Systems with Enhanced Nitrogen Removal

(1) The nitrogen loading limitations established in 310 CMR 15.215(1) shall not apply to discharge of an effluent meeting the federal Safe Drinking Water Act nitrate standard of 10 ppm through either an approved alternative system or a treatment works with a groundwater discharge permit issued pursuant to 314 CMR 5.00: Ground Water Discharge Permit Program. (2) For systems located in a Nitrogen Sensitive Area designated pursuant to 310 CMR 15.214(1)(a), an increase in calculated allowable nutrient loading per acre may be allowed with the use of a technology approved for enhanced nutrient removal pursuant to either the piloting, provisional or general use certification provisions in 310 CMR 15.281 through 15.288 as illustrated by the following example: Recirculating Sand Filter 550 gpd/acre (3) In the event that the Department determines that a system approved for enhanced nutrient removal using a technology approved by the Department on a piloting or provisional basis pursuant to 310 CMR 15.285 and 15.286 respectively is not performing in accordance with the approval, the Department or the Local Approving Authority may require the system owner to instead use an enhanced nutrient removal technology that has been certified for general use by the Department. The increased design flow allowed reflects the nutrient removal performance of the approved technology compared to a standard system otherwise described in 310 CMR 15.100 through 15.255. A system receiving a design flow credit for enhanced nutrient removal pursuant to 310 CMR 15.217 must still comply with the requirements of 310 CMR 15.100 through 15.293 with respect to system siting and design; the credit does not affect any other siting or design requirement.