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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0028746_1993 draft_19930820State of North Carolina I� Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary ® NF1 A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director August 20, 1993 Mr. Leonard E. Stogner, Jr. Vice President Rayco Utilities, Inc. 4200 Highway 29 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Subject: NPDES Permit No. NCO028746 Briarwood Subdivision WWTP Stokes County Dear Mr. Stogner: The Division has considered your concerns regarding chronic toxicity limits outlined in the August 6, 1993 facsimile from Mr. Thurman Horne. In response to these concerns and your suggested six month window for completion of a low -flow study, the Division proposes the following modifications to the subject permit: a) For a period beginning upon the effective date of the permit up until September 1, 1994, Rayco Utilities will be required to monitor for ammonia in the effluent at Briarwood Subdivision and will also be required to provide semi-annual chronic toxicity monitoring as outlined in the draft permit. On September 1, 1994, the chronic toxicity and ammonia monitoring requirements of the permit will be replaced by monthly average ammonia limits of 1.0 mg/l and 5.9 mg/l for the Summer and Winter months respectively. b) The permit will contain a condition (see Part III, condition F) which states that upon submittal of flow data, the Division will reopen the permit and reevaluate the toxicity and ammonia requirements of the permit. As a reminder, for accepted procedures in evaluating low flows, please refer to the document entitled Procedures for Projecting Low Flow Statistics at an Unga ed Site enclosed in the July 12, 1993 letter from the Division. As you will note in the procedures document, it is imperative that you coordinate closely with the Division and the USGS such that the data collected can be quality assured for use in estimating low flow statistics. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 FAX 919-733-2496 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper Mr. Stogner August 20, 1993 Page Two Attached is a draft of the revised permit. If any terms or conditions proposed by this modification are unacceptable to you, you should notify us within fifteen (15) days following receipt of this letter. If this permit modification is acceptable, Rayco Utilities, Inc. must complete the attached Notice of Withdrawal of Petition form within thirty days of receipt of this modification and submit one copy to the Attorney General's Office as specified on the withdrawal form and one copy to this division. The original Notice of Withdrawal form should be submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings. Please examine the enclosed draft permit and ensure that the changes are acceptable to you. When you have withdrawn your request for Contested Case Hearing, the modified permit will be issued. If the proposed modifications are not acceptable to you, please notify us within thirty (30) days and we will proceed with the adjudicatory process. If you have any questions or comments regarding the "Procedures" document, please contact Ruth Swanek of our Technical Support Branch at (919) 733-5083. General questions regarding the Petition for Contested Case Hearing, or requests for additional information should be directed to Sean D. Goris of our Permits and Engineering Unit at the same number. in i E cc: Winston-Salem Regional Office Elizabeth Rouse Mosely, Office of the Attorney General Ruth Swanek, Technical Support Branch Thurman Horne, P.E. Permits and Engineering Unit Central Files STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .PE- 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, Rayco Utilities, Incorporated is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at Briarwood Subdivision on NC Highway 66 southeast of Mount Olive Stokes County to receiving waters designated as an unnamed tributary to Brushy Fork Creek in the Roanoke'River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth in Parts I, II, and III hereof. This permit shall become effective This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on January 31, 1997 Signed this day v-` ,R� �z �4 A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director Division of Environmental Management By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Rayco Utilities, Incorporated is hereby authorized to: Permit No. NC0028746 1. Continue to operate an existing 0.050 MGD activated sludge package -type wastewater treatment facility consisting of an influent sedimentation chamber, aeration basin, clarification basin, tablet chlorination and contact chambers located at Briarwood Subdivision, on NC Highway 66, southeast of Mount Olive, Stokes County (See Part III of this Permit), and 2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into an unnamed tributary to Brushy Fork Creek which is classified Class C waters in the Roanoke River Basin. 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U OC m Z o. :3 W 3 D CO � co Z vOi :� E 0 U FL H 0 ti H N Fm- H HR .c a� w a� n� 0 •O pQO� cct b oo,' 0 b) a ct y 1� .r on CA a) .-r C� as'a' CA CA CA C O a� b 0 .0 It) Z .E8 O CIS 4.4 ;•d 0 O to ti a� 1. The permittee shall comply with Final Effluent Limitations specified for discharges in accordance with the following schedule: Permittee shall comply with Final Effluent Limitations by the effective date of the permit unless specified below. 2. Permittee shall at all times provide the operation and maintenance necessary to operate the existing facilities at optimum efficiency. 3. No later than 14 calendar days following a date identified in the above schedule of compliance, the permittee shall submit either a report of progress or, in the case of specific actions being required by identified dates, a written notice of compliance or noncompliance. In the latter case, the notice shall include the cause of noncompliance, any remedial actions taken, and the probability of meeting the next schedule requirements. Part II Page 1 of 14 PART II STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR NPDES PERMITS " 16 0 RIVV • The Director of the Division of Environmental Management Means the Division of Environmental Management, Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. Used herein means the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. 4. Act or "the Act" The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, as amended, 33 USC 1251, et. seq. 5. Mass/Day Measurements a. The "monthly average discharge" is defined as the total mass of all daily discharges sampled and/or measured during a calendar month on which daily discharges are sampled and measured, divided by the number of daily discharges sampled and/or measured during such month. It is therefore, an arithmetic mean found by adding the weights of the pollutant found each day of the month and then dividing this sum by the number of days the tests were reported. The limitation is identified as "Monthly Average" in Part I of the permit. b . The "weekly average discharge" is defined as the total mass of all daily discharges sampled and/or measured during the calendar week (Sunday - Saturday) on which daily discharges are sampled and measured, divided by the number of daily discharges sampled and/or measured during such week. It is, therefore, an arithmetic mean found by adding the weights of pollutants found each day of the week and then dividing this sum by the number of days the tests were reported. This limitation is identified as "Weekly Average" in Part I of the permit. c. The "maximum daily discharge" is the total mass (weight) of a pollutant discharged during a calendar day. If only one sample is taken during any calendar day the weight of pollutant calculated from it is the "maximum daily discharge." This limitation is identified as "Daily Maximum," in Part I of the permit. d. The "average annual discharge" is defined as the total mass of all daily discharges sampled and/or measured during the calendar year on which daily discharges are sampled and .measured, divided by the number of daily discharges sampled and/or measured during such year. It is, therefore, an arithmetic mean found by adding the weights of pollutants found each day of the year and then dividing this sum by the number of days the tests were reported. This limitation is defined as "Annual Average" in Part I of the permit. Part II Page 3 of 14 a. Flow, (MGD): The flow limit expressed in this permit is the 24 hours average flow, averaged monthly. It is determined as the arithmetic mean of the total daily flows recorded during the calendar month. b. An "instantaneous flow measurement" is a measure of flow taken at the time of sampling, when both the sample and flow will be representative of the total discharge. C. A "continuous flow measurement" is a measure of discharge flow from the facility which occurs continually without interruption throughout the operating hours of the facility. Flow shall be monitored continually except for the infrequent tunes when there may be no flow or for infrequent maintenance activities on the flow device. raw .1 . -I • a. Composite Sample: A composite sample shall consist of: (1) a series of grab samples collected at equal time intervals over a 24 hour period of discharge and combined proportional to the rate of flow measured at the time of individual sample collection, or (2) a series of grab samples of equal volume collected over a 24 hour period with the time intervals between samples determined by a preset number of gallons passing the sampling point. Flow measurement between sample intervals shall be determined by use of a flow recorder and totalizer, and the present gallon interval between sample collection fixed at no greater than 1/24 of the expected total daily flow at the treatment system, or (3) a single, continuous sample collected over a 24 hour period proportional to the rate of flow. In accordance with (1) above, the time interval between influent grab samples shall be no greater than once per hour, and the time interval between effluent grab samples shall be no greater than once per hour except at wastewater treatment systems having'a detention time of greater than 24 hours. In such cases, effluent grab samples may be collected at time intervals evenly spaced over the 24 hour period which are equal in number of hours to the detention time of the system in number of days. However, in no case may the time interval between effluent grab samples be greater than six (6) hours nor the number of samples less than four (4) during a 24 hour sampling period. b. Grab Sample: Grab samples are individual samples collected over a period of time not exceeding 15 minutes; the grab sample can be taken manually. Grab samples must be representative of the discharge or the receiving waters. 9. Calculation of Means Arithmetic Mean: The arithmetic mean of any set of values is the summation of the individual values divided by the number of individual values. b. Geometric Mean: The geometric mean of any set of values is the Nth root of the product of the individual values where N is equal to the number of individual values. The geometric mean is equivalent to the antilog of the arithmetic mean of the logarithms of the individual values. For purposes of calculating the geometric mean, values of zero (0) shall be considered to be one (1). 1 Page g , ,: Penalties for Class H violations are not to exceed $10,000 per day for each day during which the violation continues, with the maximum amount of any Class H penalty not to exceed $125,000. The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge or sludge use or disposal in violation of this permit which has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment. Except as provided in permit conditions on "Bypassing" (Part II, C-4) and "Power Failures" (Part II, C-7), nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties for noncompliance pursuant to NCGS 143-215.3,143- 215.6 or Section 309 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1319. Furthermore, the permittee is responsible for consequential damages, such as fish kills, even though the responsibility for effective compliance may be temporarily suspended. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the permittee is or may be subject to under NCGS 143-215.75 et seq. or Section 311 of the Federal Act, 33 USG 1321. Furthermore, the permittee is responsible for consequential damages, such as fish kills, even though the responsibility for effective compliance may be temporarily suspended. ••-, I'm. I The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any infringement of Federal, State or local laws or regulations. • •-• • •- • �s. , This permit does not authorize or approve the construction of any onshore or offshore physical structures or facilities or the undertaking of any work in any navigable waters. The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit, or the application of any provision of this permit to any circumstances, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby. The permittee shall furnish to the Permit Issuing Authority, within a reasonable time, any information which the Permit Issuing Authority may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The permittee shall also furnish to the Permit Issuing Authority upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit. Part H ., ge 7 of 14 c. Certification. Any person signing a document under paragraphs a. or b. of this section shall make the following certification: "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." • X111y� • , This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The filing of a request by the permittee for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition. The issuance of this permit does not prohibit the permit issuing authority from reopening and modifying the permit, revoking and reissuing the permit, or terminating the permit as allowed by the laws, rules, and regulations contained in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 122 and 123; Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 2H .0100; and North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 et. al. 14. Previous Permits All previous National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge, are hereby revoked by issuance of this permit. [The exclusive authority to operate this facility arises under this permit. The authority to operate the facility under previously issued permits bearing this number is no longer effective. ] The conditions, requirements, terms, and provisions of this permit authorizing discharge under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System govern discharges from this facility. MOMIS)NOW919 ' • 10 MIMI guy VIAIWINQ• i6M • • ' • - a -6147 • Pursuant to Chapter 90A-44 of North Carolina General Statutes, and upon classification of the facility by the Certification Commission, the permittee shall employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator in responsible charge (ORC) of the wastewater treatment facilities. Such operator must hold a certification of the grade equivalent to or greater than the classification assigned to the wastewater treatment facilities by the Certification Commission. The permittee must also employ a certified back-up operator of the appropriate type and any grade to comply with the conditions of Title 15A, Chapter 8A .0202. The ORC of the facility must visit each Class I facility at least weekly and each Class II, III, and IV facility at least daily, excluding weekends and holidays, and must properly manage and document daily operation and maintenance of the facility and must comply with all other. conditions of Title 15A, Chapter 8A .0202. Once the facility is classified, the permittee shall submit a letter to the Certification Commission which designates the operator in responsible charge within thirty days after the wastewater treatment facilities are 50% complete. periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate backup equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance; and (C) The permittee submitted notices as required under Paragraph c. of this section. (2) The Permit Issuing Authority may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse affects, if the Permit Issuing Authority determines that it will meet the three conditions listed above in Paragraph d. (1) of this section. 5. UpSets a. Definition. "Upset " means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology based permit effluent .limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance,, or careless or improper operation. b. Effect of an upset. An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with such technology based permit effluent limitations if the requirements of paragraph c. of this condition are met. No determination made during administrative review of claims that noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for noncompliance, is final administrative action subject to judicial review. c. Conditions necessary for a demonstration of upset. A permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence that: (1) An upset occurred and that the permittee can identify the causes) of the upset; (2) The permittee facility was at the time being properly operated; and (3) The permittee submitted notice of the upset as required in Part H, E. 6. (b) (B) of this permit. (4) The permittee complied with any remedial measures required under Part II, B. 2. of this permit. d. Burden of proof. In any enforcement proceeding the permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof. 6. Removed Substances Solids, sludges, filter backwash, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or control of wastewaters shall be utilized/disposed of in accordance with NCGS 143-215.1 and 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. The permittee shall comply with all existing federal discharge volumes. Once -through condenser cooling water flow which is monitored by pump logs, or pump hour meters as specified in Part I of this permit and based on the manufacturer's pump curves shall not be subject to this requirement. = 26T.T.6 M Test procedures for the analysis of pollutants shall conform to the EMC regulations published pursuant to NCGS 143-215.63 et. seq, the Water and Air Quality Reporting Acts, and to regulations published pursuant to Section 304(g), 33 USC 1314, of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as Amended, and Regulation 40 CFR 136; or in the case of sludge use or disposal, approved under 40 CFR 136, unless otherwise specified in 40 CFR 503, unless other test procedures have been specified in this permit. To meet the intent of the monitoring required by this permit, all test procedures must produce minimum detection and reporting levels that are below the permit discharge requirements and all data generated must be reported down to the mirnmum detection or lower reporting level of the procedure. If no approved methods are determined capable of achieving minimum detection and reporting levels below permit discharge requirements, then the most sensitive (method with the lowest possible detection and reporting level) approved method must be used. • " l i .1#% V_1 The Clean Water Act provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fine of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both. •- 13RUMMOR Except for records of monitoring information required by this permit related to the permittee's sewage sludge use and disposal activities, which shall be retained for a period of at least five years (or longer as required by 40 CFR 503), the permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and. all original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies of all reports required by this permit, for a period of at least 3 years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or application. This period may be extended by request of the Director at any time. RM -674_I. ; For each measurement or sample taken pursuant to the requirements of this permit, the permittee shall record the following information: a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements; b . The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements; c. The date(s) analyses were performed; d. The individual(s) who performed the analyses; e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and f. The results of such analyses. Part II Page 13 of 14 This permit is not transferable to any person except after notice to the Director. The Director may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the permittee and incorporate such other requirements as may be necessary under the Clean Water Act. Monitoring results shall be reported at the intervals specified elsewhere in this permit. a. Monitoring results must be reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) (See Part II. D. 2 of this permit) or forms provided by the Director for reporting results of monitoring of sludge use or disposal practices. b. If the permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by the permit, using test procedures specified in Part II, D. 4. of this permit or in the case of sludge use or disposal, approved under 40 CFR 503, or as specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data submitted in the DMR c. Calculations for all limitations which require averaging of measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified by the Director in the permit. a. The permittee shall report to the central office or the appropriate regional office any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the permittee became aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within 5 days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the noncompliance, and its cause; the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has no been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance. b. The following shall be included as information which must be reported within 24 hours under this paragraph: (1) Any unanticipated bypass which exceeds any effluent limitation in the permit. (2) Any upset which exceeds any effluent limitation in the permit. (3) Violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any of the pollutants listed by the Director in the permit to be reported within 24 hours. c. The Director may waive the written report on a case-by-case basis for reports under paragraph b. above of this condition if the oral report has been received within 24 hours. 7. Other Noncompliance The permittee shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under Part II. E. 5 and 6. of this permit at the time monitoring reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Part II. E. 6. of this permit. PART III OTHER REQUIREMENTS No construction of wastewater treatment facilities or additions to add to the plant's treatment capacity or to change the type of process utilized at the treatment plant shall be begun until Final Plans and Specifications have been submitted to .the Division of Environmental Management and written approval and Authorization to Construct has been issued. W. W C • M, 1W. - a Me%• - The permittee shall, upon written notice from the Director of the Division of Environmental Management, conduct groundwater monitoring as may be required to determine the compliance of this NPDES permitted facility with the current groundwater standards. C. Changes in Discharges of Toxic Substance The permittee shall notify the Permit Issuing Authority as soon as it knows or has reason to believe: a.That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result in the discharge, on a routine or frequent basis, of any toxic pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will exceed the highest of the following "notification levels", (1) One hundred micrograms per liter (100 ug/1); (2)Two hundred micrograms per liter (200 ug/1) for acrolein and acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograms per liter (500 ug/1) for 2.4-dinitrophenol and for 2-methyl-4.6- dinitrophenol; and one milligram per liter (1 mg/1) for antimony; (3) Five (5) times the maximum concentration value reported for that pollutant in the permit application. b. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result in any discharge, on a non -routine or infrequent basis, of a toxic pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will exceed the highest of the following "notification levels"; (1) Five hundred micrograms per liter (500 ug/1); (2) One milligram per liter 0 mg/1) for antimony; (3) Ten (10) times the maximum concentration value reported for that pollutant in the permit application. D. Requirement to Continually Evaluate Alternatives to Wastewater Discharges The permittee shall continually evaluate all wastewater disposal alternatives and pursue the most environmentally sound alternative of the reasonably cost effective alternatives. If the facility is in substantial non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the NPDES permit or governing rules, regulations or laws, the permittee shall submit a report in such form and detail as required by the Division evaluating these alternatives and a plan of action within sixty (60) days of notification by the Division. Permit No. NCO028746 E. CHRONIC TOXICITY MONITORING (SEMI -ANNUAL -SEPT. 1993, MARCH 1994) The permittee shall conduct chronic toxicity tests using test procedures outlined in: 1.) The North Carolina Ceriodaphnia chronic effluent bioassay procedure (North Carolina Chronic Bioassay Procedure - Revised *September 1989) or subsequent versions. The effluent concentration defined as treatment two in the North Carolina procedure document is 90%. The permit holder shall perform semi-annual monitoring using this procedure to establish compliance with the permit condition. The first test will be performed within thirty days from the effective date of this permit during the months of September and March. Effluent sampling for this testing shall be performed at the NPDES. permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment processes. 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 TGP3B. Additionally, DEM Form AT -1 (original) is to be sent to the following address: Attention: Environmental Sciences Branch North Carolina Division of Environmental Management 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, N.C. 27607 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 any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management 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 retesting(within 30 days of initial monitoring event). Failure to submit suitable test results will constitute noncompliance with monitoring requirements. F. Low Flow Study Reopener The permittee has the option of submitting to the Division a low flow study which provides an estimate of the 7Q10 flow of the tributary to Bushy Creek. Upon receiving -this study, the Division will reopen this permit and reevaluate the toxicity and ammonia requirements of it. To assure quality, the methods used in the study must be approved by the Division and the permittee will coordinate closely with the Division and the United States Geological Survey in gathering data. NC License .RC1378 RAYCO UTILITIES, INC. 4200 Highway 29 Harrisburg, NC 28075 (704) 788-9497 August 17, 1993 Ms. Delores O. Nesnow Administrative Law Judge Office of Administrative Hearings P.O. Drawer 27447 Raleigh, NC 27611-7447 Subject: Rayco Utilities, Inc. Briarwood Subdivision Stokes County 93 EHR 0143 Dear Ms. Nesnow: SC License 5341 19 1993 BRA Pursuant to your Order dated June 16, 1993, this is to advise you of the status of progress regarding the subject facility. Rayco has been in communication with NCDEM and believe that a mutually satisfactory resolution is close. Rayco has contracted engineering services to evaluate the low flow conditions in the receiving stream. At the conclusion of this study,. NCDEM will reevaluate the limitations in the permit and adjust accordingly. NCDEM has indicated that they will issue a draft permit within seven ( 7 ) to fifteen (15 ) days. The draft permit is to contain interim limitations, a schedule for conducting the stream flow assessment and a commitment to reevaluate the effluent limits. I believe significant progress is being made and that it would be in everyone's best interest to delay further action for fifteen (15 ) days to allow time for NCDEM to issue the draft permit. If the draft permit contains acceptable terms and conditions, we may be able to resolve this matter without hearings or other formal legal proceedings. Ms. Delores O. Nesnow Page 2 August 17, 1993 I ask that you withhold further action for (15) days to see if we can reach an acceptable compromise that will allow us to withdraw our petition for hearing. I will be in communication with you to advise you of how this develops. If you have any questions or need to discuss this with me, please call me at (704)788-9497. Si rely, Leonard E. Sto er, r. Vice President LES/kb 'cc: Mr. J. Thurmon Horne, P.E. Mr. Don Safrit, NCDEM State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Leonard E. Stogner, Jr. Vice President Rayco Utilities, Inc. 4200 Highway 29 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Dear Mr. Stogner: July 12, 1993 Subject: NPDES Permit No. NCO028746 Briarwood Subdivision WWTP Stokes County In accordance with your Petition for Contested Case Hearing filed on January 27, 1993, the Division proposes the following course of action. Your petition addresses a proposed change in the NPDES permit limits for ammonia in the subject permit. Your petition also indicates a concern with the US Geological Survey (USGS) estimate of the 7Q10 flow for the tributary to Bushy Creek. Based on Title 15A NCAC 2B .0206, the Division used the best available information from the USGS to arrive at the estimate of zero flow. However, the division does allow for permittees to collect site flow data in an attempt to validate or provide revision of flow. In regard to this allowance and your concerns, the Division is willing to make the following modifications to the subject permit: a) The monthly average ammonia limits of 1.0 mg/l and 5.9 mg/1 for Summer and Winter, respectively, will be removed from the permit. As a condition of the permit, Rayco Utilities, Inc. will still be required to monitor for ammonia. In place of the ammonia limits, Rayco Utilities, Inc. will be required to provide chronic toxicity testing of the effluent as outlined in the draft permit. b) The permit will contain a condition which states that upon submittal of flow data, the Division will reopen the permit and reevaluate the toxicity testing and ammonia requirements of the permit. For accepted procedures in evaluating low flows please refer to the enclosed document entitled, Procedures for Proiectin Low Flow Statistics At An Unaged Site. As you will note in the procedures document, it is imperative that you coordinate closely with the Division and USGS such that the data collected can be quality assured for use in estimating low flow statistics. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 2.7626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7,015 FAX 919-733-2496 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper Mr. S togner T my 12, 1993 Page Two Attached is a draft of the revised permit. If any terms or conditions proposed by this modification are unacceptable to you, you should notify us within thirty (30) days following receipt of this letter. If this permit modification is acceptable, Rayco Utilities, Inc. must complete the attached Notice of Withdrawal of Petition form within thirty days of receipt of this modification and submit one copy to the Attorney General's Office as specified on the withdrawal form and one copy to this division. The original Notice of Withdrawal form should be submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings. Please examine the enclosed draft permit and ensure that the changes are acceptable to you. When you have withdrawn your request for Contested Case Hearing, the modified permit will be issued. If the proposed modifications are not acceptable to you, please notify us within thirty (30) days and we will proceed with the adjudicatory process. If you have any questions or comments regarding the enclosed "Procedures" document, please contact Ruth Swanek of our Technical Support Branch at (919) 733-5083. General questions regarding the Petition for Contested Case Hearing should be directed to Sean D. Goris of our Permits and Engineeriniit at the same number. cc: Winston-Salem Regional Offic Elizabeth Rouse Mosely, Office of the Attorney General Carla Sanderson, Technical Support Branch Ruth Swanek, Technical Support Branch Permits and Engineering Unit Central Files MEMO TO FILE: NC0028746 Rayco Utilities - Briarwood DATE: 6/25/93 FROM: Sean D. Goris After consulting with both Carla Sanderson of the modeling group and Abner Brady of the Winston-Salem Regional office it was decided that no lenience would be afforded to the permittee. The reasoning for this was based on the fact that all decisions on low flow streams made by the Division relies on data from the USGS. Therefore, in the Division's opinion, the unnamed tributary to Bushy Creek is a zero flow stream until proved otherwise and the permittee will be required to meet zero flow standards in accordance with NCAC T15A: 02B .0206. Because the discharge was subject to zero flow regulations, the permittee was given the standard option in such situations of choosing between an ammonia limit of toxicity testing. The only response form the permittee concerning this choice was a statement in which the permittee said he had neither the money or the inclination to implement either permit condition (see WLA). Given this non -decision, the Division chose to apply ammonia limits to the permit based on the recommendation of the region. The permittee has adjudicated the permit on the grounds of the ammonia limit and the 7Q10 of the stream. Because the stream is considered a zero flow stream, the permittee has no choice but to either meet an ammonia limit or provide toxicity testing if he wishes to continue to discharge. Since he has contested the ammonia limit, the division will place a toxicity test requirement into the permit and drop the ammonia limit so that the permit is in accordance with current DEM zero flow policy. The permittee has the option to show the Division that the stream is in fact not a zero flow stream. If this option is exercised, the Division is willing to reopen the permit and reevaluate the ammonia and toxicity requirements. But until this option is exercised, the permittee will be subject to current DEM zero flow requirements. The burden of proof in showing that the stream is not zero flow rest solely in the hands of the permittee. North Carolina Division of Environmental Management Water Quality Section / Rapid Assessment Group 5 March, 1993 MEMORANDUM To: Don Safrit, P.E., Supervisor From: Farrell Keough, Environmental Modeler I Through: Carla Sanderson, Environmental Supervisor Subject: Briarwood Subdivision WWTP -4 NPDES Permit No. NC0028746 Stokes County Per your request to send a single, consolidated letter to Mr. Stogner regarding the issues surrounding his adjudication of the draft permit, enclosed is a copy of Procedures For Projecting. Low Flow Statistics At An Ungaged_ Site. A copy of vn �, AAthe originals etter, w/ comments, is also attached so the final draft will include any pertinent TSB information. Should you have any questions, please contact myself or Carla Sanderson. cc: Attachment Trevor Clements North Carolina Division of Environmental Management Water Quality Section / Rapid Assessment Group 24 February, 1993 MEMORANDUM To: Don Safrit, P.E., Supervisor From: Farrell Keough, Environmental Modeler I Through: Carla Sanderson, Environmental Supervisor Subject: Briarwood Subdivision WWTP NPDES Permit No. NCO028746 Stokes County The subject facility is located in a county which will continue to redAve N H 3 -N limits based on the instream criteria of 1 mg/l for summer and 1.8 mg/l for winter. The receiving stream for Briarwood Subdivision WWTP has a 7Q10 flow of Zero, and Standard Operating Procedures dictates a limit based on the instream criteria for such a designation. This branch has mailed Mr. Stogner a Procedures For Projecting Low Flow Statistics At An Ungaged Site, (refer attached). Should you have any questions, please contact Carla Sanderson. cc: Attachment Preston Howard Trevor Clements Central Files Procedures for Projecting Low Flow Statistics At An Ungaged Site This summary is provided to assist in the development of data to determine an acceptable projection of the low flow statistics (7Q10, 30Q2) at stream sites where current information available to DEM yields zero 7Q10 and 30Q2 values. Low flow estimates used by the Division are based on data collected at many stream sites under cooperative agreements with the U.S. Geological Survey. Even though a significant data base has been accumu- lated, it is impossible to collect data at all points on all streams in the State. Therefore, estimates of the 7Q10 and the 30Q2 for streams where no actual data has been collected are based on data collected at nearby streams and a knowledge of the general hydrology of the area. The Division will not approve new oxygen demanding discharges into streams, where the estimated 7Q10 and 30Q2 are zero, unless it can be demonstrated by the applicant for a discharge permit that there is flow at the site under 7Q10 and/or 30Q2 conditions or that there is an appropriate mechanism for establishing proper effluent limitations to protect water quality standards and a reliable technology available to achieve those lim- itations. To demonstrate that there is flow at the 7Q10 or 30Q2 level requires collection of supporting data using standard engineering practices and hydrologic techniques. The most widely used procedure requiring the least effort and expense is to obtain direct flow measurements at the pro- posed site, correlate those measurements with concurrent flow at nearby gage(s) and, using a correlation curve with the 7Q10 and 30Q2 of the gaged stream, project the 7Q10 and 30Q2 at the proposed site. I. --'TTTe accuracy of the low flow estimates thus determined depends largely on how well the streamflows compare - are the streams hydrologically similar - and if they are similar, how well the relation between the two is defined. There are several factors to consider when attempting to define the corre- lation curve: 1. Measurements must be made during periods of base flow, that is when streamflow is derived from groundwater; no surface runoff. Streams are normally at base flow 5-7 days after the last rainfall event. 2. To define the curve, measurements must be made to cover a range in flow; a minimum of 4 or 5 measurements reflecting separate hydrologic events are normally required. It is unlikely that extreme events (e.g. 7Q10) will occur during the period you are collecting data and the correlation will have to be extrapolated to the appropriate level. Of course, the lower the flow is measured, the better the extrapolation will be. Normally, the lowest streamflows occur in September and October. Long extrapolations generally will not be accepted. (See attached sample). 3. Diversions into or out of the stream may make correlation of flow impossible. Streams affected by diversions will be handled on a case by case basis. 4. Streamf low measurements must be made using generally accepted standard engineering practices, such as, current meter measurements, calibrated weirs, and volumetrically. Non -recognized techniques will not normally be accepted. 5. Data from continuous stream gages can be obtained from the U.S. Geo- logical Survey. It is important to note the station number, date and time in your request for data. U.S. Geological Survey P.O. Box 2857 Raleigh, North Carolina 27602 6. The criteria for establishing a positive flow at a site will generally be considered a projected flow (i.e. 7Q10, 30Q2) greater than 0.05 cfs. However, each instance will receive individual review and a separate interpretation. Approval Procedures: In order to begin a 7Q10 flow study, a request must be submitted to: Mr. Trevor Clements and Mr. Curtis Gunter N.C. DNRCD/DEM Water Resources Division WQ Section/Technical Services Branch USGS PO Box 27687 Raleigh, North Carolina 27602 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-27687 - 2 - w cc: D z 0 Lli cr M 0 Lij I CL X w -1 a sio ui objewosin sepw esenbs 9*L-VC] NAAHO :A-IdNVX-A I C? 0 T- U) Al tE co :3 cr (n Iq co co 0 z 0 cl: Lli z v w w Ir C) w I D 0 0 OC) CC) 0 C\j 0 Tnclude with this request a detailed study plan describing the following: 1. The flow measurement procedures and equipment to be used, 2. A map showing the location of the site, 3. A schedule for developing the flow data and a final report, and 4. A discussion of the facts, if any, which indicate why a positive 7Q10 flow at this site is expected. The study must not begin until written approval of the plan is received from DEM. USGS - Techniques of Water Resources Investigations. Book 3, Chapter A6. General procedures for gaging streams. R.W. Carter.and J. Davidian. 1968. Book 3, Chapter A8. Discharge measurements at gaging stations. T.J. Buchananan and W.P. Somers. 1969. Book 3, Chapter A14. Use of flumes in measuring discharge. F.A. Kilpatrick and V.R. Schneider. 1983. Book 4, Chapter B1. Low -flow investigations. H.C. Riggs. 1972. U.S. Geological Survey. Water Resources data for North Carolina. Water Year 19--. Yonts, W.L. Low -flow measurements of North Carolina Streams. North Caro- lina Department of Water and Air Resources. .11 - 3 - (' R�'J� � 7 C�G. �t (-c, ce- ct t J �4 � n QY 6� u u..� 1 �F�D r CL Com [ �a y R taw e- VState et ` of North Carol b 4w 1144Pmvironment, Health, ai ( ``"'^' `"�' ` � a `C `'"LA J>kA' Division of Environmental Mana wYckA qkv v,44-;, e�F�- OQ41AC Salisbury ury Street Raleigh, Nori 7Qt o �tmt�zLar�- C �er 15 aE 2i3, �icv,C�•� cC 002b(c 4U vlv�scA& Certified Mail No. < si -tb Return Receipt Reauested J�OWACV ps-5 '"o Cal�ec Mr. Leonard S togner-t- Briarwood Subdivision �'��'�"' =� Ra co Utilities Incorporated ��''- °c ��h � c�� 4200 Highway 29 Harrisburg, North Carolina 28075 e c9 ,�,,, -�� �` Pmuao'r s Subject: Briarwood Subdivision 641.1 � WwTP ,��v✓, NPDES Permit No. NCO028 4 Stokes County 7 6 M�c,� �''a, �` A ti✓ w� t( v Dear Mr. Stogner: In an attempt to address your concerns regarding the 7Q1O of the tributary to Bushy Fork Creek at your discharge point, I am enclosing a Procedures For Ej:Qjectingr Low Flow Statistics At An Ungaged Site. (refer attached). The methods outlined in this document are approved by the DEM for determining low flow statistics. Should you have any questions, please contact me at (919) 733 I(A�- t 5 t Sincei ` kv- 4-ck- 4Ae- da6u eol(ec+ c 16W J. Trey 16W �,�- - o JTC / fk Water - (3tti 733_ 6,(O Attachment R`�^-s .�,-�- -•�5 . CC: TiAlArAr-11 Central Filesj`4"` ® `�- Pollution Prevention Pays P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 03/04/9.3 09:17 FAX 704 788 6006 EWS, RAYCO INC. PO1 SCO UTIUTIES, INC. 4200 Highway 29 Harrisburg, NC 28075 (704) 788-9497 NC License RC1378 SC License 5341 March 2, 1993 post-It"A brand tax transmittal memo 7671ToLq or pepes Pro Ms. Elizabeth Rouse Mosley �'. `C �oco. Ito Associate Attorney General Co�SSoC• phone (n8C5 NC Department of Justice '`b i P.O. Box 629 Fax# •���i Fax Hn�L.r riQ>���� Raleigh, NC 27602-0629 RE: NPDES Permit No. NCO028746 Briarwood Subdivision, Stokes County 93 EHR 0143 Dear Ms. Mosley: On February 1, 1993, we filed a request for an administrative hearing for the above referenced facility. The reason for this request is the state has incorporated certain changes and additional requirements to the permit. These matters are obviously of great concern and at*'this point, we do not understand the need for such drastic changes. It appears that the basic concern is the flow in the receiving stream has been classified as 07Q10. We have operated this facility for over five (5) years and _have never experienced a zero flow condition. We recognize that the stream is relatively small but the stream is spring fed and maintains a continuous base flow. This obversation is supported by the fact that we have faithfully reported upstream and downstream concentrations (as required by the permits) and that, not only was there flow, but there were no contraventions of water quality standards. It should be obvious that not only is there flow in the stream but it is sufficient to assimilate the wastes concentrations currently being discharged. It is our understanding that this is the intent of the effluent limitations.....to protect the water quality of the receiving stream. Considering this, we can see no justification for tightening the existing limits. 03/04/93 09:18 FAX 704 788 6006 ENS, RAYCO INC. P02 Ms. Elizabeth Rouse Mosley Page 2 March 2, 1993 The new effluent limits for NH3 as N and/or chronic toxicity are well beyond the intended capability of this facility and there are no practical alternatives to comply with the new permit limits. In our opinion, the proposed changes are unnecessary and may be proposed based on information that is in error. The methods used by USGS to "estimate" flow conditions in the receiving streams are not exact but are merely based on the best information and methods available. In this instance, we believe the estimate is simply in error and certainly should be reviewed more closely in lieu of proceeding with an evaluation of eliminating the discharge. We recognize that the limited resources of your office and USGS do not allow you to conduct more extensive evaluation of every site. We accept that we should share in this effort. I believe it would be more reasonable to allow us to review the information used to determine the flow estimated and, if necessary, conduct actual stream flow gauging following recognized and acceptable methods to more accurately demonstrate the conditions of the receiving stream. 1. A copy of the USGS Map indicating the locating of the discharge for which you based the waste load allocation. 2. A copy of the original wasteload allocation which includes the 7010 and 30Q2 flow estimates and drainage basin for the original NPDES permit and subsequent reissuances and renewals of the permit for this facility. 3. A copy of the "...(zero flow policy)" which explains the procedures being followed in changing these limits. 4. A copy of the procedures to be followed in conducting a site specific monitoring of stream flow to verify the correct 7Q10 and 30Q2 of the receiving stream. 03/04/93 09:19 FAIY 704 788 6006 EWS, RAYCO INC. P03 Ms. Elizabeth Rouse Mosley Page 3 March 2, 1993 Please include directions on the appropriate procedures to be followed in requesting to conduct such stream monitoring per Division of Environmental Management approval. 5. A copy of the flow estimate provided by USGS as a basis for this waste load allocations. Again, we hope that you will reconsider and continue our permit under the existing limits especially since these limits have shown to protect the receiving steam. I appreciate your attention to our concerns and hope that you understand that we want to work with you in resolving these matters in a mutally beneficial way. I hope that you will call me if you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance. Sincerely, eonard E. Stognerr, Jr. vice President LES/ls cf.1'.:�f!L` STATE OY NOR't't{ AROIANA _....... Y 1( w 4 COUNTY OF (i)S7a/,-c,�_.. „'. �`'r. T THE O �' FI'ICE OF ' aaA )MINISTRATIVE HEARINGS Your Nsmc) i y., -7 t� LORA (3) 1 r fESTED CA&E. I(F-ARIN0 FEBF� B 4 DIV. OF Respondent. Vii,'{;' (The State Agency or Board about which You are, complaining) _ FFR I hereby ask for a contested cue hearing as provided for h� i ; ~, �r ,I � � i,r,c,.1SC tyw1 (r;arnc rel a; �ncy) hAr :Briefly state facts showing how you �k N2 Zeve yc,u hAVU bccn has cd by the state agency or board.) (If more space Is needed, u.re nr,+r/lrlr,rfol .chd oltach) /�, (5) (Check All that apply} llccause of these tacl.c th ;r,• Crl4cN�° Its. Pa Y60 GUS710MGfrS, deprived me of prnf,erty; ordered Me to pay a Fine or civil penllty. ✓otherwise suhs,antiMly Pretudiced my rights;