WQ0010355_Final Permit_19950413

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
April 13, 1995
Mr. Jerry Twiggs, Director of Public Utilities
City of Hickory
Post Office Box 398
Hickory, North Carolina 28203
Subject: Permit No. WQ0010355
City of Hickory
Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant
Wastewater Spray Irrigation
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Twiggs:
In accordance with your application received November 28, 1994, we are forwarding herewith
Permit No. WQ0010355, dated April 13, 1995, to the City of Hickory for the operation of the subject
wastewater spray irrigation facilities.
Please be advised of Condition 14 which states that spray irrigation has not been approved for any
areas located outside the fencing of the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility including the areas located
along SR 1400.
This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until March 31, 2000, and shall be subject
to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. Please pay particular attention to the monitoring
requirements in this permit. Failure to establish an adequate system for collecting and maintaining the
required operational information will result in future compliance problems.
If any parts, requirements, or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable, you have the
right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of
this permit. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the
North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Drawer
27447, Raleigh, NC 27611-7447. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding.
If you need additional information concerning this matter, please contact Mr. Michael D. Allen at
[phone] ext. 547
Sincerely, ,
A. Pres4Howard, Jr., P.E. �J
cc: Catawba County Health Department
HDR Engineering, Inc.
Mooresville Regional Office, Water Quality Section
Mooresville Regional Office, Groundwater Section
Brian Wootton, Groundwater Section, Central Office
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

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NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RALEIGH
SPRAY IRRIGATION SYSTEM PERMIT
In accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of Chapter 143, General Statutes of North Carolina as
amended, and other applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations
PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED TO THE
City of Hickory
Catawba County
FOR THE
operation of a spray irrigation facility for the irrigating of effluent on approximately 40,000 square feet of
landscaped and grassed area within the confines of the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility during
periods of dry weather, with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the application
received November 28, 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 March 31, 2000, and shall be subject
to the following specified conditions and limitations:
I. PERFORMAN E STANDARDS
1. The spray irrigation facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated at all times so that
there is no discharge to the surface waters, nor any contamination of ground waters which
will render them unsatisfactory for normal use. In the event that the facilities fail to
perform satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance conditions or failure of the
irrigation area to adequately assimilate the wastewater, the Permittee shall take immediate
corrective actions including those actions that may be required by the Division of
Environmental Management, such as the construction of additional or replacement
wastewater treatment and disposal facilities.
2. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility for damages
to surface or groundwaters resulting from the operation of this facility.
3. No. wastewater shall be irrigated within 100 feet of any water supply well or within 50 feet
of any property line.
4. Spray irrigation has not been approved for any areas located outside the fencing of the
Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility including the areas located along SR 1400.
II. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated at all times.

2. Upon classification of the facility by the Certification Commission, the Permittee shall
employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator to be in responsible charge (ORC) of
the wastewater treatment facilities. The operator must hold a certificate of the type and
grade at least equivalent to or greater than the classification assigned to the wastewater
treatment facilities by the Certification Commission. The Permittee must also employ a
certified back-up operator of the appropriate type and grade to comply with the conditions
of Title 15A, Chapter 8A, .0202. The ORC of the facility must visit each Class I facility at
least weekly and each Class II, III, and 1V facility at least daily, excluding weekends and
holidays, and must properly manage and document daily operation and maintenance of the
facility and must comply with all other conditions of Title 15A, Chapter 8A, .0202.
3. A suitable vegetative cover shall be maintained.
4. Irrigation shall not be performed during inclement weather or when the ground is in a
condition that will cause runoff.
5. Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent wastewater runoff from the spray areas.
6. The facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to
prevent the discharge of any wastewater resulting from the operation of this facility.
7. The application rate shall not exceed 24.0 inches per year at an instantaneous application
rate not to exceed 0A inches per hour.
8. No type of wastewater other than that from City of Hickory shall be sprayed onto the
irrigation area.
10. Public access to the land application sites shall be controlled during active site use. Signs
shall also be posted throughout the facility denoting the use of non -potable wastewater for
irrigation.
III. MONITORING AND REPORTING RE IREME T
Any monitoring (including groundwater, surface water, soil or plant tissue analyses)
deemed necessary by the Division of Environmental Management to insure surface and
ground water protection will be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule
shall be followed.
2. Adequate records shall be maintained by the Permittee for a minimum of 5 years tracking
the amount of wastewater disposed. These records shall include, but are not necessarily
limited to, the following information:
a. date of irrigation,
b . volume of wastewater irrigated,
c. areas irrigated, and
d . weather conditions.
3. 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 sludge digester, the known passage of a slug of
hazardous substance through the facility, or any other unusual circumstances;
2

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 has gone out of
compliance with its permit limitations.
Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter
form within 15 days following first knowledge of the occurrence. This report must outline
the actions taken or proposed to be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur.
IV. GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS
1. Any groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be
provided.
2. 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.
V. INSPECTIONS
1. The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the wastewater treatment and disposal facilities
to prevent malfunctions and deterioration, operator errors and discharges which may cause
or lead to the release of wastes to the environment, a threat to human health, or a nuisance.
The Permittee shall keep an inspection log or summary including at least the date and time
of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taken
by the Permittee. This log of inspections shall be maintained by the Permittee for a period
of three years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available upon request to
the Division of Environmental Management or other permitting authority.
2. Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to
insure proper operation of the subject facilities.
3. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Environmental
Management may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property,
premises or place on or related to the disposal site or facility at any reasonable time for the
purpose of determining compliance with this permit, may inspect or copy any records that
must be maintained under the terms and conditions of this permit, and may obtain samples
of groundwater, surface water, or leachate.

V I . GENERAL CONDITIONS
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.
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. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the
Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division of Environmental Management in
accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6(a) to 143-215.6(c).
5. The issuance of this permit does not preclude the Permittee from complying with any and
all statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances which may be unposed by other government
agencies (local, state, and federal) which have jurisdiction.
6. 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).
7. 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 thirteenth day of April, 1995
NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
A. Preston Ho ard, Jr., P.E., irector
Division of E ironmental Management
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Permit Number WQ0010355
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ei VVAVW t Lr& V4.j%%.#wIV a VPe I IV It Wr ■14p%I L!1 1 Awe% WWI I rl%W . V 1 V a V-M,30
.me of Facility:
,lwner or Contact Person: s
Mailing Address: ILLI" -zqB
County: Lla,Aw Telephone:
sent Classification: New Facility Existing Facility
DES Per. No. NCOO Nondisc. Per. Health Dept.Per No. ---
Rated by: Cc t_sdt4 IMilo Telephone: �ar�l-b63- 16,rr9 Data:
Reviewed by: Health Dept. Telephone:
Regional Office Telephone:
Central Office Telephone:
ORC: Grade: Telephone: r—
Check Classification(s): Subsurface �y"' , Spray Irrigation Land Application
Wastewater Classification: (Circle One) 1 II ill IV Total Paints:
S; SURFACE Ca4SSWMMON
(check all units that apply)
l ,septic tanks
a ----SUMP tang
3. wphw or pumfrdosing systems
4_ sand filters
5. grease trapAnterceptor
6 ot/waler separators
7`_9ravity subsurface treatment and disposal:
8. pressure subsurface treatmeno and disposal:
SPRAY tRFiIC,ATCPt CLASSiFKATCN
(check all units that apply)
1:_ _
preliminary treatment (definition no. 32 )
2
tagoons
3.
septic taroks
4.pump
tanks
S.
pumps
&_sand
fillers
7—
greaso traplinterceplor
8
oli/water separators
9.
_ disinfection
10.
chemical addition for nutrient/algae control
11.
spray irrigation of wastewater
In addition to the above classifications, pretreatment of wastewater to etrcess of these components shell
be rated using the point rating system and will require an operator with an appropriate dual certification.
LAND APPLICATIONIRESIDUALS CLASSIFICATION (Applies onty to pem* holder)
1. Land appruntion of biosoks, residuals or contaminated soils on a designated site.
WASTEWATERTREATMENT FAC LrTY CLASSLFCATION
The Wowing systems shall be assigned a Class i dassiiication, unless the flow Is of a significant quantity or the lechnniogy is unusually
complex, to require consk anion by the Commission on a case -by -case basis: (Check If Appmprkde)
1. Wwwer Separator Systems consisting only of physical separation, pumps and disposal;
2. Septic TaniO.,.snd Fetter Systems consisting only of septic tanks, dosing apparatus, pumps,sand filters. diisintwion
and diced diedw";
3_ _goon Systems consisting only of preliminary treatment, lagoorts, pumps, cWnfe-alon, necessary chemical treatment for
aigae at rlkRti o control, and dined Clsctrarge;
4. Ctosed400p Recycle Systems;
5. Groundwater Remedlation systems consisting onty of ollNiater separators, pumps, air -stripping, carbon adsorption, disinfection
and disposal; '
S—Aquacufture operations with discharge to surface waters;
7. Water Plant sludge handlinq and back -wash water treatment;
B. Seafood professing consWtnq of sc;reetiing and dispesai.
9. ,Single-family discharging systems, with the exception of Aerobic Treaimert Units, well be edastMed k permitted after .iuty 1,
1993 or k upon insTection by the ohrislon, k is found that the system is not being adequately operated or maintained Such
systems will be ratified of the dassifkstion or ro dassifica on by the Ccm=isslon, In wdtLng.