WQ0002349_Final Permit_19940429

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
April 29, 1994
Frank Henline, Director of Public Works
Town of Spruce Pine
P.O. Box 189
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Subject: Permit No. WQ0002349
Town of Spruce Pine
Land Application of Wastewater Residuals
Mitchell County
Dear Mr. Henline:
In accordance with your renewal request received on February 28, 1994, we are forwarding
herewith Permit No. WQ0002349, dated April 29, 1994, to the Town of Spruce Pine for the continued
operation of a wastewater residuals land application program.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until March 31, 1999, shall void Permit
No. WQ0002349 issued November 27, 1989, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as
specified therein. Please pay particular attention to the monitoring and reporting requirements contained in
this permit. Failure to establish an adequate system for collecting and maintaining the required operational
information will result in future compliance problems.
If any parts, requirements, or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable, you have the
right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of
this permit. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of North
Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Drawer 27447,
Raleigh, NC 27611-7447. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding.
If you need additional information concerning this matter, please contact Mr. Ray Cox at (919)
733-5083.
Sincerely,
ALJ • t
A. Prest Howard, h., P.E.
cc: Mitchell County Health Department
The Wooten Company
Asheville Regional Office, Water Quality Section
Asheville Regional Office, Groundwater Section
Jack Floyd, Groundwater Section, Central Office
Training and Certification Unit
Facilities Assessment Unit
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 500% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RALEIGH
RESIDUALS LAND APPLICATION PERMIT
In accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of Chapter 143, General Statutes of North Carolina as
amended, and other applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations
PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED TO
The Town of Spruce Pine
Mitchell County
FOR THE
operation of a wastewater residuals land application program consisting of the application of approximately
134.32 dry tons per year of residuals from the Town of Spruce Pine's wastewater treatment facility to
approximately 15 acres of land in Mitchell County with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters,
pursuant to the renewal request received on February 28, 1994, and in conformity with the project plan,
specifications, and other supporting data subsequently filed and approved by the Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources and considered a part of this permit.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until March 31, 1999, shall void Permit
No. WQ0002349 issued November 27, 1989, and shall be subject to the following specified conditions
and limitations:
I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
1. This permit shall become voidable if the soils fail to adequately assimilate the wastes and
may be rescinded unless the sites are maintained and operated in a manner which will
protect the assigned water quality standards of the surface waters and ground waters.
2. The land application program shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -
discharge system to prevent the discharge of any wastes resulting from the operation of this
program.
3. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility for damages
to surface or groundwaters resulting from the operation of this program.
4. In the event that the land application program is not operated satisfactorily, including the
creation of nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall cease applying residuals to the sites and
take any immediate corrective actions as may be required by the Division.

5. Some of the buffers specified below may not have been included in previous permits for
this land application operation. However, any sites or fields that are included in this
permit, but were approved with different applicable buffers shall be reflagged to comply
with the below buffers. The following buffer zones shall be maintained:
a) 400 feet from residences or places of public assembly under separate ownership for
surface application method; however, the buffer zone requirement may be reduced to a
minimum of 100 feet upon written consent of the owner and approval from the
appropriate DEM regional office,
b) 200 feet from residences or places of public assembly under separate ownership for
subsurface residual injection method; however, the buffer zone requirement may be
reduced to a minimum of 100 feet upon written consent of the owner and the
appropriate DEM regional office,
c) 100 feet from any public or private water supply source, waters classified as SA or SB,
and any Class I or Class H impounded reservoir used as a source of drinking water for
both methods,
d) 100 feet from any streams classified as WS or B, any other stream, canal, marsh or
coastal waters and any other lake or impoundment for surface application,
e) 50 feet from any streams classified as WS or B, any other stream, canal, marsh or
coastal waters and any other lake or impoundment for subsurface application,
f) 50 feet from property lines for both surface and subsurface application methods;
g) 50 feet from public right of ways for both application methods,
h) 10 feet from upslope interceptor drains and surface water diversions for both
application methods,
i) 25 feet from downslope interceptor drains, surface water diversions, groundwater
drainage systems and surface drainage ditches for both application methods.
6. A copy of this permit shall be maintained at the land application site when residuals are
being applied during the life of this permit. A spill prevention and control plan shall be
maintained in all residuals transport and application vehicles.
7. Specific residual application area boundaries shall be clearly marked on each site prior to
and during application.
8. No residuals at any time shall be stored at any application site, unless approval has been
requested and obtained from the Division of Environmental Management.
9. Maximum slope for residual application shall be 10% for surface application and 18% for
subsurface applications.
10. When wastewater residuals are applied, the Class A pathogen requirements and site
restrictions in 40 CFR Part 503.32(a) or the Class B pathogen requirements and site
restrictions in 40 CFR Part 503.32(b) must be met. Additionally, an evaluation must be
performed which demonstrates the residuals ability to comply with this requirement. Upon
request, a copy of this evaluation must be submitted including all test results and
calculations.
1. The facilities and application sites shall be properly maintained and operated at all times.
2. A suitable vegetative cover, as listed in condition II 4, shall be maintained in accordance
with the crop management plan outlined by the local Extension Office of the Department of
Agriculture, or the Soil Conservation Service, or other agronomist, and approved by this
Division.
7

3 . An acceptable pH must be maintained in the soil, residual and lime mixture, greater than
6.0, on all land application sites to insure optimum yield for the crop(s) specified below.
The agronomist shall provide information on the pH best suited for the specified crop and
the soil type.
4. The application rates shall not exceed the following for the specified crops:
Crop PAN b./auQ6jr.)
Alfalfa
200
Bermuda Grass (Hay, Pasture)
220
Blue Grass
120
Corn (Grain)
160
Com (Silage)
200
Cotton
70
Fescue
250
Forest (Hardwood & Softwood)
75
Milo
100
Small Grain (Wheat, barley, oats)
100
Sorghum, Sudex (Pasture)
180
Sorghum, Sudex (Silage)
220
Soybeans
200
Timothy, Orchard, & Rye Grass
200
5. No residuals other than the following are hereby approved for land application in
accordance with this permit:
Permit Estimated
Source County Number Volume (dry tons year_)
Spruce Pine WWTF Mitchell NCO021423 134.32
6. The metal loading rates shall not exceed the following Cumulative Pollutant loading rates:
Kilograms Pounds
Parameters _ per Hectares Mr Acre
Arsenic
41
36
Cadmium
39
34
Chromium
3,000
2,677
Copper
1,500
1,338
Lead
300
267
Mercury
17
15
Molybdenum
----
----
Nickel
420
374
Selenium
100
89
Zinc
2,800
2,498
7. The pollutant concentrations in the residuals
which will be applied to the land shall not
exceed the following Ceiling Concentrations (Dry Weight Basis):
Parameters m
Arsenic
75
Cadmium
85
Chromium
3,000
Copper
4,300
Lead
840
tj

Mercury
57
Molybdenum
75
Nickel
420
Selenium
100
Zinc
7,500
8. Upon classification of the facility by the Certification Commission, the Permittee shall
employ a certified land application/residuals operator to be in responsible charge (ORC) of
the land application program. The operator must gold a certificate of the type classification
assigned to the land application program by the Certification Commission. The Permittee
must also employ a certified back-up operator of the appropriate type to comply with the
conditions of Title 15A NCAC 8A, .0202.
9. Adequate procedures shall be provided to prevent surface runoff from carrying any
disposed or stored residuals into any surface waters.
10. Surface applied residuals will be plowed or disked within twenty-four (24) hours after
application on lands with no cover crop established.
11. For areas that are prone to flooding or within the 100 -year flood elevation, residuals may
be applied only during periods of dry weather. The residuals must be incorporated into the
soil within twenty-four (24) hours after application.
12. Appropriate measures must be taken to control public access to the land application sites
during active site use and for the 12 -month period following the last residual application
event. Such controls may include the posting of signs indicating the activities being
conducted at each site.
13. Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion and surface runoff from
conveying pollutants from the residuals application area onto the adjacent property or into
any surface waters.
14. Residuals shall not be applied in inclement weather or until 24 hours following a rainfall
event of 1/2 -inch or greater in 24 hours. Any emergency residuals disposal measures must
first be approved by the Division of Environmental Management.
15. Residuals shall not be applied to any Iand application site that is flooded, frozen or snow-
covered.
16. Residuals shall not be applied at rates greater than agronomic rates, unless authorized by
the Division.
17. Animals shall not be grazed on an application site for 30 days after residuals application.
Application sites that are to be used for grazing shall have fencing that will be used to
prevent access after each application.
18. Food crops, feed crops and fiber crops that do not come in contact with the Eni_duals shall
not be harvested for 30 days after residuals application.
19. Food crops with harvested parts that touch the residual/soil mixture and are totally above
the land surface (ex. tobacco, melons, cucumbers, squash, etc.) shall not be harvested for
14 months after residuals application.
20. Food crops with harvested parts below the surface of the land (root crops such as potatoes,
carrots, radishes, etc.) shall not be harvested for 20 months after application of residuals
when the residuals remain on the land surface for four (4) months or longer prior to
incorporation into the soil.
4

21. Food crops with harvested parts below the surface of the land shall not be harvested for 38
months after application of residuals when the residuals remain on the land surface for less
than four (4) months prior to incorporation into the soil.
22. Turf shall not be harvested for 1 year after residuals application if the turf is to be placed on
land with a high potential for public exposure.
Any monitoring (including groundwater, surface water, residuals, soil, or plant tissue
analyses) deemed necessary by the Division of Environmental Management to insure
protection of the environment will be established and an acceptable sampling and reporting
schedule shall be followed.
2. Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee tracking all application activities.
These records shall include, but are not necessarily limited to the following information:
a) source of residuals
b) date of residual application
c) location of residual application (site, field, or zone #)
d) method of application
e) weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, raining, etc.)
f) soil conditions
g) type of crop or crops to be grown on field
h) volume of residuals applied in gallons/acre, dry tons/acre or kilograms/hectare
i) annual and cumulative totals of dry tons/acre of residuals, annual and cumulative
pounds/acre of each heavy metal (which shall include, but not be limited to arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and zinc),
annual pounds/acre of plant available nitrogen (PAN), and annual pounds/acre of
phosphorus applied to each field.
3. A representative annual soils analysis (Standard Soil Fertility Analysis) shall be conducted
of each site receiving residuals in the respective calendar year and the results maintained on
file by the Permittee for a minimum of five years.
The Standard Soil Fertility Analysis shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the
following parameters:
Acidity Manganese Potassium
Calcium Percent Humic Matter Sodium
Copper pH Zinc
Magnesium Phosphorus
Base Saturation (by calculation)
Cation Exchange Capacity
The Standard Soil Fertility Analysis (see above) and an analysis for the following metals
shall be conducted once prior to permit renewal on soils from each site which has received
sludge during the permit cycle.
Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Lead
Mercury
Molybdenum
E
Nickel
Selenium

4. A residuals analysis will be conducted annually from the date of permit issuance by the
Permittee and the results maintained on file by the Permittee for a minimum of five years.
If land application occurs at a frequency less than annually, a residuals analysis will be
required for each instance of land application.
The residuals analysis shall include but is not necessarily limited to the following
parameters:
Arsenic
Aluminum
Cadmium
Ammonia -Nitrogen
Chromium
Calcium
Copper
Nitrate -Nitrite Nitrogen
Lead
% Total Solids
Mercury
pH
Molybdenum
Phosphorus
Nickel
Plant Available Nitrogen (by calculation)
Selenium
Potassium
Zinc
Sodium
Magnesium
TKN
5. A Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis shall be conducted by the
Permittee annually. The TCLP analysis shall include the following parameters (please note
the regulatory level in mg/L in parentheses):
Arsenic (5.0)
Benzene (0.5)
Carbon tetrachloride (0.5)
Chlorobenzene (100.0)
Chromium (5.0)
m -Cresol (200.0)
Cresol (200.0)
1,4 -Dichlorobenzene (7.5)
1,1-Dichloroethylene (0.7)
Endrin (0.02)
Hexachlorobenzene (0.13)
Hexachloroethane (3.0)
Lindane (0.4)
Methoxychlor (10.0)
Nitrobenzene (2.0)
Pyridine (5.0)
Silver (5.0)
Toxaphene (0.5)
2,4,5 -Trichlorophenol (400.0)
2,4,5 -TP (Silvex) (1.0)
Barium (100.0)
Cadmium (1.0)
Chlordane (0.03)
Chloroform (6.0)
o -Cresol (200.0)
p -Cresol (200.0)
2,4-D (10.0)
1,2-Dichloroethane (0.5)
2,4-Dinitrotoluene (0.13)
Heptachlor (and its hydroxide) (0.008)
Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (0.5)
Lead (5.0)
Mercury (0.2)
Methyl ethyl ketone (200.0)
Pentachlorophenol (100.0)
Selenium (1.0)
Tetrachloroethylene (0.7)
Trichloroethylene (0.5)
2,4,6 -Trichlorophenol (2.0)
Vinyl chloride (0.2)
6. All residuals included in this permit must be monitored annually from the date of permit
issuance, for compliance with condition 110 of this permit. Data to verify stabilization of
the residuals must be maintained by the Permittee. The required data is specific to the
stabilization process utilized, but should be sufficient to clearly demonstrate compliance
with the CIass A pathogen requirements in 40 CFR Part 503.32(a), or with the Class B
pathogen requirements and site restrictions in 40 CFR Part 503.32(b), and the vector
attraction reduction requirements in 40 CFR Part 503.33. In addition, the EPA certification
statements concerning compliance with pathogen requirements, vector attraction reduction
requirements and management practices must be completed annually by the proper authority
or authorities if more than one is involved, either the person who prepares the residuals, the
person who derives the material, or the person who applies the residuals.

7. Three copies of all required monitoring and reporting requirements as specified in
conditions III 1;1112, 1113, 1114, 1115 and 1116 shall be submitted annually on or before
March 1 of the following year to the following address:
NC Division of Environmental Management
Water Quality Section
Facility Assessment Unit
PO Box 29535
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535
S. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Asheville Regional Office, telephone number
704/251-6208, as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours or on the next
working day following the occurrence or first knowledge of the occurrence of any of the
following:
a. Any occurrence with the land application program which results in the land application
of significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic.
b . Any failure of the land application program resulting in a release of material to receiving
waters.
c. Any time that self-monitoring information indicates that the facility has gone out of
compliance with the conditions and limitations of this permit or the parameters on
which the system was designed.
d. Any process unit failure, due to known or unknown reasons, that render the facility
incapable of adequate residual treatment.
e. Any spillage or discharge from a vehicle or piping system transporting residuals to the
application site.
Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter
form within 15 days following first knowledge of the occurrence. This report must outline
the actions taken or proposed to be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur.
1. Any groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be
provided.
2. No land application of waste activities shall be undertaken when the seasonal high water
table is less than three feet below land surface.
The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the residuals storage, transport, and application
facilities to prevent malfunctions and deterioration, operator errors and discharges which
may cause or lead to the release of wastes to the environment, a threat to human health, or a
nuisance. The Permittee shall maintain an inspection log or summary including at least the
date and time of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective
actions taken by the Permittee. This log of inspections shall be maintained by the Permittee
for a period of five years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available to the
Division of Environmental Management or other permitting authority, upon request.
7

2. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Environmental
Management trtay, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property,
premises or place on or related to the application site or facility at any reasonable time for
the purpose of determining compliance with this permit; may inspect or copy any records
that must be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit; and may obtain samples of
groundwater, surface water, or leachate.
UFNERVW03 M-11 OMNI 1) 11 COW
This permit shall become voidable unless the land application activities are carried out in
accordance with the conditions of this permit, the supporting materials, and in the manner
approved by this Division.
2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in
the application and other supporting data.
3. This permit is not automatically transferable. In the event that there is a desire for the
facilities to change ownership or a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit request
must be submitted to the Division of Environmental Management accompanied by an
application fee, documentation from the parties involved, and other supporting materials as
may be appropriate. The approval of this request will be considered on its merits and may
or may not be approved.
4. The following are approved sites for residuals application (see attached map(s)):
Application Area [acres]
Site No. Owner xssee (excluding buffers)
Penland -Bailey Co., Inc. 15.0
TOTAL AVAILABLE ACRES 15.0
5. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the
Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division of Environmental Management in
accordance with. North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6(a) to 143-215.6(c).
6. The annual administering and compliance fee must be paid by the Permittee within thirty
(30) days after being billed by the Division. Failure to pay the fee accordingly may cause
the Division to initiate action to revoke this permit as specified by 15 NCAC 2H .0205
(c)(4).
7. The issuance of this permit does not preclude the Permittee from complying with any and
all statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances which may be imposed by other government
agencies (local, state, and federal) which have jurisdiction.
8. The Permittee, at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of this permit, shall request its
extension. Upon receipt of the request, the Commission will review the adequacy of the
facilities described therein, and if warranted, will extend the permit for such period of time
and under such conditions and limitations as it may deem appropriate.
9. This permit may be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate any conditions,
limitations and monitoring requirements the Division of Environmental Management deems
necessary in order to adequately protect the environment and public health.
8

10. This permit shall become voidable unless the agreements between the Permittee and the
landowners/lessees are in full force and effect. The land owner agreements are considered
expired concurrent with the expiration date of the permit and must be renewed at the same
time the permit is renewed.
Permit issued this the 29th day of April, 1994
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
A. Preston Wward, Jr., P.E.1 Director
Division of onmental Management
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit No. WQ0002349
I

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RATING SCALE FOR CLASSIFICATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEMS
Name of Facility: 77-o- x..)
Owner or Contact Person:
- 'eANz Am/'tpw� O*OV
Mailing Address: �i�, [ S�euu 4?z"e,�N-C ��777
County: f��'t,If _ Telephone: •70
Present Classification: S New Facility Existing Facility
NPDES Per. No. NC00 Nondisc. Per. No.WO2O013Y9 Health Dept.Per No.
Rated by: �� _ 4-J 1Z. 4 - Telephone: 7A J' - zU Date;i 5�
Reviewed by: Health Dept. Telephone:
Regional Office Telephone:
Central Office Telephone:
ORC: Grade-.
Check Classification (s): Subsurf Spray Irrigation
Wastewater Classification: (Circle One)(2) II 111 IV
_Telephone:
Land Application
Total Points:
Ni cal PROQFSSFS AND RFLATED a►II:Sf .ii
w�u X11 VM4H ARE :N INTEGRAL PART ► M SI: A +i
riQ1,O `. OT C
+.►+ • : a I 1: : !„ =i1 +: Ii PIC # JI. :I•.
SUBSURFACE CLASSIFICATION
(check all units that apply)
1. septic tanks
2. pump tanks
3. siphon or pump -dosing systems
4. _ sand filters
5. grease traprinterceptor
6. oil/water separators
7. gravity subsurface treatment and disposal:
B, pressure subsurface treatment and disposal:
SPRAY IRRIGATION CLASSIFICATION
(check all units that apply)
1.
preliminary treatment (definition no. 32 }
2.
lagoons
3.
septic tanks
4.
pump tanks
5.
pumps
6.
sand filters
7.
grease trap, into rceptor
8.
oil/water separators
9.
disinfection
10.
chemical addition for nutrientlalgae control
11.
spray Irrigation of wastewater
In addition to the above classifications, pretreatment of wastewater In excess of these components shall
be rated using the point rating system and will require an operator with an appropriate dual certification.
LANA AF tICATIONfRESIQUALS CLASSIFICATION (Applies only to permit holder)
1. 1/ Land application of biosolids, residuals or contaminated soils on a designated site.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY CLASSIF)CATiON
The following systems shall be assigned a Class I classification, LnIes:i the flow is of a significant quantity or the technology is unusually
complex, to require consideration by the Commission on a case-by-case basis: (Check If Appropriate)
1. Oil/waler Separator Systems consisting only of physical separation, pumps and disposal;
2. Septic Tank/Sand Filter Systems consisting only of septic tanks, dosing apparatus, pumps,sand filters, disinfection
and direct discharge;
3. Lagoon Systems consisting only of preliminary treatment, lagoons, pumps, disinfection, necessary chemical treatment for
algae or nutrient control, and direct discharge,
4. Closed-toop Recycle Systems,,
S. Groundwater Bemediallon Systems consisting only of oil/water separators, pumps, air -stripping, carbon adsorption, disinfection
and dispo„l;
6. Aquaculture operations with discharge to surface waters;
7. Water Plant sludge handling and back -wash water treatment;
8. Seafood processing consisting of screening and disposal.
!_Single-family discharging systems, with the exception of Aerobic Treatment units, will be classified if permitted after July 1,
1993 or i1 upon inspection by the Division, it is found that the system is not being adequately operated or maintained. Such
systems will be notified of the classification or reclassification by the Commission, in writing.

The following scale is used for rating wastewater treatment facilities: (circle appropriate paints)
ITEM POINTS
(1) Industrial Pretreatment Units or Industrial Pretreatment Program (see delinhicn No. 33) ..............................«..................A
(2} DESIGN FLCW OF PLANT IN gpd [not applicable to norwmntaminated cooling waters, &fudge handling facilities for
water purification plants, totally closed cycle systems(see definition No. 11), and facilhies consisting only of Kern
(4)(d) or Items (4)id) and (11)(d))
0 - 20.000 ........................................... ..«......................I..._........_.........:........................... ..............
....1
20,001 - 50,000..................•......................................................,............................................................2
50,001 - .100,040 ..... ......................... »..................................... ..................................................
.».»......3
100.001 - 250.000- ............... . . . ..................................................... . . . . ............................................... A
250,001 500,430...........................................................................................................................5
500,001 - 1,000,D00..........................................«...................._._......._......................_..................I.............$
1,000.001 - 2.000,D00...........................................................................................................................10
2.ODD,001 (and up) rate 1 point additional for each 200,000 god capacity up to a maximum of .._...----„..30
Design Flow (gpd)
(3) PRELIMINARY UNITSMP00CESSES (see defMion No.32)
(a) Bar Screens....................................................................................,,....«............._....................................1
or
(b) Mechanical Screens, Static Screens or Comminuting Devices..._..............��...._......... ................2
(c) Grt Rerrtorat..............................................................................................................................................1
or
(d) Mechanical or Aerated Grt Removal ..... ... «..................................................................................................2
(e) Flow Measuring Device .... ................ ..... ...... .... ................................................................... ................... .__.1
or
(i)
Instrumented Flow Measurement................................................................................................................2
(g)
Preaeratlon................. .............................................................................................................................2
(h)
Influent Flow Equalizalion............................................................. ............. ........................ ..................... 2
(i)
Grease or Oil Separators - Gravity..................................................................................................................2
Mechanical........................................«....»...............«............. .......................................... ......... 3
Dissolved Air Flotation........................................................................................................................fa
()}
Prechlorination............ ......... ...................................................................................................................5
(4) PRIMARYTREATM2,J UNITS/PROCESSES
(a)
Septic Tank (see definition No. 43)............................................................................................................2
(b)
Imhoff Tank.............................................................................................................................................5
(c)
Primary Clardiers.........................................................................................................................................5
(d)
Settling Ponds or Settling Tanis for Inorganic Nontoxic Materials (sludge handling facilities for water
purification plards, sand, gravel, stone, and other mining operations except recreational activities such as gem
orgold mining)......................... ...............................................................................................................2
(5) SECONDARY TREATMENT l.JN7SrPROCESSES
(a)
Carbonaceous Stage
(i} Aeration -High Purity Oxygen System......................................................... .................... 20
Diffused Air System ........................ ............... .............. ............ «....................... ......... 1 0
Mechanicaf Alr System (fixed, floating or rotor) ......................... .................... ...... ......... e
Separate Sludge Rsaer=lon................,......_......._.....»...................._...............................3
(li} Triciding Fifter
HighRafe.......................................................................................................................7
StandardRate ............ .......... »............. ........ .........«..............................................3
PackedTower................................................................................................................5
(iii) Biologicai Aerated Filter or Aerated Biological l=iter D
(Iv) Aerated Lagoons ............................................... .............. ............................................. 10
(v) Rolaling Biological Contadorc......................................................................................10
(Vi) Sand Filters -intermittent biological. ....................... ....................... _......... .......... _............ 2
Recirculating biological ....................................................................................................2
(vll) Stablllzallon Lagoons ......... _..... ....................... .......................... »................................
(viii) Ctarftr.................. ..... ..................... ..........................5
..... ................... ...........................
(ix) Single stage system for combined carbonaceous removal of BOD and nitrogenous removal by
nhrffication (see deflnition No. 12)(Poinls for tris hem have to be in addition to hems
(5)(a)(0 through (5)(a)(vill),
utlllzing the extended aeration process (see delinhion No.3a)...........................................2
utilizing other than the extended aeration process ..... .. ............ ...«...... .. ...$
(x) Nutrient additions to enhance 800 removal......................................................................5
(x1) Blological Culture ('Super Sugs'}additlon... .......................... ................... ... ........... 5
(b)
Nitrogenous Stage
(1) Aeration - High Purity Oxygen System. ..»» . » .... » ...«».. ., ........»....«. 2 0
DiffusedAir System.......................................................................................................10
Mechanical Air System (fixed, floating or rotor) .......... ....... .........................................m..2
Separate Sludge Reaeratiort ............... ... ...».............. ............... ..-„.................................
(II) Trickling Filter -High Rate .............. .................. ............................ ........................ ......... ..7
Standard Rate .... ....... ».... ... ..».............................................................5
PackedTower........................,.......................................................................».............b
(III) Biologloal Aerated Flier or Aerated Biological 0
(IV) Rotating Biological Contactors. ........,....»...........................................................10
(v) Sand Filter- Irnerminent blologlcal...................................................».................._...........2
Recirculating biological.......................................................»............,.»............................3
(vf) Cfarffsr....... ...... ....................................................... _.«..................... ... .......................5
(6) TERTIARY ORADVANCED TREATMENT UNITSrPFICCESSES
(a)
Activated Carbon Beds -
without carbon regeneration...................................................................................................5
with carbon regeneration............._»...............«.......-...........,.............. .................15
(b)
Powdered or Granular AcVvated Carbon Feed -
without carbon regeneration ........ «........................................................................................5
-alth carbon regeneration .........» .............. ...«................. ..... ........ .......................... ....... 15
(c)
Air atrlpping................ ......................«.......».................. .,........................... ..... ........ .............. ........... .5
(d)
Denhrffication Process........................»....,.....................................................»...........»-....... -.............. 10
(e)
Efeclrodialysis...... ......................... .... ..»................... .................. .,.... ...... ........... ............... ....... «..........
(f)
l=oam Separaifon..................................... ...«..............................................................................................5
(g)
Ion Exchange...........................................................................................................
(h)
Land Application of Treated Effluert (see definition No. 22b) (not applicable for sand, gravel, stone
and other similar mining operations) by high rate Infiltration......_.............................„..................»..............4
(i)
Microscreons.................................................................................................. ................».........................5
([}
Phosphorous Removal by Biological Processes (See definition No. 26) ........................................................20
(k)
Polishing Ponde - without aeration............................................................................................................2
withaeration.................................................................................................................5

(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
HF
(m)
(n)
PostAeration - cascade..............................................................................................................................0
diffusedor mechanical........................................................................................... ......2
ReverseOsmosis........................................................................................................................................5
Sand or Mixed -Media Filters - low rate......................................................................-----...............................2
highrate......................................................................5
(o) Treatment processes for removal of metal or cyanide...... .......... _ ..... ... . ..................... ................. I ............. 1 5
(p) treatment processes for removal of toxic materials other than metal or cyanide..............................................15
SLUDGE TREATMi3Sf
(a) Sludge Digestion Tank - Healed (anaerobic)...............................................................................................10
Aerobic................................................ ..............................................................................................................................5
Unheated(anaerobic) ........................................................................................... ................................3
(b) Sludge Stabillzation (chemical or thermal) ....................................................................................................5
(c) Sludge Drying Beds - Gravity...............................................................................................................2
.......................
Vacuum Assisted............................................................................................,......-..5
.........
(d) Sludge Eiuldation......................................................... ............................................................................5
(e) Sludge Conditioner (chemical or thermal)....................................................................................................5
(1) Sludge Thickener (gravity).........................................................................................................................5
(g} Dissolved Air Flotation Unit (not applicable to a unit rated as(3)(1)].............................................................8
(h) Sludge Gas Utilization (including gas storage)..................................
...........................................................
(i) Sludge Holding Tank - Aerated....................................................................................................................5
Norraeratad..........................................................................................2
(j} Sludge Incinerator (not including activated carbon regeneration)................................................................10
(k) Vacuum Fifter, Cenirifuge. or Filter Press or other similar dewatering devices...................................................10
RESIDUALS UTILIZATiOWDISPOSAL (including incinerated ash)
(a) Lagoons ..............................,.......................................................................................................2
(b) Land Application (surface and subsurface) (see definition 22a)
by contracting to a land application operator or landfill operator who holds the land application permit
orlandfill permit .......................................... ..............................................................................................2
(c) Dedicated L.andflil(burial) by the parmittee of the wastewater treatment facility...............................................5
tCT10N
(a) Chlorination.........................................................................................5
(b) Dechlorination .......................................... .................................................................................................5
(c) Ozone......................................................... .............................................................................................5
(d) Radiation..........................................................................................................................................5
CHEMICAL ADDITION SYSTEM(S) ( see definition No. 9) [not applicable to chemical additions rated as Item (3)U),
(6)(a), (6)(b), (7)(b), (7)(e). (9a), (9)(b) or (9)(c) 5 points each.
List....................................................................................................................................5
....................................................................................................................................5
...................................................................... ...................I...... I....................... , ............5
............................................................................................................5
MISCELLANEOUS UNITS+PROCESSES
(a) Holding Ponds, Holding Tanks or Settling Ponds for Organic or Toxic Materials Including wastes from mining
operations containing nitrogen or phosphorus compounds In amounts significantly greater than Is common
for domestic wastewater............................................................................................................................4
(b) Effluent Flow Equalization (not applicable to storage basins which are inherent In land applicatlon systems).....2
(c) Stage Discharge (not applicable to storage basins Inherent In land application systems)..................................5
(d) Pumps.....................................................................................................................................................3
(e) Stand -By Power Supply............................................................................................................................3
(1) Thermal Pollullon Conlrol Device................................................................................................................3
TOTAL POINTS..........................................................................
CrassI...........................................................................................................5.25 Points
Class11.........................................................................................................26.50 Points
Classill .....................................................................................................51.65 Points
ClassN.......................................................................................................66-Up Points
----------------------------------.-------------------------
Facilities having a rating of one through four points, Inclustve, do not require a certified operator.
Facilities having an activated sludge process will be assigned a minimum classification of Class II.
Facilities having treatment processes for the removal of matal or cyanide wilt be assigned a minimum classiflcation of Class 11.
Facilities having treatment processes for the biological removal of phosphorus will be assigned a minimum classir"tion of Class III.
----------------------------------------------------------
.0004 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter.
(1) Activated Carbon Beds. A physlcal/chernical method for reducing soluble organic material from waslewater effluent; The column -type beds used in this
method will have a flow rate varying from two to eight gallons per minute per square foot and may be elther upflow or downflow carbon beds. Carbon may or
may not be regenerated on the wastewater treatment plant she;
(2) Aerated Lagoons. A basin in which all solids are maintained In suspension and by which biological oxidation or organic matter is reduced through artificially
accelerated transfer of oxygen on a flow-through basis;
(3) Aeration. A process of bringing about Intimate contact between air or high purity oxygen In a liquid by spraying, aghatfon or ditfusion;(3a) Extended
Aeration. An activated sludge process utilizing a minimum hydraulic detention lima of 18 hours.
(4) Agriculturally managed she. Any site on which a crop Is produced, managed, and harvested (Crop Includes grasses, grains, trees, etc.);
(5) Air Stripping. A process by which the ammonium fon Is first converted to dissolved ammonia (pH adjustment) with the ammonia then released to the
atmosphere by physical means; or other similar processes which remove petroleum products such as benzene, toluene, and xylene;
(6) Carbon Regenerallort The regeneration of exhausted carbon by the use of a furnace to provide extremely high temperatures which volatilize and oxidize the
absorbed Impurhles;
(7) Carbonaceous Stage. A sLugs of wastewater treatment designed to achieve 'secondary' effluent limits;
(8) Centrffuge. A mechanical device In which centrtfugal force is used to separate solids from liquids or to separate liquids of different densi:las;
(9) Chemical Addition Systams- The addition of chemlcal(s) to wastewater at an application point for purposes of Improving solids removal, pH adjustment,
alkalinity control, etc.; the capability to experiment whh different chemicals and different application points to achieve a specific resuft will be considered one
,%ystam; the capability to add chemical(s) to dual units will be rated as one system; capability to add a chemical at a different appilcatlon points for different
.rposes will resuh In the systems being rated as separate systems;
l0) Chemical Sludge Conditioning. The addition of a chemical compound such as lime, ferric chloride, or a polymer to wat sludge to coalesce the mass prior to
Its application to a dewatering device;
(11) Closed Cycle Systems. Use of holding ponds or holding tanks for containment of wastewater containing Inorganic, non-toxic malsdals from sand, gravel,
crushed stone or other similar operations. Such systems shall carry a maximum of two points regardless of pumping facilities or any other appurtenances;
(12) Combined Removal of Carbonaceous BOD and Nitrogenous Removal by Nitrification- A single stage system required to achieve permfi effluent limits on BOD
and ammonia nitrogen within the same biological reactor,
(13) Dechlorinatlon. The partial or complete reduction of residual chlorine In a liquid by any chemical or physical process;
(14) Denlidication Process. The conversion of nitrate-nilrogen to nitrogen gas;

(15) Electrodialysis. Process for removing Ionized salts from water through the use of ion -selective Ion -exchange membranes;
(16) Filler Press. A process operated mechanically for partially dewatoring sludge:
(17) Foam Separation. The planned frothing of wastewater or wastewater effluent as a means of removing excessive amounts of detergent materWs throb qh
the introduclion of air In the form of fine bubbles; also railed foam fractionation;
(16) Grit Removal. The process of removing grit, and other heavy mineral matter from wastewater;
119) Imhoff Tank. A deep tyro story wastewater tank consisting of an upper sedimentation chamber and a lower sludge digestion chamber,
(20) Instrumented Flow Measurement. A device which Indicates and records rate of flow;
(21) Ion Exchange. A chemical process in which Ions from two different molecules are exchanged;
(22) Land application:
(a) Sludge Disposal. A final sludge disposal method by which wet sludge may be applied to land either by spraying on the surface or by subsurface injection
(.e., chisel plow); (not applicable for types of sludge described In (11) of this Rule);
(b) Treated Effluent. The process of spraying treated wastewater onto a land area or other methods of application of wastewater onto a land area as a
rears of final disposal or treatment;
(23) Kcroscreen, A low speed, continuously back -washed, rotating drum filter operating under gravity conditions as a polishing method for removing
suspended wilds from efflusn;
(24) Nitrification Process. The biochemical conversion of unoxidized nitrogen (ammonia and organic nitrogen) to oxidized nitrogen (usually nitrate);
(25) Nitrogenous Stage. A separate stage of wastewater treatment designed for the specific purpose of converting ammonia nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen;
(26) Phosphate Removal, Biological. The removal of phosphorus from wastewater by an oxicianoxic process designed to enhance luxury uptake of phosphorus
by the microorganisms;
(27) Foilshing Pond. A holding pond following secondary treatment with sufficient detention time to allow settling of finely suspended solids;
(25) Post Aeration. Aeration following conventional secondary treatment units to Increase affluent 0.0. or for any other purpose;
(29) Post Aeration. (Cascade) A polishing method by which dissolved oxygen is added to the effluent by a nonmechanical, gravity means of flowing down a
series of steps or weirs; The flow occurring across the steps or weirs moves in a fairly thin layer and the operation of the cascade requires no operator
adjustment; thus, zero points are assigned even fhough this is an essential stop to meeting the limits of the discharge permit;
(30) Powdered to Granular Activated Carbon Feed. A blophysical carbon process that utilizes biological activity and organic absorption by using powdered or
granular activated carbon; Virgin or regenerated carbon is feed controlled into the system;
(31) Preaeration. A lank constructed to provide aeration prior to primary trealmant;
(32) Preliminary Units. find operations In the treatment process, such as screening and comminution, that prepare the liquor for subsequent major operations;
(33) Industrial Pretreatment.
(a) Pre-treatment Unit, Industrial. The conditioning of a waste at its source before discharge, to remove or to neutralize substances injurious to sewers and
treatment processes or to effect a partial reduction In load on the treatment process which is operated by the same governing body as the wastewater
treatment plant being rated;
b) Pre-lrealment Program, Industrial - must be a State or EPA required program to receive points on the rating sheet;
(34) Primary Clarifiers. The first settling tanks through which wastewater is passed In a treatment works for the purpose of removing settleabla and suspended
solids and BCD which is associated with the solids:
(35) Pumps. All influent, ef#uent and in -plant pumps;
(36) Radiation Disinfection or sterilization process utilizing devices emitting ultraviolet or gamma rays;
(37) Reverse Osmosis. A treatment process in which a heavy contaminated liquid Is pressurized through a membrane forming nearly pure liquid free from
suspended solids;
(38) Rotating Biological Contractors. A fixed biological growth process in which wastewater flows through tanks in which a series of partialty submerged circular
surfaces are rotated;
(39) Sand Filters:
(a) intermittent Biological. Filtration of effluent following septic tanks, lagoons, or some other treatment process In which further bodeoomposftion Is
expected to produce desired effiuents; Hydrautfc loading rates on these fillers aro computed in gpolac and have a resulting tow gprrVsf (less than one);
b) Recirculating biological - the same type of sand titter as defined in Subparagraph (39) (a) of this Rule with the added capability to recycle effluent back
through the sand filter,
(40) Sand or Mixed -Media Filters. A polishing process by which effluent limits are achieved through a further reduction of suspended solids;
(a) low rate -- gravity, Hydraulically loaded filter with loading rates In the one to three gpmrsf range;
(b) high rate — a pressure, hydrauiicai€y loaded filter wish loading rates in the five gpmisf range; At any rate, the loading rate will exceed three gprrvsf;
(41) Secondary Clarifiers, A tank which follows the biological unit of treatment plant and which has the purpose of removing sludges associated with the
biological treatment units;
(42) Separate Sludge Reaeration A part of the contact stabilization process where the activated sludge Is transferred to a tank and aerated before returning It
10 the contact basin;
(43) Septic Tank. A single -story settling tank In which settled sludge is in contact wfth the wastewater flowing through the tank; shall not be applicable for
septic tank systerns serving single family residences having capac#1y of 2,900 gallons or less which discharge to a nitrification field;
(44) Sludge Digestion. The process by which organic or volatile matter and sludge is gasified, liquefied mineralized or converted Into more stable organic matter
through the acilvlty of living organisms, which Inciudes aerated holding tanks;
(45) Sludge Drying Beds. An area comprising natural or artillcial layers of porous materials upon which digested sewage sludge Is dried by drainage arxf
evaporation;
(46) Sludge Elutriation. A process of sludge conddioning in which certain constituents are removed by successive washings with fresh water or plan effluent;
(47) Sludge Gas Utilization. The process of using sewage gas for the purpose of heating buildings, driving engines, etc.;
(48) Sludge Hciding Tank (Aerated and Nonaerated), A tank utilized for small wastewater treatment plants not containing a digester in which sludge may be
kept fresh, and supernatant withdrawn prior to a drying method (I.e. sludge drying beds); This may be done by adding a small amount of air simply to keep the
sludge fresh, but not necessarily an amocvnl that would be required to achieve stabillzat;on of organic matter. A nonaerated tank would simply be used to
decant sludge prior to dewatering and would not allow long pariods (several days of detention) without resulting odor problems;
(49) Sludge Incinerators. A furnace daslgned to bum sludge and to remove all molslure and combustible materials and reduce the sludge to a sterile ash;
(50) Sludge Stabilization (Chemical or Therrnalj. A process to make treated &fudge less odorous and putrescrble, and to reduce the pathogenic organism
content; This may be done by pH adjustment, chlorine dosing, or by heat treatment;
(51) Sludge Thickener. A type of sedimentation tank In which the sludge Is permitted to settle and thicken through agftatlon and gravity;
(52) Stabilization Lagoon. A type of oxidation )agoon in which biological oxidation of organic matfar is effected by natural transfer of oxygen to the water from
air (not a polishing pond);
(53) Stand -By Power Supply. On site or portable electrical generating equipment;
(54) Static Screens. A stationary screen designed to remove solids, Including nortbiodegradabie particulate (fioatable solids, suspended solids and SOD
reduction) from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems;
(55) Tertiary Treatment. A stage of treatment following secondary which Is primarily for the purpose of effluent polishing; A settling lagoon or sand or coal fitter
might be employed for this purpose;
(56) Thermal Pollution Control DevIcs. A device providing for the transfer of heal from a fidd flowing In tubes to another fluid outside the tubes, or vice versa;
or other means of ragufafing liquid temperatures;
(57) Thermal Sludge Condilloner. A conditioning process by which heat Is added for a protracted period of time to Improve the dewaterabiiity of sludge by the
sofubifizing and hydraulizing of the smaller and more hlghly hydrated sludge particles;
(58) Toxic Materials. Those wastes or combinations of wastes. Including disease -causing agents which after discharge and upon exposure, ingesilon, Inhalation
or assimilation Into arty organism, either directly from the environment or indirectly by Ingestion through food chains, will cause death, dlsaase, behavioral
abnormalties, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions in reproduction) or physical deformations. In such organisms or their
offspring; Toxic materials Include, by way of illustration and not limitation: lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, vanadium, arsenic, zinc, ortho-nflro,chiorobenzene
(ONCP), polychlorinated blphenyts (PCBs) and dichloro&phenyl trick€oroethans (DDT); and any other materials that have or may hereafter be delermined to have
toxic properties;
(59) Trickling Filter. A biological treatment unit consisting of a material such as broken stone or rock over which wastewater Is distributed-, A high rate trickling
filter Is one which operated at between 19 and 30 mgd per acre. A low rate trickling filter is one which is designed to operate at one to four mgd per acre:
(60) Trickling Filter (Packed Tower). A plug flow type of operation in which wastewater flows down through successive layers of media or filtrate material; Organk
material is removed eothualiy by the attire bioiogleal fixed growth In each successive iayer, This method may produce 'secondary' quality effluent, or may be
adapted to produce a nitrified eliluent;
(61) Vacuum Fifter, Centrifuges, or Fifter Presses. Devices which are dasignsd to remove excess water from either digesled or urdgosled sfudga prior 10 disposal
or further treatment.