NC0000396_Draft_20211214

ROY COOPER yt / -
Governor if
MICHAEL S.REGAN
Secretary
S.DANIEL SMITH NORTH CAROLINA
Director Environmental Quality
December 14,2021
Mr. Paul Draovitch, Senior Vice President
Environmental,Health and Safety
Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC
Mail Code EC13K
P.O. Box 1006
Charlotte,North Carolina 28201-1006
Subject: Draft NPDES Major
Modification
Permit NC0000396
Asheville Steam Electric Plant
Buncombe County
Facility Class I
Dear Mr. Draovitch:
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the draft Major Modification for your facility. Please review
the draft very carefully to ensure thorough understanding of the conditions and requirements it
contains.
The draft Major Modification contains the following significant changes from your current
permit:
• The description of Outfall 101 was amended as follows: Following excavation of the 1964 ash
basin, Outfall 101 flows will consist of flows from existing toe drains,groundwater removed
via underdrains installed in the footprint of the 1964 ash basin and storm water runoff.
Please provide any comments you have regarding the draft permit to this office by January
17,2022. At this time,the Division is also publishing a notice in the newspapers of general
circulation in Buncombe County,inviting public comment on the draft major modification.
Following the 30-day comment period,we will review all pertinent comments received and take
appropriate action on the permit modification.
The NPDES Standard Conditions(Parts II, III,and IV) are not included with this draft. They can
be found at the following link if you would like to review them in conjunction with this draft permit.
https://bit.ly/2BZ4xxx
D E Q N51orth2North Carolina
Salib DepartmentStreet of1617 EnMavironmentalilServiceCenter I Raleigh Quality I DivisionNorth Ca of Waterrolina Resources
sury , 699 1617
Ompoonwavi a En= ta1 awlttr 919.707.9000

If you have any questions about the NPDES permit process,please contact me at the following e-
mail address: [e-mail],or telephone number: 919-707-3606.
Sincerely,
./774.___
Sergei Chernikov,Ph.D.
Environmental Engineer III
Complex NPDES Permitting Unit
cc: NPDES Files
EPA Region IV(e-copy)
Asheville Regional Office/Surface Water Protection(e-copy)
Aquatic Toxicology Unit(e-copy)
TACU (e-copy)

Permit NC0000396
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
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,
Duke Energy Progress, LLC
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Asheville Steam Electric Plant
200 CP&L Drive
Arden, North Carolina
Buncombe County
to receiving waters designated as the French Broad River,UT to French Broad River and Lake
Julian in the French Broad River Basin in accordance with effluent limitations,monitoring
requirements, and other applicable conditions set forth in Parts I, II, and III hereof.
This Major Modification shall become effective May 1, 2020.
This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on November 30, 2023.
Signed this day April 9, 2020.
S. Daniel Smith, Director
Division of Water Resources
By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission
Page 1 of 18

Permit NC0000396
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.
Duke Energy Progress, LLC
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate the following systems located at Asheville Steam Electric Plant, 200
CP&L Drive, Arden,Buncombe County:
• Ash Pond 1964/Rim Ditch Treatment System(Outfall 001). Outfall 001 discharges
directly to the French Broad River. The ash pond/rim ditch receives ash transport water,
coal pile runoff, storm water runoff, groundwater, FGD wastewater, various low volume
wastes (such as boiler blowdown, cooling tower blowdown, Heat Return Steam
Generator(HRSG)blowdown, oil water separator wastewater,backwash from the water
treatment processes, ash hopper seal water,plant drains), air preheater cleaning water and
chemical metal cleaning wastewater discharged from Internal Outfall 004 (potentially)
and Internal Outfall 005 (potentially).
• Evaporator system discharge(Outfall 002). This waste stream is discharged directly to
Lake Julian via Outfall 002.
• Chemical Metal Cleaning Treatment System(Internal Outfall 004). This waste stream
may occasionally be discharged via Internal Outfall 004 to the ash pond treatment
system. Generally chemical metal cleaning wastes are treated by evaporation in boilers.
This Outfall shall discontinue discharge on 02/01/2020.
• Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)wet scrubber wastewater treatment system.This
waste stream will discharge to the secondary settling basin(after the Ash Pond)via
internal Outfall 005 (with ultimate discharge via Outfall 001). The facility can also
discharge the FGD wastewater to the local POTW. This Outfall shall discontinue
discharge on 02/01/2020.
• 3 toe drains from 1964 ash pond combined into Outfall 101 (lat. 35.468,long.—
82.549); Following excavation of the 1964 ash basin, Outfall 101 flows will consist of
flows from existing toe drains, groundwater removed via underdrains installed in the
footprint of the 1964 ash basin and storm water runoff.
• Internal Outfall 001A.This Outfall will discharge to the secondary settling basin. It
contains cooling tower blowdown and HRSG blowdown.
• Internal Outfall 001C.This Outfall will discharge to the secondary settling basin. It
contains cooling tower blowdown and HRSG blowdown.
Page 2 of 18

Permit NC0000396
■ and
2. Discharge from said treatment works and/or outfalls at the locations specified on the attached
map into the French Broad River(via Outfall 001),UT to French Broad River(via Outfall
101)and Lake Julian(via Outfall 002)classified as B waters (French Broad River and UT to
French Broad River) and C waters (Lake Julian) in the French Broad River Basin.
Page 3 of 18

Permit NC0000396
Part I
A. (1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall
001-dewatering) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Outfall 001 (Ash Pond Treatment System, and Rim
Ditch). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored2 by the Permittee as specified below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Frequency Type Location'
Flow,MGD Weekly Instantaneous Effluent
Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Suspended Solids° 30.0 mg/L 50.0 mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
pH7 6.0<pH<9.0 Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Mercury3 47.0 ng/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Arsenic,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Selenium,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Beryllium,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Cadmium, µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Chlorides,mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Chromium, µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Copper,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Fluoride,mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Lead, µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Nickel,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Silver,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Zinc,µg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Bromides,mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Hardness—Total as[CaCO3],mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
TDS,mg/L Weekly Grab Effluent
Total Nitrogen(NO2+NO3+TKN), Monthly Effluent
mg/L Grab
Total Phosphorus,mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Chronic Toxicity' Monthly Grab Effluent
Turbidity',NTU Weekly Grab Effluent
Temperature,°C Monthly Grab Instream8
Notes:
1. Sample locations: Effluent.
2. Please see Special Condition A. (16.).
3. The facility shall use EPA test method 1631 E. The limit is an annual average limit based on a
calendar year.
4. Chronic Toxicity Limit(Ceriodaphnia dubia) at 1.8%; See Special Condition A. (8.).
5. The discharge from this facility shall not cause turbidity in the receiving stream to exceed 50
NTU. If the instream turbidity exceeds 50 NTU due to natural background conditions, the
discharge cannot cause turbidity to increase in the receiving stream. Therefore, if the effluent
measurement exceeds 50 NTU,the Permittee shall sample upstream and downstream
turbidity in the receiving waterbody,within 24 hours, to demonstrate the existing turbidity
Page 4 of 18

Permit NC0000396
level in the receiving waterbody was not increased. All data shall be reported on the DMRs.
(See 15A NCAC 2B .0211 (21)).
6. The facility shall continuously monitor TSS concentration and the dewatering pump shall be
shutoff automatically when one-half of the Daily Maximum limit (15 minutes average) is
exceeded. Pumping will be allowed to continue if interruption might result in a dam failure or
damage. The continuous TSS monitoring is only required when the pumps are employed for
dewatering.
7. The facility shall continuously monitor pH and the dewatering pump shall be shutoff
automatically when 15 minutes running average pH falls below 6.1 standard units or rises
above 8.9 standard units. Pumping will be allowed to continue if interruption might result in
a dam failure or damage. The continuous pH monitoring is only required when the pumps are
employed for dewatering.
8. The facility shall not exceed the instream water temperature of 29°C at the location
approximately 41 meters downstream of Outfall 001 and at the location approximately 8
meters from Outfall on the transect across the river. The facility shall not exceed 2.8 °C rise
above the background temperature, the difference will be determined between the upstream
location identified in the Special Condition A. (14.) and the downstream location 41 meters
downstream of Outfall 001.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
There shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds such as those
commonly used for transformer fluid.
If any one of these pollutants (As, Se, Hg, Ni, and Pb) reaches 85% of the allowable
monthly average effluent discharge concentration during dewatering,the facility shall
immediately discontinue discharge of the wastewater and report the event to the DWR
Asheville Regional Office and DWR Complex NPDES Permitting via telephone and e-mail.
The rate for lowering the liquid level in a coal ash pond shall not exceed one (1) foot per
day unless a higher rate is supported to the satisfaction of DEMLR and in accordance with
NCAC, Title 15A, Subchapter 2K.
By January 31, 2020 there shall be no discharge of pollutants in fly ash transport water.
This requirement only applies to fly ash transport water generated after January 31, 2020.
By January 31, 2020 there shall be no discharge of pollutants in bottom ash transport
water. This requirement only applies to bottom ash transport water generated after
January 31, 2020.
The facility shall treat the wastewater discharged from the ash pond using physical-
chemical treatment, if necessary, to assure state Water Quality Standards are not
contravened in the receiving stream. Duke Energy shall notify DWR Complex NPDES
Permitting and DWR Asheville Regional Office, in writing,within seven calendar days of
installing additional physical-chemical treatment at this Outfall.
Page 5of18

Permit NC0000396
A. (2.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall
002) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Outfall 002 (Evaporator System Discharge). Such
discharges shall be limited and monitored2 by the Permittee as specified below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Maximum Measurement Sample Sample
Average Frequency Type Location'
Flow,MGD Monthly Pump Logs Effluent
Total Chromium,µg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Total Copper,µg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Temperature 44.4°C Monthly Recorder Effluent
pH 6.0<pH<9.0 Weekly Grab Effluent
Notes:
1. Sample locations: Effluent.
2. Please see Special Condition A. (16.).
The mixing zone has been defined as all of Lake Julian.
Based upon studies conducted by the permittee and submitted to the Division, it has been
determined pursuant to Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act that the thermal component of the
discharge assures the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of
shellfish, fish and wildlife in the receiving water body.
There shall be no chromium,zinc, or copper added to the discharge except as pre-approved
additives to biocidal compounds.
There shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds such as those commonly
used for transformer fluid. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other
than trace amounts.
Page 6 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (3.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall
004) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Internal Outfall 004 (Chemical Metal Cleaning
Treatment System). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored2 by the Permittee as
specified below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Frequency Type Location'
Flow,MGD Per discharge event Instantaneous Effluent
Total Copper 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Per discharge event Grab Effluent
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L 1.0 mg/L Per discharge event Grab Effluent
Notes:
1. Sample locations: Effluent, prior to mixing with any other waste stream.
2. Please see Special Condition A. (16.).
The chemical metal cleaning waste shall be discharged after pretreatment.
There shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds such as those commonly
used for transformer fluid. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other
than trace amounts.
This Outfall shall discontinue discharge on 02/01/2020.
Page 7 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (4.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall
005) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Internal Outfall 005 (treated FGD wet scrubber
wastewater). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored3 by the Permittee as specified
below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Frequency Type Location'
Flow,MGD Monthly Instantaneous Effluent
Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Total Mercury',ng/L 356.0 ng/L4 788.0 ng/L4 Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Arsenic 8.0 L4 11.0 L4 QuarterlyGrab Effluent
µS/ µ�
Total Selenium 12.0 µg/L4 23.0 µg/L4 Quarterly Grab Effluent
Nitrate/nitrite as N 4.4 mg/L4 17.0 mg/L4 Quarterly Grab Effluent
Notes:
1. Sample locations: Effluent from the physical-chemical treatment system.
2. The facility shall use EPA method 1631 E.
3. Please see Special Condition A. (16.).
4. In accord with the Steam Electric Effluent Limitations Guidelines for FGD wastewater(40
C.F.R. 423),these limits shall become effective on January 31, 2020. This permit may be
reopened and modified if changes are made to 40 CFR 423.
The facility can also discharge the FGD wastewater to the Buncombe County MSD.
This Outfall shall discontinue discharge on 02/01/2020.
Page 8 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (5.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall 101)
[15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Outfall 101 —Toe Drain effluent(1964 pond 3 toe
drains). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Frequency2 Type Location
Flow,MGD Monthly/Quarterly Estimate Effluent
pH 6.0<pH<9.0 Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
TSS 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Fluoride,mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Mercury3,ng/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Barium,mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Zinc 125.7 µg/L 125.7 µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Arsenic, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Boron, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Cadmium, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Chromium, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Copper, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Thallium, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Lead, µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Nickel 25.0 µg/L 335.2 µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Selenium 5.0 µg/L 56.0 µg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Nitrate/nitrite as N,mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Sulfates,mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Chlorides 230.0 mg/L 230.0 mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Bromides Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Hardness—Total as [CaCO3], Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
mg/L
TDS,mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Total Hardness,mg/L Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Temperature,°C Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Conductivity, µmho/cm Monthly/Quarterly Grab Effluent
Notes:
1. Please See Special Condition A. (16.).
2. The facility shall conduct monthly sampling from the effective date of the permit. After one
year from the effective date of the permit the monitoring will be reduced to quarterly.
3. The facility shall use EPA method 1631E.
If no discharge occurs during the reporting period or the Permittee is unable to obtain a
representative sample due to low-flow conditions at the seep, the Permittee shall submit its
DMR, as required, and indicate "No Flow" for the seep (15A NCAC 02B .0506(a)(1)(E)).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 9 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (6.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall
OO1A) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Internal Outfall OO1A (cooling tower blowdown and
HRSG blowdown). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as
specified below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Frequency Type Location
Flow,MGD Monthly Estimate Effluent
Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Notes:
1. Please see Special Condition A. (16.).
A. (7.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (Outfall
OO1C) [15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 02B .0500 et seq.]
During the period beginning on the effective date of this permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge from Internal Outfall OO1C (cooling tower blowdown and
HRSG blowdown). Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as
specified below:
PARAMETER LIMITS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Average Maximum Frequency Type Location
Flow,MGD Monthly Estimate Effluent
Total Suspended Solids 30.0 mg/L 100.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Oil and Grease 15.0 mg/L 20.0 mg/L Monthly Grab Effluent
Notes:
1. Please see Special Condition A. (16.).
Page 10 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (8.)CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (Outfall 001)
[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 1.8 %.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, monthly 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. Effluent sampling
for this testing must be obtained during representative effluent discharge and 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 month 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 on the Effluent
Discharge Monitoring Form(MR-1) 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, [e-mail]
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 of the effluent toxicity sample must be
measured and reported if chlorine is employed 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
Page 11 of 18

Permit NC0000396
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.
A. (9.) CLEAN WATER ACT SECTION 316(a)THERMAL VARIANCE
[40 CFR 125, Subpart H]
The thermal variance granted under Section 316(a)terminates on expiration of this NPDES
permit. Should the permittee wish a continuation of its 316(a)thermal variance beyond the term
of this permit,reapplication for such continuation shall be submitted in accordance with 40 CFR
Part 125, Subpart H and Section 122.21(m)(6)not later than 180 days prior to permit expiration.
Reapplication shall include a basis for continuation such as a)plant operating conditions and
load factors are unchanged and are expected to remain so for the term of the reissued permit; b)
there are no changes to plant discharges or other discharges in the plant site area which could
interact with the thermal discharges; and c)there are no changes to the biotic community of the
receiving water body which would impact the previous variance determination.
The next 316(a) studies shall be performed in accordance with the Division of Water Resources
approved plan. The temperature analysis and the balanced and indigenous study plan shall
conform to the specifications outlined in 40 CFR 125 Subpart H, the EPA's Draft 316(a)
Guidance Manual, dated 1977, and the Region 4 letter to NCDENR, dated June 3, 2010. EPA
shall be provided an opportunity to review the plan prior to the commencement of the study.
Copies of all the study plans, study results, and any other applicable materials should be
submitted to:
1) Electronic Version Only(pdf and CD)
Division of Water Resources
WQ Permitting Section-NPDES
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1617
2) Electronic Version(pdf and CD) and Hard Copy
Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1621
Page 12 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (10.) CLEAN WATER ACT SECTION 316(b)
[40 CFR 125.95]
The permittee shall comply with the Cooling Water Intake Structure Rule per 40 CFR
125.95. Pursuant to the Rule and after review of the required submitted information, the Director
has determined that operating and maintaining the new closed-cycle recirculating system meets
the impingement and entrainment requirements for BTA.
Nothing in this permit authorizes take for the purposes of a facility's compliance with the
Endangered Species Act.
A. (11.) STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY INSPECTIONS OF ASH POND DAM
[15A NCAC 02K.0208]
The facility shall meet the dam design and dam safety requirements per 15A NCAC 2K.
A. (12.) INSTREAM MONITORING (Outfall 001)
[15A NCAC 02B.0500 ET SEQ.]
The facility shall conduct monthly in-stream monitoring (-5,500 ft. upstream (approximately
35.4552, -82.5470 decimal degrees) and-2,900 ft. downstream(approximately 35.5014, -82.5927
decimal degrees) of the Outfall 001) for total arsenic, total selenium, total mercury, total
chromium, dissolved lead, dissolved cadmium, dissolved copper, dissolved zinc, total bromide,
total hardness (as CaCO3), temperature, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The
monitoring results shall be reported on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Reports and included
with the NPDES permit renewal application.
A. (13.) APPLICABLE STATE LAW (State Enforceable Only)
[NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
This facility shall meet the General Statute requirements under NCGS § 130A-309.200 et seq.
Thispermit maybe reopened to include new requirements imposed under these Statutes.
P q P
A. (14.) TOXICITY RE-OPENER CONDITION
[NCGS 143-215.1(b)]
This permit shall be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate toxicity limitations and
monitoring requirements in the event toxicity testing or other studies conducted on the effluent or
receiving stream indicate that detrimental effects may be expected in the receiving stream as a
result of this discharge.
Page 13 of 18

Permit NC0000396
A. (15.) FISH TISSUE MONITORING NEAR ASH POND DISCHARGE (Outfall 001)
[NCGS 143-215.3 (a) (2)]
The facility shall conduct fish tissue monitoring annually and submit the results with the NPDES
permit renewal application. The objective of this monitoring is to evaluate potential uptake of
pollutants by fish tissue near the ash pond discharge. The parameters analyzed in fish tissue shall
include arsenic, selenium,and mercury.The monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the
sampling plan approved by the Division. The plan should be submitted to the Division within 180
days from the effective date of the permit. Upon approval, the plan becomes an enforceable part
of the permit.
Copies of all the study plans, study results, and any other applicable materials should be
submitted to:
1) Electronic Version Only(pdf and CD)
Division of Water Resources
WQ Permitting Section-NPDES
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1617
2) Electronic Version(pdf and CD) and Hard Copy
Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1621
A. (16.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING OF DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORTS
[G.S. 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 21, 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
1. Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)1
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 electronically using eDMR. The eDMR system allows permitted
Page 14 of 18

Permit NC0000396
facilities to enter monitoring data and submit DMRs electronically using the internet. Until
such time that the state's eDMR application is compliant with EPA's Cross-Media Electronic
Reporting Regulation(CROMERR), permittees will be required to submit all discharge
monitoring data to the state electronically using eDMR and will be required to complete the
eDMR submission by printing, signing, and submitting one signed original and a copy of the
computer printed eDMR to the following address:
NC DENR/Division of Water Resources/Water Quality Permitting Section
ATTENTION: Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
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, or alternative forms approved bythe Director. Duplicate
3) pp p
signed copies shall be submitted to the mailing address above. 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.
Starting on December 21,2020, 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
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NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule is found at: http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/final-
national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-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. Siviatory Requirements [Supplements Section B. (11.) (b) and Supersedes Section B.
(11.) (d)1
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
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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 of fines 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].
A. (17.)ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AND DEFINITIONS
[NCGS 143-215.3 (a) (2) and NCGS 143-215.66]
1. EPA methods 200.7 or 200.8 (or the most current versions) shall be used for analyses of
all metals except for total mercury(EPA Method 1631 E).
2. All effluent samples for all external outfalls shall be taken at the most accessible location
after the final treatment but prior to discharge to waters of the U.S. (40 CFR 122.41(j)).
3. The term low volume waste sources mean wastewater from all sources except those for
which specific limitations are otherwise established in this part(40 CFR 423.11 (b)).
4. The term chemical metal cleaning waste means any wastewater resulting from cleaning
any metal process equipment with chemical compounds, including,but not limited to,
boiler tube cleaning(40 CFR 423.11 (c)).
5. The term metal cleaning waste means any wastewater resulting from cleaning [with or
without chemical cleaning compounds] any metal process equipment including,but not
limited to,boiler tube cleaning,boiler fireside cleaning, and air preheater cleaning(40
CFR 423.11 (d)).
6. For all outfalls where the flow measurement is to be"estimated"the estimate can be done
by using calibrated V-notch weir, stop-watch and graduated cylinder, or other method
approved by the Division.
7. The term "FGD wet scrubber wastewater" means wastewater resulting from the use of the
flue-gas desulfurization wet scrubber.
8. There shall be no discharge of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds.
9. The permittee shall report the presence of cenospheres observed in any samples on the
DMRs in the comment section.
10.Nothing contained in this permit shall be construed as a waiver by the permittee of any
right to a hearing it may have pursuant to State or Federal laws and regulations.
A. (18.) BIOCIDE CONDITION
[NCGS 143-215.1]
The permittee shall not use any biocides except those approved in conjunction with the permit
application. The permittee shall notify the Director in writing not later than ninety(90)days prior
to instituting use of any additional biocide used in cooling systems which may be toxic to aquatic
life other than those previously reported to the Division of Water Resources. Such notification
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shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 and a map locating the discharge point
and receiving stream. Completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 is not necessary for those
outfalls containing toxicity testing. Division approval is not necessary for the introduction of new
biocides into outfalls currently tested for whole effluent toxicity.
A. (19.) COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY
[15A NCAC 02L.0107]
The compliance boundary for the disposal system shall be specified in accordance with 15A
NCAC 02L .0107(a) or(b) dependent upon the date permitted. An exceedance of groundwater
standards at or beyond the compliance boundary is subject to remediation action according to
15A NCAC 02L .0106(c), (d), or(e) as well as enforcement actions in accordance with North
Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A through 143-215.6C. The compliance boundary map for
this facility is incorporated herein and attached hereto as Attachment A.
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