NC0089737_Engineering Alternatives Analysis_20180416

McGill
A S S O (' I Al I: S
April 13, 2018 RECEIVED/DENR/DWR
Ms. Brianna Young APR 1 6 2016
Environmental Senior Specialist Water Resources
Department of Environmental Quality Permitting Section
Division of Water Resources
Compliance and Expedited Permitting Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
RE: Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
Town of Franklin
NPDES Application Permit#NC0089737
Macon County
Dear Ms.Young:
Please find enclosed the updated Engineering Alternatives Analysis (EAA) and other
response information you have requested for the NPDES permit application for the Town of
Franklin Water Treatment Plant reference above. Enclosed are two (2) hard copies and an
electronic copy.
Should you have anyquestions please let me know.
Sincerely,
McGILL ASSOCIATES, P.A.
q 1,)? CA9.4
M. KEI H WEBB, P.E.
Vice President- Principal
Attachments
CC; Summer Woodard—Franklin
Nathanael Moore—Franklin w/enclosure
Rob Hartsell-Franklin
15.00359/Franklin WTP/NPDES/byl3april 1 8-npdes response
55 Broad Street P.O.Box 2259 ph: 828.252.0575
Asheville,North Carolina 28801 Asheville,North Carolina 28802 f: 828.252.2518 ww+v:.mcgillengineers.com

REGWDWR
APR 162018
Water massae,on
Permitting
ENGINEERING ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE
and
TREATMENT PLANT RESIDUALS
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
MACON COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA
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ASSOCIATES ,'
Engineering • Planning • Finance ,�•:f'. .*
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Asheville, North Carolina `tI5/l€
OCTOBER 2017/REVISED APRIL 5,2108
PROJECT#15.00359

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION 1
B. CURRENT SITUATION 2
C. TOWN OF FRANKLIN NEEDS 6
D. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS 11
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX 2

A. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The Town of Franklin owns and operates a water treatment plant (WTP) which has a
design capacity of 2.0 MGD and is located west of downtown in the Franklin Industrial
Park off of US 64. The WTP was constructed in 1975 and last upgraded in 1997. Recent
studies identified the need to expand the WTP to a capacity of 3.0 MGD or 4 0 MGD to
meet the long term projected future water demands. Average daily water demands have
been projected to increase of 1.90 MGD by year 2060 with peak day demands of 3.0
MGD.
As a part of the WTP expansion phase I improvements have been designed and permitted
and construction is beginning on these first phase improvements which consist of the
construction of an Actiflo® treatment process to address the need for either mechanical
pretreatment of the raw water or off-stream storage associated with the future expansion
of the WTP as required by the North Carolina Administrative Codes Title 15A,
Subchapter 18C entitled "Rules Governing Public Water Systems". The Actiflo® system
utilizes a micro-sand particle which is blended into the raw water stream along with
coagulant chemicals to provide a ballasted settling environment. The proposed new
pretreatment unit is situated so as flow is pumped to the unit from the raw water pump
station and then flows by gravity to the existing sedimentation basins and filters.
The proposed Actiflo® system will result in a continuous flow of wastewater from the
pretreatment unit when the WTP is in operation. This flow is estimated to be in the
range of 40 gallons per minute (gpm) to 55 gpm. The WTP currently operates on average
approximately 14 to 16 hours per day to meet current system demands. Therefore, once
the pretreatment unit is in place and operational the facility will generate approximately
52,800 gpd of wastewater that must be properly handled.
In addition to the wastewater generated as a part of the new pretreatment process there
will continue to be wastewater generated as a part of the normal plant operation
associated with the required routine filter backwash which occurs approximately every 72
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 1 of 33
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hours of filter run. On average the filter backwash is 30,000 gpd. In addition to filter
backwash water and flow form the Actiflo unit the sedimentation basins require at least
semi-annual cleaning, if not quarterly. This activity typically generates an additional
150,000 gpd of wastewater.
Modifications to the WTP wastewater collection system are being made. Once completed
the WTP backwash flow will be handled and treated utilizing an existing 136,700-gallon
capacity backwash water flow equalization tank and then the two alum sludge lagoons.
In order to provide maximum flexibility in the operation of the current WTP residuals
handling system it is proposed to secure an NPDES permit for the residuals (alum sludge)
lagoons to allow for the discharge of clear water from the top of the lagoons back into
Cartoogechaye Creek. The town will continue to maintain the WTP wastewater system
and will schedule the removal of water treatment plant residuals from the lagoons on a
routine basis.
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 2 of 33

B. CURRENT SITUATION
1) Existing Water Treatment Plant
The Town of Franklin owns and operates a water treatment plant (WTP) which has a
design capacity of 2.0 MGD and is located in the Franklin Industrial Park west of
downtown and off of US 64. The WTP was constructed in 1975 and last upgraded in
1997. Therefore, most of the facility is greater than 40 years old. However, despite its
age for the most part the WTP is in good condition. The WTP provides treated finished
water for the Franklin distribution system and the approximately 3,350 customers within
the town and a small portion of Macon County with water service outside the corporate
limits.
The WTP utilizes a conventional treatment process with raw water withdrawn from
Cartoogechaye Creek, a tributary of the Little Tennessee River. Raw water is pumped to
a flashmix basin where polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PAC — (cedarclear-757)) is added
to enhance coagulation and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is added for pH adjustment.
Raw water flow then enters two flocculation basins, each equipped with two vertical
flocculators which slowly mix the water to build a floc of the sediment in the raw water.
Coagulated water flows to two sediment basins where heavier sediments are removed by
gravity settling. These heavier sediments are removed on a routine basis, typically every
three (3) months to the alum sludge lagoons. Clarified water is then filtered by two mixed
media gravity filters prior to the addition of chlorine gas for disinfection. Finished water
is stored in a clearwell at the plant prior to being pumped into the distribution system.
Cartoogechaye Creek has an estimated "safe yield" of 4.0 MGD and based upon previous
approved studies the Town of Franklin may expand the WTP up to a capacity of 4.0
MGD to meet future demands for the water system. The current average daily demands
average 1.10 million gallons per day (MGD) with peak day demands of 1.70 MGD.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 3 of 33

Projected future demands have been estimated to be 1.90 MGD by year 2060 with peak
day demands of 3.0 MGD.
2) Population and Demographics
The foundation of any water plant evaluation is the projection of future demands for the
water system. Future demand projections establish the framework of the WTP
upgrade/expansion by establishing an agreed upon planning horizon and corresponding
system demand. As part of a previous evaluation of the Town of Franklin water system
conducted by WK Dickson (WKD), a detailed evaluation of the Town's water system
demands was conducted. The results of this evaluation are summarized in Figure B.1
below. Town staff reviewed these projections and have concluded that they are
reasonable and acceptable for use in future planning of the water system.
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 4 of 33

Figure B.1 —Water System Demand Projections
Water System Demand Projections
Town of Franklin
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SOURCE:COMPREHENSIVE WATER MODEL AND MASTER PLAN,WK DICKSON,2013
A copy of the applicable sections of the "Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan" prepared
for WK Dickson and submitted to the Town of Franklin dated June 2013 is included in Appendix
1 of this document.
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 5 of 33

1

C. TOWN OF FRANKLIN NEEDS
After review of the above referenced water study prepared by WK Dickson and consideration of
other factors the Town of Franklin has identified the need to expand the capacity of the water
treatment plant to 3.0 MGD or even 4.0 MGD to meet these projected future demands. An
interim first phase of this project has been designed, permitted and is scheduled to begin
construction. This interim phase consists of the addition and construction of an Actiflo®
treatment process to address the need for either mechanical pretreatment of the raw water or off-
stream storage. The previous engineering report prepared as a part of the WTP upgrade evaluated
the alternatives for mechanical pre-treatment or off-stream storage and recommended the
construction of the Actiflo® system. The Actiflo® system utilizes a micro- sand particle which
is blended into the raw water stream along with coagulant chemicals to provide a ballasted
settling environment. The proposed new retreatment unit is situated so as flow is pumped to the
unit from the raw water pump station and then flows by gravity to the existing sedimentation
basins and filters.
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 6 of 33

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Proposed Improvements
As described above the current project under construction includes the construction of an
Actiflo® treatment process for the pretreatment of the raw water prior to sedimentation
and filtration. Unlike the current WTP process the new proposed Actiflo® system will
result in a continuous flow of wastewater from the pretreatment unit when the WTP is in
operation. This flow is estimated to be in the range of 40 gallons per minute (gpm) to 55
gpm. The WTP currently operates on average approximately 14 to 16 hours per day.
Therefore, once the new pretreatment unit is in place and operational the facility will
generate approximately 52,800 gpd of wastewater that must be handled. In addition to the
wastewater generated as a part of the pretreatment process there is also wastewater
associated with the required routine filter backwash which occurs approximately once
every 72 hours of filter run. On average the filter backwash is 30,000 to 40,000 gpd.
Semi-annual, if not quarterly, cleaning of the WTP sedimentation basins is also required.
This activity typically generates an additional 150,000 gpd of wastewater. Taking into
consideration each of these anticipated flows and the occasions when one or more of the
flows may take place simultaneously the design and selection of equipment to handle
these wastewater flows is based upon an average daily flow of 85,000 gallons per day
(gpd) and peak flows of 255,000 gpd.
Currently all non-sanitary wastewater from the WTP facility, primarily filter backwash
water and sediment basin drain flows to a pair of WTP residuals (alum sludge) lagoons
located below the WTP along the banks of Cartoogechaye Creek. Filter backwash water
flows from the WTP through a 24-inch sewer line to a 136,700-gallon capacity circular
concrete sludge thickening tank. This tank basically serves as a flow equalization tank.
As a part of the WTP upgrade modifications are being made to the wastewater piping
system so that the Actiflo reject flow is combined with the other wastewater flows and
flows first to the to the flow equalization tank prior to flowing to the two alum sludge
lagoons. These two lagoons are interconnected and work in series with flow to the first
lagoon from the flow equalization tank, then to the second lagoon.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOC IATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 8 of 33

Figure 1 shows the location of the current facilities.
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Figure 1-WTP and Sludge Lagoon Location Map
The two existing alum sludge lagoons are both unlined with an approximate combined
volume of 1.8 MG. The basins were built in 1975 as a part of the original WTP
construction. These lagoons have been in service at this facility since it first went on-
line and the residuals in the lagoons was recently (2011) removed and land applied on
local farm land for beneficial use. These lagoons and the residuals handling system are
typical for WTP facilities with a high-quality water source similar to the Town of
Franklin.
While the alum sludge lagoons have functioned adequately, there is a concern on the
part of the WTP operation staff that with the daily flow of wastewater associated with
the new Actiflo® pretreatment process removal of clear water from the lagoons on a
routine basis will be required to provide adequate volume for wastewater from the
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August-20-1-7-Revised April 5,2018
Page 9 of 33

improved WTP process. Historically the water treatment plant operators have relied on
evaporation and/or infiltration of the clear water from the lagoons to provide the
additional hydraulic capacity required.
The existing alum sludge lagoons along with the 136,700-gallon capacity flow
equalization tank should provide adequate hydraulic capacity for the WTP and the
pretreatment unit, provided a system is put into place to decant clear water from the
lagoons to increase hydraulic capacity. With the two lagoons relationship adjacent to
Cartoogechaye Creek, and no additional undeveloped space on the plant site options for
the expansion and construction of additional alum sludge (residual) lagoons is limited.
Increasing the depth of the lagoons is not a feasible option as they are currently located
above the water surface of the creek and lowering of the lagoons would drop them
below the water table.
In order to provide maximum flexibility in the operation of the current alum sludge
system it is proposed to secure an NPDES discharge permit for the lagoons to allow for
the discharge of clear water from the top of the lagoons into Cartoogechaye Creek.
Clarified water will be decanted and removed from the top of the lagoons and returned
to Cartoogechaye Creek. This water should be of very good quality and is essentially the
water previously removed from the stream with trace amounts of treatment chemicals
(polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PAC — (cedarclear-757)), sodium hydroxide (caustic
soda), and Sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The town will continue to maintain the
wastewater system and will schedule the removal of water treatment plant residuals from
the lagoons on a routine basis as deemed necessary.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 10 of 33

D. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
The Engineering Alternatives Analysis (EAA) Guidance document provided by the North
Carolina Division of Water Resources applies to a project that is requesting the issuance of a new
NPDES permit for the discharge of treated wastewater to a surface water of the State of North
Carolina. In accordance with Step 3 of the EAA document technologically feasible alternatives
are to be developed. Such alternatives have been developed for the Franklin Water Treatment
Plant backwash water and residuals and are analyzed in the following sections. The guidance
document requires that alternatives for the following options be considered, if deemed to be
technologically feasible.
Alternative A.—Connection to an existing wastewater treatment system
Alternative B—Land Application
Alternative C—Reuse
Alternative D—Direct Discharge to Surface Waters
In addition to the four alternatives identified in the EAA guidance document two other
alternatives have been identified for this project and are as follows:
Alternative E—No Action
Alternative F—Construction of additional Residual Storage Lagoons.
ALTERNATIVE A—CONNECTION TO AN EXISTING PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM
This alternative would consist of connecting the wastewater system at the WTP to the existing
Town of Franklin sewer collection and treatment system. Wastewater generated from the water
treatment plant process will consist of an estimated 85,000 gpd of flow and typically will carry a
fairly large percentage of solids as the wastewater is generated through the filter backwash cycle
to clean the gravity filters, the Actiflo pretreatment process and the cleaning of the sedimentation
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge NS s n c I ATF s
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 11 of 33

1

basins. Town staff has expressed concerns with introduction of these heavier solids into the
sewer collection system and the potential for increased wear on mechanical equipment, potential
clogging of the sewer line and additional actions required for treatment at the wastewater
treatment plant (WWTP). However, the EAA process requires this option to be evaluated and
the town does have an 8-inch gravity sewer line located approximately 250-feet from the existing
alum sludge lagoons. This 8-inch sewer extends some 225-feet prior to increasing in size to a 16-
inch sewer line. This sewer system was designed and sized to provide service to the
Franklin/Macon County Industrial Park, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and other sewer
customers to the west of this area. The 8-inch sewer line has a design capacity of 367,000 gpd
(half full flow at peak design in the sewer line per Town of Franklin design guidelines). With the
current sewer flows and the anticipated flows from the continued development of the industrial
park there is limited capacity to accept flow from the Franklin WTP in this sewer line. However,
with flow equalization using the existing alum sludge lagoons it is assumed that the sewer line
can accept the flow.
Figure 2 shows the general location of the sewer line to the Water Treatment Plant and the alum
sludge lagoons. Figure A-1 is a map which shows the entire project location from the WTP to the
wastewater treatment plant.
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 12 of 33

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@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August-20-17-Revised April 5,2018
Page 14 of 33

1

In addition to the limited capacity of the sewer line near the WTP the gravity sewer line conveys
flow to a sewer pump station which then pumps the flow through a 6-inch force main to the
town's main gravity outfall sewer which carries flow to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
The sewer pump station is a duplex station with 225-gpm pumps. In order to handle the
additional flow from the WTP alum sludge lagoons these pumps will have to be increased in size
and a parallel sewer force main will be required.
Like most sewer collection systems inflow and infiltration (I/I) has been and continues to be a
problem for the Town of Franklin. The age of the majority of the sewer collection system and
the materials of construction present an ongoing challenge for the town. The higher sewer flows
experienced especially during periods of excessive rainfall and wet weather conditions subject
the sewer collection system to potential sewer overflows and stress the WWTP at these higher
flows to operate within limits. The Town of Franklin has an ongoing I/I abatement program and
continues to set aside funds on an annual basis to address the I/I flow situation.
Wastewater to be decanted and removed from the WTP residual (alum) storage lagoons is
expected to be of a quality that will allow the water to be discharged back to Cartoogechaye
Creek with no negative environmental issues. Discharge of this water to the public sewer system
will present continued I/I problems for the town's sewer system.
As described above upgrade of a number of the existing sewer system components is necessary
to accept the WTP alum sludge flow into the sewer collection system. The cost for these
improvements is shown in table A-1. Cost include a new sludge pump station to be built within
the second alum sludge lagoon. In order to build this new station, the lagoon will have to be
cleaned of all existing alum sludge residuals. In addition, a new mixing system to keep the
second lagoon completely mixed so that the WTP residuals may be pumped to the sewer
collection system in the future will be required. A new sewer force main from this new pump
station to the gravity sewer line is required.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 15 of 33

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TABLE A-1
CONNECTION TO TOWN OF FRANKLIN GRAVITY SEWER SYSTEM
PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE
ITEM
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT PRICE AMOUNT
1 Alum Sludge Lagoon Pump Station 1 LS $325,000 $325,000
and Mixing System
Removal of Alum Sludge to Allow
2 for Construction of New Pump 1 LS $175,000 $175,000
Station
4-inch Force Main and Connection
3 to Existing Gravity Sewer System 1 LS $56300 $56,700
4 Upgrade Existing Sewer Pump 1 LS $163,800 $163,800
Station to Increase Capacity
New Parallel Force Main to
5 1 LS $832 200 $832,200
Existing Force Main
CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $1,552,700
Construction Contingency $232,900
Preliminary Engineering $18,000
Environmental Documentation and Assessment $20,000
Design and Construction Administration $388,100
Resident Project Representative Services $65,000
Material Testing During Construction $9,000
Legal/Administrative Cost $4,000
PROJECT TOTAL —111 $2,289,700
Estimates of the anticipated annual operation and maintenance cost (O&M) for alternative A
have been generated and are shown in table A-2.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge A s s o c I ATF s
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 16 of 33

TABLE A-2
CONNECTION TO TOWN OF FRANKLIN GRAVITY SEWER SYSTEM
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION& MAINTENANCE COST
ITEM
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT PACE AMOUNT
1 Power for Pump Station at WTP 1 LS $18,300 $12,500
2 Power for Industrial Park Pump 1 LS $11,900 $11,900
Station
3 Power for Pump Station at WWTP 1 LS $16,900 $16,900
4 Wastewater Treatment Cost 1 LS $55,900 $55,900
5 Equipment Repairs and 1 LS $35,000 $35,000
Replacement
4 Routine Maintenance 1 LS $25,000 $25,000
TOTAL ANNUAL O&M COST I $157,200
* Assumes power cost of$0.145/kw-hr
* Assumes treatment cost of$1.80/1000 gallons
The estimated capital cost for Alternative A is $2,289,700. The estimated total annual
operation and maintenance costs are $157,200. There is no estimated salvage value of the
proposed equipment and components at the end of the twenty-year service life.
The present worth calculation for this alternative is based on twenty-year period, at a
discount rate of 4.208% as obtained from the EPA website for the year 2018. The twenty-year
present worth cost is calculated as follows:
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 17 of 33

Capital cost+ annual O&M cost * PV factor
$2,289,700+ 157,200 * 13.3385 =
Present Worth= $4,386,512
ALTERNATIVE B—LAND APPLICATION OF TREATED WASTEWATER
Alternative B consist of the purchase of adequate farm land in a relatively close proximity to the
water treatment plant (WTP) and development of a spray irrigation system for the disposal of the
wastewater for the project. Flow from the WTP process is estimated to generate 85,000 gpd of
wastewater which must be properly handled and treated. The WTP operates 365 days per year,
therefore the total volume of wastewater to be handled and used for irrigation purposes is:
85,000 gpd * 365 days = 31,025,000-gallons/year(596,635-gallons/week).
For the purpose of this analysis we have assumed that actual irrigation practices can only take
place 70% of the time to account for rainfall events, excessively wet soils, cold and/or frozen
conditions and for periods when the crop being grown is being harvested. Therefore, the number
of gallons to be handled on an average week is:
596,635-gallons/.7 = 852,336-gallons per week.
A review of the soils maps for Macon County indicate that the majority of the soils in those areas
where the farming operation and irrigation system would be established are either Conagree fine
sandy loam or Conagree loam. For each soil type it has been assumed that a hydraulic loading
rate of 1" per acre/week is acceptable. This hydraulic loading is also typical for the growth of
fescue hay which would be the preferred cover crop for the irrigation operation. With this
information the amount of land required to establish a land application system for the disposal of
the wastewater is:
1" of water to cover 1 acre = 27,150 gallons
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge A s s o c i A r F s
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 18 of 33

�i

Land required= 852,336/gallons*week/27,150-gallons = 31.4 acres.
To account for property setbacks, setbacks from streams and steep areas a site with a minimum
acreage of 65-acres is required.
Utilizing the Macon County GIS system as well as GoogleEarth software property within a
3- mile radius of the WTP, and which is currently used for agricultural purposes, was identified.
There appears to be at least three potential properties in the Charles Nolen Road area off of
US 64 and west of the WTP that could potentially be used to develop and establish a land
application system for the disposal of the wastewater.
The system will require the construction of a sewer pump station to pump the clear alum sludge
and decant water from the lagoons to the farm land, a 500,000-capacity holding tank at the farm
site for alum sludge storage, the construction of the irrigation system including piping, irrigation
sprinkler heads and a pump station. In order to build this new station, the lagoon will have to be
cleaned of all existing alum sludge residuals. In addition, a new mixing system to keep the
second lagoon completely mixed so that the WTP residuals may be pumped to the sewer
collection system in the future will be required. A new sewer force main from this new pump
station to the proposed farm site is required. The cost for these improvements is shown in table
B-1.
•
McGlll
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 19 of 33

TABLE B-1
LAND APPLICATION OF TREATED WASTEWATER
TOWN OF FRANKLIN GRAVITY SEWER SYSTEM
PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE
ITEM
URNIDESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT PCE AMOUNT
1 Alum Sludge Lagoon Pump Station 1 LS $325,000 $325,000
and Mixing System
Removal of Alum Sludge to Allow
2 for Construction of New Pump 1 LS $175,000 $175,000
Station
3 6-inch Force Main to Proposed 1 LS $1,421,200 $1,421,200
Farm Site
Wastewater
500,000-Gallon Waste ate
4 Storage Tank at Farm for Irrigation 1 LS $700,000 $700,000
5 Irrigation Sewer
rrPrlump Station at 1 LS $65,500 $65,500
Fa
6 Irrigation System 1 LS $845,000 $845,000
7 Purchase of Property 1 LS $425,000 $425,000
CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $3,956,700
Construction Contingency $593,500
Preliminary Engineering $30,000
Environmental Documentation and Assessment $45,000
Design and Construction Administration $989,000
Material Testing During Construction $22,000
Legal/Administrative Cost $15,000
PROJECT TOTAL I $5,057,700
Estimates of the anticipated annual operation and maintenance cost (O&M) for alternative A
have been generated and are shown in table B-2.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 20 of 33

TABLE B-2
LAND APPLICATION OF TREATED WASTEWATER
TOWN OF FRANKLIN GRAVITY SEWER SYSTEM
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION&MAINTENANCE COST
ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT UNIT AMOUNT
NO. PRICE
1 Power for Pump Station at WTP 1 LS $18,300 $12,500
Power for Pump Station at Farm 1 LS $38,900 $38,900
Site
3 Annual Compliance Testing 1 LS $55,900 $55,900
4 Annual Soil Amendments 1 LS $20,000 $20,000
5 Equipment Repairs and 1 LS $30,000 $30,000
Replacement
6 Routine Maintenance 1 LS $25,000 $25,000
TOTAL ANNUAL O&M COST $182,300
* Assumes power cost of$0.145/kw-hr
The estimated capital cost for Alternative A is $5,057,700. The estimated total annual
operation and maintenance costs are $182,300. There is no estimated salvage value of the
proposed equipment and components at the end of the twenty-year service life.
The present worth calculation for this alternative is based on twenty-year period, at a
discount rate of 4.208% as obtained from the EPA website for the year 2018. The twenty-year
present worth cost is calculated as follows:
Capital cost+annual O&M cost * PV factor
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
Revised April 5,2018
Page 21 of 33

$5,057,700 + 182,300 * 13.3385 =
Present Worth= $7,489,308
ALTERNATIVE C—WASTEWATER REUSE
The Town of Franklin does not have in place a distribution system and infrastructure to use the
wastewater generated as a function of the WTP as reuse water. In order to implement such a
system will require the construction of an on-site wastewater treatment plant. The cost of such a
system is prohibitive. However, alternative B — provides the same desired result as a reuse
system where the wastewater generated as a function of the WTP process is used for agriculture
irrigation in-lieu of discharge. The cost for this system is analyzed under Alternative B.
ALTERNATIVE D — DIRECT DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS FROM THE
EXISTING LAGOONS
This alternative will require the construction of no new lagoons or other residual treatment
facilities. Minor improvements to the current wastewater discharge piping will be made to allow
for the optimization of the current facilities. The existing system has a combined volume of
approximately 1,936,000 gallons in the backwash tank and the two alum sludge lagoons,
provided the two lagoons are cleaned of residuals. This provides as much as 23 days of storage
for the Actiflo and filter backwash volume when the system is 100% cleaned. There is adequate
volume to allow the residuals to settle by gravity in the two lagoons with the clear water
discharged to Cartoogechaye Creek, under the provisions of a new NPDES permit. The ability to
decant and remove clear water from the surface of the lagoons will provide the needed flexibility
the WTP operation staff require. Typical effluent parameters for discharge of the treated
wastewater from water treatment facilities and in this case back to Cartoogechaye Creek appears
to be the most feasible alternative. Similar operations and systems are common at other WTP
utilizing similar high quality raw water sources.
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 22 of 33

The clarified water to be decanted and removed from the lagoons and returned to Cartoogechaye
Creek should be of very good quality and is essentially the water previously removed from the
stream with trace amounts of treatment chemicals (polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PAC —
(cedarclear-757)), sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), and Sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The
town will continue to maintain the wastewater system and will schedule the removal of water
treatment plant residuals from the lagoons on a routine basis.
Figure 1 shows the existing water treatment plant and the flow of raw water and wastewater.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August-2.0-1-7-Revised April 5,2018
Page 23 of 33

EFFLUENT
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v. :Mc G111 DATE APR4 201E FIGURE
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The cost for the improvements associated with Alternative D is shown in table D-1.
TABLE D-1
DIRECT DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS
PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE
ITEM
UNIT
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT PRICE AMOUNT
1 Alum Sludge Lagoon Outlet Weir 1 LS $26,500 $26,500
Box and Lagoon Modifications
2 Alum Sludge Lagoon Outfall Pipe 1 LS $27,500 $27,500
3 Upgrade Existing Gravity Sewer 1 LS $35,100 $35,100
Lines from WTP to Lagoons
CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $89,100
Construction Contingency $13,400
Preliminary Engineering $8,000
Environmental Documentation and Assessment $5,000
Design and Construction Administration $15,000
Resident Project Representative Services $5,000
Material Testing During Construction $1,000
Legal/Administrative Cost $1,500
PROJECT TOTAL $138,000
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge A S cGill
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 25 of 33

I

Estimates of the anticipated annual operation and maintenance cost (O&M) for alternative D
have been generated and are shown in table D-2.
TABLE D-2
CONNECTION TO TOWN OF FRANKLIN GRAVITY SEWER SYSTEM
ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATION&MAINTENANCE COST
I NO DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT PURNICE AMOUNT
Testing for Discharge Parameters l LS $9,600 $9,600
Annual Sludge Removal 1 LS $60,000 $60,000
3 Equipment and Piping Repairs 1 LS $10,000 $10,000
4 Routine Maintenance of Lagoons 1 LS $15,000 $15,000
and Outfall
TOTAL ANNUAL O&M COST I $94,600
The estimated capital cost for Alternative D is $138,000. The estimated total annual
operation and maintenance costs are $94,600. There is no estimated salvage value of the
proposed equipment and components after a twenty-year service life.
The present worth calculation for this alternative is based on twenty-year period, at a
discount rate of 4.208% as obtained from the EPA website for the year 2018. The twenty-year
present worth cost is calculated as follows:
Capital cost+annual O&M cost * PV factor
$138,000+94,600 * 13.3385 =
Present Worth= $1,261,822
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August-204-7-Revised April 5,2018
Page 26 of 33

ALTERNATIVE E—NO ACTION
This alternative consists of taking no action to make improvements to the existing WTP
wastewater (filter backwash, Actiflo reject flow, settling basin cleaning) and residual system
(alum sludge) at the Franklin WTP. The existing system has a combined volume of
approximately 1,936,000 gallons in the backwash tank and the two alum sludge lagoons,
provided the two lagoons are cleaned of residuals (sludge) for the storage of backwash water
produced as a part of the plant operations and the residuals (alum sludge) generated.
As a part of normal operations and over time the lagoons will capture residuals (alum sludge)
and will continue to fill-up with water plant residuals therefore reducing the available capacity
for WTP backwash and operation wastewater flows. Currently there is no method to remove or
decant clear water from the lagoons. Water either evaporates and/or infiltrate through the
residuals in the lagoon into the groundwater system. Continuing to depend upon this type of
system for the removal of water necessary to provide adequate volume for additional backwash
and other wastewater produced as a part of the water plant operations is not reliable. While
typically evaporation and/or infiltration has functioned well during the warmer, dryer summer
months this type of system will be less effective during the colder, wetter fall and winter months
as well as periods of heavy rainfall in the summer months.
While the two lagoons and the backwash tank can provide as much as 23 days of theoretical
storage for the Actiflo and filter backwash water this volume is only available when the system is
100% cleaned of residuals. Operation of the WTP results in the generation of residuals which
must be stored in the two lagoons, therefore continuously reducing the capacity.
Continued operation of the system with no increased ability to decant and remove clear water
meeting typical parameters for discharge back to Cartoogechaye Creek is not feasible. Based
upon the information available and the support documentation Alternative E- No Action is not
recommended as it subjects the WTP topotential violations for non-permitted system overflows.
J p Y
@McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 27 of 33

ALTERNATIVE F—CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL LAGOONS
This alternative consists of building an additional alum sludge/residuals storage lagoon to
provide additional wastewater storage volume necessary to allow for the continued use of the
evaporation, infiltration method for the disposal of wastewater generated from the WTP process.
As a minimum a lagoon with a capacity equal to the two current lagoons is required. Land owned
by the Town of Franklin at the WTP is limited and there are no locations on the current site
available to build a new lagoon. Property adjacent to the WTP is for the most part either
currently developed or is not available for purchase to build a third lagoon.
Of even more concern is the fact that the construction of while a third larger lagoon which would
provide additional wastewater and residual storage volume, the removal of clarified water would
still be through either evaporation and/or infiltration and would be very weather dependent and
not reliable.
Based upon the information available and the support documentation Alternative F-
Construction of Additional Sludge Lagoons is not recommended as it remains solely
dependent upon favorable weather conditions for the removal of the wastewater and would
subject the WTP to potential violations for non-permitted system overflows
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
The following table contains a summary of the alternatives evaluated for the Franklin WTP alum
sludge disposal.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 28 of 33

Table 1
Alum Sludge Disposal Alternatives
Town of Franklin WTP
Alternative Capital Cost O&M Cost PW Value
A- Connection to $2,289,700 $157,200 $4,386,512
Existing Sewer
B- Land $5,057,700 $182,300 $7,489,308
Application
C- Reuse Same as Alternative B
D- Discharge to $138,000 $94,600 $1,261,822
Surface Water
E-No Action Not Feasible/Recommended
F- Construction of Not Feasible
additional lagoons
Based upon the conclusions of the alternatives analysis and the present worth value calculations
for each the selected and recommended alternative is D- Discharge of Treated Wastewater to the
Surface Waters of North Carolina.
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 29 of 33

APPENDIX 1
Water Demand Projections
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge ASSOCIATFS
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
;-Revised April 5,2018
Page 30 of 33

EN
COMPREH IVE WATER S
MODEL & MASTER PLAN
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Prepared for:
Town of Franklin
P.O. Box 1479
95 East Main Street
Franklin, North Carolina 28744
Submitted:
June 2013
WKD# 20120083.00.CL
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DICKSONO
community infrastructure consultants
Firm License # F-0374

Intentionally Left Blank

COMPREHENSIVE WATER
MODEL & MASTER PLAN
Prepared for
Town of Franklin
P.O. Box 1479
95 East Main Street
Franklin, North Carolina 28744
Submitted:
June 2013
WKD# 20120083.00.CL
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Executive Summary
The Comprehensive Water Master Plan for the Town of Franklin is the result of a multi-year
effort to provide a plan that maximizes current infrastructure and guides the expansion of the
Town's public utilities to meet demand beyond the planning year 2035. The Comprehensive
Water Master Plan has been separated into four primary components:
• Project Planning Area
• Water Master Plan
• 20-Year Water Capital Improvement Plan
• Water Asset Management Plan (WAMP)
The Executive Summary will provide a broad overview of findings in the Comprehensive Water
Model & Master Plan and will summarize recommendations for the first five fiscal years of the
Water Capital Improvement Plan.
The study of the Town's water treatment and distribution systems and a review of operations
showed many commendable activities and outcomes for Franklin including:
• Drinking water quality is generally good;
• Water distribution system pressure is adequate; and,
• Water distribution lines and hydrants are routinely flushed.
As part of this Water Master Plan, a preliminary water rate study was conducted so that
supporting documentation would be in place should Town leadership decide to implement
rate increases, possibly as a means of partially or totally funding proposed water capital
improvement projects.
Review of the water system indicates a need for capital expenditures for the water treatment
and distribution system. As a result of this Water Master Plan, it has been determined that the
Town's primary need is the rehabilitation and/or replacement of the Town's WTP as well as a
need for additional treatment capacity. In addition, the Town of Franklin has several areas
throughout its current service area that are unable to meet fire flow demand requirements set
by North Carolina regulations. Solving these fire flow issues by increasing line size and/or
increasing booster pump station size in several areas should be of utmost importance to the
Town. Water quality is another issue with the Town's water system. Isolated water quality
issues can be solved with the addition of several loops within the current system at key
locations.
Water Capital Expenditure Needs
Tables ES-1, ES-2, and ES-3 display alternate summaries of the Water Capital Improvement Plan
showing the proposed annual budget with the WTP project for the next five fiscal years,
respectively.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page ES-1
W.K. Dickson &Co., Inc.

Executive Summary
Water Supply Improvements
The Town of Franklin currently operates and maintains a 2 MGD WTP. The Town's water
treatment plant was originally constructed around 1975. In 1997, the plant underwent an
upgrading including the following:
- 12" raw water meter (venturi) vault with 12" bypass
- 24" finished water meter (venture) vault 16" bypass
- Modifications to the flash mixer basin
- Installation of additional baffle walls in the flocculation basins
- Installation of additional baffle walls in the sedimentation basins
- Replacement of the flash mixer
- Replacement of the horizontal flocculators with four (4) vertical flocculators
- Chemical storage and feed improvements
- Miscellaneous electrical improvements
In addition, in 2007, the plant underwent an upgrade including the following:
- 2 new 4 MGD passive intake screens with air burst cleaning
- 2 — 2,800 gpm (75 HP) vertical turbine raw water pumps w/VFD's
WK Dickson has made a recommendation based on the population projections as shown
below and as described in section 3 of this plan for the Town of Franklin to consider increasing
the capacity of their WTP to 3.0 MGD.
Table ES-1: Usage Projections
Year 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040 2050 2055 2060
Town Population' 3,845 4,065 4,298 4,804 5,370 6,003 6,347 6,711
Water System Population 6,2.19 6,574 6,952 7,77.0 8,685 9,708 10,265 10,850
Residential
Water Customers2 2,814 2,975 3,146 3,516 3,930 4,393 4,64.5 4,910
Commercial
Water Customers2 _ 705 745 788 881 985 1,101 1,164 1,230
Usa
Estimated Average Daily Usage (MGD)3 1.088 1.150 1.217 1.360 1.520 1.699 1.796 1.898
Estimated Max. Daily Usage(MGD)3 1.807 1.910 2.020 2.257 2.523 2.820 2.981 3.0
Key points include:
♦ By 2015, the Town of Franklin can anticipate AADD of water to be approximately 1.15
MGD and a maximum day demand of 2.386 MGD using the Town's current average
residential water use per capita of 175 gpdpc and a peaking factor of 1.66.
♦ By 2020, the Town of Franklin can anticipate AADD of water to be approximately
1.217 MGD and a maximum day demand of 2.02 MGD using the Town's current
average residential water use per capita of 175 gpdpc and a peaking factor of 1.66.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page ES-2
W.K. Dickson & Co., Inc.

Executive Summary
♦ By 2030, the Town of Franklin can anticipate AADD of water to be approximately 1.36
MGD and a maximum day demand of 2.257 MGD using the Town's current average
residential water use per capita of 175 gpdpc and a peaking factor of 1.66.
♦ WK Dickson's forty (40) year population projections appear to reflect the growth
projected by and in the Town's draft "Growth Zone Analysis and Policy
Recommendation Report" with a conservative estimated additional need of 963,260
gpd to a liberal estimated additional need of 1,118,240 gpd.
♦ Based on the condition of the Town's existing WTP, the age of the Town's existing
WTP, and the need for additional capacity by 2020, WK Dickson is recommending that
the Town rehabilitate their existing plant and upgrade it to 3.0 MGD.
In addition, WK Dickson determined through discussions with NCDENR that the Town is
currently allowed to take up to 3.1 MGD from the Cartoogechaye Creek without conducting
any additional flow analysis. Therefore, if the Town intends to look at withdrawing greater
than 3.1 MGD, they will need to consider conducting a 7g10 flow analysis of the
Cartoogechaye Creek.
Maintenance Improvements
The following projects are designed to improve operation and maintenance. Other
maintenance improvements may be necessary in an effort to maintain operations and water
service to all customers.
1. Gillespie Drive 12" Water Line Replacement— Replace 12" A/C with DIP to tank -after
Phase 1 of 16" from plant
2. Green Street 6" Water Line Replacement— Lyle St. to W. Main Street
3. Highlands Road/East Main 2" Water Line Replacement — Replace old galvanized pipe
behind businesses
4. Sloan Street 6" Water Line Replacement— Cane Creek Circle to end of existing 8" DIP
5. Grandview Court 6" and 2" Water Line Replacement—to/from Forest Hills Drive
6. Miscellaneous A/C Pipe Replacement
Fire Flow Improvements
State regulations require that water supply lines be sized to a minimum of 6" diameter to allow
adequate flow during firefighting events while maintaining a minimum residual pressure of 20
psi to supply uninterrupted service to customers. Water lines have been identified that need to
be upsized to 6" diameter. Areas within the existing system do not meet minimum fire flow
requirements. Replacement of some small diameter lines with larger diameter pipes have been
included in the Water Capital Improvement Plan, with the work scheduled to occur within ten
to fifteen years.
The following projects are designed to provide adequate fire protection and flow redundancy
throughout the distribution system. Other improvements could be required due to additional
development and should be completed as need arises.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page ES-3
W.K. Dickson &Co., Inc.

Executive Summary
1. Old Cat Creek Road Area 6" Water Line Upgrade - from Old Cat to Rolling Hill Dr and
Watauga from Clyde to Old Cat
2. Clyde Street 8" Water Line Upgrade-Main Street to Town Mountain tank
Proactive Activities to Accommodate Growth
These areas have adequate flows and pressures throughout the planning period if the
previously mentioned tank improvements are made. Any expansions to the distribution system
will occur on an as-needed basis depending on the size and type of development.
Ambitious Water Capital Improvement Plans are presented in the Comprehensive Water Master
Plan. The more extensive full report breaks out cost and priority on a street by street and
project by project basis, and also shows recommended staging over multiple fiscal years based
on input from Town staff. This offers Town staff flexibility to shift projects into different fiscal
year budgets based on input from the public and elected officials, availability of funding and
changing Town growth patterns.
The following projects serve the purpose of expanding the service area of the system to
accommodate growth and development. The identified growth and expansion projects should
be installed as the need arises.
Table ES-1, ES-2, & ES-3 all contain the following projects:
1. Water Line on East Main Street at Town Bridge—Across Bridge
2. Old Murphy Road /W. Palmer Street 24" Water Line Upgrade Phase I — WTP to Roller
Mill Road
3. Old Murphy Road / W. Palmer Street 24" Water Line Upgrade Phase II — Roller Mill
Road to Georgia Road
4. Conversion From Three Main Pressure Zones to One Main Pressure Zone
In addition, Table ES-1 includes Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation and Expansion to 3
MGD. Table ES-2 includes a Water Treatment Plant Replacement with 3 MGD capacity. And,
Table ES-3 includes a Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation and Expansion to 4 MGD.
Next Steps
As a result of this Comprehensive water model and master plan, WK Dickson recommends the
following steps:
1. Conduct a meeting with NCDENR to discuss 7Q10 flow of Cartoogechaye Creek
2. Confirm 7Q10 flow of Cartoogechaye Creek via a flow study
3. Prepare to begin raising water rates to fund the proposed project
4. Conduct a meeting w/ Macon County to discuss future water needs and impacts to
Franklin's proposed WTP project
5. Conduct additional discussion and debate about which proposed WTP project to
pursue (i.e. rehabilitate the existing plant and expand to 3 MGD, replace the existing
plant with a new 3 MGD plant, or rehabilitate the existing WTP and expand to 4
MGD).
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page ES-4
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Executive Summary
6. Prepare an Environmental Assessment for a WTP project and receive approval of the EA
by NCDENR
7. Prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for a WTP project and receive approval
of the PER by NCDENR
8. Prepare a plans and specifications for the construction of a WTP project and receive
approval of the plans and specifications by NCDENR
9. Bid and construction your WTP project
Estimated Schedule
Assuming the Town elects to proceed with a project that will have a withdrawal of no more
than 3.1 MGD and the withdrawal will continue to occur at the Town's present day intake and
WTP site, the schedule is estimated to look similar to the following:
Raise Rates — Yearly starting in FY 2013/2014
Flow Study— months 0 — 6
Macon County Discussions — months 0 — 6
Prepare EA- months 3 — 15
Prepare PER- months 3 — 18
Preliminary Design - months 19 — 27
Final Design - months 28 — 36
Permitting- months 37— 39
Bidding- months 40 —42
Construction - months 43 -60
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, Bureau of the
Census (October, 2003). Data from the 2000 and 2010 Census reports, 2000 Census of
Population and Housing, Population and Housing Unit Counts North Carolina and 2010
Census of Population and Housing, Population and Housing Unit Counts, North Carolina were
also used. A population projection was estimated based off of data from the NC Office of State
Budget and Management's growth estimate of 1.12%
The following key statistics and demographics for Franklin were taken from the analysis of US
Census Bureau data (See Figure 3.1):
• The population in 2000 was 3,790 people living in 1,627 households (inside Town
limits).
• The average persons per household in 2000 was 2.15.
• The population in 2010 was 3,845 people (inside Town limits).
• The average persons per household in 2010 was 2.21.
Growth Rate Trend Analysis
Historical population data was compiled and evaluated to develop growth trends. Historical
information for both the Town of Franklin and Macon County was entered into a spreadsheet
for analysis. Growth rates were then determined and projected through the planning year
2035. The Town of Franklin was established in 1855. Since this time the Town's historical
population data indicates a positive trend during the past 40 years with an overall increase in
population from 2,336 in 1970 to 3,845 in 2010 based on US Census data. The population
growth rate was at its highest after 1990. Between 1990 and 2000 Franklin's population
increased by 500 people. Though no published census population data is available after 2010,
a leveling trend in population growth is expected. This is based on the population growth rate
as estimated by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.
Although the average growth rate obtained from OSBM may not provide the exact growth rate
of the Town of Franklin, it should be considered accurate for planning estimates.
Water Customer Projections
To determine the final number of water customers in 2055 for the Town of Franklin, several
sources and types of data were assessed. The data sources evaluated include the number of
water customers in 2010 for the Town. Average growth rates from the OSBM were used to
estimate the population projections. Each year's projected population was adjusted by a ratio
determined from the number of current water customers.
Summary of Current Water Customers
The number of residential water customers for the year 2010 in the Town of Franklin was
determined to be 2,814 from the Town's Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP). The previously
discussed information obtained from the U.S Census Bureau shows that there was an average
of 2.21 persons per residence in the Town of Franklin in 2010. Therefore, the number of
people being served (users) by the Town's utilities in 2010 was determined to be 6,219. This
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
value includes all persons within the current utility service area for the Town of Franklin, which
is larger than the Town of Franklin's current Town limits.
Table 3.1 Population and Customer Projections
Year 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040 2050 2055
Town of Franklin Population 3,845 , 4,065 4,298 4,804 5,370 6,003 6,347
Residential
Water Customers' 2,814 2,975 3,146 3,516 3,930 4,393 4,645
Commercial
Water Customers' 705 745 788 881 985 1,101 1,164
1 -The number of water customers presented in this table is from the Town of Franklin's LWSP on file with
NCDENR.
Figure 3.1: Projected Population and Water Customers for the Town of Franklin
Projected Population and Water Customers
for the Town of Franklin
6500
6000 a 5500 f —_
5000
c▪ 4500 -
▪ 4000
0 3500
a
3000
2500 -
2000
1500
1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060
Years
—+—Population Projection tWater Customer Projections
-— Historicial Population
Large Volume Customers
The water customers can be further broken down into a group known as the largest customers.
According to the 2010 billing records, the largest water customers and their average daily
consumption are identified in Table 3.2. This group is comprised of commercial and industrial
customers that are located in Franklin's service area.
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
Table 3.2:Town of Franklin Large Water Customers
Customer Average Daily Consumption (gpd)
Mill Creek 41,197
Shaw Industries 39,405
Trimont Mountain Estates 15,601
Angel Medical Center 13,343
Rolling Acres HOA 11,138
Hiland Park Subdivision 9,139
Macon Valley/Britthaven 7,832
Macon County Greenway 6,560
Swiss Colony HOA 4,974
Caterpillar 4,045
Historical and Current Water Demand
Historical and current water demand data is extremely beneficial for projecting future flows.
Historical operating data provides baseline trends, indicates typical usage patterns, and
identifies if water loss within the system appears high. The data compiled and evaluated in this
section is the total finished water produced by the Town's water treatment plant. Other data
that was processed and compiled include the comparison between metered water billed to
customers and the amount of water produced for the periods of 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
The main objective of assessment of the Town of Franklin's water records was to determine the
Town's future needs.
Historical Data
To estimate the potential water demands for the Town of Franklin through the planning year
2055, past data was analyzed. This data included average daily usage, maximum daily usage
and peaking factors.
Table 3.3 summarizes the important points from the data compilation. This table includes the
maximum single day (in million gallons per day, MGD), the annual average day produced (in
MGD), the annual average day sold (in MGD), maximum day peaking factors for water
produced by the Town of Franklin. The maximum single day produced was determined by
taking the largest one day production for each year. The daily values ranged from 0.693 MGD
to 1.177 MGD (2009), 0.290 MGD to1.690 MGD (2010), 0.200 MGD to 2.100 MGD (2011),
and 0.280 MGD to 1.830 MGD (2012). The maximum daily usage occurred during the
summer while minimum usage occurred during the winter. Annual average day produced
volumes were derived by averaging the values for an entire year. These values ranged from
1.07 MGD to 1.09 MGD.
In addition, based on 2009 - 2012 data, it was determined that the annual average day of
production was 1.09 MGD.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page 3-4
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
Table 3.3: Historical Water Produced&Sold Averages and Development
of Maximum and Minimum Day Peaking Factors
Annual Annual
Maximum Single Max Month Daily Maximum
Year Day Produced Average Day Average Average Produced Day Peaking
Produced Sold
(Date/MGD) (Month/MGD) Factor
(MGD) (MGD)
4/09- 12/09 9/23/09 1.56 1.09 June. '09 1.17 1.43
1/10- 12/10 10/27/10 1.69 1.09 .967 July '10 1.21 1.55
1/11- 12/11 8/5/11 2.10 1.08 897 June '11 1.19 1.94
1/12- 12/12 10/3/12 1.83 1.07 Aug. '12 1.20 1.71
4/09- 12/12 8/5/11 2.10 1.09 .967 Aug. '12 1.20 1.66(avg)
A maximum day peaking factor based on the 2011 calendar year was calculated as 1.94 and
was developed by dividing the maximum single day produced by the annual average day
produced in the 2011 calendar. The peaking factor used for planning is 1.66, which is the
average peaking factor from 2009 - 2012.
Methods for calculating peaking factors vary. Various literature sources were cited as follows:
Recommended maximum day multipliers or peaking factors from the 8th ed. of CERM
range from 1.5 to 1.8.
- The 5th ed. of Water Supply by Alan Charles Twort et. al. cites M to be 1.25 - 2.95 in
the US.
- The 2nd ed. of Integrated Design and Operation of Water Treatment Facilities by
Susumu Kawamura cites an M of 1.5.
The 2000 ed. of the Standard Handbook of Environmental Science, Health and Ecology
by Janet K. Kehr cites M to be 1.2 to 2.0.
The 5th ed. of Environmental Engineering by Joseph A. Salvato et. al. cites a survey of
647 utilities in 1970 serving populations of 10,000 or more with a mean M to 1.78
times the ADD, with a range of 1 to 5.22.
NCDENR recommends using a value of 2.0 for systems serving a population over
10,000.
Therefore, a peaking factor of 1.66 appears to be consistent with literature sources.
Based on the water produced at the Water Treatment Plant, the average residential water use
per capita per day in Franklin in 2010 is 175 gpdpc. The annual average day water produced
was 1,090,000 MGD and the population served by the Town in 2010 was 6,219, as described
in the Water Customer Projection portion of Section 3.
The Town's average residential water use per capita per day is consistent with industry
averages based on the following information.
- The USGS 2000 Report on the Estimated Use of Water in the United States cites an
Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) of 176.6 gpdpc for NC and a US average of 178.9
gpdpc.
- The 8th ed. of the CERM cites a typical min. AADF of 165 gpdpc for planning purposes.
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
- The 2nd ed. of Integrated Design and Operation of Water Treatment Facilities by
Susumu Kawamura cites an AADF of 180 gpdpc.
Current Water Demand Rates
Demand characteristics were computed to represent consumption rates for the residential,
commercial, and industrial factions of the Town's system expressed as gallons per day per
capita (gpdpc).
Table 3.4 summarizes the residential and commercial annual average daily demands and usage
rates over the last decade from the Town's Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) on file with
NCDENR.
Table 3.4: Summary of Water Use and Typical Rates
Source Approx. Pop. ' Residential Commercial Max. Monthly Average '
(persons) AADD (gpd) AADD (gpd) (Month/MGD)
1997 LWSP 3,305 315,000 213,000 August 1.142
2007 LWSP 3,739 370,000 387,000 June 1.290
2008 LWSP 3,774 355,000 355,000 June 1.304
2009 LWSP 3,810 358,000 354,000 July 1.122
2010 LWSP 3,845 411,000 523,000 July 1.137
2011 LWSP 3,888 328,000 495,000 June 1.072
'Population calculated as previously discussed
2 As reported by the Town on the Local Water Supply Plan.
The following usage trends were concluded from Table 3.3 and Table 3.4, as well as other
available data such as US Census data, town production data, and town usage data:
• Using an average of the Maximum Single Day Produced from 2009 — 2012 from Table
3.3 divided by an average of the Annual Average Day Produced from 2009 - 2012, a
peaking factor of 1.66 has been determined.
• Information obtained from production and billing records appears to be a more
accurate reflection of water usage in the Town of Franklin versus the Local Water
Supply Plans. Therefore, this information was used to project future system demands.
Water Demand Projections
Projections for water demand have been made based on the population forecasts and the
assumption that current water usage trends would remain constant through the planning
period.
Methods for calculating maximum day demands vary. NCDENR requires that "a public water
system serving different types of service connections shall meet the maximum day demand."
Maximum Day Demand (MDD), as recommended by the 8th ed. of the CERM, is calculated by
multiplying the Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) or Average Daily Demand (ADD) times a
demand multiplier (M) or peaking factor.
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
Projected water demands that were used in the water model were derived directly from the
projected number of water users that were calculated earlier in this section. To compute the
demands used in the water model the amount of water usage per person was first determined.
Based on this information, the average residential water use per capita in Franklin based on
2010 usage and population data is 175 gpdpc (1,090,000 gpd/ 6,219 residents). The
calculation of the number of water users was discussed earlier in this section. The amount of
water usage per person was then multiplied by the number of projected water users from 2015
to 2055. Final demand projections are shown in Table 3.5. The 2010 demands are based
directly upon water produced from the Franklin Water Treatment Plant.
Table 3.5: Usage Projections
Year 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040 2050 2055
Town Population' 3,845 4,065 4,298 4,804 5,370 6,003 6,347
Water System Population 6,219 6,574 6,952 7,770 8,685 9,708 10,265
Residential
Water Customers' 2,814 2,975 3,146 3,516 3,930 4,393 4,645
Commercial
Water Customers' 705 745 788 881 985 1,101 1,164
Usage
Estimated Average Daily Usage (MGD)3 1.088 1.150 1.217 1.360 1.520 1.699 1.796
Estimated Max. Daily Usage (MGD)3 1.807 1.910 2.020 2.257 2.523 2.820 2.981
Population and population projection based off of 2000 and 2010 Census data as well as the North
Carolina Office of State Budget and Management Population Projections.
2 The number of water customers used were from the Local Water Supply Plan from the years 1997,
2007-2011.
3 These values were calculated from water generated from the Franklin Water Treatment Plant as
opposed to water sold.
Table 3.6: Design Criteria
Design Criteria Based On
System Element Avg. Peak Peak Fire
Day Day Hour Flow
Source Water Acquisition ✓ _
Raw Water Storage ✓
Water Pipelines ✓ ✓
Water Treatment Plants ✓
Pumping Stations ✓ ✓
Treated Water Storage ✓ ✓
Source: Maddaus,W., Estimating Benefits from Water Conservation, 1999.
The Ten State Standards recommend providing "a reasonable surplus for anticipated growth."
Based on usage projections for the year 2035, the Town's estimated average daily usage will be
1.437 MGD and the maximum daily usage will be 2.386 MGD using a 1.66 peaking factor.
And, based on usage projections for the year 2055, the Town's estimated average daily usage
will be 1.796 MGD and the maximum daily usage will be 2.981 MGD. Using a peaking factor
of 1.5, the Town's maximum daily usage projections for the year 2055 would be 2.694 MGD.
Therefore, WK Dickson is recommending a total proposed finished water capacity of 3.0 MGD.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page 3-7
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
Description of Growth Areas
As noted earlier, the project planning area consists of the corporate limits and extra-territorial
jurisdiction of the Town of Franklin, and the outer periphery areas of the Town that could
logically be served with dependable water service within the Town's future service area. For
purposes of this study, the planning areas for water expansion have been identified as follows:
• 441 North
• 441 South
• Hwy 64 East
• Hwy 64 West
• Bryson City Road
Environmental Resources
Numerous environmental factors are important in assessing the potential for land development
or growth in the planning area. These factors include topography, geological and soil
conditions, hydrography and other environmental resources.
Topography
The topography of Franklin consists of small to rolling hills with moderate relief. Highest
elevations occur in the northwestern portion of the Town's service area and range between
2040 and 2680 feet above sea level. Elevations fall in the northeastern part of the project
planning area, reaching a low of approximately 2000 feet above sea level. Areas in the center
of the project planning area range from feet above sea. The topography of the project planning
area presents little challenge to future development given that the terrain consists mostly of
small, rolling hills. In a few isolated areas, steep slopes will limit development.
Geological and Soil Conditions
Different soil types have various degrees of suitability for land uses including agricultural,
residential, and commercial applications. Therefore, the soil characteristics influence multiple
components of residential and commercial land development including transportation,
pipelines, building foundations, facilities for water storage, erosion control, drainage systems,
and sewage disposal systems. Additionally, soil characteristics are important for agriculture
purposes such as those types that support high crop yield.
Hydrography
The project planning area consists of numerous named and unnamed tributaries and streams in
the Little Tennessee River Basin. All of the main creeks drain to the Tennessee River which
eventually drains to the Mississippi River. The main tributaries to the Little Tennessee River
include seven unnamed tributaries, the Cartoogechaye Creek, Cullasaja River.
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
Floodplains associated with these perennial streams and waterways will impact development of
the project planning area adjacent to their banks. Flooding primarily is a concern along the
banks of the Cartoogechaye Creek near the water treatment plant, and the Cullasaja River, and
the Little Tennessee River as they converge just on the edge of Franklin's Town limits.
Other Environmental Considerations
Although a detailed environmental assessment of any historic sites, endangered species and
critical habitats are beyond the focus of this plan, the Town of Franklin and the planning areas
very well may contain such precious resources. A well- known historic site in Franklin is the
ancient Cherokee Indian mound located in the heart of downtown. Further assessment will be
necessary to confirm whether this site and any other elements exist within the planning area
and the impact to these elements to the extent practical and in accordance with the North
Carolina State Environmental Policy Act, State Historical Preservation Office, and other
governing regulations.
Wetlands
According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mapping, wetlands do exist in the project planning
area. The majority of wetlands are located adjacent to the Little Tennessee River and consist of
mostly freshwater forested/ shrub wetlands and a few freshwater emergent wetlands. Most
other tributaries within the Town's service area also have associated wetlands, but to a lesser
degree. Secondary impacts to wetlands due to growth will have to be examined prior to any
projects expanding service to undeveloped areas of the project planning area.
Endangered Species
Macon County is home to several federally protected species. These fall under two different
levels of concern: a Federal species of concern (FSC) and endangered species as recognized by
the state of North Carolina. A Federal Species of Concern (FSC) is a species that may or may
not be listed in the future. An Endangered species is considered "in danger of extinction
throughout all or a significant portion of its range."
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Inventory for Macon County lists forty plant and
animal species that are federal species of concern (FSC) or designated by the state as
endangered. The list of FSC include the Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat- Mountain subspecies
(Corynorhinus rafinesquii rafinesquii), Southern Rock Vole (Microtus chrotorrhinus
carolinensis), Southern Water Shrew (Sorex palustris punctulatus), Appalachian Cottontail
(Sylvilagus obscurus), Southern Appalachian Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus
pop.1), Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea), Bachman's Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis),
Golden- winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Hellbender (Cryptobranchus
allenganiensis), Seepage Salamander (Desmognathus aeneus), Southern Pigmy Salamander
(Desmognathus wrighti), Smokey Dace (Clinostomus sp. 1), Olive Darter (Percina squamata),
Wounded Darter (Etheostoma vulneratum), Eastern Small- footed Myotis (Myotis leibii), Lost
Nantahala Cave Spider (Nesticus cooperi), Mountain River Cruiser (Macromia margarita),
Tawny Crescent (Physiodes batesii maconensis), Slabside Pearlymussel (Lexingtonia
dolabelloides), Cuthbert's Turtlehead (Chelone cuthbertii), Glade Spurge (Euphorbia purpurea),
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Section 3
Project Planning Area
Piedmont Aster (Eurybia mirabilis), Carolina Saxifrage (Micranthes caroliniana), Sweet Pinesap
(Monotropsis odorata), Divided- leaf Ragwort (Pakera millefolium), Large- leaved Grass- of-
Parnassus (Parnassia grandifolia), Torry's Mountain- mint (Pycanthemum torrei), Mountain
Catchfly (Silene ovata), Granite Dome Goldenrod (Solidago simulans), Anderson's Melon-moss
(Brachymenium andersonii), A liverwort (Plagiochila snarpii, Plagiochila sullivantii var.
sullivantii, Plagiochila virginica var. caroliniana, and Porella wataugensis), Butternut Uuglans
cinerea), and Roundleaf Liverwort (Cephaloziella obtusilobula). The list of species designated
as endangered includes Appalachian Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii altus), Green
Salamander (Aneides aeneus), Stonecate (Noturus flavus), Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta
raveneliana), Slippershell Mussel (Alasmidonta viridis), Tennessee Pigtoe (Fusconaia
barnesiana), Littlewing Pearlymussel (Pegias fabula), Tennessee Clubshell (Pleurobema
oviforme), Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla), Queen- of- the- Prairie (Filipendula rubra),
Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinite), Holy Grass (Hierocholoe odorata), Goldenseal
(Hydrastis canadensis), Gorge Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum tayloriae), Small Whorled Pogonia
(isotria medeoloicles), Fraser's Loosestrife (Lysimachia fraseri), West Indian Dwarf Polypody
(Micropolypodium nimbatum), and Virginia Spiraea (Spiraea virginiana). The list of
endangered species may include some species that are also FSC.
Excerpts from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife description of both endangered species are provided
below:
The Green Salamander is a vertebrate animal. Known habitat includes damp, shaded crevices
of cliffs or rock outcrops in deciduous forests. No known sites have been identified along the
project route during previous site visits conducted by representatives of WK Dickson. No
known habitats will be destroyed or threatened.
The Stonecat is a freshwater fish. Known habitat includes drainages to the Nolichucky, French
Broad, and Little Tennessee rivers.
No known sites of these fish have been identified along the project route during previous site
visits conducted by representatives of WK Dickson. No known habitats will be destroyed or
threatened.
Birds, Owls, & Bats
Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat - Mountain subspecies is a vertebrate animal and a bat. Known
habitat includes caves, mines, and hollow trees, usually near water.
The Southern Appalachian Northern Saw-whet Owl is a vertebrate animal. Known habitat
includes spruce-fir forests or mixed hardwood/spruce forests.
The Appalachian Bewick's Wren is a bird. Known habitat includes woodland borders or
openings, farmlands or brushy fields, at high elevations. There is reason to doubt its continued
existence in the County.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page 3-10
W.K. Dickson & Co., Inc.

Section 3
Project Planning Area
No known sites of these birds, owls, or bats have been identified along the project route during
previous site visits conducted by representatives of WK Dickson. No known habitats will be
destroyed or threatened.
Invertebrate Animals
The Appalachian Elktoe is an invertebrate animal and freshwater bivalve. Known habitat
includes drainages to the Little Tennessee River.
The Slippershell Mussel is an invertebrate animal and freshwater bivalve. Known habitats
include the Little Tennessee and upper French Broad/Mills rivers.
The Tennessee Pigtoe is an invertebrate animal and freshwater bivalve. Known habitats
include the Little Tennessee River.
The Littlewing Pearlymussel is an invertebrate animal and freshwater bivalve. Known habitats
include the Little Tennessee River.
The Tennessee Clubshell is an invertebrate animal and freshwater bivalve. Known habitats
include drainages to French Broad, Little Tennessee, and Hiwassee rivers.
No known sites of invertebrate animals have been identified along the project route during
previous site visits conducted by representatives of WK Dickson. No known habitats will be
destroyed or threatened.
Vascular Plants
The Piratebush is a vascular plant. Known habitats include bluffs, dry slopes, forests on lower
slopes.
Queen-of-the-prairie is a vascular plant. Know habitat includes bogs and wet meadows.
The Fringed Gentian is a vascular plant. Known habitats include glades, serpentine barrens,
and open sites over basic rocks. There is reason to doubt its continued existence in the County.
Fraser's Loosestrife is a vascular plant. Known habitats include wet forest borders, roadsides
and alluvial meadows.
The West Indian Dwarf Polypody is a vascular plant. Known habitat includes the spray zone
behind waterfalls.
The Divided-leaf Ragwort is a vascular plant. Known habitats include granitic domes and other
outcrops.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page 3-11
W.K. Dickson &Co., Inc.

Section 3
Project Planning Area
The Large-leaved Grass-of-parnassus is a vascular plant. Known habitats include fens and seeps
over calcareous or mafic rocks.
The Appalachian Filmy-fern is a vascular plant. Known habitat includes spray zone of
waterfalls and seeps over rock.
The Sweet White Trillium is a vascular plant. Known habitat includes rich coves.
The Small Whorled Pogonia is a vascular plant and a slender orchid considered to be a
perennial herb, 4-10 inches tall, with a greenish-tinged (rarely purplish) single hollow stem. Its
habitat typically includes forested areas.
The Virginia Spiraea is a vascular plant and a perennial shrub of the rose family that grows 2-
10 ft. tall, with arching, upright stems. It's habitat is critical and restricts it to a narrow
ecological niche including flood scoured, high-gradient rocky riverbanks; braided areas of
lower stream reaches, gorges, and canyons; as well as disturbed rights-of-way in the mountains
of North Carolina.
No known sites of these vascular plants have been identified along the project route during
previous site visits conducted by representatives of WK Dickson. No known habitats will be
destroyed or threatened.
Lichens
The Rock Gnome Lichen is a nonvascular plant or lichen. The rock gnome lichen only grows
in areas with a great deal of humidity, such as high elevations above 5,000 feet where there is
often fog, or in deep river gorges at lower elevations. No known sites have been identified
along the project route during previous site visits conducted by representatives of WK Dickson.
No known habitats will be destroyed or threatened.
Water Quality
Water for the Town of Franklin is primarily supplied by the Cartoogechaye Creek; the water is
treated at the Franklin Water Treatment Plant and is generally of good quality. However, a few
areas within Franklin's water system may suffer from low chlorine residual levels due to low
demand dead end water lines and water age. Routine flushing of these lines to maintain water
quality is recommended.
Key Findings
The Project Planning Area section provided much of the needed background to perform the
evaluations detailed in later sections of this report. The key findings from this section relate to
historical water use, environmental resources, population projections, water demand
projections and potential expansion or growth areas.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page 3-12
W.K. Dickson & Co., Inc.

Section 3
Project Planning Area
♦ The Town of Franklin serves all developed areas within its corporate limits and some
areas outside its limit with water service. In some undeveloped areas within the Town,
water service will require extension to make service available to these properties.
♦ Beyond the ETJ boundary, Franklin's potential for customer growth does existing in the
following corridors-441 North, 441 South, Hwy 64 East, Hwy 64 West & Bryson City
Road.
♦ Water supply is provided from the Cartoogechaye Creek through the Franklin Water
Treatment Plant. The Town's system consists of 89 miles of distribution mains and
eight storage tanks.
♦ The Town's water system consists of over 4,001 service connections.
♦ The Town of Franklin's historical population data indicates a positive trend during the
past 30 years and continued growth is expected.
♦ Based on historical operating data, the Town's average annual daily demand (AADD)
for water is approximately 1.09 MGD. The maximum daily demand is approximately
1.66 times the AADD or 1.81 MGD.
♦ Built-out water demands were projected for the Town based on local water and
wastewater use practices and the Town's average residential water use per capita of 175
gpdpc. These demands are projected in Table 3.5.
♦ The Town of Franklin needs to consider better management of water production in an
effort to reduce their peaking factor.
♦ By 2015, the Town of Franklin can anticipate AADD of water to be approximately 1.15
MGD and a maximum day demand of 2.386 MGD using the Town's current average
residential water use per capita of 175 gpdpc and a peaking factor of 1.66.
♦ By 2020, the Town of Franklin can anticipate AADD of water to be approximately
1.217 MGD and a maximum day demand of 2.02 MGD using the Town's current
average residential water use per capita of 175 gpdpc and a peaking factor of 1.66.
♦ By 2030, the Town of Franklin can anticipate AADD of water to be approximately 1.36
MGD and a maximum day demand of 2.257 MGD using the Town's current average
residential water use per capita of 175 gpdpc and a peaking factor of 1.66.
♦ Based on the condition of the Town's existing WTP, the age of the Town's existing
WTP, and the need for additional capacity by 2020, WK Dickson is recommending that
the Town rehabilitate their existing plant and upgrade it to 3.0 MGD.
Town of Franklin Comprehensive Water Model & Master Plan Page 3-13
W.K. Dickson & Co., Inc.

APPENDIX 2
Past/Recent Correspondence
McGill
Engineering Alternatives Analysis Water Treatment Plant Upgrade—Alum Sludge A S S n C I ATF s
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August-2017 Revised April 5,2018
Page 31 of 33

McGill
ASSOCIATES
April 2, 2018
Ms. Brianna Young
Environmental Senior Specialist
Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
Compliance and Expedited Permitting Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
RE: Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
Town of Franklin
NPDES Application Permit # NC0089737
Macon County
Dear Ms. Young:
This letter provides responses and additional information as requested in the letter from
John Hennessy to Ms. Summer Woodard at the Town of Franklin dated January 12, 2018. This
additional information is provided in response to the NPDES permit application for Town of
Franklin Water Treatment Plant which was submitted for review and approval.
The permit application review letter notes that this is for a NPDES Renewal application. It
should be noted that the Town of Franklin does not have an active NPDES permit for the water
treatment plant (WTP). While the plant has been in operation at the current location since its
original construction in 1975 there has been no NPDES permit in place for discharge of treated
effluent from the alum sludge lagoons. All wash water/wastewater effluent has either evaporated
and/or infiltrated through the bottom of the sludge holding lagoons.
Page 1 of the review letter, item #1 request a more detailed solids handling plan. This
additional description is as follows:
N'TP Solids Handling Plan
Solids from the water treatment plant (WTP)process are generated from three(3)potential
sources. Raw water is withdrawn from Cartoogechaye Creek and pumped to the WTP for
treatment. Chemical addition occurs in the raw water pump line to the treatment process to enhance
coagulation the raw water in the ballasted setting pre-treatment unit (Actiflo Process by Kruger).
A large percentage of the solids in the raw water coagulate with a ballast sand and settle in the
Actiflo process. The settled solids are pumped from the unit and conditioned through a cyclone
5S Broad Street P.O. Boa x28.252.0575
Asheville.north Carolina 2$$O I Asheville, North Carolina 28802 214.251. 5 I e megillengincen

process which separates the solids from the ballast sand. Solids flow by gravity to an existing
circular flow equalization tank and then to the first of two alum sludge lagoons. The two alum
sludge lagoons are interconnected.The ballast sand is returned to the Actiflo process tank for reuse
in the process.
Water from the Actiflo process then flows by gravity to two sedimentation basins where a
large portion of the remaining solids are separated by gravity settling prior to final filtration. Any
solids accumulated in the settling basins are removed approximately once every three (3)months
by washing out the basins. The wash water carrying the removed solids accumulated within the
settling basins flows by gravity to an existing circular flow equalization tank and then to the first
of two alum sludge lagoons.
All remaining solids in the raw water are removed through the mixed media filter process.
To keep the filters clean and operating at peak performance the filters are backwashed and cleaned
approximately once every 72 hours of services. The filter wash water carrying the remaining
removed solids flows by gravity to an existing circular flow equalization tank and then to the first
of two alum sludge lagoons.
The water treatment solids remain in the two alum sludge lagoons for storage and
thickening. Once the NPDES permit is approved water will be removed from the top of the second
lagoon and discharged to Cartoogechaye Creek to make room for additional wastewater and sludge
storage. The two alum sludge lagoons are interconnected with a pipe which allows water to flow
form basin I to basin 2 prior to decant and discharge from the second lagoon.
Approximately everytwo to three
years the solids in the basin have thickened a level where
it is advantageous for the town to dispose of the solids. The water plant residuals are land applied
onto local farm land as a beneficial soil amendment and as a Class A product.The town of Franklin
contracts with a licensed residuals/sludge hauler who secures the permits for the farm land and
g
application sites and manages the beneficial reuse program for the town.
Page 1 of the review letter, item #2 request that the WTP schematic should be modified to
show the proposed sampling point and the flow pattern. The schematic has been revised as
requested.
Page 1 of the review letter, item #3 request a copy of the analysis of the raw water. This
data is collected daily and shown on the WTP DMR monthly report. A copy of two months of data
from these reports are attached. More months can be provided if needed upon request.
Page 1 of the review letter, item #4 request five (5) days of Total Hardness data for the
water plant effluent and raw water data. As previously mentioned there is no discharge point
currently in place at the WTP. In follow-up to your email of March 7th which provided concurrence
for the testing of effluent hardness from the second alum sludge lagoon near the location of the

proposed discharge point sampling for a five (5) period was completed. The results of these five
(5)days of test are:
Date Influent Hardness (mg/1) Effluent Hardness (mg/1)
3/12/18 10 15
3.13/18 10 14
3/14/18 10 14
3/15/18 10 13
3/16.18 12 15
• Note that effluent sample taken from second alum sludge lagoon near the location of the
proposed discharge point.
Page 2 of the letter has additional comments which are addressed as follows:
Comment #5: Determination if facility is subject to zero flow restrictions:
An evaluation of flow in Cartoogechaye Creek was performed in accordance with, and using data
from, USGS Water Supply Paper 2403 (flow data pg. 28). Flow data in the WSP-2403 is from
USGS Gage# 0350024000 (period of record 1963-1988), which is located approximately 3.7
stream miles downstream from the Franklin WTP lagoon discharge point. The drainage areas at
the gage is 57.1 sq. miles and the drainage area at the WTP is 46.1 sq. miles or 80.7% of that at
the gage. The table below shows the flow estimates requested in the January 12, 2018 letter to
Summer Woodard. Flow estimates are provided for both the gage and outfall locations correlated
by drainage area ratio.
""2
I) unit O -Ot() ?Itt ►'
tiitc ,�I.mi. Ratio cl, ci. (t.
Ga.e 57.1 1 2.6 30 51
WTP 46.1 0.807 2.099 24.221 41.175
Comment #6: Required stream and basin information:
a) Receiving Stream Classification: Cartoogechaye Creek from Town of Franklin water
supply intake to Little Tennessee River (index 2-19-(10.5) is classified as Class C, Trout.
b) Basinwide Plan Review: The most recent Basinwide Plan for the Little Tennessee River
Basin is dated 2012. Cartoogechaye Creek is located in the Headwaters Little Tennessee
River Basin (HUC 0601020201). The watershed consists of mostly undeveloped public

lands in the headwaters. Below the headwaters the creek flows through mostly agricultural
valleys with tributaries draining side valleys and wooded coves and slopes. In the lower
reaches of the creek, below the discharge point from the WTP, there is more residential
development and some light industrial and commercial development.
According to the ambient monitoring data collected by NCDWR all sections of
Cartoogechaye Creek support designated uses. Sampling in 2011 at the WTP site found
elevated levels of bacterial contamination that was attributed to upstream livestock farming
without BMP's. In 2008 the Little Tennessee Watershed Association monitored fish
communities and found high incidence of a parasitic infection called blackspot that has
been associated with organic enrichment but can occur in healthy streams as well. Water
quality concerns in the basin are primarily focused on livestock access to streams and other
riparian disturbance. There are no listed limitations for NPDES permits and no
recommended NPDES permitting strategies noted in the 2012 Plan.
c) Assessment of impairment and 303(d) listing: With the exception of the statewide
Category 5 listing for Mercury, there are no impaired waters listed in the Cartoogechaye
Creek watershed. This determination is based on review of 2016 303(d)reports and maps.
Comment#7: Endangered Species Evaluation:
A scoping letter was sent to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) explaining the proposed
activity and requesting comments regarding listed species. The FWS responded by letter dated
March 2, 2018 and noted two federally listed species in the project vicinity.These are the federally
threatened northern long-eared bat (Myosis septentrionalis) and the federally threatened spotfin
chub (Cyprinella monacha).
The FWS letter states that any incidental take of the northern long-eared bat that may result from
project activities would be exempt under the 4(d) rule. The FWS letter also states that, due to the
distance of the proposed discharge to the spotfin chub habitat(5.7 river miles)and the large amount
of dilution that would occur to the proposed discharge, the FWS is "...not opposed to the proposed
project based on the apparently low probability for impacts to this species and its downstream
habitats."
Comment#8: Population Projections:
The Engineering Alternatives Analysis submitted with the original submittal contained population
projections for the Town of Franklin Water system which were generated in a system wide water
study prepared by W.K. Dickson. The appropriate sections of that report will be forwarded under
separate cover.

Comment#9: Flow Projections:
The above referenced system wide water study prepared by W.K. Dickson contains projections of
future water system demands. The appropriate sections of that report will be forwarded under
separate cover.
Comment#10, 11, 12:
The Engineering Alternatives Analysis submitted with the original submittal has been updated to
include the requested additional information related to cost for each of the proposed alternatives.
The requested Attachment A is also being completed and signed by the Town. The revised
Engineering Alternatives Analysis report will be forwarded under separate cover.
Should you have any questions please let me know.
Sincerely,
McGILL ASSOCIATES, P.A.
Al
M. KE H WEBB, P.E.
Vice President - Principal
Attachments
15.00359/Franklin WTP/letters by 2apri118-npdes response
CC; Summer Woodard—Town of Franklin
Nathanael Moore—Town of Franklin
Tim Heim- DEQ Regional office

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MONTH I YEAR: June/2015 PHYSICAL TESTS AND CHEM
Turbidity(NTU) Color(uc) pH Carbon Dioxide(mg/L) Total Alkalinity(mg/L)
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2 19.3 25.3 - 0.414- 87.2 7. ' 6.9 6.6 7.7 7.4 7.5- 7. + 8. 7. 9.5 10. 10.
3 18.3 11.7 0.415 8 7.1 7, 7.8` 6.7 8. - 7.5 7.6 8. 10. 9. 11. 10. 12.
4
4 17.9 9.95 + 0.43 8 7.1 7. 6.9 6.7 7.6 7.4- 7.5 8. 9. 8. 10. 10. 11.
5 19.2 16.7 0.435_8 7.1 7. 6.9 6.81 7.6 7.3 7.5 10. 11. ' 9. 11. 10. 10.
6 19.4 6.53 0.375 7 7.3 7. 6.9 6.8 7.8 7.5 7.6 10. 12. 10. 11. 10. 10.
7 7.7 7.41 0.289 87.2 7. 6.9 6.8 7.7 7.4 7.6 12. 14. 12. 11. 10. 10.
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8 20.3 8.06_ 0.396 8 7.3_ 7. 6.9 6.8 8.1' 7- .4 7.7 10. 11. 10. 10. 10. 11.
9 19.6 57.9 1.69 8 7. 6.9 6.9 6.4 8.2 7 7.5 11. _ 12. 10. 10. 10. 12.
10 19.5 9.64 0.464- 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.6 8.3 7.1+ 7.6' 10. 12. ' 10. 10. 11. 12.
11 20.3- 8.01 0.365 8' 7.2 7. 6.9 6.8 7.7 7.3 7.5 11. 12. 10. 11. ' 11. 10.
12 20.7- 10.4 ' 0• .359 8 7.1 7. 6.9 6.7 8. ' 7.3 7.6 10. ' 12. ' 11. 11. 9. 10.
13 20.7 6.13 0.224 8 r 7.2 7. _ 6.8- 6.7 7.6 7.5 7.5 13. 14. ' 13. 11. 10. 10.
14 21.2 5.77 0.248 8 7.2 7. _ 6.8 6.7 7.6 7.4 7.5 12. 13. ' 13. 11. 10. 11.
15 21.4 5.88 0.353. 8 7.2 7. 6.8' 6.7 8. ' 7- .5 7.7' 11. 13. 12. 11. 10. ' 10.
16 21.4 21.5 0.453 8 _ 7.3 7. 6.9 6.7 7.8 7.4 7.5 12. 13. 10. 12. 10. 13.
17 22.317.
6.76 0,347 7 _ 3 8 7. 6.9 6. 8. - 7- .5 7.7' 11. 13. ' 11. 12. 11. 13.
18 22.7 7.22 0.384 8 7.3 7. 6.9 6.8 8. 7.6 7.8 12. 13 12. 12. 11. 12.
19 22.9 5.11 0.348 8 7.4 7. 6.9 6.8 7.8 7.2 7.5 13. 14. 14. 12. 10. 11.
20 22.4 5.75 0.24 8 7.3 7.1 6.9 6.8 7.8 7.4 7.6 14. 14. 13. 10. 9. 10.
21 24.4` 2.9 0.286 4_ 7.5 7.1 6.8 6.8 7.8 7.6 7.7 13. ' 14. ' 12. y 12. 9. , 11.
22 23.2 35.6 0.588 8 7.4 7. 6.9 6. 8.4 7.4 7.6
23 22.8 15.9 0.581' 12 _ 7.2 7. 7.2 6.5 7.9 7. ' 7.5 13. 13. 12. 12.5 10. 13.
24 23.5 5.380.547 11 7.4 7. 6.8 6.6 8.1 7.1 ' 7.6 14. _ 13. 13. 13. 9. 13.
25 23.6 5.94 ' 0.607 10 7.4 6.8 6.8 6.5 8.1 7. 7.5 13. 14. 13. 12. 10. 12,
26 23.5 4.5 0.392 8 7.4 7. + 6.7 6.6' 7.8 6.8 7.4 14. 14. 13. ' 12. 11. 12.
27 22.5 7.96 0• .514' 8 7.2 7. _ 6.7 6.6 7.7 7.4 7.5 14, 14. 13. 12. 11. V 12.
28 20.8 16.1 _ 0.506 8 7.5 7. 6.6 6.5 7.8 7.3' 7.6 12. 14. 14. 11. ' 11. 10.
29 20. 4.99 0.754' 8 _ 7.5- 7. 6.7 6.6 7.7 7.4' 7.5 12. _ 13. 12. 12. 10. 11.
=430 8 8 30 20.6 5.14 0.641 7.5 7.1 6. 6.6 7.8 7.5 7.7 12. 13. 12. 11. 10. 11.
TOT I N/A 347.(10_T4.i36 247 ._ 218 T "2113.1) 796.4 199.9 236.5 7%: 277.23 331.00 362.00 326.00 325.00 292.00 324.00
AVG 20.7 11.591 0.471 8 7.3 7.0 6.9 6.7 7.9 7.3 7.57 11.41 12.48 11.24 11.21 10.07 11.17
MAX 24.4 57.900 1.690 12 ' 7.5 7.1 7.8 6.8 8.4 7.6 7.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 13.00 11.00 13.00
MIN 7. 2.90U 0.224- 4 7.0 b.8 6.b' 6.0- 7. b.8 7.43 1.00 8.00 7.00 9.50 6.00 10.00
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PWSID: NC0157010
WATER SYSTEM NAME: Franklin.Town of
Total Hardness
Turbidity(NTU) Color(uc) pH Carbon Dioxide(mg/L) Total Alkalinity(mg/L) (mg/L) Iron(mg/L)
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2 20.1 35.7 0.587 7 7.1 6.8 6.9 6.6 7.8 7.6 7.7 12. 11. 12. 13. _ 12. 10. 12. 12.
3 19.8 136. 0.626 8 _ 7. 6.7 6.5 5.8 7.8 7.3~ 7.5 13. 14. 14. 11 10. 11, 14. _ 14.
4 19.5 24.5 0.648 6 '"7.1 6.9 6.5 5.7 7.9 7.2' 7.6 14. 16 _ 14. ' 10. 8 11, _ 14. 14.
5 19.6 104 0.515 8 7.2 7. 6.6 6.5 7.8 7.4 7.6 13. _ 14. 14. - 10. 10. • 11. 14. -• 13. _
6 20.1 8.71 0.817 8 7.2 7. 6.7 6.6 7.8 7.3 7.6 12. 13. 12. ' 11. ' 11. 10. 12. 12.
7 20.9 8.06 0.707 8 7.1 6.8 6.8 6.7 8.1' 7.4' 7.7 13. 14. 11. - 12. 10. 13. 14. 12.
8 21.4 6.64' 0.552 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.7 7.8 7.3 7.5 14. 13. 11. 13. 12. 10. 12. 12.
9 22.2 6.68 _ 0.575 8 _ 7.1 7. 6.8' 6- .7 7.7 7.3 7.5 13. ' 12. 12. 11. 10. 10. '' 11. - 12.
10 22.1 4.61 0.549' 8 7.2 6.9 6.8 6.6 8. 7.3 7.6 14. 15. 14. 12. 11. 11. 14. • 14.
11 22.1 4.7 0.451 8 7.3 7. 6.7 6.7 8.2 7.5 7.7 16. 16. a 15. 12. ' 12. 11. 14. 14.
12 21.7 4.15 0.42 8 7.4 7. ' 6- .8• 6.6 7.8 7.6 7.7 15. 15. 13. 12. 10. 11 14. 14. _
13 22.6 4.14 0.654 9 7.3 7. 6.8 8.1 7.6 6.7 .8 14. 14. 12. 11 10. 12. • 13. 12. _
14 22.6 4.83 0.495 8 7.3 7. _ 6.9 6.8' 8.1 7.7 7.9 14. 15. 13. 11. 10. ' 13. 13. 12.
15 21.4 41.6 0.787 7- 7.2 7 6.8 6.5 8.1 7.2 7.7 15. 13. 14. _ 13. - 10. 15. 15. 14.
16 21.5 6.14 0.744 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.6� 7.7 7.4 7.6 14. 13. _ 13. 12. 12. 14. 13. 13, _
17 22.2 4.78 0.528 8 7.3 7. 6.8' 6- .7 8. 7.6 7.8 13. 13. 12. _ 12. ' 10. 14. 15. 14.
18 22.7 4.4 0.46 8 7.3� 7. 6.7 6.7' 7.9 7.4 7.7 16. 16. 15. 15. 13. 13. 15. 15.
19' 22.8 4.77 0.513 8 _ _ 7.4 7. 6.8 6.7 7.8,- 7.5 7.7 14. ' 16. 14. 13. 12. 11. 14. 14. •
20 22.8 4.3 0.726 8- - 7.3 7. • 6.8 6.7 7.7 7.4 7.6� 14. , 15. - 13- 13. 12. 12. _ 13. 13.
21 23.2 4.52 0.599 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.7, 8.1' 7.6 7.8 13. 15. 13. 14. 13. 13 14. 14.
22 22.9 4.07 0.551 ' 8 7.3 7. _ 6.8 6.7 8.2 7.4 7.7 14. 15. 14. 13. _ 13. 12. 14. 14.
23 22.6 3.45 0.545 7 7.3 7. 6.9 6.7 7.9 7.7 7.7 14. 15. ' 14. ' 14. 13. 13 14. _ 14.
24 22.5 8.12 0.685 8 7.3 7. 7. 6.7 7.9 7.4 7.7 14. 13 . 14. 13. 12. 12. ' 15. 14.
25 23.6 3.97 0.423 8 7.4 7. • 6- .8' 6- .7 7.9 7.5 7.7 13. 14. 14. - 14. 12. 14. 15. 15. _
26 22.4 129- 1.22 8 ' 7.3 6.9 6.4 6.2 7.9 7.2 7.5 12. 14. _ 14. 10. 11. 12. 15. 15.
27 22.5 35. 0.817 8� 7.3 6.9 6.6 6.4 8. 7.2 7.6 13. 14. _ 13. 12. 12. 13. 14. 14.
28 23.1 9.7 0.906 8 7.2 7. 6.7 6.6 8.4 7. 7.6 13. _ 14. 14. 11. 13 y 13. 14. • 13.
29 23.4 6.44 0.556 8 7.3 7. 6.8 6.6 8.1 7.5 7.7 13. 14. 10. 15. 13. 14. 13. 13.
30 23.8 4.88 0.615 8 7.3 7. 6.8' 6.7 8. 7.4 7.6 13. 14. 12. ' 15. 14. 14. 14. 14.
TOT NIA 542.470 19:356 246 225.6 X15.9 209.5 203.9 238:2 230.0 237.1 422.00 437.06 405.0 382.00 355.00 376.00 422.60 414.00
AVG 22.0 17.499 0.624 8 7.3 7.0 6.8 6.6 7.9 7.4 7.65 13.61 14.10 13.06 12.32 11.45 12.13 13.61 13.35
MAX 23.8 136.000 1.220 9 7.9 7.0 7.0 6.8 8.4 7.7 7.89 16.00 16.00 15.00 15.00 14.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
MIN 19.5 3.450 0.420 7 T.0 b.7 b.4 5.7 7.1 T.i5 7.5U 12.00 11.00 10.0 10.00 8.00 1U.Utr 11.00 12.00
NCDENR/DEH
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Version:V02.05-1

MONTH f YEAR: August/2015 PHYSICAL i tS1 o MND :MI. ,-,.. ANALYSIS rttPOrc t - F
PWSID: NC0157010
WATER SYSTEM NAME: Franklin.Town of
Total Hardness
Turbidity(NTU) Color(uc) pH Carbon Dioxide(mg/L) Total Alkalinity(mg/L) (m9/L) Iron(mg/L)
V, _
t39 N d hi m N m m O, m d J N
N H ,a ca Cr 9 s V t0 i0 is fa OS > IO > fa fa
to
m a3 m 3 m m ep m � 3 3 hi 103 -7-, 3 m ev, 3 mm ° 3E m 3
U m 3 a v a A m m E E ' - m m <a '0 m ID m -o m . v m v
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O i- 3 Fo E , to E z u_ . a ro E . ii E_ al E . co E a 3 ,a 3 , u_ E it E L. m co >, O . a 3 , u_ _ CC , a 3 , ii tea. CO ii �? ii CV ;. tY E i� E
1 23.1 3.92 0.516 8 7.5 7.1' 6.8 6.7 8.4 7.5 7.8 14. 14. 13. 13. 12. 13. 14. _ 14.
2 22.1 3.88 0.496 8 7.3 7. 6.8 6.7 7.9 7.5 7.7 13. ' 15. 14, 13. 12. 12. ' 13. 12.
3 22.3 3.2 0.643 7 7.3 7. 6.8 6.7 7.7 7.5 7.6 14.08 20.24 9.68 14.5 10. 15. 11. 11.
4 22.4 4.77 0.692 7 7.2 7. 6.8 6.1 7.7 7.4 7.5 3.52 6.6 - 2.2 14.5 10. - 15. 11. 11.
5 22.6 3.69 0.557 8 7.2 7. 6- 6.8 6.7 7.9 7.6 7.8 4.4 6.6' 3.52 14. ' 10.5 15. 11. ' 11,
6 22.5 4.03 0.609 8 7.2 7. 6.7 6.7 7.8 7.5 7.7 3.52 6.6 3.52 14. - 105. 15. 12.
7 22.1 3.67 0.445 7 7.1 7. 6.8 6.7 8. 7.4 7.8 7. 8 _ 7. ' 11. 10. 11. 14. 13.
8 22.1 3.08 0.425 8 7.3 7. 6.7 6.7 7.8 7.4 7.6 6. - 7. 7 12. ' 10. 12. 12. 12.
9 23.2 3.05 0.442 8 7.3 7 6.7 6.7` 7.9 7.5 7.7 7. 8. 8. 13. 12. 12. 13. - 12.
10 23.1 3.47 ' 0.634 8 7.2 6.9 6.8 6.6 7.7 7.4 7.5 5.72 7.92_ 3.52 15. 11. 15. 11. 11.
11 22.9 4.03 0.532 8 +_ 7.1 7. 6.8 6.7 7.5 7.3 7.4 6.1 8.8 3.5 ' 13.5 10. 13. 13. 13.
12 22.7 3.09 0.597 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.6 7.9 7.5 7.7 6. 8. 3.52 14. 12. _ 14. _ 13. 12.
13 22. 3.62 0.484 8 7.2 7. - 6.7 6.7 7.8 7.4 7.6 6. 8. 4. _ 13. 13. 14. 12. 11.
14 21.9 2.63 0.628 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.7 8. 7.5 7.7 6. 7. 7. 13. ' 14. 14. 13. 13.
15 21.1 7.76 0.582 8 7.2 7. 6.7 6.6 8.2 7.4 7.7 8. V 9. 9. 12. 11. 11 14. 14.
16 21.3 3.78 0.521 8 _ 7.3 7. 6.7 6.6 8. 7.6 7.8 8. 9. 7. 13. 11. 12. 13. 13.
17 21.9 3.7 0.698 8 7.4 6.9 6.8 6.7� 8. _ 7.6 7.7 6. 8 7. 13. ' 14. 12. 13. 13.
18 21.9 39.4 0.842 7 7.2 6.9 6.8 6.6 8.1 7.7 7.9 5. 8. - 7. 12. 13. 13. 12. 13.
19 21.5 44.7 0.757 8 _ 7.2 6.6 6.5 6.3 7.9 7.3 7.6 8. 8. 7. 13. 14. 13. 14. 14.
20- 22.3 29.7 0.644 9 r 7.1 6.7 6.6 6.4 8.3 7.6 8. 7. 8. 7 13. 13. 14. 13. _ 14.
21 21.7 5.4 0.657 8 7.3 7. 6.6 6.5 8.6 7.4 8. 6.6 8 6 13 V 12. 13. 14. 13.
22 21.7 3.98 0.338 . .8' 7.3+ 7.1 6.8 6.7, 8. 7.6 7.8 8. _ 9. 9 13. 12. 12. 13. 13. _
23 21.9 4.31 ' 0.407 8 7.2 7.1 6.8 6. 8. 7.6 7. 8 7. 9. 8 14. 12 13. 14. 14.
24 21.7 6.59 0.636 8 7.3 7.1 6.8 6.6 7.9 7.6 7.7 7. 8. 8. 13. _ 13. _ 12 13. 14.
25 21.7 3.61 0.862 8 _ 7.3 7. 6.8 6.7 8.6 7.7 8. 9. _ 9. 8. 12. 13. _ 12 12. 13.
26 20.7 3.31 0.422 8 7.3 7.1 6.9� 6.8� 8.3 7.9 8.1 7. 8. 8. 12. 13. 13 12. 13.
27 21.5 3.77 0.65 8 7.2- 7.1 6.9 6.7 8.6 7.4 7.8 8. 9. 8. 12. 13. 13. 12. 14.
28 21.3 3.14 0.434 8 7.2 7. 6.8 6.7 8.4 7.6 7.9 8. - 10. 8. 14. _ 13. 12. , 14. 14.
29 21. 3.19 0.429 8 7.3 7.1 6.8' 6.1 8. 7.6' 7.8 9. 10. 9. 13. 11. _ 12. 14. 14.
30 21. 3.16 0.445 8 7.2 7.1 6.8- 6.8 8.2 7.6 7.8 9. 9. 8. 13. 11. 12. 14. 14.
311 20.8 2.79 0.591 8 7.2 7. 6.9 6.8 7.9 7.6 7.8 8. 9. 8. 13. 14. 14. 13. 14.
rot -WA 227.X20 17.615 245
24.5 216.9 --209 6 205.7 248.9 - 233. 340.06 230.94 279.76 221.46 405.50 -464.50 388.00 400..00-_399.
AVG 21.9 7.175 0.568 8 - 7.2' 7.0 6.8 6.6 8.0 7.5 7.74 7.45 9.02 7.14 13.08 14.98 12.93 12.90 12.87
MAXAX 23.2 44.700 0.862 9 7.5 7.1 6.9 6.8 8.6 7.9 8.13 14.08 20.24' 14.00 15.00 105.00' 15.00 15.00 14.00
MIN 2U. 2.630 0.338 7 7.T- 6.6 6.5 6.1 7.5 7.3 7.41` 4.52 b.bU 2.20 11.U0 10.0tf 11.00 11.00 11.00
NCDENR/DEH
PWSS
Version:V02.05-1

I

Hardness Tests
Town Of Franklin
DATE TIME INFLUENT(RAW WATER) EFFLUENT(FAR ENO OF
LAGOONS)
3/12/18 8:00am 10mg/I 15mg/I
3/13/18 8:00am 10mg/l 14mg/l
3/14/18 8:00am 10mg/l 14mg/I
3/15/18 8:00am 10mg/I 13mg/I
3/16/18 8:00am 12mg/I
15mg/I

1

..) McGill
- .; A S S O (' I A 1 [ S
February 2,2018
Mr. Byron Hamstead
United States Fish& Wildlife Service
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-1082
RE: NPDES Renewal Application
Town of Franklin WTP
NPDES permit NC0089737
Macon County, North Carolina
Scoping Request
Dear Mr. Hamstead:
The Town of Franklin has submitted an application for a NPDES permit for a
discharge to Cartoogechaye Creek from an existing alum sludge lagoon associated with
the Town's existing water treatment plant (WTP). The WTP and sludge lagoons are
existing but planned upgrades to the WTP will increase the volume of flow from the
pretreatment unit and the amount of filter backwash flow that will be discharged to the
lagoons. Please find enclosed figures identifying the referenced project location and
supporting documentation. McGill Associates, P.A. is requesting comments from your
office regarding potential threatened and endangered species issues or other concerns
relating to this project.
Probable state and/or federal actions that may be needed to develop the project to
include but are not limited to, the following:
• NPDES Permit
• Clean Water Act Section 401 Permit
• Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit
• Floodplain Permits
The proposed discharge from the Town of Franklin WTP is 0.085 MGD or 0.13 cfs.
The discharge will consist of wastewater generated from the pretreatment unit (Actiflo),
filter backwash, periodic cleaning of the sedimentation basins and process instrument
wastewater. All wastewater flows to an existing 136,700-gallon flow equalization tank,
then to two existing, unlined alum sludge lagoons, functioning in series, with a combined
volume of 1.8 MG. The discharge will be from the second alum sludge lagoon.
The discharge water is the same water withdrawn from Cartoogechaye Creek just
upstream of the WTP but it has run through the treatment process and may contain trace
amounts of the following substances:
Environmental Planning Finance
th(,,II 1,soman 1.1'.1 • 46N Veit tlu,L,t H/i J Sri' H. ('urn1,u,,2R6f
O/1/(, (&'S)/.1h 1920 • 1111. /R.7.1/3.16•/923

I

Mr. Byron Hamstead
USFWS
Page 2
• Zinc-orthophosphate(Sweetwater CP 1236): a water softener
• Ployaluminum chlorosulfate(PAC—cederclear-757): coagulant
• Sodium Hydroxide(caustic soda): for pH adjustment
• Sodium hypochlorite(bleach): for disinfection
The receiving stream is Cartoogechaye Creek, with a drainage area of about 46 square
miles at the discharge point. There is a USGS gage downstream from the WTP on
Cartoogechaye Creek, the drainage area at the gage is 57.1 square miles and the dates of
record for the gage are 1963 to 1988. Using the published data from the gage, corrected
for the WTP site using a drainage area ratio, the average discharge at the WTP site is 96.6
cfs, the 7Q10 and 30Q2 at this site respectively are 24.2 cfs and 41.2 cfs. The WTP site is
approximately 11 stream miles upstream of the confluence with the Little Tennessee
River.
Please provide any comments regarding threatened and endangered species concerns
or other issues of significance that may affect this project. We look forward to your
comments on this matter.
If you have any questions, please free to contact me at our office phone number of
[phone] or my email address john.vilas®mcgillengineers.com.
Sincerely,
MCGILL ASSOCIATES, P.A.
J HN C. VILAS
Environmental Program Manager
Cc: Mr. Keith Webb, P.E., McGill Associates, P.A.
List of attachments:
1. LOCATION MAP AERIAL
2. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
3. DRAINAGE AREA MAP
Environmental Planning • Finance
,1lt(iill4.,.sot iutcs. P 1 • 468 Neu .Mallet Bh d Ste B Bonne. Anrth Carolina 2860'
Office t#2$,38649211 • Pus 1828s386.1923

"SENT ••F Ty fva�a:-,.. �
�-�� United States Department of the Interior SINIMICE
1r-
....--46g Mari
a, FISH AND WILDLIFE SER�'10E
� Aslreviue Fic1a r>tr« r..7.)M, '� 160 ZiIIwo°Street ,.:.
RCH �
Asheville.North Carolina 28801
March 2, 2018
Mr. John Vilas
McGill Associates
468 New Market Boulevard
Boone, North Carolina 28607
Dear Mr. Vilas:
Subject: Town of Franklin Water Treatment Plant NPDES Permit (NC0089737); Macon
County, North Carolina
Log No. 4-2-18-150
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the information provided in your
correspondence dated February 2, 2018 wherein you request our scoping comments regarding
potential impacts to federally protected species that may result from the proposed project. We
submit the following comments in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 661-667e); the National Environmental Policy Act
(42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.); and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
Project Description
According to the information provided, you on behalf of the Town of Franklin are seeking a
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit associated with modifications
to an existing Water Treatment Plant west of Franklin, NC. Specifically, the proposed upgrades
would increase the volume of flow from the pretreatment unit and filter backwash into the two
existing unlined sludge lagoons. You indicated that the plant would discharge 0.085 MGD (0.13
cfs) of wastewater from the final lagoon in the series into the Cartoogechaye Creek. Wastewater
would contain trace amounts of zinc-orthophosphate(water softener), polyaluminum
chlorosulfate (coagulant). sodium hydroxide (pH control). and sodium hypochlorite
(disinfection) generated from the pretreatment unit, filter backwash, and periodic cleaning of the
sediment basins. The plant modifications may require some ground disturbance associated with
the installation of new equipment and an outfall structure.
Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species
According to Service records, suitable summer roosting habitat may be present in the project
area for the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Mvotis sepienirionalis). However, the
final 4(d) rule (effective as of February 16, 2016). exempts incidental take of northern long-eared
hat associated with activities that occur greater than 0.25 miles from a known hibernation site,
and greater than 150 feet from a known, occupied maternity roost during the pup season (June 1
— July 31). Based on the information provided, the project (which may or may not require tree

clearing) would occur at a location where any incidental take that may result from associated
activities is exempt under the 4(d) rule.
The proposed project would occur approximately 5.3 river-miles upstream from designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened spotfin chub(Cyprinella monacha) in the Little
Tennessee River. We do not have concerns for project-mediated impacts to this species provided
that the proposed NPDES permit would require monitoring and compliance standards for
applicable toxicants or parameters, (which may include zinc,chloride, and pH) for the purpose of
protecting water quality and natural resources. Moreover, you indicated that the 7Q10 at the
proposed discharge site is approximately 24.2cfs, which is more than two orders of magnitude
greater than the proposed maximum discharge of 0.13cfs. Before it enters the Little Tennessee
P P g
River and critical habitat, Cartoogechaye creek drains numerous tributaries that would further
dilute upstream inputs from the proposed discharge. We are not opposed to the proposed project
based on the apparently low probability for impacts to this species and its downstream habitats.
Based on the information provided and Service records, no other federally protected species or
their habitats occur in the project vicinity. Please be aware that in accordance with the Act, it is
the responsibility of the appropriate federal agency or its designated representative to review its
activities or programs and to identify any such activities or programs that may affect endangered
or threatened species or their habitats. The Act does not require written concurrence with the
Service for"no effect"determinations from the Action agency. If it is determined that the
proposed activity may adversely affect any species federally listed as endangered or threatened,
formal consultation with this office must be initiated.
Several federal species of concern' occur in Cartoogechaye creek downstream from the proposed
discharge location. They include: Little Tennessee River crayfish(Cambarus georgiae),olive
darter(Percina squamas), smoky dace(Clinosromus sp. 1), and hellbender(Cryptobranchus
alleganiensis). These aquatic species are sensitive to perturbations in water quality and physical
habitat conditions. In addition to monitoring for compliance with water quality standards, we
offer the following recommendations in the interest of protecting these, and other fish and
wildlife resources:
Riparian Buffers
Natural, forested riparian buffers are critical to the health of aquatic ecosystems. They
accomplish the following:
1. catch and filter runoff, thereby helping to prevent nonpoint-source pollutants
from reaching streams;
2. enhance the in-stream processing of both point- and nonpoint-source
pollutants;
3. act as "sponges" by absorbing runoff(which reduces the severity of floods)
and by allowing runoff to infiltrate and recharge groundwater levels(which
maintains stream flows during dry periods);
Federal species of concern are not currently afforded legal protection under the Act. However,proactive
conservation measures on behalf of these species may preclude the need to list them in the future.
2

4. catch and help prevent excess woody debris from entering the stream and
creating logjams;
5. stabilize stream banks and maintain natural channel morphology;
6. provide coarse woody debris for habitat structure and most of the dissolved
organic carbon and other nutrients necessary for the aquatic food web; and
7. maintain air and water temperatures around the stream.
To the extent that is feasible, we recommend establishing/maintaining a forested riparian buffer
(100 feet wide [or the full extent of the 100-year floodplain, whichever is greater]) along
Cartoogechaye Creek.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Measures to control sediment and erosion should be installed before any ground-disturbing
activities occur. Grading and backfilling should be minimized, and existing native vegetation
should be retained (if possible) to maintain riparian cover for fish and wildlife. Disturbed areas
should be revegetated with native grass and tree species as soon as the project is completed.
Ground disturbance should be limited to what will be stabilized quickly,preferably by the end of
the workday. Natural fiber matting(coir) should be used for erosion control as synthetic netting
can trap animals and persist in the environment beyond its intended purpose.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments. Please contact Mr. Byron
Hamstead of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 225, if you have any questions. In any future
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-18-150.
Sincerely,
- -original signed -
Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor
3

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Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
October 2017 Page 6 of 14
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determine precise locations.elevations,length and direction of a line.and areas. Ea 1
February 2, 2018

2/2/201 b StreamSlats
Cartoogechaye Creek Drainage Area
Region ID: NC
Workspace ID: NC20180202193043378000
Clicked Point (Latitude, Longitude): 35.15625. -83.38082
Time: 2018-02-02 14:31:00 -0500
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discharge point is approximately 46 square miles and this point is approximately 11 stream miles upstream
of the confluence with the Little Tennessee River. The entire drainage area for Cartoogechaye Creek is 57.4
square miles.
httpsa/streamstats.usgs.gov/ssl

ENGINEERING ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE
and
TREATMENT PLANT RESIDUALS
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
MACON COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA
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M. KEITH WEBB, P.E.
McGill
ASSOCIATES
Engineering • Planning • Finance
Asheville, North Carolina
OCTOBER,2017
PROJECT#15.00359

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION 1
B. CURRENT SITUATION 2
C. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS 11

A. SUMMARY,CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The Town of Franklin owns and operates a water treatment plant (WTP) which has a
design capacity of 2.0 MGD and is located west of downtown in the Franklin Industrial
Park off of US 64. The WTP was constructed in 1975 and last upgraded in 1997. Recent
studies identified the need to expand the WTP to a capacity of 3.0 MGD to 4.0 MGD to
meet the long term projected future water demands. Average daily water demands have
been projected to increase of 1.90 MGD by year 2060 with peak day demands of 3.0
MGD.
As a part of the WTP expansion phase I improvements have been designed and permitted
and construction is beginning on these first phase improvements which consist of the
construction of an Actiflo® treatment process to address the need for either mechanical
pretreatment of the raw water or off-stream storage associated with the future expansion
of the WTP as required by the North Carolina Administrative Codes Title 15A,
Subchapter 18C entitled "Rules Governing Public Water Systems". The Actiflo® system
utilizes a micro-sand particle which is blended into the raw water stream along with
coagulant chemicals to provide a ballasted settling environment. The proposed new
pretreatment unit is situated so as flow is pumped to the unit from the raw water pump
station and then flows by gravity to the existing sedimentation basins and filters.
The proposed Actiflo® system will result in a continuous flow of wastewater from the
pretreatment unit when the WTP is in operation. This flow is estimated to be in the range
of 40 gallons per minute (gpm) to 55 gpm. The WTP currently operates on average
approximately 14 to 16 hours per day to meet current system demands. Therefore, once
the pretreatment unit is in place and operational the facility will generate approximately
52,800 gpd of wastewater that must be properly handled.
In addition to the wastewater generated as a part of the new pretreatment process there
will continue to be wastewater generated as a part of the normal plant operation
Engineering Alternatives Analysis •
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 1 of xiv

associated with the required routine filter backwash which occurs approximately every 72
hours of filter run. On average the filter backwash is 30,000 gpd. In addition to filter
backwash water and flow form the Actiflo unit the sedimentation basins require at least
semi-annual cleaning, if not quarterly. This activity typically generates an additional
150,000 gpd of wastewater.
Modifications to the WTP wastewater collection system are being made. Once completed
the WTP backwash flow will be handled and treated utilizing an existing 136,700 gallon
capacity backwash water flow equalization tank and then the two alum sludge lagoons.
In order to provide maximum flexibility in the operation of the current WTP residuals
handling system it is proposed to secure an NPDES permit for the residuals(alum sludge)
lagoons to allow for the discharge of clear water from the top of the lagoons back into
Cartoogechaye Creek. The town will continue to maintain the WTP wastewater system
and will schedule the removal of water treatment plant residuals from the lagoons on a
routine basis.
B. CURRENT SITUATION
I) Existing Water Treatment Plant
The Town of Franklin owns and operates a water treatment plant (WTP) which has a
design capacity of 2.0 MGD and is located in the Franklin Industrial Park west of
downtown and off of US 64. The WTP was constructed in 1975 and last upgraded in
1997. Therefore, most of the facility is greater than 40 years old. However, despite its
age for the most part the WTP is in good condition. The WTP provides treated finished
water for the Franklin distribution system and the approximately 3,350 customers within
the town and a small portion of Macon County with water service outside the corporate
limits.
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 2 of xiv

The WTP utilizes a conventional treatment process with raw water withdrawn from
Cartoogechaye Creek, a tributary of the Little Tennessee River. Raw water is pumped to
a flashmix basin where polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PAC — (cedarclear-757)) is added
to enhance coagulation and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is added for pH adjustment.
Raw water flow then enters two flocculation basins, each equipped with two vertical
flocculators which slowly mix the water to build a floc of the sediment in the raw water.
Coagulated water flows to two sediment basins where heavier sediments are removed by
gravity settling. These heavier sediments are removed on a routine basis, typically every
three (3) months to the alum sludge lagoons. Clarified water is then filtered by two mixed
media gravity filters prior to the addition of chlorine gas for disinfection. Finished water
is stored in a clearwell at the plant prior to being pumped into the distribution system.
Cartoogechaye Creek has an estimated "safe yield" of 4.0 MGD and based upon previous
approved studies the Town of Franklin may expand the WTP up to a capacity of 4.0
MGD to meet future demands for the water system. The current average daily demands
average 1.10 million gallons per day (MGD) with peak day demands of 1.70 MGD.
Projected future demands have been estimated to be 1.90 MGD by year 2060 with peak
day demands of 3.0 MGD.
2) Population and Demographics
The foundation of any water plant evaluation is the projection of future demands for the
water system. Future demand projections establish the framework of the WTP
upgrade/expansion by establishing an agreed upon planning horizon and corresponding
system demand. As part of a previous evaluation of the Town of Franklin water system
conducted by WK Dickson (WKD), a detailed evaluation of the Town's water system
demands was conducted. The results of this evaluation are summarized in Figure B.1
Engineering Alternatives Analysis 3 111 i i I 1
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade r i 1 i
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 3 of xiv

below. Town staff reviewed these projections and have concluded that they are
reasonable and acceptable for use in future planning of the water system.
3) Figure B.1 —Water System Demand Projections
Water System Demand Projections
Town of Franklin
3.5 —�— -- — '
2.5 —
_
2
£ 1.5
8
1 � _
•
0.5
2010 2015 2020 2030 2040 2050 2055
—ix--Estimated Average Daily Usage IMGD) —I Estimated Max.Daily Usage IMGD)
4)
SOURCE:COMPREHENSIVE WATER TER MODEL AND MASTER PLAN,WK DICKSON,2013
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 4 of xiv

The Town of Franklin has identified the need to expand the capacity of the water
treatment plant to 3.0 MGD or even 4.0 MGD to meet these projected future demands.
An interim first phase of this project has been designed, permitted and is scheduled to
begin construction. This interim phase consists of the addition and construction of an
Actiflo® treatment process to address the need for either mechanical pretreatment of the
raw water or off-stream storage. The previous engineering report prepared as a part of the
WTP upgrade evaluated the alternatives for mechanical pre-treatment or off-stream
storage and recommended the construction of the Actiflo® system. The Actiflo® system
utilizes a micro- sand particle which is blended into the raw water stream along with
coagulant chemicals to provide a ballasted settling environment. The proposed new
pretreatment unit is situated so as flow is pumped to the unit from the raw water pump
station and then flows by gravity to the existing sedimentation basins and filters.
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 5 of xiv

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Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals -.. ` t' t t 1 !
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 7ofxiv

Proposed Improvements
As described above the current project scheduled to begin construction includes the
construction of an Actiflo® treatment process for the pretreatment of the raw water prior
to sedimentation and filtration. Unlike the current WTP process the new proposed
Actiflo® system will result in a continuous flow of wastewater from the pretreatment unit
when the WTP is in operation. This flow is estimated to be in the range of 40 gallons per
minute (gpm) to 55 gpm. The WTP currently operates on average approximately 14 to 16
hours
per day. Therefore, once the in pretreatment unit is in place and operational the
facility will generate approximately 52,800 gpd of wastewater that must be handled. In
addition to the wastewater generated as a part of the pretreatment process there is also
wastewater associated with the required routine filter backwash which occurs
approximately every 72 hours of filter run. On average the filter backwash is 30,000 gpd.
Semi-annual cleaning, if not quarterly cleaning of the sedimentation basins is also
required. This activity typically generates an additional 150,000 gpd of wastewater.
Modifications to the WTP wastewater collection system are being made and the
backwash flow will be handled and treated utilizing the existing 136,700 gallon capacity
backwash water flow equalization tank and then the two alum sludge lagoons.
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade j J
and Treatment Plant Residuals `'' 1 \ i `
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 8 of xiv

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Figure 1- WTP and Sludge Lagoon Location Map
Currently all non-sanitary wastewater from the WTP facility, primarily filter backwash
water and sediment basin drains flows to a pair of WTP residuals (alum sludge) lagoons
located below the WTP along the banks of Cartoogechaye Creek. Filter backwash water
flows from the WTP through a 24-inch sewer line to a 136.700 gallon capacity concrete
sludge thickening tank prior to then flowing to the two alum sludge lagoons. This tank
basically serves as a flow equalization tank with the filter backwash water flowing
though the tank to the alum sludge lagoons.
As a part of the WTP improvements the WTP wastewater piping is being modified so
that all backwash water (filter backwash, sediment basin cleaning and the Actiflo
system) will first flow to the existing 136.700 gallon circular concrete tank. This tank
will function as a flow equalization tank and modulated flows will then exit the tank and
to the lagoons.
Engineering Alternatives AnalysisNj1 P�j j
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade C ` ` •
1`1 1 , , 1 It
•
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 9 of xiv

The two existing alum sludge lagoons are both unlined with an approximate combined
volume of 1.8 MG and were built in 1975 as a part of the original WTP construction.
These lagoons have been in service at this facility since it first went on-line and the
residuals in the lagoons was recently (2011) removed and land applied on local farm
land for beneficial use. These lagoons and the residuals handling system are typical for
WTP facilities with a high quality water source similar to the Town of Franklin.
While the alum sludge lagoons have functioned adequately, there is a concern on the
part of the WTP operation staff that with the daily flow of wastewater associated with
the Actiflo® pretreatment process removal of clear water from the lagoons on a routine
basis will be required to provide adequate volume for wastewater from the WTP.
Historically the water treatment plant operators have relied on evaporation and/or
infiltration of the clear water from the lagoons to provide the hydraulic capacity
required.
The existing alum sludge lagoons along with the 136,700 gallon capacity flow
equalization tank should provide adequate hydraulic capacity for the WTP and the
pretreatment unit. With the two lagoons relationship adjacent to Cartoogechaye Creek,
and no additional undeveloped space on the plant site options for the expansion and
construction of additional lagoons is limited. Increasing the depth of the lagoons is not a
feasible option as they are currently located above the water surface of the creek and
lowering of the lagoons would drop them below the water table.
In order to provide maximum flexibility in the operation of the current alum sludge
system it is proposed to secure an NPDES permit for the lagoons to allow for the
discharge of clear water from the top of the lagoons into Cartoogechaye Creek. Clarified
Engineering Alternatives Analysis •
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 10 of xiv

water will be decanted and removed from the top of the lagoons and returned to
Cartoogechaye Creek. This water should be of very good quality and is essentially the
water previously removed from the stream with trace amounts of treatment chemicals
(polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PAC — (cedarclear-757)), sodium hydroxide (caustic
soda), and Sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The town will continue to maintain the
wastewater system and will schedule the removal of water treatment plant residuals from
the lagoons on a routine basis.
C. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
Four alternatives have been identified for the Franklin WTP upgrade to provide the operational
flexibility needed for the WTP residuals generated as a part of the enhanced treatment process.
These are:
1. No Action
2. Construction of additional Residual Storage Lagoons.
3. Secure an NPDES permit to allow decant and discharge from the Existing Lagoons.
4. Connection to public sewer collection system
ALTERNATIVE# 1 —NO ACTION
This alternative consists of taking no action to make improvements to the existing residual
system (alum sludge) at the Franklin WTP. The existing system has a combined volume of
approximately 1,936,000 gallons in the backwash tank and the two lagoons, provided the two
lagoons are cleaned of residuals (sludge). However, over time the lagoons will capture residuals
(alum sludge) and will fill-up, reducing the capacity. Currently there is no method to remove or
decant clear water from the lagoons. Water must either evaporate and/or infiltrate through the
residuals in the lagoon into the groundwater system. Depending upon this type of system for the
Engineering Alternatives Analysis •
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 11 of xiv

removal of water necessary to provide adequate volume for additional backwash water is not
reliable, especially during the winter months and periods of heavy rainfall.
While the two lagoons and the backwash tank can provide as much as 23 days of theoretical
storage for the Actiflo and filter backwash water this volume is only available when the system is
100% cleaned of residuals. Operation of the WTP results in the generation of residuals which
must be stored in the two lagoons, therefore continuously reducing the capacity.
Continued operation of the system with no increased ability to decant and remove clear water
meeting typical parameters for discharge back to Cartoogechaye Creek is not feasible and is not
recommended as it subjects the WTP to potential violations for system overflows.
ALTERNATIVE #2—BUILD ADDITIONAL LAGOONS
This alternative consists of building an additional residuals storage lagoon to provide additional
wastewater storage volume. A lagoon with a capacity equal to the two current lagoons is
recommended. Land owned by the Town of Franklin at the WTP is limited and there are no
locations on the current site available to build a new lagoon. Property adjacent to the WTP is also
not available for purchase to build a third lagoon.
Of even more concern is that the construction of a third larger lagoon which would provide
additional residual storage volume, the removal of clarified water would still be through either
evaporation and/or infiltration and would be very weather dependent and not reliable.
This option is therefore not recommended.
ALTERNATIVE#3—NPDES PERMIT FOR THE EXISTING LAGOONS
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 12 of xiv

1
1
1

This alternative will require the construction of no new lagoons or other residual treatment
facilities. Minor improvements to the current wastewater discharge piping will be made to allow
for the optimization of the current facilities. The existing system has a combined volume of
approximately 1,936,000 gallons in the backwash tank and the two lagoons, provided the two
lagoons are cleaned of residuals. This provides as much as 23 days of storage for the Actiflo and
filter backwash volume when the system is 100%cleaned. There is adequate volume to allow the
residuals to settle by gravity in the two lagoons with the clear water discharged to Cartoogechaye
Creek, under the provisions of a new NPDES permit. The ability to decant and remove clear
water from the surface of the lagoons will provide the needed flexibility the WTP operation staff
require. Typical effluent parameters for discharge of the treated wastewater from water treatment
facilities and in this case back to Cartoogechaye Creek appears to be the most feasible
alternative. Similar operations and systems are common at other WTP utilizing similar high
quality raw water sources.
The clarified water to be decanted and removed from the lagoons and returned to Cartoogechaye
Creek should be of very good quality and is essentially the water previously removed from the
stream with trace amounts of treatment chemicals (polyaluminum chlorosulfate (PAC —
(cedarclear-757)), sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), and Sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The
town will continue to maintain the wastewater system and will schedule the removal of water
treatment plant residuals from the lagoons on a routine basis.
ALTERNATIVE#4—CONNECTION TO A PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM
This alternative would consist of connecting the wastewater system at the WTP to the existing
Town of Franklin sewer collection and treatment system. The town does have an 8-inch gravity
sewer line located approximately 250 feet from the alum sludge lagoons.
Engineering Alternatives Analysis '
Treatment Plant Upgrade
t!, l I I I
Water Treat ,. 1
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 13 of xiv

f
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_dale .1111Mlamm„,AAW
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Figure 2- Alum Sludge Lagoons and Gravity Sewer Line
This sewer has a capacity of 255 gpm and provides service to the Franklin/Macon County
Industrial Park. There is limited capacity to accept flow from the Franklin WTP in this sewer
line.
In addition to the limited capacity of the sewer line near the WTP the gravity sewer line conveys
flow to a sewer pump station which then pumps the flow through a force main to another gravity
sewer line. This sewer line then conveys flow to a second sewer pump station which pumps
wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Like most sewer collection systems
inflow and infiltration (1/1) is a problem for the Town of Franklin. The age of the majority of the
sewer collection system and the materials of construction present an ongoing challenge for the
town. The higher sewer flows especially during periods of excessive overflow subject the sewer
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade �'
and Treatment Plant Residuals , t t r
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 14 of xiv

collection system to potential sewer overflows and stress the WWTP at these higher flows to
operate within limits.
The Town of Franklin has an ongoing 1/1 abatement program and continues to set aside funds on
an annual basis to address the 1/1 flow situation. Water to be decanted and removed from the
WTP residual (alum) storage lagoons is expected to be of a quality that will allow the water to be
discharged back to Cartoogechaye Creek with no negative environmental issues. Discharge of
this water to the public sewer system will present continued I/I problems for the town's sewer
system and will potentially require the upgrade and expansion of a number of the wastewater
collection and pumping system components.
Due to the potential negative impacts on the town's sewer collection and wastewater treatment
system the connection to the public sewer system is not recommended.
Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
and Treatment Plant Residuals
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 15 of xiv

Engineering Alternatives Analysis
Water Treatment Plant Upgrade ► 'Y `
and Treatment Plant Residuals
I L I I `
Town of Franklin,Macon County,North Carolina
August 2017 Page 16 of xiv