Appendix to Subpart G of Part 125 - Applicant Questionnaire for Modification of Secondary Treatment Requirements
40:24.0.1.1.16.7.16.14.18 :
Appendix to Subpart G of Part 125 - Applicant Questionnaire for
Modification of Secondary Treatment Requirements
OMB Control Number 2040-0088 Expires on 2/28/96 Public reporting
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average
1,295 - 19,552 hours per response, for small and large applicants,
respectively. The reporting burden includes time for reviewing
instructions, gathering data, including monitoring and toxics
control activities, and completing and reviewing the questionnaire.
Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of
this collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to
Chief, Information Policy Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. (2136), Washington, DC 20460
and Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Officer for EPA, Washington, DC
20503.
I. Introduction
1. This questionnaire is to be submitted by both small and large
applicants for modification of secondary treatment requirements
under section 301(h) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). A small
applicant is defined as a POTW that has a contributing population
to its wastewater treatment facility of less than 50,000 and a
projected average dry weather flow of less than 5.0 million gallons
per day (mgd, 0.22 cubic meters/sec) [40 CFR 125.58(c)]. A large
applicant is defined as a POTW that has a population contributing
to its wastewater treatment facility of at least 50,000 or a
projected average dry weather flow of its discharge of at least 5.0
million gallons per day (mgd, 0.22 cubic meters/sec) [40 CFR
125.58(c)]. The questionnaire is in two sections, a general
information and basic requirements section (part II) and a
technical evaluation section (part III). Satisfactory completion by
small and large dischargers of the appropriate questions of this
questionnaire is necessary to enable EPA to determine whether the
applicant's modified discharge meets the criteria of section 301(h)
and EPA regulations (40 CFR part 125, subpart G).
2. Most small applicants should be able to complete the
questionnaire using available information. However, small POTWs
with low initial dilution discharging into shallow waters or waters
with poor dispersion and transport characteristics, discharging
near distinctive and susceptible biological habitats, or
discharging substantial quantities of toxics should anticipate the
need to collect additional information and/or conduct additional
analyses to demonstrate compliance with section 301(h) criteria. If
there are questions in this regard, applicants should contact the
appropriate EPA Regional Office for guidance.
3. Guidance for responding to this questionnaire is provided by
the newly amended section 301(h) technical support document. Where
available information is incomplete and the applicant needs to
collect additional data during the period it is preparing the
application or a letter of intent, EPA encourages the applicant to
consult with EPA prior to data collection and submission. Such
consultation, particularly if the applicant provides a project
plan, will help ensure that the proper data are gathered in the
most efficient matter.
4. The notation (L) means large applicants must respond to the
question, and (S) means small applicants must respond.
II. General Information and Basic Data Requirements A. Treatment
System Description
1. (L,S) On which of the following are you basing your
application: a current discharge, improved discharge, or altered
discharge, as defined in 40 CFR 125.58? [40 CFR 125.59(a)]
2. (L,S) Description of the Treatment/Outfall System [40 CFR
125.62(a) and 125.62(e)]
a. Provide detailed descriptions and diagrams of the treatment
system and outfall configuration which you propose to satisfy the
requirements of section 301(h) and 40 CFR part 125, subpart G. What
is the total discharge design flow upon which this application is
based?
b. Provide a map showing the geographic location of proposed
outfall(s) (i.e., discharge). What is the latitude and longitude of
the proposed outfall(s)?
c. For a modification based on an improved or altered discharge,
provide a description and diagram of your current treatment system
and outfall configuration. Include the current outfall's latitude
and longitude, if different from the proposed outfall.
3. (L,S) Primary or equivalent treatment requirements [40 CFR
125.60]
a. Provide data to demonstrate that your effluent meets at least
primary or equivalent treatment requirements as defined in 40 CFR
125.58(r) [40 CFR 125.60]
b. If your effluent does not meet the primary or equivalent
treatment requirements, when do you plan to meet them? Provide a
detailed schedule, including design, construction, start-up and
full operation, with your application. This requirement must be met
by the effective date of the new section 301(h) modified
permit.
4. (L,S) Effluent Limitations and Characteristics [40 CFR
125.61(b) and 125.62(e)(2)]
a. Identify the final effluent limitations for five-day
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended solids, and pH upon
which your application for a modification is based:
- BOD5 ___ mg/L - Suspended solids ___ mg/L - pH ___ (range)
b. Provide data on the following effluent characteristics for
your current discharge as well as for the modified discharge if
different from the current discharge:
Flow (m 3/sec): - minimum - average dry weather - average wet
weather - maximum - annual average
BOD5 (mg/L) for the following plant flows:
- minimum - average dry weather - average wet weather - maximum -
annual average Suspended solids (mg/L) for the following plant
flows: - minimum - average dry weather - average wet weather -
maximum - annual average
Toxic pollutants and pesticides (ug/L):
- list each toxic pollutant and pesticide - list each 304(a)(1)
criteria and toxic pollutant and pesticide pH: - minimum - maximum
Dissolved oxygen (mg/L, prior to chlorination) for the following
plant flows:
- minimum - average dry weather - average wet weather - maximum -
annual average Immediate dissolved oxygen demand (mg/L).
5. (L,S) Effluent Volume and Mass Emissions [40 CFR 125.62(e)(2)
and 125.67]
a. Provide detailed analyses showing projections of effluent
volume (annual average, m 3/sec) and mass loadings (mt/yr) of BOD5
and suspended solids for the design life of your treatment facility
in five-year increments. If the application is based upon an
improved or altered discharge, the projections must be provided
with and without the proposed improvements or alterations.
b. Provide projections for the end of your five-year permit term
for 1) the treatment facility contributing population and 2) the
average daily total discharge flow for the maximum month of the dry
weather season.
6. (L,S) Average Daily Industrial Flow (m 3/sec). Provide or
estimate the average daily industrial inflow to your treatment
facility for the same time increments as in question II.A.5 above.
[40 CFR 125.66]
7. (L,S) Combined Sewer Overflows [40 CFR 125.67(b)]
a. Does (will) your treatment and collection system include
combined sewer overflows?
b. If yes, provide a description of your plan for minimizing
combined sewer overflows to the receiving water.
8. (L,S) Outfall/Diffuser Design. Provide the following data for
your current discharge as well as for the modified discharge, if
different from the current discharge: [40 CFR 125.62(a)(1)]
- Diameter and length of the outfall(s) (meters) - Diameter and
length of the diffuser(s) (meters) - Angle(s) of port
orientation(s) from horizontal (degrees) - Port diameter(s)
(meters) - Orifice contraction coefficient(s), if known - Vertical
distance from mean lower low water (or mean low water) surface and
outfall port(s) centerline (meters) - Number of ports - Port
spacing (meters) - Design flow rate for each port, if multiple
ports are used (m 3/sec) B. Receiving Water Description
1. (L,S) Are you applying for a modification based on a
discharge to the ocean [40 CFR 125.58(n)] or to a saline estuary
[40 CFR 125.58(v)]? [40 CFR 125.59(a)].
2. (L,S) Is your current discharge or modified discharge to
stressed waters as defined in 40 CFR 125.58(z)? If yes, what are
the pollution sources contributing to the stress? [40 CFR
125.59(b)(4) and 125.62(f)].
3. (L,S) Provide a description and data on the seasonal
circulation patterns in the vicinity of your current and modified
discharge(s). [40 CFR 125.62(a)].
4. (L) Oceanographic conditions in the vicinity of the current
and proposed modified discharge(s). Provide data on the following:
[40 CFR 125.62(a)].
- Lowest ten percentile current speed (m/sec) - Predominant current
speed (m/sec) and direction (true) during the four seasons -
Period(s) of maximum stratification (months) - Period(s) of natural
upwelling events (duration and frequency, months) - Density
profiles during period(s) of maximum stratification
5. (L,S) Do the receiving waters for your discharge contain
significant amounts of effluent previously discharged from the
treatment works for which you are applying for a section 301(h)
modified permit? [40 CFR 125.57(a)(9)]
6. Ambient water quality conditions during the period(s) of
maximum stratification: at the zone of initial dilution (ZID)
boundary, at other areas of potential impact, and at control
stations. [40 CFR 125.62(a)]
a. (L) Provide profiles (with depth) on the following for the
current discharge location and for the modified discharge location,
if different from the current discharge:
- BOD5 (mg/L) - Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) - Suspended solids (mg/L) -
pH - Temperature (°C) - Salinity (ppt) - Transparency (turbidity,
percent light transmittance) - Other significant variables (e.g.,
nutrients, 304(a)(1) criteria and toxic pollutants and pesticides,
fecal coliform bacteria)
b. (S) Provide available data on the following in the vicinity
of the current discharge location and for the modified discharge
location, if different from the current discharge: [40 CFR
125.61(b)(1)]
- Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) - Suspended solids (mg/L) - pH -
Temperature (°C) - Salinity (ppt) - Transparency (turbidity,
percent light transmittance) - Other significant variables (e.g.,
nutrients, 304(a)(1) criteria and toxic pollutants and pesticides,
fecal coliform bacteria)
c. (L,S)Are there other periods when receiving water quality
conditions may be more critical than the period(s) of maximum
stratification? If so, describe these and other critical periods
and data requested in 6.a. for the other critical period(s). [40
CFR 125.62(a)(1)].
7. (L) Provide data on steady state sediment dissolved oxygen
demand and dissolved oxygen demand due to resuspension of sediments
in the vicinity of your current and modified discharge(s)
(mg/L/day).
C. Biological Conditions
1. (L) Provide a detailed description of representative
biological communities (e.g., plankton, macrobenthos, demersal
fish, etc.) in the vicinity of your current and modified
discharge(s): within the ZID, at the ZID boundary, at other areas
of potential discharge-related impact, and at reference (control)
sites. Community characteristics to be described shall include (but
not be limited to) species composition; abundance; dominance and
diversity; spatial/temporal distribution; growth and reproduction;
disease frequency; trophic structure and productivity patterns;
presence of opportunistic species; bioaccumulation of toxic
materials; and the occurrence of mass mortalities.
2. (L,S)a. Are distinctive habitats of limited distribution
(such as kelp beds or coral reefs) located in areas potentially
affected by the modified discharge? [40 CFR 125.62(c)]
b. If yes, provide information on type, extent, and location of
habitats.
3. (L,S)a. Are commercial or recreational fisheries located in
areas potentially affected by the discharge? [40 CFR 125.62 (c) and
(d)]
b. If yes, provide information on types, location, and value of
fisheries.
D. State and Federal Laws [40 CFR 125.61 and 125.62(a)(1)]
1. (L,S) Are there water quality standards applicable to the
following pollutants for which a modification is requested:
- Biochemical oxygen demand or dissolved oxygen? - Suspended
solids, turbidity, light transmission, light scattering, or
maintenance of the euphotic zone? - pH of the receiving water?
2. (L,S) If yes, what is the water use classification for your
discharge area? What are the applicable standards for your
discharge area for each of the parameters for which a modification
is requested? Provide a copy of all applicable water quality
standards or a citation to where they can be found.
3. (L,S) Will the modified discharge: [40 CFR 125.59(b)(3)].
- Be consistent with applicable State coastal zone management
program(s) approved under the Coastal Zone Management Act as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451
et seq.? [See 16 U.S.C.
1456(c)(3)(A)] - Be located in a marine sanctuary designated under
Title III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
(MPRSA) as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1431
et seq., or in an
estuarine sanctuary designated under the Coastal Zone Management
Act as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461? If located in a marine sanctuary
designated under Title III of the MPRSA, attach a copy of any
certification or permit required under regulations governing such
marine sanctuary. [See 16 U.S.C. 1432(f)(2)] - Be consistent with
the Endangered Species Act as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531
et
seq.? Provide the names of any threatened or endangered species
that inhabit or obtain nutrients from waters that may be affected
by the modified discharge. Identify any critical habitat that may
be affected by the modified discharge and evaluate whether the
modified discharge will affect threatened or endangered species or
modify a critical habitat. [See 16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)].
4. (L,S) Are you aware of any State or Federal laws or
regulations (other than the Clean Water Act or the three statutes
identified in item 3 above) or an Executive Order which is
applicable to your discharge? If yes, provide sufficient
information to demonstrate that your modified discharge will comply
with such law(s), regulation(s), or order(s). [40 CFR 125.59
(b)(3)].
III. Technical Evaluation A. Physical Characteristics of Discharge
[40 CFR 125.62(a)]
1. (L,S) What is the critical initial dilution for your current
and modified discharge(s) during (1) the period(s) of maximum
stratification? and (2) any other critical period(s) of discharge
volume/composition, water quality, biological seasons, or
oceanographic conditions?
2. (L,S) What are the dimensions of the zone of initial dilution
for your modified discharge(s)?
3. (L) What are the effects of ambient currents and
stratification on dispersion and transport of the discharge
plume/wastefield?
4. (S) Will there be significant sedimentation of suspended
solids in the vicinity of the modified discharge?
5. (L) Sedimentation of suspended solids
a. What fraction of the modified discharge's suspended solids
will accumulate within the vicinity of the modified discharge?
b. What are the calculated area(s) and rate(s) of sediment
accumulation within the vicinity of the modified discharge(s) (g/m
2/yr)?
c. What is the fate of settleable solids transported beyond the
calculated sediment accumulation area?
B. Compliance with Applicable Water Quality Standards and CWA §
304(a)(1) water quality criteria [40 CFR 125.61(b) and 125.62(a)]
1. (L,S) What is the concentration of dissolved oxygen
immediately following initial dilution for the period(s) of maximum
stratification and any other critical period(s) of discharge
volume/composition, water quality, biological seasons, or
oceanographic conditions?
2. (L,S) What is the farfield dissolved oxygen depression and
resulting concentration due to BOD exertion of the wastefield
during the period(s) of maximum stratification and any other
critical period(s)?
3. (L) What are the dissolved oxygen depressions and resulting
concentrations near the bottom due to steady sediment demand and
resuspension of sediments?
4. (L,S) What is the increase in receiving water suspended
solids concentration immediately following initial dilution of the
modified discharge(s)?
5. (L) What is the change in receiving water pH immediately
following initial dilution of the modified discharge(s)?
6. (L,S) Does (will) the modified discharge comply with
applicable water quality standards for:
- Dissolved oxygen? - Suspended solids or surrogate standards? -
pH?
7. (L,S) Provide data to demonstrate that all applicable State
water quality standards, and all applicable water quality criteria
established under Section 304(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act for
which there are no directly corresponding numerical applicable
water quality standards approved by EPA, are met at and beyond the
boundary of the ZID under critical environmental and treatment
plant conditions in the waters surrounding or adjacent to the point
at which your effluent is discharged. [40 CFR 125.62(a)(1)]
8. (L,S) Provide the determination required by 40 CFR
125.61(b)(2) for compliance with all applicable provisions of State
law, including water quality standards or, if the determination has
not yet been received, a copy of a letter to the appropriate
agency(s) requesting the required determination.
C. Impact on Public Water Supplies [40 CFR 125.62(b)]
1. (L,S) Is there a planned or existing public water supply
(desalinization facility) intake in the vicinity of the current or
modified discharge?
2. (L,S) If yes:
a. What is the location of the intake(s) (latitude and
longitude)?
b. Will the modified discharge(s) prevent the use of intake(s)
for public water supply?
c. Will the modified discharge(s) cause increased treatment
requirements for public water supply(s) to meet local, State, and
EPA drinking water standards?
D. Biological Impact of Discharge [40 CFR 125.62(c)]
1. (L,S) Does (will) a balanced indigenous population of
shellfish, fish, and wildlife exist:
- Immediately beyond the ZID of the current and modified
discharge(s)? - In all other areas beyond the ZID where marine life
is actually or potentially affected by the current and modified
discharge(s)?
2. (L,S) Have distinctive habitats of limited distribution been
impacted adversely by the current discharge and will such habitats
be impacted adversely by the modified discharge?
3. (L,S) Have commercial or recreational fisheries been impacted
adversely by the current discharge (e.g., warnings, restrictions,
closures, or mass mortalities) or will they be impacted adversely
by the modified discharge?
4. (L,S*) Does the current or modified discharge cause the
following within or beyond the ZID: [40 CFR 125.62(c)(3)]
- Mass mortality of fishes or invertebrates due to oxygen
depletion, high concentrations of toxics, or other conditions? - An
increased incidence of disease in marine organisms? - An abnormal
body burden of any toxic material in marine organisms? - Any other
extreme, adverse biological impacts?
5. (L,S) For discharges into saline estuarine waters: [40 CFR
125.62 (c)(4)]
- Does or will the current or modified discharge cause substantial
differences in the benthic population within the ZID and beyond the
ZID? - Does or will the current or modified discharge interfere
with migratory pathways within the ZID? - Does or will the current
or modified discharge result in bioaccumulation of toxic pollutants
or pesticides at levels which exert adverse effects on the biota
within the ZID?
No section (h) modified permit shall be issued where the
discharge enters into stressed saline estuarine waters as stated in
40 CFR 125.59(b)(4).
6. (L,S) For improved discharges, will the proposed improved
discharge(s) comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 125.62(a)
through 125.62(d)? [40 CFR 125.62(e)]
7. (L,S) For altered discharge(s), will the altered discharge(s)
comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 125.62(a) through 125.62(d)?
[40 CFR 125.62(e)]
8. (L,S) If your current discharge is to stressed ocean waters,
does or will your current or modified discharge: [40 CFR
125.62(f)]
- Contribute to, increase, or perpetuate such stressed condition? -
Contribute to further degradation of the biota or water quality if
the level of human perturbation from other sources increases? -
Retard the recovery of the biota or water quality if human
perturbation from other sources decreases? E. Impacts of Discharge
on Recreational Activities [40 CFR 125.62(d)]
1. (L,S) Describe the existing or potential recreational
activities likely to be affected by the modified discharge(s)
beyond the zone of initial dilution.
2. (L,S) What are the existing and potential impacts of the
modified discharge(s) on recreational activities? Your answer
should include, but not be limited to, a discussion of fecal
coliform bacteria.
3. (L,S) Are there any Federal, State, or local restrictions on
recreational activities in the vicinity of the modified
discharge(s)? If yes, describe the restrictions and provide
citations to available references.
4. (L,S) If recreational restrictions exist, would such
restrictions be lifted or modified if you were discharging a
secondary treatment effluent?
F. Establishment of a Monitoring Program [40 CFR 125.63]
1. (L,S) Describe the biological, water quality, and effluent
monitoring programs which you propose to meet the criteria of 40
CFR 125.63. Only those scientific investigations that are necessary
to study the effects of the proposed discharge should be included
in the scope of the 301(h) monitoring program [40 CFR
125.63(a)(1)(i)(B)].
2. (L,S) Describe the sampling techniques, schedules, and
locations, analytical techniques, quality control and verification
procedures to be used.
3. (L,S) Describe the personnel and financial resources
available to implement the monitoring programs upon issuance of a
modified permit and to carry it out for the life of the modified
permit.
G. Effect of Discharge on Other Point and Nonpoint Sources [40 CFR
125.64]
1. (L,S) Does (will) your modified discharge(s) cause additional
treatment or control requirements for any other point or nonpoint
pollution source(s)?
2. (L,S) Provide the determination required by 40 CFR 125.64(b)
or, if the determination has not yet been received, a copy of a
letter to the appropriate agency(s) requesting the required
determination.
H. Toxics Control Program and Urban Area Pretreatment Program [40
CFR 125.65 and 125.66]
1. a. (L,S) Do you have any known or suspected industrial
sources of toxic pollutants or pesticides?
b. (L,S) If no, provide the certification required by 40 CFR
125.66(a)(2) for small dischargers, and required by 40 CFR
125.66(c)(2) for large dischargers.
c. (L,S*) Provide the results of wet and dry weather effluent
analyses for toxic pollutants and pesticides as required by 40 CFR
125.66(a)(1). (* to the extent practicable)
d. (L,S*) Provide an analysis of known or suspected industrial
sources of toxic pollutants and pesticides identified in (1)(c)
above as required by 40 CFR 125.66(b). (* to the extent
practicable)
2. (S)a. Are there any known or suspected water quality,
sediment accumulation, or biological problems related to toxic
pollutants or pesticides from your modified discharge(s)?
(S) b. If no, provide the certification required by 40 CFR
125.66(d)(2) together with available supporting data.
(S) c. If yes, provide a schedule for development and
implementation of nonindustrial toxics control programs to meet the
requirements of 40 CFR 126.66(d)(3).
(L) d. Provide a schedule for development and implementation of
a nonindustrial toxics control program to meet the requirements of
40 CFR 125.66(d)(3).
3. (L,S) Describe the public education program you propose to
minimize the entrance of nonindustrial toxic pollutants and
pesticides into your treatment system. [40 CFR 125.66(d)(1)]
4. (L,S) Do you have an approved industrial pretreatment
program?
a. If yes, provide the date of EPA approval.
b. If no, and if required by 40 CFR part 403 to have an
industrial pretreatment program, provide a proposed schedule for
development and implementation of your industrial pretreatment
program to meet the requirements of 40 CFR part 403.
5. Urban area pretreatment requirement [40 CFR 125.65]
Dischargers serving a population of 50,000 or more must
respond.
a. Provide data on all toxic pollutants introduced into the
treatment works from industrial sources (categorical and
noncategorical).
b. Note whether applicable pretreatment requirements are in
effect for each toxic pollutant. Are the industrial sources
introducing such toxic pollutants in compliance with all of their
pretreatment requirements? Are these pretreatment requirements
being enforced? [40 CFR 125.65(b)(2)]
c. If applicable pretreatment requirements do not exist for each
toxic pollutant in the POTW effluent introduced by industrial
sources,
- provide a description and a schedule for your development and
implementation of applicable pretreatment requirements [40 CFR
125.65(c)], or - describe how you propose to demonstrate secondary
removal equivalency for each of those toxic pollutants, including a
schedule for compliance, by using a secondary treatment pilot
plant. [40 CFR 125.65(d)]