WQ0002519_Final Permit_19980915

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
September 15, 1998
Mr. Frank Weber, President, Board of Governors
Holiday Island Property Owners Association
5400 Holiday Island
Hertford, NC 27944
Dear Mr. Weber:
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NCDENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subject: Permit No. WQ0002519
Holiday Island Property Owners Association
Constructed Wetlands
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Perquimans County
In accordance with your renewal application received March 17, 1998, we are forwarding herewith Permit No.
WQ0002519, dated September 14, 1998, to the Holiday Island Property Owners Association for the continued
operation of a 10,000 GPD wastewater treatment facility and the construction and operation of a constructed wetlands
disposal facility.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until August 31, 2003, shall void Permit No.
WQ0002519 issued October 11, 1994, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. Please
pay particular attention to the monitoring requirements 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 the 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 conta Mr. Brian Mon schein at (919) 733-
5083, ext. 364.
Sincer ,
_,4A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E.
cc: Perquimans County Health Department
Mr. Gerald Steiner, Tennessee Valley Authority
Washington Regional Office, Water Quality
Washington Regional Office, Groundwater
Groundwater Section, Jack Floyd
Training and Certification Unit
Non -Discharge Compliance Unit
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50°/n recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RALEIGH
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS SYSTEM 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
Holiday Island Property Owners Association
Perquimans County
FOR THE
continued operation of a 10,000 GPD constructed wetlands wastewater treatment facility which consists
of the following facilities: a collection system, an influent pump station, a 10,000 GPD extended
aeration package wastewater treatment plant with residuals holding, a 10,000 gallon aerated holding
tank, dual tertiary filters, dual effluent pumps with high water alarm, and approximately 2,700 linear feet
of four inch force main; and the construction and operation of a constructed wetlands system which
consists of a flow splitter box, three identical parallel constructed wetland cells consisting of
approximately 8,500 square feet each with a total of three cells (each cell is 80 feet by 106 feet) with cell
walls having a permeability of 10-6 cm/sec. and a clay liner on the bottom, with effluent collection and
distribution lines and all other piping, valves and appurtenances to serve the Holiday Island Property
Owners Association facilities with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the
application received March 17, 1998, 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 August 31, 2003, shall void Permit
No. WQ0002519, which was issued October 11, 1994, and shall be subject to the following specified
conditions and limitations:
I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
1. The Washington Regional Office, telephone number 919-946-6481, shall be notified at
least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of operation of the installed facilities so that an in -
place inspection can be made. Such notification to the regional supervisor shall be made
during the normal office hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m_ on Monday through Friday,
excluding State Holidays.
2. In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of
nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective actions including those
actions that may be required by the Division of Water Quality (Division), such as the
construction of additional or replacement wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.
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 facility.

4. This permit shall become voidable if the soils fail to adequately assimilate the wastes and
may be rescinded unless the facilities are installed, maintained, and operated in a manner
which will protect the assigned water quality standards of the surface waters and ground
waters.
5. Adequate measures shall be taken to divert stormwater from the disposal area and prevent
wastewater runoff from the disposal area.
6. The residuals generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed in accordance
with General Statute 143-215.1 and in a manner approved by the Division.
7. Diversion or bypassing of the untreated wastewater from the treatment facilities is
prohibited.
8. The following buffers shall be maintained:
a) 100 feet between disposal area and any public or private water supply including wells
b) 100 feet between disposal area and "SA and SB" classified surface waters
c) 50 feet between disposal area and any stream, lake, river or natural drainageway
d) 50 feet between disposal area and property lines
e) 10 feet between disposal area and surface water interceptor drains or diversions
(upslope)
f) 25 feet between disposal area and surface water interceptor drains or diversions
(downslope) and groundwater drainage systems..
Some of the buffers specified above may not have been included in previous permits for
this waste treatment and disposal system. These buffers are not intended to prohibit or
prevent modifications, which are required by the Division, to improve performance of the
existing treatment facility. These buffers do, however, apply to modifications of the
treatment and disposal facilities which are for the purpose of increasing the flow that is
tributary to the facility. These buffers do apply to any expansion or modification of the
facilities and apply in instances in which the sale of property would cause any of the
buffers now complied with, for the treatment and disposal facilities, to be violated. The
applicant is advised that any modifications to the existing facilities will require a permit
modification.
II. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated at all times
2. Upon classification of the facility by the Certification Commission, the Permittee shall
employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator to be in responsible charge (ORC)
of the wastewater treatment facilities. The operator must hold a certificate of the type and
grade at least equivalent to or greater than the classification assigned to 'the wastewater
treatment facilities by the Certification Commission. The Permittec must also employ a
certified back-up operator of the appropriate type and grade to comply with the
conditions of Title 15A, Chapter 8A, .0202. The ORC of the facility must visit each
Class I facility at least weekly and each Class II, III, and IV facility at least daily,
excluding weekends and holidays, and must properly manage and document daily
operation and maintenance of the facility and must comply with all other conditions of
Title 15A, Chapter 8A, .0202. Once the facility is classified, the Permittee must submit a
letter to the Certification Commission which designates the operator in responsible
charge within thirty days after the wastewater treatment facilities are 50% complete.
3. The application rates to the wetland cells shall not exceed 0.93 GPD per square foot, or
an application rate which will not result in a discharge to surface waters, whichever is
less.
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4. The facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to
prevent the discharge of any wastewater resulting from the operation of this facility.
5. No traffic or equipment shall be allowed on the disposal area except while installation
occurs or while normal maintenance is being performed.
6. The screenings removed from the wastewater treatment plant shall be properly disposed
in a sanitary landfill.
7. The Division maintains the right to require that appropriate dual source, dual feed, or
standby power provisions be included for these facilities, should one of these options
become necessary for the protection of the health of the citizens of North Carolina or its
natural resources.
8. The flow measurement device shall be calibrated annually by a representative of a firm
which is routinely engaged in the calibration of flow measurement devices. Records of
the calibration, including all information pertinent to the calibration, shall be available
during any inspection by Division staff.
9. Diffusers shall be cleaned as needed to assure adequate aeration. Records of maintenance
shall be maintained by the permittee.
10. The clarifier weir and scum baffle shall be cleaned as needed to assure adequate operation
of the facility. The walls of the clarifier will also be scraped as needed. Records of
maintenance shall be maintained by the permittee.
MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. Any monitoring deemed necessary by the Division to insure surface and ground water
protection will be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule shall be
followed.
2. Adequate records shall be maintained by the Permittee, which shows all maintenance
performed at the wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.
3. As an indicator of proper operation and maintenance, the facility shall produce and
effluent from the wetlands treatment system in compliance with the following limitations:
Parameter Monthly Averagea Daily Maximumb
Flow 0.010 MGD
BOD5 10 mg/l 15 mg/l
TSS 20 mg/1 30 mg/l
NH3 as N 4 mg/I 6 mg/1
a Monthly average shall be the arithmetic mean of all samples collected during the reporting
period.
b Daily maximum shall be the maximum value of all samples collected during the reporting
period.
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The effluent from the subject facilities shall be monitored, by the Permittee, at the point prior to
discharge to the constructed wetlands area for the following parameters:
Parameter Sampling Point
BOD5 (5-day, 20°C) Effluent
TSS
Effluent
NH3 as N
Effluent
Total N
Effluent
Total P
Effluent
Fecal Coliform
Effluent
Settleable Matter
Effluent
pH
Effluent
Sampling Frequency Type of Sample
*2/Month
Composite
*2/Month
Composite
*2/Month
Composite
* *
Grab
**
Grab
*2/Month
Grab
Daily
Grab
Daily
Grab
* 2/Month sampling frequency only during the months of April through October.
During the remainder of the year, these parameters shall be monitored monthly.
** Sampling shall occur every April, August and December for these parameters.
4. The package treatment plant shall be monitored by grab sample as follows:
Flow
Daily
BOD
Monthly
TSS
Monthly
Fecal Coliform
Monthly
NH3 as N
Monthly
Total N
Total P
** Sampling shall occur every April, August and December for these parameters.
5. Three copies of all operation and maintenance recorded (as specified in condition III.2)
and all effluent monitoring data (as specified in condition III 3 and 111 4), shall be
submitted on or before of the last day of the month following sampling to the following
address:
NC Division of Water Quality
Water Quality Section
Non -Discharge Compliance Unit
Post Office Box 29535
Raleigh, N.C. 27626-0535
6_ A record shall be maintained of all residuals removed from this facility. The record shall
include the name of the hauler, the permit authorizing the . disposal or a letter from a
municipality agreeing to accept the residuals, the date the residuals were hauled, and the
volume of residuals removed.
7. A maintenance log shall be maintained at this facility including, but not limited to, the
following items:
a. Daily sampling results including settleable matter, and dissolved oxygen in the
aeration basin and at the clarifier weir;
b. Visual observations of the plant, plant site, and wetland treatment cells;
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c. Record of preventative maintenance (changing of filters, adjusting belt tensions,
alarm testing, diffuser inspections and cleanings, etc.);
d. Date of calibration of flow measurement device;
e. All maintenance performed on the wetland treatment system, including the harvesting
and replacement of wetland cell vegetation.
8. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Washington Regional Office, telephone
number 919-946-6481, 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 at the wastewater treatment facility which results in the treatment of
significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic, such
as the dumping of the contents of a basin or tank, the known passage of a slug of
hazardous substance through the facility, or any other unusual circumstances;
b. Any process unit failure, due to known or unknown reasons, that renders the facility
incapable of adequate wastewater treatment, such as mechanical or electrical failures
of pumps, aerators, compressors, etc.;
c. Any failure of a pumping station, sewer line, or treatment facility resulting in a by-
pass of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility; or
d. Any time that self -monitoring information indicates that the facility is not in
compliance with its permit limitations.
Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter
form within 5 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.
IV. GROUNDWATER REOUIREMENTS
I. Any additional groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division,
shall be provided.
2. The COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY for the disposal system is specified by regulations in
15A NCAC 2L, Groundwater Classifications and Standards. The Compliance Boundary
is for the disposal system constructed after December 31, 1983 is established at either (1)
250 feet from the waste disposal area, or (2) 50 feet within the property boundary,
whichever is closest to the waste disposal area. An exceedance of Groundwater Quality
Standards at or beyond the Compliance Boundary is subject to immediate remediation
action in addition to the penalty provisions applicable under General Statute 143-215.6A.
In accordance with 15A NCAC 2L, a REVIEW BOUNDARY is established around the
disposal systems midway between the Compliance Boundary and the perimeter of the
waste disposal area. Any exceedance of standards at the Review Boundary shall require
remediation action on the part of the permittee.
V. INSPECTIONS
Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to
insure proper operation of the subject facilities.
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2. The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the wastewater treatment and disposal
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 keep 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 three years from the date of the inspection and shall be made
available upon request to the Division or other permitting authority.
3. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division may, upon
presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property, premises or place on or related
to the disposal 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 maintained
under the terms and conditions of this permit, and may obtain samples of groundwater,
surface water, or leachate.
VI. GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. This permit shall become voidable unless the facilities are constructed in accordance with
the conditions of this permit, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting
data.
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 transferable. In the event there is a desire for the facilities to change
ownership, or there is a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit request must be
submitted to the Division accompanied by an application fee, documentation from the
parties involved, and other supporting materials as may be appropriate. The approval of
Us request will be considered on its merits and may or may not be approved.
4. A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the
Permittee for the Iife of the project.
5. 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 15A NCAC 2H .0205
(c)(4).
6. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the
Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division in accordance with North Carolina
General Statute 143-215.6A to 6C.
7. The subject wastewater treatment and disposal facilities shall be connected to an
operational publicly owned wastewater collection system within 180 days of its
availability to the subject facilities, if the subject wastewater treatment or disposal
facilities are in noncompliance with the terms and conditions of this non -discharge permit
or the governing statutes or regulations. Prior to the initiation of these connection
activities, appropriate approval must be received from this Division.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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10. Prior to beginning construction of these facilities, the Permittee shall arrange a pre -
construction conference between representatives of the Holiday Island Property Owners
Association, the consulting engineer, the contractor, and the Washington Regional Office_
11. If at any time in the future this constructed wetlands disposal system ceases to work
adequately as a non -discharge system and to protect the water quality of the State, the
Holiday Island Property Owners Association shall investigate connection to a
municipality collection system, choose the best system, and connect.
12_ The Operational Agreement between the Permittee and the Environmental Management
Commission is incorporated herein by reference and is a condition of this permit.
Noncompliance with the terms of the Operational Agreement shall subject the Permittee
to all sanctions provided by North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to 6C for
violation of or failure to act in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Permit.
Permit issued this the fifteenth day of September, 1998
NORTH C OLINA ENV O TAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
.A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit Number WQ000251.9
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Permit No. WQ0002519
September 15, 1998
ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATION
1, , as a duly registered Professional Engineer in the State of North
Carolina, having been authorized to observe (periodically, weekly, fall tune) the construction of the
project,
Project Name Location
for the
Permittee hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation
of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and
intent of this permit, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature
Date
Registration No.