HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0020354_Environmental Assessment_20031120DIVISION OF WATER gUALITY
November 20, 2003
To: Alex Marks
Local Government Assistance Unit
From: Susan A. Wilson, Environmental Enginee
NPDES Unit
Subject: Town of Pittsboro WWTP, Environmental Assessment
NPDES No. NC0020354
Chatham County
I have reviewed portions of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed
wastewater improvements for the Town of Pittsboro. It is our understanding that the
proposed project (first phase) consists of the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant
to comply with the rules imposed for re -use quality effluent. The Town plans to provide
re -use quality water to 3M, Incorporated as well as pursue other opportunities for re-
use wastewater. The NPDES Unit has no objection to upgrade of the existing treatment
plant to comply with re -use standards, as well as the addition of storage and pipeline to
transport the re -use water.
The NPDES Unit is working with the Town of Pittsboro to determine the best point of
discharge as the Town plans for future expansion. Currently, the Town discharges to
Robeson Creek, which is impaired for chlorophyll a. A total maximum daily load
(TMDL) has been developed for total phosphorus (the prevalent cause of the nutrient
impairment). The total phosphorus equivalent concentration that the Town will have to
meet may not be technologically feasible, so another discharge location is likely the best
option for the Town.
The NPDES Unit reserves comment on any expansion phase of the treatment system
(an expansion phase option is explained in the document for 2008 Improvements and
2015 Improvements). As the Town and the NPDES Unit work together to determine the
best course of action for expansion and/or relocation of the discharge, the NPDES Unit
will request an Engineering Alternatives Analysis, as well as any other supporting
information.
The NPDES Unit has no further comment on this EA and does not wish to delay this
beneficial re -use project.
cc: Central li ilei
NPDES Files
RRO/ Water Quality Section
CG & L Section
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