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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCS000442_OTHER_20050906STORMWATER DIVISION CODING SHEET M54 PERMITS PERMIT NO. DOCTIIPE ❑FINAL PERMIT ❑ ANNUAL REPORT ❑ AMICATION ❑ C MPLIANCE ` �YTHER DOC DATE ❑ � � U���� "" Z YYYYMMDD LEGAL ADVERTISING INVOICE No. 2 4 9 3 0 THE- ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM PUBLISHED BY ROCKY MOUNT PUBLISHING COMPANY ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804 July 26 2005. � O @�� V FNC` Division of, water Quality Sip 0 6 2aa5 '1 61 7 Mail Service Center.; DENR -WATER ZOMYry Raleigh, NC. 27699-1.617 Welands & Stormatwgwch Attn: Sarah Young' " AFIDAVIT OF' PUBLICATION ! ly swear that ,from m personal TOTAL INCHES O A UNT DUE $ Y. p e and from reference to the files of 1CKY'MOUNT ,TELEGRAM, a % .! ;.DESCRIPTION: sr printed and published at Rocky, :' PubliC Notice the COUNTY.. of Nash. STATE of .r ' 'olina' fldtllFtif;S►ly t referred to date(s) h ndasAilh'ZT[bed't6r me Pis, §?aU- '" PUBLISHED: • r July'26, 2005 fission EzpifE •! t. i newspaper of dine of publication of 'was qualified under G.S. r1-597 to ch tegal advertising.° r - #'.rPUSLiC O NORTH CAROLINA L ENVIRONMENTAL` MANAGEMENT.' ';F :• "COMMISSION ' y,1617MAIL-SERVICE4%i ' l°1f .CENTER-- RALEIGHA } , 4 NORTH'CAROLINA "7tie town'liif N''anshvllla has } eppliod:,efor�.n an,i•NPPES- "Phase'll';Stormwatar„Per 3 �imit to.dlscharga`stormwa , tar,x from,'their, "'municipal separate'storm"sawar. YS!, lam NM541,located 'within, the Town of. Nashville iuris=,; ,...Y Xdictionallarea;,Nash Coun ty ,' to., recaiving`;waters,` - Stoney Croak and unnamed' fributarlas,',Sapony,: Creak Tributary; and Gust Branch of tSapony Creek,twilhin the Tar-Pamllc_o River.BasinA_-, ;- All'comments and requests, 'should'rafarence dralt'parr; m1t"' numbeQ ,NCS0004$5." . ico�riments',.=;mvstr•,?abe� , i trecaivad no, -later, thae; Sap-., 'tembar 7;+_2005', Copies of; '.thee draft. permit, are-avall I I: +alb,la at" http / h2o enr.state ne us/su/c ! ' phaso2 draft pormlts:htm or .j 1by contacting; t •!,: >`�,a. 'Mika Randall" .;'";: C NC Division of Water' '---'.`•: { '•-'1' �•' ,uaiity f a I 1611-Mall SafYlc! Canter Raleigh, NC 71699 Teleilyphone Nu17s-soar;mber: •' . !" -W • LMlkeramtallancmall;net,'•r ! imap://kcn.picklc%40dwq.denr.ncmaiI.net @cros.nemail.nei:143/fete... Subject: Stormwater Permits From: "Amy Pickle" <apickle@selcnc.org> Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 12:45:45 -0500 To: <robin.smith@nemail.net>, <coleen.sullins @ ncmai 1. net>, <bradley.bennet@ncmail.net>, <ken.pickle@ncmail.net>, <mary.p.thompson@ncmail.net> CC: "Jim Stephenson" <jstephenson@coastalnet.com>, "Heather Jacobs" <riverkeeper@ptrf.org>, "David McNaught" <DMcNaught@env iron men taldefense.org>, "Brianna Bond" <bbond@selcnc.org>, "Derb Carter" <derbc@selcnc.org>, "Trip Van Noppen" <tvannoppen@selcnc.org> All: I have attached 8 comment letters for your consideration —one letter addressing both general permits and seven comment letters on eight different individual permits. All letters have significant exhibits, which are attached to the hard copies that were mailed yesterday. We remain disappointed that North Carolina's Phase II Stormwater Program will have no beneficial impact on water quality and concerned that the permits authorize discharges that contravene the Clean Water Act and state law. As discussed in more detail in the letters, discharges of stormwater pursuant to the general permits and the individual permits, especially to sensitive waters and waters providing aquatic habitat for endangered species, likely will cause water quality violations and degradation of existing uses. Furthermore, the Department's decision to deem existing stormwater programs compliant with the Phase II post -construction standards is particularly troubling, and clearly violates federal law and the Phase II session law. As you review our letters, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Amy Amy Pickle Staff Attorney Southern Environmental Law Center 200 West Franklin Street, Suite 330 Chapel Hill, NC 27516-2559 (919)967-1450 This email may contain confidential information and is intended to be received solely by the addressee(s) above. If you believe that you have received this message in error, please delete it immediately and contact sender. of' 1 2/25/2005 9:48 AM IPub 1 1G CO 1 JbGa Lam., 4,61 -ft 2 t l December 30, 2004 Bradley Bennett Stormwater Permitting Unit North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 RE: Draft NPDES Permit No. NCS000442, Rocky Mount Draft NPDES Permit No. NCS000437, Greenville Dear NIr. Bennett: Please accept these comments from the Pamlico -Tar River Foundation ("PTRF") and the Southern Environmental Law Center ("SELC") on the draft stormwater Phase I1 NPDES permit NCS000442 for the City of Rocky Mount and NPDES permit NCS000437 for the City of Greenville. PTRF is a grassroots organization, representing over 1400 members, whose mission is to protect and improve the environmental quality of the Tar -Pamlico River, its estuaries and watershed. SELC is a non-profit legal advocacy group dedicated to protecting the environment of the South. SELC works with more than 100 partner groups in a six state region. SELC has been actively involved in a variety of efforts to improve water quality in the Tar -Pamlico watershed, including work on protections for the dwarf wedge mussel. As discussed in more detail below, the North Carolina Phase 11 stormwater program is inadequate to protect water quality and does not fulfill the requirements of the Clean 'rater Act. In particular, in the Tar -Pamlico basin, those cities and counties already covered by the Tar -Pamlico Stormwater rule, 15A NCAC 02B .0258 (2004), are deemed compliant with the Phase Il requirements for post -construction stormwater management model practices. However, there are requirements of Phase I1 that are not included in the Tar -Pamlico rule, including requirements for removal of Total Suspended Solids ("TSS") and requirements to address stormwater quantity. Also, the State's stormwater regulations have actually weakened the City of Greenville's stormwater program. The city changed its ordinance from requiring Best Management Practices ("BMP") to address the 2, 5, and 10-year storms, to now only requiring designs for the I-yr, 24-hour storm. This is unacceptable, irresponsible, and must be corrected before further damage is done to public trust waterways. In addition, the conditions and limitations in these draft permits are inadequate to ensure compliance with water quality standards. The Clean Water Act and North Carolina law require that all NPDES permits include limitations necessary to comply with applicable water quality standards. North Carolina law places the burden on the applicant to demonstrate compliance with water quality standards. Issuance of a permit without adequate measures to protect federally listed endangered species may result in a prohibited taking in violation of the Endangered Species Act. I. General Comments The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharges that violate water quality standards; and the federal Phase 11 rules require regulated entities to "develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater management program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants ... to the maximum extent practicable, to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act." 40 C.F.R. § 122.34 (a) (emphasis added). The stormwater programs described by the regulated entities' applications will not reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable, protect water quality, or satisfy the requirements of the Clean Water Act. Furthermore, because the permits provide only a recitation of Session Law 2004- 163 and only incorporates via reference the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program Report, which includes components of the permit application, the program report, and any approved modifications, the public cannot comment adequately on the actual stormwater program to be implemented by this permit. Without having the actual stormwater program subject to public comment, the public has no means to evaluate whether the program is sufficient to meet the specific water quality needs of this area. See Envtl. Def. Ctr., Inc. v. United States EPA, 2003 U.S. App. LEXIS 19073 (91h Cir. 2003) (holding that permits that do not require measures that control pollutants to the "maximum extent practicable" contravene the public notice requirements of the Clean Water Act). Countywide coverage is needed to ensure adequate protection of water quality. Pitt, Nash and Edgecombe Counties are required to develop a stormwater program for the Tar -Pamlico stormwater rule. However TSS removal is not required under the Tar -Pam rule and BMP designs to address stormwater quantity are inadequate. The Tar -Pam stormwater rule states, "At a minimum the new development shall not result in a net increase in peak flow leaving the site from pre -development conditions for the 1-year, 24- hour storm event" 15A NCAC 02B.0258c(C). Therefore, the Tar -Pam rule requires the first flush (the first inch of rainfall) to be treated and detained for 2-5 days. While you get a peak flow that is no greater than pre -construction peak glow, this peak flow occurs for a much longer duration than pre -construction conditions. Phase I1 requires the BMP's to store the difference in volume from pre and post -construction of the 1-yr, 24-hour storm event, which goes further to address the quantity issue. II. Specific Comments The federal rules require municipalities to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable ("MEP"), to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. 40 C.F.R. § 122.34(a) 2 (2004). The federal rules also specifically require post -construction measures to prevent or minimize water quality impacts and "to attempt to maintain pre -development runoff conditions." 40 C.F.R. § 122.34 (b)(5)(i),(iii) (2004). As discussed below, the Rocky Mount and Greenville NPDES permits fail to meet these federal standards. A. Rocky Mount NPDES draft permit Currently, Rocky Mount and Nash County are responsible for a WS-IV stormwater and the Tar -Pam stormwater programs. Stormwater BMP's for the WS-IV program are triggered with a sediment and erosion control plan for high -density development with a built upon area ("BUA") of 24%. Under the Tar -Pam rule, BMP's are triggered at approximately I 1 % BUA for all new development to comply with phosphorus requirements. Under the Swift Creek Outstanding Resource Water ("ORW") stormwater program (within Nash County), BMP's are triggered at 12% BUA and must reduce TSS by 85%. However, the BMP's are designed for the I-yr, 24-hour storm whereas the discharge rate shall be no larger than the pre -development discharge rate and the draw -down is from 2-5 days (as in the Tar -Pam rule & WS-IV rule). The Phase 11 post -construction requirements also required a removal of TSS by 85%. The difference lies in the stormwater quantity issue, whereas under Phase 11, new development must implement BMP's that store the difference in volume from pre and post -construction of the 1-yr, 24-hour storm. However, BMP's are not triggered until you reach it BUA or 24%. The Tar -Pam rule does not adequately address stormwater quantity issues, in that you may have a pre -construction peak flow for a much longer duration than pre - construction conditions. This will lead to increased physical deterioration of the streams and ultimately lead to more erosion and sedimentation problems. Where does one stormwater program begin and the other end? Rocky Mount and the unincorporated parts located in Nash County are deemed compliant with the Phase 11 post -construction stormwater rules due to the existing Tar -Pam stormwater program. Is this also true with WS-IV and Swift Creek ORW requirements? Or does Nash County now have to implement and run four stormwater programs (Phase II, WS-IV, ORW, and Tar -Pam)? Furthermore, Stoney Creek is on the 303(d) list for impaired waters for sediments based on biological impairment. The 2004 Tar -Pamlico River Basinwide Water Quality Plan states, "the cause of the depressed bioclassification is likely habitat degradation, as there was little riparian area and moderate to severe bank erosion." NC Department of Natural Resources, Tar-Pandico River Basinwide Water Quality Plan, 109 (2004). Cokey Swamp, located in sub -basin 03 is currently impaired and will be on the 303(d) list in 2006. The Basinwide plan states, "Habitat degradation, as well as high conductivity, was noted... Tributaries to this segment drain urban areas in southern Rocky Mount. The downstream extent of the impaired biological community is not known." The plan continues, "DWQ will work with the town of Rocky Mount in developing stormwater programs that will reduce future and current impacts to streams in this watershed." There are clear indicators that stormwater runoff from urban areas of Rocky Mount is degrading 3 local waterways and that the existing stormwater programs are insufficient to protect water quality and do not control discharges to the maximum extent practicable. B. Greenville NPDES Draft Permit Currently the city of Greenville is responsible for the Tar -Pam and Neuse stormwater rules and Phase II regulations. Pitt County is responsible for Phase It, Tar - Pam and Neuse rules, and WS-IV rules. Prior to Phase 1I stormwater requirements, the City of Greenville required BMP's to be designed for the 2,5, and 10-year, 24-hour storms. The city recognized that BMP design for the I-yr, 24-hour storm was inadequate to protect against localized flooding and to protect water quality. The city has now weakened its ordinance to comply with the Phase 11 and Tar -Pamlico stormwater regulations. However, the city's staff recognizes the problem Greenville will face if the ordinance is not amended back to its original requirements and will work to have the stricter regulations reinstated. Green Mill Run, whose watershed lies within the City of Greenville, is an impaired waterway. DWQ does not sample this stream, but the Ecosystem Enhancement Program has a planned project within this watershed for stream and wetlands restoration. Green Mill Run is a typical urban stream, with characteristic bank erosion, habitat degradation due to sediment, and an altered hydrograph resulting in increased frequency of flooding and peak volumes. Parker Creek, located in the northern section of Greenville also show signs of impairment, although DWQ did not rate this stream in the 2004 Basinwide Plan. The plan stated, "Parker Creek drains parts of northern Greenville and had a low habitat score with high conductivity noted at site )~-1. There were also elevated numbers of tolerant macroinvertebrate species, indicating water quality impacts." The 2003 Basinwide Assessment Report states "the stream had the lowest rated habitat of any stream in the basin in 2002 (habitat score = 39)." NC Department of Natural Resources, Tar -Pamlico River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (2004). Stormwater is clearly causing impairments in these two streams and the existing stormwater programs are failing to protect water quality or control pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable. 111. Endangered Species Concerns Where water quality protection and maintenance of existing and anticipated uses is not being achieved, more stringent stormwater measures must be required. Existing uses include federally listed endangered species. As explained below, the draft permit for Rocky Mount does not adequately protect the existing uses as endangered mussel habitat. A. The areas subject to stormwater limitations affects waters that provide habitat to federally -listed aquatic species that would be adversely affected by stormwater. The area subject to stormwater limitations affect waters that provide habitat to two federally -listed endangered aquatic species —the dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta 4 heterodon) and the Tar River spinymussel (Elliptio stein.stan.sana). The dwarf wedge mussel is known to exist in Stoney Creek and Swift Creek, which are both receiving waters for stormwater runoff from Rocky Mount. One of the last remaining populations of the Tar River spiny mussel exists in the Tar -Pamlico watershed and is susceptible to stormwater runoff from Rocky Mount. Dwarl' Wedge Mussel The dwarf wedge mussel was listed as endangered on March 14, 1990. 55 Fed. Reg. 9447 (March 14, 1990) (attached as Exhibit 1). In listing the dwarf wedge mussel, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service "USFWS" concludes: The dwarf wedge mussel was once widely distributed in river systems of the Atlantic slope from New Brunswick, Canada, south to the Neuse River system in North Carolina. It was recorded from 70 localities in 15 drainages in I I states and one Canadian province. River systems historically inhabited by this species included: the Petitcodiac River system in New Brunswick; the Taunton River, Agawam River, Merimac River, Connecticut River and Quinnipiac River systems in New England; the Hackensack River, Delaware River, and Susquehanna River systems in the Middle Atlantic states: the Choptank River, Rappahannock River, James River, Tar River and Neuse River systems in the Southeast. Based on The Nature Conservancy's rangewide status survey and other recent survey data, A. heterodon is now thought to be extirpated from all but ten small sites in five drainages in four states... The disappearance of the dwarf wedge mussel from most of its historic sites can best be explained by agricultural, domestic, and industrial pollution of its aquatic habitat. Mussels are known to be sensitive to [.many elements]. Pesticides, chlorine, excessive nutrients, and ,silt carried by runoff also present a threat to this species. Id. at 9449 (emphasis added) (for more information on the dwarf wedge mussel, see Exhibit 2). The Stoney Creek and Swift Creek watersheds in Nash & Edgecombe Counties, which contain one of the last populations of the dwarf wedge mussel, receive much of the stormwater runoff from the Town of Rocky Mount. Id.; see also Rocky Mount Map (attached as Exhibit 3). Because the draft NPDES permit does not contain adequate measures to protect this endangered mussel population, the stormwater runoff regulated under the permit will result in adverse impacts to the dwarf wedge mussel. 2. Tar River Spinymussel In June 1985, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service listed the Tar River spinymussel as an endangered species. 50 Federal Register 26572-2657 (June 27, 1985) (attached as Exhibit 4). in listing the species, the Service concludes: 5 Results of it recent Service -funded survey of the Tar, Neuse, and Roanoke rivers indicate that the Tar River spiny mussel (with an estimated total population size of 100 to 500 individuals) exists only in approximately 12 miles of the Tar River in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. This represents a significant reduction in known range, as historic records show the species was once also found both upstream (Nash County, North Carolina) and downstream (Pitt County, North Carolina) of its present range. The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial information available regarding the past, present, and future threats faced by this species in determining to make this rule final. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list the Tar River spiny mussel as endangered. The mussel's small population and present restricted range (12 river miles) make it extremely vulnerable to a single catastrophic event, and its range has greatly contracted within the immediate past. Id. at 26574 (emphasis added) (for more information on the Tar River spinymussel, see Exhibit 5). The Tar -Pamlico watershed contains the only remaining population of the Tar River spinymussel. The endangered mussel has been extirpated from the Tar River above Rocky Mount but an extremely small population remains extant downstream of Rock Mount in the Tar River near Tarboro. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ("WRC") now recognizes populations of the Tar River spinymussel in Franklin, Nash, Halifax, and Edgecombe Counties. The adverse impacts to the Tar River spinymussel identified by the USFWS Service include erosion, siltation, and reduced water quality and are associated with stormwater runoff. This population is impacted by stormwater runoff from Rocky Mount. See NatureServe, Comprehensive Report Species — Elliptio steinstansana (attached as exhibit). Because the draft NPDES permit does not contain adequate measures to protect this endangered mussel population, the stormwater runoff regulated under the permit will result in adverse impacts to the Tar River spinymussel. B. Endangered or threatened aquatic species require enhanced protection from stormwater. Scientific information and conclusions that formed the basis for listing of critical habitat for the dwarf wedge mussel establish that the impacts from stormwater runoff associated with new development are the types of impacts that will appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the endangered mussel. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ("WRC"), in consultation with the USFWS, has identified measures that if implemented and enforced would avoid adverse impacts from stormwater. WRC, Guidance Memorandum to Address and Mitigate Secondary and Cumulative Impacts to Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife Resources and Water Quality (August 2002) (attached as Exhibit 6). These measures constitute the best scientific information available on actions to avoid adverse modification of habitat and jeopardy of the dwarf wedge mussel. DWQ and the permit applicant must assure that these measures are included in the final NPDES permit. 6 For watersheds that support federally listed species, the WRC recommends that certain measures be implemented to provide a higher degree of protection. The WRC encourages the maintenance and establishment of 200 foot native, forested riparian bttffers on perennial streams and 100 foot forested buffers on intertnittettt streants. WRC, Guidance Memorandum (August 2002) (emphasis added). These buffer widths are based on detailed studies that establish the need for wider buffers to protect endangered aquatic species.' The WRC goes on to say that if forested buffets do not exist, the buffer - area should be allowed to revegetate naturally to increase its functionality. Id. The WRC also advocates maintenance of the natural predevelopment hydrograph. In order to do so, the guidelines recommend that "new developments can build rising traditional designs at a level of 7%n impen4ousness, or build more densely, using dedicated open space and other stormwater practices to mimic the hydrograph which would occur at only 7% imperviousness." Id (emphasis added). C. The proposed NPDES stormwater permit_fails to provide adequate._ protection_ to endangered or threatened aquatic species. The draft NPDES permits for Rocky Mount includes conditions and limitations that fall well short of the WRC's guidelines. The following table compares —with emphasis added —the stormwater permit's wholly inadequate requirements with the WRC's guidelines for the protection of mussel populations. Requirement Impervious- ness WS1 IV Low -Density Tar -Pam NSW •. No distinction between high and Phase 11 Low -Density Option O. Requirements Low -Density Option In order to maintain predevelopment Option 2 dwelling low density No more than 2 BUA of 12% or hydrographic units per acre development. dwelling units less or single conditions, or 24% built BMPs are per acre or 24% family including flow upon area triggered at built-ttpon area residential volumes, new ("BUA") or 3 approximately ("BUA") for all development on developments can dwelling units 11%n BUA to residential and lots of one acre build using per acre or control nutrient nonresidential or greater. traditional designs 36% BUA problems. No developments. Stormwater at a level of 7% without curb nitrogen loads runoff must be impen4ottsness, or and gutter over 4 Iblacrel r l Hiph-Density I transported build more densely, 1 Knutson, K.L., and V.L.,Nacf, Management recommendations for Washington's priority habitats: riparian. Washington Department of ]"ish and Wildlife, Olympia (1997); Martin, C.O., R.A. Fischer, & Ii.H. Allen, Riparian Issues on Corps of Engineers and DOD Military Lands (2000), Todd, Makinr Decisions About Riparian Buffer Width, Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association International Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use watersheds, 445-450, Portland, OR (2000) (attached as lExhibit 7). street systems & no phosphorus Option through using dedicated outside of any loads over 0.4 Install structural vegetated open space and critical areas Ib/acre/yr; & no best management conveyances. other stormwater net increase in practices practices to mimic High -Density flow from the 1- ("BMPs") High -Density the hydrograph Option year, 24-hour designed to Option which would occur Development storm. With control and treat Control systems at only 7% shall control mitigation, the difference in must be wet imperviousness. the runoff from nitrogen loading storm water detention ponds the first inch of up to 6 lb/acrelyr runoff volume or alternative rainfall and residential and 10 leaving the stormwater BUA must not lblacrelyr project site management exceed 70%. industrial. between the pre systems and post designed in development accordance with conditions for 15A N.C.A.C. the 1-year, 24- 2H.1008 & hour storm event. control systems All structural must be BMPs used to designed to meet these control runoff requirements from all surfaces must be designed generated by one to have an 85% inch of rainfall. average annual removal for Total Suspended Solids. General engineering design criteria for all projects must be in accordance with 15 NCAC 2.H .1008(c). Riparian Low -Density Establishes 50- Low -Density Low -Density Maintain a 200 foot Option Buffers foot two zone Option All BUA Option naturally forested 30-foot vegetated buffers must be at a 30-foot buffer on all vegetated to all perennial & minimum of 30- vegetative buffer perennial streams buffer on blue intermittent feet landivard of and a 100 foot lined streams; streams. Zone I all perennial and forested buffer on Water shall consist of an intermittent all intermittent dependent uses undisturbed 30- surface waters. streams in new can impose on foot vegetated developments. If the buffer area with the High -Density I wooded buffers do where no practicable alternative 1-ligh-Density exception of certain uses. Zone 2 - shall consist of a 20-foot vegetated area with certain Option All BUA must be at a minimum of 30- feet landward of all perennial and intermittent not exist, then these areas should be revegetated to allow development of a naturally forested buffer. Option 100-foot allowable uses. surface waters. vegetated Sets up mitigation buffer on blue program for lined streams; impacts to buffers. Water dependent uses can impose on the buffet - where no practicable alternative. DWQ must require the more stringent measures recommended by the WRC within the areas that drain to the Swift Creek watershed, the Tar -Pam watershed, and the Stoney Creek watershed in order to protect the endangered dwarf wedge mussel and the endangered Tar River spinymussel. Although a portion of Swift Creek is classified as ORW and has more stringent stormwater measures in place, the portion of the watershed which will receive stormwater from Rocky Mount is not protected by the ORW designation. The draft NPDES permit sets a definition for low -density development in the Tar -Pamlico Riverbasin at approximately 11% BUA. Low -density developments are not required to implement engineered stormwater management controls, such as infiltration systems or detention ponds. Well documented scientific studies have found that sensitive waters begin to loose uses and sensitive values decay once built upon areas reach 10 %l.2 For areas with endangered and threatened aquatic species, the studies suggest that BUA be limited to 7% imperviousness. This can be achieved through the use of conventional design at a level of 7% imperviousness or using conservation clusters with higher densities which incorporate dedicated open space and other controls to 2 Paul, M.J., J.L. Meyer, Streams in the Urban Landscape, ANNUAL REVIEW OF EcoLOGY AND SYSTEMATICS 32:333-365 (2001); Stewart, J.S., et. al., hifluences of'riparian corridors on aquatic biota in agricultural watersheds. Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association international Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use wastersheds, 209-214, Portland, OR (2000); May, C.W., and R.R. Horner, Tile crrnrrdative impacts of watershed urbanization oil stream - riparian ecosystems. Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association International Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use wastersheds, 281-286, Portland, OR (2000); Doll, B.A., et. al., Hydraulic geometry, relatioliship.s far urban streams throughout the piedmont of Not -ill Carolina, Proceedings ol'the American Water Resources Association International Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use wastersheds, 299-304, Portland, OR (2000); Arnold, C.L. and C.J. Gibbons, Impervious sruface coverage ---the emergence of a key, environmental indicator. JOURNAL or THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION 62: 243-258 (1996); Schueler, T., The importance of lmpery ouslless, WATERMirmPRO'I'I--C'I'ION'I'>~CttNlQues 1(3):100-111 (1994). (Impervious studies arc attached as Exhibit 8). 7 preserve the natural hydrograph. In the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland, these measures have been implemented with much Success.I DWQ must require the 7% BUA trigger for all areas of Rocky Mount that drain to Swift Creek, Stoney Creek, and the Tar River. DWQ must also require the more stringent buffer requirements in areas that drain to Swift Creek, Stoney Creek, and the Tar River, The Tar -Pamlico River Basin — Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy sets buffer requirements to control for nutrient problems at 50 feet landward of all perennial and intermittent streams. The Water Supply Watershed rules for WS-IV waters sets buffer requirements at 30 feet for low density development and 100 feet for high density development on all perennial and intermittent streams. Water dependent uses are allowed to invade the buffer area under certain circumstances. Neither of these buffer requirements are stringent enough to ensure survival of the dwarf wedge mussel and the Tar River spinymussel. WRC guidelines recommend 200-foot forested buffers for perennial streams and 1.00-foot buffers for intermittent streams. DWQ must include these more stringent measures in the draft permit for areas within the Swift Creek watershed in order to protect the endangered mussel populations. D. The NPDE_S permit must include limitations necessary to meet water quality_ standards. The NPDES permits must satisfy the federal Phase II requirements. The Clean Water Act prohibits discharges that violate water quality standards. The rules promulgated pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1342 (p) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") require regulated entities to "develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater management program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants ... to the maximum extent practicable, to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate requirements of the Clean Water Act." 40 C.F.R. § 122.34 (a) (emphasis added). Based upon existing case law, "maximum extent practicable" means to the fullest degree technologically feasible for protection of water quality, except where costs are wholly disproportionate to the potential benefits. See Haeuser v. Department of Law, 97 F.3d 1152, 1 155 (91h Cir. 1996) ("practicable" has been defined as "capable of being done: feasible"); Rybachek v, United States E.P.A., 904 F.2d 1276, 1289 (9" Cir. 1990) (EPA must select best level of technology unless costs are "wholly disproportionate" to the benefits); Assn of Pac. Fisheries v. United States E.P.A., 615 F.2d 794, 805 (91' Cir. 1980). In the stormwater context, these stringent definitions of the term "practicable" are further narrowed by the use of "maximum," clearly indicating that the measures to be required must be more protective than standard practice, or than ordinary measures, where those measures are failing to protect water quality. Such a definition would also comport with the recent Ninth Circuit decision interpreting Phase II program requirements. The court there suggested that the "maximum extent practicable" standard 3 Prince George's County, Maryland, Department of Environmental Resources, Low Impact Development Design Strategies (1999) (attached as Exhibit 9). 10 may require more of permittees than mere compliance with water quality standards or numeric effluent limitations designed to meet such standards. Envtl. Def. Ctr., Inc. v. United States EPA, 319 F.3d 398, 425-26 (9`t' Cir. 2003) (noting that although general permits will explicitly require compliance with numeric effluent limitations designed to ensure compliance with water quality standards, additional review of permittees' notices of intent is required to ensure that permittecs have also designed programs that do in fact reduce their stormwater pollution to the maximum extent practicable). Furthermore, because the stormwater management program is regulated through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permit other requirements apply. "Since 1973, EPA regulations have provided that an NPDES permit shall not be issued 'when the imposition of conditions cannot ensure compliance with the applicable water quality requirements of all affected States.' n 10 40 C.F.R. § 122.4(d) (1991); see also 38 Fed. Reg. 13533 (1973); 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(d) (1991); Arkansas v. Oklahoma, 503 U.S. 91, 105 (1992). Federal and North Carolina law require that NPDES permits ensure compliance with water quality standards. NPDES regulations issued under the Clean Water Act "specifically require that each NPDES permit contain `any requirements ... necessary to: (1) achieve water quality standards established under Section 303 of the Act.' 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(d)(1). Thus any permit that fails to contain conditions necessary to achieve water quality standards violates both the Act and 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(d)(1)." Champion Intl Corp. v. United States EPA, 648 F. Supp, 1390, 1395 (D.N.C. 1986) (vacated caul reman(led for clifferent reasons by 850 F.2d 182, 186 (4th Cir. 1988).4 North Carolina law prohibits the discharge of waste to waters of the state in violation of water quality standards. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1(a)(6). Permitted stormwater discharges (direct or indirect) must not result in "water pollution" or "alteration of the ... biological ... integrity of waters of the state." N.C. Gen. Slat. 143-215.1(a)(11) - 213(19). The FMC's permitting regulations place the burden on an NPDES permit applicant to demonstrate a proposed system will meet water quality standards. North Carolina NPDES permitting regulations state: The permit applicant has the burden of providing sufficient evidence to reasonably ensure that the proposed system will comply with all applicable water quality standards and requirements. No permit may be issued when the imposition of conditions cannot reasonably ensure 4 "1'he Preamble to EPA's stormwater permitting regulations describe the circumstances in which stormwater permits must comply with water quality standards: ...small MS4 permittees should modify their programs if and when available information indicates that water quality concentrations warrant greater attention or prescriptiveness in specific components ofthe municipal program. if the program is inadequate to protect water quality, including water quality standards, then the permit will need to be modified to include any more stringent limitations necessary to protect water quality. 64 Fed. Reg. 68753. compliance with applicable water quality standards and regulations of all effected states. 15A N.C.A.C. 2H.01 12(c), E. North Carolina water duality standards require protection and maintenance of threatened or endangered aquatic species. Water quality standards applicable to all waters identify "best usage of waters" to include "maintenance of biological integrity" and further state "[tlhe waters shall be suitable for aquatic life propagation and maintenance of biological integrity..., sources of water pollution which preclude any of these uses on either a short-term or long-term basis shall be considered to be violating a water quality standard." 15A N.C.A.C. 213.021 1(1), (2). "Biological integrity means the ability of an aquatic ecosystem to support and maintain a balanced and indigenous community of organisms having species composition, diversity, population densities and functional organization similar to that of reference conditions." 15A N.C.A.C. 2B.0200(11). Loss of endangered or threatened aquatic species, often the most sensitive and vulnerable organisms in an aquatic ecosystem, contravenes the requirement of water quality standards that the biological integrity of all waters must be maintained. North Carolina's antidegradation policy also requires that "existing uses" of all waters be maintained. 15A N.C.A.C. 2B.0201(b). "Existing uses mean uses actually attained in the water body, in a significant and not incidental manner, on or after November 28, 1975, whether or not they are included in the water quality standards..." 15A N.C.A.C. 2B.0200(30). North Carolina's water quality regulations recognize that a use of a water may include providing habitat for endangered or threatened species: "Certain waters provide habitat for federally -listed aquatic animal species that are listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1531- 1544 and subsequent modifications. Maintenance and recovery of the water quality conditions required to sustain and recover federally -listed threatened and endangered aquatic animal species contributes to the support of maintenance of a balanced and indigenous community of aquatic organisms and thereby protects the biological integrity of the waters." 5 15A N.C.A.C. 2B.0110 F. Issuance of stormwater permits without adequate protection for federal) -listed endangered or threatened species violates the Endangered Species Act. Under Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act, it is "unlawful for any person" to "take any [endangered] species within the United States...." 16 U.S.C. § 1538(a)(1)(B). ' 15A N.C.A.C. 28.0110 directs the Division of Water Quality to develop site -specific management strategies under the provisions of 15A N.C.A.C. 213.0225 (Outstanding Resource Waters) or 15A N.C.A.C. 2B.0227 (Water Quality Management Plans) to protect the endangered or threatened aquatic species in these waters. Although the rule was adopted in August 2000, the Division has yet to propose or designate any waters under these provisions. 12 It is also "unlawful for any person" to "attempt to commit, solicit another to commit, or cause to be cointnitte(f' a taking of any endangered species within the United States. 16 U.S.C. § 1538(g) (emphasis added). The term "person" is defined to include "any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, [or] of any State..." and thus includes DWQ. 16 U.S.C. § 1532(13). "Take" under the Act includes any "harm" to an endangered species and specifically includes habitat degradation.' Section 9 prohibits not only the actions of those who directly exact the taking of endangered species, "but also bans those acts of a third party that bring abOUt the acts exacting a taking." Strahan v. Coxe, t27 F.3d 155, 163 (1st Or. 1997). In Strahan, the State of Massachusetts was found to have exacted .a taking of endangered Northern Right Whales through its licensing and permitting of certain fishing practices that exacted a taking of the species.7 In Loggerhead Turtle v. County Council of Volusia County, a federal district court in Florida held that the Volusia County government caused takings of endangered sea turtles through its authorization of vehicular beach access during turtle mating season. 896 F. Supp.1 170, 1 180-1181 (M.D. Fla. 1995). As currently proposed, the draft permit for Rocky Mount would "cause to be committed" a taking of the endangered dwarf wedge mussel in violation of federal law. IV. Summary The Phase 11 requirement that triggers BMP implementation at 24%n BUA is completely inadequate and will not protect water quality. Well documented scientific studies have found that sensitive waters begin to lose uses and sensitive values decay once built upon areas reach 10 percent.8 The Tar -Pam rule triggers implementation of BMP's as 1 1% BUA, which PTRF agrees is adequate for unimpaired streams, and waterways that do not have endangered or threatened aquatic species present. We further understand that as the BUA increases so do the number of BMP's needed to comply with nutrient reduction requirements. However, we continue to be concerned about several issues: No stormwater program looks at downstream effects, this must be addressed 6 Babbitt v. Sweet Home Chapter of Communities for- a Great Oregon, 515 U.S. 687 (1995), 7 See also Sierra Chub v. Yrretter, 926 F.2d 429.438-39 (5`h Cir. 1991)(finding forest Service caused take of endangered red -cockaded woodpecker by permitting logging practices near nesting colonies); Defenders of Wildlife v. Administrator, is wd Protection Agency, 882 F.2d 1294, 1300-01 (8" Or.1989)(finding EPA caused take of endangered species through its registration of pesticides for use by others). s Booth, D., Urbanization and the natural drainage system -impacts, solutions and prognoses, NORTHWEST ENVIRONMEN'rALJOURNAL. 7(1): 93-1 18 (1991); Hicks, A.L. and J.S. Larson., The Impact of Urban Stormwater Runoff on Freshwater Wetlands and the Role of Aquatic Invertebrate Bioassessment, The Environment Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA (1997); Jones, R. and C. Clark, impact of Watershed Urbanization on Stream Insect Communities, WATER Resources BULLETIN 15(4) (1987); Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Watershed Restoration SOurcebook, Department of Environmental Programs, Washington, DC (1992). 13 ■ The Tar -Pam rule does not require removal of 85% of TSS. For example, grass swales comply with Tar -Pam rule to address N and P reductions but do not reach an 85% reduction of TSS. ■ BMPs designed for the I-yr, 24-hour storm event is inadequate in urban areas. The City of Greenville wishes to strengthen their stormwater ordinance to require 2,5, or 10-year designs, because they recognize that the current requirements are insufficient to protect against flooding and protect water quality. ■ Without a comprehensive or watershed program, water quality will not be protected. ■ In Rocky Mount and Nash County's jurisdiction, this NPDES permit applies, as well as ORW for Swift Creek, Tar -Pamlico Stormwater rule, and WS-IV. In Greenville and Pitt County's jurisdiction, the NPDES permit, Tar -Pamlico Stormwater rule, Neuse Stormwater rule, and WS-IV all apply. This makes it extremely difficult to implement and to enforce. In Rocky Mount and Greenville's jurisdiction, Phase II is not necessarily the less stringent stormwater program. For example, Phase 11 may impose a more stringent requirement of treating the difference in pre- and post -development runoff for one year, 24 hour storm (as opposed to just the first inch of runoff). In Rocky Mount and Greenville's jurisdiction, Phase II requires an 85% reduction in TSS, whereas the Tar -Pam rule does not. Therefore, the Tar -Pam rule does not ensure compliance with the Phase I1 program or the Clean Water Act. An effective stormwater rule would include the following: i.) Countywide coverage ii.) Consider downstream effects iii.) Require implementation of all stormwater BMP's at 10% BUA iv.) Require removal of TSS v.) Require BMP's to be designed for the t0-year, 24 hour storm In the Swift Creek watershed, the implementation of WRC's guidelines to protect endangered mussels is essential to ensure the survival of the endangered dwarf wedge mussel. Because of the significant public interest evidenced by the vital issues raised in the above comments, we also request a public hearing on the merits of granting these proposed permits. As you know, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.1 requires DWQ to consider all written requests for a public hearing made within thirty days following the notice of intent to take action on a permit application and to grant such a request if there is significant public interest. The permits will allow significant degradation of water quality in the Swift Creek watershed and will have a significant effect on the survival of the dwarf wedge mussel. DWQ should carefully weigh the effects of its permitting decision before implementing lax stormwater controls in the habitat of the endangered 14 mussel. Considering the potential effects the permit may have on Swift Creek and more specifically on the dwarf wedge mussel, we respectfully request that DWQ hold a public hearing on the proposed NPDES stormwater permit for Wake County. ? We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments on the permits. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Sincerely yours, Mary Alsentzer Executive Director Pamlico -Tar River Foundation Derb S. Carter, Jr. Senior Attorney, SELC Brianna Bond, Associate Attorney, SELC Heather Jacobs Pamlico -Tar RIVERKEEPER D Amy Pickle, Staff Attorney, SELC cc. Richard Hamilton, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Asheville Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Raleigh Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 15 Pub ! ic- G4.+n h^a d o e to e-qt-7'-0 1 qt:� 2-l 'O DEC 2 2 20134 DENR -_WATERQiIALkTY ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Richard B. Hamilton, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Bradley Bennett, Supervisor Stormwater Permits Unit Division of Water Quality FROM: Maria Tripp, Northeast Coastal Region Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program DATE: December 20, 2004 SUBJECT: Draft NPDES Permit to Discharge Stormwater for City of Rocky Mount, Nash County, North Carolina, NPDES Permit No. NCS000442. Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed the subject document and we are familiar with the habitat values of the area. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (as amended), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d), and North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 113-131 et seq.), and the North Carolina Administrative Code 15A NCAC 10I.0102. The City of Rocky Mount has applied for a NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from their municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) into receiving waters Compass Creek, Cowlick Creek, Goose Creek, Grape Branch, Hornbeam Branch, Little Cokey_Swamp, Maple Creek., Stony Creek, Swift Creek, and their tributaries in the Tar River basin. jThere are records of the Tar spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) (FE, SE), Yellow lance (Elliptio ' r lanceolate) (FSC, SE), Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) (FSC, SE), Yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) (FSC, SE), Triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata) (ST), Creeper (Strophitus undulatus) (ST), Eastern lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata) (ST), Roanoke slabshell (Elliptio roanokensis), (ST), Notched rainbow (Villosa_constricta) (SSC), and Carolina madtom_(Noturus furiosus) (FSC, SSR) within the waters of Swift Creek. Stony Creek is on the State's 303(d) list due to impaired biological integrity. The potential-stressors are unidentified. Although the Phase II stormwater rules represent an appropriate baseline for proactively addressing stormwater issues, we believe additional, more protective measures are appropriate and should be required to preserve the existing uses and ecological integrity of North Carolina waters over the long- term, k ' In wagers where federal threatened and endangered species are known to occur, the following additional measures should be incorporated as permit conditions. Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721 Telephone: (919) 733-3633 ext. 281 • Fax: (919) 715-7643 NPDES Permit No. NCS000442 Page 2 City or Rocky Mount December 20, 2004 I. Permits for new developments exceeding 6% imperviousness shall be required to include stormwater controls designed to replicate and maintain the hydrographic condition at the site prior to the change in landscape and at a minimum include provisions that satisfy WS II-HQW minimum standards (WSII-HQW waters as precedent; Schueler 1994; Arnold and Gibbons 1996; Doll et al. 2000; Mallin et al. 2000; May and Horner 2000; Stewart et al. 2000). 2. Infiltration practices (e.g., reduced road widths, rain gardens, parking lot bioretention areas, increased sheet flow instead of ditching, and disconnect impervious areas) to maintain predevelopment hydrographic conditions shall be emphasized over detention ponds. Condition information should include the base flow for low flow conditions. A 200-foot native; forested buffer on perennial streams and a 100-foot forested buffer on intermittent streams, or the full extent of the 100-year floodplain, shall be required for new developments. If wooded buffers do not exist, then these areas shall be revegetated or allowed to naturally revegetate (so long as the area is pervious) to increase the functionality of a forested buffer. (Knutson and Naef 1997, and references therein; 200-foot buffers on Randleman Lake; 200-foot buffers associated with protection of aquatic endangered species habitats required for Buckhorn Reservoir Expansion Project in 1995 — City of Wilson). 4. Delineation of streams should be conducted for the municipal service area according to U. S. Arm% - Corps of Engineers (USACOE) or N. C. Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) methodology, This information can be found at htt ://h2o.enr.state.nc.ushigwetlands/strmfrm.html (accessed December 2004), Stream delineation should occur prior to site clearing activities including tree removal. 5. Commercial or residential development within the 100-year FEMA floodplain and jurisdictional water floodplains should be prohibited and floodplains should be protected as undisturbed forested areas. Grassed swales shall be used in place of curb and gutter for new developments, except in areas with >5% slope. Check dams, level spreaders, and other associated best management practices shall be used to minimize the effect of stormwater runoff entering the riparian buffer areas. In areas where slopes exceed 5%, stormwater collected in piped conveyance systems shall be directed away from surface waters and best management practices shall be employed at both the intake and the outlet areas. 7. Direct discharges of stormwater to streams should not be allowed. Effective energy dissipation at the pipe outlet shall be accomplished to prevent scour of the stream channel and buffer. The ditching or piping of stormwater except when used in combination with grassed swales, level spreaders and check dams shall not be allowed in the riparian buffer. At no time should any mandated vegetated buffer zone be used for these engineered devices. 8. Sewer lines, water lines, and other utility infrastructure should be kept out of riparian buffer areas (Knutson and Naef 1997; and references therein). Where practicable, utilities should follow the contours along the edge of floodplains. All utility crossings should be kept to a minimum and the directional bore (installation of utilities beneath the riverbed, avoiding impacts to the stream and buffer) stream crossing method should be used for utility crossings wherever practicable. A minimum I00-200 feet setback on all streams, lakes, and wetlands should be maintained. Pesticides should not be used for maintenance of rights -of -way within 200 feet of perennial streams and 100 feet of intermittent streams, or within floodplains and wetlands associated with these streams. NPDES Permit No. NCS000442 Page 3 December 20, 2004 City of Rocky Mourd 9. Local governments shall encourage and offer incentives for new developments; as part of the subdivision review process, to use low impact development technique for stormwater control (Low Impact Development; EPA Document # 841— B-00-002 and 84 1 -B-00-003), and reduce impediments to implementing the plan. Proposed projects that are subject to NCEPA review shall identify as a part of the subdivision review process anticipated impervious surface amounts prior to plat approval. 10. Municipalities should incorporate the elements listed below into their erosion and sediment control plans (see Brown and Caraco 2000 for additional information). a) Minimize clearing and grading. b) Protect waterways by preventing clearing adjacent to waterways, and stabilize drainage ways. c) Phase construction for larger construction sites (>25 acres). d) Stabilize soils as rapidly as possible (<2 weeks). e) Protect steep slopes, and avoid clearing or grading existing steep slopes as much as possible. f) Establish appropriate perimeter controls. g) Employ advanced settling devices. h) Implement a certified contractors program. i) Perform regular inspection of erosion control measures, and sediment control devices. 11. In addition to the items listed above, locally enforced stringent erosion and sedimentation control requirements shall be developed and implemented for all construction. The development of these requirements shall be fully coordinated with the state and federal agencies involved in aquatic endangered species protection. These measures shall be state -of -the -science and significantly exceed state minimum requirements for sediment and erosion control. Local ordinances shall be developed to prevent agricultural or forestry exemptions from turning into development opportunities. 12. Developers and builders, including land -clearing operators, shall be required to participate in a local government stormwater and sediment erosion control education program. Certification and bonding is recommended. 13. Conservation Reserve Program lands and restoration of prior converted wetlands shall be encouraged to help manage overall stormwater impacts as part of a regional integrated stormwater management plan. 14. The local government shall solicit assistance and concurrence from resource agencies such as NCDWQ, N. C. Division of Land Resources, NCWRC, N. C. Natural Heritage Program, and USFWS during the initial development and assessment of best management practices for stornnwater management, sediment and erosion control, utility placement, etc. 15. The local government shall provide an environmental check -off list that a developer must complete before the issuance of development approvals or any land disturbance, including timbering, to ensure protection of aquatic habitats for threatened and endangered species and that proper state and federal permits have been obtained. This shall preclude the issuance of any subdivision plan, building, and utility permits without inclusion of pertinent protective measures. This process shall ensure that land clearing does not occur without a site plan, including erosion control. 16. A watershed impact evaluation board shall be established to review projects within the service area with aquatic, endangered species. The board would ensure compliance, preview infrastructure and development plans, and be eligible to seek funding for conservation initiatives designed to protect and preserve aquatic, endangered species. NPDES Permit No. NCS000442 Page 4 December 20, 2004 City of Rocky Mount Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this draft permit. If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office at (252) 948-3916. Literature cited. Arnold, C. L., and C. J. Gibbons. 1996. Impervious surface coverage—thc emergence of a key environmental indicator. Journal of the American Planning Association 62:243-258. Brown, W., and D. Caraco. 2000. Muddy water in - muddy water out? Watershed Protection Techniques 2(3):393-403. City of Wilson. 1995. EIS for the Buckhorn Reservoir Expansion. Doll, B. A., D. E. Wise -Frederick, C. M. Buckner, S. D. Wilkerson, W. A. Harman, and R. E. Smith. 2000. Hydraulic geometry relationships for urban streams throughout the piedmont of North Carolina. Pages 299-304 in P. J. Wigington, Jr, and R. L. Beschta, eds. Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association International Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use watersheds, Portland, Oregon. Knutson, K. L., and V. L. Nae£ 1997, Management recommendations for Washington's priority habitats: riparian. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Mallin, M. A., K. E. Williams, E. C. Esham, and R. P. Lowe. 2000. Effect of human development on bacteriological water quality in coastal watersheds. Ecological Applications 10(4):1047-1056, May, C. W. and R. R. Homer. 2000. The cumulative impacts of watershed urbanization on stream - riparian ecosystems. Pages 281-286 in P. J. Wigington, Jr. and R. L. Beschta, eds. Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association International Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use watersheds, Portland, Oregon. Schueler, T. 1994. The importance of imperviousness. Watershed Protection Techniques. ] (3):100-111. Stewart, J. S., D. M. Downes, L. Wang, J. A. Wierl, and R. Bannerman. 2000. Influences of riparian corridors on aquatic biota in agricultural watersheds. Pages 209-214 in P. J. Wigington, Jr. and R. L. Beschta, cds. Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association International Conference on riparian ecology and management in multi -land use watersheds, Portland, Oregon. Pk,4bL Cd*m~r c?�oeuazc4'700 GQnfrd1 7:24i CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT °Lt'`' I WORKS ""'rrr S PUBLIC w November 23, 2004 Ken Pickle Permit Writer NC Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Subject:: NPDES Permit Number NCS000442, City of Rocky Mount Dear Mr. Pickle: Enclosed, please find the City of Rocky Mount comments on the Draft Phase II NPDES permit and a marked up copy of the draft permit indicating areas where the City would like to she changes to the permit language. Sincerely, William "Brad" Kerr Asst. Public Works Director cc: Doug Roberson, PE, Director of Public Works One Government Puri • Post Office Sox 1180• R(wky Mount, North Carolina 27802-1180 Telephone (252) 972-1520 • Fax (252) 972-1173 • Wehsite: www.ci.rocky-nuiuut.uc.0 • Page 2 January 21, 2005 NPDES Permit Number NCS000442, City of Rocky Mount Comments on Draft Permit Comment 1. Part II, Section C Language in item c) needs to provide more flexibility. It appears to require establishment of a permanent standing advisory panel. The City of Rocky Mount, in keeping with past practice, intends to seek feedback on the annual report and Stormwater Management Plan through the City Council Committee of the Whole meetings. When specific policy changes or major initiatives dictate a need for additional outreach and/or input, the city will consider establishment of a stakeholders group tasked with addressing the item of concern. This same stakeholder process was used when developing the stormwater utility and updates to the stormwater design manual. Comment 2: Part II, Section D Illicit Discharge Schedule needs to be modified as noted to be consistent with the City of Rocky Mounts Tar - Pamlico Nutrient Management Plan which calls for dry weather screening of 10% of the jurisdiction per year to start with the identified highest priority area in 2007. (Year 3 assuming approval of permit in early 2005). Comment 3: Part II, Section E Erosion control provisions of this permit shall be implemented in accordance with the requirements of the local program delegation authority granted to the City of Rocky Mount by the Environmental Management Commission. The City will rely on NCDENR Land Quality Section to administer these provisions within the ETJ. Comment 4: Part II, Section F The City of Rocky Mount intends to regulate post development controls in accordance with the provisions of the Nutrient Management Program and Post -Development ordinance approved by the EMC in September 2004 and the provisions of the Water Supply Watershed protection ordinance. Items (a), (b) and (d) are already being implemented under this plan and ordinance. Comment 5: Part II, Section G The City is proposing an adjustment to the implementation of this program to more closely coincide with the implementation schedule for the illicit discharge program and to provide time to fully implement other provisions of the program. Comment 6: Part III The City would like to use the same annual report for compliance with Tar -Pamlico and NPDES and would prefer that that these reports be submitted at the same relative time. Comment 7: Part V, Section A The City is concerned that items 2 and 3 of Part V, Section A could be construed to hold the City liable for an illicit discharge from facilities not operated by the City. 0 Page 3 January 21, 2005 Comment 8: General Comment The individual permit issued to Rocky Mount appears to be essentially the same document as the General Permit except that the implementation schedule is included as and integral part of City's permit. If the implementation schedule for each element were to be referenced as the stormwater management plan rather than within the permit it would appear that the City would be covered under a General Permit subject to General Permit fees F �N A TF Michael F. Easley, Governor `O�O RQG William G. Ross Jr., secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources DW� Alan W. Klimck, Y. E. Director �_• )W; Division of Water Quality p Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director Vi� Division of Water Quality November 8.2004 Doug Roberson, Director of Public Works POB 1 180 Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802 Subject: NPDES Permit Number NCS000442 City of Rocky Mount Dear Mr. Roberson: On July 12, 2004 the North Carolina General Assembly ratified Senate Bill 1210 (S 1210) - Phase H Stormwater Management. The Governor signed the bill on August 2, 2004. This bill addresses implementation of the federal NPDES Phase 11 stormwater program in North Carolina. 1n S 1210, the General Assembly provided a framework that will allow state and local government agencies to begin implementing the program. The bill establishes minimum stormwater management requirements for municipal storm sewer systems and also applies stormwater controls to some developing areas around these municipalities. Phase 11 Draft permits for local governments were publicly noticed the week of November 1, 2004 for those communities identified in the 1990 U.S. Census. Your community's permit has been noticed and copies of the draft permit are available at: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/su/phase2_draft_permits,htm We look forward to receiving your comments on this draft permit and continuing to work together for the benefit of your community and North Carolina. All comments and request should reference draft permit number NCS000442. Please provide your comments by Friday, December 10, 2004. If you have any questions about this draft permit don't hesitate to contact me at (919) 733-5083, ext. 584. Sincerely, Ken Pickle cc: Stormwater Permitting Unit Raleigh Regional Office N. C. Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 (919) 733-7015 l WC-DENR Customer service 1-877-623-6748 micnav r. tavey, taovemor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Emrtronment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director DMsion of Water Quality DATE: October 27, 2004 TO: EVENING TELEGRAM NUMBER: 252-446-7068 FROM: MIKE RANDALL, DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY SUBJECT: PUBLIC NOTICE PAGES: 1 On July 12, 2004 the North Carolina General Assembly ratified Senate Bill 1210 (S1210) - Phase It Stormwater Management. The Governor signed the bill on August 2, 2004. This bill addresses implementation of the federal NPDES Phase II stormwater program in North Carolina. In S1210, the General Assembly provided a framework that will allow state and local government agencies to begin implementing the program. The bill establishes minimum stormwater management requirements for municipal storm sewer systems and also applies stormwater controls to some developing areas around these municipalities. The Division has received submittals from 113 municipalities and 25 counties. Submittals include applications for permit coverage, requests for waivers from coverage and certifications that the local governments do not own/operate a storm sewer system. S1210 requires the Division to have draft permits for local governments ready for notice by November 1, 2004 for those communities identified in the 1990 U.S. Census. Please publish only the information (Public Notice) below, ONE TIME in the legal section of your paper during the week of November 1A, 2004. PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION 1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1617 The City of Rocky Mount has applied for an NPDES Phase It Stormwater Permit to discharge stormwater from their municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) located within the City of Rocky Mount jurisdictional area, Nash and Edgecombe Counties, to receiving waters, Compass Creek, Cowlick Creek, Goose Creek, Grape Branch, Hombeam Branch, Little Cokey Swamp, Maple Creek, Stony Creek, Swift Creek, and unnamed tributaries to them, all within the Tar River Basin. Copies of the draft permit, No. NCS000442, are available at httoalh2o.enr.state.nc.us/su/phase2 draft�permits.htm or by contacting: Ken Pickle NC Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Telephone Number: (919) 733-5083, extension 584 Ken.pickle@ncmai1.net All comments and request should reference draft permit number NCS000442. ICI /. �....— 4 &4 9 a V.l P--4-- 11-I-:-L \I/+ .Y 4-[.--..-- WA7'E Michael F. Easley, Governor RQG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources G] Alan W. Klimek, P. E. Director Division of Water Quality .0 Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director Division of Water Quality September 28, 2004 Doug Roberson, Director of Public Works One Government Plaza Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802 Subject: NPDES Permit Number NCS000442 City of Rocky Mount Dear Mr. Roberson: Enclosed for your review and comment is the draft Phase II NPDES Stormwater Permit for the City of Rocky Mount. Following an appropriate public notice and comment period, we anticipate this permit will become effective in the 4th quarter of 2004. We believe that this draft permit will provide your community with the flexibility vital for your community, while at the same time safeguarding and protecting our natural environment for future generations of North Carolinians. We look forward to receiving your comments on this draft permit and continuing to work together for the benefit of your community and North Carolina. Please provide your comments by Friday, October 15, 2004. You will also have an opportunity to submit comments during the public comment period in November, 2004. If you have any questions about this draft permit please contact me at (919) 733-5083, ext. 584. Sincerely, Ken Pickle Permit Writer cc: Stormwater Permitting Unit Raleigh Regional Office W:A WC-D 3 N. C. Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 (919) 733-7015 Customer Service 1-877-623.6748 Rocky Mount MS4 Review, NCS000442 May 20, 2004 KBP Background The City of Rocky Mount reports 56,800 permanent residents. The town is in Nash and Edgecombe Counties and the City's MS4 drains into the Tar -Pamlico River Basin. The jurisdictional area is 46.4 square miles and the MS4 area served is 36.4 square miles. Land use is reported as 33.45% residential, 7.97% industrial, 35.68% open, and 22.9% commercial. The application reports nine primary receiving waters, but does not classify them. The responsibilities for elements of the Stormwater Management Program Plan fall to the City Manager, the Director of Public Works, and numerous city staff and contractors. Application review a) The four -page permit application has been signed and sufficiently completed. OK b) Section 10 Public Education - Sufficient content (year one actions, minorities and disadvantaged included by virtue of targeting schools, educational program, utility mail outs, PLUS newpapers, TV, Keep America Beautiful, presence at special events.) No web site included, but other methods sufficient to satisfy Public Education requirement. OK c) Section 11 Public Involvement - Sufficient content (notice requirement for public meeting, public meeting.) The city has met the absolute minimum. However, it appears that they may have misunderstood that the objective is to get volunteer citizen participation. OK, but transmittal letter to suggest the volunteer aspect expected in this program. d) Section 12 Illicit Discharges - Sufficient content (develop program, establish ordinance, mapping, enforcement provisions, inspections, training, PLUS telephone and internet hot lines, public education.) OK e) Section 13 Construction Site Runoff - Sufficient content (reliance on the City's delegated Sediment and Erosion Control program within city limits, reliance on DLR program in ETJ.) OK f) Section 14 Post Construction Management - Sufficient content (The city already has a watershed protection area and will be subject to the Tar -Pamlico Nutrient Management Strategy, and further commits to meet the additional requirements of the Post Construction program.) OK g) Section 15 Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping - Sufficient content (training on O&M for the collection system, municipal operations inventory provided, PLUS used oil recycling program for city operations.) OK h) Staffing and budget - Sufficient. The Stormwater Management Program Plan activities are spread out to various departments and staff. The Plan recognizes a need to hire or contract for several other tasks within the Plan. Rocky Mount's staffing and division of responsibility seems appropriate. No budget information is provided. OK i) Timing - Sufficient. Some public education BMPs start in the first year. Other minimum measures are timely. OK j) Measurable goals - Sufficient. OK k) The Plan is consistent with the temporary rules in effect at the time of submittal and the instructions provided with the application form. Plan approvable as is. September 7, 2004 subsequent review of Rocky Mount's MS4 Stormwater Management Program Plan against the final provisions of Session Law 2004-163 and the Stormwater Management Rule (SMR): OK. Plan is consistent with the Law and the SMR. Plan is approvable as is. September 8, 2005 final permit prepared for signature incorporating selected comments from the public comment period and from the City of Rocky Mount. The annual report due date was set to coincide with the Tar Pam nutrient management program report, October 30. Permit effective date October 1, .2005. END O�O� W A 7 � r Doug Roberson Director of Public Works City of Rock! Mount P.O. Box 1180 Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-1180 Doug Roberson: Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water Quality March 13, 2003 Subject: NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program Application for discharge permit Application Number NCS000442 Nash County The Division of Water Quality's Stormwater and General Permits Unit hereby acknowledges receipt of your NPDES Phase II Stormwater permit application package on March 11, 2003. The submitted package contained the required form SWU-264, comprehensive stormwater program narrative, and $715.00 application fee. A preliminary review of your application package has been conducted and it appears to be complete. No further information is required at this time. This application has been assigned application number NCS000442. Please include this number with all future correspondence. If you have any questions concerning this letter, please contact Mr. Darren England at telephone number (919) 733-5083, extension 545. Sincerely, Bradley Bennett Stormwater & General Permits Unit N. C. Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699.1617 (919) 733-8053 NCDEN Customer Service 1 800 623-7748 Permit orocessin summaryand public comments record The City of Rocky Mount, NCS000442 KBP 1. Application dated 3/10/03, received at DWQ 3/11/03. 2. Permit writer's review 5/20/04, rev. 9/7/04. 3. Advance courtesy copy of permit sent to Rocky Mount 9/28/04. 4. 11/1/04 public notice of draft permit published. Publication confirmed by affidavit. 5. 11/8/04 written notice to Rocky Mount of public notice of draft permit. 6. 11/23/04 comments from Rocky Mount on the draft permit. Public comment document control number 209. Comments as follows. a. Part II.C.2(c) - request more flexibility and avoidance of permanent standing Citizens Advisory Panel. b. Part II.E. -- clarifying note that Rocky Mount will rely on its own, delegated DLR program. And further, that RM will rely on the DLR program, administered by DLR, in the ET]. c. Part II.F. - RM intends to regulate post -development controls in accordance with the Nutrient Management Program and Post -Development ordinance approved by the EMC in September 2004, and the provisions of the Water Supply Watershed protection ordinance. d. Part II.G. - request schedule adjustment to coincide with illicit discharge program efforts. e. Part III. - request avoid duplication of reporting effort for Tar -Pamlico and Phase II annual reports, with concurrent submittal dates. f. Part V.A.2. and 3. - RM concerned that these two provisions could be construed to hold RM liable for an illicit discharge from facilities not operated by RM. g. General comment - RM's permit seems so similar to the General Permit that the only significant difference appears to be in the annual fee. 7. RRO sign -off on the draft permit not received. 8. 12/20/04 comments from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, public comment document control number 210. NCWRC comments were not keyed to specific enumerated sections of the draft permit. NCWRC suggests the following modifications to the permit for areas draining to Swift Creek, and perhaps Stony Creek. a. 6% low density threshold; maintain pre-existing hydrographic conditions; WS-II minimum standards. b. Prefer infiltration practices over detention ponds. c. 200' forested buffer on perennials, 100' forested buffer on intermittents, or 100-year floodplain for new developments. d. Delineation of streams per USACOE or DWQ methodology. e. Prohibit most development in the 100-year floodplain. f. Replace curb & gutter with grassed swales where s < 5%. g. No direct discharge of stormwater; no control structures in buffers. h. Protect riparian buffers from utility infrastructure; 100' - 200' setback; no pesticides. i. Local governments should facilitate the implementation and approval of LID techniques. j. Municipalities should increase constraints on construction activities for increase sediment control. k. Municipalities should implement state-of-the-art construction site controls, rather than just state minimums. I. Mandatory contractor education programs. m. Encourage the Conservation Reserve Program. n. The local government shall seek guidance from various state agencies during selection of BMPs for its program. o. Implement an additional early permitting process for development activities, including timbering. p. Establish a watershed impact evaluation board to review and approve projects. 9. 12/30/04 comments from the Pamlico -Tar River Foundation and the Southern Environmental Law Center, public comment document control #211. Comments were not keyed to specific enumerated sections of the draft permit. SELC and PTRF commented as follows. a. SELC and PTRF offer numerous comments to the effect that the DWQ's Phase II program does not comply with EPA rules, the Clean Water Act, and other requirements in rule or law. Those comments on the program, as distinct from comments on RM's draft permit NCS000442, are not repeated in this permit comments review summary. b. Conditions and limitations in the draft permit are inadequate to ensure compliance with water quality standards. c. Issuance of the permit may cause DWQ to violate the Endangered Species Act. d. Lacking access to RM's Stormwater Management Report (an enforceable part of the permit), the public has not been able to conduct an effective review of the permit. e. The draft permit does not reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable, does not protect water quality, and does not satisfy the Clean Water Act. The draft permit does not require post -construction measures that minimize water quality impacts, and does not attempt to maintain pre -development runoff conditions, all as required by applicable rule and law. f. RM's draft permit does not contain adequate measures to protect the existing uses of the Tar River, Stony Creek, and Swift Creek as endangered mussel habitats. g. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has identified measures necessary to avoid adverse impacts from stormwater, including, in part, 100' and 200' buffers and a 711/o imperviousness limitation. RM's final permit must include these measures. h. DWQ must modify RM's permit to require the more stringent measures recommended by WRC, including the buffers and the 7% built upon area trigger identified above. i. SELC and PTRF request a public hearing on the permit. 10. 12/31/04 public comment period expires. 11. 9/8/05 final permit prepared for signature with an effective date of October 1, 2005. Permit processing summary and public comments record The City of Rocky Mount, NCS000442 KBP 1. Application dated 3/10/03, received at DWQ 3/11/03. 2. Permit writer's review 5/20/04, rev. 9/7/04. 3. Advance courtesy copy of permit sent to Rocky Mount 9/28/04. 4. 11/1/04 public notice of draft permit published. 5. 11/8/04 written notice to Rocky Mount of public notice of draft permit. 6. 11/23/04 comments from Rocky Mount on the draft permit. Public comment l document control number 209. Comments as follows. a. Part ILC.2(c) - request more flexibility and avoidance of permanent standing ,q r��nnfC t� Lo+nA+K�t Citizens Advisory Panel. b. ParOI.E. -- clarifying note that Rocky Mount will rely on its own, delegated DLR program. And further, that RM will rely on the DLR program, administered by DLR, in the ETJ. c. Part IIF. - RM intends to regulate post -development controls in accordance with the�Nutrient Management Program and Post -Development ordinance approved\by the EMC in September 2004, and the provisions of the Water Supply Watershed protection ordinance. d. Part II.G. request schedule adjustment to coincide with illicit discharge program efforts. e. Part III. - request avoid duplication of reporting effort for Tar -Pamlico and Phase II annual\reports, with concurrent submittal dates. f. Part V.A.2. and 3. - RM concerned that these two provisions could be construed to hold\ liable for an illicit discharge from facilities not operated by RM. g. General comment - RM's permit seems so similar to the General Permit that the only significant difference appears to be in the annual fee. 7. RRO sign -off on the draft permit not received. 8. 12/20/04 comments from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, public comment document control number 210. NCWRC comments were not keyed to specific enumerated sections of the draft permit. NCWRC suggests the following modifications to the permit for areas draining to Swift Creek, and perhaps Stony Creek. i eY rue) /J eAe,,� v/l,"5° e a. 6% low density threshold; maintain pre-existing hydrographic conditions; WS-II minimum standards. b. Prefer infiltration practices over detention ponds. c. 200' forested buffer on perennials, 100'\forested buffer on intermittents, or 100-year floodplain for new developments d. Delineation of streams per USACOE or DWQ methodology. e. Prohibit most development in the 100-year floodplain. f. Replace curb & gutter with grassed swales where s < 5%. g. No direct discharge of stormwater; no control structures in buffers. h. Protect riparian buffers from utility infrastructure; 100' - 200' setback; no pesticides. i. Local governments should facilitate the implement tion and approval of LID techniques. j. Municipalities should increase constraints on construc ion activities for increase sediment control. k. Municipalities should implement state-of-the-art constru tion site controls, rather than just state minimums. \ 1. Mandatory contractor education programs. m. Encourage the Conservation Reserve Program. n. The local government shall seek guidance from various state agencies during selection of BMPs for its program. o. Implement an additional early permitting process for development activities, including timbering. p. Establish a watershed impact evaluation board to review and approve projects. 9. 12/30/04 comments from the Pamlico -Tar River Foundation and the Southern Environmental Law Center, public comment document control #211. Comments were not keyed to specific enumerated sections of the draft permit. SELL and PTRF commented as follows. a. SELC and PTRF offer numerous comments to the effect that the DWQ's Phase II program does not comply with EPA rules, the Clean Water Act, and other requirements in rule or law. Those comments on the program, as distinct from comments on RM's draft permit NCS000442, are not repeated in this permit comments review summary. b. Conditions and limitations in the draft permit are inadequate to ensure compliance with water quality standards. c. Issuance of the permit may cause DWQ to violate the Endangered Species Act. d. Lacking access to RM's Stormwater Management Report (an enforceable part of the permit), the public has not been able to conduct an effective review of the permit. �rLA 6u� e. The draft permit does not reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum nrh extent practicable, does not protect water quality, and does not satisfy the Clean Water Act. The draft permit does not require post -construction a� measures that minimize water quality impacts, and does not attempt to 0 f maintain pre -development runoff conditions, all as required by applicable rule and law. r�l� f. RM's draft permit does not contain adequate measures to protect the existing r^'�r �er uses of the Tar River, Stoney Creek, and Swift Creek as endangered mussel habitats. g. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has identified measures necessary to avoid adverse impacts from stormwater, including, in part, 100' and 200' buffers and a 7% imperviousness limitation. RM's final permit must include these measures. h. DWQ must modify RM's permit to require the more stringent measures recommended by WRC, including the buffers and the 7% built upon area trigger identified above. i. SELC and PTRF request a public hearing on the permit. 10. 12/31/04 public comment period expires. w A c O 'C THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT STEPHEN RAPER, CITY MANAGER P.O. BOX 1180 ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27802-1180 Stephen Raper: Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality 11/6/2002 Subject: NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program In 1990 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Phase I stormwater program was promulgated under the Clean Water Act. Phase I relies on National Pollutant discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage to address stormwater runoff from: (1) "medium" and "large" municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) generally serving populations of 100,000 or greater, (2) construction activity disturbing 5 acres of land or greater, and (3) ten categories of industrial activity. The NPDES Stormwater Phase 1I Final Rule was promulgated in December 1999 and is the next step in EPA's effort to preserve, protect, and improve the Nation's water resources from polluted storm water runoff. The Phase II program expands the Phase I program by requiring additional operators of MS4s in urbanized areas and operators of smal l construction sites, through the use of NPDES permits, to implement programs and practices to control stormwater runoff. Phase II is intended to further reduce adverse impacts to water quality and aquatic habitat by instituting the use of controls on the unregulated sources of stormwater discharges that have the greatest likelihood of causing continued environmental degradation. The NPDES Stormwater Phase It Final Rule requires nationwide coverage of all operators of small MS4s that are located within the boundaries of a Bureau of the Census defined "urbanized area" based on the latest decennial Census. We are writing to you to remind you that the City of Rocky Mount has been identified as being located within a census designated urbanized area in both the 1990 and 2000 decennial census. As a regulated community, you are required to develop a stormwater management program and apply for stormwater permit coverage, if you own and operate a small MS4 or file a certification that the City of Rocky Mount does not own or operate a small MS4. The deadline for submitting your application package or non -ownership certification is March 10, 2003. Application and certification documents, as well as additional information on the NPDES stormwater program, are available for download at our web site . Our web address is http://h2o.enr.state.ne.us/su/stormwater.hIm1. You may also contact us for hard copies of the documents. If you have any questions about this letter, please feel free to contact me (919-733-5083, ext.525) or Darren England (9I9-733-5083, ext. 545) Sincerely, Bradley Bennett, Supervisor Stormwater and General Permits Unit cc: Central Files Stormwater and General Permits Unit Files Raleigh Regional Office N. C. Division of Water Quality ,1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 (919) 733.7015 ern NCDENR Customer Service 1-800-623-7748 NCS000442 STATE of NORTH CAROLI.NA DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION of WATER QUALITY PERMIT NO. NCS000442 TO DISCHARGE STORMWATER UNDER THE NATIONAII POLLUTANTDISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM In compliance with the provisions of North Carolina Genera,tatut 14-215.1, other lawful standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Jn.Vironmental Management Commission, and the Federal Water Poll ution.Control Acts amended, City of Rocky M01-I ff is hereby authorized to discharge stormwater from their munici rI separate storm sewer system located: f,/ AV %%— within the Cit t Jurisdictional Area Nash nd:Edgc"co be Counties ti to receiving waters Compass Creek, CowlicklC�ek, Goose Creek, Grape Branch, Hornbeam Branch, Little Cokey Swamp, Maple Creck,IStony Creek, Swift Creek, and unnamed tributaries to them, all within the Tar River basntin accordance with the discharge limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions sc"('fOT-th in Parts I, 11, I1_I, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII hereof. This permit shall become effective Month Day, Year. This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on Month Day, Year. Signed this day Month Day, Year. Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality By the Authority of the Environmental Management Commission f NCS000442 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I PERMIT COVERAGE PART II FINAL LIMITATIONS AND CONTROLS FOR PERMITTED DISCHARGES SECTION A: PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS SECTION F: POST -CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS PART III PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PART IV REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS PART V STANDARD CONDITIONS SECTION A: COMPLIANCE AND LIABILITY SECTION B: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF POLLUTION CONTROLS SECTION C: MONITORING AND RECORDS PART VI LIMITATIONS REOPENER PART VII ADMINISTERING AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING FEE REQUIREMENTS PART VIII DEFINITIONS NCS000442 PART I PERMIT COVERAGE During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the City of Rocky Mount is authorized to discharge stormwater from the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to receiving waters Compass Creek, Cowlick Creek, Goose Creek, Grape Branch, Hornbeam Branch, Little Cokey Swamp, Maple Creek, Stony Creek, Swift Creek, and unnamed tributaries to them, all within the Tar River Basin. Such discharge will be controlled, limited and monitored in accordance with the permittee's Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program Report, herein referred to as the Stormwater Plan. The Stormwater Plan includes components of the permittee's Phase II Municipal NPDES Stormwater Permit Application, Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program Report, and any approved modifications. 2. All discharges authorized herein shall be adequately managed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this permit. Any other point source discharge to surface waters of the state is prohibited unless it is an allowable non-stormwater discharge or is covered by another permit, authorization, or approval. 3. This permit does not relieve the permittee from responsibility for compliance with any other applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, standard, ordinance, order, judgment, or decree. 4. This permit covers activities associated with the discharge of stormwater from the MS4 within the jurisdictional area of the permittee and surrounding areas as described in the approved local Stormwater Plan to control potential pollution from the MS4. The permit applies to current and future jurisdictional areas of the permittee, as well as areas that seek coverage under this permit through inter -local or other similar agreements with the permittee. Agreements i'or coverage under this permit must be approved by the Division of Water Quality, herein referred to as the Division. The Division may deny or revoke coverage under this permit for separate entities and may require independent permit coverage as deemed necessary. In addition, the permittee may petition the Division to revoke or deny coverage under this permit for specific entities. 6. Under the authority of Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act Lind implementing regulations 40 CFR Part 122, 123 and 124, North Carolina General Statutes 143-215.1 and Session Law 2004-163 and in accordance with the approved Stormwater Plan, all provisions contained and referenced in the Stormwater Plan are enforceable parts of this permit. The permittee will develop and implement its approved Stormwater Plan in accordance with Section 402(p)(3)(B) of the Clean Water Act, provisions outlined by the Director, and the provisions of this permit. 7. Discharges authorized under this permit shall not cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards. Part I Page 1 of 2 NCS000442 8. The permit authorizes the point source discharge of stormwater runoff from the MS4. In addition, discharges of non-stormwater are also authorized through the MS4 of the permittee if such discharges are: (a) Permitted by, and in compliance with, another NPDES discharge permit including discharges of process and non -process wastewater, and stormwater associated with industrial activity; or (b) Determined to be incidental non-stormwater flows that do not significantly impact water quality and may include: • water line flushing; • landscape irrigation; • diverted stream flows; • rising groundwaters; • uncontaminated groundwater infiltration; • uncontaminated pumped groundwater; • discharges from potable water sources; • foundation drains; • air conditioning condensate (commercial/residential); • irrigation waters (does not include reclaimed water as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0200); • springs; • water from crawl space pumps; • footing drains; • lawn watering; • residential car washing; • flows from riparian habitats and wetlands; • dechlorinated swimming pool discharges; • street wash water; • flows from emergency fire fighting. The Division may require that non-stormwater flows of this type be controlled by the permittee's Stormwater Plan. Part I Page 2 of 2 NCS000442 PART II FINAL LIMITATIONS AND CONTROLS FOR PERMITTED DISCHARGES SECTION A: PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION The permittee will implement, manage and oversee all provisions of its Stormwater Plan to reduce pollutants discharged from the MS4. This includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: The permittee will develop and maintain adequate legal authorities to implement all provisions of the Stormwater Plan. The permittee will keep the Division advised of the status of development of appropriate ordinances and legal authorities and will pursue these authorities in accordance with the schedule outlined in the Stormwater Plan. Any changes to the schedule must be approved by the Director. 2. The per-mittee's Stormwater Plan will be implemented and managed such that the discharge of pollutants from the MS4 is reduced to the maximum extent practicable. It is anticipated that in order to meet this provision, implementation of the Stormwater Plan Will occur with emphasis given to priority areas and to management measures and programs that are most effective and efficient at varying stages of the plan's implementation. 3. The permittee will implement the appropriate components of the Stormwater Plan to assure that, to the maximum extent practicable, illicit connections, spills, and illegal dumping into the MS4 are prohibited. 4. The permittee will implement provisions of the Stormwater Plan as appropriate to monitor Lind assess the performance of the various management measures that are a part of the Stormwater Plan. This will include the provisions of this permit. The permittee will maintain adequate funding and staffing to implement and manage the provisions of the Stormwater Plan. 6. The permittee will implement appropriate education, training, outreach, and public involvement programs to support the objectives of this Stormwater discharge permit and the Stormwater Plan. 7. The permittee will implement a program to reduce pollution from construction site runoff as described in the Stormwater Plan and in accordance with this permit. 8. The permittee will implement an appropriate post -construction site runoff control program to regulate new development and redevelopment by requiring structural and non- structural best management practices to protect water quality, to reduce pollutant loading, and to minimize post -development impacts. This program will include provisions for long-term operation and maintenance of BMPs. Part Ii Page 1 of 12 N C S000442 9. The permittee will evaluate municipal operations and develop and implement an appropriate program for municipal activities and ongoing operation and maintenance of municipal facilities to reduce the potential for stormwater pollution. 10. Proposed permit modifications must be submitted to the Director for approval. 11. Within one year after receiving notice that the permitted MS4 is subject to an approved TMDL, the permittee shall identify any stormwater outfalls that have the potential of discharging the pollutant(s) of concern either to the impaired stream segment or to a tributary of that stream segment and submit a monitoring plan for the pollutant(s) of concern to the Division. The permittee shall submit information on the location of outfalls with the potential for discharging the pollutant(s) of concern in the next Stormwater Plan annual report due at least one year after notice of the TMDL. Subsequent annual reports shall include the results of the monitoring. The Division will consider the monitoring results in determining whether additional BMPs are needed to control the pollutant(s) of concern to the maximum extent practicable. If additional BMPs are needed to achieve the required level of control, the permittee will be required to submit a timetable for incorporation of those BMPs into the permitted stormwater program. Part iI Page 2 of 12 NCS000442 SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 1. ObJectives for Public Education and Outreach (a) Distribute educational materials to the community. (b) Conduct public outreach activities. (c) Raise public awareness on the causes and impacts of stormwater pollution. (d) Inform the public on steps they can take to reduce or prevent stormwater pollution. 2. UNIPs for Public Education and Outreach The permittce shall implement the following BMPs to meet the objectives of the Public Education and Outreach Program and shall notify the Division prior to modification of any goals. IRMP Measurable Goals YR YR YR YR Ylt 1 2 3 4 S (a) Establish a Public Develop a public education program and X X X X X Education and implement within 12 months of the permit Outreach Program issue date. Incorporate outreach elements for significant minority and disadvantaged communities. (b) Informational Web Site Develop and maintain an internet web X X X X X site. Post newsletter articles on stormwater, information on water quality, stormwater projects and activities, and ways to contact stormwater management program staff. (c) Public education Develop general stormwater educational X X X X X materials for schools, material targeting school children, homeowners, and/or homeowners and/or businesses. businesses (d) Public education Distribute Wi-itten material through utility X X X X X material dissemination mailouts, at special events, and at high traffic businesses. Part 11 Page 3 of' 12 NCS000442 SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION 1. Objectives for Public Involvement and Participation (a) Provide opportunities for the public to participate in prograrn development and implementation. (b) Reach out and engage major economic and ethnic groups. (c) Comply with applicable state and local public notice requirements. 2. BMPs for Public Involvement and Participation The permittee shall implement the following BMPs to meet the objectives of the Public Involvement and Participation Program and shall notify the Division prior to modification of any goals. Measurable Goals XR YR YR •YR- YR _ 41 2= 3 4. 5 (a) Administer- a Public Conduct at least one public meeting to X X X X X Involvement Program allow the public an opportunity to review and comment on the Stormwater Plan. (b) Organize a volunteer Organize and implement a volunteer X X X X X community stormwater related -program designed to involvement program promote on oing citizen 2articipation. (c) Establish a Citizens Establish a citizens advisory panel to X X X X X Advisory Panel review the Stormwater Plan, to review the annual report, and to advise the permittee on the Stormwater Plan. Part 11 Page 4 of 12 NCS000442 SECTION D: ILLICITDISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION Objectives for Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (a) Detect and eliminate illicit discharges, including spills and illegal dumping. (b) Address significant contributors of pollutants to the MS4. The permittee may require specific controls for a category of discharges, or prohibit that discharge completely, if one or more of these categories ol'sources are identified as a significant contributor of pollutants to the MS4. (c) implement appropriate enforcement procedures and actions. (d) Develop a storm sewer system map showing all outfalls and waters receiving discharges. (e) Inform employees, businesses, and the general public of hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste. 2. 13MPs for Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination The permittee shall implement the following BMPs to meet the objectives of the illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program and shall notify the Division prior to modification of any goals. ^fit :I3NHP � sMeasu able Goals Xt, YR' YR YRF YR'" -. Ye3" .=ds'- _ i.\.%w'c.re� .: k'i.."-"ii"a"^il,>•i -E':.r .; -.�1' .Y',�. .ilk �d •;., +Y 2 - f_;.k A'5Y.�' (a) Develop/Implement Develop and implement an Illicit X X X X X Illicit Discharge Discharge Detection and Elimination Detection and Program. Include provisions for program Elimination Program assessment and evaluation. (b) Establish and Establish and maintain adequate legal X X X X X maintain appropriate authorities to prohibit illicit discharges legal authorities and enforce the approved illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program. (c) Develop a Storm Complete identification, locations of, and X X X X Sewer System Base mapping of, stormwater drainage system Map components. At a minimum, mapping components include outfalls, drainage areas, and receiving? streams. (d) Implement illicit Implement an inspection program to X X X discharge detection detect dry weather flows at system procedures outfalls. Establish procedures for tracing the sources of illicit discharges and for removing the sources. Develop procedures for identification of priority areas likely to have illicit discharges. Continue to update the map of drainage system components on a priority basis per the approved Illicit Discharge Program. Part 1.1 Page 5 of 12 NCS000442 1Vleasierable Goals uYR YR gyGR YR" YIZ z-, s,x.: c•., :S Psi _ :: .�: .�° .<: _,....az,„, �.r �°:. .'S �,' -,.. .xi-dam--.;:w:. 1. 6:. v . (e) Conduct employee Conduct training for municipal staff on X X X X X cross -training detecting and reporting illicit discharges. (f) Provide public Inform public employees, businesses, and X X X X X education the general public of hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste. (g) Establish a public Establish and publicize a reporting X X X X X reporting mechanism mechanism for the public to report illicit dischar es. Part II Page 6 of 12 NCS000442 SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS 1. Objectives for Construction Site Runoff Controls (a) Reduce pollutants in storrnwater runoff from construction activities disturbing one or more acres of land surface and those activities less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development. (b) Provide procedures for public input, sanctions to ensure compliance, requirements for construction site operators to implement appropriate erosion and sediment control practices, for review of site plans which incorporates consideration of potential water quality impacts, and procedures for site inspection and enforcement of control measures. (c) Establish requirements for construction site operators to control waste such as discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste at the construction site that may cause adverse impacts to water quality. 2. i3M:Ps for Construction Site Runoff Controls The permittee shall implement the following; BMPs to meet the objectives of the Construction Site Runoff Controls Program and shall notify the Division prior to modification of any goals. BM13 Measurable Goals YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5,. (a) Implement a Develop a regulatory mechanism and X X X X X program and implement a program requiring erosion and establish a sediment controls at construction sites and regulatory providing for sanctions to ensure compliance. mechanism for Instead of originating a new program, the erosion and permittee has elected to comply by relying on sediment control its own delegated program within the city limits, and the NCDENR Division of Land Resources (DLR) Erosion and Sediment Control Program within the ETJ. The permittee may rely on the delegated DLR program, and the DLR program (in the ETJ) only to the extent that those programs satisfy all of the following BMI's. (b) Develop Require construction site operators to X X X X X requirements on implement erosion and sediment control BMPs construction site and to control construction site wastes that operators may cause adverse water quality impacts. Part 11 Page 7 of 12 NCS000442 BMP`'' .. Measurable.Goals - YR. _ YR YR' Y�R' ,�YR'. 1 _ 2- 3• .4 ..'5 (c) Provide New materials may be developed by the X X X X X educational and permittee, or the permittee may use materials training materials adopted from other programs and adapted to for construction the permittee's construction runoff controls site operators program. (d) Institute plan Review construction plans and establish X X X X X reviews procedures that incorporate water quality considerations in construction site plan reviews. (e) Establish public Establish procedures for receipt and X X X X X information consideration of erosion and sedimentation procedures information submitted by the public. Publicize the procedures and contact information. The procedures must lead directly to a site inspection or other timely follow-up action. (t) Establish Establish procedures for site inspection and X X X X X inspection and enforcement of control measure requirements. enforcement The procedures should include prioritizing procedures areas of inspections based on local criteria. Part 1..1 Page 8 of 12 N C S 000442 SL+'C,1'ION F. POST -CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS 1. Objectives for Post -Construction Site Runoff Controls (a) Manage stormwater runoff from new development / redevelopment that drains to the MS4 and disturbs an acre or more of land surface, including projects less than an acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale. (b) Ensure long term operation and maintenance of BMPs. (c) Ensure controls are in place to minimize water quality impacts. 2. BM.Ps for Post -Construction Site Runoff Controls The permittee shall implement the following BMPs to meet the objectives of the Post - construction Site Runoff Controls Program and shall notify the Division prior to modification of any goals. ]BMP 'Measurable Goals YR YR Yk YR YR ] 2 3 4 5 (a) Establish a Post- Develop, adopt by ordinance (or similar X X X X Construction Site regulatory mechanism), implement, and Runoff Controls enforce a program to address stormwater Program runoff from new development and redevelopment. The ordinance must be reviewed and approved by the Director prior to implementation. Ensure that controls are in place to prevent or minimize water quality impacts. (b) Establish strategies Develop and implement strategies that X X X X which include BMPs include a combination of structural and/or appropriate for the non-structural 13MPs. Ensure adequate long- MS4 term operation and maintenance of structural BMPs. Require annual inspection reports of permitted structural BMPs performed by a qualified professional. (c) Establish a program to Control the sources of fecal coliform to the X X X X control the sources of maxims rn extent practicable. Develop and fecal coliform to the implement an oversight program to ensure maximum extent proper operation and maintenance of on -site practicable wastewater treatment systems for domestic wastewater. Municipalities must coordinate this program with the county health department. Part 11 Page 9 of 12 NCS000442 BMP Measurable Goals YR 1. YR .2 YR 3 . YR :4_ ; YR .5. (d) Establish nutrient Develop, adopt.. and implement an ordinance X X X X sensitive waters (NSW) (or- similar regulatory mechanism) to ensure protection measures for that the best management practice for programs with reducing nutrient loading is selected. In development or areas where the Environmental Management redevelopment draining Commission has approved a Nutrient to NSW waters Sensitive Water tJrban Stormwater Management Program, the provisions of that program fulfill the nutrient loading reduction requirement. Develop and include a nutrient application (fertilizer and organic nutrients) management program in the Post -construction Stormwater Management Program. 3. The evaluation of Post -construction Stormwater Management Program measures (a) Those areas within the jurisdictional area of the permittee that are already subject to the existing state stormwater management programs listed herein are deemed compliant with the post -construction stormwater management model practices identified in (b) below. The listed programs are: the Water Supply Watershed protection programs for WS-I — WS-IV waters, the HQW and QRW waters management strategies, the Neuse River Basin Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy, the Tar -Pamlico River Basin Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy, and the Randleman Lake Water Supply Watershed program. (b) Model Practices. For those areas within the jurisdictional area of the permittee that are not subject to the post -construction stormwater management provisions of another existing state stormwater management program, the permittee's Post - construction Stormwater Management Program must equal or exceed the stormwater management and water quality protection provided by the following model practices. (i) The permittee may issue a local stormwater management permit to a development or redevelopment project as either a low density project or a high density project. (ii) A project may be permitted as a low density project if it meets the following criteria: (A) No more than two dwelling units per acre or 24%n built -upon area; (B) Use of vegetated conveyances to the maximum extent practicable; (C) All built -upon areas are at least 30 feet landward of perennial and intermittent surface waters; and, (D) Deed restrictions and protective covenants are required by the locally issued permit and incorporated by the development to ensure that subsequent development activities maintain the Pail it Page 10 of 12 NCS000442 development (or redevelopment) consistent with the approved plans. (iii) A project not consistent with the requirements for a low density project may be permitted as a high density project if it meets the following requirements: (A)The stormwater control measures must control and treat the difference between the pre -development and post -development conditions for the 1-year 24-hour storm. Runoff volume drawdown time must be a minimum of 24 hours, but not more than 120 hours; (B) All structural stormwater treatment systems must be designed to achieve 85% average annual removal of total suspended solids; (C) Stormwater management measures must comply with the General .Engineering Design Criteria For Ali Projects requirements listed in 15A NCAC 2H .1008(c); (D)AII built -upon areas are at least 30 feet landward of perennial and intermittent surface waters; and, (E) Deed restrictions and protective covenants are required by the locally issued permit and incorporated by the development to ensure that subsequent development activities maintain the development (or redevelopment) consistent with the approved plans. (c) Watershed Protection Plans. Public bodies may develop and implement comprehensive watershed protection plans that may be used to meet part, or all, of the requirements for post -construction stormwater management. (d) A regulated entity may develop its own comprehensive watershed plan, may use the model ordinance developed by the Commission, may design its own post - construction practices based on the Division's guidance and engineering standards for best management practices, or it may incorporate the post -construction model practices to satisfy, in whole or in part, the requirements for post -construction stormwater management. Part I I Page I l of 12 NCS000442 SECTION G. POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS 1. Objective for Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations Prevent or reduce stormwater pollution from municipal operations. 2. BMPs for the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations The permittee shall implement the following BMPs to meet the objective of the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program and shall notify the Division prior to modification of any goals. BMP Measurable Goals ` .YR... YR YR YK YR 1 .2; 3 4 +. 5. (a) Develop an operation Develop an operation and maintenance X X X X X and maintenance program that has the ultimate goal of program preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations. (b) Inspection and Develop an inventory of all facilities and X X X X X evaluation of facilities operations owned and operated by the and operations permittee with the potential for generating polluted stormwater runoff. Specifically inspect the potential sources of polluted runoff, the stormwater controls, and conveyance systems. Evaluate the sources, document deficiencies, plan corrective actions, and document the accomplishment of corrective actions. (c) Conduct staff training Conduct staff training specific for X X X X pollution prevention and good housekeeping procedures. (d) Review of municipally Conduct an annual review of the industrial X X X X X owned or operated activities with a Phase I NPDES regulated industrial stormwater permit owned and operated by activities the permittee. Specifically review the following aspects: the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan where one is required, the timeliness of any monitoring reports required by the Phase I permit, and the results of inspections and subsequent follow-up actions at the facilities. Part 11 Page 12 of 12 NCS000442 PART III PROGRAM ASSESSMENT implementation of the Stormwater Plan will include documentation of all program components that are being undertaken including, but not limited to, monitoring and sampling, inspections, maintenance activities, educational programs, implementation of BMPs, and enforcement actions. Documentation will be kept on -file by the permittee for a period of five years and made available to the Director or his authorized representative immediately upon request. 2. The permittee's Stormwater Plan will be reviewed and updated as necessary, but at least on an annual basis. The permittee will submit a report of this evaluation and monitoring information to the Division on an annual basis. This information will be submitted by [Set date two months after permit year's end] of each year and cover the previous year's activities from [Insert start date] to [Insert end date]. The permittee's reporting will include appropriate information to accurately describe the progress, status, and results of the permittee's Stormwater Plan and will include, but is not limited to, the following components: (a) The permittee will give a detailed description of the status of implementation of the Stormwater Plan. This will include information on development and implementation of all components of the Stormwater Plan for the past year and schedules and plans for the year following each report. (b) The permittee will adequately describe and justify any proposed changes to the Stormwater Plan. This will include descriptions and supporting information for the proposed changes and how these changes will impact the Stormwater Plan (results, effectiveness, implementation schedule, etc.). (c) The permittee will document any necessary changes to programs or practices for assessment of management measures implemented through the Stormwater Plan. In addition, any changes in the cost of, or funding for, the Stormwater Plan will be documented. (d) The permittee will include a summary of data accumulated as part of the Stormwater Plan throughout the year along with an assessment of' what the data indicates in light of the Stormwater Plan. (e) The permittee will provide information on the annual expenditures and budget anticipated for the year following each report along with an assessment of the continued financial support for the overall Stormwater Plan. {i) The permittee will provide a summary of activities undertaken as part of the Stormwater Plan throughout the year. This summary will include, but is not limited to, information on the establishment of appropriate legal authorities, project assessments, inspections, enforcement actions, continued inventory and Part III Page 1 of 2 NCS000442 review of the storm sewer- system, education, training, and results of the illicit discharge detection and elimination program. (g) The permittee will provide information concerning areas of water quality improvement or degradation. Depending on the level of implementation of the Stormwater Plan, this information may be submitted based on pilot studies, individual projects, or on a watershed or sub -watershed basis. 3. The Director may notify the permittee when the Stormwater Plan does not meet one or more of the requirements of the permit. Within 30 days of such notice, the permittee will submit a plan and time schedule to the Director for modifying the Stormwater Plan to meet the requirements. The Director may approve the corrective action plan, approve a plan with modifications, or reject the proposed plan. The permittee will provide certification in writing (in accordance with Part IV, Paragraph 2) to the Director that the changes have been made. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the Director's ability to conduct enforcement actions for violations of this permit. 4. The Division may request additional reporting information as necessary to assess the progress and results of the permittee's Stormwater Plan. Part III Page 2 of 2 NCS000442 PART IV REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS 1. Monitoring Records The permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and all original chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, and copies of all reports required by this permit for a period of at least five years from the date of the sample, measurement, report, or application. This period may be extended by request of the Director at any time prior to the end of the five year period. 2. Report Submittals (a) Duplicate signed copies of all reports required herein, shall be submitted to the following address: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality Stormwater Permitting Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 (b) All applications, reports, or information submitted to DWQ shall be signed by a principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or duly authorized representative. A person is a duly authorized representative only if: (1) The authorization is made in writing by a principal executive officer or ranking elected official; (ii) The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of a regulated facility or activity or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental/stormwater matters: and (iii) The written authorization is submitted to the Director. M Any person signing a document under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section shall make the following certification: "1 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 Part IV Page l of 3 NCS000442 information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." 3. Recording Results For each measurement, sample, inspection, or maintenance activity performed or collected pursuant to the requirements of this permit, the permittee shall record the following information: (a) The dates, exact place, and time of sampling, measurements, inspection, or maintenance activity; (b) The individual(s) who performed the sampling, measurements, inspection, or maintenance activity; (c) The date(s) analyses were performed; (d) The individual(s) who performed the analyses; (e) The analytical techniques or methods used; and (f) The results of such analyses. 4. Planned Changes The permittee shall give notice to the Director as soon as possible of any planned changes or activities which could significantly alter the nature or quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification requirement includes pollutants which are not specifically listed in the permit or subject to notification requirements under 40 CFR Part 122.42 (a). S. Anticipated Noncompliance The permittee shall give notice to the Director as soon as possible of any planned changes which may result in noncompliance with the permit requirements. 6. Twenty-four Hour Reporting The permittee shall report to the central office or the appropriate regional office any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the permittee became aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within S days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the noncompliance, and its causes; the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time compliance is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance. Part IV Page 2 of 3 NCS000442 The Director may waive the written report on a case -by -case basis if the oral report has been received within 24 hours. 7. Annual Reporting The permittee will submit reporting and monitoring information on an annual basis per Part III of this permit on forms provided by the DWQ. 8. Additional Reporting The Director may request reporting information on a more frequent basis as deemed necessary either for specific portions of the permittee's Stormwater Plan, or for the entire Program. 9. Other Information Where the permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in applying to be covered under this permit or in any report to the Director, it shall promptly submit such facts or information. Part IV Page 3 of 3 NCS000442 PART V STANDARD CONDITIONS SECTION A: COMPLIANCE AND LIABILITY 1. Duty to Comply The permittee must comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act and is grounds for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and r-eissuance, or modification; or denial of permit coverage upon renewal application. (a) The permittee shall comply with standards or prohibitions established under section 307(a) of the Clean Water Act for toxic pollutants within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions, even if the permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement. (b) The Clean Water Act provides that any person who violates a permit condition is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed the maximum amounts authorized by Section 309(d) of the Act and the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. §2461 note) as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act (31 U.S.C. §3701 note) (currently $27,500 per day for each violation). Any person who negligently violates any permit condition is subject to criminal penalties of $2,500 to $25,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both. Any person who knowingly violates permit conditions is subject to criminal penalties of $5,000 to $50,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or both. Also, any person who violates a permit condition may be assessed an administrative penalty not to exceed $11,000 per violation with the maximum amount not to exceed $.137,500. [Ref: Section 309 of the Federal Act 33 USC 1319 and 40 CFR 122.41(a)] (c) Under state law, a daily civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per violation may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of a permit. [Ref: North Carolina General Statutes t43-215.6A] (d) Any person may be assessed an administrative penalty by the Administrator for violating sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of this Act, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of this Act. Pursuant to 40 CFR Part 19 and the Act, administrative penalties for Class I violations are not to exceed the maximum amounts authorized by Section 309(g)(2)(A) of the Act and the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. §2461 note) as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act (31 U.S.C. §3701 note) (currently $11,000 per violation, with the maximum amount of any Class I penalty assessed not to exceed $27,500). Pursuant to 40 CFR Part 19 and the Act, penalties for Class 11 violations Parts V, VI, VIl & VILI Page t of 8 NCS000442 are not to exceed the maximum amounts authorized by Section 309(g)(2)(B) of the Act and the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. §2461 note) as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act (31 U.S.C.§3701 note) (currently $1 1,000 per day for each day during which the violation continues, with the maximum amount of any Class II penalty not to exceed $137,500). 2. Duty to Mitigate The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge in violation of this permit which has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment. 3. Civil and Criminal Liability Nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties for noncompliance pursuant to NCGS 143-215.3, 143-215.6A, 143-215.6B, 143-215.6C or Section 309 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1319. Furthermore, the permittee is responsible for consequential damages, such as fish kills, even though the responsibility for effective compliance may be temporarily suspended. 4. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the permittee is or may be subject to under NCGS 143-215.75 et seq. or Section 311 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1321. 5. Property Rights The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any infringement of federal, state, or local laws or regulations. 6. Severability The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit, or the application of any provision of this permit to any circumstances, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby. 1:'i►i't5 V, V 1, V I I& V II 1 Page 2 of 8 NCS000442 7. Duty to Provide Information The permittee shall furnish to the Director, within a reasonable time, any information which the Director may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating the coverage issued pursuant to this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The permittee shall also furnish to the Director upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit. 8. Penalties for Tampering The Clean Water Act provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fine of not more that $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both. 9. Penalties for Falsification of Reports The Clean Water Act provides that any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any record or other document submitted or required to be maintained under this permit, including monitoring reports or reports of compliance or noncompliance shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both. 10. Permit Actions This permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition. SECTION B: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE of POLLUTION CONTROLS 1. Proper Operation and Maintenance The permittee shall at all time,, properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of' treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are owned and/or operated by the permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems which are installed by a permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of the permit. Parts V, VI, V1I & VU.I Page 3 of 8 NCS000442 2. Need to Halt or Reduce not a Defense It shall not be a del'ense for a permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the condition of this permit. SECTION C: MONITORING AND RECORDS 1. Representative Sampling When required herein, stormwater samples collected and measurements taken shall be characteristic of the volume and nature of the permitted discharge. Analytical stormwater sampling shall be performed during a representative storm event. These samples shall be taken on a day and time that is characteristic of the discharge. Where appropriate, all stormwater samples shall be taken before the discharge joins or is diluted by any other waste stream, body of water, or substance. When specified herein, monitoring points established in this permit shall not be changed without notification to and approval ol'the Director. 2. Flow Measurements Where required, appropriate flow measurement devices and methods consistent with accepted scientific practices shall be selected and used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements of the volume of monitored discharges. 3. 'Pest Procedures Test procedures for the analysis of pollutants shall conform to the EMC regulations published pursuant to NCGS 143-215.63 et. seq, the Water and Air Quality Reporting Acts, and to regulations published pursuant to Section 304(g), 33 USC 1314, of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as Amended, and Regulation 40 CFR 136. To meet the intent of the monitoring required by this permit, all test procedures must produce minimum detection and reporting levels and all data generated must be reported down to the minimum detection or lower reporting level of the procedure. 4. Inspection and Entry The permittee shall allow the Director, or an authorized representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the Director), or in the case of a facility which discharges through a municipal separate storm sewer system, an authorized representative of a municipal operator or the separate storm sewer system receiving the discharge, upon the presentation of credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to; (a) Enter upon the permittee's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this permit; Parts V, VI, VII & VIIi Page 4 of 8 NCS000442 (b) Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this permit; (c) Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this permit; and (d) Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Clean Water Act, any substances or parameters at any location. 5. Availability of Reports Except for data determined to be confidential under NCGS 143-215.3(a)(2) or Section 308 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1318, all reports prepared in accordance with the terms of this permit shall be available for public inspection at the offices of the Division of Water Quality. As required by the Act, analytical data shall not be considered confidential. Knowingly making any false statement on any such report may result in the imposition of criminal penalties as provided for in NCGS 143-215.613 or in Section 309 of the Federal Act. PART VI LIMITATIONS REOPENER The issuance of this permit does not prohibit the Director from reopening and modifying the permit, revoking and reissuing the permit, or terminating the permit as allowed by the laws, rules, and regulations contained in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 122 and 123; Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 2H .0100; and North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 et. al. PART VII ADMINISTERING AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING FEE REQUIREMENTS The permittee must pay the administering and compliance monitoring fee within 30 thirty days after being billed by the Division. Failure to pay the fee in a timely manner in accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0105(b)(4) may cause this Division to initiate action to revoke the permit. Parts V, VI, VII & Vill Page 5 of 8 NCS000442 PART VIII DEFINITIONS Act. See Clean Water Act. 2. Best Management Practice (BMP) Measures or practices used to reduce the amount of' pollution entering surface waters. BiVIPs can be structural or non-structural and may take the form of a process, activity, physical structure or planning (see non-structural BMP). 3. Clean Water Act The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended, 33 USC 1251, et. seq. 4. Department Department means the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 5. Division (DWQ) The Division of Water Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 6. Director The Director of the Division of Water Quality, the permit issuing authority. 7. EMC The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. S. Grab Sample An individual sample collected instantaneously. Grab samples that will be directly analyzed or qualitatively monitored must be taken within the first 30 minutes of discharge. 9. Hazardous Substance Any substance designated in 40 CFR Part 116 pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. l0. Illicit Discharge Any discharge to a MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater except discharges pursuant to an NPDES permit (other than the NPDES MS4 permit), allowable non- stormwater discharges, and discharges resulting from fire -fighting activities. 11. Industrial Activity For the purposes of this permit, industrial activities shall mean all industrial activities as defined in 40 CFR 122.26. Parts V, V1, V1I &. Vill Page 6 of 8 NC S 000442 12. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MS4 Pursuant to 40 CFR 122.26(b)(8) means a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains): (i) Owned or operated by the United States, a state, city, town, county, district, association, or other public body (created by or pursuant to state law) having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, stormwater, or other wastes, including special districts under state law such as a sewer district, flood control district or drainage district, or similar entity, or an Indian tribe or an authorized Indian tribal organization, or a designated and approved management agency under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) that discharges to waters of the United States or waters of the State; (ii) Designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater; (iii) Which is not a combined sewer; and (iv) Which is not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as defined in 40 CFR 122.2. 13. Non-stormwater Dischareeg Categories The following are categories of non-stormwater discharges that the permittee must address if it identifies them as significant contributors of pollutants to the storm sewer system: water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, rising groundwater, uncontaminated groundwater- infiltration, [as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(20)], uncontaminated pumped groundwater, discharges from potable water sources, foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, irrigation water, springs, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, dechlorinated swimming pool discharges, and street wash water (discharges or flows from fire fighting activities are excluded from the definition of illicit discharge and only need to be addressed where they are identified as significant sources of pollutants to waters of the United States). 14. Non-structural BMP Non-structural BMPs are preventive actions that involve management and source controls such as: (1) Policies and ordinances that provide requirements and standards to direct growth to identified areas, protect sensitive areas such as wetlands and riparian areas, maintain and/or increase open space, provide buffers along sensitive water bodies, minimize impervious surfaces, and/or minimize disturbance of soils and vegetation; (2) policies or ordinances that encourage infill development in higher density urban areas, and areas with existing storm sewer infrastructure; (3) education programs for developers and the public about minimizing water quality impacts; (4) other measures such as minimizing the percentage of impervious area after development, use of measures to minimize directly connected impervious areas, and source control measures often thought of as good housekeeping, preventive maintenance, and spill prevention. Parts V, VI, V11 & VIII Page 7 of 8 NCS000442 15. Outfall The point of wastewater- or stormwater discharge from a discrete conveyance system. See also point source discharge of stormwater. 16. Permittec The owner or operator issued this permit. 17. Point Source Discharge of Stormwater Any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance including, but not specifically limited to, any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, or discrete fissure from which stormwater is or may be discharged to waters of the state. 18. Redevelopment Means any rebuilding activity other than a rebuilding activity that results in no net increase in built -upon area, and provides equal or greater stormwater control than the previous development. 19. Representative Storm Event A storm event that measures greater- than 0. l inches of rainfall and that is preceded by at least 72 hours in which no storm event measuring greater than 0.1 inches has occurred. A single storm event may contain up to 10 consecutive hours of no precipitation. For - example, if it rains for 2 hours without producing any collectable discharge, and then stops, a sample may be collected if a rain producing a discharge begins again within the next 10 hours. 20. Stormwater Runoff The flow of water- which results from precipitation and which occurs immediately following rainfall or as a result of snowmelt. 21. Toxic Pollutant Any pollutant listed as toxic under Section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act. Parts V, V I, V I1 & V I II Page 8 of 8