WQ0002127_Final Permit_20040618

1N A r�cA Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
y North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
r
> 1 Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
0 Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
June 18, 2044
MR. DON DANFORD, DIRECTOR OF WATER RESOURCES
CITY OF MORGANTON
POST OFFICE Box 3448
MORGANTON, NC 28680-3448
Subject: Permit No. WQ0002127
City of Morganton
City of Morganton Morganite Composting Facility
and Distribution Program
Distribution of Residual Solids (503)
Burke County
Dear Mr. Danford:
In accordance with your permit renewal and modification application package received on
October 8, 2003, and additional information received on December 15, 2003, we are forwarding herewith
Permit No. WQ0002127, dated June 18, 2004, to the City of Morganton for the subject residuals
composting facility and Class A EQ residuals product distribution program.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until May 31, 2009; shall void Permit No.
WQ0002127 issued March 8, 1999; and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified
therein. Make note of this permit's expiration date and the fact that a permit renewal application is due to
the Division of Water Quality (Division) no later than six months prior to that date (i.e., see Condition V1.
7.), as the Division does not send reminders to apply for permit renewal.
This permit has been issued to approve the operation of the City of Morganton's residuals
composting facility and the Class A EQ residuals product for another five-year cycle. Note that the
Division has taken this opportunity to modify the permit to reflect the facility's maximum design
capacity. Specifically, the total residuals acceptance capacity of the facility is approved at 3,250 dry tons
per year maximum.
As always, remember to take the time to review this permit thoroughly, as some of the
conditions contained therein may have been added, changed, or deleted since the last issuance. Pay
particular attention to the monitoring requirements in this permit. Please be aware that failure to establish
an adequate system for collecting, maintaining, and submitting the required operational information will
result in future compliance problems. Of special interest to you may be the following:
♦ All monitoring required by this permit, with the exception of process/operational data that
must be maintained to prove compliance with the pathogen reduction and vector attraction
reduction requirements, must be completed on the Class A EQ residuals product that is
intended for distribution. The Division suggests that the City of Morganton consider
implementing a standard operating procedure to regularly monitor accepted residuals for
various quality parameters (i.e., especially hazardous waste characteristics); however, this
procedure is no longer a requirement of this permit.
NCD
Non -Discharge Permitting Unit Internet http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ndpu
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Telephone [phone] Fax [phone]
DENR Customer Service Center Telephone [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

♦ The Division has amended the frequency with which the Class A EQ residual product must
be monitored so that it is more commiserate with 40 CFR Part 503. Specifically, the
frequency with which monitoring must now be performed is based entirely on the amount of
product that is distributed for application to the land. The Division urges the City of
Morganton to be conservative with its production estimates, so that the correct monitoring
frequency is selected for implementation. See Condition ]111. 4. and Condition III. 5. for more
detail.
♦ The Division suggests that the City of Morganton develop a monitoring program to ensure
that the Class A EQ residuals product does not exhibit signs of pathogen regrowth following
significant curing/storage time and immediately prior to distribution for application to the
land.
If any parts, requirements, and/or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable, you have
the right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within 30 days following receipt of this
permit. This request shall be in the from of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North
Carolina General Statutes and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings at 6714 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6714. Unless such demands are made, this permit shall be final
and binding.
If you need any additional information concerning this matter, please contact Ms. Shannon Mohr
Thornburg by telephone at [phone], extension 353, or via e-mail at
[e-mail].
ASinc rely,
or Alan W. Klimek. P.E.
cc: Burke County Health Department
Asheville Regional Office -Water Quality Section
Technical Assistance and Certification Unit
Water Quality Central Files
NDPU Files
NDPU Residuals Program Coordinator
2

NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RALEIGH
DISTRIBUTION OF RESIDUAL SOLIDS (503) 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
City of Morganton
Burke County
FOR THE
continued operation of a composting facility for the composting of residuals generated from the treatment
of municipal wastewater and potable drinking water treatment at the facilities listed in Condition H. 3. and
the continued operation of a program for the distribution of a Class A EQ residuals product marketed as
Morganite.
Both the facility and the program shall be operated such that no discharge of waste to surface
waters occurs, pursuant to the permit renewal and modification application package received on October
8, 2003, and additional information received on December 15, 2003, 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 pen -nit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 2008; shall void
Permit No. WQ0002127 issued March 8, 1999; and shall be subject to the following specified conditions
and limitations:
I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The residuals composting facility and Class A EQ residuals product distribution program
shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to prevent the
discharge of any wastes to waters of the state resulting from the operation of this facility or
program.
2. This permit shall become voidable in the event of failure of the residuals composting facility
or Class A EQ residuals product distribution program to adequately protect the assigned
water quality standards of the surface waters and groundwater.

The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility for damages to
surface water or groundwater resulting from the operation of this residuals composting
facility or Class A EQ residuals product distribution program.
4. In the event that the residuals composting facility or CIass A EQ residuals product
distribution program is not operated satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance
conditions, the Permittee shall take any immediate corrective actions as may be required by
the Division of Water Quality (Division).
5. Diversion or bypassing of untreated residuals or leachate from the residual composting
facility shall be prohibited. All leachate shall be reused as a wetting agent for the processing
of residuals or disposed of through a Division -approved method.
6. When wastewater residuals are sold or given away, one of the Class A pathogen requirements
in 40 CFR Part 503.32(x) and one of vector attraction reduction requirements in 40 CFR Part
503.33 shall be met. Additionally, an evaluation shall be performed which demonstrates the
residuals' ability to comply with this requirement. Upon request, a copy of this evaluation,
including all test results and calculations, shall be submitted.
7. No Class A EQ residuals product that tests or is classified as a hazardous or toxic waste under
40 CFR Part 261 shall be sold or given away under the conditions of this permit.
11. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The residuals composting facility and Class A EQ residuals product distribution program
shall be properly operated and maintained at all times.
2. Upon classification of the residuals composting facility and Class A EQ residuals product
distribution program by the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification
Commission (WPCSOCC), the Permittee shall employ a certified operator to be in
responsible charge (ORC) of the facility and program. The operator shall hold a certificate of
the type classification assigned to the facility and program by the WPCSOCC. The Permittee
shall also employ a certified back-up operator of the appropriate type to comply with the
conditions of 15A NCAC 8G .0202.
3. a. No residuals other than those generated by the following residuals source -generating
facilities shall be approved for acceptance for treatment in the residuals composting
facility in accordance with this permit:
2
Residuals
Permit
Maximum
Permittee
Source -Generating
County
Number
Dry Tons
Facility
per Year
City of Morganton
Catawba River Pollution
Control Facility
Burke
NCO026573
1,200.00
City of Morganton
Morganton WTP
Burke
NCO060194
800
TOTAL
2,000.00
2

b. No Class A EQ residuals product other than that generated by the following residuals
source -generating facilities shall be approved for distribution under the Class A EQ
residuals product distribution program in accordance with this permit:
Permittee / Residuals
Ceiling Concentration
(milligrams per kilogram)
Monthly Average
Concentration
(milligrams per kilogram)
Permit
Maximum
Source -Generating
Product
County
Number
Dry Tons
Facility
1,500
Lead
840
per Year
City of Morganton
57
17
Molybdenum
75
Residuals Composting
Morganite
Burke
WQ0002127
3,250.00
Facility
100
Zinc
7,500
2,800
TOTAL
3,250.00
4. No other residuals or Class A EQ residuals product other than that from the residuals source -
generating facilities specified in Condition 11. 3. may be composted and distributed under this
permit. The Permittee shall request and obtain a permit amendment from the Division for
each additional residual source -generating facility prior to acceptance of those residuals for
treatment in the approved residuals composting facility and distribution through the approved
Class A EQ residuals product distribution program.
5. All residuals and Class A EQ residuals product shall be adequately stored to prevent leachate
runoff prior to and following treatment. Following treatment, the Class A EQ residuals
product may be stored in an elevated silo, placed on a concrete pad, kept under shelter,
covered, or stored in a manner as otherwise approved by the Division until such time as it is
distributed to the user. If an alternative storage site is to be used, approval shall first be
obtained from the Division.
Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion and surface runoff from
conveying pollutants from residuals or the Class A EQ residuals product from the residuals
composting facility onto adjacent property or into any surface waters.
For a Class A EQ residuals product to be sold or given away in bags or other container for
application to the land, the following shall be satisfied:
The Ceiling Concentrations (Dry Weight Basis) and the Pollutant Monthly Average
Concentrations (Dry Weight Basis) shall be maintained:
Parameter
Ceiling Concentration
(milligrams per kilogram)
Monthly Average
Concentration
(milligrams per kilogram)
Arsenic
75
41
Cadmium
85
39
Copper
4,300
1,500
Lead
840
300
Mercury
57
17
Molybdenum
75
n/a
Nickel
420
420
Selenium
100
100
Zinc
7,500
2,800
3

8. A label shall be affixed to the bag or other container in which a Class A EQ residuals product
is sold or given away for application to the land, or an information sheet shall be provided to
the person who receives the Class A EQ residuals product sold or given away in another
container for application to the land. The label or information sheet shall contain the
following information:
a. The name and address of the person who prepared the Class A EQ residuals product that
is sold or given away in a bag or other container for application to the land.
b. A statement that application of the Class A EQ residuals product to the land is prohibited
except in accordance with the instructions on the label or information sheet.
c. A statement regarding all buffers from the area to which the Class A EQ residuals
product is applied, including a minimum 10 -foot buffer from any public or private water
supply sources (i.e., including wells), streams, lakes, rivers, or drainageways.
d. A statement that the Class A EQ residuals product shall not be applied to any site that is
flooded, frozen, or snow-covered.
e. A statement that adequate procedures shall be provided to prevent surface runoff from
carrying any disposed or stored Class A EQ residuals product into any surface waters.
III. MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUMMENTS
Any monitoring (i.e., including groundwater, surface water, residuals, soil, or plant tissue
analyses) deemed necessary by the Division to ensure protection of the environment shall be
established and an acceptable sampling and reporting schedule shall be followed.
2. Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee to track all residuals composting and
Class A EQ residuals product distribution activities. These records shall include, but are not
necessarily limited to, the following information:
a. Source, amount, and analysis (as applicable) of residuals accepted for treatment in the
residuals composting facility.
b. Source and amount of each amendment material used for treatment in the residuals
composting facility.
c. Analysis of the Class A EQ residuals product.
d. Name of the initial recipient of the Class A EQ residuals product, the amount distributed,
and the intended use.
3. The Class A EQ residuals product shall be analyzed to demonstrate that they are non-
hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A corrosivity,
ignitability, and reactivity analysis as well as a Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure
(TCLP) analysis shall be conducted by the Permittee annually, and the results of the analyses
shall be maintained on file by the Permittee for a minimum of five years.
0

The TCLP analysis shall include the following parameters (i.e., note the regulatory level in
milligrams per liter in parentheses):
Arsenic (5.0)
Barium (100,0)
Benzene (0.5)
Cadmium (1.0)
Carbon tetrachloride (0.5)
Chlordane (0.03)
Chlorobenzene (100.0)
Chloroform (6.0)
Chromium (5A)
m -Cresol (200.0)
o -Cresol (200.0)
p -Cresol (200.0)
Cresol (200.0)
2,4-D (10.0)
1,4 -Dichlorobenzene (7.5) Nitrobenzene (2.0)
1,2-Dichloroethane (0.5)
Pentachlorophenol (100.0)
1,1-Dichloroethylene (0.7)
Pyridine (5.0)
2,4-Dinitrotoluene (0.13)
Selenium (1.0)
Endrin (0.02)
Silver (5.0)
Hexachlorobenzene (0.13)
Tetrachloroethylene (0.7)
Heptachlor (and its hydroxide) (0.008) Toxaphene (0.5)
Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (0.5)
Trichloroethylene (0.5)
Hexachloroethane (3.0)
2,4,5 -Trichlorophenol (400.0)
Lead (5.0)
2,4,6 -Trichlorophenol (2.0)
Lindane (0.4)
2,4,5 -TP (Silvex) (1.0)
Mercury (0.2)
Vinyl chloride (0.2)
Methoxychlor (10.0)
1,650:5 DT/yr < 16,500
Methyl ethyl ketone (200.0)
15,000:5 mDT/yr
After the Class A EQ residuals product has been monitored for two years at an annual
frequency, the Permittee may submit a request to the Division for a permit modification to
reduce the frequency of this monitoring requirement. In no case, however, shall the
frequency of this monitoring be less than once per permit cycle when the CIass A EQ
residuals product is sold or given away during that year.
4. An analysis shall be conducted by the Permittee on the Class A EQ residuals product at a
frequency that is dependent on the dry tons of Class A EQ residuals product distributed or
expected to be distributed during the calendar year for application to the land. The
monitoring frequency schedule shall be as stipulated in the following table:
Amount of Product
Amount of Product
Distributed for
Distributed for
Application to the Land
Application to the Land
Monitoring Frequency
(metric tons per
(short tons per
365 -day period)
365 -dory period)
0 < mDT/yr < 290
0 < DT/yr < 319
Once per Year
290 < mDT/yr < 1,500
319:5 DT/yr < 1,650
Once per Quarter
(Four Times per Year)
1,500 _< mDT/yr < 15,000
1,650:5 DT/yr < 16,500
Once per 60 Days
(Six Times per Year)
15,000:5 mDT/yr
16,500s: DT/yr
Once per Month
(12 Times per Year)
5

The results of all analyses shall be maintained on file by the Permittee for a minimum of five
years. The analysis shall include the following minimum parameters:
Aluminum
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Ammonia -Nitrogen
Mercury
Potassium
Arsenic
Molybdenum
Selenium
Cadmium
Nickel
Sodium
Calcium
Nitrate -Nitrite Nitrogen
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Copper
pH
Total Solids (Percent)
Lead
Plant Available Nitrogen
(By Calculation)
Zinc
The Class A EQ residuals product shall be monitored by the Permittee for compliance with
Condition I.6. of this permit at a frequency that is dependent on the dry tons of Class A EQ
residuals product distributed or expected to be distributed during the calendar year for
application to the land. The monitoring frequency schedule shall be as stipulated in the
following table:
Amount of Product
Amount of Product
Distributed for
Distributed for
Application to the Land
Application to the Land
Monitoring Frequency
(nietric tons per
(short tons per
365 -day period)
365 -day period)
0 < mDT/yr < 290
0 < DT/yr < 319
Once per Year
290 < mDT/yr < I,500
—
319 5 DT/yr < 1,650
Once per Quarter
(Four Times per Year)
1,500 < mDT/yr < 15,000
—
1,650 < DT/yr < 16,500
Once per 60 Days
(Six Times per Year)
15,000 < mDT/yr
16,500:5 DT/yr
Once per Month
(12 Times per Year)
The results of all analyses and records of all operational data shall be maintained on file by
the Permittee for a minimum of five years. Data to verify stabilization of the product shall be
maintained by the Permittee. The required data shall be specific to the stabilization process
utilized, but should be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Class A pathogen
requirements in 40 CFR Part 503.32(a) and the vector attraction reduction requirements in 40
CFR Part 503.33 clearly. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
certification statements concerning compliance with pathogen requirements, vector attraction
reduction requirements, and management practices shall be completed at the above frequency
by the proper authority or authorities if more than one is involved, either the person who
generates the residuals or the person who prepares the Class A EQ residuals product to be
sold or given away for application to the land.
6. Laboratory analyses and/or operational data, as required by Condition III. 4., and Condition
III. 5. shall be performed/gathered on the Class A EQ residuals product as it is to be
distributed. Furthermore, analytical determinations made pursuant to the monitoring and
reporting requirements of this permit shall be made by a laboratory certified by the Division
for the required parameter(s) under 15A NCAC 2H.0800 or 15A NCAC 2H. 1100.
G

IV.
7. Three copies of all required monitoring and reporting requirements as specified in Condition
III. 1., Condition III. 3., Condition III. 4., Condition III. 5., and Condition M. 6. shall be
submitted annually on or before March 151 of the year following the distribution event to the
following address:
NCDENR-DWQ
Water Quality Section
Non --Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
8. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Water Quality Section of Division's Asheville
Regional Office at telephone number 828-251-6208, 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 residuals composting facility or Class A EQ residuals product
distribution program that results in the land application of significant amounts of wastes
which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic.
b. Any failure of the residuals composting facility or Class A EQ residuals product
distribution program resulting in a release of material to receiving waters.
c. Any time that self-monitoring information indicates that the residuals composting facility
or Class A EQ residuals product distribution program 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 residuals
composting facility incapable of adequate residual treatment.
e. Any spillage or discharge from a vehicle or piping system during transportation of
residuals or Class A EQ residuals product.
Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letterform
within five days following first knowledge of the occurrence. This report shall outline the
actions taken or proposed to be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur.
GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS
1. Applicable Boundaries:
a. The COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY for the
specified by regulations in 15A NCAC 2L
Standards"). The Compliance Boundary for
after December 31, 1983 shall be establish
disposal area or (2) 50 feet within the prop
residuals composting facility. An exceedan
beyond the Compliance Boundary shall be
according to 15A NCAC 2L .0106(d)(2).
7
residuals composting facility shall be as
(i.e., "Groundwater Classifications and
a disposal system individually permitted
ed at either (1) 250 feet from the waste
erty boundary, whichever is closest to the
ce of groundwater quality standards at or
subject to immediate remediation action

b_ The REVIEW BOUNDARY shall be established around the residuals composting facility
midway between the Compliance Boundary and the perimeter of the waste disposal area.
Any exceedance of groundwater quality standards at the Review Boundary shall require
action in accordance with 15A NCAC 2L .0106(d)(1).
2. Other Requirements:
a. Any groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be
provided.
V. INSPECTIONS
The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the residuals composting facility as well as the
facilities related to the Class A EQ residuals product distribution program residuals storage,
transport, and treatment 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 or other permitting authority, upon request.
2. 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 residuals composting facility or Class A EQ residuals product distribution program 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.
VI. GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. This permit shall become voidable unless the residuals composting facility and Class A EQ
residuals product distribution program are operated in accordance with the conditions of this
permit, the supporting materials, and in the manner approved by the Division.
2. This permit shall be effective only with respect to the nature and volume of residuals
described in the application and other supporting data.
3. 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 Statutes § 143-215.6A through § 143-215.6C.
4. The annual administering and compliance fee shall be paid by the Permittee within 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).
0

5. The issuance of this permit does not preclude the Permittee from complying with any and all
statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances that may be imposed by other government agencies
(i.e., local, state, and federal) which have jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, applicable
river buffer rules in 15A NCAC 2B .0200, soil erosion and sedimentation control
requirements in ISA NCAC Chapter 4 and under the Division's General Permit NCGO10000,
and any requirements pertaining to wetlands under 15A NCAC 2B .0200 and 15A NCAC
.0500.
6. This permit may be modified, revoked, and/or reissued to incorporate any conditions,
limitations and monitoring requirements the Division deems necessary in order to protect the
environment and public health adequately.
7. The Permittee, at least six months prior to the expiration of this permit, shall request its
extension. Upon receipt of the request, the Division shall review the adequacy of the
residuals composting facility and Class A EQ residuals product distribution program
described therein, and if warranted, shall extend the permit for such period of time and under
such conditions and limitations as it may deem appropriate.
8. This permit shall not be automatically transferable. In the event that there is a desire for the
residuals composting facility and Class A EQ residuals product distribution program to
change ownership or to change the name of the Permittee, a formal permit request shall be
submitted to the Division documentation from the parties involved and other supporting
materials as may be appropriate. The approval of this request shall be considered on its
merits and may or may not be approved.
Permit issued this the eighteenth day of June, 2004.
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit Number WQ0002127
M