Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCG020793_Public Records Request_20190425SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER Telephone 828-258-2023 48 PATTON AVENUE, SUITE 304 Facsimile 828-258-2024 ASHEVILLE, NC 28801-3321 April 25, 2019 Via Electronic Mail and U.S Certified Mail David Hill Environmental Specialist II Water Quality Permitting Section N.C. Department of Environmental Quality 1617 Mail Service Center . Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 david.hillAncdenr. gov REOSVED APR 30 2019 DENR-LAND QUALITY STORMWATER PERMITTING Landon Davidson Environmental Regional Supervisor Division of Water Resources- Water Quality Regional Operations N.C. Department of Environmental Quality 2090 U.S. 70 Highway Swannanoa, NC 28778 Landon. davidsonga,ncdenr. gov Annette Lucas, PE Stormwater Program Supervisor Energy, Mineral and Land Resources- Stormwater Program N.C. Department of Environmental Quality 217 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603 annette.lucasn ncdenr. gov Re: Public Records Request (Sibelco NPDES Permits: NC0000115, NC:0000361, NCO084620 and NC0085839; Quartz Corps NPDES Permits: NC0000400, NC0000353) Dear Mr. Hill, Mr. Davidson and Ms. Lucas, Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 et seq., the Southern Environmental Law Center requests the right to inspect, examine, and copy the following public records of the of the Division of Water Resources -Water Quality Section ("DWR"), and the Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources -Land Quality Section ("DEMLR") of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality: Charlottesville - Chapel Hill - Atlanta - Asheville - Birmingham - Charleston - Nashville - Richmond - Washington, DC 100% recycled paper (1) DWR: • All comments, including requests for public hearing, received on above - pending NPDES permit renewals; • All communications with federal and state agencies (including but not limited to EPA, FWS, and WRC) regarding the above pending NPDES permit renewals; • All documents considered as part of the applications for the above permit renewals (that are not available on laserfiche); • All documents related to non-compliance, or possible non-compliance, with NPDES industrial wastewater or stormwater permits for above facilities since 2010, including notices of violation, penalty assessments, and related correspondence, • All effluent monitoring data that is summarized in table 1 and all instream monitoring data that is summarized in table 2 of each fact sheet for the above -referenced facilities. (2) DEMLR stormwater: All current permits and certificates of coverage, and other documentation related to coverage under general permits, for the above processing facilities as well as "stormwater runoff from the mines ... permitted through NC DEQ DEMLR under the stormwater general permit NCG020000" referenced in the NPDES permit fact sheets (example attached), including: Schoolhouse NPDES Gen NCG020795 Sibelco NA NCG020793 Altapass NCG020818 Pine Mountain Mine NCG20274 • All documents related to the EPA investigation of stormwater from the referenced mines, and visits to these mines, discussed in the NPDES permit renewal fact sheets for the above facilities, from 2010 to present; and • All results of monitoring of stormwater Rom the mines by [lie mine owners/operators, DEQ, or EPA, from 2010 to present. (3) DEMLR / DWR / DWM: • All documents concerning the placement of "[r]esiduals from processing and treatment" from the mining ore processing facilities "back into the worked mines as part of the mine reclamation process," referenced in the NPDES permit renewal fact sheets for the above facilities, from 2010 to present (example attached). This request specifically excludes documents currently available on the Department of Environmental Quality's laserfiche website. 2 For the purposes of this request, the term "public records" shall have the meaning defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 and shall include all such records in the possession, custody, or control of DEQ as well as those prepared by, created by, or in the possession, custody, or control of its agents, contractors, subcontractors, and attorneys. This request specifically includes all emaiis, handwritten notes, letters, records of telephone conversations, other records of written and/or oral communications, drafts, reports, and all other public records within the possession, custody, or control of DEQ. Furthermore, we request access to each version of a record or document, whether it is a draft, has been electronically deleted, has attachments, bears annotations, etc. If you take the position that any of the above -described public records are not open to public inspection under the North Carolina Public Records Law, please explain the basis for your position and identify any statute, rule of law, or other authority upon which you rely. Public records must be provided to a requestor "as promptly as possible" upon payment of any fees, which shall not exceed the actual cost of reproducing the public record. N.C. Gen .Stat. §§ 132- 1, 132-6. Please contact me prior to any copying if that actual cost is expected to exceed $300. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, or if we can clarify the scope of our request, please do not hesitate to call me at 828-258-2023. Sincerely, Amelia Burnette cc: (via email) Julie Grzyb — julie.grzybb(2ncdenr.gov Christy Simmons — chrisly.simmonskncdenr.gov Diane Rodman — diane.rodmangncdenr.gov 3 Fact Sheet NPDES Permit No. NC0000353 Permit Writer/Email Contact David Hill, david.hill(ancdenr.gov: Date: September 19, 2018 Division/Branch: NC Division of Water Resources/NPDES Complex Permitting Fact Sheet Template: Version 09Jan2017 Permitting Action: © Renewal ❑ Renewal with Expansion ❑ New Discharge ❑ Modification (Fact Sheet should be tailored to mod request) Note: A complete application should include the following: • For New Dischargers, EPA Form 2A or 2D requirements, Engineering Alternatives Analysis, Fee • For Existing Dischargers (POTW), EPA Form 2A, 3 effluent pollutant scans, 4 2nd species WET tests. • For Existing Dischargers (Non-POTW), EPA Form 2C with correct analytical requirements based on industry category. Complete applicable sections below. If not applicable, enter NA 1. Basic Facility Information Facility Information Applicant/Facility Name: The Quartz Corp USA/The Feldspar Corporation Applicant Address: PO Box309, 797 Altapass Hwy, Spruce Pine, NC 27877 Facility -Address: 530 Altapass Road, Spruce Pine, NC 27877 Permitted Flow: 3.5 MGD Facility Type/Waste: Minor, 100% Industrial Facility Class: PC II Treatment Units: Three clarifiers, polymer feed system, pH adjustment feed system, vacuum filters, Emico clarifier/thickener, emergency generator, flow measurer and totalizing equipment, two recycle pumps Pretreatment Program (Y/l) No County: Mitchell Region Asheville Briefly describe the proposed permitting action and facility background: The Quartz Corp USA applied for NPDES permit renewal for their TFC facility, and submitted a renewal application dated July 13, 2015. This facility processes local mineral ore for quartz, feldspar, and mica using Page 1 of 9 acid extraction and froth flotation processes. Residuals from processing and treatment are placed as `tailings' back into the worked mines as part of the mine reclamation process. There is concern that stormwater runoff from the mines are contributing additional pollutants to the watershed. Stormwater is currently permitted through NC DEQ DEMLR under the stormwater general permit NCG02000 which expires September 30, 2020. EPA visited several of these sites in 2015 and expressed concerns over potential pollutants in the stormwater. DEMLR has issued several of these stormwater general permits with additional monitoring requirements and will reassess whether these mines should continue receiving general permit coverage. If it is determined that the mines do not qualify for general permit coverage, then those mines will be directed to apply for individual NPDES wastewater coverage. If fluoride is detected in stormwater runoff, then that fluoride loading will need to be accounted for in the fluoride WLA for the respective facilities. Several mines (NC0000353, NC0000175, NC0000361, NC0000400, and NC0084620) share a wasteload allocation (WLA) for fluoride to maintain the water quality standard of 1.8 mg/L. The WLA is addressed in Appendix A. TSS limits were originally assigned using draft Effluent Limitation Guidelines in EPA's 1975 Development Document for Interim Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the CLAY, CERAMIC, REFRA CTOR Y AND MISCELLANE 0 US MINERALS VOL. III MINERAL MINING AND PR 0 CESSING IND US TR Y Point Source Category. These draft guidelines, which set TSS limits at 0.6 Ib/10001b of ore processed, were never finalized. Subsequent expansions and new facilities redistributed or added new TSS loading. Since the receiving stream is impaired for turbidity, TSS is frozen at current loading. 2. Receiving Waterbody Information: Receiving Waterbody Information Outfalls/Receiving Stream(s): Outfall 001- North Toe River Stream Segment: 7-2-(27.7) Stream Classification: C; Trout Drainage Area (mi2): 126 Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 43 Winter 7Q10 (cfs): 55 30Q2 (cfs): NA Average Flow (cfs): 260 IWC (% effluent): 11 303(d) listed/parameter: Yes- this segment is listed as impaired for turbidity on the 2016 303(d) list. Subject to TMDL/parameter: No Subbasin/HUC: 040306/ USGS Topo Quad: D10NE Page 2 of 9 3. Effluent Data Summary Effluent data is summarized below for the period January 2015 - July 2018. Table 1. Effluent Data Summary Parameter Units Average Max Min Permit Limit Flow MGD 2.57 3.5 0.01 3.5 MA TSS lbs/day 800 1,771 2 1,568 MA 3,137 DM Fluoride lbs/day 127.3 228 0 174 MA 348 DM Chloride mg/L 7.74 12 4.5 Settleable Solids mL/L 0.1 0.1 0.1 pH SU 6.9 7.8 6.5 6-10 Turbidity ntu 17.4 38.6 4.61 MA -Monthly Average, WA -Weekly Average, DM -Daily Maximum 4. Instream Data Summary Instream monitoring may be required in certain situations, for example: 1) to verify model predictions when model results for instream DO are within 1 mg/l of instream standard at full permitted flow; 2) to verify model predictions for outfall diffuser; 3) to provide data for future TMDL; 4) based on other instream concerns. Instream monitoring may be conducted by the Permittee, and there are also Monitoring Coalitions established in several basins that conduct instream sampling for the Permittee (in which case instream monitoring is waived in the permit as long as coalition membership is maintained). If applicable, summarize any instream data and lvhat instream monitoring will be proposed for this permit action: The current permit requires instream monitoring for fluoride, TSS, turbidity, and pH. These parameters will be maintained in the permit. Mean averages are summarized below. Table 2. Instream parameter means. Parameter Upstream Mean Downstream Mean Turbidity, NTU 16.7 11.6 H, Standard Units 6.8 6.8 TSS, mg/L 12.3 12.9 Fluoride*, m 0.45 0.45 *all values reported below detection limits of 0.5 mg/L then 0.2 mg/L Figure 1. Instream Turbidity with one outlier excluded. Page 3 of 9 Is this facility a member of a Monitoring Coalition with waived instream monitoring (YIN): NO Name of Monitoring Coalition: NA Page 4 of 9 5. Compliance Summary Summarize the compliance record with permit effluent limits (past 5 years): The facility reported no limit violations 2014-2018, however, DMR data for July 2018 has yet to be reported and the facility suffered a HF bypass resulting in a fish kill in the receiving stream that same month. Summarize the compliance record with aquatic toxicity test limits and any second species test results (past 5 years): The facility passed 18 of 18 quarterly chronic toxicity tests January 2014 to present. Summarize the results from the most recent compliance inspection: The last facility inspection conducted in February 2018 indicated corrosion and solids build-up in clarifiers, weirs, and discharge troughs. ARO is currently monitoring repairs and maintenance. 6. Water Quality -Based Effluent Limitations (WQBELs) Dilution and Mixing Zones In accordance with 15A NCAC 213.0206, the following streamflows are used for dilution considerations for development of WQBELs: 1Q10 streamflow (acute Aquatic Life); 7Q10 streamflow (chronic Aquatic Life; non -carcinogen HH); 30Q2 streamflow (aesthetics); annual average flow (carcinogen, HH). If applicable, describe any other dilution factors considered (e.g., based on CORMIX model results): NA If applicable, describe any mixing zones established in accordance with 15A NCAC 2B.0204(b): NA Oxygen -Consuming Waste Limitations Limitations for oxygen -consuming waste (e.g., BOD) are generally based on water quality modeling to ensure protection of the instream dissolved oxygen (DO) water quality standard. Secondary TBEL limits (e.g.,130D= 30 mg/1 for Municipals) may be appropriate if deemed more stringent based on dilution and model results. Ifpermit limits are more stringent than TBELs, describe how limits were developed: The facility does not discharge oxygen consuming waste. Ammonia and Total Residual Chlorine Limitations Limitations for ammonia are based on protection of aquatic life utilizing an ammonia chronic criterion of 1.0 mg/1(summer) and 1.8 mg/1(winter). Acute ammonia limits are derived from chronic criteria, utilizing a multiplication factor of 3 for Municipals and a multiplication factor of 5 for Non -Municipals. Limitations for Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) are based on the NC water quality standard for protection of aquatic life (17 ug/1) and capped at 28 ug/1(acute impacts). Due to analytical issues, all TRC values reported below 50 ug/1 are considered compliant with their permit limit. Describe any proposed changes to ammonia and/or TRC limits for this permit renewal: The facility does not discharge ammonia or TRC. Reasonable Potential Analysis (RPA) for Toxicants No RPA has been conducted because there are no effluent data for toxicants. The main pollutant of concern, fluoride, has a shared wasteload allocation and will be addressed in Appendix A. Page 5 of 9 Toxiefty Testing Limitations Permit limits and monitoring requirements for Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) have been established in accordance with Division guidance (per WET Memo, 8/2/1999). Per WET guidance, all NPDES permits issued to Major facilities or any facility discharging "complex" wastewater (contains anything other than domestic waste) will contain appropriate WET limits and monitoring requirements, with several exceptions. The State has received prior EPA approval to use an Alternative WET Test Procedure in NPDES permits, using single concentration screening tests, with multiple dilution follow-up upon a test failure. Describe proposed toxicity test requirement: This is a Minor industrial mine, and a chronic WET limit at 11% effluent will continue at a quarterly frequency. Mercury Statewide TMDL Evaluation There is a statewide TMDL for mercury approved by EPA in 2012. The TMDL target was to comply with EPA's mercury fish tissue criteria (0 3 mg/kg) for human health protection. The TMDI, established a wasteload allocation for point sources of 37 kg/year (81 lb/year), and is applicable to municipals and industrial facilities with known mercury discharges. Given the small contribution of mercury from point sources (^-2% of total load), the TMDL emphasizes mercury minimization plans (MMPs) for point source control. Municipal facilities > 2 MGD and discharging quantifiable levels of mercury (>1 ng/1) will receive an MMP requirement. Industrials are evaluated on a case -by -case basis, depending if mercury is a pollutant of concern. Effluent limits may also be added if annual average effluent concentrations exceed the WQBEL value (based on the NC WQS of 12 ng/1) and/or if any individual value exceeds a TBEL value of 47 ng/l. This facility is not known to discharge mercury. Other TMDL/Nutrient Management Strategy Considerations If applicable, describe any other TMDLs/Nutrient Management Strategies and their implementation within this permit: NA. Other WQBEL Considerations If applicable, describe any other parameters of concern evaluated for WQBELs: NA If applicable, describe any special actions (HQW or ORW) this receiving stream and classification shall comply with in order to protect the designated waterbody: NA If applicable, describe any compliance schedules proposed for this permit renewal in accordance with 15,4 NCAC 2H. 0107(c) (2) (B), 40CFR 122. 47, and EPA May 2007 Memo: NA If applicable, describe any water quality standards variances proposed in accordance with NCGS 143- 215.3(e) and 15,4 NCAC 2B. 0226 for this permit renewal: NA 7. Technology -Based Effluent Limitations (TBELs) This facility is not subject to any Effluent Limitation Guidelines 8. Antidegradation Review (New/Expanding Discharge): The objective of an antidegradation review is to ensure that anew or increased pollutant loading will not degrade water quality. Permitting actions for new or expanding discharges require an antidegradation Page 6 of 9 review in accordance with 15A NCAC 213.0201. Each applicant for a new/expanding NPDES permit must document an effort to consider non -discharge alternatives per 15A NCAC 2H.0105( c)(2). In all cases, existing instream water uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect the existing use is maintained and protected. If applicable, describe, the results of the antidegradation review, including the F,ngineering 4Iternatives Analysis (EAA) and any water quality modeling results: NA 9. Antibacksliding Review: Sections 402(o)(2) and 303(d)(4) of the CWA and federal regulations at 40 CFR 122.44(1) prohibit backsliding of effluent limitations in NPDES permits. These provisions require effluent limitations in a reissued permit to be as stringent as those in the previous permit, with some exceptions where limitations may be relaxed (e.g., based on new information, increases in production may warrant less stringent TBEL limits, or WQBELs may be less stringent based on updated RPA or dilution). Are any effluent limitations less stringent than previous permit (YES/NO): NO 10. Monitoring Requirements Monitoring frequencies for NPDES permitting are established in accordance with the following regulations and guidance: 1) State Regulation for Surface Water Monitoring, 15A NCAC 213.0500; 2) NPDES Guidance, Monitoring Frequency for Toxic Substances (7/15/2010 Memo); 3) NPDES Guidance, Reduced Monitoring Frequencies for Facilities with Superior Compliance (10/22/2012 Memo); 4) Best Professional Judgement (BPJ). Per US EPA (Interim Guidance, 1996), monitoring requirements are not considered effluent limitations under Section 402(o) of the Clean Water Act, and therefore anti - backsliding prohibitions would not be triggered by reductions in monitoring frequencies. For instream monitoring, refer to Section 4. 11. Electronic Reporting Requirements The US EPA NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule was finalized on December 21, 2015. Effective December 21, 2016, NPDES regulated facilities are required to submit Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) electronically. Effective December 21, 2020, NPDES regulated facilities will be required to submit additional NPDES reports electronically. This permit contains the requirements for electronic reporting, consistent with Federal requirements. 12.Summary of Proposed Permitting Actions: Table 3. Current Permit Conditions and Proposed Changes Parameter Current Permit Proposed Change ; Basis for Condition/Change Flow MA 3.5 MGD No change 15A NCAC 213.0505 TSS 1,568 lbs/day MA No change WBEL. State WQ standard, 15A NCAC 213.0200 and shared WLA. 3,137 1bs/day DM 15A NCAC 02B .0508 Page 7 of 9 pH 6-9 su No change WQBEL. State WQ standard, 15A NCAC 2B .0200. 15A NCAC 02B .0508 Fluoride 174 lbs/day MA No change WQBEL. State WQ standard, 15A NCAC 213.0200 and shared WLA. 348 lbs/day DM 15A NCAC 02B .0508 Chloride Monitor Only No change WQBEL. State WQ standard, 15A NCAC 2B .0200 Settleable Solids Monitor Only No change 15A NCAC 02B .0508 Turbidity Monitor Only Monitor only, added WQBEL. 15A NCAC 2B.0200 and additional condition 15A NCAC 2B.0500. Stream is for increased instream 303d listed as impaired for turbidity monitoring if effluent is above the WQS of 10 TU Toxicity Test Chronic limit, 45% No change WQBEL. No toxics in toxic effluent amounts. 15A NCAC 213.0200 and 15A NCAC 2B.0500 Total aluminum, No monitoring/limits Added quarterly WBEL. State WQ standard, 15A copper, lead, monitoring based on NCAC 2B.0200 nickel, zinc EPA and stormwater sampling results Total Hardness No monitoring Added quarterly WBEL. State WQ standard, 15A effluent and upstream NCAC 2B.0200 to determine monitoring to support hardness -dependent metal standards hardness -dependent metal monitoring MGD — Million gallons per day, MA - Monthly Average, WA — Weekly Average, DM — Daily Max 13. Public Notice Schedule: Permit to Public Notice: September 19, 2018 Per 15A NCAC 2H .0109 & .0111, The Division will receive comments for a period of 30 days following the publication date of the public notice. Any request for a public hearing shall be submitted to the Director within the 30 days comment period indicating the interest of the party filing such request and the reasons why a hearing is warranted. 14. Fact Sheet Addendum (if applicable): Were there any changes made since the Draft Permit was public noticed (Yes/No): NO If Yes, list changes and their basis below: NA Page 8 of 9 15. Fact Sheet Attachments (if applicable): Appendix A: Fluoride Wasteload Allocation WE, T test summary Monitoring violations report Page 9 of 9 0