S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-67.67.200

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 61-67.67.200 - Engineering Reports

A. Purpose. Engineering Report herein after means Preliminary Engineering Report. The purpose of this section of the regulation is to provide for the review and approval of Engineering Reports and Proposals for wastewater facilities. All applicable data and information required and outlined in this section of the regulation (appropriate to the scope of the project) shall be submitted in the form of an Engineering Report to the Department before acceptance for review.

B. Applicability. These provisions relating to submittal of Engineering Reports apply to any person discharging or intending to discharge sewage, industrial waste and/or other wastes into the waters of the State or any person intending to increase the quantity of pollutant characteristics of sewage, industrial wastes and/or other wastes which are being discharged to such waters on the effective date of this regulation. Any person intending to construct a new outlet (e.g., discharge to the environment), or build, add to, or alter (permanently or for maintenance purposes) any treatment works for the handling of sewage, industrial wastes, and/or other wastes shall, before starting such work, apply to the Department on a form prescribed for such application, and shall submit to the Department an Engineering Report describing the proposed work and the steps which shall be taken to protect the waters of the State. The Department may require that an Engineering Report be submitted for other wastewater facilities as deemed necessary. For pretreatment facilities and modifications to existing wastewater facilities a simplified Engineering Report may be allowed. The simplified Engineering Report may be submitted with the permit application.

C. General Requirements.

1. Prior to the preparation and submission of a formal Engineering Report, the applicant and/or his Consulting Engineer may participate in a pre-application/pre-design conference with the appropriate wastewater division. The purpose of this conference is for reviewing this regulation as it applies to the particular project and for obtaining guidance and specific information from the Department.

2. The Engineering Report shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements which follow. No construction work on proposed wastewater facilities shall be started until the Engineering Report and subsequent plans and specifications have been approved and a construction permit for the wastewater facilities has been issued by the Department. It is advised that preparation of plans and specifications not begin until the Engineering Report is approved and the owner/engineer is in receipt of notice from the Department that the proposed project is approvable upon the receipt and permitting of the appropriate plans and specifications. Final plans and specifications are required to be submitted to the Department within one hundred eighty (180) days of approval of the Engineering Report, or a new Engineering Report may be required, unless the Department grants an extension to this time period.

3. Requirements for reports prepared under the State Revolving Fund (SRF) may have distinctive requirements in addition to those outlined in this section, (e.g., criteria in accordance with the Clean Water Act).

D. Additional conditions applicable to specific categories of Engineering Reports.

1. Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Minor modifications to wastewater treatment facilities may be exempt from the engineering report provisions.

a. Comprehensive Description of Proposed Project.

(1) This section shall include the name of the project or facility to be served and the person directly responsible (owner). The proposed wastewater treatment facility or modification shall be described in detail to include all unit operation and processes to be employed, and the handling and ultimate disposal of all liquid and solid wastes from the wastewater treatment facility. A reasonable estimate based on professional engineering judgment shall be provided for removing or reducing constituents in the influent wastewater to the proposed wastewater treatment facility.

(2) A flow diagram of the proposed wastewater treatment facility or modification shall be provided with the project description section of the Engineering Report. Such diagrams shall identify any bypass line or structures to bypass flow around treatment units.

(3) The project description section shall also include a discussion of the proposed treatment method as it relates to compliance with any discharge permit, administrative order, or other legal requirements applicable to the wastewater treatment facility.

b. Description of Waste. This section shall include the type of waste expected, such as domestic, industrial, or combined (industrial and domestic), and a list of all major sources of waste. A combined waste shall be described in terms of the relative proportions of domestic and industrial flows based on volume and strength (BOD5 and COD or TOC). Where industrial waste is involved, this section shall contain the primary four (4) digit Standard Industrial Code number for the industry and a brief description of the process as to the type of waste generated, the relative volumes, and the frequency of discharge.

c. Characteristics of Waste. The characteristics of the raw waste shall include but not be limited to the following items:

(1) Flow.

(a) Applicable flow values shall be measured where flow exists (i.e. wastewater treatment facility being upgraded but not expanded for additional volume). Flow (daily total and daily variations) shall include:

(i) Monthly average;

(ii) Minimum;

(iii) Daily maximum; and

(iv) Peak hourly.

(b) Where flow does not exist, or additional flow is proposed, a reasonable estimate of the characteristics of the proposed waste shall be supported based on the following criteria:

(i) Domestic Waste. Based on contributory population as referenced to the type of facility to be served, as stated in 61-67 Appendix A.

(ii) Industrial Waste. May be based on:

(aa) Comparison of waste characteristics from similar processes; and,

(bb) Relative use of industrial process chemicals and process water.

(2) Solids. Solids parameters shall be measured where flow exists. Where flows are proposed, the normal characteristics of domestic waste are acceptable. Comparative or literature cited values may be acceptable for industrial flows (or domestic facilities with significant industrial contributions). The following shall be evaluated:

(a) Settleable;

(b) Suspended;

(c) Dissolved; and,

(d) Floating, such as oils and greases.

(3) Strength of the Waste. An estimate of the total oxygen demand such as the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) shall be provided where industrial wastes are involved in part or in total. The average values coupled with diurnal and seasonal fluctuations, measured or anticipated, shall be provided in the engineering evaluation and design of the wastewater treatment facility where such fluctuations effect compliance with the proposed effluent disposal permit limitations. For domestic facilities with significant industrial contribution, the design shall account for additional industrial loading (e.g., higher strength of waste). This evaluation shall include:

(a) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD, five (5) day, twenty (20) degree C); and

(b) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).

(4) Color (True and/or apparent).

(a) Source and causative agent(s);

(b) Variations; and,

(c) Treatability.

(5) pH (measured or anticipated fluctuations shall be provided).

(6) Alkalinity (Total and Phenolphthalein).

(7) Heavy Metals, Noxious, Toxic or Hazardous Compounds - Identification and Concentrations.

(8) Materials Resistant to Biological Degradation - Materials (e.g., Polyvinyl Alcohol) shall be identified and average concentrations (measured or anticipated) shall be provided.

(9) Surfactants, such as Methylene Blue Active Substances, or others.

(10) Phosphorous (total), Nitrogen (total), BOD:N:P Ratio and BOD:COD:TOC Ratio - Industrial Waters Only.

(11) Provide information on other chemical, physical, and/or biological parameters of importance in the design, evaluation, and successful operation of the proposed wastewater treatment facility otherwise not addressed in items one (1) through ten (10) above.

(12) A list of the industrial process chemicals that may affect the quality of the effluent shall be incorporated into the Engineering Report, where possible, and be accompanied by toxicity levels when such toxicity values have been reported in the literature (as applicable with domestic facilities with significant industrial contributions).

(13) Section 48-1-270 of the Pollution Control Act states in part: "Upon a showing satisfactory to the Department by any person that records, reports or information, or particular parts thereof, other than effluent or emission data, if made public would divulge methods or processes entitled to protection as trade secrets of such person, the Department shall consider such record, report or information or particular portion thereof confidential in the administration of this Chapter". If the Engineering Report submitted to this Department contains information or material reasonably considered by the owner of the proposed facility to be privileged information, the confidential portions of the Engineering Report shall be stamped "Confidential".

d. Treatability of Waste. This section shall include a discussion of the treatability of the wastewater based, where applicable, on treatability studies (pilot or bench scale) or secondarily, on a discussion of the literature concerning the treatability of the wastewater. Data from existing operating wastewater treatment facilities, which have similar wastewater and treatment systems as the proposed wastewater treatment facility, may also be used. Sufficient data shall be provided to show that the facilities are comparable, including influent and effluent characteristics. All literature referenced shall be cited and pertinent information quoted or provided. A conclusion shall be included as to the selected method of treatment and anticipated quality and characteristics of the effluent as identified by information provided pursuant to these provisions. Sludges generated by the proposed treatment system shall be characterized, and a specific method for treatment and disposal of these sludges (consistent with other Department regulations governing sludges) shall be presented. This section shall also address the feasibility and/or anticipated plans for segregating process wastewater for treatment, substitution of biodegradable for non-biodegradable process materials, substitution of non-toxic for toxic materials, and of recycle of a fraction or the whole of wastewater flows.

e. Location of Subject Area and Point of Discharge. This section shall include a description of the proposed wastewater treatment facility location and the proposed point of discharge (give latitude and longitude) located on an appropriate map and referenced to named roads, physical sketch plan of receiving waters, and the existing wastewater treatment facility (if applicable). Such a map layout shall enable persons unfamiliar with the proposed areas to locate the site. Pretreatment facilities shall provide on a map the location of the connection of their sewer line(s) to the sewer line or wastewater treatment facility accepting their wastewater in lieu of the receiving waters. Projects with land application of effluent or sludge shall provide maps of the location(s) of each site.

f. Physical Characteristics of Proposed Site. This section is applicable only to those projects proposing waste handling units and procedures which are directly influenced by local soil/groundwater characteristics. These projects include, but are not limited to, spray irrigation, absorption trench disposal, earthen containment and infiltration basins, composting, drip irrigation, and land application of sludge sites. The following shall be evaluated:

(1) Soil type(s) and their distribution (U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Report);

(2) Percolation test results and a map showing their location (include test procedure);

(3) Drainage characteristics of surrounding area to include, but not limited to, a USGS topographic map, where available, aerial photo, and flood elevations;

(4) Distance(s) to nearby wastewater treatment facilities, property lines, inhabited structures, streams, waterbodies, and drainage ways;

(5) Location and description of nearest water wells;

(6) Shallowest seasonal depth of water table and soil description to first impermeable layer;

(7) Exact location of land system;

(8) Design calculation for the system;

(9) Location of right of ways, such as pipelines, and power lines;

(10) Proposed location(s) and description of groundwater monitoring well(s), where necessary; and,

(11) Location of buffer zones for spraying effluent (consistent with R.61-9.505).

g. General Layout of Area(s) to be Served [where applicable, e.g., subdivisions].

h. Receiving Waters. The following shall be evaluated:

(1) Include name of all immediate and downstream receiving waters in such detail as to allow actual identification on a USGS quadrangle map. Pretreatment facilities shall include the name of the POTW or other facility accepting their wastewater and the receiving facility's effluent disposal permit number and ultimate receiving waters. Items identified in subsections67.200.D.1.h. (2), 67.200.D.1.h. (3), and 67.200.D.1.h. (4) below are not required for pretreatment facilities.

(2) If not determined by the Department, the 7Q10 (or other applicable flow information) shall be provided and referenced to the information source. Where published information is not available, any currently published method of computing the 7Q10 by comparative or synthetic means may be acceptable. However, a description of the method employed and justification for the value derived shall be incorporated in this section. This information is not required for non-process wastewater discharges.

(3) Chemical and biological characteristics of receiving waters. This information may be obtained from the Department, when such information exists, for the proposed receiving waters in the vicinity of the proposed point of discharge. In the absence of adequate information on record concerning receiving stream conditions, the owner, through its engineer, has the responsibility of supplying this information in the Engineering Report. When the Department determines that additional stream information is needed, a sampling program shall be established by the owner, through its engineer, in accordance with specific guidance provided by the Department.

(4) Consideration shall be given to the zone of influence, as defined by the consultant, regarding contravention of water quality standards. Water usages to be considered shall include, but are not limited to, the following. Unless otherwise indicated at the preapplication conference the items listed below shall be located on a separate map:

(a) Downstream water supply intakes (potable and non-potable);

(b) Downstream swimming areas;

(c) Downstream water impoundments;

(d) Shellfish areas; and,

(e) Names of other wastewater treatment facilities discharging to receiving waters both upstream and downstream which may have or tend to have an effect on the stream segment under consideration.

i. Impact of Discharge on Receiving Waters. Water quality assessments and water quality modeling are the responsibility of the person requesting the Department's approval of a project. In some cases, the Department will provide these services. This section applies to all domestic discharges and those industrial facilities (except pretreatment facilities) whose wastewaters are expected to exhibit an oxygen demand on the receiving waters or as determined by the Department. This section shall contain a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the effects of the proposed discharge on the receiving stream. This determination shall consist of the projected effect the discharge shall have on the dissolved oxygen content of the receiving stream (e.g., dissolved oxygen profile of the stream). Stream models may not be completely applicable to small streams, intermittent streams and sluggish or impounded waters. The situation and surrounding facts shall be made known in the pre-design conference at which time a mutual decision may be made as to the best manner in which the impact on the receiving waters can be determined based on the current available technology and techniques. Consulting engineers and the permittees shall recognize the importance of the impact assessment and that, in some cases, a thorough stream study to be conducted by the owner through the consulting engineer may be required. Quantitative assessments shall be presented as to the anticipated concentrations of phenols, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, solids, petroleum byproducts, and other materials significant in nature, in the receiving stream after adequate mixing of the discharge with the design stream flow. This section shall also qualitatively address the effect the proposed discharge shall have on the parameter for which standards have been established (R.61-68) such as the pH, fecal coliform concentration, and nutrient levels in the receiving waters.

j. Equipment and Service Failure or Shutdown. This section shall address the expected results of individual equipment or process failure or shutdown for maintenance of each major component within the system and for each major utility service. Major components include, (where applicable) but are not limited to, the following: lift station pump(s), clarifiers, aeration devices, disinfection devices, return sludge pumps, and tertiary treatment devices. Major utility services are considered to be, but are not limited to, electrical power and natural gas. The discussion shall also reflect consideration of those design measures which have been incorporated in the proposal or those that could be employed to eliminate or reduce the adverse effects of such failure or shutdown. This section shall discuss major problems that may exist upon failure or shutdown of each major component or utility service with regard to the following:

(1) Quality of effluent to be discharged;

(2) Effect on receiving waters;

(3) Creation of health related problems;

(4) Creation of nuisance conditions; and,

(5) Creation of hazardous conditions to operator(s) or public.

k. Alternatives Analysis and Consolidation of Facilities.

(1) In accordance with R.61-68 rules on anti-degradation, the Department shall consider 67.200.D.1.k. (1)(a) and 67.200.D.1.k. (1)(b) below when evaluating any proposed expansion or new discharge to waters of the State that will lower water quality to a measurable effect. This includes, but is not limited to, the new or increased loading of any pollutant or pollutant parameter in the effluent regardless of whether the discharge flow changes.

(a) An alternatives analysis, conducted by the applicant, must demonstrate to the Department that none of the following applicable alternatives that would minimize or eliminate the lowering of water quality are economically and technologically reasonable:

(i) water recycle or reuse;

(ii) use of other discharge locations;

(iii) connection to other wastewater treatment facilities;

(iv) use of land application;

(v) product or raw material substitution; and

(vi) any other treatment option or alternative.

(b) After the alternatives analysis is completed, the Department shall evaluate whether a proposed discharge that will result in the lowering of water quality of a waterbody, and for which there are no economically or technologically reasonable alternatives, is necessary for important economic or social development. For this to be accomplished, several economic and social factors must be considered. If an evaluation of the economic and social factors reveals that affordable treatment options that, combined with any alternatives, would prevent the need for the lowering of water quality, the Department shall deny the request. Conformance of the proposed discharge with the applicable 208 Areawide Water Quality Management Plans may demonstrate importance to economic and social development as well as intergovernmental coordination and public participation. Activities requiring permits or certification by the Department shall provide for public participation through the Department's existing public notification processes. Economic and social factors to be considered may include the following:

(i) employment (increases, maintenance, or avoidance of reduction);

(ii) increased industrial production;

(iii) improved community tax base;

(iv) improved housing; and/or

(v) correction of an environmental or public health problem.

(2) Consolidation of Facilities. In some instances, where wastewater treatment facilities are proposed, there are other wastewater treatment facilities, either proposed or existing, that could incorporate and treat the waste flows from the subject establishment, subdivision or industry. This section of the Engineering Report shall address requirements of the applicable 208 Water Quality Management Plan.

l. Pretreatment Facilities. For pretreatment facilities, a copy of the acceptance letter from the treatment facility accepting the wastewater and a copy of the pretreatment permit or industrial user permit, as applicable, issued by the POTW or other treatment facility accepting the wastewater, shall be provided to the Department.

2. Wastewater Collection and Transmission Facilities. Because of the nature of most collection/transmission systems a detailed Engineering Report is not usually required, unless specifically required by the Department. If required by the Department, the Engineering Report shall be submitted to the Department's appropriate wastewater division, along with the proposed plans for the collection system. This report shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. A description of the area, facility or establishment the proposed collection/transmission system is to serve to include the name of the facility(s), the number of connections, computations of flows, location of the facility, and owner of the proposed collection/transmission system.

b. A description of the wastewater facilities to service the proposed system to include the name, location, and permit number for the wastewater treatment facility; the present hydraulic load (average and peak flows); identification and permit numbers of other collection/transmission systems served or that are permitted to feed into the facility; and actual performance of the existing wastewater treatment facility under the present loading conditions. Performance figures to include removal efficiencies for BOD and suspended solids (and other parameters of importance to subject wastewater treatment facility evaluation) as measured or as extracted from current composite facility operating records.

c. A letter, addressed to the Department, prepared by the owner of the wastewater treatment facility agreeing to accept and provide treatment for the waste flow from the proposed collection/transmission system.

d. A description of potential problems that could be reasonably anticipated (e.g., power failure or pump shutdown in lift stations), possible health, nuisance, or hazardous conditions that may result, possible adverse effects on nearby streams, and what measures are proposed to prevent such problems and to protect streams, property, and the public during any shutdown periods.

e. An updated, overall plan of collection/transmission system(s) with each submittal (especially appropriate where phase development is being practiced).

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-67.67.200