As referenced in the EAJSA’s to the regulations of the control authority as set out in Chapter 53 of this code of ordinances, the following implementation procedures evaluate a color limit variance.
(A) (1) Any industrial user (IU) with a total flow less than or equal to 500,000 gpd (5% of the WWTP’s hydraulic design capacity) and a discharge quality not exceeding the color limit (less than the equivalent luminescence and greater than the equivalent purity of a 500 unit platinum-cobalt stock standard) at the dilution ratios listed below, will be eligible to apply for a variance:
IU Flow (gpd) | Dilution Ratio |
<10,000 | 20:1 |
10,000 to 50,000 | 10:1 |
50,000 to 500,000 | 5:1 |
(2) On a case-by-case basis, in the event of extraordinary circumstances, the IPP Coordinator may allow IUs who do not meet the criteria above to apply for a variance.
(B) The IU must submit a written request for a variance to the color limit which must include an explanation for the basis for the variance, production information, discharge quality and quantity, discharge variability, discharge data from other similar facilities owned by the IU (if applicable), compliance history, level of exceedances, pretreatment options and costs and any other information deemed necessary by the IPP Coordinator.
(C) The IPP Coordinator will review the request for a variance to the color limit within 30 days of receipt and will schedule a technical meeting between representatives of the EAJSA and the IU. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss site specific issues associated with the variance, to determine whether or not additional studies (e.g., impact, treatability and the like) may be required and to develop a schedule for completion of any required study(s).
(D) A decision to approve or deny a variance to the color limit will be made within 60 days of receipt of all required information from the IU. The approval of a color limit variance and level of relaxation afforded to the IU will be made on a case-by-case basis using the information obtained in divisions (B) and (C) above. Any variance will be approved in writing as a permit modification and the basis for the said modification will be documented in the user’s file.
(E) The IU will still be required to comply with the EAJSA’s existing color limit until such time that a variance to the color limit is approved.
(F) (1) The WWTP does not have an NPDES permit limit for color. DRBC water quality regulations include an effluent standard of 100 cpu for color for municipal wastewater effluents. When a variance is granted, the WWTP will record any unusual visual observations of the color of the plant influent and effluent. If necessary, a grab sample of the effluent will be collected and analyzed for color to track compliance with the 100 cpu DRBC standard.
(2) As indicated, IUs will be required to comply with increased monitoring frequencies for color. The following color monitoring schedule will be followed (based on discharge flow) when a variance is granted:
IU Flow (gpd) | Color Monitoring Frequency |
<1,000 | Once per month |
1,000 to 10,000 | Twice per month |
10,000 to 25,000 | Once per week |
25,000 to 500,000 | Twice per week |
(3) If the IPP Coordinator determines that sufficient monitoring data has been obtained, the IPP Coordinator may elect to reduce the color monitoring frequency for an IU.
(4) As a matter of information, Pennsylvania DEP water quality regulations include instream criteria for color as follows: 50 cpu for protection of aesthetics; and 75 cpu for water supply protection. Based on dilution and the fact that there are no potable water supply intakes located along the Delaware River in a close downstream proximity to the WWTP’s outfall, these Pennsylvania DEP criteria are not of concern. We also do not anticipate that an industrial discharge with excessive amounts of color will cause interference or other problems at the WWTP.
(Ord. 197, passed 11-4-2002)