The divison has published a public notice in the Charlotte Observer.
PUBLIC NOTICE
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INTENT TO ISSUE NPDES WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT #NC0004979
Public comment or objection to the draft permit modification is invited. All comments received by May 18, 2018 will be considered in the final determination regarding permit issuance and permit provisions.
PERMIT APPLICATION
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC has applied for a renewal of its NPDES wastewater permit (NC0004979) for the Allen Steam Station, 253 Plant Allen Rd., Belmont, N.C., Gaston County. The facility discharges treated industrial wastewater to Catawba River and South Fork Catawba River in the Catawba River basin. This discharge may affect future allocations in this portion of the Catawba River basin.
The thermal component of the discharge is subject to effluent limitations under the federal Clean Water Act sections 301/306 and N.C. Administrative Code Section: 15A NCAC 2B.0211 (3) (j), which prohibits an exceedance of 2.8 degrees C (5.04 degrees F) above the natural water temperature, and in no case to exceed 32 degrees C (89.6 degrees F). The permit holder has requested a continuance of a Clean Water Act 316(a) variance, which would impose an alternative, less stringent limitation on the thermal component of the discharge. The proposed variance imposes a monthly average limit of 38.9 degrees C (102 degrees F) during June 1 - September 30 time period and a monthly average limit of 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) during October 1 – May 31 time period. On the basis of the N.C. Administrative Code Section: 15A NCAC 2B.0208 (2) (b) and other lawful standards and regulations, the N.C. Division of Water Resources proposes to continue the 316(a) variance in conjunction with renewal of the permit.
The draft wastewater permit and related documents are available online at: https://goo.gl/3WtzMF. Printed copies of the draft permit and related documents may be reviewed at the department’s Mooresville Regional Office. To make an appointment to review the documents, please call 704-663-1699.
Public comment on the draft permit modification should be mailed to: Wastewater Permitting, Attn: Allen Permit, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C., 27699-1617. Public comments may also be submitted by email to: publiccomments@ncdenr.gov. Please be sure to include “Allen” in the email’s subject line.
Comment Period Ends: 30-days from publsih date