WQ0005173_Final Permit_19910923

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
James G. Martin, Governor
William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary
September 23, I991
Ms. Daisy Spell, Property Manager
Cape Emerald Master Association
8810 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, North Carolina 28594
George T. Everett, Ph.D
Director
Subject: Permit No. WQ0005173
Cape Emerald Master Association
Cape Emerald Subdivision
High Rate Infiltration
Carteret County
Dear Ms. Spell:
In accordance with your application received May 23, 1991, we are forwarding herewith Pemtit
No. WQ0005173, dated September 23, 1991, to Cape Emerald Master Association for the continued
operation of the subject wastewater collection, treatment, and high rate infiltration facility.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until August 31, 1996, and shall supersede
Permit No. 13869 issued December 4, 1986, and Permit No. I3869 issued November 3, 1986, 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 to you, you have
the right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within 30 days following receipt of this
permit. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of North
Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Drawer 27447,
Raleigh, NC 27611-7447. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding.
Regional Offices
Asheville Fayetteville Mooresville Raleigh Washington Wilmington Winston-Salem
704/251-6208 919/486-1541 704/663-1699 919/733-2314 919/946-6481 919/395-3900 919/761-2351
Pollution Prevention Pays
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirntative Action Employer

Ms. Spell
September 23, 1991
Page Two
If you need additional information concerning this matter, please contact Mark Hawes at 919/ 733-
5083.
S111 erely,
eorge T.
cc: Carteret County Health Department
Wilmington Regional Office
Groundwater Section
Training and Certification Unit
Facilities Assessment Unit

NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RALEIGH
HIGH RATE INFILTRATION 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
Cape Emerald Master Association
Carteret County
FOR THE
continued operation a 50,000 gpd wastewater treatment facility consisting of a bar screen, a 10,000 gallon
aerated flow equalization tank with dual submersible 35 gpm pumps and high water alarms and dual 100
cfm blowers, a flow splitter box, dual 25,000 gallon aeration tanks, dual 2,500 gallon aerated sludge
holding tanks, dual 4,765 gallon clarifiers, dual 270 cfm blowers, dual tertiary filters each with an area of
18 square feet, a 2,700 gallon clear well, a 2,890 gallon mud well, dual 270 gpm bask wash pumps, dual
18 gpm back wash return pumps, a 1,380 gallon chlorine contact tank, dual tablet type chlorinators, an
8,500 gallon dosing tank with dual 85 gpm dosing pumps and high water alarms, two rotary distributors
each with a diameter of 80 feet, a 30 kW auxiliary power generator to serve the treatment facility and a 10
kW portable auxiliary power generator to serve the pump stations and all the associated piping, valves, and
appurtenances to serve Cape Emerald Subdivision with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters,
pursuant to the application received May 23, 1991, 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, 1996, and shall supersede
Permit No. 13869 issued December 4, 1986, and Permit No. 13869 issued November 3, 1986, and shall
be subject to the following specified conditions and limitations:
I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
1. In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of
nuisance conditions, the Permitwe shall take immediate corrective action to correct the
problem, including actions as may be required by this Division, such as the construction of
additional or replacement wastewater treatment or disposal facilities.
2. This permit shall become voidable if the soils fail to adequately absorb 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.
Ponding of wastewater on the surface of the distribution field when the dosing cycle
commences shall be considered evidence of failure of the soils to adequately absorb the
wastewater. Additionally, such failure shall be interpreted as a violation of this permit
condition.

3. The sludge generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed of in accordance with
General Statute 143-215.1 and in a manner approved by the North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management.
4. Adequate measures shall be taken to divert stormwater from the high rate infiltration area
and to prevent wastewater runoff.
5. Diversion or bypassing of the untreated wastewater from the treatment facilities is
prohibited.
6. 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.
7. The following buffers shall be maintained:
a) 500 feet between high rate infiltration unit and any public works surface supply or
public shallow potable water well.
b) 100 feet between high rate infiltration unit and any "SA" classified surface waters.
c) 50 feet between high rate infiltration unit and any other surface waters.
d) 100 feet between high rate infiltration unit and property lines.
e) 50 feet between treatment units and property lines,
f) 50 feet between high rate infiltration unit and other treatment units and public right
of ways.
g) 200 feet between high rate infiltration unit and surface or groundwater drainage
systems.
8. A usable green area shall be maintained for wastewater disposal. The green area shall have
the capability of accommodating the average daily flow of the facility being served without
exceeding the loading rates of the green area. A "green area" as defined in 15 NCAC 2H
.0404 (g)(7) is an area suitable for waste disposal, either in its natural state or which has
been modified by planting a vegetative cover of grasses or low growing shrubbery.
H. 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 plaint operator to be in responsible charge of the
wastewater treatment facilities. The operator must hold a certificate of the type and grade at
Ieast equivalent to the classification assigned to the wastewater treatment facilities by the
Certification Commission.
3. The application rates for the high rate infiltration system shall not exceed 5 gpd/sf.
4. The facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to
prevent the discharge of any wastewater outside the high rate infiltration disposal area
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 rotary distribution fields shall be raked twice weekly during the months April to
October, and once a week during the months of November to March.

7. The screenings removed from the wastewater treatment plant shall be properly disposed of
in a sanitary landfill.
8. The distribution field(s) shall be kept free of vegetation at all times. There shall be no rotor
tillers used on the rotary distribution field(s). Vegetation must be removed from the field(s)
manually.
9. The application of chemicals to the distribution field(s) is expressly prohibited.
10. An automatically activated stand by power source shall be on site and operational at all
times. If a generator is employed as an alternate power supply, it shall be tested weekly by
interrupting the primary power source.
11. 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 this
calibration, including all information pertinent to the calibration, shall be available during
any inspection by Division staff.
12. Diffusers shall be cleaned as needed to assure adequate aeration. Records of maintenance
shall be maintained by the pennittee.
13. The chlorine tablets used in the disinfection facility shall be of the kind and type specified
in the plans and specifications approved by the Division.
MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. Any monitoring 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.
2. As an indicator of proper operation and maintenance, the facility shall produce an effluent
in compliance with the following limitations:
Parameter
Monthly Averaged
Daily Maximumb
Flow
0.050 MGD
0.075 MGD
BODS
10 mg/l
15 mg/1
NH3 as N
4 mg/1
b mg/l
TSS
20 mg/1
30 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.
The effluent from the subject facilities shall be monitored by the Permittee at the point prior
to discharge to the rotary distributor for the following parameters:

Parameter
BODS, 5-day, 20C
NH3 as N
TSS
Fecal Coliform
Settleable Matter
Flow
Residual Chlorine
NO3
TDS
TOC
Chloride
Location of
Measurement
Sample
Sampling, Points
Frequency
Type
Effluent
*2/Month
Composite
Effluent
*2/Month
Composite
Effluent
*2/Month
Composite
Effluent
*2/Month
Grab
Effluent
*2/Month
Grab
Influent or Effluent
Continuous
Recording
Effluent
Daily
Grab
Effluent
**Triannually
Grab
Effluent
**Triannually
Grab
Effluent
**Triannually
Grab
Effluent
**Triannually
Grab
The effluent pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0
standard units.
*2/Month sampling frequency only during the months of April through October.
During the remainder of the year, these parameters shall be monitored monthly.
**Triannual sampling frequency shall correspond with triannual monitoring of
wells required by Groundwater monitoring conditions.
If Groundwater sampling indicates or predicts problems with the compliance with
Groundwater Standards, this permit will be modified to include additional and/or
more restrictive limitations.
3. Three copies of all monitoring data (as specified in condition III.2) shall be submitted on
or before of the last day of the following month to the following address.
NC Division of Environmental Management
Water Quality Section
Facility Assessment Unit
PO Box 29535
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535
4. A record shall be maintained of all residuals removed from this facility. The record shall
include the name of the hauler, permit authorizing the disposal or a letter from a
municipality agreeing to accept the residuals, date the residuals were hauled, and a volume
of residuals removed.
5. A maintenance log shall be maintained at this facility including but not limited to the
following items:
a. Daily sampling results including residual chlorine, settleable matter, and dissolved
oxygen in the aeration basin and at the clarifier weir.
b. Visual observations of the plant and plant site.
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. Date and results of power interruption testing on alternate power supply.
f. Dates fields were raked and arms inspected.
4

6. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Wilmington Regional Office, telephone no.
[phone], 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 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 of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility.
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 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
1. The three onsite monitoring wells shall be sampled every March, July, and November for
the following parameters:
NO3 (10.0)
TOC
Ammonia Nitrogen
Water Level
Total Suspended Solids
Volatile Organic Compounds
below)
TDS (500.0)
pH (6.5-8.5 standard units)
Chloride (250.0)
Fecal Coliforms (1/100 ml)
In November only (by Method I or Method 2
Method 1: Method 6230D (Capillary - Column), "Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater", 17th edition, 1989
Method 2: Method 502.2 " Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds
in Drinking Water", United States Environmental Protection Agency -
600/4-88/039
The measurement of water level must be made prior to sampling for the remaining
parameters.
The measuring points (top of well casing) of all monitoring wells shall be surveyed to
provide relative elevations of the measuring point for each of the monitoring wells. The
depth of water in each well shall be measured from the surveyed point on the top of the
casing.

The numbers in parentheses represent the maximum allowable concentrations in
groundwater for the various analytical parameters, as specified in 15 NCAC 2L
[Groundwater Classifications and Standards]. Unless otherwise noted, the concentrations
are given in parts per million.
If TOC concentrations greater than 10 mg/1 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 $ickground 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 downgradient wells shall be subject to the additional sampling
and analysis as described above.
If any volatile organic compounds are detected by method 6230D, or the equivalent method
502.2, then EPA methods 604 and 611 must also be run to detect other organic compounds
which may be present. The results of all analysis specified in the monitoring requirements,
including 604 and 611 if required, must be submitted simultaneously
The results of the sampling and analysis shall be sent to the N.C. Division of
Environmental Management on Form GW-59 (Compliance Monitoring Report Form) every
April, August, and December.
2. The Compliance Bounder for the disposal system is specified by regulations in 15 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
system site may alter location of the Compliance Boundary.
For facilities permitted on or after December 30, 1983, the Compliance Boundary is
established at the lesser of 250 feet from the perimeter of waste disposal or 50 feet within
the property boundary.
If the title to any property which may affect the location of the Compliance Boundary is
changed, the Permittee shall notify the DEM Director within 14 days. The Director shall
then establish a modified Compliance Boundary which will be done as a modification to the
Permit.
The REVIEW BOUNDARY for the disposal system is specified by regulations in 15
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 shall either (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. Any groundwater quality monitoring as deemed necessary by the Division of
Environmental Management 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 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 Ieast the date and time
of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions
taken by the Pernaittee. 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 and facility at any reasonable time for the
purpose of determining compliance with this permit; may inspect or copy any records that
must be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit; or may obtain samples of
groundwater, surface water, or leachate.
VI. GENERAL CONDITI. NS
1. This permit shall become voidable unless the facilities are constructed in accordance with
the conditions of this permit, the approved plans, 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.
4. This wastewater treatment facility shall connect to a publicly owned areawide sewage
collection system within 180 days of its availability. All discharge of wastewater to the
rotary distribution fields shall cease at the time of the connection to the sewerage collection
system.
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 15 NCAC 2H .0205
(c)(4).
6. Prior to a transfer of this land to a new owner, a notice shall be given to the new owner that
gives full details of the materials applied or incorporates[ at this site.
7. 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.

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. A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the
Permittee for the life of this project.
10. 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.
11. 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 G. S. 143-215.6 for violation of or failure to act in accordance
with the terms and conditions of this Permit.
12. Within 60 days of the reissuance of the permit, the Permittee shall have the stand by power
supply converted to an automatically activated stand by power supply.
13. Within 60 days of the reissuance of the permit, the Permittee shall have an acceptable
auxiliary power supply to serve the pump stations on site.
14. Within 90 days of the issuance of this permit, the Permittee shall submit an acceptable
sludge management plan to the Wilmington Regional Office.
15. Prior to March 31, 1992, the Permittee shall have the tertiary filters refurbished including
the installation of an air scour and filter backwash controls. The Permittee shall notify the
Wilmington Regional Office in writing when this work has been completed.
16. Within 60 days of the issuance of the permit, the Penmittee shall submit a map identifying
the "Green Area" previously approved to the Wilmington Regional Office.
Permit issued this the 23rd day of September, 1991
CAROLINA ENVIR
George T. Everett, Prirmbr
Division of EnvirontRental Man
By Authority of the En
Permit No. WQ0005173
ITAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
ent Commission

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