C) is approximately 0.5 miles downstream of the discharge. These monitoring stations have been established through the BIP monitoring program, which was required to maintain 316(a) temperature variance. The monitored parameters are: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, Zn, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The majority of the results are below detection level, the rest of the results are below water quality standards. These results are consistent with the previous monitoring results. It is required that the monitoring at the stations B and C will continue until discharges from the station are ceased. It is also required that the facility uses low level method 1631E for all Hg analysis. FISH TISSUE MONITORING -OUTFALL 002 The permit required fish tissue monitoring for As, Se, and Hg near the ash pond discharge once every 5 years. This frequency is consistent with EPA guidance. Sunfish and bass tissues were analyzed for these trace elements. The results were below action levels for Se and Hg (10.0 µg/g — Se, 0.40 µg/g — Hg, NC) and screening value for As (1.20 — µg/g, EPA). These results are consistent with the previous monitoring results. TOXICITY TESTING- Outfall 002: Current Requirement: . 24hr Chronic P/F @ 10% Recommended Requirement: 24hr Chronic P/F @ 2.7% (flow during dewatering) Monitoring Schedule: January, April, July, October This facility has passed all chronic toxicity tests during the previous permit cycle, please see attached. The change is the instream waste concentration was made based on the significant decrease in -the discharge volume. COMPLIANCE SUMMARY Notwithstanding the civil lawsuit filed for unauthorized discharges and groundwater exceedances/violations, based on the monitoring required under the current version of the permit there, were no violations of effluent standards contained in the permit. Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 6 PERMIT LIMITS DEVELOPMENT • The pH limits (Outfalls 002, 002A, and 010) in the permit are based on the North Carolina water quality standards (15A NCAC 2B .0200).- • The limits for Oil and Grease and Total Suspended Solids (Outfall 002 and Outfall 002A) are based on the Best Professional Judgment and are lower than prescribed in the 40 CFR 423. • The limits for Total Copper and Total Iron (Outfall 002 and Outfall 002A) were established in accordance with the 40 CFR 423. • The temperature limits (Outfall 001) are based on the North Carolina water quality standards (15A NCAC 2B .0200). • The turbidity limit in the permit (Outfall 002) is based on the North Carolina water quality standards (15A NCAC 2B .0200). • The Technology Based Effluent Limits (Outfall 002 and Outfall 010) for Total Arsenic, Total Mercury, Total Selenium, and Nitrate/nitrate as N are based on the requirements of 40 CFR 125.3(a) , 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1); 125.3(c) and (d). • The Interim Technology Based Effluent Limits (Outfall 002) for Total Arsenic, Total Selenium, and Nitrate/nitrate as N are based on the requirements of 40 CFR 125.3(a) , 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1); 125.3(c) and (d). • The Whole Effluent Toxicity limit (Outfall 002) is based on the requirements of 15A NCAC 2B.0500. • The Total Aluminum limits (Outfall 002, dewatering) in the permit are based on the results of the statistical analysis of the interstitial water data. REQUESTED MODIFICATIONS With the permit application for renewal, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC has requested the following modifications: Monitoring Frequencies (Outfall 002) Parameter Present Proposed'- roposed-Flow Flow Weekly Monthly Total Nitrogen 2/year 1/year Total Phosphorus 2/year 1/year Total Copper Quarterly none Total Iron Quarterly none These requests could not be granted because the Division needs these data to assure compliance with the water quality standards and criteria during the upcoming ash pond decanting/dewatering process. PROPOSED CHANGES: • Monitoring requirements for Outfall 001 were adjusted due to the discontinuation of once -through cooling water discharges. • The Ash Pond Closure Special Condition was updated (Please see A. (15.)). • The Seep Outfall 010 (Please see A. (5)) and Seep Pollutant Analysis Special Condition (Please see A. (17.)) were added to the permit. • The Appendix A and Appendix B were added to the permit. • A separate effluent page for the dewatering of the ash ponds (Outfall 002) was added to the permit (Please see Special Condition A. (3)). • The Boiler Cleaning Waste Special Condition was eliminated due to the discontinuation of the power generation. Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 7 • The Section 316(a) of CWA Thermal Variance Special Condition was eliminated due to the discontinuation of the power generation. • The Section 316(b) of CWA Special Condition was eliminated due to the discontinuation of the power generation. • The turbidity limit was added to the permit to meet the state turbidity standard per 15A NCAC 2B .0211(3) (k) (Outfall 002). • The Technology Based Effluent Limits for Total Arsenic, Total Mercury, Total Selenium, and Nitrate/nitrite as N, were added to the permit and are based on the requirements of 40 CFR 125.3(a) , 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1); 40 CFR 125.3(c) and (d) (Outfall 002 and Outfall 010). • The Interim Technology Based Effluent Limits (Outfall 002) for Total Arsenic, Total Selenium, and Nitrate/nitrate as N were added to the permit and are based on the requirements of 40 CFR 125.3(a) , 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1); 125.3(c) and (d). • Proposed federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and specify that, if a state does not establish a system to receive such submittals, then permittees must submit DMRs electronically to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Division anticipates that these regulations will be adopted and is beginning implementation. The requirement to begin reporting discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report (eDMR) internet application has been added to the permit. (Please see Special Condition A. (18.)). The Applicable State Law Special Condition was added to the permit to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 729 (Coal Ash Management Act, Please see Special Condition A. (19.)). The Outfall 011 (former Stormwater Outfall 1) was added to the permit (Please see A. (20.)). PROPOSED SCHEDULE: Draft Permit to Public Notice: March 6 , 2015 (est.) Permit Scheduled to Issue: July 27, 2015 (est.) STATE CONTACT: If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please contact Sergei Chernikov at (919) 807-6393 or sergei.chernikov@ncdenr.gov Fact Sheet NPDES NC0004961 Renewal Page 8 EXHIBIT I I Riverbend Draft NPDES Permit NC0004961 Permit NC0004961 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES Draft PERMIT TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE NAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the Riverbend Steam Station Mount Holly Gaston County to receiving waters designated as the Catawba River in the Catawba River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III and IV hereof. This permit shall become effective This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2020. Signed this day DRAFT S. Jay Zimmerman, Director Division of Water Resources By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Page 1 of 15 Permit NC0004961 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. Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC is hereby authorized to: 1. Continue to discharge: • Once through cooling water (outfall 001) consisting of intake screen backwash and water from the plant chiller system, turbine lube oil coolers, condensate coolers, main turbine steam condensers and the intake tunnel dewatering sump • Ash basin discharge (outfall 002) consisting of induced draft fan and preheater bearing cooling water, stormwater from roof drains and paving, treated groundwater, track hopper sump (groundwater), coal pile runoff, laboratory drain and chemical makeup tanks and drums rinsate wastes, general plant/trailer sanitary wastewater, turbine and boiler rooms sumps, vehicle rinse water, and stormwater from pond areas, upgradient watershed, and miscellaneous stormwater flows. • Yard sump_ overflow (outfall 002A). • 12 potentially contaminated groundwater seeps (outfall 010). • Wastewater, stormwater and groundwater (outfall 011). From a facility located at Riverbend Steam Station, Mount Holly in Gaston County, and 2. Discharge wastewater from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into the Catawba River, which is classified WS -IV and B -CA waters in the Catawba River Basin. Page 2 of 15 Permit NC0004961 .j Part I A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 001) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge once -through cooling water and intake screen backwash from outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Daily Average _ Maximum Measurement Fre uenc Sample Type Sample Location' Flow Monthly Pump Logs Influent or Effluent m erature of LTemperature Monthly Grab Effluent (OF)2 89.6 (32-C) Monthly Grab Downstream Notes: 1. Downstream sampling point: downstream at Mountain Island Lake. If samples are collected below the water surface, the Permittee will record the sample depth on the DMR form. 2. The ambient temperature shall not exceed 89.60F (32.00C) and is defined as the daily average downstream water temperature. When the Riverbend Station effluent temperature is recorded below 89.60F (32.00C), as a daily average, then monitoring and reporting of the downstream water temperature is not required. In cases where the Permittee experiences equipment problems and is unable to obtain daily temperatures from the existing temperature monitoring system, the temperature monitoring must be reestablished within five working days. 3. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.) . Chlorination of the* once through condenser cooling water, discharged through outfall 001, is not allowed under this permit. Should Duke Energy wish to chlorinate its condenser cooling water, a permit modification must be requested and received prior to commencing chlorination. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 3 of 15 Permit NC0004961 A. (2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002) [15A NCAC 0213 .0400 et seq., 02B,.0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002 - Ash Pond Discharge. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored7 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS Monthly Daily Average Maximum MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Measurement Sample Type Sample Location Frequency Flow Weekly Pump logs or estimate Influent or Effluent Total Suspended Solids' 23.0 mg/L 75.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 11.0 mg/L 15.0 mg/L Annually Grab Effluent Total Copper2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron2 1.0 m /L 1.0 m /L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 52.5 pg/L 72.5 pg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 68.0 /L 127.5 /L Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrite as N 0.65 m /L 0.85 m /L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.5 pg/L8 14.5 pg/L8 Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 13.6 /L8 25.5pg/L8 Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercury 47.0 ng/L6 47.0 ng/L6 Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrite as N 0.13 mg/L8 0.17 mg/L8 Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus Semi-annually Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen NO2 + NO3 + TKN Semi-annually Grab Effluent pH3 Monthly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity4 Quarterly Grab Effluent Turbidity5 Monthly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. Monthly average of 43 mg/L is permitted provided that the Permittee can satisfactorily demonstrate that the difference between 23 mg/L and 43 mg/L is a result of the concentration of total suspended solids in the intake water. 2. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply during a chemical metals cleaning. 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. Whole Effluent Toxicity shall be monitored by chronic toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F at 10%. Tests shall be conducted in January, April, July and October (see Part A.(6.) for details). 5. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. 6. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 7. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 8. Facility is allowed 4.5 years from the effective date of the permit to comply with the TBELs. This time period is provided in order for the facility to budget, design, and construct the treatment system. Permit might be re -opened to implement the final EPA Effluent Guidelines and more stringent limits might be added. The metal cleaning waste, coal pile runoff, ash transport water, domestic wastewater, and low volume waste shall be discharged into the ash settling pond. No chemicals, cleaners, or other additives may be present in the vehicle wash water to be discharged from this outfall. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 4 of 15 Permit NC0004961 A. (3.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002 - Ash Pond Discharge (Dewatering). Such ' discharges shall be limited and monitored7 by the Permittee as specified below: tPFL"UENT :� ,..; ,CHARACTERISTICS..; LIMITS ,' Monthly; _ Daily Averageui�emeirt :Mazimuin MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Meas ; Sample Type Sample�Location Frequency. .; Flow Weekly Pump logs or estimate Influent or Effluent Total Suspended Solids' 23.0 m /L 75.0 m /L Monthly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 11.0 m /L 15.0 m /L Annually Grab Effluent Total Copper2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Iron2 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.5 Ng/L 14.5 Ng/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 13.6 pg/L 25.5 Ng/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Aluminum 3.18 mg/L 3.18 mg/L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercury 47.0 n /L5 47.0 n /L6 Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrate as N 0.13 m /L 0.17 m /L Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus Semi-annually Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen NO2 + NO3 + TKN) Semi-annually Grab Effluent pH3 Monthly Grab Effluent Chronic Toxicity4 Quarterly Grab Effluent Turbidity5 Monthly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. Monthly average of 43 mg/ L is permitted provided that the Permittee can satisfactorily demonstrate that the difference between 23 mg/L and 43 mg/L is a result of the concentration of total'suspended solids in the intake water. 2. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply during a chemical metals cleaning. 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. Whole Effluent Toxicity shall be monitored by chronic toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F at 10%. Tests shall be conducted in January, April, July and October (see Part A.(6.) for details). 5. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. 6. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 7. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC- DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). The metal cleaning waste, coal pile runoff, ash transport water, domestic wastewater, and low volume waste .shall be discharged into the ash settling pond. No chemicals, cleaners, or other additives may be present in the vehicle wash water to be discharged from this outfall. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 5 of 15 Permit NC0004961 A. (4.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 002A) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002A — Yard Sump Overflows. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored4 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS y; MONITORING REQUIREMENTS `, �IN�onthty Daily ..: Average I Maximum _ 'Measurement Sample Type ' -Sample Location' . �Frequency.° Flow Episodic Estimate Effluent Total Suspended Solids2 23.0 m /L 75.0 m /L Eisodic Grab Effluent Oil and Grease2 11.0 m /L 15.0 m /L Eisodic Grab Effluent Fecal Coliform Episodic Grab Effluent Total Copper3 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Episodic Grab Effluent Total Iron3 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Episodic Grab Effluent pH5 Episodic Grab Effluent Notes: 1. Effluent sampling shall be conducted at a point upstream of discharge to the receiving stream. 2. The monthly average limits for total suspended solids and oil and grease are applicable only if the overflow occurs for more than 24 hours. 3. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply during a chemical metals cleaning. 4. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 5. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. THERE SHALL BE NO DISCHARGE OF FLOATING SOLIDS OR VISIBLE FOAM IN OTHER THAN TRACE AMOUNTS ALL FLOWS SHALL BE REPORTED ON MONTHLY DMRS. SHOULD NO FLOW OCCUR DURING A GIVEN MONTH, THE WORDS "NO FLOW" SHOULD BE CLEARLY WRITEN ON THE FRONT OF. THE DMR. EPISODIC SAMPLING IS REQUIRED PER OCCURRANCE WHEN SUMP OVERFLOWS OCCUR FOR LONGER THAN ONE HOUR. ALL SAMPLES SHALL BE OF A REPRESENTATIVE DISCHARGE. Page 6 of 15 Permit NC0004961 1 A. (5.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 010) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from Outfall 010 (combined seep outfall). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Average Weekly Average Daily Maximum Measurement Frequency2 Sample Type Sample Location Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Total Arsenic 10.5 pg/L4 14.5 pg/L4 Monthly Grab Effluent Total Mercury3 47.0 ng/L4 47.0 ngIL4 Monthly Grab Effluent Total Selenium 13.6 pg/L4 25.5 pg/L4 Monthly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrite as N 0.13 mg/L4 0.17 mg/L4 Monthly Grab Effluent Flow Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent TDS Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent . Chlorides Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Fluoride Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Barium Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Iron Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Manganese Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Zinc Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Cadmium Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Chromium Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Copper Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Lead Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Total Nickel Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Temperature Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent Specific Conductance Monitor & Report Monthly Grab Effluent pH Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units Monthly Grab Effluent NOTES: 1. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.) . 2. After the first year, the monitoring frequency will be reduced to a semi-annual basis. 3. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. 4. The limits can be met by installation of the treatment system, re-routing the discharge to the existing treatment system, or discontinuing the discharge. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 7of15 Permit NC0004961 A. (6.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY) (Outfall 002) [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 2.7%. The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, cruarterlU 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 January, April, July, and October. 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. If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter 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 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 quarter, which is the three month time interval that begins on the first day of the month in which toxicity testing is required by this permit and continues until the final day of the third 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 Page 8 of 15 Permit NC0004961 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. (7.) BIOCIDE CONDITION The permittee shall not use any biocides except those approved in conjunction with the permit application. The permittee shall notify the Director in writing not later than ninety (90) days prior to instituting use of any additional biocide used in cooling systems which may be toxic to aquatic life other than those previously reported to the Division of Water Resources. Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet From 101 and a map locating the discharge point and receiving stream. Completion of a Biocide Worksheet 101 is not necessary for the introduction of a new biocide into an outfall currently being tested for toxicity. A. (8.) SPECIAL CONDITIONS The following special conditions are applicable to all outfalls regulated by NC0004961: • There shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds. • The Permittee shall check the diked areas for leaks by a visual inspection and shall report any leakage detected • Nothing contained in this permit shall be construed as a waiver by the Permittee or any right to a hearing it may have pursuant to State or Federal laws or regulations. • Discharge of any product registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to any waste stream which may ultimately be released to lakes, rivers, streams or other waters of the United States is prohibited unless specifically authorized elsewhere in this permit. Discharge of chlorine from the use of chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, or other similar chlorination compounds for disinfection in the plant potable and service water systems and in sewage treatment is authorized. Use of restricted use pesticides for lake management purposes by applicators licensed by the N.C. Pesticide Board is allowed. • The Permittee shall report all visible discharges of floating materials, such as an oil sheen, to the Director when submitting DMRs A. (9.) PERMIT TERMS The following are applicable to all outfalls regulated by NC0004961: The term "low volume waste sources" means, taken collectively as if from one source, wastewater from all sources except those for which speck limitations are otherwise established in this part. Low volume wastewater sources include, but are not limited to: wastewater from wet scrubber air pollution control systems, ion exchange water treatment system, water treatment evaporator blowdown, laboratory and sampling streams, boiler blowdown, floor drains, cooling tower basin cleaning wastes, and recirculating service water systems. Sanitary and air conditioning wastes are not included. The term "metal cleaning waste" means any wastewater resulting from cleaning (with or without chemical cleaning compounds) any metal process equipment including, but not limited to, boiler tube cleaning, boiler fireside cleaning, and air preheater cleaning. Chemical metal cleaning will be conducted according to Duke Energy approved equivalency demonstration. It has been determined from information submitted that the plans and procedures in place at Riverbend Steam Station are equivalent to that of a BMP. A. (10.) ASH SETTLING BASIN Beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, there shall be no discharge of plant wastewater to the ash pond unless the Permittee provides and maintains at all times a minimum free water volume (between the top of the sediment level and the minimum discharge elevation) equivalent to the sum of the maximum 24-hour plant discharges plus all direct rainfall and all runoff flows to the pond resulting from a 10 -year, 24-hour rainfall event, when using a runoff coefficient of 1:0. During. the term of the permit, the Permittee shall remove settled material from the ponds or otherwise enlarge the available storage capacities in order to maintain the required Page 9 of 15 Permit NC0004961 minimum volumes at all times. The Permittee shall determine and report to the permit issuing authority the following on an annual basis: 1) the actual free water volume of the ash pond, 2) physical measurements of the dimensions of the free water volume in sufficient detail to allow validation of the calculated volume, and 3) a certification that the required volume is available with adequate safety factor to include all solids expected to be deposited in the pond for the following year. Present information indicates a needed volume of 86.2 acre-feet in addition to solids that will be deposited to the ash pond; any change to plant operations affecting such certification shall be reported to the Director within five days. NOTE: In the event that adequate volume has been certified to exist for the term of the permit, periodic certification is not needed. A. (11.) GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELL CONSTRUCTION AND SAMPLING The permittee shall conduct groundwater monitoring to determine the compliance of this NPDES permitted facility with the current groundwater Standards found under 15A NCAC 2L .0200. The monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the Sampling Plan approved by the Division. A.(12.) STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY INSPECTIONS OF ASH POND DAM The facility shall meet the dam design and dam safety requirements per 15A NCAC 2K. A.(13.) FISH TISSUE MONITORING NEAR ASH POND DISCHARGE The facility shall conduct fish tissue monitoring once during the permit term and submit the results with the NPDES permit renewal application. The objective of the monitoring is to evaluate potential uptake of pollutants by fish tissue near the Ash Pond discharge. The parameters analyzed in fish tissue shall be arsenic, selenium, and mercury. The monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the Sampling Plan approved by the Division. A.(14.) INSTREAM MONITORING The facility shall conduct semiannual in stream monitoring (one upstream and one downstream of the ash pond discharge) for arsenic, selenium, mercury (method 1631E), chromium, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Instream monitoring should be conducted at the stations that have already been established through the BIP monitoring program: B (upstream of the Outfall 002) and C (downstream of the Outfall 002). The monitoring results shall be submitted with the NPDES permit renewal application. A.(15.) ASH POND CLOSURE The facility shall prepare an Ash Pond Closure Plan in anticipation of the facility closure. This Plan shall be submitted to the Division one month prior to the decommissioning of the pond. A:(16.) PRIORITY POLLUTANT ANALYSIS The Permittee shall conduct a priority pollutant analysis (in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136) once per permit cycle at outfall 002 and submit the results with the application for permit renewal. A.(17.) SEEP POLLUTANT ANALYSIS Seeps with locations identified in Appendix A are classified collectively as Outfall 010. The facility shall continue to implement the Plan for Identification of New Discharges (see Appendix B) to determine if new seeps have emerged. Seeps are ephemeral in nature and enter the river at various changing locations. Seeps entering the river from the upstream edge of permittee's property to the downstream property boundary shall be calculated as if entering at one location. Page 10 of 15 Permit NC0004961 Permittee shall conduct seep identification survey semi-annually to determine if new seeps have started or that previously identified seeps have significantly changed in size or flow. New seeps identified through the seep survey or otherwise discovered or reported to the permittee shall have their flow calculated, be sampled for parameters indicated with results and location(s) reported to Division of Water Resources within 5 days of detection (location only, sampling results shall be submitted within 30 days of sampling) for administrative inclusion in Appendix A. Newly identified seeps or seeps whose flow increases will not be considered as new outfalls or wastestream requiring modification of the permit as long as total flow of all seeps does not exceed 0.5 million gallons per day (MGD) and pollutant characterization is similar to previously identified seeps identified in Table 1 and formation of seep(s) or increase in flow was not caused by change in operations by permittee. If the pollutant sampling concentration of a new seep exceeds the concentrations in Table 1 the Division will calculate reasonable potential and determine if either administrative inclusion of the seep or formal modification of the permit is necessary. Permittee will be notified by the Division within 30 days of receiving the sampling results if permit modification is necessary. The maximum allowable parameter concentration in Table 1 is determined by multiplying the highest baseline seep concentration levels by 10. Table 1. Seep Monitoring Parameters and Screening Values Parameter Maximum allowable parameter concentration Maximum allowable total flow for all existing and future see s Chlorides 73.0 m /L 0.5 MGD Fluoride 10.0 mg/L 0.5 MGD Total Mercury (Method 1631E) 1 47.0 ng/L 0.5 MGD Total Barium 1.0 m /L 0.5 MGD Total Iron 65.1 mg/L 0.5 MGD Total Manganese 12.3 m L 0.5 MGD Total Zinc 190.0 µ L 0.5 MGD Arsenic' 14.5 µ L 0.5 MGD Total Cadmium 10.0 µ L 0.5 MGD Total Chromium 10.0 µ L 0.5 MGD Total Copper 15.8 µ L 0.5 MGD Total Lead 25.0 µ L 0.5 MGD Total Nickel 87.7 µ L 0.5 MGD Selenium' 25.5 µ L 0.5 MGD Nitrate Nitrite as N' 0.17 m L 0.5 MGD H 6.0-9.0 0.5 MGD TDS 500.0 m L 0.5 MGD TSS 75.0 m L 0.5 MGD Temperature monitor 0.5 MGD Specific Conductance monitor 0.5 MGD Notes: 1. Technology Based Effluent Limits. The limits can be met by installation of the treatment system, re-routing the discharge to the existing treatment system, or discontinuing the discharge. A. (18.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS (State Enforceable Only) [G.S. 143-215.1(b)] Proposed federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) and specify that, if a state does not establish a system to receive such submittals, then permittees must submit DMRs electronically to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Division anticipates that these regulations will be adopted and is beginning implementation in late 2013. Page 11 of 15 Permit NC0004961 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.) • Section D.'(6.) • Section E. (5.) Reporting Records Retention Monitoring Reports 1. Reporting [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)1 Beginning no later than 270 days from the effective date"of this permit, the permittee shall begin reporting 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 / DWR / Information Processing Unit ATTENTION: Central Files / eDMR 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. Requests for temporary waivers from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements 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 using eDMR. Temporary waivers shall be valid for twelve (12) months and shall thereupon expire. At such time, DMRs shall be submitted electronically to the Division unless the permittee re -applies for and is granted a new temporary waiver by the Division. Information on eDMR and application for a temporary waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements is found on the following web page: http: / /-portal. ncdenr. org /web/ wq/ admin/ bog/ ipu / edmr 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 12 of 15 Permit NC0004961 2. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and supersedes Section B. (11.) 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 11, 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: / /portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/admin/bog/i-pu/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: "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. " 3. 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. (19.) APPLICABLE STATE LAW (State Enforceable Only) This facility shall meet the requirements of Senate Bill 729 (Coal Ash Management Act). This permit may be reopened to include new requirements imposed by Senate Bill 729. Page 13 of 15 Permit NC0004961 A. (20.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 011) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.] . During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 011 — Former Stormwater Outfall 1. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored5 by the Permittee as specified below: EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Type Sample Location Average Maximum Frequency Flow Monthly Pump logs or estimate Influent or Effluent Total Suspended Solids' 23.0 mg/L 75.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent Oil and Grease 11.0 mg/L 15.0 mg/L Annually Grab Effluent Total Arsenic Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Selenium Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Mercury6 Quarterly Grab Effluent Nitrate/nitrate as N Quarterly Grab Effluent Total Phosphorus Semi-annually Grab Effluent Total Nitrogen NO2 + NO3 + TKN) Semi-annually Grab Effluent pH3 Monthly Grab Effluent Turbidity4 Monthly Grab Effluent Notes: 1. Monthly average of 43 mg/L is permitted provided that the Permittee can satisfactorily demonstrate that the difference between 23 mg/L and 43 mg/L is a result of the concentration of total suspended solids in the intake water. 2. The limits for total copper and total iron only apply during a chemical metals cleaning. 3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units. 4. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50 NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. 5. No later than 270 days from the effective date of this permit, begin submitting discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See Special Condition A. (18.). 6. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. Page 14 of 15 W47,400 me Appendix A The permittee has identified 12 potentially contaminated seeps in the areas adjacent to the Mountain Island Lake. The locations of the seeps are identified on the map attached to the permit. Existing and newly identified seeps shall be sampled on a monthly basis for the first 12 months. After the first year the monitoring frequency will be reduced to a semi-annual basis. Seep Coordinates and Assigned Outfall Numbers Seep ID Latitude Longitude Outfall number S-1 35.365 -80.967 101 S-2 35.365 -80.966 102 S-3 36.369 -80.965 103 S-4 35.371 -80.963 104 S-5 35.370 -80.963 105 S-6 35.367 -80.958 106 S-7 35.367 -80.957 107 S-8 35.365 -80.956 108 S-9 35.371 -80.963 109 5-10 35.369 -80.960 110 5-11 35.369 -80.960 111 5-12 35.368 -80.959 112 Plan for Identification of New Discharges. Appendix B Page 15 of 15 EXHIBIT 12 Notice of Inspection - Dam -Safety Law Lake Hyco Dam June 10, 2010 RMENK North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Land Resources James D. Simons, PG, PE Land Quality Section Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor Director and State Geologist Dee Freeman, Secretary June 10, 2010 NOTICE OF INSPECTION DAM SAFETY LAW Mr. Fred Holt Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. Environmental, Health and Safety Services Section PO Box 1551 PEB 4 Raleigh, NC 27602 RE: Lake Hyco Dam State ID: PERSO-002 Person County Watershed: Roanoke Dear Mr. Holt: Pursuant to the North Carolina Dam Safety Law of 1967, on February 24 and March 8, 2010, personnel of the Land Quality Section performed a periodic inspection of the subject high hazard potential dam, which is located on the Hyco River in Person County. The Dam Safety Law of 1967 provides for the certification and inspection of dams in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare. Our goal is to reduce the risk of failure of such dams, to prevent injuries to persons, damage to property, and to ensure the maintenance of stream flows. According to the above mentioned visual inspections, the dam appears to be in a stable condition at this time. However, we recommend the following items pertinent to maintenance and operation of the darn:. (1) Continue to remove all trees and thick undergrowth from the embankment and immediate surrounding area. This will serve to (a) prevent the formation of a root system which might significantly increase seepage through the dam which could ultimately result in failure of the structure, (b) reduce the possibility of damage to the dam due to the uprooting of trees by wind or other natural causes, and (c) facilitate inspection and increase the likelihood of early detection of more serious problems connected with the dam. This is particularly important along the abutment contacts where seepage has been observed. (2)Maintain a ground cover sufficient to restrain accelerated erosion on all earthen portions of the structure. This will enhance the stability of the dam should these portions become exposed to overflow or other forms of concentrated flow. This particularly applies where erosion was observed at the abutment contacts. As discussed with Progress Energy personnel during our visit, it is recommended that you work to achieve a predominantly turf grass cover. Weeping lovegrass and serecia lespedeza should be taken out of the seed mixes used; appropriate clover and Korean or Kobe lespedeza should be added if a legume is desired. The recently proposed SlopeMaster specifications for use at the Cape Fear Plant are considered an acceptable alternative. Raleigh Regional Office 1628 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1628 - Phone: 919-791-4200 / FAX: 919-571-4718 3800 Barrett Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27699 Notice of Inspection PERSO-002 June 10, 2010 Page 2 of 2 (3) Periodically monitor the dam and appurtenant works with respect to elements affecting their safety. This is in light of the legal duties, obligations, and liabilities arising from the ownership and/or operation of a dam. This particularly applies to the previously described erosion and evidence of seepage observed as well as the condition of the concrete spillway. Your current inspection program, including periodic reviews by your independent consultant, is an appropriate way to address this recommendation. Two of the more common types of earth dam failures are caused or influenced by excessive seepage. Excessive seepage can produce progressive internal erosion of soil from the downstream slope of the dam or foundation toward the upstream side to form an open conduit or "pipe". Seepage pressures decrease the strength characteristics of the embankment soil. The resulting reduction in the embankment stability can produce a slide failure of the downstream slope. Please monitor the dam for any changes of this nature. As a dam owner, you may incur liability should your dam have a problem or fail, if such an event results in loss of life, property damage, or environmental damage downstream. It is therefore requested that you prepare an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for this dam. The EAP establishes procedures to be followed in events that could adversely impact the dam such as extreme precipitation, seismic activity, excessive seepage, slides, sinkholes, and other natural hazards, and for warning the public downstream in the event of an emergency at the dam. Guidance -for preparing an EAP can be found on the Internet at hM?://www.dlr.enr.state.nc.us/pap-es/darnsafeMrogram.litmi or by calling Dam Safety Program staff at (919) 733-4574. Two copies of an EAP for this dam should be submitted to the following address: NC Division of Land Resources Land Quality Section Attn: Mr. Steven M. McEvoy, PE 1612 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Although the inspections by our staff are relatively infrequent and offer no safety guarantees, we hope that you will use the information provided in this letter as you fulfill your obligation to safely maintain and operate your dam. In order to help us keep our records up-to-date and therefore serve you better, please notify us concerning any changes in address or ownership. Your cooperation in this effort is greatly appreciated. If there are any questions or if we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (919)7914200. Sincerely, Johl L. HoCley, Jr., PE, R g oval Engineer L d Quality Section Raleigh Regional Office cc: State Dam Safety Engineer File . EXHIBIT 13 EPA Amicus Brief - Hawaii Wildlife Fund US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit No. 15-17447, May 31, 2016 Case 2:15-cvMftk!269AG44JK,0,TbbtNMti • isil IB aE Il 40 17:� 0 a I 4`u R&gelD# 9128 No. 15-17447 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT HAWAII WILDLIFE FUND; SIERRA CLUB -MAUI GROUP; SURFRIDER FOUNDATION; WEST MAUI PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffs -Appe llees, Mm COUNTY OF MAUI, Defendant -Appellant. On Appeal from, the U.S. District Court, Dist. of Hawaii No. 12-cv-198, Hon. Susan Oki Mollway, District Judge BRIEF FOR THE UNITED STATES AS AMICUS CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS APPELLEES OF COUNSEL: KARYN WENDELOWSKI U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of General Counsel Washington, D.C. JOHN C. CRUDEN Assistant Attorney General AARON P. AVILA R. JUSTIN SMITH FREDERICK H. TURNER Attorneys, U.S. Dep't of Justice Env't & Natural Resources Div. P.O. Box 7415 Washington, DC 20044 (202) 305-0641 frederick.turner@usdoi.gov Case Skald a J AG 4 O 'MW- (i IFb W O)7ABii o. 4(%Lfffi@EDP-4ff R&•-1R&gel D# 9129 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF AUTHORITIES.................................................................... iii INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES..................................................1 ISSUESPRESENTED.............................................................................. 2 STATEMENT OF THE CASE.................................................................. 3 I. STATUTORY BACKGROUND................................................................ 3 II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND................................................................... 6 III. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND............................................................. 7 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT.................................................................10 ARGUMENT...........................................................................................13 I. THE DISTRICT COURT'S DECISIONS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE LANGUAGE AND PURPOSE OF THE CWA...................................13 A. Discharges of Pollutants to Jurisdictional Surface Waters Through Groundwater with a Direct Hydrological Connection Properly Require CWA Permits ...........................14 B. The District Court's Decisions Give Full Effect to Congress's Intent to Restore and Maintain the Nation's Waters.......................................................................20 C.' The District Court's Finding of Liability is Consistent with EPA's Longstanding Position..........................................22 II. THE COUNTY IS LIABLE FOR UNPERMITTED DISCHARGES DUE TO THE "DIRECT HYDROLOGICAL CONNECTION" BETWEEN THE GROUNDWATER AND THE OCEAN ............................................. 26 III. THE DISTRICT COURT CORRECTLY HELD THAT THE COUNTY HAD FAIR NOTICE FOR PURPOSES OF CIVIL PENALTIES .................. 32 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................36 i Qi}:+1:1a J " Ott �'- 1 "UGy .i it �� ifo �,�tt ll)-�lw• ii a. � .. % � - CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ............................,.................... -........37 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE.................................................................38 ii Q}:":1 j '1t e; T 1 ',!►Cct ii r li 15'0: '! • o .n (I) �:• i « M.N.- w � iii m a � - � . • TABLE OF AUTHORITIES Cases Bath Petrol. Storage, Inc. v. Sovas, 309 F. Supp. 2d 357 (N.D.N.Y. 2004) ............................................... 22 Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. NRDC, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984).................................................................... 12,24 Friends of Sakonnet v. Dutra, 738 F. Supp. 623 (D.R.I. 1990)...................................:..................... 15 Greater Yellowstone Coal. 'v. Larson, 641 F. Supp. 2d 1120 (D. Idaho 2009) ........................................ 31,32 Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, 2015 WL 328227 (D. Haw. Jan. 23, 2015) .... 6, 7, 8, 9, 28 Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, 2015 WL 3903918 (D. Haw. June 25, 2015) ................... 9 Hawai'i Wildlife Fund v. County of Maui, 24 F. Supp. 3d 980 (D. Haw. 2014) .......................................... passim Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation Dist., 243 F.3d 526 (9th Cir. 2001).............................................................. 5 Hernandez v. Esso Std. Oil Co., 599 F. Supp. 2d 175 (D.P.R. 2009) ................................................... 19 Hudson R. Fishermen's Ass'n v. City of New York, 751 F. Supp. 1088 (S.D.N.Y. 1990) ................................................... 22 Idaho Rural Council v. Bosma, 143 F. Supp. 2d 1169 (D. Idaho 2001) ............................ 11, 18, 19, 21 Inland Steel v. EPA, 901 F.2d 1419 (7th Cir. 1990)........................................................... 22 iii In re EPA & Dept of Def. Final Rule, 803 F.3d 804 (6th Cir. 2015)....................................................I......... 24 McClellan Ecological Seepage Situation v. Cheney, No. 86-475, 20 Envtl. L. Rep. 20,877 (E.D. Cal. Apr. 30, 1990) ....... 31 McClellan Ecological Seepage Situation v. Cheney, 763 F. Supp. 431 (E.D. Cal. 1989) .................................................... 31 McClellan Ecological Seepage Situation v. Weinberger, 707 F. Supp. 1182 (E.D. Cal:. 1988) .................................................. 30 N. Cal. River Watch v. City of Healdsburg, 496 F.3d 993 (9th Cir. 2007).............................................................. 8 N. Cal. River Watch v. Mercer Fraser Co., No. 04-4620, 2005 WL 2122052 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 1, 2005) ... 16, 17, 19 Nw. Envtl. Def. Ctr. v. Grabhorn, No. 08-548, 2009 WL 3672895 (D. Or. Oct. 30, 2009) ...................... 19 O'Leary v. Moyer's Landfill, Inc., 523 F. Supp. 642 (E.D. Pa. 1981) ..................................................... 15 Rapanos v. United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006) ...................................................... 2, 8, 10, 15, 16 Rice v. Harken Expl. Co., 250 F.3d 264 (5th Cir. 2001) ...................................................... 19,20 S.F. Herring Ass'n v. Pac. Gas & Elec. Co., 81T. Supp. 3d 847 (N.D. Cal. 2015) ................................................ 18 Sierra Club v. Abston Constr. Co., 620 F.2d 41 (5th Cir. 1980) .................................................. 10, 14, 15 Sierra Club v. El Paso Gold Mines, Inc., 421 F.3d 1133 (10th Cir. 2005) ........................................................ 16 iv "►ICtgir ` i• Iii 1 ; • " i;iy U) i l o':• is �'�: I�.`. �i :� r ii,� 7� , - • Sierra Club v. Va. Elec. & Power Co., No. 15-112, 2015 WL 6830301 (E.D. Va. Nov. 6, 2015) .................... 18 United States v. Approximately 64,695 Pounds of Shark Fins, 520 F.3d 976 (9th Cir. 2008)............................................................ 33 United States v. Riverside Bayview Homes, Inc., 474 U.S. 121 (1985).......................................................................... 20 United States v. Velsicol Chem. Corp., 438 F. Supp. 945 (W.D. Tenn. 1976) ................................................ 16 Vill. of Oconomowoc Lake v. Dayton Hudson Corp., 24 F.3d 962 (7th Cir. 1994).............................................................. 19 Wash. Wilderness Coal. v. Hecla Mining Co., 870 F. Supp. 983 (E.D. Wash.. 1994) ................................................ 21 Yadkin Riverkeeper v. Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, No. 14-753, 2015 WL 6157706 D.N.C. Oct. 20, 2015 18 Statutes 33 U.S.C. § 1251(a)..............................:................................................... 3 33 U.S.C. § 1311............................................................................. 3, 4, 14 33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(A)...........,.....................................................:.......... 34 • 33 U.S.C. § 1319...............................:....................................................... 4 33 U.S.C. § 1319(d).................................................................. I......... 55 35 33 U.S.C. § 1341(a)................................................................................ 35 33 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1)............................................................................ 31 33 U.S.C. § 1342.............................................................................. 1, 3, 4 33 U.S.C. § 1342(a)................................................................................... 4 v 1-11w T&INkCy I ii' "'i It%� � tih il) '� ��i1 Iz � �� �.. ,� :� i �Su` - :, � - � • • � 33 U.S.C. § 1342(b).................................................................................. 4 33 U.S.C. § 1342(d).................................................................................. 4 33 U.S.C. § 1344.................................................................................. 3,4 33 U.S.C. § 1362...................................................................................... 3 33 U.S.C. § 1362(6).................................................................................. 3 33 U.S.C. § 1362(7).............................................................................. 2,4 33 U.S.C. § 1362(8).................................................................................. 2 33 U.S.C. § 1362(12)(A)..................................................................... 3,14 33 U.S.C. § 1362(14)................................................................................. 4 33 U.S.C. § 1365...................................................................................... 4 Federal Register 39 Fed. Reg. 43,759 (Dec. 18, 1974) ........................................................ 4 55 Fed. Reg. 47,990 (Dec. 2, 1990) ........................................................ 23 56 Fed. Reg. 64,876 (Dec. 12, 1991) .................................................. 5,23 66 Fed. Reg. 2960 (Jan. 12, 2001) ....................................... 12, 23, 24, 26 80 Fed. Reg. 37,054 (June 29, 2015) ............................................... 17,25 vi � r • • ii • M may �■r� o..: v • Q�}ttida " �l1 1 "flCt .� it • i Ifs �.�y (1) .w ii tr �: i . :� . �Si • - The United States respectfully submits this brief as amicus curiae pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 29(a). INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251-1387, together with the states. That includes promulgating regulations regarding the CWA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Id. § 1342. The United States participates as amicus curiae because it has an interest in the proper interpretation of the NPDES- permit provisions and the framework for analyzing whether discharges of pollutants to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater are subject to those provisions.' The United States also has an interest because it enforces the CWA and because it is a potential defendant in actions alleging the discharge of pollutants from federal facilities through groundwater. The United States agrees with the result the district court reached in this case and urges affirmance. In the United States' view, a NPDES ' We use the term "jurisdictional surface waters" throughout this brief to mean "waters of the United States." 1 111111111111 IIT:1,! 1iiiQ�1'r ',MRI?�: •�•,.�- �• • • permit is required here because the discharges from the Defendant - Appellant County of Maui's wastewater treatment facility are from a point source (i.e., the injection wells) to waters of the United States (i.e., the Pacific Ocean2). To be clear, the United States does not contend that groundwater is a point source, nor does the United States contend that groundwater is a water of the United States regulated by the Clean Water Act. Moreover, the United States does not agree with the district court's application of the "significant nexus" standard from Rapanos v. United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006). ISSUES PRESENTED This amicus brief addresses the following issues: 1. Whether a discharge of pollutants from a point source to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection to jurisdictional surface waters is regulated under the CWA. 2. Whether the site-specific facts here give rise to a "discharge of a pollutant" under the CWA. 2 More specifically, into the Pacific Ocean that is part of the United States' territorial seas under the CWA. 33 U.S.C. § 1362(7), (8). 9 Q�711:it:� J ��, �I� / ��/�il II ; II )F : �i • :ii1 (�) �'w If i� J9 Nin II : Il `� �!'1 n • 3. Whether the County had fair notice that it was subject to civil penalties for its discharges- to jurisdictional surface waters without 'a NPDES permit. STATEMENT OF THE CASE I. STATUTORY BACKGROUND Congress enacted the Clean Water Act to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." 33 U.S.C. § 1251(a). Congress therefore prohibited any non -excepted "discharge of any pollutant" to "navigable waters" unless it is authorized by a permit. Id. §§ 1311, 1342, 1344, 1362. The CWA defines "discharge of a pollutant" as "any addition of any pollutant to navigable waters from any point source." Id. § 1362(12)(A) (emphasis added). Pollutant means -"dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste discharged into water." Id. § 1362(6). The CWA defines "navigable waters" as "the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas"; and a point source is "any discernible, confined and discrete 3 Q9.3d a J ' A i! 4'•' 1 'nro P it � i Ifs I • o t:;i1 il) � �iw i .e �`J: 1 `.. ii o I Bio " � : ' � • • i conveyance, including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged." Id. § 1362(7), (14). The CWA authorizes EPA to issue NPDES permits under Section 402(a), but EPA may authorize a state to administer its own NPDES program if EPA determines that it meets the statutory criteria. Id. § 1342(a), (b). When a state receives such authorization, EPA retains oversight and enforcement authorities. Id. §§ 1319, 1342(d). Hawaii obtained such permitting authority in 1974. See 39 Fed. Reg. 43,759 (Dec. 18, 1974). The CWA is a strict -liability regime that prohibits non -excepted discharges unless they are authorized by a CWA permit. Id. §§ 1311, 13422 1344. An unpermitted discharge constitutes a violation of the CWA regardless of fault and is subject to enforcement by the state or federal government or a private citizen. Id. §§ 1319, 1365. To establish liability for a violation of the permit requirement, a plaintiff must show there was (1) a discharge (2) of a pollutant (3) to navigable waters (4) M P! 111 11111 T —:)VIWAT,g'� '�/(:1 Il lid Iii ':'; • :it1 �) � i i : I t �•�L h.: 11 : 0 '' �! °1 • ' • • from a point source. Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation Dist., 243 F.3d 526, 532 (9th Cir. 2001). The CWA includes a civil -penalty provision for those who violate the Act. 33 U.S.C. § 1319(d). When determining a civil -penalty amount, courts must consider "the seriousness of the violation or violations, the economic. benefit (if any) resulting from the violation, any history of such violations, any good -faith efforts to comply with the applicable requirements, the economic impact of the penalty on the violator, and such other matters as justice may require." Id. EPA's longstanding position is that a discharge from a point source to jurisdictional surface waters that moves through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection comes under the purview of the CWA's permitting requirements. E.g., Amendments to the Water Quality Standards Regulations that Pertain to Standards on Indian Reservations, 56 Fed. Reg. 64,876, 64,982 (Dec. 12, 1991) ("[T]he affected ground waters are not considered `waters of the United.States' but discharges to them are regulated because such discharges are effectively discharges to the directly connected surface waters."). 5 Qya� a ' �t t. �' 1 'UGC ii ii R� S '! • ;ih fl) �':. ii ;�,°�: ��.; i ! o s: �S m 0- D • • 2 1 II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND The County operates the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, 24 F. Supp. 3d 980, 983 (D. Haw. 2014) [Hawaii 1]. The facility receives approximately four million gallons of sewage each day. Id. After treating the sewage, the facility releases three to five million gallons of effluent into four on-site injection wells. Id. at 983-84. The effluent travels into a shallow groundwater aquifer and then flows into the Pacific Ocean through the seafloor at points known as "submarine springs." Id. at 984; see also Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, 2015 WL 328227, at *1 (D. Haw. Jan. 23, 2015) [Hawaii II]. EPA, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), and others conducted a tracer -dye study that confirmed this conclusion for injection wells 3 and 4. Hawaii I, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 984. According to the study, it took the leading edge of the dye 84 days to go from wells 3 and 4 to the ocean and about 64% of the dye injected into these wells was discharged from the submarine springs to the Pacific Ocean. Id. The dye's appearance in the ocean "conclusively demonstrated that a hydrogeologic connection exists." Id. at 985-86. 109 ii III Will"IU i!'e� i � • i';y:1 ��i: 1�:: ii, : b iii m • Although tracer dye was not placed into well 1 and dye from well 2 was not detected in the study, the County "acknowledge [d] that there is a hydrogeologic connection between wells 1 and 2 and the ocean." Hawaii 11, 2015 WL 328227, at *1-2. The tracer -dye study models indicated that, in some circumstances, treated effluent from well 2 would move along flowpaths similar to those traveled by the dye injected into wells 3 and 4 and emerge at the same springs. Supplemental Excerpts of Record (SER) 237, 240, 243. There is no dispute that given the proximity of wells 1 and 2, the modeling for well 2 predicts the flowpaths for discharges from well 1. Excerpts of Record (ER) 443; SER 189. III. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND In April 2012, Plaintiffs -Appellees Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club -Maui Group, Surfrider Foundation, and West Maui Preservation Association filed suit seeking to require the County to obtain and comply with a NPDES permit and to pay civil penalties. Hawaii 1, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 986. The district court issued three partial summary - judgment opinions in favor of Plaintiffs. The parties then entered into a settlement agreement, in which the County stipulated to terms 7 r.• .•. 11 • M �� a Ii 7... �• S9.iida J ' t!. + 1',l(c� ..� it nii ISL <,.�i fp �We 1111 . �!$ - • - contingent on a final judgment that the County violated the CWA and that the County was "not immune from" civil penalties. Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, ECF No. 259. The court entered final judgment in accordance with its opinions and the settlement agreement. The district court's first- opinion held the County liable under the CWA for unpermitted discharges from wells 3 and 4. Hawaii I, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 1000. The court started its analysis with the language and purpose of the CWA, and also relied on EPA's interpretation and case law-. Id. at 995-96. The court explained that Plaintiffs "must show that pollutants can be directly traced from the injection wells to the ocean such that the discharge at the LWRF is a de facto discharge into the ocean." Id. at 998 (emphasis in original). The court found that Plaintiffs had met this burden. Id. at 998-1000. The district court also found CWA liability under the "significant nexus" standard from Justice Kennedy's concurring opinion in Rapanos, 547 U.S. at 755-56, and the Ninth Circuit's application of that standard in Northern California River Watch v. City of Healdsburg, 496 F.3d 993, 999 -1000 -(9th Cir. 2007). 0 Qyai: i� J ,11 -+, -, ,' 1 'IIC:� ,i �I -�i Ido r,.�o (I) '� d:�i o, � �: �, .: ii, vb � �si :� - � • i The district court's second opinion held the County liable for unpermitted discharges from wells 1 and 2. Hawaii II, 2015 WL 328227, at *6. The County "expressly conced[ed] that pollutants introduced by the County into wells 1 and 2 were making their way to the ocean," and the court rejected the County's argument that liability does not arise unless a pollutant passes through "a series of sequential point sources." Id. at *2-4. The district court's third opinion rejected the County's argument that it was not subject to civil penalties for its unpermitted discharges because it lacked fair notice. Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, 2015 WL 3903918, at *6 (D. Haw. June 25, 2015) [Hawaii III]. The court determined that the County had notice because the discharges "clearly implicate[d] each statutory element." Id. at *4. The court further held that its adjudication of the first motion for partial summary -judgment provided notice to the County. Id. at *6. The parties then entered into a settlement agreement, in which the County stipulated that it would make good faith efforts to obtain and comply with a NPDES permit and that it would pay $100,000 in civil penalties and $2.5 million for a supplemental environmental D QI:U�a J �1R � - 1 '11�� .iii '•iii Ifo -a �; • � ►.�h U)'iV.:�i a � �: �., ii ii t' �!u : • - � . i i project, all contingent on a final judgment and ruling that the County violated the CWA and that the County was "not immune from" civil penalties. Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, ECF No. 259. The district court then entered a final judgment. SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT The judgment should be affirmed because it is consistent with the language and purpose of the Clean Water Act and EPA's longstanding interpretation and practice of issuing NPDES permits for discharges of pollutants similar to the ones here. As Justice Scalia said in Rapanos, the statute's language prohibiting "any addition of any pollutant to navigable waters from any point source" does not limit liability only to discharges of pollutants directly to navigable waters. See Rapanos, 547 U.S. at 743 (plurality op.) (emphasis in original). Courts have interpreted the CWA as covering not only discharges of pollutants directly to navigable waters, but also discharges of pollutants that travel from a point source to navigable waters over the surface of the ground or through underground means. E.g., Sierra Club v. Abston Constr. Co., 620 F.2d 415 44-45 (5th Cir. 1980). The discharges in this case fall squarely within the statutory language. 10 Ql�a:li:� � " �l 1 ��• 1 ',/Ct .i Ii � •�i� IFo : '; • " iii (1) '� �:r 'i �r �'�: I:T.; i b : �i�i 91 :, : - � • • � In the United States' view, a NPDES permit is required here because the discharges at issue are from a point source (i.e., the injection wells) to waters of the United States (i.e., the Pacific Ocean's coastal waters). To be clear, the United States views groundwater as neither a point source nor a water of the United States regulated by the CWA. The United States therefore agrees with the district court's conclusion that a NPDES permit was required here, but only to the extent that the court's analysis is consistent with the above -stated principles regarding groundwater. The district court's conclusions accord with the CWA's purpose. Congress enacted the CWA "to restore and maintain ... the country's waters"; and to achieve this goal, Congress created a strict -liability regime prohibiting •discharges unless they are authorized under the CWA. Recognizing Congress's goals in the CWA, courts have concluded that in certain circumstances discharges of pollutants that reach navigable waters through groundwater fall squarely within the statute's terms. E.g., Idaho Rural Council v. Bosma, 143 F. Supp. 2d 1169, 1179-80 (D. Idaho 2001). 11 ig n • .• n• y• u n r,. i m • r1pill11�:3:ii:i J ' �1! +i 1 ',l ct 1 i1 9i IEo �,ay (p '� �.� i o �r' M. l.., Il . sir • - • Even if Congress's intent on this issue had been ambiguous, EPA has clearly stated for decades that pollutants that move through groundwater can constitute discharges subject to the CWA, and that, interpretation is entitled to Chevron deference. Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. Nat. Res. Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. .837, 842-43 (1984). It has been EPA's longstanding position that discharges moving through groundwater to a jurisdictional surface water are subject to CWA permitting requirements if there is a "direct hydrological connection" between the groundwater and the surface water. See NPDES Permit Regulation and Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, 66 Fed. Reg. 2960, 3017 (Jan. 12, 2001). This formulation recognizes that some hydrological connections are too circuitous and attenuated to come under the CWA. Id. The County argues that the district court dispensed with the requirements that a discharge be "from a point source" and "to navigable water" because the effluent was discharged from a nonpoint source and because the effluent was discharged into groundwater, which is not covered by the CWA. Opening Brief (Op. Br.) at 21, 27, 30. 12 Q9a.i a J �� f � 1 "1/Ct ,1 ii • i Ifo t,.�c� 11) '� �'w i a, � �: �� i ��a - � � - � • � This attempt to bifurcate the movement of the pollutants into two separate events is inconsistent with the statute's language and purpose. It also ignores the undisputed fact that the pollutants moved through that groundwater to the ocean. The County's argument that no civil penalty should have been imposed because the County lacked.fair notice lacks merit. The County was on notice both as a general matter—through the CWA's language and EPA's statements in rulemakings—and specifically—through communications from EPA to the County. In any event, the question of fair notice goes to the amount of the civil penalty, an amount the County stipulated to, and is only one of many factors informing a civil - penalty amount. ARGUMENT I. THE DISTRICT COURT'S DECISIONS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE LANGUAGE AND PURPOSE OF THE CAVA. The district court's judgment holding the County liable under the CWA is consistent with the text and purpose of the statute. It is also consistent with EPA's long -held position governing when the CWA requires permits for discharges of pollutants that move to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater with a direct hydrological 13 QI)ad.7 J +l �• ��l(1 i II' ' l: IFo .� n • �.. �1 (�) I�w, I a ���0 fT:: ? . I Kiri m M 0 i connection. The County cannot recast the nature of the discharges to avoid that result. A. Discharges of Pollutants to Jurisdictional Surface Waters Through Groundwater with a Direct Hydrological Connection Properly Require CWA Permits. When Congress prohibited the unpermitted "discharge of any pollutant," it defined this term broadly as "any addition of any pollutant to navigable waters from any point source." 33 U.S.C. §§ 1311, 1362(12)(A). As the County concedes, "a point source does not need to discharge directly into navigable waters to trigger NPDES permitting." Op. Br. at 27. Because Congress did not limit the term "discharges of pollutants" to only direct discharges to navigable waters, discharges through groundwater may fall within the purview of the CWA. This reading of "discharge of a pollutant" has been applied in other similar contexts where discharges of pollutants have moved from a point source to navigable waters over the surface of the ground or by some other means. In Sierra Club v. Abston Construction, which addressed discharges from mining operations that traveled to navigable waters in part through surface runoff, the Fifth Circuit stated that "[g]ravity flow, resulting in a discharge into navigable body of water, 14 �; • .• a •� r •,: f7.. t • �l : • .. • • may be part of a point source discharge if the [discharger] at least initially collected and channeled the water and other materials."3 620 F.2d at 44-45; see also Friends of Sakonnet v. Dutra, 738 F. Supp. 623, 628, 630 (D.R.I. 1990) (defendant liable for discharge of "raw sewage [that] was running directly from the leaching field, on the surface of the ground for approximately 250 feet, into the [surface water]"); O'Leary v. Moyer's Landfill, Inc., 523 F. Supp. 642, 647 (E.D. Pa. 1981) ("[T]here is no requirement that the point source need be directly adjacent to the waters it pollutes."). That Congress gave the term "discharge of a pollutant" a broad meaning finds support in cases where CWA liability attached for discharges from point sources that traveled through other means before reaching surface waters. See Rapanos, 547 U.S. at 743 (noting that courts have found violations of Section 301 "even if the pollutants discharged from a point source do not emit `directly into' covered 3 The County misconstrues the United States' position as amicus curiae in Abston Construction. See Op. Br. at 30-31. The United States took the position that discharges of pollutants that traveled indirectly from a point source to jurisdictional surface waters through surface runoff or the gravity flow of rainwater come within the scope of the CWA. Brief for the United States as Amicus Curiae, at 35-36, Sierra Club v. Abston Constr. Co., No. 77-2530 (5th Cir. 1980). 15 ■ �� • .a u • �.• r Q ." y5 J 1 � - ��/�1 1 II ` i I�u i„t(1 W 7lig I e waters, but pass `through conveyances' in between") (citing Sierra Club v. El Paso Gold Mines, Inc., 421 F.3d 1133, 1137 (10th Cir. 2005) (defendant could be liable for discharges conveyed from its point -source mine shaft to jurisdictional surface water through a tunnel that defendant did not own); United States_ v. Velsicol Chem. Corp., 438 F. . Supp. 945, 946-47 (W.D. Tenn. 1976) (holding that CWA covered pollutants discharged from defendant's point source to jurisdictional surface waters conveyed through a sewer system that the defendant did not own)). Because courts have interpreted the term "discharge of a pollutant" to cover discharges over the ground and through other means, exempting discharges through groundwater could lead to absurd results. As one court noted, "it would hardly make sense for the CWA to encompass a polluter who discharges pollutants via a pipe running from the factory directly to the riverbank, but not a polluter who dumps the same pollutants into a man-made settling basin some distance short of the river and then allows the pollutants to seep into the river via the groundwater." N. Cal. River Watch v. Mercer Fraser Co., No. 04-4620, 2005 WL 2122052, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 1, 2005). 16 The County concedes that discharges need not be direct and that a discharge through a conveyance requires a permit. Op. Br. at 27. The County argues, however, that the conveyance itself must be a point source and that because groundwater is not a point source, the district court "impermissibly `transform[s] a nonpoint source into a point source."' Id. at 27-28, 33. The County's interpretation is flawed. Contrary to the County's argument, the district court did not eliminate the requirement that a discharge be "from a point source." All it said was that pollutants from a point source need not be emitted directly into covered waters. The case law does not require the means by which the pollutant discharged from a point source reaches a water of the United States to be a point source. While the County's statement that the statutory definition of "navigable waters" does not include groundwater is accurate, Op. Br. at 21, it is beside the point. There is no dispute that groundwater itself is not a "navigable water," 80 Fed. Reg. 37,054, 37,055 (June 29, 2015), but the district court's decisions hinge on the movement of pollutants to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater with a direct 17 Q9a1a J �l� �� 1'flGt ill i' Iti :';• ��1 ll) ��'w i v ���:IT'.':i: :•�S� 0' O• hydrological connection. Such an addition of pollutants to navigable waters falls squarely within the CWA's scope. The County relies on the treatment of groundwater in legislative history, Op. Br. at 21-23, but this "only supports the unremarkable proposition with which all courts agree—that the CWA does not regulate `isolated/nontributary groundwater' which has no [effect] on surface water." Bosma, 143 F. Supp. 2d,at 1180. It does not. undermine the conclusion that discharges of pollutants through groundwater to jurisdictional surface waters are subject to the NPDES program. The County contends that case law does not support the district court's interpretation, Op. Br. at 35-37, but this argument largely ignores the majority of the courts that have addressed this issue and concluded that discharges that move from a point source to, jurisdictional surface waters via groundwater with a hydrological connection are subject to regulation under the CWA. See, e.g., Sierra Club v. Va. Elec. & Power Co., No. 15-112, 2015 WL 6830301 (E.D. Va. Nov. 6, 2015); Yadkin Riverkeeper v. Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, No. 14-753, 2015 WL 6157706 (M.D.N.C. Oct. 20, 2015); S.F. Herring Assn v. Pac. Gas & Elec. Co., 81 F. Supp. 3d 847 (N.D. Cal. 2015); Hernandez Or; Tl (C1 1 I -1 Iii : ' • `• . �1III) iw I i�, �'11110f :: t " ► ala ° - • v. Esso Std. Oil Co., 599 F. Supp. 2d 175 (D.P.R. 2009); Nw. Envtl. Def. Ctr. v. Grabhorn, No. 08-548, 2009 WL 3672895 (D. Or. Oct. 30, 2009); Mercer Fraser, 2005 WL 2122052; Bosma, 143 F. Supp. 2d 1169. The County's reliance on other case law (Op. Br. at 35-36) is unavailing for three reasons. First, none of the cases are controlling precedent. Second, most of these decisions are inapposite because they do not address the issue of discharges of pollutants that move through groundwater to jurisdictional surface waters. In Village of Oconomowoc Lake v. Dayton Hudson, Corp., the court examined whether groundwater itself was a navigable water, i.e., a water within the meaning of the CWA. 24 F.3d 962, 965 (7th Cir. 1994). That is distinct from whether a CWA permit is required when pollutants travel to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection. Third, these cases do not foreclose application of the CWA where a direct hydrological connection to jurisdictional surface waters can be found. In Rice v. Harken Exploration Co., the court concluded that a discharge of oil that might reach navigable waters by gradual, natural seepage was not the equivalent of a discharge to navigable waters. 250 19 11 Q��1ti� i �(� �� �'1/(1 ill' 'ii? Iii • ":i9 fl)11 17' 1 • F.3d 264, 271 (5th Cir. 2001). The court suggested, however, that it would be open to finding a discharge had occurred through groundwater when it underscored the plaintiffs' failure to provide any "evidence of a close, direct and proximate link between [the defendant's] discharges of oil and any resulting actual, identifiable oil contamination of a particular body of natural surface water." Id. at 272. B. The District Court's Decisions Give Full Effect to Congress's Intent to Restore and Maintain the Nation's Waters. Congress's purpose in enacting the CWA—to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters"—embraced a "broad, systemic view ... of water quality." United States v. Riverside Bayview Homes, Inc., 474 U.S. 121, 132 (1985). The County attempts to minimalize that goal. Adopting the County's theory would allow dischargers to avoid responsibility simply by discharging pollutants from a point source into jurisdictional surface waters through any means that was not direct. Courts have viewed the CWA's broad purpose of protecting the quality of navigable waters as a clear congressional signal that "any pollutant which enters such waters, whether directly.or through 20 Q�:j:i:1 i �l � ��< � '�1G1 SII" i li IF : �i • `� �ii1 (l) � i':.. II .r ���O I;a i s . i �l � ' (� • groundwater, is subject to regulation by NPDES permit." Wash. Wilderness Coal. v. Hecla Mining Co., 870 F. Supp. 983, 990 (E.D. Wash. 1994). "Stated even more simply, whether pollution is introduced by a visible, above -ground conduit or enters the surface water through the aquifer matters little to the fish, waterfowl, and recreational users which are affected by the degradation to our nation's rivers and streams." Bosma, 143 F. Supp. 2d at 1179-80. The state's authority to protect groundwater is in no way impaired by subjecting point sources to NPDES-permit requirements to protect surface waters. Thus, the County's argument that it should not be liable here because "preservation of states' authority over the regulation of groundwater" is a "co -equal" goal of the CWA misses the mark. Op. Br. at 34-35. This emphatically is not a case about the regulation of groundwater. Instead it is about the regulation of discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States. To the extent the County's argument relies on the regulatory scheme governing disposal into wells, Op. Br. at 24-27, that is flawed because the regulation of wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act's (SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program does not preclude or displace regulation under the 21 Ip �'1/fct ii t•�i Ifs :' • "i;fy fl) �1':•, i T. 12:?i: �"�:- 9 - • • CWA's NPDES program.4 See Hudson R. Fishermen's Assn v. City of New York, 751 F. Supp. 1088, 1100 (S.D.N.Y. 1990), of f'd, 940 F.2d 649 (2d Cir. 1991) (objectives of the CWA and the SDWA are not "mutually exclusive"); see also Bath Petrol. Storage, Inc. v. Sovas, 309 F. Supp. 2d 3572 369 (N.D.N.Y. 2004). C. The District Court's Finding of Liability Is Consistent with EPA's Longstanding Position. EPA's longstanding position has been that point -source discharges of pollutants moving through groundwater to a jurisdictional surface water are subject to CWA permitting requirements if there is a "direct hydrological connection" between the groundwater and the surface water. EPA has repeatedly articulated this view in multiple rulemaking preambles. In 1990, EPA stated that "this rulemaking only addresses discharges to water of the United States; consequently discharges to ground waters are not covered by this rulemaking (unless there is a 4 The County misconstrues EPA's position in Inland Steel v. EPA, 901 F.2d 1419 (7th Cir. 1990). EPA argued that not all disposals into injection wells are discharges of pollutants under the CWA, and that the connection between the wells and navigable waters in that case was too attenuated to bring the discharges under the purview of the CWA. Id. at 1422-23. That position (embraced by the Seventh Circuit) does not mean that "injection into wells is not a discharge of pollutants requiring a NPDES permit." Op. Br. at 27. 22 �f1:ii:1 J �� 9JC1 51" hydrological ? hydrological connection b6tween the ground water and a nearby surface water body)." NPDES Permit Application Regulations for Storm Water Discharges, 55 Fed. Reg. 47,990, 47,997 (Dec. 2, 1990). And in the preamble to its final rule addressing water quality standards on Indian lands, EPA stated: [T]he Act requires NPDES permits for discharges to groundwater where there is a direct hydrological connection between groundwaters and surface waters. In these situations, the affected groundwaters are not considered "waters of the United States" but discharges to them are regulated because such discharges are effectively discharges to the directly connected surface waters. 56 Fed. Reg. at 64,982. In 2001, EPA reiterated its position: "As a legal and factual matter, EPA has made a determination that, in. general, collected or channeled pollutants conveyed to surface waters via ground water can constitute a discharge subject to the Clean Water Act." 66 Fed. Reg. at 3017. EPA recognized that the determination was "a factual inquiry, like all point source determinations," adding: The time and distance by which a point source discharge is connected to surface waters via hydrologically connected surface waters will be affected by many site specific factors, such as geology, flow, and slope. Therefore, EPA is not proposing to establish any specific criteria beyond confining 23 S9�Jy�a J � � 1 '�/C1 ,i it ;-Iii Ito ►.,�t (p "� �'.• i �e �: l � � - G � �d , � - � • • the scope of the regulation to discharges to surface water via a "direct" hydrological connection. Id. A general hydrological connection between all groundwater and surface waters is insufficient; there must be evidence showing a direct hydrological connection between specific groundwater and specific surface waters. Id. To the extent there is statutory ambiguity about whether the CWA applies to discharges to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater, EPA's interpretation is entitled to Chevron deference. Chevron, 467 U.S. at 842-43. The County's contention that the direct -hydrological -connection standard is at odds with EPA's recently -stated position on whether groundwater is a jurisdictional water misinterprets EPA's statements. Op. Br. at 38-39. The Clean Water Rule, which was promulgated in June 2015 (and stayed by the Sixth Circuit pending further order of the court, see In re EPA & Dept of Def. Final Rule, 803 F.3d 804, 809 (6th - Cir. 2015)), expressly excludes groundwater from the definition of "waters of the United States." 80 Fed. Reg. 37,054. But, as EPA clarified, the fact that groundwater itself is not jurisdictional under the CWA does not mean that pollutants that reach waters of the United 24 s9.lyl:a � - � e.' � •��c, .�� • � its: M ".,y �u .�, i 3 : �, .; :: sl, - � • - � States through groundwater do not require CWA permits. "EPA agrees that the agency has a longstanding and consistent interpretation that the Clean Water Act may cover discharges of pollutants from point sources to surface water that occur via ground water that has a direct hydrologic connection to the surface water. Nothing in this rule changes or affects that longstanding interpretation, including the exclusion of groundwater from the definition of `waters of the United States."' See EPA, Response to Comments — Topic 10 Legal Analysis (June 30, 2015); available at http://www.epa.gov/cleanwaterrule/response-comments- cle an -water -rule - definition -waters -unite d- states. The County erroneously attempts to conflate the jurisdictional exclusion of groundwater with the role that groundwater can play as the pathway through which pollutants from a point source reach jurisdictional surface waters.5 5 The district court stated that if the proposed Clean Water Rule was finalized, it "would likely mean that the groundwater under the [facility] could not itself be considered `waters of the United States"' and that this would affect whether Plaintiffs could also prevail under Healdsburg. Hawaii 1, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 1001. But the court erred in attempting to apply Healdsburg because the jurisdictional status of groundwater itself is irrelevant to whether discharges that move through groundwater to jurisdictional waters require NPDES permits. 25 ■ ,n + .• �1 • v �• �i n ,ALL e m • QM'lAi:lOi J �l � �� '.b C1 ,i II � ii Iia i .�h (�) � 1.� I it � : l... C G �i�� - :� ' • II. THE COUNTY IS LIABLE FOR UNPERMITTED DISCHARGES DUE TO THE "DIRECT HYDROLOGICAL CONNECTION" BETWEEN THE GROUNDWATER AND THE OCEAN. Discharges of pollutants from a point source that move through groundwater are subject to CWA permitting requirements if there is a direct hydrological connection between the groundwater and a jurisdictional surface water.6 Ascertaining whether there is a direct hydrological connection is a fact -specific determination. 66 Fed. Reg. at 3017. To qualify as "direct," a pollutant must be able to proceed from the point of injection to the surface water without significant interruption. Relevant evidence includes the time it takes for a pollutant to move to surface waters, the distance it travels, and its traceability to the point source. These factors will be affected by the type of pollutant, geology, direction of groundwater flow, and evidence that the pollutant can or does reach jurisdictional surface waters. Id. Here, the district court correctly held that the County discharged pollutants to the ocean through groundwater. In Hawaii I, the court 6 Some courts refer to a "hydrological connection." The more accurate formulation, however, is a "direct hydrological connection," which recognizes that some connections are too circuitous and attenuated to be under the CWXs purview. 26 Iifm .- ii ria 1111ta �,at (I) �l.. i �, : i, ., c : c Sa :, • - • determined that a direct hydrological connection exists between the groundwater and the ocean. The tracer -dye study clearly established that the discharges moved from wells 3 and 4 to the ocean in relatively short order.? Hawaii I, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 984. The study concluded that after 84 days, the dye began to appear along the North Kaanapah Beach, half a mile from the facility. Id. The tracer -dye study also estimated that 64% of the treated effluent from wells 3 and 4 followed this route to the ocean. Id. Although the court's ultimate conclusion was correct, the court's alternative explanation for the County's liability under the "significant nexus" standard from Rapanos and Healdsburg was erroneous. Hawaii I, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 1004. Rapanos and Healdsburg applied the "significant nexus" standard in determining whether the receiving waters were "waters of the United States." In contrast, here, there is no dispute that the Pacific Ocean (the receiving water in this case), as a "territorial sea," is a "navigable water" under the CWA. This Court 7 Although this tracer -dye study simplified the analysis, such studies are not the only means of demonstrating a direct hydrological connection. It also is not necessary to trace the exact pathway that the pollutants take to establish that a direct hydrological connection exists. 27 �Jij11�:3d:1 J ' t I 'fl Rt " i Ifi <.�y !i 1,.+•I i1 R �: I.., G if :- • ' 9 • • should clarify that the "significant nexus" standard has no relevance here. In Hawaii II, the district court correctly held the County discharged pollutants from wells 1 and 2 to the ocean through groundwater. But the court's opinion did not go into great detail about the movement through groundwater because the County "expressly conced[ed] that pollutants introduced by the County into wells 1 and 2. were making their way to the ocean" and "acknowledge [d] that there is a hydrogeologic connection between wells 1 and 2 and the ocean." Hawaii II, 2015 WL 328227, at *2. There was additional evidence that a direct hydrological connection existed between wells 1 and 2 and the Pacific Ocean. First, the tracer -dye study models indicated that in some circumstances treated effluent from well 2 would move along flowpaths that were similar to those traveled by the dye injected into wells 3 and 4 and would emerge at the same submarine springs. SER 237, 240, 243. Because wells 3 and 4 are located between the springs and well 2, the flowpath for these discharges would be affected by the amount of effluent injected into each well. SER 237. When most of the effluent was _: Case 2:15-cvE Q2A263AG44WO_M M EM3 MM84 119: 4T4ft@i� MAO RBLgelD# 9163 injected into wells 3 and 4, the effluent from well 2 would travel northwesterly from the wells and not toward the springs; however, when well 2 received all of the effluent, the study indicated that the discharges would emerge at the springs. SER 240, 243. There was no dispute that given the proximity of wells 1 and 2, the modeling for- well 2 predicts the pathways for discharges from well 1. ER 443, SER 189. Second, Plaintiffs' expert stated that the effluent discharged from wells 1 and 2 "will be conveyed ... relatively quickly (i.e., with first arrival at the ocean in a matter of months)" and concluded that "[s]ince the aquifer material and hydraulic gradient in the area of all four ... wells are similar, the groundwater flow will also be similar." SER 183. Although the County's expert argued that the point of entry for pollutants into the ocean from wells 1 and 2 could not be identified, the County did not dispute that the study showed effluent emerging at the same springs where the effluent from wells 3 and 4 emerged. Haw. Wildlife Fund v. Cty. of Maui, No. 12-198, ECF No. 136, at 16. Any fears about the implications of point -source discharges to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection being subject to NPDES-permit requirements 29 g!''• 1 'fIG� ii r i� It :'; • " i..n U):. i « �'�: i�;; c € c i' ��u` =' : - t . • • • are unwarranted. Op. Br. at 43-44. EPA and states have been issuing permits for this type of discharge from a number of industries, including chemical plants, concentrated animal feeding operations, mines, and oil and gas waste -treatment facilities. See, e.g., NPDES Permit No. NM0022306, available at https://www.env.nm.gov/swgb/Permits/; NPDES Permit No. WA0023434, available at https://yosemite.epa. gov/r10/water. nsf/NPD ES+Permits/CurrentOR&W Further, only those discharges that move through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection to surface waters are affected. That not all discharges through groundwater are subject to NPDES- permit requirements is shown by cases where the hydrological connections were too attenuated. In McClellan Ecological Seepage Situation (MESS) v. Weinberger, the court agreed with the plaintiff that discharges through groundwater may be subject to the CWA and allowed the parties to submit evidence on the issue. 707 F. Supp. 1182, 1196 (E.D. Cal. 1988). Based on evidence indicating that it would take "literally dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of years for any pollutants in the groundwater to reach surface waters," the court found that there 30 Q9�j:i:� �� +' 1 'flf:� i ii�i Ian • . t fl) � r� iE , WA � ; : �i�i - • - were no regulated discharges. MESS v. Cheney, 763 F. Supp. 431, 437 (E.D. Cal. 1989). And even after allowing the plaintiff an opportunity to provide more testimony at trial, the court ruled that the plaintiff had failed to meet its burden. MESS v. Cheney, No. 86-475,20 Envtl. L. Rep. 20,877 (E.D. Cal. Apr. 30, 1990), vacated on other grounds, 47 F.3d 325, 331 (9th Cir. 1995). Likewise, in Greater Yellowstone Coalition v. Larson, evidence indicated that the connection to surface waters was too attenuated. 641 F. Supp. 2d 1120 (D. Idaho 2000), aff'd 628 F.3d 1143, 1153 (9th Cir. 2010). In that case, federal agencies determined that a CWA Section 401 certification was not required for a mining operation. Under Section 401, "[a]ny applicant for a Federal license or permit to conduct any activity ... which may result in any discharge into the navigable waters, shall provide the licensing or permitting agency a certification from the State ... that any such .discharge will comply with the applicable provisions." 33 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1). The agencies based their determination on evidence that before reaching surface waters, the pollutants would pass through hundreds of feet of overburden and bedrock, and then travel underground through soil and rock for one to 31 Q�1:"1:1:� J ' l �' 1 '1/ft ' • '• :i1 (1) '� �'� it w �'�: I�:; C �Sn " - • • • four miles. Greater Yellowstone, 641 F. Supp. 2d at 1139. Modeling predicted that the movement of peak. concentrations would take between 60 and 420 years. Id. The court weighed competing evidence from the plaintiff and ultimately deferred to the agencies' determination that the hydrological connection was too attenuated. Id. at 1141. Unlike MESS and Greater Yellowstone, in which the connection was too attenuated, the discharges here resulted from a direct hydrological connection, and thus require a permit. ITI. THE DISTRICT COURT CORRECTLY HELD THAT THE COUNTY HAD FAIR NOTICE FOR PURPOSES OF CIVIL PENALTIES. In the Argument section of its brief, the County maintains that this Court should direct the district court to set aside any civil penalties "imposed on the County regardless of the outcome of the challenge to the district court's liability rulings" because it lacked fair notice. Op. Br. at 47. As an initial matter, the County would seemingly be precluded from appealing the fair -notice issue as to civil penalties because it stipulated to their amount in the settlement agreement. To the extent that the County has reserved its right to appeal the issue, however, the County's argument lacks merit., , 32 �'n.•i• ��,w 17�.. iii i,i��7 Il•� �• • • 1 'PTi` a '• 1 i I )TOO ,:• This Court has held that a party may not be deprived of property through civil penalties without fair notice. See United States v. Approximately 64,695 Pounds of Shark Fins, 520 F.3d 976, 980 (9th Cir. 2008). To provide notice, "a statute or regulation must `give the person of ordinary intelligence a reasonable opportunity to know what is prohibited so that he may act accordingly."' Id. This Court looks first to the language of the statute when determining whether a party had fair notice. Id. As discussed above, Congress used broad language in'the CWA in defining the discharge of pollutants, and that expansiveness provides a `reasonable opportunity for a person to know what the statute prohibits. The breadth of that language is only bolstered by the intent of the CWA. Moreover, EPA has made multiple public statements in rulemaking preambles that consistently described its interpretation that discharges of pollutants to jurisdictional surface waters through groundwater with a direct hydrological connection are subject to NPDES permitting under the CWA. Further, with respect to specific communications with the County, EPA sent two letters to the County in early 2010. In January 2010, EPA stated that it was "investigating the 33 Qq:1d:� J �� R �� "11Ct .1 i • �i Ifs. i,PP (I) + �'.r i 'm � �: a �; �L' - ei Feu ,• - � • possible discharge of pollutants to the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean along the Kaanapali coast of Maui." SER 5. This investigation was spurred in part by a 2007 study concluding that much of the nitrogen in Kaanapali coastal waters came from the County's facility and a 2009 study that found the same nitrogen signature and other "wastewater presence" in the ocean. Hawaii I, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 984. The letter continued: "In order to assess the impact of the [facility's] effluent on the coastal waters and determine compliance with the Act, EPA is requiring the County to sample the injected effluent, sample the coastal seeps, conduct an introduced tracer study, and submit reports on findings to EPA." SER 5. EPA required this sampling, monitoring, and reporting pursuant to CWA Section 308, under which "the [EPA] Administrator shall require the owner or operator of any point source" to provide the information. 33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(A). The letter provided notice that there was evidence suggesting a hydrological connection. In March 2010, EPA responded to the County's request for a UIC permit renewal under the SDWA "by informing the County that recent studies `strongly suggest that effluent from the facility's injection wells is discharging into the near shore coastal zone of the Pacific Ocean." 34 11:jy a J ' �l t + •. 1 .0%t ,iii ; r'1111b. t..:i n, �QW: �, r, �1!�i - � � - � • Hawaii 1, 24 F. Supp. 3d at 984 (quoting ER 122). As a result, EPA required the County to apply for a CWA Section 401 water -quality certification for its injection facilities as a prerequisite to EPA's issuance of a new UIC permit. ER 121-22; see 33 U.S.C. § 1341(a). The County's assertion that this letter did not put it on notice of potential CWA liability because the certification was related to its UIC permit rather than any obligations under the NPDES program is unavailing. Op. Br. at 56-57. A UIC permit does not preclude the need for a NPDES permit where required, and the March 2010 communication reiterated EPA's position that the discharges might be covered by the CWA, depending on the results of the ordered sampling, monitoring, and reporting. The County was on fair notice. In any event, fair notice is only one of many factors informing a civil -penalty amount, see 33 U.S.C. § 1319(d), and thus the County's argument that the penalty should be set aside for lack of fair notice alone is flawed. 35 ppliglig =' • :'; • "C' 1 -f ' - (• • 1 CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, the district court's judgment should be affirmed. OF COUNSEL: KARYN WENDELOWSKI U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of General Counsel Washington, D.C. May 31, 2016 90-12-14672 Respectfully submitted, JOHN C. CRUDEN Assistant Attorney General I s / Frederick H. Turner FREDERICK H. TURNER AARON P. AVILA R. JUSTIN SMITH Attorneys, U.S. Dep't of Justice Env't & Natural Resources Div. P.O. Box 7415 Washington, DC 20044 (202) 305-0641 frederick.turner@usdoj.gov 36 11.34:7 J a, �;• 1 "f/ftiii` • �i, Iii .: " •Ly 10M! 'N (l) iNo':w i� a �`�: ��:; ' : v i�,; g - - • CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH TYPE VOLUME LIMITATION, TYPEFACE REQUIREMENTS, AND TYPE -STYLE REQUIREMENTS This brief complies with the type -volume limitation of Fed. R. App. P. 32(a)(7)(B) (for amicus briefs as provided by Fed. R. App. P. 29(d)) J because it contains 6,904 words, excluding the parts of the brief exempted by Fed. R. App. P. 32(a)(7)(B)(iii). This brief complies with the typeface requirements of Fed. R. App. P. 32(a)(5) and the type -style requirements of Fed. R. App. P. 32(a)(6) because it has been prepared in a proportionally spaced typeface using Microsoft Word 14 -point Century Schoolbook. 37 I s / Frederick H. Turner FREDERICK H. TURNER U.S. Department of Justice Env't & Natural Resources Div. P:O. Box 7415 Washington,.DC 20044 (202) 305-0641 frederick.turner@usdoj.gov Q9:R�:� 1 �1 a �' - 1 'flC1 � ,i ii � t� IFb r,.�y II) � �'.�it � � J: � .'.: 2 % � Bei �' A � ' � • CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that on May 31, 2016, I electronically filed the foregoing brief with the Clerk of the Court for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit using the appellate CM/ECF system, which will serve the brief on the other participants in this case. /s /Frederick H. Turner FREDERICK H. TURNER U.S. Department of Justice Env't & Natural Resources Div. P.O. Box 7415 Washington, DC 20044 (202) 305-0641 frederick.turner@usdoj.gov W