NC0020401_Draft Permit_20260202

JOSH STEIN
D, READ WI LSON
RICHARD €_ ROGER5. JR-
A'rvaw
Mr. Robert Pelzel, Plant Superintendent
City of Hickory
PO Box 398
Hickory, North Carolina 28603
Dear Mr. Pelzel:
NORTH CAROLINA
EnOronmerrral Quafify
February 3, 2026
Subject: Draft NPDES Permit Renewal
Permit NCO020401
Northeast WWTP
Catawba County
Grade IV Biological WPCS
SIC Code 4952
Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the Draft NPDES permit renewal for your facility. Please
review this draft carefully to ensure thorough understanding of the requirements and conditions it
contains. There are several changes from the existing permit, including the following:
• For calculation of TN, monthly effluent monitoring for TKN and NO2 + NO3 has been
added to the permit [See A.(1)].
• As the Division is currently undergoing the process to transition from fecal coliform to E.
coli limits in NPDES permits for dischargers in Class B waterbodies, effluent monitoring for
E. coli has been added to the permit [See A.(1)].
• Instream monitoring requirements have been combined into the table provided in Section
A.(1.) Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements (6.0 MGD).
• Based on the reasonable potential analysis (RPA) showing no reasonable potential to
violate state water quality standards, the monitoring requirement for zinc, copper and bis (2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate has been removed from the permit [See A.(1)].
• Based on the reasonable potential analysis (RPA) predicting maximum effluent total
cyanide and bromodichloromethane concentrations that are greater than half of the respective
allowable discharge concentrations based on state water quality standards, quarterly
monitoring for total cyanide and bromodichloromethane has been added to the permit [See
A.(1)].
• To assess industrial contributions of PFAS chemicals to the Northeast WWTP and assess
levels in the facility effluent, Special Condition A.(5.) has been added to the permit.
• Some of the wording has changed in Special Condition A.(2.), Chronic Toxicity Permit
Limit, please review each paragraph carefully.
• Special Condition A.(3.) has been modified to include the specific three years in which the
Effluent Pollutant Scan shall be performed (2028, 2029, and 2030). In addition, at the end of
the Special Condition, 2nd species Toxicity Testing Requirements for municipal permit
renewals per Federal Regulations [40 CFR 122.210)(5)] have been added.
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA
o.�,ro..mme.wro..e.w n..iZ� 919.707.9000

• 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,
2028.
The NPDES standard conditions (Parts II, III, and IV) that are a part of the permit are not included
in this draft document (cover, map, and Part I). The conditions 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 Catawba 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 call me at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
DOCUSigned by:
7900A4FBFCA14FD...
Nick Coco, PE
NPDES Municipal Permitting Unit
Hardcopy: NPDES Files
eCopy: US EPA Region 4
DWR/Mooresville Regional Office/Water Quality/Andrew Pitner
DWR/Operator Certification Program/Jeff Talbot & Renee V. Thompson
DWR/Aquatic Toxicology Branch/Cindy Moore & Molly Nicholson
DWR/Municipal Permitting Unit/Keyes McGee & Natalie Gorensek
DWR/Public Water Supply /Clinton Cook
City of Hickory/David Cox
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA
oeo+ro�.mme�wro���w n..iZ r 919.707.9000

Permit NCO020401
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
N( PDES)
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 Hickory
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Northeast WWTP
310 Cloninger Mill Road
Hickory
Catawba County
to receiving waters designated as the Catawba River (Lake Hickory) in the Catawba River Basin in
accordance with the effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other applicable conditions set
forth in Parts I, II, III, and IV hereof.
This permit shall become effective............ Month xx, 20xx.
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on Month xx, 2031.
Signed this day Month xx, 20xx.
DRAFT
Karen Preston, Municipal Permitting Unit Supervisor
Division of Water Resources
Page 1 of 16

Permit NCO020401
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 effective date, 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 Hickory
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate and maintain the Northeast WWTP, an existing 6.0 MGD facility consisting of the
following components:
• Influent Sampler
• Parshall Flume
• Dual Influent Bar Screen
• Influent Lift Station
• Vortex Grit Removal System
• Four Anaerobic Basins
• Two Anoxic Basins
• Two Oxidation Ditches
• Three Circular Secondary Clarifiers
• Chlorine Contact Chamber
• Dechlorination
• Post Aeration
• Two Gravity Belt Thickeners
• Five Sludge Holding Tanks
• Effluent Sampler
2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map via Outfall 001 into
the Catawba River (Lake Hickory), classified WS-V;B waters in the Catawba River Basin and
03050101 HUC.
Page 2 of 16

Permit NCO020401
PART I
A.(1.) EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS [6.0 MGD]
[15A NCAC 02B .0400 et seq., 15A NCACO2B .0500 et seq.]
Grade IV Biological Water Pollution Control System [15A NCAC 08G .0302]
(a.) During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until permit expiration,
the Permittee is authorized to discharge treated municipal and industrial wastewater from Outfall
001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored' by the Permittee as specified below:
PARAMETER
Parameter Code
EFFLUENT LIMITS
MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
Monthly
Average
Weekly
Average
Daily
Maximum
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type
Sample
Location'
Flow 50050
6.0 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
BOD, 5 day, 20°C 3 C0310
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
2/week 4
Composite
I and E
Total Suspended Solids3 C0530
30.0 mg/L
45.0 mg/L
2/week 4
Composite
I and E
NH3 as N C0610
6.0 mg/L
18.0 mg/L
2/week 4
Composite
E
Fecal Coliform 31616
(geometric mean)
200/100 mL
400/100 mL
2/week4
Grab
E
E. coli (MPN)5 51040
Monitor and Report
Variables
Grab
E
Dissolved Oxygen 00300
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
PH 00400
Between 6.0 and 9.0 Standard Units
Daily
Grab
E
Temperature (°C) 00010
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
Total Residual Chlorine 6 50060
1
1 28 µg/L
Daily
Grab
E
Conductivity (µmhos/cm) 00094
Monitor and Report
Daily
Grab
E
TKN (mg/L) 00625
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
NO3-N + NO2-N (mg/L) 00630
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
Total Nitrogen, (mg/L) C0600
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Calculated
E
Total Phosphorus (mg/L) C0665
Monitor and Report
Monthly
Composite
E
Total Cyanide' (µg/L) 01257
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Grab
E
Bromodichloromethane (µg/L) 32101
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Grab
E
PFAS (ng/L) variable
Footnote 9
Footnote 9
Grab
E
Chronic Toxicity 10 TGP3B
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Effluent Pollutant Scan 11 NCO]
Monitor and Report
Footnote 11
Footnote 11
E
Hardness12 -Total as CaCO3 (mg/L) 00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Composite
E
Hardness12 -Total as CaCO3 (mg/L) 00900
Monitor and Report
Quarterly
Grab
U
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 00300
Monitor and Report
Variable'
Grab
U and D
Temperature °C 00010
Monitor and Report
Variable'
Grab
U and D
Conductivity (µmhos/cm) 00094
Monitor and Report
Variable'
Grab
U and D
Footnotes:
1. The permittee shall submit Discharge Monitoring Reports electronically using NC DWR's eDMR application
system. See Special Condition A.(6.).
Footnotes continue on the next page.
Page 3 of 16

Permit NC0020401
Footnotes continued from A.(1.) Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements:
2. Sample locations I -Influent, E-Effluent, U-Upstream = at NC Hwy 127 bridge, D-Downstream = one mile
downstream of the outfall. Upstream and downstream samples shall be grab samples collected 3/week during
June, July, August, and September and 1/week during the remainder of the year.
3. The monthly average effluent BOD5 and Total Suspended Solids concentrations shall not exceed 15% of the
respective influent value (85% removal).
4. Twice per week sampling must occur on any two non-consecutive days during the calendar week.
5. E. coli monitoring shall be conducted daily during April, May, June, July, and August and 2/week during the
remainder of the year. E. coli shall be measured using either Method IDEXX Colilert® or IDEXX Colilert8-18.
6. The facility shall monitor TRC when using chlorination for disinfection. The Division shall consider all effluent
total residual chlorine values reported below 50 µg/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 µg/l.
7. For a given wastewater sample, TN = TKN + NO3-N + NO2-N, where TN is Total Nitrogen, TKN is Total Kj eldahl
Nitrogen, and NO3-N and NO2-N are Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen, respectively.
8. Due to difficulties quantifying cyanide in a wastewater matrix, the Division shall consider all values reported
below 10 µg/L to be "compliant" with the permit. However, the Permittee shall submit to DWR all
values reported by a North Carolina -certified test method (even if values fall below 10 µg/L), and the Permittee
shall consider all reported values when calculating averages, if any, as required under the permit.
9. See Special Condition A.(5.).
10. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia dubia) P/F at 13% with testing in January, April, July and October. See Special
Condition A.(2.).
It. The permittee shall perform three effluent pollution scans during the term of this permit. See Special Condition
A.(3.).
12. The permittee shall sample instream hardness upstream of the facility's discharge. The sample shall be
representative of the hardness in the stream. Effluent hardness shall be performed in conjunction with testing for
hardness dependent metals.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
Page 4 of 16

Permit NCO020401
A.(2.) CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY)
[ 15A NCAC 02B .0200] [15A NCAC 02B .0500 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 13%.
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
January, April, July and October. These months signify the first month of each three-month toxicity
testing quarter assigned to the facility. 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 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
TGP313 for the pass/fail results and THP311 for the Chronic Value. Additionally, DWR Form AT-3
(original) is to be sent to the following address:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Water Sciences Section/Aquatic Toxicology Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 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 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.
Page 5 of 16

Permit NC0020401
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 6 of 16

Permit NCO020401
A.(3.) ADDITIONAL MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMIT RENEWAL
[G.S. 143-215.1(b)]
(a.) Effluent Pollutant Scans.
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: 2028,
2029, and 2030. Analytical
methods shall 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. Each annual sample shall coincide with one quarterly toxicity test
each year (see Condition A.(2.)
(CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT
LIMIT (QUARTERLY))), and
each must be collected in a
different calendar quarter to 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-1,2-dichloroethylene
34546
Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether
Chlorine (total residual, TRC)
50060
1,1-dichloroethylene
34501
Bis (2-chloroisopropyl) ether
Dissolved oxygen
00300
1,2-dichloropropane
C0541
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Nitrate / Nitrite
00630
1,3-dichloropropylene
77163
4-bromophenyl phenyl ether
Kjeldahl nitrogen
00625
Ethylbenzene
34371
Butyl benzyl phthalate
Oil and grease
00556
Methyl bromide
34413
2-chloronaphthalene
Phosphorus
C0665
Methyl chloride
34418
4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether
Total dissolved solids
70295
Methylene chloride
34423
Chrysene
Hardness
00900
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
81549
Di-n-butyl phthalate
Antimony
01097
Tetrachloroethylene
34475
Di-n-octyl phthalate
Arsenic
01002
Toluene
34010
Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene
Beryllium
01012
1,1, 1 -trichloroethane
34506
1,2-dichlorobenzene
Cadmium
01027
1,1,2-trichloroethane
34511
1,3-dichlorobenzene
Chromium
C0034
Trichloroethylene
39180
1,4-dichlorobenzene
Copper
01042
Vinyl chloride
39175
3,3-dichlorobenzidine
Lead
01051
Acid -extractable compounds:
Diethyl phthalate
Mercury (Method 1631E)
COMER
P-chloro-m-cresol
34452
Dimethyl phthalate
Nickel
01067
2-chlorophenol
34586
2,4-dinitrotoluene
Selenium
01147
2,4-dichlorophenol
34601
2,6-dinitrotoluene
Silver
01077
2,4-dimethylphenol
34606
1,2-diphenylhydrazine
Thallium
01059
4,6-dinitro-o-cresol
34657
Fluoranthene
Zinc
01092
2,4-dinitrophenol
34616
Fluorene
Cyanide
00720
2-nitrophenol
34591
Hexachlorobenzene
Total phenolic compounds
32730
4-nitrophenol
34646
Hexachlorobutadiene
Volatile organic compounds:
Pentachlorophenol
39032
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
Acrolein
34210
Phenol
34694
Hexachloroethane
Acrylonitrile
34215
2,4,6-trichlorophenol
34621
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
Benzene
34030
Base -neutral compounds:
Isophorone
Bromoform
32104
Acenaphthene
34205
Naphthalene
Carbon tetrachloride
32102
Acenaphthylene
34200
Nitrobenzene
Chlorobenzene
34301
Anthracene
CO220
N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
Chlorodibromomethane
34306
Benzidine
39120
N-nitrosodimethylamine
Chloroethane
85811
Benzo(a)anthracene
C0526
N-nitrosodiphenylamine
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
34576
Benzo(a)pyrene
34247
Phenanthrene
Chloroform
32106
3,4 benzofluoranthene
34230
Pyrene
Dichlorobromomethane
32101
Benzo(ghi)perylene
34521
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
1, 1 -dichloroethane
34496
Benzo(k)fluoranthene
34242
1,2-dichloroethane
32103
Bis (2-chloroethoxy) methane
34278
Page 7 of 16
34273
34283
C0100
34636
34292
34581
34641
34320
39110
34596
34556
34536
34566
34571
34631
34336
34341
34611
C0626
34346
C0376
34381
C0700
C0702
34386
34396
34403
34408
34696
34447
34428
34438
34433
34461
34469
C0551

Permit NC0020401
(b.) Effluent Scan Reporting. Test results shall be reported electronically via eDMR by December
31 st of each designated sampling year, except that, subject to prior written approval by the Director,
results can be reported on DWR Form DMR-PPA-1 or other form approved by the Director. The
permittee must at least report completion of the test in the eDMR system by entering "1" or "Y" for
parameter code NCO 1 - Annual Pollutant Scan. If written reports are approved, the report shall be
submitted to the following address:
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Central Files
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Or the form may be uploaded at: https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Fonns/NPDES_WW-EDMR-
Supplemental-Form
(c.) 2nd-Species Toxicity Testing and Reporting.
(i.) In addition to the quarterly toxicity tests required in Condition A.(2.) (CHRONIC TOXICITY
PERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY)), the Permittee shall perform and report the results of four
(4) toxicity tests using the same test methods using a second species of test organism suitable
to the tests being conducted.
(ii.) The 2nd species toxicity tests shall be conducted either:
(A) Once per quarter in a single 12-month period (four samples); if this option is chosen,
the sample for each 2nd species test shall coincide with the quarterly samples collected
for (CHRONIC TOXICITYPERMIT LIMIT (QUARTERLY)); or
(B) Once per 12-month period in the four -and one-half year period prior to the scheduled
application for permit renewal (four samples); if this option is chosen, three of the
samples for the 2nd species test shall coincide with those for the annual effluent scans
and the coincident quarterly toxicity test, and each of the four annual samples shall be
collected in a different calendar quarter in order to represent seasonal variation.
(iii.) The results of the toxicity tests shall be submitted to 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, [e-mail].
(iv.) Results of the 2nd species tests shall also be summarized in Part E (Toxicity Testing Data) of
EPA Municipal Application Form 2A when submitting the permit renewal application to the
NPDES Wastewater Program.
The Permittee may contact the Division's Aquatic Toxicology Branch at 919-743-8401 for
guidance on conducting the additional toxicity tests and reporting of the results.
Page 8 of 16

Permit NCO020401
A.(4.) MERCURY MINIMIZATION PLAN (MMP)
[G.S. 143-215.1 (b)]
The Permittee shall maintain and continue to implement the Mercury Minimization Plan (MMP)
developed in the previous permit term. The MMP shall continue to be available for inspection on -site.
The MMP should place emphasis on identification of mercury contributors and goals for reduction.
Results shall be summarized and submitted with the next permit renewal. Performance of the MMP will
meet the requirements of the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) for mercury approved by USEPA on
October 12, 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.(5.) PFAS MONITORING REQUIREMENT AND PRETREATMENT
[G.S. 143-215.1 (b)]
(a.) In the absence of an approved 40 CFR Part 136 method published in Federal Register, influent and
effluent PFAS monitoring shall be conducted. The 3rd draft or more recent wastewater analytical
method 1633 (see 40 CFR 122.2 1 (e)(3)(ii) and 40 CFR 122.44(i)(1)(iv)(B)), including EPA -approved
revisions, shall be used and shall include all target analytes listed under Table 1 of the method until
such time as the Permittee uses the approved PFAS Method for wastewater. Effective the first full
calendar quarter following six (6) months after EPA publishes a 40 CFR Part 136 PFAS Method for
wastewater in the Federal Register, influent and effluent PFAS monitoring shall be conducted using
the approved EPA PFAS Method 1633, Revision A (1633A). See Appendix A for list of analytes.
(b.) Influent and effluent monitoring using the draft analytical method takes effect the first full
calendar quarter following six (6) months after the effective date of the permit (Month xx, 2025)
and will be at a quarterly frequency thereafter.
Appendix A has been added to the permit to identify the current analytes listed under Table 1 of
Method 1633A Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid,
Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC-MS/MS (EPA, December 2024) and the appropriate ICIS
codes for use when reporting in the electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMRs). The
method and list of analytes may also be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-12/method-I 633 a-december-5-2024-508-
compliant.pdf
PFAS Monitoring using the Draft Method or January 2024 Method 1633 (or 1633A) shall be reported
quarterly using the Division -provided submittal form and shall be submitted to the email,
[e-mail]. The Division -provided submittal form can be found at:
https://www.deq.nc. gov/water-resources/pfas-submittal-spreadsheet/
Once HAS monitoring is conducted using the PFAS Method 1633 in 40 CFR Part 136, data shall be
reported in the monthly eDMRs.
Please note that specific considerations and protocols are required to avoid cross -contamination and
minimize sample bias for PFAS. A current listing of laboratories accredited by the Perry Johnson
Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or the
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to perform EPA Method 1633/1633A
can be found by contacting the individual associations. Please note that different labs are accredited
for different matrices.
Sampling and Analytical Notes:
• Sampling shall be planned so that required holding times for analytical methods are met.
• Using one of the analytical laboratories included above will allow consistency in analytical
method and in anticipation of a final method.
Page 9 of 16

Permit NC0020401
• "J" flag values shall be reported when the "J" flag value is associated with the method's upper
bound. "J" flag values need not be reported when less than the method's Minimum Reporting Level
(listed in Method 1633/1633A).
• Laboratories approved for Aqueous matrix may be utilized. Please note that the lab used does not
have to be in North Carolina.
(c) Pretreatment program activities:
(i.) PFAS Monitoring Applicability: Industry categories known or suspected to discharge PFAS
from the EPA PFAS Strategic Roadmap include: organic chemicals, plastics & synthetic fibers
(OCPSF); metal finishing; electroplating; electric and electronic components; landfills; pulp,
paper & paperboard; leather tanning & finishing; plastics molding & forming; textile mills;
paint formulating, and airports. This is not an exhaustive list and additional industries may also
discharge PFAS. For example, Centralized Waste Treatment (CWT) facilities may receive
wastes from the aforementioned industries and should be considered for monitoring. There may
also be categories of dischargers that do not meet the applicability criteria of any existing
Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG); for instance, remediation sites, chemical manufacturing
not covered by OCPSF, and military bases.'
' ELG categories of airport deicing, landfills, textile mills, and plastics molding and forming do not
have categorical pretreatment standards, and therefore small -volume indirect dischargers in those
categories would not ordinarily be considered Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) and may not be
captured on an existing IU inventory. IUs under the Paint Formulating category are only subject to
Pretreatment Standards for New Sources (PSNS), and existing sources may need to be inventoried.
(ii.) The Permittee shall identify and locate each Significant Industrial User (SIU) in the approved
pretreatment program in industry categories expected or suspected of PFAS discharges to the
Northeast WWTP; and begin sampling of and modify Industrial User Permits (IUPs) for each
SILT identified as suspected of PFAS discharges to the Northeast WWTP to ensure sampling
begins within six months of the permit effective date, by Month xx, 2025.
(iii.) Update Industrial Waste Survey (IWS) Inventory: POTWs must identify and locate all possible
indirect dischargers that might be subject to the pretreatment program and identify the character
and volume of pollutants contributed to the POTW by the indirect dischargers (see 40 CFR
403.8(f)(2)). As EPA regulations require, this information shall be provided to the Division
(see 40 CFR 122.440) and 40 CFR 403.8(f)(6)) as part of the 2025 Pretreatment Annual
Report (PAR). The IWS inventory shall be revised, as necessary, to include all indirect
dischargers in industry categories expected or suspected of PFAS discharges.' (see 15A NCAC
02H .0906(b)(2)).
(iv.) The Permittee shall begin sampling of and/or issue IUPs for each indirect discharger identified
as suspected of PFAS discharges to the Northeast WWTP to ensure sampling begins within
six months of completion of the IWS.
(v.) The Division has determined that all SIUs and indirect dischargers identified above analyze
their discharge for PFAS at the same quarterly sampling frequency and with the same
analytical method to ensure protection of human health and the environment due to the
potential health hazards associated with PFAS. Collection and evaluation of this information
will also assist the Department in developing sound policies with respect to PFAS in the
environment.
(vi.) The Permittee shall ensure that IUPs within the Northeast WWTP service area are modified or
reissued, new IUPs are issued, and other Pretreatment Program mechanisms are completed to
address PFAS discharges to POTWs.
(vii.) In the absence of local limits, and based upon data as they become available, POTWs shall
encourage Best Management Practices (BMPs), pollution prevention, product substitution, and
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Permit NCO020401
good housekeeping practices to make meaningful reductions in PFAS introduced to POTWs.
Such BMPs could be like those included in the EPA Office of Water, December 5, 2022,
"Addressing PFAS Discharges in NPDES Permits and Through the Pretreatment Program and
Monitoring Programs." A3. "Best Management Practices (BMPs) for discharges of PFAS,
including product substitution, reduction, or elimination of PFAS, as detected by draft method
1633".
(viii.) A summary of all actions taken by the Permittee and their industries and monitoring conducted
by each indirect discharger identified as part of this Special Condition shall be provided as part
of the PAR (see 15A NCAC 02H .0908(b)).
A.(6.) ELECTRONIC REPORTING - 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.)
• Section D. (6.)
• Section E. (5.)
Reporting
Records Retention
Monitoring Reports
1. Reporting Requirements [Supersedes Section D. (2.) and Section E. (5.) (a)I
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 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.
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Permit NC0020401
Monitoring results obtained during the previous month(s) shall be summarized for each month and
reported via the eDMR system no later than the last calendar day of the month following the
completed reporting period. 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, 2028, the permittee must electronically report the following compliance
monitoring data and reports, when applicable:
Sewer Overflow/Bypass Event Reports; and
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: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/10/22/2015-
24954/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
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Permit NC0020401
4. Signatory 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 cert�, 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 of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations. "
5. Records Retention [Supplements Section D. (6.)]
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].
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Permit NCO020401
f ,1 zr n — _, 1 eC eh '
j ,Il/ �� ✓ �i,� ,� �� / 2�u
J r_/
,A
v -r I
I
�.sTAwri,e t'U ___1. A K1:—
Outfall G
Northeast
WWTp
Facility Information
Facility
Latitude: 35° 47' S4" Sub -Basin: 03-08-32
Longitude: 81, 18' 00" Stream Class: WS-IV & B
Quad H: D 13 SE (Bethlehem)
Location
Catawba County
North
City of Hickory - Northeast WWTP
NC0020401
Receiving Stream: Catawba River (Lake Hickory)
Permitted Flow: 6.0 MGD
Page 14 of 16

Permit NCO020401
Appendix A. PFAS Target Analytes EPA Method 1633A
(EPA, December 2024)
Target Analyte Name
Abbreviation
CAS Number
Parameter
Code
Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids
Perfluorobutanoic acid
PFBA
375-22-4
51522
Perfluoropentanoic acid
PFPeA
2706-90-3
51623
Perfluorohexanoic acid
PFHxA
307-24-4
51624
Perfluoroheptanoic acid
PFHpA
375-85-9
51625
Perfluorooctanoic acid
PFOA
335-67-1
51521
Perfluorononanoic acid
PFNA
375-95-1
51626
Perfluorodecanoic acid
PFDA
335-76-2
51627
Perfluoroundecanoic acid
PFUnA
2058-94-8
51628
Perfluorododecanoic acid
PFDoA
307-55-1
51629
Perfluorotridecanoic acid
PFTrDA
72629-94-8
51630
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid
PFTeDA
376-06-7
51531
Perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
PFBS
375-73-5
52602
Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid
PFPeS
2706-91-4
52610
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
PFHxS
355-46-4
52605
Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid
PFHpS
375-92-8
52604
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
PFOS
1763-23-1
52606
Perfluorononanesulfonic acid
PFNS
68259-12-1
52611
Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid
PFDS
335-77-3
52603
Perfluorododecanesulfonic acid
PFDoS
79780-39-5
52632
Fluorotelomer sulfonic acids
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid
4:2FTS
757124-72-4
52607
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
6:2FTS
27619-97-2
52608
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid
8:2FTS
39108-34-4
52609
Perfluorooctane sulfonamides
Perfluorooctanesulfonamide
PFOSA
754-91-6
51525
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide
NMeFOSA
31506-32-8
52641
N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide
NEtFOSA
4151-50-2
52642
Table continues on next page.
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Permit NCO020401
Table continued from Appendix A. PFAS Target Analytes EPA Method 1633A (EPA, December 2024).
Target Analyte Name
Abbreviation
CAS Number
Parameter
Code
Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acids
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
NMeFOSAA
2355-31-9
51644
N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
NEtFOSAA
2991-50-6
51643
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanols
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoethanol
NMeFOSE
24448-09-7
51642
N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoethanol
NetFOSE
1691-99-2
51641
Per- and Polyfluorother carboxylic acids
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid
HFPO-DA
13252-13-6
52612
4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid
ADONA
919005-14-4
52636
Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid
PFMPA
377-73-1
PF002
Perlfuoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid
PFMBA
863090-89-5
PF006
Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid
NFDHA
151772-58-6
52626
Ether sulfonic acids
9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-l-sulfonic acid
9C1-PF3ONS
756426-58-1
PF003
11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-l-sulfonic acid
11C1-PF3OUdS
763051-92-9
PF004
Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid
PFEESA
113507-82-7
52629
Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids
3-Perfluoropropyl propanoic acid
3:3FTCA
356-02-5
PF001
2H,2H,3H,3H-Perfluorooctanoic acid
5:3FTCA
914637-49-3
PF007
3-Perfluoroheptyl propanoic acid
7:3FTCA
812-70-4
PF005
Page 16 of 16