WQ0000426_Final Permit_19950526

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
May 26, 1995
Laurence Somerville, Ph.D., Director
AgrEvo USA, Incorporated
P.O. Box 538
Pikeville, NC 27863
Dear Mr_ Somerville:
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[DEH N F1
Subject: Permit No. WQ0000426
AgrEvo USA, Incorporated
Wastewater Spray Irrigation
Wayne County
In accordance with your name change request received November 1, 1994, we are forwarding
herewith Permit No. WQ0000426 as amended, dated May 26, 1995, to AgrEvo USA, Incorporated for
the continued operation of the subject wastewater treatment and spray irrigation facilities.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 1995, shall void Permit
No. WQ0000426 issued January 14, 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 contact MuAngela Y. Griffinf at
[phone] ext. 554.
Sincerely,
0 aa
A. Prest nHoward, Jr., P.E.
cc: Wayne County Health Department
Environment 1, Incorporated
Washington Regional Office, Water Quality
Washington Regional Office, Groundwater
Groundwater Section, Jack Floyd
Training and Certification Unit (no revised rating)
Facilities Assessment Unit
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH 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
AgrEvo USA, Incorporated
Wayne County
FOR THE
continued operation of a 7,500 GPD spray irrigation treatment and disposal facility consisting of two (2)
influent lift stations, two (2) influent holding tanks with a capacity of 26,800 gallons, an influent flow
measuring device, an influent pH monitoring devise, a primary clarifier with a carbon and a polymer feed
system, a 16,500 gallon flow equalization basin, a 15,000 gallon capacity extended aeration package plant
with clarification and sludge digestion, tertiary sand filter and a tertiary carbon filter, two (2) lagoons with
impervious liner and a total capacity of 250,000 gallons and with recycle capability, and ultimate disposal
by spray irrigation onto a 2.30 acre spray field, drying beds for sludge dewatering and 195 acres of land
for land application of the dewatered sludge to serve NOR -AM Chemical Company's NOR -AM Research
Center, with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the amendment request received
November 1, 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 December 31, 1995, shall void Permit
No. WQ0000426 issued January 14, 1994, and shall be subject to the following specified conditions and
limitations:
I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
1. 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
Environmental Management, 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 North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management.

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 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 Permittee 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 TV 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.
3. A suitable 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 of wastewater shall not exceed 62.4 inches per year. The application
rate of carbon activated sludge shall not exceed 150 pounds per day or 10 tons per acre per
year.
S. No type of wastewater other than that from AgrEvo USA, Incorporated shall be sprayed
onto the irrigation area.
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9. No traffic or equipment shall be allowed on the disposal area except while installation
occurs or while normal maintenance is being performed.
10. Specific sludge application area boundaries shall be clearly marked on each site prior to and
during sludge application.
11. No sludge at any time shall be stored at any application site.
12. The lifetime heavy metal loadings shall not exceed the following for the corresponding
Cation Exchange Capacities (CEC):
13. Animals shall not be grazed on sludge applied land within a 30 -day period following the
sludge application. Application sites that are to be used for grazing shall have fencing that
will be used to prevent access after each application.
14. Surface applied sludge will be plowed or disced within twenty-four (24) hours after
application on lands with no cover crop established.
15. For areas that are prone to flooding or within the 100 -year flood elevation, sludge may be
applied only during periods of dry weather. The sludge must be incorporated into the soil
within twenty-four (24) hours of application.
16. 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 sludge application
event. Such controls may include the posting of signs indicating the activities being
conducted at each site.
17. Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion and surface runoff from
conveying pollutants from the sludge application area onto the adjacent property or into the
surface waters.
18. Sludge shall not be applied in inclement weather or until 24 hours following a rainfall event
of 112 -inch or greater in 24 hours. Any emergency sludge disposal measures must first be
approved by the Division of Environmental Management.
19. The site shall be adequately limed to a soil pH of at least 6.5 prior to sludge application.
Sludge may be applied to sites with a pH of less than 6.5 provided a sufficient amount of
lime is also applied to achieve a final pH of the lime, sludge and soil mixture of at least 6.5.
MONITORING AW -REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. Any monitoring (including groundwater, surface water, soil or plant tissue analyses)
deemed necessary by the Division of Environmental Management to insure surface and
ground water protection will be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule
shall be followed. If monitoring data indicates minimal or no concern to the Division,
reduction of monitoring requirements may be pursued after two annual reporting periods.
2. Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee tracking all disposal activities. These
records shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following information:
3
Lifetime Loadings
(lbslacre)
Parameter
CEC < 5
CEC 5 - 15
CEC > 1
Lead
500
1000
2000
Zinc
250
500
1000
Copper
125
250
500
Nickel
125
250
500
Cadmium
4.5
9
18
13. Animals shall not be grazed on sludge applied land within a 30 -day period following the
sludge application. Application sites that are to be used for grazing shall have fencing that
will be used to prevent access after each application.
14. Surface applied sludge will be plowed or disced within twenty-four (24) hours after
application on lands with no cover crop established.
15. For areas that are prone to flooding or within the 100 -year flood elevation, sludge may be
applied only during periods of dry weather. The sludge must be incorporated into the soil
within twenty-four (24) hours of application.
16. 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 sludge application
event. Such controls may include the posting of signs indicating the activities being
conducted at each site.
17. Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion and surface runoff from
conveying pollutants from the sludge application area onto the adjacent property or into the
surface waters.
18. Sludge shall not be applied in inclement weather or until 24 hours following a rainfall event
of 112 -inch or greater in 24 hours. Any emergency sludge disposal measures must first be
approved by the Division of Environmental Management.
19. The site shall be adequately limed to a soil pH of at least 6.5 prior to sludge application.
Sludge may be applied to sites with a pH of less than 6.5 provided a sufficient amount of
lime is also applied to achieve a final pH of the lime, sludge and soil mixture of at least 6.5.
MONITORING AW -REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. Any monitoring (including groundwater, surface water, soil or plant tissue analyses)
deemed necessary by the Division of Environmental Management to insure surface and
ground water protection will be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule
shall be followed. If monitoring data indicates minimal or no concern to the Division,
reduction of monitoring requirements may be pursued after two annual reporting periods.
2. Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee tracking all disposal activities. These
records shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following information:
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a) source of sludge,
b) date of wastewater irrigation/sludge application,
c) location of wastewater/sludge application (site, field, or zone #),
d) method of sludge application,
e) weather conditions,
f) soil conditions
g) type of crop or crop to be grown on field and maintenance of cover crop,
h) length of time field is irrigated,
i) continuous weekly, monthly, and year-to-date hydraulic (inches/acre) loadings for each
field,
j) volume of wastewater/sludge applied in gallons/acre and dry tons/acre,
k) annual and cumulative totals of dry tons/acre of sludge, annual and cumulative
pounds/acre of each heavy metal (which shall include, but not be limited to lead, nickel,
cadmium, copper and zinc), annual pounds/acre of plant available nitrogen (PAN), and
annual pounds/acre of phosphorus applied to each field.
3. The effluent from the subject facilities shall be monitored by the Permittee at the point prior
to irrigation every February, rune, and September for the following parameters:
BQD5 Sodium
TSS Magnesium
Fecal Coliform Calcium
3 as N Sodium Adsorption Ratio by Calculation
p
4. A representative annual soils analysis (Standard Soil Fertility Analysis) shall be conducted
of each site receiving sludge 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:
Base Saturation
Manganese
Magnesium
Cation Exchange Capacity
Phosphorus
Sodium
Potassium
Nickel
Lead
Cadmium
Zinc
Copper
pH
Calcium
5. A quarterly sludge analysis and annual Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure
(TCLP) analysis shall be conducted 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 quarterly, sludge analysis will be required for each instance of land application. The
sludge analysis shall include but is not necessarily limited to the following parameters:
total solids
Magnesium
Chlorides
Sulfate
Phosphorus
Potassium
Lead
Zinc
Copper
Nickel
Cadmium
Chromium
Sodium
Calcium
Total Nitrogen
Ammonia Nitrogen
Nitrate/Nitrite Nitrogen
pH
Plant Available Nitrogen (by calculation)
n

The TCLP analysis shall include the following parameters:
Arsenic
Barium
Benzene
Cadmium
Carbon tetrachloride
Chlordane
Chlorobenzene
Chloroform
Chromium
o -Cresol
m -Cresol
p -Cresol
Cresol
2,4-D
1,4 -Dichlorobenzene
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,1-Dichloroethylene
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
Endrin
Heptachlor (and its hydroxide)
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene
Hexachloroethane
Lead
Lindane
Mercury
Methoxychlor
Methyl ethyl ketone
Nitrobenzene
Pentachlorophenol
Pyridine
Selenium
Silver
Tetrachloroethylene
Toxaphene
Trichloroethylene
2,4,5 -Trichlorophenol
2,4,6 -Trichlorophenol
2,4,5 -TP (Silvex)
Vinyl chloride
6. Three copies of all monitoring and reporting requirements as specified in conditions 111 1,
1112, III 3, 111 4, and III 5 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
7. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Washington Regional Office, telephone
number 9191946-6481, 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 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 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
directly to receiving waters without treatment of all or any portion of the influent to
such station or facility; or
E

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 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.
IV. GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS
The two (2) existing monitoring wells at the spray field sites and the three (3) existing
monitoring wells at the sludge disposal facility must be sampled every February, June, and
September for the following parameters:
NO3 TDS
TOC pH
Ammonia Nitrogen Chloride
Water Level Total Suspended Solids
*Pesticides
The measurement of water level must be made prior to sampling for the remaining
parameters.
*The Permittee shall test for pesticide/herbicide compounds which have been developed,
tested or used on the site in significant amounts, and thereafter discharged to the
wastewater treatment system, during the twelve month period immediately preceding each
of the testing periods specified above.
In determining which compounds are to be analyzed at each testing period, the Permittee
shall maintain a list of compounds which have been developed, tested or used on the site
each month, and shall test for those pesticides/herbicides which have been used in
significant quantities during the most recent twelve months.
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.
The results of the sampling and analysis shall be sent to the NC Division of Environmental
Management on Form GW -59 (Compliance Monitoring Report Form) every March, July,
and October.
2. The Compliance B undar for the disposal system is specified by regulations in 15A
NCAC 2L," Classifications and Water Quality Standards applicable to the groundwater of
north Carolina. An exceedance of Groundwater Quality Standards beyond the Compliance
Boundary is subject to penalty provisions applicable under General Statute 143-215.6 (1)a.
The sale of property, by the Permittee, which is within or contiguous to the disposal site,
may alter the location of the Compliance Boundary.
For facilities permitted on or after December 30, 1983, the Compliance Boundary is
established at the lesser of 500 feet from the spray field and sludge disposal area, or the
property boundary, whichever is less.
If the title to any property which may affect the location of the Compliance Boundary is
changed, the Permittee shall notify the Division Director within 14 days. The Director shall
then establish a modified Compliance Boundary which will be done as a modification to the
Permit.
6

The REVIEW BOUNDARY for the disposal system is specified by regulations in 15A
NCAC 2L, Groundwater Classifications and Standards. A REVIEW BOUNDARY is
established around disposal systems midway between the Compliance Boundary and the
perimeter of the waste disposal area. When the concentration of any substance equals or
exceeds the maximum allowable concentration of that substance at the REVIEW
BOUNDARY, as determined by monitoring, the permittee shallie ther (i) demonstrate,
through predictive calculations or modeling, that natural site conditions, facility design and
operational controls will prevent a violation of standards at the Compliance Boundary; -or
-
(ii) submit a plan for the alteration of existing site conditions, facility design or operational
controls that will prevent a violation of standards at the Compliance Boundary, and
implement that plan upon its approval by the Director.
3. No land application of waste activities shall be under taken when the seasonal high water
table is less than (3) feet below land surface.
4. Any additional groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall
be provided.
V. INSPECTIONS
1. Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to
insure proper operation of the subject facilities.
2. The Permittee or has designeeshall 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 of Environmental Management or other permitting authority.
3. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Environmental
Management 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 pians 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 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.
7

4. 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).
5. 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. Prior to any transfer of this land, a notice shall be given to the new owner that gives full
details of the materials applied at this site.
7, A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the
Permittee for the life of the project.
8. 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)-
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.
Permit issued this the 26th day of May, 1995
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
j X t (4 , , " oo- .' To " � ("_
A. Preston H ward, Jr., P.E. Director
Division of vironmental Management
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit Number WQ0000426
0