15A NCAC 02T .0118. DEMONSTRATION OF FUTURE WASTEWATER TREATMENT CAPACITIES

In order to insure that treatment, utilization, or disposal systems do not exceed their hydraulic treatment capacities, no permits for sewer line extensions shall be issued to wastewater treatment systems owned or operated by municipalities, counties, sanitary districts or public utilities unless they meet the following requirements:

(1)           Prior to exceeding 80 percent of the wastewater treatment system's permitted hydraulic capacity (based on the average flow of the last calendar year), the permittee must submit an approvable engineering evaluation of their future wastewater treatment, utilization, and disposal needs.  This evaluation must outline specific plans for meeting future wastewater treatment, utilization, or disposal needs by either expansion of the existing system, elimination or reduction of extraneous flows, or water conservation and must include the source(s) of funding for the improvements.  If expansion is not proposed or is proposed for a later date, a detailed justification must be made to the satisfaction of the Director that wastewater treatment needs will be met based on past growth records and future growth projections and, as appropriate, shall include conservation plans or other specific measures to achieve waste flow reductions.

(2)           Prior to exceeding 90 percent of the wastewater treatment, utilization, or disposal systems permitted hydraulic capacity, (based on the last calendar year), the permittee must obtain all permits needed for the expansion of the wastewater treatment, utilization, or disposal system and, if construction is needed, submit approvable final plans and specifications for expansion including a construction schedule.  If expansion is not proposed or is proposed for a later date, a detailed justification must be made to the satisfaction of the Director that wastewater treatment needs will be met based on past growth records and future growth projections and, as appropriate, shall include conservation plans or other specific measures to achieve waste flow reductions.

(3)           The Director shall allow permits to be issued to facilities that are exceeding the 80 percent or 90 percent loading rates if the additional flow is not projected to result in the facility exceeding its permitted hydraulic capacity, the facility is in compliance with all other permit limitations and requirements, and it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that adequate progress is being made in developing the needed engineering evaluations or plans and specifications.  In determining the adequacy of the progress, the Director shall consider the projected flows, the complexity and scope of the work to be completed and any projected environmental impacts.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143‑215.3;

Eff. September 1, 2006.