NC0025496_Draft Permit_20210622

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ROY COOPER i g
Governor
JOHN NICHOLSON ,� R#
Interim Secretary 'r$
S.DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
June 22,2021
City of Lincolnton
Attn: Donald Burkey, Superintendent
P.O.Box 617
Lincolnton,NC 28093-0617
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit Renewal
Permit NC0025496
Lincolnton WWTP
Lincoln County
Facility Grade IV(3.5,4.5, and 6.0 MGD)
SIC Code 4952
Dear Donald Burkey:
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the Draft NPDES permit renewal for the Lincolnton WWTP
(Facility).Please review this draft carefully to ensure a thorough understanding of the requirements
and conditions it contains. There are few changes from the existing permit, including the
following:
• The Facility components list on the Supplement to Permit Cover Sheet(Cover Sheet) were
adjusted according to the flow process diagram provided with the permit application renewal
and inspection reports.
• Authorization language on the Cover Sheet was adjusted to account for potential Facility
upgrades with the respective Authorization to Construct (ATC) to comply with the limits
specified for the 4.5 MGD and 6.0 MGD flow tiers.
• The outfall coordinates were updated throughout the permit.
• Parameter codes were included in the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements
tables. [See Sections A. (1.),A. (2.), and A. (3.)].
• Based on DWR Instream Conductivity Monitoring Guidance, since the Facility discharges
industrial wastewater, instream conductivity monitoring has been added to the permit[See
Sections A. (1.), A. (2.), and A. (3.)].
• Per 15A NCAC 2B .0508, the minimum requirements for this type of Facility include
monitoring instream temperature and instream DO; therefore, these two instream
parameters have been added to the permit. [See Sections A. (1.), A. (2.),and A. (3.)].
• Based on the reasonable potential analysis(RPA)showing no reasonable potential to violate
state water quality standards for cadmium, the monitoring requirement for cadmium has
been removed from the permit[See Sections A. (1.),A. (2.), and A. (3.)].
• The City reported bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at less than detection, with detection levels
ranging from < 1.2 to < 320 in the Effluent Pollutant Scans and discharge
an g
g g µ� µ�
monitoring reports (DMRs). Based on the RPA, the Town's total bis (2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate allowable discharge concentration is 4.8 µg/L for the 3.5 MGD flow tier. DWR's
D North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Q 512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
NORT,CAROLINA
°warrant ar aarw.!oual 919.707.9000

laboratory identifies the target Practical Quantification Limit (PQL) for bis (2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate as 10 µg/L. 15A NCAC 2B .0505 (e) (4) requires that all test procedures must
produce detection and reporting levels that are below the permit discharge requirements,
and all data generated must be reported to the approved detection level or lower reporting
level of the procedure. If no approved methods can achieve a detection level below the
permit discharge requirement (or allowable discharge concentration), the method with the
lowest detection level must be used.
• Based on the reasonable potential analysis (RPA) predicting a maximum effluent bis (2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate concentration that is greater than half of the allowable discharge
concentration based on state water quality standards, limits and monthly monitoring for bis
(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate has been added to the permit [See Sections A. (1.),A. (2.),and A.
(3•)]•
o To provide an opportunity for the City to develop an effluent bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
analysis using a target Practical Quantification Limit (PQL) of 10 µg/L, a 1-year
sampling plan has been added to the permit [See Special Condition A. (8.)].
o To provide an opportunity for the City to develop a plan to assess sources of bis (2-
ethylhexyl)phthalate in order to come in compliance with the limits in Section A. (1.),
a 3-year schedule of compliance has been added to the permit [See Special Condition
A. (9.)].
• Based on the RPA predicting a maximum effluent total copper concentration that is greater
than half of the allowable discharge concentration based on state water quality standards,
quarterly monitoring for total copper has been added to the permit for the 4.5 MGD and 6.0
MGD flow tiers [See Sections A. (2.), and A. (3.)].
• Based on the RPA predicting a maximum effluent zinc concentration that is greater than
half of the allowable discharge concentration based on state water quality standards,
quarterly monitoring for zinc has been added to the permit for the 4.5 MGD and 6.0 MGD
flow tiers [See Sections A. (2.), and A. (3.)].
• Based on the RPA predicting a maximum effluent chlorodibromomethane concentration
that is greater than the allowable discharge concentration based on state water quality
standards,quarterly monitoring for chlorodibromomethane has been added to the permit for
the 3.5 MGD,4.5 MGD,and 6.0 MGD flow tiers[See Sections A.(1.),A.(2.),and A.(3.)].
• Language has been added to update information about upstream and downstream sampling
locations. [See Sections A. (1.),A. (2.),and A. (3.)Footnote 2].
• Footnote 7 has been added with information on the variable frequency for the upstream
and downstream monitoring. [See Sections A. (1.),A. (2.),and A. (3.)].
• Special Condition A. (5.)includes the specific three years in which the Effluent Pollutant
Scan shall be performed(2023, 2024, and 2025) and requirements for proper completion
of annual pollutant scan in the eDMR system.
• A notation was made concerning the Electronic Reporting Rule — NPDES Electronic
Reporting Rule—Phase 2 Extension.EPA extended the Phase 2 deadline to December 21,
2025. [See Special Condition A. (8.)].
• Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports
(DMRs)and program reports.The requirement to continue reporting discharge monitoring
data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report(eDMR)
internet application has been added to your NPDES permit[See Special Condition A. (8.)].
• Regulatory citations have been added to the permit.
—D E NorthNorth Carolina DepartmentSalisburyStreet1 of1617 EnvironmentalMailService Center I Raleigh,Quality I Division of Water
NorthCarolina Resou27rces
���/// 512 699 1617
919.707.9000

The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) are the same as in your current permit,
except that agency and division names have been updated. The latest version is available at
https://bit.ly/3k5NFaL and can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF file.
Concurrent with this notification, the Division is publishing a notice in a newspaper having
circulation in the general Lincoln County area, soliciting public comments on this draft permit.
Please provide any written comments you may have to the following: NCDEQ/DWR, NPDES
Permitting Branch, 1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,NC 27699-1617 no later than 30 days after
receipt of this draft permit.
Following the 30-day public comment period,the Division will review all pertinent comments
and take appropriate action prior to issuing a final permit. If you have questions concerning this
draft permit,please contact me at(919) 707-9130 or by email at diana.yitbarekna,ncdenr.gov.
Sincerely,
ir)4iutt2144a.4.4.04
Diana Yitbarek,Engineer
NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
Hardcopy: NPDES Files
Ecopy: Lincolnton WWTP/Debra Tunstall
US EPA Region 4
DWR/Public Water Supply/Clinton Cook
DWR/Municipal Permitting Unit//Kristin Litzenberger
DWR/Mooresville Regional Office(MRO)/Cory Basinger and Ori Tuvia
DWR/Aquatic Toxicology Branch/Zach Thomas and Cindy Moore
DWR/Operator Certification Program/Maureen Kinney
North
512North CarolinaSalisbury DepartmentStreet1 of1617 EnvironmentalMailService Center I Raleigh,Quality t Division of Water
North ResourcesCarolina
NQRTN CAROL IN
vvJJ/J
o.wrom rt elr,. -xatr WO /"" 919.707.9000 27699-1617

Permit NC0025496
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
DRAFT PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards and
regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, and the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act,as amended,the
City of Lincolnton
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Lincolnton Wastewater Treatment Plant
550 West Highway 150 Bypass,Lincolnton,NC 28092
Lincoln County
to receiving waters designated as the South Fork Catawba River in the Catawba River Basin, in accordance with
effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set forth in Parts I, II, III, and IV
hereof.
This permit shall become effective: Month [)[),2021.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on July 31st,2026.
Signed this day: Month DD,2021.
DRAFT
for S.Daniel Smith,Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission

Permit NC0025496
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge, are hereby revoked.As of this
permit issuance, any previously issued permit bearing this number is no longer effective. Therefore, the exclusive
authority to operate and discharge from this facility arises under the permit conditions, requirements, terms, and
provisions included herein.
City of Lincolnton is hereby authorized to
1. Continue to operate an originally designed 6.0 MGD capacity wastewater treatment facility with a
currently approved authorization to discharge 3.5 MGD with the following components:
• Influent lift pump station
• Automatic bar screen
• Vortex grit removal
• Orbital oxidation ditch
• Four diffused aeration basins
• Two 100 feet diameter final clarifiers
• Three-channel chlorination contact basins(sodium hypochlorite)
• Dechlorination chamber(sodium bisulfite)
• Dissolved air flotation thickener(DAFT)
• Four anaerobic sludge digesters
• Two digested sludge storage tanks
• Sludge drying beds(one operational)
• Backup power generator
2. Discharge treated wastewater into the South Fork Catawba River, classified as WS-IV waters in the
Catawba River Basin,through outfall 001.The outfall location is specified on the attached map.
3. Operate at 3.5 MGD until the average flow for any twelve(12)month period exceeds 2.8 MGD(80%of
the permitted flow, 3.5 MGD), after which time the facility must receive an Authorization to Construct
(AtC)to upgrade in accordance with the limits specified for 4.5 MGD.Operate at 4.5 MGD after obtaining
an AtC from the Division to construct and operate a 4.5 MGD wastewater treatment system.
4. Operate at 4.5 MGD until the average flow for any twelve(12)month period exceeds 3.6 MGD(80%of
the permitted flow, 4.5 MGD), after which time the facility must receive an Authorization to Construct
(AtC)to upgrade in accordance with the limits specified for 6.0 MGD.Operate at 6.0 MGD after obtaining
an AtC from the Division to construct and operate a 6.0 MGD wastewater treatment system.
Page 2of15

Permit NC0025496
PART I
A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS(3.5 MGD)—OUTFALL
001 [15A NCAC 02B.0400 et seq.,02B.0500 et seq.]Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System[15A
NCAC 08G.0302]
a) Beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until the twelve-month average flow exceeds
2.8 MGD (80% of 3.5 MGD), after which time the facility must receive an Authorization to Construct
(AtC) to upgrade in accordance with the limits specified for 4.5 MGD, the Permittee is authorized to
discharge from outfall 001,treated municipal and pretreated industrial wastewater. Such discharges
shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PARAMETER Code Monthly Weekly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Average Maximum Frequency Type Location'
Flow 50050 3.5 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
BOD5(20°C)3 C0310 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I and E
Total Suspended Solids' C0530 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I and E
Ammonia(NH3 as N) C0610 12.0 mg/L 35.0 mg/L 3/Week Composite E
Fecal Coliform 31616 200/100 mL 400/100 mL Daily Grab E
(Geometric Mean)
pH 00400 Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units Daily Grab E
Total Residual Chlorine 50060 28 µg/L Daily Grab E
(TRC)4,µg/L
Temperature,°C 00010 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
Conductivity,µmho/cm 00094 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
Dissolved Oxygen, 00300 Daily Average>5 mg/L Daily Grab E
mg/L
Total Nitrogen s(TN), C0600 Monitor and Report Monthly Composite E
1 mg/L
Total Phosphorus(TP), C0665 Monitor and Report Monthly Composite E
mg/L
Total Silver,µg/L 01077 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Total Antimony,µg/L 01097 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)e 39100 4.9 µg/L Monthly10 Composite E
Phthalate
Chlorodibromomethane, 34306 Monitor and Report
µBA Quarterly Composite E
Total Hardness 6[as 00900 Monitor and Report
CaCO3],mg/L Quarterly Composite E
Total Hardness'[as 00900 Monitor and Report Quarterly Grab U
CaCO3],mg/L
Conductivity,µmho/cm 00094 Monitor and Report Variable 7 Grab U and D
Dissolved Oxygen, 00300 Monitor and Report Variable 7 Grab U and D
mg/L
Temperature,°C 00010 Monitor and Report Variable 7 Grab U and D
Effluent Pollutant Scans NC01 See Footnote 8 Footnote 8 Footnote 8 E
Chronic Toxicity9 TGP3B See Footnote 9 Footnote 9 Composite E
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See
Special Condition A.(7).
2. Sample Location:E—Effluent,I—Influent,U—Upstream about 4000 feet from the outfall,at Madison Street,D—Downstream
about 1 mile from the outfall,at Laboratory Road.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15%of the respective influent
value(85%removal).
4. TRC monitoring and limit requirements apply only if chlorine or a chlorine derivative is used in the treatment process.The
Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance with the permit.
Page 3 of 15

Permit NC0025496
However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North Carolina certified laboratory
(including field certified),even if these values fall below 50 ug/l.
5. For a given wastewater sample,total nitrogen(TN)=TKN+NO3-N+NO2-N,where TKN is total Kjeldahl nitrogen,and NO3-
N and NO2-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen,respectively.
6. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness-dependent metals (cadmium,
copper,lead,nickel,silver,and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge.The
sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream. Instream monitoring for hardness is not provisionally
waived if the Permittee is a member of a Monitoring Coalition.
7. Variable monitoring frequency is defined as follows:samples collected three times per week during June 1st through September
30th and once per week October 1st through May 31 st.
8. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit.See Special Condition A.(5).
9. Chronic Toxicity(Ceriodaphnia)P/F @ 6.5%March,June,September,and December.See Special Condition A.(4).
10. The Permittee must perform a bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate effluent analysis using the method with the lowest Practical
Quantification Limit(PQL), 10 µg/l.See Special Condition A.(8).If any of the results of the analysis within the one(1)year
period detects values over the PQL,the Permittee must follow the schedule of compliance outlined in the Special Condition
A.(9).If all the results of the analysis within the one(1)year period detect values below the PQL,the Permittee shall
transition from monthly monitoring to quarterly monitoring.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam other than trace amounts.
Page 4 of 15

Permit NC0025496
A.(2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS(4.5 MGD) [15A NCAC
02B .0400 et seq.,02B .0500 et seq.]Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 08G.0302]
a) Beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until the twelve-month average flow exceeds
3.6 MGD (80% of 4.5 MGD), after which time the facility must receive an Authorization to Construct
(AtC) to upgrade in accordance with the limits specified for 6.0 MGD, the Permittee is authorized to
discharge from outfall 001,treated municipal and pretreated industrial wastewater. Such discharges
shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PARAMETER Code Monthly Weekly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Average Maximum Frequency Type Location
Flow 50050 4.5 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
BOD5(20°C)3 C0310 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I and E
Total Suspended Solids3 C0530 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I and E
Ammonia(NHs as N) C0610 9.0 mg/L 27.0 mg/L 3/Week Composite E
Fecal Coliform 31616 200/100 mL 400/100 mL Daily Grab E
(Geometric Mean)
pH 00400 Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units Daily Grab E
Total Residual Chlorine
(TRC)^,µg/L 50060 28 µg/L Daily Grab E
Temperature,°C 00010 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
Conductivity,µmho/cm 00094 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
Dissolved Oxygen, 00300 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
mg/L
Total Nitrogen 5(TN), C0600 Monitor and Report Monthly Composite E
mg/L
Total Phosphorus(TP), C0665 Monitor and Report Monthly Composite E
mg/L
Total Silver,µg/L 01077 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Total Antimony,µg/L 01097 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Total Copper,µg/L 01042 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Total Zinc,µg/L 01092 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Bis(2-Ethaylhexyl) 39100 3.8 µg/L Monthly Composite E
Phthalate ,µg/L
Chlorodibromomethane, 34306 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
µg 1-
Total Hardness 6[as 00900 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
CaCO3],mg/L
Total Hardness a[as 00900 Monitor and Report Quarterly Grab U
CaCO3],mg/L
Conductivity,µmho/cm 00094 Monitor and Report Variable 7 Grab U and D
Dissolved Oxygen, 00300 Monitor and Report Variable 7 Grab U and D
mg/L
Temperature,°C 00010 Monitor and Report Variable' Grab U and D
Effluent Pollutant Scan' NC01 See Footnote 8 Footnote 8 Footnote 8 E
Chronic Toxicity' TGP3B See Footnote 9 Footnote 9 Composite E
Footnotes:
1. The Permittee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See
Special Condition A.(7).
2. Sample Location:E—Effluent,I—Influent,U—Upstream about 4000 feet from the outfall,at Madison Street,D—Downstream
about 1 mile from the outfall,at Laboratory Road.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15%of the respective influent
value(85%removal).
4. TRC monitoring and limit requirements apply only if chlorine or a chlorine derivative is used in the treatment process.The
Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance with the permit.
Page 5of15

Permit NC0025496
However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North Carolina certified laboratory
(including field certified),even if these values fall below 50 ug/l.
5. For a given wastewater sample,total nitrogen(TN)=TKN+NO3-N+NO2-N,where TKN is total Kjeldahl nitrogen,and NO3-
N and NO2-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen,respectively.
6. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness-dependent metals (cadmium,
copper,lead,nickel,silver,and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge.The
sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream. Instream monitoring for hardness is not provisionally
waived if the Permittee is a member of a Monitoring Coalition.
7. Variable monitoring frequency is defined as follows:samples collected three times per week during June 1st through September
30th and once per week October 1st through May 31st.
8. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit.See Special Condition A.(5).
9. Chronic Toxicity(Ceriodaphnia)P/F @ 8.3%March,June,September,and December.See Special Condition A.(4).
10. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate must be tested to its lowest PQL of 10 µg/1.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam other than trace amounts.
der.
otlk
•
Page 6 of 15

Permit NC0025496
A.(3.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS(6.0 MGD) [15A NCAC
02B .0400 et seq.,02B .0500 et seq.] Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 08G.0302]
a) Beginning when the twelve-month average flow exceeds 3.6 MGD, after which time the facility must
receive an Authorization to Construct (AtC)to upgrade in accordance with the limits specified for 6.0
MGD, and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 001, treated
municipal and pretreated industrial wastewater. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by
the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
PARAMETER Code Monthly Weekly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Average Maximum Frequency Type Location'
Flow 50050 6.0 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
BODs(20°C)3 C0310 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I and E
Total Suspended Solids; C0530 30.0 mg/L 45.0 mg/L Daily Composite I and E
Ammonia(NH3 as N) C0610 7.0 mg/L 21.0 mg/L 3/Week Composite E
Fecal Coliform 31616 200/100 mL 400/100 mL Daily Grab E
(Geometric Mean)
pH 00400 Between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units Daily Grab E
Total Residual Chlorine 50060 28 µg/L Daily Grab E
(TRC)4,µg/L
Temperature,°C 00010 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
Conductivity,µmho/cm 00094 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
Dissolved Oxygen 00300 Monitor and Report Daily Grab E
mg/L
Total Nitrogen s(TN), C0600 Monitor and Report Monthly Composite E
mg/L
Total Phosphorus(TP), C0665 Monitor and Report Monthly Composite E •
mel-
Total Silver,µg/L 01077 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Total Antimony 01097 52.0 µg/L 52.0 µg/L Quarterly Composite E
Total Copper,µg/L 01042 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Total Zinc,µg/L 01092 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Bis(2-Eth�ylhexyl) 39100 3.0 pg/L Monthly Composite E
Phthalate
Chlorodibromomethane, 34306 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
Aga-
Total Hardness s[as 00900 Monitor and Report Quarterly Composite E
CaCO3],mg/L
Total Hardness 6[as 00900 Monitor and Report Quarterly Grab U
CaCO3],mg/L
Conductivity,µmho/cm 00094 Monitor and Report Variable' Grab U and D
Dissolved Oxygen 00300 Monitor and Report Variable' Grab U and D
mg/L
Temperature,°C 00010 Monitor and Report Variable' Grab U and D
Effluent Pollutant Scan8 NC01 See Footnote 8 Footnote 8 Footnote 8 E
Chronic Toxicity9 TGP3B See Footnote 9 Footnote 9 Composite E
Footnotes:
I. The Pemuttee shall submit discharge monitoring reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application system. See
Special Condition A.(7).
2. Sample Location:E—Effluent,I—Influent,U—Upstream about 4000 feet from the outfall,at Madison Street,D—Downstream
about 1 mile from the outfall,at Laboratory Road.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and total suspended solids concentrations shall not exceed 15%of the respective influent
value(85%removal).
Page 7 of 15

Permit NC0025496
4. TRC monitoring and limit requirements apply only if chlorine or a chlorine derivative is used in the treatment process.The
Division shall consider all effluent total residual chlorine values reported below 50 ug/1 to be in compliance with the permit.
However, the Permittee shall continue to record and submit all values reported by a North Carolina certified laboratory
(including field certified),even if these values fall below 50 ug/I.
5. For a given wastewater sample,total nitrogen(TN)=TKN+NO3-N+NO2-N,where TKN is total Kjeldahl nitrogen,and NO3-
N and NO2-N are nitrate and nitrite nitrogen,respectively.
6. Effluent Total Hardness sampling shall be performed in conjunction with testing for hardness-dependent metals (cadmium,
copper,lead,nickel,silver,and zinc). The Permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge.The
sample shall be representative of the hardness in the receiving stream.Instream monitoring for hardness is not provisionally
waived if the Permittee is a member of a Monitoring Coalition.
7. Variable monitoring frequency is defined as follows:samples collected three times per week during June 1st through September
30th and once per week October 1st through May 31st.
8. The Permittee shall perform three Effluent Pollutant Scans during the term of this permit.See Special Condition A.(5).
9. Chronic Toxicity(Ceriodaphnia)P/F @ 10.7%March,June,September,and December.See Special Condition A.(4).
10. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate must be tested to its lowest PQL of 10 µg/l.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam other than trace amounts.
Page 8 of 15

Permit NC0025496
A. (4.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT(QUARTERLY) [15A NCAC 02B.0200 et seq.]
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant mortality to
Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 6.5% at 3.5 MGD,8.3% at 4.5 MGD,or 10.7%at 6.0
MGD.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum,quarterly monitoring using test procedures outlined in the
"North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure,"Revised December 2010,or subsequent
versions or"North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure"(Revised-December
2010)or subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of March,June,September,and
December. Effluent sampling for this testing shall be performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent
discharge below all treatment processes.
If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter results in a failure or ChV below the
permit limit,then multiple-concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum,in each of the two
following months as described in"North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test
Procedure"(Revised-December 2010 or subsequent versions).
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered electronically using the
Division's eDMR system for the months in which tests were performed, using the parameter code TGP3B for
the pass/fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value. Additionally,DWR Form AT-3(original)is to be sent
to the following address:
Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1621
Or,results can be sent to the email ATForms.ATB(a,ncdenr.gov.
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Water Sciences Section no later than 30 days
after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
Test data shall be complete,accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical measurements and all
concentration/response data,and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved designate signature.
Total residual chlorine
o e of the effluent toxicity samplereportedemployed must be measured and if chlorine is em to ed for
disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required,
the Permittee will complete the information located at the top of the aquatic toxicity(AT)test form indicating
the facility name,permit number,pipe number,county,and the month/year of the report with the notation of
"No Flow"in the comment area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the Water Sciences Section at the
address cited above.
Should the Permittee fail to monitor during a month in
which toxicity monitoring is required,monitoring will be
required during the following month. Assessment of toxicity compliance is based on the toxicity testing quarter,
which is the three-month time interval that begins on the first day of the month in which toxicity testing is
required by this permit and continues until the final day of the third month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North Carolina Division of
Water Resources indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream,this permit may be re-opened and modified
to include alternate monitoring requirements or limits.
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as minimum control organism
survival,minimum control organism reproduction, and appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute an
invalid test and will require immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than the last day of the month
following the month of the initial monitoring.
Page 9 of 15

Permit NC0025496
A.(5.)EFFLUENT POLLUTANT SCAN [GS 143-215.1(B)]
a) The Permittee shall perform a total of three(3)Effluent Pollutant Scans for all parameters listed below. One
scan must be performed in each of the following years: 2023,2024,and 2025. Analytical methods shall I
be in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136 and shall be sufficiently sensitive to determine whether parameters
are present in concentrations greater than applicable standards and criteria. Samples should be collected with
one quarterly toxicity test each year and must represent seasonal variation [i.e., do not sample in the same
quarter every year]. Unless otherwise indicated,metals shall be analyzed as"total recoverable."
Ammonia(as N) C0610 Trans-I,2-dichloroethylene 34546 Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether 34273
Chlorine(total residual,TRC) 50060 1,1-dichloroethylene 34501 Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether 34283
Dissolved oxygen 00300 1,2-dichloropropane C0541 Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(PQL 10 µg/1) CO100
Nitrate/Nitrite 00630 1,3-dichloropropylene 77163 4-bromophenyl phenyl ether 34636
Kjeldahl nitrogen 00625 Ethylbenzene 34371 Butyl benzyl phthalate 34292
Oil and grease 00556 Methyl bromide 34413 2-chloronaphthalene 34581
Phosphorus C0665 Methyl chloride 34418 4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether 34641
Total dissolved solids 70295 Methylene chloride 34423 Chrysene 34320
Hardness 00900 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane 81549 Di-n-butyl phthalate 39110
Antimony 01097 Tetrachloroethylene 34475 Di-n-octyl phthalate 34596
Arsenic 01002 Toluene 34010 Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene 34556
Beryllium 01012 1,1,1-trichloroethane 34506 1,2-dichlorobenzene 34536
Cadmium 01027 1,1,2-trichloroethane 34511 1,3-dichlorobenzene 34566
Chromium C0034 Trichloroethylene 39180 1,4-dichlorobenzene 34571
Copper 01042 Vinyl chloride 39175 3,3-dichlorobenzidine 34631
Lead 01051 Acid-extractable compounds: Diethyl phthalate 34336
Mercury(Method 1631E) COMER P-chloro-m-cresol 34452 Dimethyl phthalate 34341
Nickel 01067 2-chlorophenol 34586 2,4-dinitrotoluene 34611
Selenium 01147 2,4-dichlorophenol 34601 2,6-dinitrotoluene C0626
Silver 01077 2,4-dimethylphenol 34606 1,2-diphenylhydrazine 34346
Thallium 01059 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol 34657 Fluoranthene C0376
Zinc 01092 2,4-dinitrophenol 34616 Fluorene 34381
Cyanide 00720 2-nitrophenol 34591 Hexachlorobenzene C0700
Total phenolic compounds 32730 4-nitrophenol 34646 Hexachlorobutadiene C0702
Volatrk orranic compounds: Pentachlorophenol 39032 Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene 34386
Acrolein 34210 Phenol 34694 Hexachloroethane 34396
Acrylonitrile 34215 2,4,6-trichlorophenol 34621 Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 34403
Benzene 34030 Base-neutral compounds: Isophorone 34408
Bromoform 32104 Acenaphthene 34205 Naphthalene 34696
Carbon tetrachloride 32102 Acenaphthylene 34200 Nitrobenzene 34447
Chlorobenzene 34301 Anthracene CO220 N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine 34428
Chlorodibromomethane 34306 Benzidine 39120 N-nitrosodimethylamine 34438
Chloroethane 85811 Benzo(a)anthracene C0526 N-nitrosodiphenylamine 34433
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether 34576 Benzo(a)pyrene 34247 Phenanthrene 34461
Chloroform 32106 3,4 benzofluoranthene 34230 Pyrene 34469
Dichlorobromomethane 32101 Benzo(ghi)perylene 34521 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene C0551
1,1-dichloroethane 34496 Benzo(k)fluoranthene 34242
1,2-dichloroethane 32103 Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane 34278
b) Reporting. Test results shall be reported electronically using the Division's eDMR system or on DWR
Form DMR-PPA-1(or on a form approved by the Director)by December 31 s<of each designated sampling
year.
c) The Permittee must at least report completion of the test in the eDMR system by entering"1"or"Y"for
parameter code NC01 - Annual Pollutant Scan. If utilizing the DWR Form, submit to the following
address:
Page 10 of 15

Permit NC0025496
NC DEQ/DWR/NPDES Files,1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617.Or
the form may be uploaded at:https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/NPDES WW-EDMR-Supplemental-Form
d) Additional Toxicity Testing Requirements for Municipal Permit Renewal. Please note that
Municipal facilities that are subject to the Effluent Pollutant Scan requirements listed above are also
subject to additional toxicity testing requirements specified in Federal Regulation 40 CFR 122.21(j)(5).
The US EPA requires four (4) toxicity tests for a test organism other than the test species currently
required in this permit. The multiple species tests should be conducted either quarterly for a 12-month
period prior to submittal of the permit renewal application,or four tests performed at least annually in the
four-and one-half-year period prior to the application. These tests shall be performed for acute or chronic
toxicity,whichever is specified in this permit. The multiple species toxicity test results shall be filed with
the Aquatic Toxicology Branch at the following address:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1621
Or,results can be sent to the email ATForms.ATB@,ncdenr.gov.
Contact the Division's Aquatic Toxicology Branch at 919-743-8401 for guidance on conducting the
additional toxicity tests and reporting requirements. Results should also be summarized in Part E
(Toxicity Testing Data)of EPA Municipal Application Form 2A when submitting the permit renewal
application to the NPDES Permitting Unit.
A.(6.)MERCURY MINIMIZATION PLAN[GS 143-215.1(b)]
The Permittee shall continue to implement the mercury minimization plan during this permit term.The MMP shall
be available for inspection on-site. A sample MMP was developed through a stakeholder review process and has
been placed on the Division website for guidance (http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/swp/ps/npdes, under Model
Mercury Minimization Plan).The MMP should place emphasis on the identification of mercury contributors and
goals for reduction. Results shall be summarized and submitted with the next permit renewal.Performance of the
Mercury Minimization Plan will meet the requirements of the TMDL(Total Maximum Daily Load) for mercury
approved by USEPA on October 12th,2012,unless and until a Waste Load Allocation specific to this facility is
developed,and this NPDES permit is amended to require further actions to address the Waste Load Allocation.
A.(7.)ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS
[GS 143-215.1(B)]
Federal regulations require electronic submittal of all discharge monitoring reports(DMRs)and program
reports. The final NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was adopted and became effective on December 21st,
2015.
NOTE: This special condition supplements or supersedes the following sections within Part II of this permit
(Standard Conditions for NPDES Permits):
• Section B.(11.) Signatory Requirements
• Section D.(2.) Reporting
• Section D. (6.) Records Retention
• Section E. (5.) Monitoring Reports
Page 11 of 15

Permit NC0025496
1. Reporting Requirements[Supersedes Section D.(2.)and Section E.(5.)(a)!
The Permittee shall report discharge monitoring data electronically using the NC DWR's Electronic Discharge
Monitoring Report(eDMR)internet application.
Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and submitted
monthly electronically using eDMR. The eDMR system allows permitted facilities to enter monitoring data and
submit DMRs electronically using the internet. The eDMR system may be accessed at:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
If a permittee is unable to use the eDMR system due to a demonstrated hardship or due to the facility being
physically located in an area where less than 10 percent of the households have broadband access,then a temporary
waiver from the NPDES electronic reporting requirements may be granted, and discharge monitoring data may
be submitted on paper DMR forms (MR 1, 1.1, 2, 3)or alternative forms approved by the Director. Duplicate
signed copies shall be submitted to the following mailing address:
NC DEQ/Division of Water Resources/Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
See"How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting"section below.
Regardless of the submission method,the first DMR is due on the last day of the month following the issuance of
the permit or,in the case of a new facility,on the last day of the month following the commencement of discharge.
NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule—Phase 2 Extension. EPA extended the Phase 2 deadline to December 21st,
2025. The current compliance date, effective January 4th, 2021, was extended as a final regulation change
published in the November 2nd,2020 Federal Register.
Starting on December 21st,2025,the Permittee must electronically report the following compliance monitoring
data and reports,when applicable:
• Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports;
• Pretreatment Program Annual Reports;and
• Clean Water Act(CWA) Section 316(b)Annual Reports.
The Permittee may seek an electronic reporting waiver from the Division (see"How to Request a Waiver from
Electronic Reporting"section below).
2. Electronic Submissions
In accordance with 40 CFR 122.41(1)(9), the Permittee must identify the initial recipient at the time of each
electronic submission. The Permittee should use the EPA's website resources to identify the initial recipient for
the electronic submission.
Initial recipient of electronic NPDES information from NPDES-regulated facilities means the entity(EPA or the
state authorized by EPA to implement the NPDES program)that is the designated entity for receiving electronic
NPDES data[see 40 CFR 127.2(b)].
EPA plans to establish a website that will also link to the appropriate electronic reporting tool for each type of
electronic submission and for each state. Instructions on how to access and use the appropriate electronic
reporting tool will be available as well. Information on EPA's NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule is found at
Page 12of15

Permit NC0025496
https://www.federal regi ster.gov/documents/2015/10/22/2015-24954/nati onal-pol l utant-discharge-elimination-
system-npdes-el ectroni c-reporting-rule
Electronic submissions must start by the dates listed in the"Reporting Requirements"section above.
3. How to Request a Waiver from Electronic Reporting
The Permittee may seek a temporary electronic reporting waiver from the Division. To obtain an electronic
reporting waiver, a permittee must first submit an electronic reporting waiver request to the Division. Requests
for temporary electronic reporting waivers must be submitted in writing to the Division for written approval at
least sixty (60) days prior to the date the facility would be required under this permit to begin submitting
monitoring data and reports. The duration of a temporary waiver shall not exceed 5 years and shall thereupon
expire. At such time, monitoring data and reports shall be submitted electronically to the Division unless the
permittee re-applies for and is granted a new temporary electronic reporting waiver by the Division. Approved
electronic reporting waivers are not transferrable. Only permittees with an approved reporting waiver request
may submit monitoring data and reports on paper to the Division for the period that the approved reporting waiver
request is effective.
Information on eDMR and the application for a temporary electronic reporting waiver are found on the following
web page:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
4. Signatory Requirements [Supplements Section B.(11.)(b)and Supersedes Section B. (11.)(d)l
All eDMRs submitted to the permit-issuing authority shall be signed by a person described in Part II, Section B.
(11.)(a)or by a duly authorized representative of that person as described in Part II,Section B.(11.)(b). A person,
and not a position,must be delegated signatory authority for eDMR reporting purposes.
For eDMR submissions,the person signing and submitting the DMR must obtain an eDMR user account and login
credentials to access the eDMR system. For more information on North Carolina's eDMR system,registering for
eDMR, and obtaining an eDMR user account,please visit the following web page:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/edmr
Certification. Any person submitting an electronic DMR using the state's eDMR system shall make the following
certification[40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED:
"I certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or
supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate
the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system,or those persons
directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and
belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false
information, including the possibility offines and imprisonment for knowing violations."
5. Records Retention [Supplements Section D.(6.)l
The Permittee shall retain records of all Discharge Monitoring Reports, including eDMR submissions. These
records or copies shall be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the date of the report. This period may
be extended by request of the Director at any time[40 CFR 122.41].
Page 13 of 15

Permit NC0025496
A. (8.)EFFLUENT BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL)PHTHALATE ANALYSIS PLAN [NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
The Permittee shall provide twelve bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate effluent analyses, using a target Practical
Quantification Limit(PQL) of 10 µg/L. The analysis shall be taken monthly within one (1) year of the permit
effective date. Any additional effluent bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate measurements conducted from the effective
date of this permit shall also be submitted to the eDMR system.
(a.)If all the results of the bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate effluent analysis within the one (1) year period are
detected below the PQL,the Permittee shall transition from monthly monitoring to quarterly monitoring
for the remaining of the permit cycle.
(b.)If any of the results of the bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate effluent analysis within the one (1) year period
detects values over the PQL,the Permittee must follow the schedule of compliance outlined in the section
below.
A. (9.)SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE FOR BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL)PHTHALATE [NCGS 143-215.1
(b)]
1. Within two(2)years of the permit effective date,the Permittee shall submit to the Division a Corrective
Action Plan(CAP)for Division approval,summarizing the strategy or actions to be taken to achieve
compliance with the bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate limitations listed in Section A. (1.).This plan will
include specific dates for the completion or implementation of each action.
2. Within three(3)years of the permit effective date,the Permittee shall submit to the Division a summary
of actions taken towards achieving compliance with the bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate limitations
specified in Section A.(1.).
3. The Permittee shall achieve compliance with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate limitations specified in
Section A. (1.)within four(4)years of the permit effective date.
Upon approval of the Corrective Action Plan(CAP)by the Division,the report,actions,and implementation
dates become an enforceable part of this permit.Any modifications to the schedule shall be requested to the
Division at least ninety(90)days before the deadline.Modifications to the schedule in excess of four months
will be subject to public notice.
Annual summaries and the CAP shall include the owner's name,NPDES permit number,and a Permittee contact
person and shall be submitted to:
NCDEQ/Division of Water Resources
NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1617
Page 14 of 15

Permit No.NC0025496
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Lincolnton WWTP—NC0025496 •
Facility Location (Not to scale)
City of Lincolnton—Lincoln County
Receiving Stream: South Fork Catawba River Stream Segment:11-129-03.7
Drainage Basin: Catawba River Basin Stream Class: WS-IV
HUC: 03050102 Sub-Basin: 03-08-35
State Grid: Lincolnton West USGS Quad: F13NE
Permitted Flow: 3.5/4.5/6.0 MGD Outfall Location: 35°27'02.5"N 81°15'38.8"W
Page 15 of 15