WQ0008987_Final Permit_19940610

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
June 10, 1994
Mr. Greg Woody, Production Superintendent
Aspect Minerals, Incorporated
Post Office Box 277
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
Dear Mr. Woody:
WMA,
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Subject: Permit No. WQ0008987
Aspect Minerals, Incorporated
South Toe River Plant
Wastewater Recycle System
Yancey County
In accordance with your application received February 8, 1994, we are forwarding herewith Permit
No. WQ0008987, dated June 10, 1994, to Aspect Minerals, Incorporated for the construction and
operation of the subject wastewater recycle system.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until May 31, 1999, 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 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.
One set of approved plans and specifications is being forwarded to you. If you need additional
information concerning this matter, please contact Ms. Angela Y. Griffin at [phone].
Sincerely, nn
L�La
A. Presto Howard, Jr., P.E.
cc: Yancey County Health Department
Mooresville Regional Office, Water Quality Section
Mooresville Regional Office, Groundwater Section
Engineering & Environmental Science Company
Training and Certification Unit
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
RECYCLE 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
Aspect Minerals, Incorporated
Yancey County
1E41WI "I
construction and operation of a 965,000 GPD wastewater recycle system consisting of a recirculation
pump, a 20 foot diameter solids thickener, a chemical feed system, a vacuum drum filter, and a 472,060
gallon "upslope" pond to serve Aspect Minerals, Incorporated's South Toe River Plant with no discharge
of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the application received February 8, 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 May 31, 1999, and shall be subject to
the following specified conditions and limitations:
1. This permit shall become voidable unless the facilities are constructed in accordance with
the conditions of this permit, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting
data.
2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in
the application and other supporting data.
3. The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated at all times.
4. 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 the request will be considered on its merits and may or may
not be approved.
5. Upon completion of construction and prior to operation of this permitted facility, a
certification must be received from a professional engineer certifying that the permitted
facility has been installed in accordance with this permit, the approved plans and
specifications, and other supporting materials. Mail the Certification to the Water Quality
Permits and Engineering Unit, P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, NC 27626-0535.

6. In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of
nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective action, including those
actions that may be required by this Division, such as the construction of additional or
replacement treatment or disposal facilities.
7. The Mooresville Regional Office, telephone number [phone], shall be notified at
least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of operation of the installed facilities so that an in-
place inspection can be made. Such notification to the regional supervisor shall be made
during the normal office hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday,
excluding State Holidays.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Diversion or bypassing of untreated wastewater from the treatment facilities is prohibited.
12. Freeboard in the "upslope" pond shall not be less than two feet at any time.
13. 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.
14. Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to
insure proper operation of the subject facilities.
15. The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the wastewater recycle 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
three years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available to the Division of
Environmental Management or other permitting authority, upon request.
16. 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 recycle system 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.
17. 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).
18. 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).
2

19. 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.
20. A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the
Permittee for the life of this project.
21. Noncompliance Notification:
The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Mooresville Regional Office, telephone
number [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 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
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.
22. Any groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be
provided.
23. The COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY for the disposal system is specified by regulations in
15A NCAC 2L, Groundwater Classifications and Standards. The Compliance Boundary is
for the disposal system constructed after December 31, 1983 is established at either (1) 250
feet from the waste disposal area, or (2) 50 feet within the property boundary, whichever is
closest to the waste disposal area. An exceedance of Groundwater Quality Standards at or
beyond the Compliance Boundary is subject to immediate remediation action in addition to
the penalty provisions applicable under General Statute 143-215.6A(a)(1).
In accordance with 15A NCAC 2L, a REVIEW BOUNDARY is established around the
disposal systems midway between the Compliance Boundary and the perimeter of the
waste disposal area. Any exceedance of standards at the Review Boundary shall require
remediation action on the part of the Permittee.
3

24. 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 IV facility at least daily, excluding weekends and
holidays, and must properly manage and document daily operation and maintenance of the
facility and must comply with all other conditions of Title 15A, Chapter 8A, .0202.
25. 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 10th day of June, 1994
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
60_1�-Ci, _ 0.ryv�Q Qu� L
A. Preston Uoward, Jr., P.E. Director /
Division of Mvironmental Management
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit No. WQ0008987
Ell

Permit No. WQ0008987
June 10, 1994
ENGINLIM's CERTIFI!L:ATION
I, , as a duly registered Professional Engineer in the State of North
Carolina, having been authorized to observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the
project,
Project Name
Location
for the
Permittee hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation
of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and
intent of this permit, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature
Date
Registration No.

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RATING SCALE FOR CLASSIFICATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEMS
Name of Facility: oq s st 17111/f It -fvc.-.
Owner or Contact Person: _(2t'!,a LQ,0 i
Mailing Address:
County: c, Telephone: 7051--
Present CI ssificatian: New Facility Existing Facility
NPDES Per. No. NCOO Nondisc. Per. No.WQQk)­-F30- 7 Health Dept.Per No.
Rated by:./yam-1-- -PAfLk�— Telephone:7W .2-S'/-/�U8 DateA�X_9� �}
Reviewed by: Health Dept. Telephone:
Regional Office Telephone: ¢ /-6;,oe
ORC
Central Office
Grade:
Check Classification(s): Subsurface Spray Irrigation
Wastewater Classification: (Circle One) 0 II III IV
Telephone:
Telephone:
_ Land Application
Total Points:
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' 1. la u 21121 % W1 q2 1 L I a•�
:\� .w: IA ►111 �.:Ia�\ ! :G 7 ilj i1t��� :.� as a�\
SUBSURFACE CLASSIFICATION
(check all units that apply)
1. septic tanks
2, pump tanks
3. siphon or pump -dosing systems
4. sand filters
5. grease trapfinterceptor
6. oil/water separators
7. gravity subsurface treatment and disposal:
B. pressure subsurface treatment and disposal:
SPRAY IRRIGATION CLASSIFICATION
(check alt units that apply)
1.
preliminary treatment (definition no. 32 )
2.
Iagoons
3,
septic tanks
4.
pump tanks
5.
pumps
6,
sand filters
7.
grease trap/interceptor
8.
oiltwater separators
9.
disinfection
10,
chemical addition for nutrient/algae control
11.
spray irrigation of wastewater
In addition to the above classifications, pretreatment of wastewater in excess of these components shall
be rated using the point rating system and will require an operator with an appropriate dual certification.
LAND APPLICATION/RESIDUALS CLASSIFICATICIN (Applies only to permit holder)
1. Land application of biosolids, residuals or contaminated soils on a designated site.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION
The following systems shall be assigned a Class I classification, unless the flow is of a significant quantity or the technology is unusually
complex, to require consideration by the Commission on a case-by-case basis: (Check if Appropriate)
1. Oil/water Separator Systems consisting only of physical separation, pumps and disposal;
2. Septic Tank/Sand Fitter Systems consisting only of septic tanks, dosing apparatus, pumps,sand filters, disinfection
and direct discharge;
3. Lagoon Systems consisting only of preliminary treatment, lagoons, pumps, disinfection, necessary chemical treatment for
algae or nutrient control, and direct dischar e; 11
4. /1 -
Recycle Systems: Pa •��ps� ,'ck SGC v,4 CC.. Zt "IF 'd -1
5. Groundwater Remediation Systems consisting only of oil/waler separators, pumps, air -stripping, carbon adsorption, disinfection
and dispoc.-J;
6. Aquaculture operations with discharge to surface waters;
7. Water Plant sludge handling and back -wash water treatment;
a. Seafood processing consisting of screening and disposal.
9. Single-family discharging systems, with the exception of Aerobic Treatment Units, will be classified it perrnitled after July 1,
1993 or if upon inspection by the Division, it is found that the system is not being adequately operated or maintained. Such
systems will be notified of the classification or reclassification by the Commission, in writing.

The following scale is used for rating wastewater treatment facilities: (circle appropriate points)
ITEM POINTS
( i) Industrial Pretreatment Units or Industrial Pretreatment Program {see definition No. 33) ...................................................4
(2) DESIGN FLOW OF PLANT IN gpd [not e{ icabla to non conlaminated cooling waters, sludge handling facilities for
water purification plants, totally closed cycle systems(see definit€on No. 11), and facilities consisting only of hem
(4)(d) or items (4)(d) and (11)(d)]
0 - 20,000 ............ .... ........................................... :........................................ ..................-......................... 1
20,001, - , 50,000......................................................................................................................................2
60.001 100.000.....................................................................................................................................3
100.001 - 250.000...................................................................................................................................4
250.001 - 500.000..................................................................................................................................5
500,001 - 1,000,000................................................................................................................................8
1,000,001 2.000.000...........................................................................................................................1 0
2.000,001 (and up) rate i point additional for each 200,000 gpd capacity up to a maximum of .................30
Design Flow (gpd)
(3) PRELIMINARY
UNITSIPROCESSES (see definition No.32)
(a)
Bar Screens...............................................,......................................1
or
(b)
Mechanical Screens. Static Screens or Comminuting Devices..........................................................................2
(c)
Grit Removal..........................................................................................................,.................1
or
(d)
Mechanical or Aerated G rk Removal .............................................................................................................2
(e)
Flow Measuring Device................................................................................................................................1
or
(f)
Instrumented Flow Measurement................................................................................................................2
(g)
Preaerallon...............................................................................................................................................2
(h)
Influent flow Equalization...........................................................................................................................2
(€)
Grease or Oil Separators - Gravity.................................................................................................................2
Mechanical..........:......................................................................................................................................3
Dissolved Air Floiatlon................................ ............................................................................. ................... 8
(])
Prechlodnalion.....................................................................................................................,....................5
(4) PRIMARY TREATMENT U ITSIPRDCESSES
(a)
Septic Tank (sea definition Na. 43)............................................................................................................2
(b)
Imhoff Tank...............................................................................................................................................5
(c)
Primary Clariflers.........................................................................................................................................5
(d)
Settling Ponds or Settling Tanks for Inorganic Non-toxic Materials (sludge handling faclihiss for water
purification plants, sand, gravel, stone, and other mining operations except recreational activities such as gem
or gold mining)........................................................................... ......2
.......................................................
(5) SECONDARYTREAI"11ENTL FvPFOCESSES
(a)
Carbonaceous Stage
(1) Aeration -High Purity Oxygen System...............................................................................20
Diffused Air System.......................................................................................................1 0
Mechanical Air System (fixed, floating or rotor)..................................................................8
Separate Sludge Reaeration............................................................................................3
(li) TdcWing Filter
HighRate.......................................................................................................................7
StandardRate................................................................................................................5
PackedTower................................................................................................................5
(ill) Biological Aerated Fitter or Aerated Biological Filter............................................................1 0
AeratedLagoons, ......... ................................................................ .................. 10
{v) Rotating Biological Contaclors......................................................................................10
(vi) Sand Fillers -intermittent b€ologica..................... .............................................................2
Recirculatingbiological............................................................................:........................3
(VII) Slabitization Lagoons.....................................................................................-...............5
(vii!) Clam-ier..........................................................................................................................5
(ix) Single stage system for combined carbonaceous removal of 130 1) and nitrogenous removal by
nitrification (see deflnillon No, 12){Points for this item have to be in addition to items
(5)(a)(1) through (5)(a)(viil),
utlliz[ng the extended aeration process (see detlnhlan No.3a)...........................................2
utilizing other than the extended aeration process............................................................8
(x) Nutrient additions to enhance BOD removal ......................................................................5
(XI) Biological Culture ('Super bugs')addhion........................................................................5
(b)
Nitrogenous Stage
(t) Aeration - High Purity Oxygen System.. ...................... ............................. ...................... 20
Diffused Air System.......................................................................................................1 0
Mechanical Air System (fixed, floating or rotor) ................. _............................ ................
SeparateSludge Reaeraiion.............................................................................................3
(11) Trickling Filter -High Rate.............................................,.....................................................7
Standard Rate................................................................................................................5
Packed Tower................................................................................................................5
(III) Biological Aerated Filter or Aerated Biological Filter................:............................................10
(Iv) Rotating Biological Contactors......................................................................................10
(v) Sand Filter - €ntarmitlent biological..................................................................................2
Recirculating biological....................................................................................................3
NOClarifier ..........................................................................................................................5
(6) TERTIARY OR ADVANCED TREATMENTLJlnWF10CESSES
(a)
Activated Carbon Beds -
without carbon regeneration....................................................................................................5
withcarbon regeneratlon.......................................................................................................15
(b)
Powdered or Granular Activated Carbon Feed•
wilhout carbon regeneratlon......................................................:..........................................5
'evlth carbon regeneration.................................................................................................1 S
(c)
Air stripping..............................................................................................................................................5
(d)
Denitrillcalfon Process ................................... ......... ...10
...............................................................................
(e)
Electrodialysis ................................... .........................................................................................................5
(f)
Foam Separation .................................. ......................................................................................................5
( 9 )
[on Exchange.............................................................................................................................................5
(h)
Land Application of Treated Effluent (see definition No. 221b) (not applicable for sand, gravel, stone
and other similar mining operations) by high rate Infiltration ..... ........................................................ ............. d
(i)
Microscreens........................................................................................................5
{ }
Phosphorous Removal by Biological Processes (See deflnhion No. 26). .................................. ..................... 20
(k)
Polishing Ponds - without aeration ....................
withaeration.................................................................................................................5

CLASSIFICATION
classI...........................................................................................................5-25 Points
Class 11.........................................................................................................26-50 Points
Class111 .............................................. .......................................................... 51-65 Points
ClassN.......................................................................................................66-Up Foinls
Facilities having a rating of one through tour points, Inclusive, do not require a certified operator.
Facilities having an activated sludge process will be assigned a minimum classification of Class Il.
Factiifles having treatment processes for the removal of metal or cyanide will be assigned a minimum classification of Class II,
Facilities having irealment processes for the biological removal of phosphorus will be assigned a minimum cla"Iriration of Class ill.
.0004 DEFIN(TIONS
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter.
(i) Activated Carbon Beds. A physlcaVchemical method for reducing soluble organic material from wastewater effluent; The column -type beds used In this
method will have a flow rate varying from two to eight gallons per minute per square foot and may be either upflow or downflow carbon beds. Carbon may or
may not be regenerated on the wastewater treatment plant site;
(2) Aerated Lagoons. A basin in which all solids are maintained in suspension and by which biological oxidation or organic matter is reduced through artificfaily
accelerated transfer of oxygen on a flow-through basis;
(3) Aeration. A process of bringing about Intimate contact between air or high purity oxygen In a ilgvld by spraying, agltatlon or diffusion;(3a) Extended
Aeration. An activated sludge process utilizing a minimum hydraulic detention time of 18 hours.
(4) Agriculturally managed site. Any site on which a crop Is produced, managed, and harvested (Crop includes grasses, grains, trees, etc.);
(5) Air Stripping. A process by which the ammonium Ion Is first converted to dissolved ammonia (pit adjustment) with the ammonia than released to the
atmosphere by physical means; or other similar processes which remove petroleum products such as benzene, toluene, and xylene;
(B) Carbon Regeneratlom The regeneration of exhausted carbon by the use of a furnace to provide extremely high temperatures which volatilize and oxidize the
absorbed impurities;
(7) Carbonaceous Stage. A stage of wastewater treatment designed to achieve 'secondary' effluent limits;
(8) Centrifuge, A mechanical device In which centrifugal force is used to separate solids from liquids or to separate liquids of differant densr.as;
(9) Chemical Addition Systems- The addition of chemlcal(s) to wastewater at an appllcatlon point for purposes of Improving solids removal, pH adjustment,
3lkaiinhy control, etc.; the capability to experiment with different chemicals aril different application points to achieve a specific res0 will be considered one
ystem; the capabii'rty to add chemfcal(s) to dual units will be rated as one system; capability to add a chemlcai at a different application points for different
purposes will result in the systems being rated as separate systems;
(10) Chemical Sludge Conditioning. The addition of a chemical compound such as lime, ferric chloride, or a polymer to wet sludge to coa#esce the mass prior to
Its application to a dewatering device;
(11) Closed Cycle Systems. Use of holding ponds or holding tanks for containment of wastewater containing Inorganic, non-toxic materials from sand, gravel,
crushed stone or other similar operations. Such systems shall carry a maximum of two points regardless of pumping facilities or any other appurtenances;
(12) Combined Removal of Carbonaceous BOD and Nitrogenous Removal by Nitrification- A single stage system required to achieve perm t effluerx limits on BOD
and ammonia nitrogen within the same biological reactor,
(13) Dechlorination. The panial or complete reduction of residual chlorine in a liquid by any chemical or physical process;
(14) Denhrtlication Process. The conversion of nitrate -nitrogen to nitrogen gas;
(1)
Post Aeration - cascade..................................................................................................:...........................o
diffusedor mechanical........................................................................................................2
(m)
Reverse Osmosis.........................................................................................................................................5
(n)
Sand or Mixed-Media Filters - low rate..........................................................................................................2
highrate......................................................................5
(o }
Treatment processes for removal of metal or cyanide...................................................................................15
(p)
treatment processes for removal of toxic materials other than metal or cyanide.............................................15
(7)
SLUDGETREATMENT
(a)
Sludge Digestion Tank - Healed (anaerobic)...............................................................................................10
Aerobic........ .............................. .......... ................. .... ................................ ......... I............ ...................5
Unheated(anaerobic)...............................................................................................................................3
(b)
Sludge Stabilization (chemical or thermal)...................................................................................................5
(c)
Sludge Drying Beds - Gravity......................................................................................................................2
VacuumAssisted.......................................................................................................................................5
(d)
Sludge Elutriation........................................................................................................................ .............5
(e)
Sludge Conditioner (chemical or thermal)......................................................................................................5
(€)
Sludge Thickener (gravity).........................................................................................................................2
(g)
Dissolved Air Flotation Unit (not applicable to a unit rated as(3)(i)].............................................................
(h)
Sludge Gas Utilization (including gas storage).............................................................................................
WSludge
Holding Tank - Aerated....................................................................................................................5
Non-aerated..............................................................................................................................................2
(f }
Sludge Incinerator (not Including activated carbon reganeration)................................................................10
(k)
Vacuum Filter, Centrifuge, or Filter Press or other similar dewataring devices............... ..... ...... .................... ....A 0
(a)
RESIDUALS
UTIU7ATiONIDISPOSAL (including incinerated ash)
(a)
Lagoons..............................:...................................................................................................................2
(b)
Land Application (surface and subsurface) (see definition 22a)
by contracting to a land appkcation operator or landfill operator who holds the land application permit
orlandfill permit........................................................................................................................................2
(c)
Dedicated Land[111(burial) by the permittee of the wastewater treatment facility...............................................5
(9)
Wt4EICTIC-N
(a)
Chlorination.............................................................................................................................................5
(b)
Dechlorination....................................... .................................................................... ....... .........................
(c)
.......................................................................---.......5
Ozone....................................................................
.
(d)
Radiation.................................................................................................................................................5
(10)
CHEMICAL ADDITION SYSTEM(S) ( see definition No. 9) (not applicable to chemical additions rated as Item (3)()),
(5)(a)(A), (6)(a). (6)(b). (7)(b). (7)(e), (9a), (9)(b) or (9)(c) 5 points each-
List....................................,..................................................................................................5
...................................................................................................................................5
....................................................................................................................................5
......................................................................................... ..............................5
(1 1)
€vII,SCEL.LANEOUS UNITS+PFIOCESSES
(a)
Holding Ponds, Holding Tanks or Settling Ponds for Organic or Toxic Materials Including wastes from mining
operations containing nitrogen or phosphorus compounds In amounts significantly greater than is common
fordomestic wastewater............................................................................................................................4
(b)
Effluent Flow Equalization (not applicable to storage basins which are Inherent In land application systems).....2
(c)
Stage Discharge (not applicable to storage basins Inherent In land application systems)..................................5
(d)
Pumps.....................................................................................................................................................3
(e)
Stand-By PowerSuppty.............................................................................................................................3
(f)
Thermal Pollution Control Device.................................................................................................................3
TOTAL POINTS ................................................... I..................... .
CLASSIFICATION
classI...........................................................................................................5-25 Points
Class 11.........................................................................................................26-50 Points
Class111 .............................................. .......................................................... 51-65 Points
ClassN.......................................................................................................66-Up Foinls
Facilities having a rating of one through tour points, Inclusive, do not require a certified operator.
Facilities having an activated sludge process will be assigned a minimum classification of Class Il.
Factiifles having treatment processes for the removal of metal or cyanide will be assigned a minimum classification of Class II,
Facilities having irealment processes for the biological removal of phosphorus will be assigned a minimum cla"Iriration of Class ill.
.0004 DEFIN(TIONS
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter.
(i) Activated Carbon Beds. A physlcaVchemical method for reducing soluble organic material from wastewater effluent; The column -type beds used In this
method will have a flow rate varying from two to eight gallons per minute per square foot and may be either upflow or downflow carbon beds. Carbon may or
may not be regenerated on the wastewater treatment plant site;
(2) Aerated Lagoons. A basin in which all solids are maintained in suspension and by which biological oxidation or organic matter is reduced through artificfaily
accelerated transfer of oxygen on a flow-through basis;
(3) Aeration. A process of bringing about Intimate contact between air or high purity oxygen In a ilgvld by spraying, agltatlon or diffusion;(3a) Extended
Aeration. An activated sludge process utilizing a minimum hydraulic detention time of 18 hours.
(4) Agriculturally managed site. Any site on which a crop Is produced, managed, and harvested (Crop includes grasses, grains, trees, etc.);
(5) Air Stripping. A process by which the ammonium Ion Is first converted to dissolved ammonia (pit adjustment) with the ammonia than released to the
atmosphere by physical means; or other similar processes which remove petroleum products such as benzene, toluene, and xylene;
(B) Carbon Regeneratlom The regeneration of exhausted carbon by the use of a furnace to provide extremely high temperatures which volatilize and oxidize the
absorbed impurities;
(7) Carbonaceous Stage. A stage of wastewater treatment designed to achieve 'secondary' effluent limits;
(8) Centrifuge, A mechanical device In which centrifugal force is used to separate solids from liquids or to separate liquids of differant densr.as;
(9) Chemical Addition Systems- The addition of chemlcal(s) to wastewater at an appllcatlon point for purposes of Improving solids removal, pH adjustment,
3lkaiinhy control, etc.; the capability to experiment with different chemicals aril different application points to achieve a specific res0 will be considered one
ystem; the capabii'rty to add chemfcal(s) to dual units will be rated as one system; capability to add a chemlcai at a different application points for different
purposes will result in the systems being rated as separate systems;
(10) Chemical Sludge Conditioning. The addition of a chemical compound such as lime, ferric chloride, or a polymer to wet sludge to coa#esce the mass prior to
Its application to a dewatering device;
(11) Closed Cycle Systems. Use of holding ponds or holding tanks for containment of wastewater containing Inorganic, non-toxic materials from sand, gravel,
crushed stone or other similar operations. Such systems shall carry a maximum of two points regardless of pumping facilities or any other appurtenances;
(12) Combined Removal of Carbonaceous BOD and Nitrogenous Removal by Nitrification- A single stage system required to achieve perm t effluerx limits on BOD
and ammonia nitrogen within the same biological reactor,
(13) Dechlorination. The panial or complete reduction of residual chlorine in a liquid by any chemical or physical process;
(14) Denhrtlication Process. The conversion of nitrate -nitrogen to nitrogen gas;

(15) Electrodialysis. Process for removing ionized salts from water through the use of ion -selective Ion -exchange membranes;
(15) Filter Press, A process operated mechanically for partlaily dewatering sludge;
{17) Foam Separation. The planned frothing of wastewater or wastewater effluent as a means of removing excessive amounts of detergent materials through
the introduction of air in the form of fine bubbles; also called foam fractionation;
(18) Grit Removal. The process of removing grit and other heavy mineral matter from wastewater;
(19) Imhoff Tank. A deep two story wastewater lank consisting of an upper sedlmenlation chamber and a lower sludge digestion chamber.
(20) Instrumented Flow Measurement. A device which indicates and records rale of flow;
(21) Ion Exchange- A chemical process in which Ions from two differem molecules are exchanged:
(22) Land applicafion:
(a) Sludge Disposal. A final sludge disposal method by which wet sludge may be applied to land either by spraying ort the surface or by subsurface injection
(Le., chisel plow); (not applicable for types of sludge described In (11) of this Rule);
(b) Treated Effluent. The process of spraying treated wastewater onto a lard area or other methods of application of wastewater onto a land area as a
means of final disposal or treatment;
(23) Microscreen. A low speed, continuously back -washed, rotating drum filter operating under gravity conditions as a polishing method for removing
suspended solids from affluom;
(24) Nitrification Process, The biochemical conversion of unoxidized nitrogen (ammonia and organic nitrogen) to oxidized nitrogen (usually nitrate);
(25) Nitrogenous Stage. A separate stage of wastewater treatment designed for the speolfic purpose of converting ammonia nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen;
(26) Phosphate Removal, Biological. The removal of phosphorus from wastewater by an oxWanoxic process designed to enhance luxury uptake of phosphorus
by the microorganisms;
(27) Polishing Pond. A holding pond following secondary trsalmerd with sufficient detention time to allow settling of finely suspended solids;
(28) Post Aeration. Aeration following conventional secondary treatment units to increase effluent D.O. or for any other purpose;
(29) Post Aeration. (Cascade) A polishing method by which dissolved oxygen Is added to the effluent by a nonmechanical, gravity means of flowing down a
Wiles of steps or weirs; The flow occurring across the steps or weirs moves in a fairly thin layer and the operation of the cascade requires no operator
adjustment; thus, zero points are ass+fined even though this Is an essential step to meeting the limits of the discharge permit;
(30) Powdered to Granular Activated Carbon Feed. A biophysical carbon process that utilizes biological activity and organic absorption by using powdered or
granular activated carbon; Virgin or regenerated carbon is feed controiled into the system;
(31) Preaeraiion. A tank constructed to provide aeration prior to primary treatment;
(32) Preliminary Units. Unit operations in the treatment process, such as screening and comminution. that prepare the liquor for subsequent major operations;
(33) Industrial Pretreatment.
(a) Pre-treatment Unit, industrial. The condiioning of a waste at its source before discharge, to remove or to neutralize substances Injur ous to sewers and
treatment processes or to efiecl a partial reduction in load on the treatment process which is operated by the same governing body as the wastewater
treatment plarrt being rated;
b) Pre-treatment Program, Industrial - must be a State or EPA required program to receive points on the raling sheet;
(34) Primary Clarifiers. The first setlling tanks through which wastewater is passed In a treatment works for the purpose of removing settleable and suspended
solids and BOD which Is associated with the solids;
(35) Pumps, All Influent, effluent and in -plant pumps;
(36) Radiation. Disinfection or sterilization process utilizing devices emitting vitraviolet or gamma rays;
(37) Reverse Osmosis. A treatment process in which a heavy contaminated liquid Is pressurized through a membrane forming noarty pure liquid free from
suspended solids;
(38) Rotating Biological Contractors. A lixed biological growth process in which wastewater flows through tanks In wtch a series of partlafly submerged circular
surfaces are rotated;
(39) Sand Filters:
(a) Intermittent Biolog€cat. Filtration of effluent following septic tanks, lagoons, or some other treatment process In which further biodocomposlllon is
expected to produce desired effluents; Hydraulic loading rates on these fifters are computed In gpolac and have a resulting low gprrVsf (less than one);
b) Recircvlating bioiogicaS - the same type of sand filter as defined in Subparagraph (39) (a) of this Rule with the added capability to recycle effluent back
through the sand fitter;
(40) Sand or Mixed -Media Filters. A polishing process by which effluent limits are achieved through a further reduction of suspended solids;
(a) low rate -- gravity, hydraulically loaded filter with loading rates In the one 1c three gprrVsf range;
(b) high rate -- a pressure, hydraulically loaded fitter with loading rates in the five gprrVsf range; At any rate, the loading rate will exceed three gpmvsf;
(41) Secondary Clarifiers. A tank which follows the biological unit of treatment plant and which has the purpose of removing sludges assoc€afed with the
biological treatment units;
(42) Separate Sludge Reaeration- A part of the contact stabilization process where the activated sludge Is transferred to a tank and aerated before returrling it
to the contact basin;
(43) Septic Tank. A singte-story settling lank in which settled sludge is In contact with the wastewater flowing through the tank; shall not be applicable for
septic tank systems serving single famiiy residences having capacfry of 2,000 gallons or less which discharge to a nitrffication field;
(44) Sfudge Digestion, The process by which organic or volatile matter and sludge is gasified, liquefied, mineralized or converted into more stable organic matter
through the activity of living organisms, which Includes aerated holding tanks;
(45) Sludge Drying Beds. An area comprising natural or arlificial layers of porous materials upon which digested sewage sludge Is dried by drainage and
evaporation;
(46) Sludge Elutriation. A process of sludge conditioning in which certain constituents are removed by successive washings with fresh water or plant effluent;
(47) Sludge Gas Utllizallori. The process of using sewage gas for the purpose of healing buildngs, driving engines, etc.;
(48) Sludge Holding Tank (Aerated and Nonaeraled). A tank utilized for small wastewater treatment plants not containing a digester in which sludge may be
kept fresh, and supernatant withdrawn prior to a drying method (La. sludge drying beds); This may be done by adding a small amount of air simply to keep the
sludge fresh, but not necessarily an amount that would be required to achieve stabilization of organic matter. A nonaerated tank would simply be used to
decant sludge prior to dewatering and would not allow long periods (several days of detention) without resulting odor probams;
(49) Sludge Incinerators, A furnace designed to bum sludge and to remove all molsivre and combustible matariais and reduce the sludge to a sterile ash;
(50) Sludge Stabilization (Chemical or Thermal). A process to make treated sludge fess odorous and pulresctble, and to reduce the pathogenic organism
content; This may be done by pH adjustment, chlorine dosing, or by heat treatment;
(51) Sludge Thickener, A type of sedimentation tank in which the sludge Is permitted to settle and thicken through agitation and gravity;
(52) Stabifrzation Lagoon. A type of oxidation lagoon in which biological oxidation of organic matter Is effected by natural transfer of oxygen to the water from
air (not a polishing pond);
(53) Stand -By Power Supply. On site or portable electrical generating equipment;
(54) Sialic Screens. A stationary screen designed to remove solids, including non -biodegradable particulate (floatabte solids, suspended solids and BOD
reduction) from municipal and industrial wastewater Ireatmard systems;
(55) Tertiary Treatment. A stage of treatment following secondary which is primarily for the purpose of effluent polishing; A settling lagoon or sand or coal fitter
might be employed for this purpose;
(56) Thermal Pollution Control Device. A device providing for the transfer of heat from a fluid flowing in tubes to another fluid outside the tubes, or vice versa;
or other means of regulating liquid temperatures;
(57) Thermal Sludge Conditioner. A conditioning process by which heat is added for a protracted period of time to Improve the dewaterabiltty of sludge by the
soiublizing and hydrauliz€ng of the smaller and more highy hydrated sludge panicles;
(58) Toxic Materials. Those wastes or combinations of wastes, including disease -causing agents which atter discharge and upon exposure, Ingestion, lnhalatlon
or assimilation Into ary organism, either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, wilf cause death, disease, behavioral
abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions In reproduction) or physical deformations, In such organisms or their
offspring; Toxic materials Include, by way of Illustration and not limitation: lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, vanadium, arsenic, zinc, ortho-nitro-cNorobanzene
(ONCE), polychiortnatod biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl irichNoroethane (DDT); and any other materials that have or may hereafter be determined to have
toxic properties;
(59) Tricking Filter, A bfologlcal treatment unit consisting of a malarial such as broken stone or rock over which wastewater is distributed; A high rate trickling
filler !s one which operated at between 10 and 30 mgd per acre. A tow rate trickfing filter Is one which is designed to operate at one to four mgd per acre;
(60) Trickling Filter (Packed Tower). A plug flow type of operation In which wastewater flows down through successive layers of media or filtrate material; Organic
material is removed continually by the active biological fixed growth In each sucoasslve layer. This method may produce 'secondary` quality effluent, or may be
adapted to produce a nitrified effluent;
(61) Vacuum Fifler, Centrifuges, or Fher Presses- Devices which are designed to remove excess water from ehher digested or undigested sludge prior to disposal
or further treatment.