WQ0003924_Final Permit_20000707

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Bill Holman, Secretary
Kerr T. Stevens, Director
July 7, 2000
Mr. David C. Gum, Jr_, Vice President Manufacturing
National Fruit Product Company, Inc.
Post Office Box 2040
Winchester, VA 22604-1240
Dear Mr. Gum:
4 •
NCDENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMEN-r OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL. RESOURCE5
Subject: Permit No. WQ0003924
National Fruit Product Co, Inc.
Lincolnton, NC Plant
Wastewater Spray Irrigation
Lincoln County
In accordance with your application received April 4, 2000, we are forwarding herewith Permit No.
17
WQ0003924, dated July 7, 2000, to National Fruit Product Company, Inc. for the continued operation of the
subject wastewater treatment and spray imrigation facilities.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until June 30, 2005, shall void Permit No.
WQ0003924 issued January 17, 1996, 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, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC
27699-6714. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding.
If you need additional information concerning this matter, please con ict Susan Cauley at (919) 733-
5083 extension 546,
Sincer ,
c
,/ Kerr T_ Stevens
cc: Lincoln County Health Department
Mooresville Regional Office, Water Quality Section
Mooresville Regional Office, Groundwater Section
Brian Wootton, Groundwater Section, Central Office
Technical Assistance and Certification Unit
Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Telephone [phone] Fax [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/10% post -consumer paper

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NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RALEIGH
SPRAY IRRIGATION 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
National Fruit Product Company, Inc.
Lincoln County
FOR THE
continued operation of a 60,000 GPD spray irrigation treatment and disposal facility consisting of a 12,500 gallon
capacity surge tank, a 300,000 gallon capacity storage tank, a 2,000,000 gallon storage capacity lagoon, dual 585
GPM irrigation pumps, a six zone, 21.5 acre irrigation disposal area, manual controller, and all associated piping,
valves, and appurtenances to serve National Fruit Product Company, Inc., with no discharge of wastes to the
surface waters, pursuant to the application received April 4, 2000, and in conformity with the project plan,
specifications, and other supporting data subsequently filed and approved by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources and considered a part of this permit.
This permit shall be effective from the' date of issuance until June 30, 2005, shall void Permit No.
WQ0003924 issued January 17, 1996, and shall be subject to the following specified conditions and limitations:
I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
I. The spray irrigation facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated at all times so that there is no
discharge to the surface waters, nor any contamination of ground waters which will render them
unsatisfactory for normal use. In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the
creation of nuisance conditions or failure of the irrigation area to adequately assimilate the wastewater,
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

4. Diversion or bypassing of the untreated wastewater from the treatment facilities is prohibited.
5. The following buffers shall be maintained:
a) 400 feet between wetted area and any residence or places of public assembly under separate
ownership,
b) 150 feet between wetted area and property lines,
c) 100 feet between wetted area and wells,
d) 100 feet between wetted area and drainageways or surface water bodies,
e) 50 feet between wetted area and public right of ways,
f) 100 feet between wastewater treatment units and wells, and
g) 50 feet between wastewater treatment units and property lines.
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 spray irrigation areas
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 Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification
Commission (WPCSOCC), 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 WPCSOCC. The Permittee must also employ a certified back-up
operator of the appropriate type and grade to comply with the conditions of 15A NCAC 8G .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 15A NCAC SG
.0202.
3. A suitable year round vegetative cover shall be maintained.
4. Irrigation shall not be performed during inclement weather or when the ground is in a condition that
will cause runoff.
5. Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent wastewater runoff from the spray field.
6. 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.
7. The application rate shall not exceed a cumulative loading of 45.5 inches over any twelve (12) month
period at an instantaneous application rate not to exceed 0.5 inches per hour-
2

No type of wastewater other than that from National Fruit Product Company, Inc. shall be sprayed onto
the irrigation area.
9. No traffic or equipment shall be allowed on the disposal area except while installation occurs or while
normal maintenance is being performed.
10. Public access to the land application sites shall be controlled during active site use. Such controls may
include the posting of signs showing the activities being conducted at each site.
11. Freeboard in the lagoon shall not be less than two feet at any time.
III. MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Any monitoring (including groundwater, surface water, soil or plant tissue analyses) 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 tracking the amount of wastewater disposed.
These records shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following information:
a. date of irrigation,
b. volume of wastewater irrigated,
c. field irrigated,
d. length of time field is irrigated,
e. continuous weekly, monthly, and year-to-date hydraulic (inches/acre) loadings for each field,
f. weather conditions, and
g. maintenance of cover crops.
Influent flow shall be continuously monitored and daily flow values shall be reported on Form NDMR.
The Permittee shall install an appropriate flow measurement device consistent with approved
engineering and scientific practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of influent flow measurement.
Flow measurement devices selected shall be capable of measuring flows with a maximum deviation of
less than 10 percent from true flow, accurately calibrated at a minimum of once per year, and
maintained to ensure that the accuracy of the measurements is consistent with the accepted capability
of that type of device. Records of flow measurement device calibration shall be kept on file by the
Permittee for a period of at least three years. At a minimum, data to be included in this documentation
shall be:
a. Date of flow measurement device calibration
b. Name of person performing calibration
c. Percent from true flow
Plans and specifications for the flow measuring device shall be prepared by a licensed Professional
Engineer and submitted to the appropriate regional office 30 days prior to installation. The flow
measuring device shall be installed within 1 year of the date of this permit.

4. The effluent from the subject facilities shall be monitored by the Permittee at the point prior to
irrigation every April and October for the following parameters:
BODE
TSS
Fecal Coliform
pH
NH3 as N
Sodium
Magnesium
Calcium
Sodium Adsorption Ratio
by Calculation
5. Three (3) copies of all operation and disposal records (as specified in condition III 2) on Form NDAR-
1 shall be submitted on or before the Iast day of the following month. Three (3) copies of all effluent
monitoring data (as specified in condition III 3) on Form NDMR-1 shall be submitted on or before the
last day of the following month. All information shall be submitted to the following address:
NC Division of Water Quality
Water Quality Section
Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
6. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Mooresville Regional Office, telephone number (704)
663-1699, 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 sludge digester; 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 render 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 directly to
receiving waters without treatment of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility.
d. Any time that self -monitoring information indicates that the facility has gone out of compliance
with its permit limitations.
Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter form within
five (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.
4

IV. GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS
I. The four existing monitor wells, MW-1, MW-2, MW-3, and MW-4, (depicted on Attachment A) shall
be sampled every April and October for the following parameters:
Water Level pH
Chloride Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Total Ammonia
The measurement of water levels must be made prior to sampling for the remaining parameters. The
depth to water in each well shall be measured from the surveyed point on the top of the casing.
The measuring points (top of well casing) of all monitoring wells shall be surveyed to provide the
relative elevation of the measuring point for each monitoring well.
If TOC concentrations greater than 10 mg/l are detected in any downgradient monitoring well,
additional sampling and analysis must be conducted to identify the individual constituents comprising
this TOC concentration. If the TOC concentration as measured in the background monitor well
exceeds 10 mg/l, this concentration will be taken to represent the naturally occurring TOC
concentration. Any exceedances of this naturally occurring TOC concentration in the down;radient
wells shall be subject to the additional sampling and analysis as described above.
The results of the sampling and analysis must be received on Form GW-59 (Groundwater Quality
Monitoring: Compliance Report Form) by the Groundwater Section, Permits and Compliance Unit,
1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-I636 on or before the last working day of the month
following the sampling month.
2. Any additional groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be
provided.
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
143-2I5.6A(a)(1).
4. 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
per r ittee.

V. INSPECTIONS
Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to insure proper
operation of the subject facilities.
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.
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
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.
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 this request will be considered on its merits and may
or may not be approved.
4. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the Permitter- to
an enforcement action by the Division in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A
to 143-215.6C.
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.
6. A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the Permittee for
the life of the project.
7. 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).

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.
Permit issued this tl}6�seventh day of July, 2000.
NORTH �10VLINAE7NNTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
'/ Kerr T. Stevens, Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit Number WQ0003924

ATTACHMENT A
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NATION_4L FRUIT PRODUCT COMPANY W- o
SPRAY IRRIGATION SYSTEM : t �-�Q'' ` t
LINCOLN COUNTY ��„U 1
PERMIT NO. «'Q0003924
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MONITOR IVVELL LOCATIONS