Document 3JXMkDE0DXwKE9GXbV4qkLvwE

CWA COMPLIANCE EVALUATION INSPECTION REPORT U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, REGION 5 Facility: Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant 5981 Streamtown Road Ashley, Ohio 43003 NPDES Permit Number: OH0054488 Purpose: To evaluate compliance with applicable regulations under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and the Clean Water Act (CWA). Date of Inspection: June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 (by phone) EPA Region 5 Water Enforcement Compliance Assurance Representatives: Keith Middleton, Environmental Engineer, middleton.keith@epa.gov, 312-886-6465 Matthew Schulte, Physical Scientist, schulte.matthew@epa.gov, 312-886-2405 Facility Representatives: T.J. Howard, Village of Ashely WWTP Operator, Central Ohio Wastewater Services, cowastewater@yahoo.com, 419-560-3413 Report Prepared by: Keith Middleton, Environmental Engineer KEITH MIDDLETON Digitally signed by KEITH MIDDLETON Inspector Signature: ______________________________D_a_t_e_: _20_2_2_.0_7_._2_9_1_1_:5_4_:3_7_-_0_5_'0_0_' _____ Approver Name and Title: Ryan Bahr, Section 2 Chief, Water Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Branch Approver Signature: Bahr, Ryan Digitally signed by Bahr, Ryan ______________________________D_a_t_e_:_2_0_2_2_.0_8_._0_1_0_9_:_4_8_:2_3__-_0_5_'0_0_' __ Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 INTRODUCTION On June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection regarding the Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Ashley, Ohio. The purpose of this inspection was to evaluate this WWTP's compliance with the CWA and its current NPDES permit. The first portion of this inspection on June 2, 2022 consisted of an opening conference, a WWTP walk-through, and a closing conference at the Ashley WWTP. On June 17, 2022, EPA and the primary Ashley WWTP operator, T.J. Howard, had a conference call that included the following: an opening conference, discussions concerning follow-up Ashley WWTP walk-through questions, Ashley WWTP's NPDES permit compliance, other pertinent Ashley WWTP information, and a closing conference. Any concerns that EPA identified during the WWTP walkthrough, the follow-up conference call, or during the subsequent review of the Ashley WWTP are listed in the section entitled "Areas of Concern" starting on page 14 of this report. WWTP BACKGROUND The Ashley WWTP is owned by the Village of Ashley ("Village" or "Ashley"). Mr. Howard is the principal wastewater treatment operator of this WWTP and has been working at the WWTP since 2003. Mr. Howard has obtained his Class II wastewater operator certificate from the State of Ohio. There are two other employees employed by the Village that assist Mr. Howard with the WWTP and perform the sewer collection system maintenance. Mr. Howard is at typically at the WWTP from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm from Monday through Friday, under normal circumstances. The Village of Ashley employees usually will arrive at the WWTP in the morning and do a WWTP walk-through at approximately 8:30 am. The Village employees also perform maintenance of the WWTP property, such as mowing grass. WWTP History According to Mr. Howard, the Ashley WWTP was constructed in 1976. In 1999, the original rotating biological contactors that provided biological treatment were replaced by the current carrousel oxidation ditch. In approximately 2018, the WWTP underwent additional upgrades to the influent lift station and the headworks. A 500,000 gallon equalization basin was also added during the most recent WWTP upgrades. During the June 17th call with Mr. Howard, EPA learned that the WWTP serves a total population of 1,700 people with approximately 580 sewer connections in the sanitary sewer collection system. 2 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 WWTP Summary The WWTP is designed to treat an average design flow of 0.19 million gallons per day (MGD). Mr. Howard told EPA during the June 17th phone call that the Ashley WWTP treats approximately 0.08 MGD on average during dry weather. The WWTP utilizes a fine screen with an auger that pushes the wastewater up through the fine screen to remove solids for initial preliminary treatment (Mr. Howard described this WWTP component as the "headworks screening system"). The influent flow meter for the WWTP is located after the headworks screening system. After the preliminary treatment, the wastewater is pumped to the first ring of the oxidation ditch. There are two rings to the oxidation ditch with an outside ring and an inside ring. Aeration is provided through two paddle aerators on opposite sides of the oxidation ditch. Wastewater in the oxidation ditch flows around the basin in a circular, clockwise fashion, with wastewater gradually flowing into the inside ring from the outside ring over time. Next, the wastewater flows into either one of two clarifiers. The two clarifiers are both identical, 9-foot-deep circular clarifiers each with an individual volume of approximately 109,000 gallons. The clarifier effluent is then designed to be pumped to two tertiary sand filters, and then into a former chlorine contact tank with an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the end of the tank. After the UV disinfection system, the treated wastewater flows through a weir that is used to measure the final WWTP effluent flow. The treated WWTP effluent then discharges to an unnamed tributary of the West Branch Alum Creek. This unnamed tributary of the West Branch Alum Creek flows into the West Branch Alum Creek just south of the Ashley WWTP. The West Branch Alum Creek is impaired for the following pollutants: E. coli, Ammonia-Nitrogen, and Phosphorus. The Ashley WWTP also includes return activated sludge (RAS) piping that connects RAS from the clarifer to the oxidation ditch, waste activated sludge (WAS) piping from the clarifier to the aerated sludge digestors, and associated piping and storage within the WWTP that allows it to send wastewater to other portions of the WWTP during maintenance. The Ashley WWTP utilizes two aerated sludge digestors that are 16,000 gallons each for WAS processing. For processed WAS storage, the Ashley WWTP utilizes a Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area. The WWTP discharges continuously 24-hours a day, seven days a week. NPDES Permit Since the Ashley WWTP is located in Ohio, the State of Ohio is the delegated NPDES permitting authority for this facility. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) issued the Ashley WWTP's current NPDES permit (Permit No. OH0054488) on August 10, 2018. This NPDES permit became effective on September 1, 2018 and the permit expires on 3 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 August 31, 2023. The Village of Ashley is listed as the permittee. The NPDES permit identifies one wastewater discharge location (Outfall 001) for the Ashley WWTP, discharging to an unnamed tributary of the West Branch of Alum Creek. Outfall 001 had interim effluent limitations from the effective date of the NPDES permit for the first five months. These interim effluent limitations included a limit for pH and reporting requirements for 18 other pollutant parameters. Beginning on the sixth month from the effective date of the NPDES permit, Outfall 001 had final effluent limitations for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids (TSS), Oil and Grease, Ammonia-Nitrogen, E. coli and five-day carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD5), with the other pollutant parameters listed in the interim for Outfall 001 to be reported to the Ohio EPA with no listed effluent limitations. The NPDES permit also contains: Outfall 300 includes the requirements for sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) monitoring and reporting to the Ohio EPA. Outfall 588 includes sludge disposal requirements. Outfall 601 are the influent monitoring requirements. Outfalls 801 and 901 include the in-stream monitoring requirements in the unnamed tributary of the West Branch of Alum Creek, upstream and downstream of the Ashley WWTP's Outfall 001 discharge. Part II of the NPDES permit includes other permit requirements related to: WWTP operator requirements, WWTP staffing requirements, additional SSO reporting, and additional sewage sludge. A copy of the NPDES permit applicable to this WWTP is included in this inspection report as Attachment B. Other Background Information According to the EPA ECHO website, the last Ohio EPA inspection occurred on March 14, 2019. Ohio EPA issued a Director's Final Findings & Orders to the Village of Ashley for the WWTP in 2018. 4 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 SITE INSPECTION Exhibit 1: General Location of the Ashley WWTP Source: EPA WATERS Geo Viewer (2018) Initial Inspection Discussion - June 2nd The EPA team, consisting of Mr. Middleton and Mr. Schulte, arrived at the Ashley WWTP at 10:02 am eastern daylight time (EDT) on Thursday, June 2, 2022. The weather was cloudy with a temperature of approximately 75 Fahrenheit, with some intermittent drizzle. On the night before the inspection, Ashley, Ohio had received heavy rain. Mr. Howard, the only WWTP representative present, met EPA in the parking lot outside of the WWTP Administrative Building. EPA presented their inspector credentials to Mr. Howard soon after arrival. Mr. Middleton then began the opening conference. After introductions and explaining the purpose of the inspection, EPA and Mr. Howard agreed to do a walkthrough of the WWTP on June 2nd and then have a detailed discussion concerning the Ashley WWTP at a later date over the phone. Mr. Middleton also explained that Mr. Howard could claim that information obtained during this inspection, including photographs and information provided by the WWTP, was confidential business information, if the photographs/information contained trade secrets, etc. Mr. Howard indicated to EPA that the Ashley WWTP did not have any confidential business information, as 5 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 described by EPA. After the opening conference, EPA and Mr. Howard conducted a walkthrough of the Ashley WWTP. WWTP Walk-Through - June 2nd At approximately 10:10 am EDT, Mr. Howard, Mr. Middleton, and Mr. Schulte began a walkthrough of the Ashley WWTP, starting with the preliminary treatment at the headworks of the WWTP, located to the northwest of the WWTP administrative building. Photograph 1 in Attachment A shows the headworks screening system that removes grit from the influent wastewater. Mr. Howard also discussed the influent lift station that pumps wastewater to the headworks screening system. The influent lift station consists of three pumps. Mr. Howard noted that two of the pumps were upgraded recently to variable frequency drive (VFD). Mr. Howard told EPA that clogging of the pumps in the influent lift station has been an issue and a screening unit, upstream of the influent pump station, was being discussed with the next round of Ashley WWTP upgrades. EPA and Mr. Howard then discussed a recent discharge from the headworks screening unit, shown in Photograph 2 in Attachment A, due to wet weather flows. Mr. Howard told EPA that the overflow was captured on the ground within the WWTP and did not flow into either the West Branch Alum Creek or the unnamed tributary of the West Branch Alum Creek. Mr. Howard later in the inspection asked EPA inspectors if the discharge from the headworks screening system was an SSO and how it should be reported to the Ohio EPA. Mr. Middleton told Mr. Howard it would be best to reach out to Ohio EPA on any reporting questions. Mr Howard then showed EPA the influent monitoring location in a pit located north of the auger screening unit (Photograph 4 of Attachment A). The Ashley WWTP utilizes an electromagnetic flow meter for its influent flow monitoring, downstream of the auger screening unit. Mr. Howard told EPA that the Ashley WWTP has a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) type system that can control most functions of the WWTP at the WWTP Administrative Building. This SCADA type system can also record certain data (including effluent flow). Next, EPA and Mr. Howard walked east to the carrousel oxidation ditch (Photograph 8 in Attachment A). Wastewater from the preliminary treatment flows first into the outside ring and over time the wastewater will then move to the second inner ring. The wastewater in the carrousel oxidation ditch flows in a clockwise fashion. The carrousel oxidation ditch consists of two rings with paddle aerators at two locations opposite of each other (Photographs 5 and 6 in Attachment A). Mr. Howard informed EPA that the outer ring was designed to have a targeted dissolved oxygen of 0 mg/L and the inner ring was to have a target of 2 mg/L. Mr. Howard said that he has operated both the rings in the oxidation ditch at a targeted dissolved oxygen of 2 mg/L. Mr. Howard measures the dissolved oxygen in the carrousel oxidation ditch just upstream of the paddle aerators to track the dissolved oxygen concentration in the oxidation ditch on a weekly basis. Mr. Howard also told EPA that the Ashley WWTP will use both paddle aerators from approximately July 1st to August 31st to ensure the wastewater reaches its targeted dissolved oxygen. Mr. Howard indicated to EPA that the operation of the paddle aerators was rotated each 6 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 week, notwithstanding the use of both paddle aerators in the summer. While at the carrousel oxidation ditch, EPA observed the build-up of material on the side walls of the carrousel oxidation ditch. Mr. Howard told EPA that he had been unable to perform regular maintenance in the month of May and was catching up on completing the maintenance that needed to be done at the Ashley WWTP. EPA and Mr. Howard then walked to the south to observe the clarifiers downstream of the carrousel oxidation ditch (Photographs 10 and 11 in Attachment A). First, EPA observed the clarifier splitter box, upstream of the clarifiers (Photograph 9 in Attachment A), that controlled which clarifier the wastewater flowed to. During this inspection, both clarifiers were in operation, due to the heavy rains the night before. EPA noticed that there was a buildup of sludge material in the center ring of both clarifiers, with grass growing in the northeast clarifier (Photograph 11 in Attachment A). Mr. Howard told EPA that the center ring on both clarifiers will build up quickly with material even after cleaning the clarifier out. Mr. Howard noted to EPA that he cleans the clarifier weir with a wire brush as needed and power washes the weir every other week. In addition to these regular clarifier weir cleanings, Mr. Howard takes both clarifiers out of service (one at a time) in spring and in fall each and will power wash the entire unit. Mr. Howard had not performed the power washing of either clarifier so far this spring due to unforeseen circumstances. Although Mr. Howard indicated to EPA that he had just cleaned the clarifier weirs with a wire brush, EPA observed some material buildup on the weir notches. Next, EPA and Mr. Howard observed the aerated sludge digestors, located to the south of the clarifiers. Mr. Howard told EPA that waste activated sludge is first pumped into the east cell (Photograph 13 in Attachment A) and then the sludge is pumped into the west cell (Photograph 14 in Attachment A). EPA observed reeds and other vegetation growth located in the east aeriated sludge digestor. Mr. Howard indicated that he believed the reeds were from the reed sludge storage area. In the west aeriated sludge digestor, EPA observed duckweed growing on the surface of the sludge. Mr. Howard told EPA that the sludge digestor is cleaned/power washed and the diffusers are cleaned once the sludge in each digestor is emptied. Then, EPA and Mr. Howard walked east towards the Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area. EPA and Mr. Howard first observed the transfer tank (Photographs 15 and 16 in Attachment A). The transfer tank does not provide any wastewater treatment at the Ashley WWTP. Instead, this approximately 60,000 gallon tank is used to empty certain treatment components and/or to store wastewater during WWTP maintenance. The transfer tank is connected to the front of the Ashley WWTP, before the carrousel oxidation ditch. EPA and Mr. Howard then walked south to the Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area (Photograph 17 in Attachment A). EPA observed that the reeds in the Reed Bed Sludge Area appeared to show healthy growth in early June. Mr. Howard said that a contractor planted the reeds a few years ago. Mr. Howard also told EPA that he does not typically perform annual maintenance on the Reed Bed Sludge Storage, including not cutting down the reeds or performing a controlled burn in the fall. Mr. Howard thought that roughly 100 tons of sludge were removed from the Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area in 2018 or 2019, but was 7 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 unsure on the specifics. Mr. Howard informed EPA that the Reed Bed sludge storage area included a drain that allows captured stormwater or wastewater within the sludge to be pumped back to the Ashley WWTP headworks. Mr. Howard and EPA then walked to the west to the sand filter building (Photograph 12 in Attachment A). The Ashley WWTP was originally constructed to use two tertiary sand filters, operating in parallel. Mr. Howard told EPA that the sand filters are not currently in operation because Mr. Howard can no longer initiate a backwash of the filter material. Mr. Howard informed EPA that the Village of Ashley was exploring the replacement of the sand filter system with a different type of tertiary treatment. Mr. Howard said that OHM was the engineering firm working on the revised tertiary treatment design. The sand filter building also housed the electronics of the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard showed EPA a sand filter splitter box near the Ashley WWTP electronics (Photograph 18 in Attachment A); Mr. Howard told EPA that he uses this splitter box to bypass the sand filters. Mr. Howard said to EPA that the Ashley WWTP has no other way to bypass the sand filters, making the use of this splitter box critical to the operation of the WWTP. Then Mr. Howard and EPA proceeded to the UV disinfection system, located east of the sand filter building. The Ashley WWTP was previously set up to use chlorine to disinfect treated wastewater and the chlorine contact tank was still in place (Photograph 21 in Attachment A). Mr. Howard told EPA that part of the old contact tank had been separated from the effluent flow channel leading to the UV disinfection system. EPA observed duckweed growing in the portion of the chlorine contact tank that was separated from receiving effluent flow with stagnant water located in this portion of the tank. Mr. Howard said to EPA that he cleans the effluent flow channel weekly with a wire brush when he cleans both of the clarifiers' weirs. Mr. Howard and EPA then discussed the UV disinfection system. The Ashley WWTP's UV disinfection system consists of seven banks of lamps with 4 bulbs within each bank. The UV disinfection system was manufactured by Trojan; Mr. Howard could not recall what the model number was. Mr. Howard told EPA that approximately one month ago, a power surge occurred at the WWTP due to weather, causing two UV banks to be out of service. Mr. Howard had taken these two banks out and was working on repairing them at the time of this inspection. Mr. Howard told EPA that he wipes down each of the UV bulbs weekly. Mr. Howard indicated to EPA that he felt that usually there was minimal build-up on the UV bulbs when cleaned. Mr. Howard also mentioned to EPA that he keeps replacement bulbs onsite at the Ashley WWTP. The treated effluent compliance sampling point is located just downstream of the UV disinfection system (Photograph 22 in Attachment A). The effluent flow monitor is an ultra-sonic setup that utilizes a weir to calculate effluent flow from the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard thought that this flow meter was calibrated about a year ago. At the time of the inspection, the WWTP effluent appeared clear. After observing the effluent compliance sampling point, EPA and Mr. Howard walked south to the equalization basin. While EPA and Mr. Howard were walking to the equalization basin, Mr. 8 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 Howard pointed out the approximate location of Outfall 001 that discharges the treated effluent from the Ashley WWTP to an unnamed tributary of the West Branch of Alum Creek (Photograph 24 in Attachment A). Mr. Howard and EPA then began discussing the equalization basin (Photographs 23, 25, and 26 in Attachment A). The equalization basin is rubber lined and is approximately 5-feet deep. The equalization basin was designed to have enough storage for 35 days of wastewater storage if the WWTP was not in operation. Mr. Howard indicated that it had not overtopped or overflowed since implementation. Mr. Howard said that information from the WWTP monitoring software in the Ashley WWTP administrative building showed that the water surface elevation was at 4.7 feet inside the equalization basin at the time of the inspection. Throughout the WWTP walk-through, including at the end of the walk-through, Mr. Howard and EPA discussed how the Ashley WWTP performs NPDES permit compliance sampling. NPDES permit compliance sampling is done by Mr. Howard weekly and occurs on either Wednesdays or Thursdays. Mr. Howard performs the analysis for pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature for all the sampling, while a contract laboratory, Ream & Haager Environmental Laboratory Inc, in Dover, Ohio, performs the analysis for the rest of the pollutant parameters. Mr. Howard said that a laboratory in Marion, Ohio is considered a backup laboratory. Mr. Howard also told EPA that he samples just upstream of the Ashley WWTP discharge for Outfall 801 and on a bridge of the access WWTP road, downstream of the Ashley WWTP discharge for Outfall 901 (Photograph 29 in Attachment A). More information regarding Ashley WWTP's NPDES permit compliance sampling is in subsequent sections later in this inspection report. Closing Conference - June 2nd In the parking lot of the Ashley WWTP, Mr. Middleton began the closing conference at approximately 11:55 am EDT. Mr. Howard and Mr. Schulte were present for the closing conference. First, EPA thanked Mr. Howard for his time. EPA then went over the preliminary concerns it found during its inspection, these concerns along with others are listed below. EPA again requested a phone discussion in the next few weeks to ask more in-depth questions regarding the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Middleton also indicated to Mr. Howard that there may be additional documentation that EPA would request during and after the phone discussion. The closing conference and this portion of the inspection ended at approximately 12:12 pm EDT. Follow-up Inspection Phone Discussion - June 17th As discussed during EPA's on-site June 2nd inspection, the EPA team, consisting of Mr. Middleton and Mr. Schulte, called Mr. Howard at 9:30 am central daylight time (CDT) on June 17, 2022. Mr. Middleton started the phone call with an opening conference. This discussion included an approximate schedule for the call and EPA's understanding that this phone call would be part of the overall Ashley WWTP CWA inspection. In addition, EPA explained to Mr. Howard that EPA may request documents related to the operation of the Ashley WWTP and went over EPA's confidential business information provisions. After the opening conference was 9 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 completed, Mr. Middleton began asking follow-up questions regarding the June 2nd Ashley WWTP walkthrough. Follow-Up Ashley WWTP Walkthrough Questions - June 17th First, EPA had clarifying general questions regarding the Ashley WWTP operation. EPA asked about the number of employees at the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard informed EPA that he was the full time WWTP operator and there were two other full time Village of Ashley employees. These two employees conduct morning and weekend WWTP checks at the facility using a checklist. EPA requested this checklist from Mr. Howard. EPA then learned that the design flow of the Ashley WWTP was roughly the maximum treatment capacity, Mr. Howard usually sets the influent weir to be able to take 0.17 MGD, but the WWTP can accept more flow for short durations. EPA asked Mr. Howard about the date of the last Ohio EPA inspection, Mr. Howard told EPA that he would have to check his files to confirm the exact date. Then EPA asked Mr. Howard about the preliminary treatment at the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard estimated that the headworks screening system had approximate screen size of 6 to 8 millimeters. Mr. Howard told EPA that the grit /sanitary debris that is collect by the headworks screening system is disposed through regular trash pickup at the WWTP. EPA then confirmed that the influent compliance sampling takes place in the same area where the influent flow meter is located. EPA learned that the Ashley WWTP does not have an influent composite sampler, instead, Mr. Howard takes four, 250 milliliter samples every 45 to 60 minutes for the pollutant parameters that require a composite sample, per the Ashley WWTP NPDES permit. The sample is then stored in a refrigerator in the WWTP administrative building. Mr. Howard said that this refrigerator is set at 42 degrees Fahrenheit but a separate, independent thermometer is not utilized in the refrigerator to confirm that temperature. This same protocol is also used when acquiring the required effluent composite compliance samples. EPA and Mr. Howard continued to discuss the components of the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard estimated that the total volume of the carrousel oxidation ditch was approximately 2.2 million gallons. Mr. Howard also thought that the approximate wastewater retention time in the oxidation ditch was 10 to 12 days. Mr. Howard takes monthly (sometimes bi-weekly) sludge samples within the oxidation ditch, the return sludge, and at both clarifiers. With these samples, Mr. Howard will always conduct a sludge settling test and a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) analysis. Mr. Howard also occasionally will conduct sludge volume index and sludge age analysis. EPA confirmed with Mr. Howard that Mr. Howard uses the sludge testing to adjust his return sludge rate. Mr. Howard said he wants to keep return sludge rate as low as possible, but at around 20%, the return sludge sewerage will clog. Therefore, Mr. Howard estimated that the return sludge rate was typically around 30%. EPA then asked Mr. Howard about the size of the aerated sludge digestors. Mr. Howard estimated that both units were approximately 16,000 gallons. Mr. Howard told EPA that he 10 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 pumped approximately 32,000 gallons of sludge to the Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area on an annual basis. Mr. Howard makes the decision to pump to the Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area from the aerated digestor based on the fill level of the digestor and the sludge quality. Mr. Howard will also decant the aerated digestor as needed, with the decanted water to be pumped to the Ashley WWTP headworks. WWTP NPDES Permit Compliance Discussion- June 17 In the last five years, the Ashley WWTP has had the following NPDES permit effluent exceedances: E. coli E. coli TSS TSS ANmitmroogneina- ANmitmroogneina- CBOD5 CBOD5 DOisxsyoglveend pH Monthly GeoMean 16 Weekly GeoMean 20 Monthly Avg. 9 Weekly Max 12 Monthly Avg. 6 Weekly Max 6 Monthly Weekly Avg. Max 1 3 Daily Min 1 Daily Min 5 EPA asked Mr. Howard about the 36 E. coli effluent exceedances that occurred from June 2017 to September 2017, June 2018 to August 2018, June 2019 to October 2020, and May 2021 to July 2021. Mr. Howard explained that the E. coli effluence exceedances that occurred in 2021 occurred because the Ashley WWTP could not get replacement UV bulbs from the manufacture because of shipping issues. Prior to that, Mr. Howard speculated that there may have been TSS issues created because of ineffective tertiary treatment. Mr. Howard told EPA that the UV bulbs are wiped clean weekly along with the trough leading towards the UV disinfection system; this same cleaning routine was utilized, starting in 2019. Next, EPA and Mr. Howard discussed the 21 TSS effluent exceedances that occurred in July 2017, February 2018, March 2018, April 2018, February 2019, June 2019, and May 2020. Mr. Howard told EPA that he believed that wet weather loading issues contributed to these TSS exceedances and that the implementation of the equalization basin has improved treatment with more consistent pollutant loading. EPA and Mr. Howard then discussed the 12 Ammonia-Nitrogen exceedances that occurred in July 2018, August 2018, September 2020, and January 2022. Mr. Howard told EPA that the carrousel oxidation ditch was usually very good for Ammonia-Nitrogen treatment so he was not sure why these exceedances had occurred. EPA and Mr. Howard then discussed the 4 CBOD5 effluent exceedances that occurred in April 2018, August 2018, and February 2019. Mr. Howard indicated to EPA that, again, the implementation of the equalization basin had helped stabilize loading to the Ashley WWTP during wet weather flows and had helped address the CBOD5 effluent exceedances. 11 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 Then, EPA and Mr. Howard addressed the 1 dissolved oxygen that occurred in September 2017 and the 5 pH effluent exceedances that occurred in January 2021, and November 2021 to February 2022. Mr. Howard wasn't sure what the issue was concerning the dissolved oxygen exceedance since it occurred almost five years ago. Mr. Howard told EPA that he would look into why the pH exceedances occurred and would follow-up with EPA on what he discovered. Mr. Howard did indicate to EPA that he believed that the primary pH meter used for compliance by the Ashley WWTP had calibration issues and he had begun using his own personal pH meter for compliance sampling. EPA asked Mr. Howard during the call what pH meters and dissolved oxygen meter were used for compliance and Mr. Howard said that he would need look at the meters to be sure of what they were. As of July 28, 2022, Mr. Howard has yet to supply EPA with the pH/dissolved oxygen meter information. EPA asked Mr. Howard who fills out and submits the electronic DMR to Ohio EPA. Mr. Howard indicated that he typically fills it out and signs the Ashley WWTP's electronic DMRs, although occasionally he has received help with filling out the DMRs. EPA then asked Mr. Howard about missing DMR reports that were flagged by EPA ECHO website for December 2021 and January 2022 for the lack of Outfall 001 effluent temperatures and for August 2021 for the lack of Outfalls 801 and 901 temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Mr. Howard told EPA he would have to look into these occurrences of missing DMR information; Mr. Howard thought there may have been an issue when he tried to make a correction after he had submitted the original DMR electronically. There had also been past late DMR submittals and EPA asked about the last late submittal in March 2022. Mr. Howard submitted the March 2022 DMR submittal late due to unforeseen circumstances. According to the EPA ECHO website, the April 2022 and the May 2022 DMRs have yet to be submitted to the Ohio EPA. Other Information Discussed During This Portion of the Inspection - June 17th EPA asked Mr. Howard about the interim NPDES permit effluent limits. Mr. Howard told EPA that he believed the interim effluent limits were in the current NPDES permit because of the previous Ashley WWTP upgrades done in 2018. Proposed WWTP Upgrades. Mr. Howard told EPA that the Ashley WWTP was considering the following future upgrades: o Replacement of the sand filter treatment with a new tertiary treatment system; o Influent pump station upgrades, including implementing comminuting and/or grinding devices to prevent influent pump clogging o Raising the Ashley WWTP access driveway to prevent the lack of access during flooding. Mr. Howard and EPA discussed recent sanitary SSO or bypasses that occurred at the WWTP. o In approximately March or April 2022, an SSO/bypass occurred at the Ashley WWTP due to the clogging of two of the three influent pumps during wet weather flow to the WWTP. Mr. Howard told EPA that this discharge was confined to the 12 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 WWTP and the wastewater did not flow to either the West Branch of Alum Creek or the unnamed tributary of the West Branch of Alum Creek. o During the week of June 13th to June 17th, an intense storm affected the Ashley, Ohio area and caused damage to the WWTP (roof blown off the sand filter building and access road flooded). Mr. Howard told EPA that these two issues did not cause diminished treatment performance at the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard told EPA that there was a written WWTP operation and maintenance plan. EPA requested this plan during the June 17th call. EPA has not received this report as of the date of this report. EPA and Mr. Howard discussed Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) reduction projects done by the Village of Ashley. These I/I reduction projects included sanitary sewer lining and raising manholes. The Village of Ashley began implementing these projects in approximately 2003. The Village of Ashley has a sewer use ordinance (SUO) in effect for its sanitary sewer system. Mr. Howard told EPA that Village personnel check restaurant grease traps on an annual basis. EPA asked Mr. Howard about the Ashley WWTP budget. Mr. Howard said the WWTP budget is decided by the Village of Ashley and is based on sewer user rates. EPA and Mr. Howard discussed the Village of Ashley's sanitary sewer maintenance: o The Village of Ashley owns a sanitary sewer jetting trailer. o The Village of Ashley cleans its sanitary sewer system on a five-year cleaning frequency. o There are 2-3 Village employees that preform sanitary sewer maintenance throughout the year. Mr. Howard has also participated in sanitary sewer cleaning/jetting in the past. Mr. Howard told EPA that there have not been any wet weather or dry weather SSO in the Village of Ashley's sanitary sewer system in the past five years. Mr. Howard told EPA that there had not been any citizen complaints regarding the operation of the sanitary sewer system in the last five years. Closing Conference - June 17th At approximately 11:15 am CDT, Mr. Middleton began the closing conference. Mr. Howard and Mr. Schulte were present on the phone for the closing conference. EPA went over the preliminary concerns it had from the phone conversation on June 17th, including the composite sampling issue identified with other concerns listed below. Mr. Middleton also let Mr. Howard know that he would send him an email with a list of documents requested and additional questions on the Ashley WWTP that were identified during the phone conversation. This email was sent to Mr. Howard by Mr. Middleton on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 1:38 pm CDT. EPA and Mr. Howard both thought it was reasonable for Mr. Howard to respond to EPA's questions and 13 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 request for documents by Friday, July 8, 2022. The closing conference and phone call ended at approximately 11:25 am CDT. DOCUMENTS REQUESTED DURING THE JUNE 17th CONFERENCE CALL: A. Copy or picture of the Morning/Weekend Ashley WWTP Checklist B. Copy or picture of the Ashley WWTP maintenance requirements C. Copy or picture of April WWTP Laboratory Bench sheet D. Copy or picture of May WWTP Laboratory Bench sheet E. Print out of May 2022 DMR submittal F. Copy or picture of the Ashley WWTP diagram/schematic from recent update G. Copy or picture of the relevant sludge disposal record submitted to the Ohio EPA for the last sludge removal from the Reed Bed Storage Area. 2016 NPDES Permit Application, dated November 8, 2016 In addition to these requested documents, EPA included 11 questions that Mr. Howard either indicated he needed more time to answer or EPA had developed after the call during a review of information related to the Ashley WWTP. Mr. Howard indicated that he would respond with this information by July 8, 2022, but as of the date of this report, EPA has not received the documents above nor responses to the follow-up questions. AREAS OF CONCERN: EPA has identified 15 areas of concern based on findings during the inspection of the Ashley WWTP. An enumerated list of the areas of concern are listed below: 1. WWTP Proper Operation and Maintenance: During the WWTP walk-through on June 2, 2022, EPA observed a number of WWTP operation and maintenance issues, pursuant to Part III, Section 3 of the Ashley WWTP NPDES permit: a. Carousel Oxidation Ditch: scum and/or growth on the side of the oxidation ditch (see Photograph 7 in Attachment A). b. Clarifiers: i. Some floatables/solids within the clarifiers (Photograph 10 and 11 in Attachment A). The arrangement of the solids (large clumps of floating solids) in southwest clarifier (Photograph 10 in Attachment A) may indicate overaged sludge. ii. Growth and a buildup of material on weir notch and buildup of sludge in center ring with vegetation growth within both clarifiers (Photograph 10 and 11 in Attachment A). c. Aerated Sludge Digestors: i. Vegetation growth (reeds/grasses) in west aerated sludge digestor (Photograph 13 in Attachment A). ii. Buildup of duck week in the east aerated sludge digestor (Photograph 14 in Attachment A). 14 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 2. WWTP Overflow From the Headwork Screening System: During the June 2nd WWTP walk-through, EPA learned that the influent WWTP pump station had a history of clogging. During one of these clogging events in 2022, a discharge occurred from a grate just before the headworks screening system (Photograph 2 in Attachment A). It is unclear to EPA if this overflow event was reported to Ohio EPA and, if it was reported, if it was categorized as a WWTP bypass or as an SSO. EPA learned during the inspection that the Ashley WWTP is considering adding additional screening/grit removal for its influent pump station, but at the time of EPA's inspection, no project implementation had been finalized. 3. Composite Sampling: Pursuant to the Ashley WWTP NPDES permit, the TSS, Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphrous, Total Recoverable Nickel, Total Recoverable Zinc, Total Recoverable Cadmium, Total Recoverable Lead, Total Recoverable Chromium, Total Recoverable Copper, Total Filterable Residue, and CBOD5 pollutant parameters monitoring requires 24-hour composite sampling. Part II, Section F of the Ashley WWTP's NDPES permit further defines composite sampling as "a series of grab samples collected over a 24-hour period and proportionate in volume to the sewage flow rate at the time of sampling." "Such samples shall be collected at such times and locations, and in such a fashion, as to be representative of the facility's overall performance." EPA learned during the June 17th phone call with Mr. Howard that Mr. Howard had been taking four grab samples, 45 minutes to 60 minutes apart to meet the composite influent and effluent sampling requirements. This protocol does not meet the composite sampling definition in the Ashley WWTP's NPDES permit, as referenced above. 4. Clarifier Depth: During the June 2nd WWTP walkthrough, EPA learned that the clarifiers located after the carousel oxidation ditch were 9-feet deep, according to Mr. Howard. According to the "Recommended Standards for Wastewater Facilities, dated 2014 (also referred to more commonly as the "10-State Standards for WWTPs"), Chapter 70 (Settling), Section 72.1, the minimum side water depth of a settling tank following activated sludge process (such as a carousel oxidation ditch) is 12 feet. EPA is concerned that the Ashley WWTP's clarifier do not meet 10-State Standards for WWTPs and may contribute to treatment issues. Please note that the State of Ohio is a member state within the 10-State Standard document. 5. E. coli exceedances: Since July 2017, the Ashley WWTP has reported 36 NPDES permit exceedances related to the WWTP's E. coli effluent limits. During the inspection, EPA was told by an Ashley WWTP representative the E. coli effluent limit exceedances that occurred in 2021 (6 exceedances) because he was unable to obtain replacement UV bulbs when they burned out. Although the Ashley WWTP now keeps an inventory of UV bulbs at the WWTP, EPA is still unclear why the other E. coli effluent limit exceedances occurred and if the issues that caused the exceedances have been corrected. EPA is concerned that the lack of consistent tertiary treatment from the sand filters may have 15 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 contributed to these E. coli effluent limit exceedances. In addition, EPA notes that the sample results for E. coli for the start of 2022 summer months have not been updated on the EPA ECHO website and EPA is concerned that additional E. coli effluent limit exceedances may have occurred due to the use of only 5 UV banks within the UV disinfection system instead of the usual 7 UV banks. 6. Total Suspended Solids exceedances: Ashley WWTP has reported 21 NPDES permit exceedances related to the Ashley WWTP's TSS effluent limits in the last five years. EPA is concerned that the lack of reliable tertiary treatment may have contributed to these TSS NPDES permit effluent limit exceedances. 7. pH exceedances: The Ashley WWTP has reported 5 NPDES permit exceedances related to the WWTP's pH effluent limit in the last five years, including 4 pH effluent limit exceedances from November 2021 to February 2022. During the June 17th phone call, EPA was told by Mr. Howard that the recent pH effluent limit exceedances occurred because of a calibration issue with the primary pH testing meter. It is unclear to EPA if this calibration issue was the only issue or if there were other treatment issues that caused these exceedances. In addition, the Ashley WWTP has not submitted to EPA information requested by EPA during the June 17th call regarding this issue. 8. Late and Missing DMR Reports: In the past five years, the Ashley WWTP has had 344 late DMR reporting values and 58 missing DMR reports. According to the EPA ECHO website, the Village of Ashley WWTP still has unresolved missing DMR reports for: May 2022 (all effluent parameters for Outfall 001, 300, and 601), April 2022 (all effluent parameters for Outfall 001, 300, and 601), November 2021 (the effluent, temperature, and mercury parameters for Outfall 001), and August 2021 (the effluent temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen parameters for Outfall 801 and Outfall 901). 9. Sand Filter Splitter Box: During the June 2nd WWTP walkthrough, EPA observed a splitter box located before the sand filter tertiary treatment. Mr. Howard indicated to EPA that the Ashley WWTP would have no way to bypass the sand filters if the splitter box was nonoperational. This would cause the Ashley WWTP to potentially be unable to continue treating wastewater and/or not meeting its NPDES permit requirements. EPA is concerned with the lack of redundancy related to this splitter box and the potential effect to the Ashley WWTP if the splitter box becomes inoperable. 10. Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area: During the June 2nd WWTP walkthrough, EPA was told by Mr. Howard that the Ashley WWTP does not perform maintenance to the reed bed sludge storage area at the end of the growing season. This practice is counter to other reed bed sludge storage areas that either cut down the reeds, burn the reeds, or both, at the end of the growing season. 16 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 11. Lack of Access to the WWTP During West Branch Alum Creek Flooding Events: Mr. Howard mentioned during the June 17th conference call that the Ashley WWTP was unable to be accessed for a couple of days in June 2022 after a heavy precipitation event. Although Mr. Howard indicated there were not any consequences during this time concerning the operation or performance of the Ashley WWTP, EPA is concerned that there may be impacts to the Ashley WWTP during future flooding events. 12. Non-Submittal of EPA Requested Inspection Documents: During the June 17th phone call, EPA requested 7 documents to be submitted to EPA by the Ashley WWTP by July 8, 2022. EPA followed on this request with an email describing this request in writing on June 17, 2022. The documents requested were related to the operation of the Ashley WWTP and NPDES permit compliance sampling/reporting. Although Mr. Howard acknowledged the proposed EPA deadline during the call, as of the date of this report, EPA has not received these documents. During the opening conference of the June 17th phone call, EPA indicated that this phone call would be considered part of the Ashley WWTP inspection. Pursuant to Section 308(a) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1318(a), "[w]henever required to carry out the objectives of [the CWA], . . . (A) [EPA] shall require the owner or operator of any point source to . . .provide [in addition to various types of specified information] such other information as he may reasonably require." Section 308(a) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1318(a) also states that "[EPA] may at reasonable times have access to and copy any records." 13. Non-Response to EPA's Follow-up June 17th Inspection Questions: During the June 17th phone call, EPA had 11 questions, regarding the operation of the Ashley WWTP. Most of these questions were discussed during the call and Mr. Howard indicated he needed more time to give a proper response. EPA asked for responses to these questions by July 8, 2022. EPA also sent an email with these questions to Mr. Howard on June 17th. Although Mr. Howard acknowledged the proposed EPA deadline during the call, as of as of the date of this report, EPA has not received responses. During the opening conference of the June 17th phone call, EPA indicated that the phone call would be considered part of the Ashley WWTP inspection. Pursuant to Section 308(a) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1318(a), provides that, "[w]henever required to carry out the objectives of [the CWA], . . . (A) [EPA] shall require the owner or operator of any point source to . . .provide [in addition to various types of specified information] such other information as he may reasonably require." 14. Use of Thermometer to Confirm Sample Temperature: During the inspection, EPA learned that the Ashley WWTP sets its sample storage refrigerator to 42 degrees Fahrenheit. This sample storage refrigerator does not utilize an independent thermometer inside the refrigerator to confirm that the proper sample preservation temperatures in 40 C.F.R. Part 136 are met for each pollutant parameter. 17 Village of Ashley, OH WWTP (OH0054488)- June 2, 2022 and June 17, 2022 15. Return Activated Sludge Piping: During the inspection, EPA was told that RAS piping to the carrousel oxidation ditch would clog if the return rate was too low. EPA is concerned that this may prevent the most desirable return rate from being achieved and the treatment performance of the Ashley WWTP from being optimized. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS: A. Inspection Photograph Log B. Ashley WWTP's NPDES Permit C. Tabulation of the Ashley WWTP's NPDES Permit Effluent Exceedances 18 Attachment A: Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant Photolog EPA Inspection - June 2, 2022 All photos taken by Keith Middleton, Environmental Engineer, U.S. EPA Camera: Canon PowerShot SX230 HS 1: IMG_0680 Description: Headworks screening system Location: Ashley WWTP Headworks Camera Direction: West Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:14 am (time listed in the photograph is in CDT) Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 2: IMG_0681 Description: Structure just upstream of the headworks screening sytem, note the evidence of a previous overflow (staining on concrete) out of the structure's grate Location: Ashley WWTP Headworks Camera Direction: South Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:14 am (time listed in the photograph is in CDT) 3: IMG_0682 Description: Vault downstream of headworks screeing system with influent flow monitor Location: Ashley WWTP Headworks Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:20 am (time listed in the photograph is in CDT) Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 4: IMG_0683 Description: Influent flow monitor Location: Ashley WWTP Headworks Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:21 am (time listed in the photograph is in CDT) 5: IMG_0684 Description: Paddle aerators (northeast) Location: Carrousel Oxidation Ditch - Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: North Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:32 am (time listed in the photograph is in CDT) Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 6: IMG_0685 Description: Paddle aerators (southwest) Location: Carrousel Oxidation Ditch - Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: South Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:32 am 7: IMG_0686 Description: Return activiated sludge piping Location: Carrousel Oxidation Ditch - Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: South Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:36 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 8: IMG_0687 Description: Carrousel oxidation ditch Location: Carrousel Oxidation Ditch - Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: South Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:39 am 9: IMG_0688 Description: Clarifier splitter box Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022- 10:39 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 10: IMG_0689 Description: Secondary clairfier (southwest) Location: Ashley WWTP Clarifiers Camera Direction: Southwest Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 10:47 am 11: IMG_0690 Description: Secondary clairfier (northeast) Location: Ashley WWTP Clarifiers Camera Direction: Northeast Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 10:48 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 12: IMG_0691 Description: Sand filter building Location: Ashley WWTP Clarifiers Camera Direction: South Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 10:50 am 13: IMG_0692 Description: Aeriated sludge digestor (east cell). Note vegetation growing in digester cell.Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: West Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:05 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 14: IMG_0693 Description: Aerated sludge digestor (west cell). Note duck weed growing in digester cell Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: West Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:05 am 15: IMG_0694 Description: Transfer tank and accompanying lift station Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:07 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 16: IMG_0695 Description: Transfer tank Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:07 am 17: IMG_0696 Description: Reed bed sludge storage location Location: Ashley WWTP Reed Bed Sludge Storage Area Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:07 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 18: IMG_0697 Description: Sand filter splitter box Location: Ashley WWTP Tertiary Treatment Building Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:14 am 19: IMG_0698 Description: Sand filters Location: Ashley WWTP Tertiary Treatment Building Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:14 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 20: IMG_0699 Description: Sand filter Location: Ashley WWTP Tertiary Treatment Building Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:16 am 21: IMG_0700 Description: UV disinfection system banks and the old chlorine contact tank Location: Ashley WWTP Disinfection System Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:26 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 22: IMG_0701 Description: Effluent grab compliance location Location: Ashley WWTP Disinfection System Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:29 am 23: IMG_0702 Description: Equalization basin Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: Southwest Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:37 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 24: IMG_0703 Description: Final WWTP outfall to an unnamed tributary of the West Branch of Alum Creek Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: Southeast Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 11:38 am 25: IMG_704 Description: Equalization basin Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: South Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 1145 am Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 26: IMG_0705 Description: WWTP compliance sample chain of custody receipt Location: Ashley WWTP Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 12:10 pm 27: IMG_0706 Description: Ashley WWTP Location: Ashley WWTP; west parking lot, south of main office Camera Direction: North Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 12:11 pm Village of Ashley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ashley, Ohio - OH0054488 - June 2, 2022 28: IMG_0707 Description: Ashley WWTP Location: Ashley WWTP; west parking lot, south of main office Camera Direction: N/A Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 12:11 pm 29: IMG_0708 Description: Downstream in-stream sampling location (Outfall 901) Location: Ashley WWTP Access Road (south of Ashley WWTP) Camera Direction: Northeast Date/Time: June 2, 2022 - 12:17 pm Attachment B Application No. OH0054488 Page 1 4PB00027*KD Issue Date: August 10, 2018 Effective Date: September 1, 2018 Expiration Date: August 31, 2023 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Authorization to Discharge Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et. seq., hereinafter referred to as the "Act"), and the Ohio Water Pollution Control Act (Ohio Revised Code Section 6111), Village of Ashley is authorized by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, hereinafter referred to as "Ohio EPA," to discharge from the Ashley wastewater treatment works located at 5981 Steamtown Road, Ashley, Ohio, Delaware County and discharging to an unnamed tributary of West Branch Alum Creek in accordance with the conditions specified in Parts I, II, and III of this permit. This permit is conditioned upon payment of applicable fees as required by Section 3745.11 of the Ohio Revised Code. This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on the expiration date shown above. In order to receive authorization to discharge beyond the above date of expiration, the permittee shall submit such information and forms as are required by the Ohio EPA no later than 180 days prior to the above date of expiration. _________________ Craig W. Butler Director Total Pages: 31 Part I, A. - INTERIM EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 2 4PB00027*KD 1. During the period beginning on the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting for a period not later than five (5) months, the permittee is authorized to discharge in accordance with the following limitations and monitoring requirements from the following outfall: 4PB00027001. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for locations of effluent sampling. Table - Final Outfall - 001 - Interim Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 00010 - Water Temperature - C - - - - - - - 00300 - Dissolved Oxygen - mg/l - - - - - - - 00400 - pH - S.U. 9.0 6.5 - - - - - 00530 - Total Suspended Solids - mg/l - - - - - - - 00552 - Oil and Grease, Hexane Extr Method - mg/l - - - - - - - 00610 - Nitrogen, Ammonia (NH3) - mg/l - - - - - - - 00665 - Phosphorus, Total (P) - mg/l - - - - - - - 01074 - Nickel, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01094 - Zinc, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01113 - Cadmium, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01114 - Lead, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01118 - Chromium, Total Recoverable - - - - - - - - ug/l 01119 - Copper, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01220 - Chromium, Dissolved Hexavalent - - - - - - - - ug/l 31648 - E. coli - #/100 ml - - - - - - - 50050 - Flow Rate - MGD - - - - - - - 50092 - Mercury, Total (Low Level) - ng/l - - - - - - - 70300 - Residue, Total Filterable - mg/l - - - - - - - Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Day Grab All 1/Day Grab All 1/Day Grab All 2/Week 24hr Composite All 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1 / 2 Weeks 1/Month 2/Year 2/Year 2/Year 2/Year 2/Year 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite All All Semi-annual Semi-annual Semi-annual Semi-annual Semi-annual 2/Year 2/Year 24hr Composite Grab Semi-annual Semi-annual 1/Week 1/Day 2/Year 1/Month Grab Continuous Grab 24hr Composite Summer All Semi-annual All Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 80082 - CBOD 5 day - mg/l - - - - - - - Notes for Station Number 4PB00027001: Page 3 4PB00027*KD Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 2/Week 24hr Composite All a. Effluent loadings based on average design flow of 0.19 MGD. b. Nickel, zinc, cadmium, lead, total chromium and copper - See Part II, Item F. c. Mercury - See Part II, Item K. d. The interim table is intended to be used only when there is a power shutdown during the construction for the improvements of the WWTP. The permittee shall make every effort to achieve compliance with the permit limits contained in Part I.A.2 of this permit. Part I, A. - FINAL EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 4 4PB00027*KD 2. During the period begining six (6) months from the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting until the expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge in accordance with the following limitations and monitoring requirements from the following outfall: 4PB00027001. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for locations of effluent sampling. Table - Final Outfall - 001 - Final Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 00010 - Water Temperature - C - - - - - - - 00300 - Dissolved Oxygen - mg/l - 6.0 - - - - - 00400 - pH - S.U. 9.0 6.5 - - - - - 00530 - Total Suspended Solids - mg/l - - 18 12 - 12.9 8.6 00552 - Oil and Grease, Hexane Extr Method - mg/l 10 - - - - - - 00610 - Nitrogen, Ammonia (NH3) - mg/l - - 4.5 3.0 - 3.24 2.16 00610 - Nitrogen, Ammonia (NH3) - mg/l - - 3.0 1.6 - 2.16 1.16 00665 - Phosphorus, Total (P) - mg/l - - - - - - - 01074 - Nickel, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01094 - Zinc, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01113 - Cadmium, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01114 - Lead, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01118 - Chromium, Total Recoverable - - - - - - - - ug/l 01119 - Copper, Total Recoverable - ug/l - - - - - - - 01220 - Chromium, Dissolved Hexavalent - - - - - - - - ug/l 31648 - E. coli - #/100 ml - - 284 126 - - - 50050 - Flow Rate - MGD - - - - - - - 50092 - Mercury, Total (Low Level) - ng/l - - - - - - - Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Day Grab All 1/Day Grab All 1/Day Grab All 2/Week 24hr Composite All 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1 / 2 Weeks 1 / 2 Weeks 1/Month 2/Year 2/Year 2/Year 2/Year 2/Year 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite 24hr Composite Winter Summer All Semi-annual Semi-annual Semi-annual Semi-annual Semi-annual 2/Year 2/Year 24hr Composite Grab Semi-annual Semi-annual 1/Week 1/Day 2/Year Grab Continuous Grab Summer All Semi-annual Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 70300 - Residue, Total Filterable - mg/l - 80082 - CBOD 5 day - mg/l - Notes for Station Number 4PB00027001: - - - - - - - 15 10 - 10.8 7.2 Page 5 4PB00027*KD Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Month 24hr Composite All 2/Week 24hr Composite All a. Effluent loadings based on average design flow of 0.19 MGD. b. Nickel, zinc, cadmium, lead, total chromium and copper - See Part II, Item F. c. Mercury - See Part II, Item K. Part I, B. - SSO MONITORING EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 6 4PB00027*KD 1. SSO Monitoring. During the period beginning on the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting until the expiration date, the permittee shall monitor at Station Number 4PB00027300, and report to the Ohio EPA in accordance with the following table. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for location of sampling. Table - SSO Monitoring - 300 - Final Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 74062 - Overflow Occurrence - No./Month - - - - - - - NOTES for Station Number 4PB00027300: Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Month Total All a. A sanitary sewer overflow is an overflow, spill, release, or diversion of wastewater from a sanitary sewer system. These overflows shall be monitored when they discharge. Only sanitary sewer overflows that enter waters of the state, either directly or through a storm sewer or other conveyance, must be reported under this monitoring station. b. For the purpose of counting occurrences, each location on the sanitary sewer system where there is an overflow, spill, release, or diversion of wastewater on a given day that enters waters of the state is counted as one occurrence. For example, if on a given day overflows occur from a manhole at one location and from a damaged pipe at another location and they both enter waters of the state, record two occurrences for that day. If overflows from both locations continue on the following day, record two occurrences for the following day. At the end of the month, total the daily occurrences and report this number in the first column of the first day of the month on the 4500 form. If there are no overflows during the entire month, report "zero" (0). c. All sanitary sewer overflows are prohibited. d. See Part II, Items D and E. Part I, B. - SLUDGE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 7 4PB00027*KD 2. Sludge Monitoring. During the period beginning on the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting until the expiration date, the permittee shall monitor the treatment works' final sludge at Station Number 4PB00027588, and report to the Ohio EPA in accordance with the following table. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for location of sludge sampling. Table - Sludge Monitoring - 588 - Final Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 70316 - Sludge Weight - Dry Tons - - - - - - - 80991 - Sludge Volume, Gallons - Gals - - - - - - - NOTES for Station Number 4PB00027588: Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Year Total December 1/Year Total December a. Monitoring is required when sewage sludge is removed from the permittee's facility for transfer to another NPDES permit holder. The total sludge weight or sludge volume transferred to another NPDES permit holder for the entire year shall be reported on the December Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). b. If no sewage sludge is removed from the Permittee's facility for transfer to another NPDES permit holder during the year, eDMR users should select the "No Discharge" check box on the data entry form. PIN the eDMR. c. Sludge weight is a calculated total for the year. To convert from gallons of liquid sewage sludge to dry tons of sewage sludge: dry tons= gallons x 8.34 (lbs/gallon) x 0.0005 (tons/lb) x decimal fraction total solids. d. See Part II, Item J. Part I, B. - INFLUENT MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 8 4PB00027*KD 3. Influent Monitoring. During the period beginning on the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting until the expiration date, the permittee shall monitor the treatment works' influent wastewater at Station Number 4PB00027601, and report to the Ohio EPA in accordance with the following table. Samples of influent used for determination of net values or percent removal must be taken the same day as those samples of effluent used for that determination. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for location of influent sampling. Table - Influent Monitoring - 601 - Final Effluent Characteristic Parameter 00530 - Total Suspended Solids - mg/l 80082 - CBOD 5 day - mg/l Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Week Composite All 1/Week Composite All Part I, B. - UPSTREAM MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 9 4PB00027*KD 4. Upstream Monitoring. During the period beginning on the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting until the expiration date, the permittee shall monitor the receiving stream, upstream of the point of discharge at Station Number 4PB00027801, and report to the Ohio EPA in accordance with the following table. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for location of sampling. Table - Upstream Monitoring - 801 - Final Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 00010 - Water Temperature - C - - - - - - - 00300 - Dissolved Oxygen - mg/l - - - - - - - 00400 - pH - S.U. - - - - - - - 00610 - Nitrogen, Ammonia (NH3) - mg/l - - - - - - - 31648 - E. coli - #/100 ml - - - - - - - 80082 - CBOD 5 day - mg/l - - - - - - - Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab 1/Quarter Grab Summer Qtrly Quarterly Part I, B. - DOWNSTREAM-NEARFIELD MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Page 10 4PB00027*KD 5. Downstream-Nearfield Monitoring. During the period beginning on the effective date of this NPDES permit and lasting until the expiration date, the permittee shall monitor the receiving stream, downstream of the point of discharge, at Station Number 4PB00027901, and report to the Ohio EPA in accordance with the following table. See Part II, OTHER REQUIREMENTS, for location of sampling. Table - Downstream-Nearfield Monitoring - 901 - Final Effluent Characteristic Parameter Discharge Limitations Concentration Specified Units Loading* kg/day Maximum Minimum Weekly Monthly Daily Weekly Monthly 00010 - Water Temperature - C - - - - - - - 00300 - Dissolved Oxygen - mg/l - - - - - - - 00400 - pH - S.U. - - - - - - - 00610 - Nitrogen, Ammonia (NH3) - mg/l - - - - - - - 00900 - Hardness, Total (CaCO3) - mg/l - - - - - - - 31648 - E. coli - #/100 ml - - - - - - - 80082 - CBOD 5 day - mg/l - - - - - - - Monitoring Requirements Measuring Frequency Sampling Type Monitoring Months 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab Quarterly 1/Quarter Grab 1/Quarter Grab Summer Qtrly Quarterly Part I, C - Schedule of Compliance Page 11 4PB00027*KD 1. No later than five (5) months of the effective date of this permit, the permittee shall complete the WWTP improvements in accordance with the approved PTI No. 1098893 and achieve operation level within thirty (30) days thereafter. (Event Code 4599) 2. No later than thirty (30) days after the beginning date of the implementation of WWTP improvements, the permittee shall submit monthly progress report by the fifteenth (15th) day of each month to Ohio EPA Central District Office, Division of Surface Water. 3. See Part III, Part 12. Noncompliance Notification Part II, Other Requirements Page 12 4PB00027*KD A. Operator Certification Requirements 1. Classification a. In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3745-7-04, the sewage treatment facility at this facility shall be classified as a Class II facility. b. All sewerage (collection) systems that are tributary to this treatment works are Class II sewerage systems in accordance with paragraph (B)(1)(a) of rule 3745-7-04 of the Ohio Administrative Code. 2. Operator of Record a. The permittee shall designate one or more operator of record to oversee the technical operation of the treatment works and sewerage (collection) system in accordance with paragraph (A)(2) of rule 3745-7-02 of the Ohio Administrative Code. b. Each operator of record shall have a valid certification of a class equal to or greater than the classification of the treatment works as defined in Part II, Item A.1 of this NPDES permit. c. Within three days of a change in an operator of record, the permittee shall notify the Director of the Ohio EPA of any such change on a form acceptable to Ohio EPA. The appropriate form can be found at the following website: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/28/Documents/opcert/Operator%20of%20 Record%20Notification%20Form.pdf d. Within 60 days of the effective date of this permit, the permittee shall notify the Director of Ohio EPA of the operators of record on a form acceptable to Ohio EPA. e. The operator of record for a class II, III, or IV treatment works or class II sewerage system may be replaced by a backup operator with a certificate one classification lower than the treatment works or sewerage system for a period of up to thirty consecutive days. The use of this provision does not require notification to the agency. f. Upon proper justification, such as military leave or long term illness, the director may authorize the replacement of the operator of record for a class II, III, or IV treatment works or class II sewerage system by a backup operator with a certificate one classification lower than the facility for a period of greater than thirty consecutive days. Such requests shall be made in writing to the Ohio EPA Central District Office. 3. Minimum Staffing Requirements Page 13 4PB00027*KD a. The permittee shall ensure that the treatment works operator of record is physically present at the facility in accordance with the minimum staffing requirements per paragraph (C)(1) of rule 3745-7-04 of the Ohio Administrative Code or the requirements from an approved 3745-7-04(C) minimum staffing hour reduction plan. b. Sewerage (collection) system Operators of Record are not required to meet minimum staffing requirements in paragraph (C)(1) of rule 3745-7-04 of the Ohio Administrative Code. c. If Ohio EPA approves a reduction in minimum staffing requirements based upon a facility operating plan, any change in the criteria under which the operating plan was approved (such as enforcement status, history of noncompliance, or provisions included in the plan) will require that the treatment works immediately return to the minimum staffing requirements included in paragraph (C)(1) of rule 3745-7-04 of the Ohio Administrative Code. B. Description of the location of the required sampling stations are as follows: Sampling Station Description of Location _________________________________________________________________ 4PB00027001 . Final effluent from former chlorine contact tank before creek (Lat: 40N 23' 47"; Long: 82 W 56' 41") 4PB00027300 SSO System Wide Monitoring 4PB00027586 Sludge holding tank for hauling to a landfill (emergency only) 4PB00027588 Sludge holding tank for hauling to another facility 4PB00027601 Plant influent 4PB00027801 Upstream station 4PB00027901 Downstream station C. All parameters, except flow, need not be monitored on days when the plant is not normally staffed (Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays). On those days, report "AN" on the monthly report form. D. Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Reporting Requirements A sanitary sewer overflow is an overflow, spill, release, or diversion of wastewater from a sanitary sewer system. SSOs do not include wet weather discharges from combined sewer overflows specifically listed in Part II of this NPDES permit (if any). All SSOs are prohibited. Page 14 4PB00027*KD 1. Reporting for SSOs That Imminently and Substantially Endanger Human Health a) Immediate Notification You must notify Ohio EPA (1-800-282-9378) and the appropriate Board of Health (i.e., city or county) within 24 hours of learning of any SSO from your sewers or from your maintenance contract areas that may imminently and substantially endanger human health. The telephone report must identify the location, estimated volume and receiving water, if any, of the overflow. An SSO that may imminently and substantially endanger human health includes dry weather overflows, major line breaks, overflow events that result in fish kills or other significant harm, overflows that expose the general public to contact with raw sewage, and overflow events that occur in sensitive waters and high exposure areas such as protection areas for public drinking water intakes and waters where primary contact recreation occurs. b) Follow-Up Written Report Within 5 days of the time you become aware of any SSO that may imminently and substantially endanger human health, you must provide the Ohio EPA Central District Office a written report that includes: (i) the estimated date and time when the overflow began and stopped or will be stopped (if known); (ii) the location of the SSO including an identification number or designation if one exists; (iii) the receiving water (if there is one); (iv) an estimate of the volume of the SSO (if known); (v) a description of the sewer system component from which the release occurred (e.g., manhole, constructed overflow pipe, crack in pipe); (vi) the cause or suspected cause of the overflow; (vii) steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the overflow and a schedule of major milestones for those steps; and (viii) steps taken or planned to mitigate the impact(s) of the overflow and a schedule of major milestones for those steps. An acceptable 5-day follow-up written report can be filled-in or downloaded from the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water Permits Program Technical Assistance Web page at http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/permits/technical_assistance.aspx . Page 15 4PB00027*KD 2. Reporting for All SSOs, Including Those That Imminently and Substantially Endanger Human Health a) Monthly Operating Reports Sanitary sewer overflows that enter waters of the state, either directly or through a storm sewer or other conveyance, shall be reported on your monthly operating reports. You must report the system-wide number of occurrences for SSOs that enter waters of the state in accordance with the requirements for station number 300. A monitoring table for this station is included in Part I, B of this NPDES permit. For the purpose of counting occurrences, each location on the sanitary sewer system where there is an overflow, spill, release, or diversion of wastewater on a given day is counted as one occurrence. For example, if on a given day overflows occur from a manhole at one location and from a damaged pipe at another location and they both enter waters of the state, you should record two occurrences for that day. If overflows from both locations continue on the following day, you should record two occurrences for the following day. At the end of the month, total the daily occurrences from all locations on your system and report this number using reporting code 74062 (Overflow Occurrence, No./Month) on the 4500 form for station number 300. b) Annual Report You must prepare an annual report of all SSOs in your collection system, including those that do not enter waters of the state. The annual report must be in an acceptable format (see below) and must include: (i) A table that lists an identification number, a location description, and the receiving water (if any) for each existing SSO. If an SSO previously included in the list has been eliminated, this shall be noted. Assign each SSO location a unique identification by numbering them consecutively, beginning with 301. (ii) A table that lists the date that an overflow occurred, the unique ID of the overflow, the name of affected receiving waters (if any), and the estimated volume of the overflow (in millions of gallons). The annual report may summarize information regarding overflows of less than approximately 1,000 gallons. (iii) A table that summarizes the occurrence of water in basements (WIBs) by total number and by sewershed. The report shall include a narrative analysis of WIB patterns by location, frequency and cause. Only WIBs caused by a problem in the publicly-owned collection system must be included. Page 16 4PB00027*KD Not later than March 31 of each year, you must submit one copy of the annual report for the previous calendar year to the Ohio EPA Central District Office and one copy to: Ohio EPA; Division of Surface Water; NPDES Permit Unit; P.O. Box 1049; Columbus, OH 43216-1049. You also must provide adequate notice to the public of the availability of the report. Systems serving fewer than 10,000 people are not required to prepare an annual report if all monthly operating reports for the preceding calendar year show no discharge from overflows. An acceptable annual SSO report can be filled-in or downloaded from the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water Permits Program Technical Assistance Web page at http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/permits/technical_assistance.aspx . E. The permittee shall maintain in good working order and operate as efficiently as possible the "treatment works" and "sewerage system" as defined in ORC 6111.01 to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit and to prevent discharges to the waters of the state, surface of the ground, basements, homes, buildings, etc. F. Composite samples shall be comprised of a series of grab samples collected over a 24-hour period and proportionate in volume to the sewage flow rate at the time of sampling. Such samples shall be collected at such times and locations, and in such a fashion, as to be representative of the facility's overall performance. G. Grab samples shall be collected at such times and locations, and in such fashion, as to be representative of the facility's performance. H. The treatment works must obtain at least 85 percent removal of carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (five-day) and suspended solids (see Part III, Item 1). I. Water quality based permit limitations in this permit may be revised based on updated wasteload allocations or use designation rules. This permit may be modified, or revoked and reissued, to include new water quality based effluent limits or other conditions that are necessary to comply with a revised wasteload allocation, or an approved total maximum daily loads (TMDL) report as required under Section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act. J. Sewage Sludge Page 17 4PB00027*KD 1. All disposal, use, storage, or treatment of sewage sludge by the Permittee shall comply with Chapter 6111. of the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3745-40 of the Ohio Administrative Code, any further requirements specified in this NPDES permit, and any other actions of the Director that pertain to the disposal, use, storage, or treatment of sewage sludge by the Permittee. 2. Sewage sludge composite samples shall consist of a minimum of six grab samples collected at such times and locations, and in such fashion, as to be representative of the facility's sewage sludge. 3. No later than March 1 of each calendar year, the Permittee shall submit a report summarizing the sewage sludge disposal, use, storage, or treatment activities of the Permittee during the previous calendar year. The report shall be submitted through the Ohio EPA eBusiness Center, Division of Surface Water NPDES Permit Applications service. 4. Each day when sewage sludge is removed from the wastewater treatment plant for use or disposal, a representative sample of sewage sludge shall be collected and analyzed for percent total solids. This value of percent total solids shall be used to calculate the total Sewage Sludge Weight (Discharge Monitoring Report code 70316) and/or total Sewage Sludge Fee Weight (Discharge Monitoring Report code 51129) removed from the treatment plant on that day. The results of the daily monitoring, and the weight calculations, shall be maintained on site for a minimum of five years. The test methodology used shall be from the latest edition, Part 2540 G of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Environment Federation. To convert from gallons of liquid sewage sludge to dry tons of sewage sludge: dry tons = gallons x 8.34 (lbs/gallon) x 0.0005 (tons/lb) x decimal fraction total solids. 5. The Permittee is authorized to dispose of sewage sludge in a sanitary landfill in emergency situations only. Station 586 for disposal in a sanitary landfill is included in the authorized list of stations in Part II, Item B of this permit, however, effluent tables are not included in Part 1.B. If this station must be used in an emergency situation, the Permittee must report the total amount of sludge taken to a landfill on the Permittee's Annual Sludge Report. The Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) should not be used to report under this paragraph. K. The permittee shall use either EPA Method 1631 or EPA Method 245.7 promulgated under 40 CFR 136 to comply with the influent and effluent mercury monitoring requirements of this permit. Page 18 4PB00027*KD L. The permittee shall maintain a permanent marker on the stream bank at each outfall that is regulated under this NPDES permit. If a marker does not currently exist, the permittee shall install one within 4 months of the effective date of this permit. This includes final outfalls, bypasses, and combined sewer overflows. 1. The marker shall consist at a minimum of the name of the establishment to which the permit was issued, the Ohio EPA permit number, and the outfall number and a contact telephone number. 2. The information shall be printed in letters not less than two inches in height. The marker shall be a minimum of 2 feet by 2 feet and shall be a minimum of 3 feet above ground level. 3. The sign shall not be obstructed such that persons in boats or persons swimming on the river or someone fishing or walking along the shore cannot read the sign. Vegetation shall be periodically removed to keep the sign visible. If the outfall is normally submerged the sign shall indicate that. 4. If the outfall is a combined sewer outfall, the sign shall indicate that untreated human sewage may be discharged from the outfall during wet weather and that harmful bacteria may be present in the water. When an existing marker is replaced or reset, the new marker shall comply with the requirements of this section. PART III - GENERAL CONDITIONS Page 19 4PB00027*KD 1. DEFINITIONS "Daily discharge" means the discharge of a pollutant measured during a calendar day or any 24-hour period that reasonably represents the calendar day for purposes of sampling. For pollutants with limitations expressed in units of mass, the "daily discharge" is calculated as the total mass of the pollutant discharged over the day. For pollutants with limitations expressed in other units of measurement, the "daily discharge" is calculated as the average measurement of the pollutant over the day. "Average weekly" discharge limitation means the highest allowable average of "daily discharges'' over a calendar week, calculated as the sum of all "daily discharges'' measured during a calendar week divided by the number of "daily discharges'' measured during that week. Each of the following 7-day periods is defined as a calendar week: Week 1 is Days 1 - 7 of the month; Week 2 is Days 8 - 14; Week 3 is Days 15 - 21; and Week 4 is Days 22 - 28. If the "daily discharge" on days 29, 30 or 31 exceeds the "average weekly" discharge limitation, Ohio EPA may elect to evaluate the last 7 days of the month as Week 4 instead of Days 22 - 28. Compliance with fecal coliform bacteria or E coli bacteria limitations shall be determined using the geometric mean. "Average monthly" discharge limitation means the highest allowable average of "daily discharges" over a calendar month, calculated as the sum of all "daily discharges" measured during a calendar month divided by the number of "daily discharges" measured during that month. Compliance with fecal coliform bacteria or E coli bacteria limitations shall be determined using the geometric mean. "85 percent removal" means the arithmetic mean of the values for effluent samples collected in a period of 30 consecutive days shall not exceed 15 percent of the arithmetic mean of the values for influent samples collected at approximately the same times during the same period. "Absolute Limitations" Compliance with limitations having descriptions of "shall not be less than," "nor greater than," "shall not exceed," "minimum," or "maximum" shall be determined from any single value for effluent samples and/or measurements collected. "Net concentration" shall mean the difference between the concentration of a given substance in a sample taken of the discharge and the concentration of the same substances in a sample taken at the intake which supplies water to the given process. For the purpose of this definition, samples that are taken to determine the net concentration shall always be 24-hour composite samples made up of at least six increments taken at regular intervals throughout the plant day. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 20 4PB00027*KD "Net Load" shall mean the difference between the load of a given substance as calculated from a sample taken of the discharge and the load of the same substance in a sample taken at the intake which supplies water to given process. For purposes of this definition, samples that are taken to determine the net loading shall always be 24-hour composite samples made up of at least six increments taken at regular intervals throughout the plant day. "MGD" means million gallons per day. "mg/l" means milligrams per liter. "ug/l" means micrograms per liter. "ng/l" means nanograms per liter. "S.U." means standard pH unit. "kg/day" means kilograms per day. "Reporting Code" is a five digit number used by the Ohio EPA in processing reported data. The reporting code does not imply the type of analysis used nor the sampling techniques employed. "Quarterly (1/Quarter) sampling frequency" means the sampling shall be done in the months of March, June, August, and December, unless specifically identified otherwise in the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements table. "Yearly (1/Year) sampling frequency" means the sampling shall be done in the month of September, unless specifically identified otherwise in the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements table. "Semi-annual (2/Year) sampling frequency" means the sampling shall be done during the months of June and December, unless specifically identified otherwise. "Winter" shall be considered to be the period from November 1 through April 30. "Bypass" means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of the treatment facility. "Summer" shall be considered to be the period from May 1 through October 31. "Severe property damage" means substantial physical damage to property, damage to the treatment facilities which would cause them to become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass. Severe property damage does not mean economic loss caused by delays in production. "Upset" means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology based permit effluent limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 21 4PB00027*KD "Sewage sludge" means a solid, semi-solid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works as defined in section 6111.01 of the Revised Code. "Sewage sludge" includes, but is not limited to, scum or solids removed in primary, secondary, or advanced wastewater treatment processes. "Sewage sludge" does not include ash generated during the firing of sewage sludge in a sewage sludge incinerator, grit and screenings generated during preliminary treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works, animal manure, residue generated during treatment of animal manure, or domestic septage. "Sewage sludge weight" means the weight of sewage sludge, in dry U.S. tons, including admixtures such as liming materials or bulking agents. Monitoring frequencies for sewage sludge parameters are based on the reported sludge weight generated in a calendar year (use the most recent calendar year data when the NPDES permit is up for renewal). "Sewage sludge fee weight" means the weight of sewage sludge, in dry U.S. tons, excluding admixtures such as liming materials or bulking agents. Annual sewage sludge fees, as per section 3745.11(Y) of the Ohio Revised Code, are based on the reported sludge fee weight for the most recent calendar year. 2. GENERAL EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS The effluent shall, at all times, be free of substances: A. In amounts that will settle to form putrescent, or otherwise objectionable, sludge deposits; or that will adversely affect aquatic life or water fowl; B. Of an oily, greasy, or surface-active nature, and of other floating debris, in amounts that will form noticeable accumulations of scum, foam or sheen; C. In amounts that will alter the natural color or odor of the receiving water to such degree as to create a nuisance; D. In amounts that either singly or in combination with other substances are toxic to human, animal, or aquatic life; E. In amounts that are conducive to the growth of aquatic weeds or algae to the extent that such growths become inimical to more desirable forms of aquatic life, or create conditions that are unsightly, or constitute a nuisance in any other fashion; F. In amounts that will impair designated instream or downstream water uses. 3. FACILITY OPERATION AND QUALITY CONTROL All wastewater treatment works shall be operated in a manner consistent with the following: A. At all times, the permittee shall maintain in good working order and operate as efficiently as possible all treatment or control facilities or systems installed or used by the permittee necessary to achieve compliance with the terms and 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 conditions of the permit. B. The permittee shall effectively monitor the operation and efficiency of treatment and control facilities and the quantity and quality of the treated discharge. C. Maintenance of wastewater treatment works that results in degradation of effluent quality shall be scheduled during non-critical water quality periods and shall be carried out in a manner approved by Ohio EPA as specified in the Paragraph in the PART III entitled, "UNAUTHORIZED DISCHARGES". Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 22 4PB00027*KD 4. REPORTING A. Monitoring data required by this permit shall be submitted monthly on Ohio EPA 4500 Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) forms using the electronic DMR (e-DMR) internet application. e-DMR allows permitted facilities to enter, sign, and submit DMRs on the internet. e-DMR information is found on the following web page: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/edmr/eDMR.aspx Alternatively, if you are unable to use e-DMR due to a demonstrated hardship, monitoring data may be submitted on paper DMR forms provided by Ohio EPA. Monitoring data shall be typed on the forms. Please contact Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water at (614) 644-2050 if you wish to receive paper DMR forms. B. DMRs shall be signed by a facility's Responsible Official or a Delegated Responsible Official (i.e. a person delegated by the Responsible Official). The Responsible Official of a facility is defined as: 1. For corporations - a president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy or decision making functions for the corporation; or the manager of one or more manufacturing, production or operating facilities, provided the manager is authorized to make management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility including having explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations, and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to assure long-term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit application requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures; 2. For partnerships - a general partner; 3. For a sole proprietorship - the proprietor; or, 4. For a municipality, state or other public facility - a principal executive officer, a ranking elected official or other duly authorized employee. For e-DMR, the person signing and submitting the DMR will need to obtain an eBusiness Center account and Personal Identification Number (PIN). Additionally, Delegated Responsible Officials must be delegated by the Responsible Official, either on-line using the eBusiness Center's delegation function, or on a paper delegation form provided by Ohio EPA. For more information on the PIN and delegation processes, please view the following web page: http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/edmr/eDMR.aspx C. DMRs submitted using e-DMR shall be submitted to Ohio EPA by the 20th day of the month following the month-of-interest. DMRs submitted on paper must include the original signed DMR form and shall be mailed to Ohio EPA at the following address so that they are received no later than the 15th day of the month following the month-of-interest: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Lazarus Government Center Division of Surface Water - PCU P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 23 4PB00027*KD D. If the permittee monitors any pollutant at the location(s) designated herein more frequently than required by this permit, using approved analytical methods as specified in Section 5. SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHODS, the results of such monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the values required in the reports specified above. E. Analyses of pollutants not required by this permit, except as noted in the preceding paragraph, shall not be reported to the Ohio EPA, but records shall be retained as specified in Section 7. RECORDS RETENTION. 5. SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHOD Samples and measurements taken as required herein shall be representative of the volume and nature of the monitored flow. Test procedures for the analysis of pollutants shall conform to regulation 40 CFR 136, "Test Procedures For The Analysis of Pollutants" unless other test procedures have been specified in this permit. The permittee shall periodically calibrate and perform maintenance procedures on all monitoring and analytical instrumentation at intervals to insure accuracy of measurements. 6. RECORDING OF RESULTS For each measurement or sample taken pursuant to the requirements of this permit, the permittee shall record the following information: A. The exact place and date of sampling; (time of sampling not required on EPA 4500) B. The person(s) who performed the sampling or measurements; C. The date the analyses were performed on those samples; D. The person(s) who performed the analyses; E. The analytical techniques or methods used; and F. The results of all analyses and measurements. 7. RECORDS RETENTION The permittee shall retain all of the following records for the wastewater treatment works for a minimum of three years except those records that pertain to sewage sludge disposal, use, storage, or treatment, which shall be kept for a minimum of five years, including: A. All sampling and analytical records (including internal sampling data not reported); B. All original recordings for any continuous monitoring instrumentation; C. All instrumentation, calibration and maintenance records; D. All plant operation and maintenance records; E. All reports required by this permit; and F. Records of all data used to complete the application for this permit for a period of at least three years, or five years for sewage sludge, from the date of the sample, measurement, report, or application. These periods will be extended during the course of any unresolved litigation, or when requested by the Regional Administrator or the Ohio EPA. The three year period, or five year period for sewage sludge, for retention of records shall start from the date of sample, measurement, report, or application. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 24 4PB00027*KD 8. AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS Except for data determined by the Ohio EPA to be entitled to confidential status, all reports prepared in accordance with the terms of this permit shall be available for public inspection at the appropriate district offices of the Ohio EPA. Both the Clean Water Act and Section 6111.05 Ohio Revised Code state that effluent data and receiving water quality data shall not be considered confidential. 9. 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 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. 10. RIGHT OF ENTRY The permittee shall allow the Director or an authorized representative upon 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. B. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of the permit. C. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this permit. 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. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 25 4PB00027*KD 11. UNAUTHORIZED DISCHARGES A. Bypass Not Exceeding Limitations - The permittee may allow any bypass to occur which does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to assure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions of paragraphs 11.B and 11.C. B. Notice 1. Anticipated Bypass - If the permittee knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice, if possible at least ten days before the date of the bypass. 2. Unanticipated Bypass - The permittee shall submit notice of an unanticipated bypass as required in paragraph 12.B (24 hour notice). C. Prohibition of Bypass 1. Bypass is prohibited, and the Director may take enforcement action against a permittee for bypass, unless: a. Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage; b. There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance; and c. The permittee submitted notices as required under paragraph 11.B. 2. The Director may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse effects, if the Director determines that it will meet the three conditions listed above in paragraph 11.C.1. 12. NONCOMPLIANCE NOTIFICATION A. Exceedance of a Daily Maximum Discharge Limit 1. The permittee shall report noncompliance that is the result of any violation of a daily maximum discharge limit for any of the pollutants listed by the Director in the permit by e-mail or telephone within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery. The permittee may report to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office e-mail account as follows (this method is preferred): Southeast District Office: Southwest District Office: Northwest District Office: Northeast District Office: Central District Office: Central Office: sedo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us swdo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us nwdo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us nedo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us cdo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us co24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us The permittee shall attach a noncompliance report to the e-mail. A noncompliance report form is available on the following web site under the Monitoring and Reporting - Non-Compliance Notification section: http://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/permits/individuals.aspx Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 26 4PB00027*KD Or, the permittee may report to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office by telephone toll-free between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM as follows: Southeast District Office: (800) 686-7330 Southwest District Office: (800) 686-8930 Northwest District Office: (800) 686-6930 Northeast District Office: (800) 686-6330 Central District Office: (800) 686-2330 Central Office: (614) 644-2001 The permittee shall include the following information in the telephone noncompliance report: a. The name of the permittee, and a contact name and telephone number; b. The limit(s) that has been exceeded; c. The extent of the exceedance(s); d. The cause of the exceedance(s); e. The period of the exceedance(s) including exact dates and times; f. If uncorrected, the anticipated time the exceedance(s) is expected to continue; and, g. Steps taken to reduce, eliminate or prevent occurrence of the exceedance(s). B. Other Permit Violations 1. The permittee shall report noncompliance that is the result of any unanticipated bypass resulting in an exceedance of any effluent limit in the permit or any upset resulting in an exceedance of any effluent limit in the permit by e-mail or telephone within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery. The permittee may report to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office e-mail account as follows (this method is preferred): Southeast District Office: sedo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us Southwest District Office: swdo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us Northwest District Office: nwdo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us Northeast District Office: nedo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us Central District Office: cdo24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us Central Office: co24hournpdes@epa.state.oh.us The permittee shall attach a noncompliance report to the e-mail. A noncompliance report form is available on the following web site: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/permits/permits.aspx Or, the permittee may report to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office by telephone toll-free between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM as follows: Southeast District Office: Southwest District Office: Northwest District Office: Northeast District Office: Central District Office: Central Office: (800) 686-7330 (800) 686-8930 (800) 686-6930 (800) 686-6330 (800) 686-2330 (614) 644-2001 Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 27 4PB00027*KD The permittee shall include the following information in the telephone noncompliance report: a. The name of the permittee, and a contact name and telephone number; b. The time(s) at which the discharge occurred, and was discovered; c. The approximate amount and the characteristics of the discharge; d. The stream(s) affected by the discharge; e. The circumstances which created the discharge; f. The name and telephone number of the person(s) who have knowledge of these circumstances; g. What remedial steps are being taken; and, h. The name and telephone number of the person(s) responsible for such remedial steps. 2. The permittee shall report noncompliance that is the result of any spill or discharge which may endanger human health or the environment within thirty (30) minutes of discovery by calling the 24-Hour Emergency Hotline toll-free at (800) 282-9378. The permittee shall also report the spill or discharge by e-mail or telephone within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery in accordance with B.1 above. C. When the telephone option is used for the noncompliance reports required by A and B, the permittee shall submit to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office a confirmation letter and a completed noncompliance report within five (5) days of the discovery of the noncompliance. This follow up report is not necessary for the e-mail option which already includes a completed noncompliance report. D. If the permittee is unable to meet any date for achieving an event, as specified in a schedule of compliance in their permit, the permittee shall submit a written report to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office within fourteen (14) days of becoming aware of such a situation. The report shall include the following: 1. The compliance event which has been or will be violated; 2. The cause of the violation; 3. The remedial action being taken; 4. The probable date by which compliance will occur; and, 5. The probability of complying with subsequent and final events as scheduled. E. The permittee shall report all other instances of permit noncompliance not reported under paragraphs A or B of this section on their monthly DMR submission. The DMR shall contain comments that include the information listed in paragraphs A or B as appropriate. F. If the permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit an application, or submitted incorrect information in an application or in any report to the director, it shall promptly submit such facts or information. 13. RESERVED 14. 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. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 28 4PB00027*KD 15. AUTHORIZED DISCHARGES All discharges authorized herein shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of this permit. The discharge of any pollutant identified in this permit more frequently than, or at a level in excess of, that authorized by this permit shall constitute a violation of the terms and conditions of this permit. Such violations may result in the imposition of civil and/or criminal penalties as provided for in Section 309 of the Act and Ohio Revised Code Sections 6111.09 and 6111.99. 16. DISCHARGE CHANGES The following changes must be reported to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office as soon as practicable: A. For all treatment works, any significant change in character of the discharge which the permittee knows or has reason to believe has occurred or will occur which would constitute cause for modification or revocation and reissuance. The permittee shall give advance notice to the Director of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity which may result in noncompliance with permit requirements. Notification of permit changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition. B. For publicly owned treatment works: 1. Any proposed plant modification, addition, and/or expansion that will change the capacity or efficiency of the plant; 2. The addition of any new significant industrial discharge; and 3. Changes in the quantity or quality of the wastes from existing tributary industrial discharges which will result in significant new or increased discharges of pollutants. C. For non-publicly owned treatment works, any proposed facility expansions, production increases, or process modifications, which will result in new, different, or increased discharges of pollutants. Following this notice, modifications to the permit may be made to reflect any necessary changes in permit conditions, including any necessary effluent limitations for any pollutants not identified and limited herein. A determination will also be made as to whether a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review will be required. Sections 6111.44 and 6111.45, Ohio Revised Code, require that plans for treatment works or improvements to such works be approved by the Director of the Ohio EPA prior to initiation of construction. D. In addition to the reporting requirements under 40 CFR 122.41(l) and per 40 CFR 122.42(a), all existing manufacturing, commercial, mining, and silvicultural dischargers must notify the Director as soon as they know or have reason to believe: 1. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result in the discharge on a routine or frequent basis of any toxic pollutant which is not limited in the permit. If that discharge will exceed the highest of the "notification levels" specified in 40 CFR Sections 122.42(a)(1)(i) through 122.42(a)(1)(iv). 2. That any activity has occurred or will occur which would result in any discharge, on a non-routine or infrequent basis, of a toxic pollutant which is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will exceed the highest of the "notification levels" specified in 122.42(a)(2)(i) through 122.42(a)(2)(iv). 17. TOXIC POLLUTANTS The permittee shall comply with effluent 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. Following establishment of such standards or prohibitions, the Director shall modify this permit and so notify the permittee. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 29 4PB00027*KD 18. PERMIT MODIFICATION OR REVOCATION A. After notice and opportunity for a hearing, this permit may be modified or revoked, by the Ohio EPA, in whole or in part during its term for cause including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Violation of any terms or conditions of this permit; 2. Obtaining this permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose fully all relevant facts; or 3. Change in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the permitted discharge. B. Pursuant to rule 3745-33-04, Ohio Administrative Code, the permittee may at any time apply to the Ohio EPA for modification of any part of this permit. The filing of a request by the permittee for a permit modification or revocation does not stay any permit condition. The application for modification should be received by the appropriate Ohio EPA district office at least ninety days before the date on which it is desired that the modification become effective. The application shall be made only on forms approved by the Ohio EPA. 19. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL This permit may be transferred or assigned and a new owner or successor can be authorized to discharge from this facility, provided the following requirements are met: A. The permittee shall notify the succeeding owner or successor of the existence of this permit by a letter, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office. The copy of that letter will serve as the permittee's notice to the Director of the proposed transfer. The copy of that letter shall be received by the appropriate Ohio EPA district office sixty (60) days prior to the proposed date of transfer; B. A written agreement containing a specific date for transfer of permit responsibility and coverage between the current and new permittee (including acknowledgement that the existing permittee is liable for violations up to that date, and that the new permittee is liable for violations from that date on) shall be submitted to the appropriate Ohio EPA district office within sixty days after receipt by the district office of the copy of the letter from the permittee to the succeeding owner; At anytime during the sixty (60) day period between notification of the proposed transfer and the effective date of the transfer, the Director may prevent the transfer if he concludes that such transfer will jeopardize compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit. If the Director does not prevent transfer, he will modify the permit to reflect the new owner. 20. 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 under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. 21. SOLIDS DISPOSAL Collected grit and screenings, and other solids other than sewage sludge, shall be disposed of in such a manner as to prevent entry of those wastes into waters of the state, and in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. 22. CONSTRUCTION AFFECTING NAVIGABLE WATERS This permit does not authorize or approve the construction of any onshore or offshore physical structures or facilities or the undertaking of any work in any navigable waters. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 30 4PB00027*KD 23. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY Except as exempted in the permit conditions on UNAUTHORIZED DISCHARGES or UPSETS, nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee from civil or criminal penalties for noncompliance. 24. STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS 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 established pursuant to any applicable state law or regulation under authority preserved by Section 510 of the Clean Water Act. 25. 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. 26. UPSET The provisions of 40 CFR Section 122.41(n), relating to "Upset," are specifically incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For definition of "upset," see Part III, Paragraph 1, DEFINITIONS. 27. 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 circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby. 28. SIGNATORY REQUIREMENTS All applications submitted to the Director shall be signed and certified in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 122.22. All reports submitted to the Director shall be signed and certified in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR Section 122.22. 29. OTHER INFORMATION A. Where the permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit application or submitted incorrect information in a permit application or in any report to the Director, it shall promptly submit such facts or information. B. ORC 6111.99 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 $25,000 per violation. C. ORC 6111.99 states 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 $25,000 per violation. D. ORC 6111.99 provides that any person who violates Sections 6111.04, 6111.042, 6111.05, or division (A) of Section 6111.07 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. Part III General Conditions (Con't) Page 31 4PB00027*KD 30. NEED TO HALT OR REDUCE ACTIVITY 40 CFR 122.41(c) states that it shall not be a defense 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 conditions of this permit. 31. APPLICABLE FEDERAL RULES All references to 40 CFR in this permit mean the version of 40 CFR which is effective as of the effective date of this permit. 32. AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC SEWERS Not withstanding the issuance or non-issuance of an NPDES permit to a semi-public disposal system, whenever the sewage system of a publicly owned treatment works becomes available and accessible, the permittee operating any semi-public disposal system shall abandon the semi-public disposal system and connect it into the publicly owned treatment works. Ashley WWTP - Village of Ashley, Ohio Attachment C: Summary of NPDES Permit Effluent Exceedances for Outfall 001 Number of exceedances per parameter Month/Year E. coli Monthly Geo- Mean E. coli Weekl y Geo- Mean Total Suspended Solids Monthly Avg. Total Ammonia- Ammonia- Suspended Nitogen Nitogen CBOD5 Solids Weekly Max Monthly Weekly Monthly Avg. Max Avg. CBOD5 Weekly Max July 2017 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 August 2017 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 September 2017 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 February 2018 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 March 2018 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 April 2018 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 May 2018 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 June 2018 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 July 2018 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 August 2018 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 February 2019 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 June 2019 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 July 2019 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 August 2019 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 September 2019 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 October 2019 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 May 2020 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 June 2020 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 July 2020 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 August 2020 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 September 2020 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 October 2020 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 January 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 May 2021 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 June 2021 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 July 2021 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dissolved Oxygen Daily Min 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 pH Daily Min 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 # of Violations 6 1 2 4 1 4 0 2 4 7 6 2 2 2 2 2 6 2 2 2 4 1 1 2 2 2 Ashley WWTP - Village of Ashley, Ohio Attachment C: Summary of NPDES Permit Effluent Exceedances for Outfall 001 Number of exceedances per parameter Month/Year E. coli Monthly Geo- Mean E. coli Weekl y Geo- Mean Total Suspended Solids Monthly Avg. Total Ammonia- Ammonia- Suspended Nitogen Nitogen CBOD5 Solids Weekly Max Monthly Weekly Monthly Avg. Max Avg. CBOD5 Weekly Max November 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 December 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 January 2022 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 February 2022 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 March 2022 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 16 20 9 12 6 6 1 3 Dissolved Oxygen Daily Min 0 0 0 0 0 1 pH Daily Min 1 1 1 1 0 5 # of Violations 1 1 5 1 0 79