20240411_ADI_Received

CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC
April 5, 2024
Mr. Adam Parr
Mr. Corey Clayton
NCDEQ, DEMLR
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1612
Subject: Core Creek Mine South, Carteret County, ADI response
Dear Mr. Parr;
On behalf of Noah Simpson, NSN Investments LLC, I am writing in response to your March
28, 2024 letter requesting additional information on the above-referenced mining permit
application. I will respond to each item in the order of your letter for clarity.
1. No land disturbing activities will commence until an NCG020 permit has been acquired.
2. No dewatering will commence until a CCPCUA permit has been acquired.
3. An O & M Plan was included in the original application submittal. An additional copy is
attached.
4. A Reclamation Plan is attached.
We trust that this information will allow you to complete your review of this modification
request. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
.lames Izzell RECEIVED
Carolina Geological Services, Inc. APR 112024
enclosures
LAND QUALITY
MINING PROGRAM
PO Box 429, GARNER, NC 27529

This PUMPING OPERATION AND MONITORING PLAN was prepared in
accordance with the requirements specified in the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Mining (NCG020), and specifically
as applied in the Certificate of Coverage for this location:
Core Creek South Mine
Certificate of Coverage
NCG020***
Mr. Ralph Thomas
Hardesty Loop Road
Newport, Carteret County, NC
February 20, 2024
This plan is designed to satisfy the requirements of Part G, Section b of the
NPDES General Permit NCG0200.
RECEIVED
APR 112024
LAND (QUALITY
MINING PROGRAM

Background:
The NPDES General Stormwater Permit for Mining (NCG020000) addresses
impacts of mine dewatering wastewater pumping and discharge on surrounding areas,
including potential impacts to wetlands. The NPDES Permit requires that the mine have
a site specific plan for, 1)groundwater monitoring strategies to demonstrate the effect of
pumping and establish any pumping regime necessary to reduce potential impacts to
surrounding areas, and 2) detailed plans to maintain surrounding hydrology and
respective monitoring to demonstrate compliance.
In order to develop these plans, detailed studies must be done to understand the
site-specific parameters. First, any wetlands that may be potentially impacted must be
delineated according to US Army Corps of Engineers criteria. Second, a study of
potential impacts of groundwater levels must be conducted. This should include a
detailed examination of soil types, permeability, and various zones of groundwater within
the zone of influence. Third, based on the groundwater data, an assessment of potential
impacts to the wetlands by mine dewatering should be estimated. Finally, based on the
potential impact, a plan should be developed to limit as well as monitor the potential
impacts to the wetlands.
Site description:
The proposed Core Creek South Mine is located on Hardesty Loop Rd, north of
Beaufort, NC. It is located within the White Oak River basin. The mine excavation will
encompass 45 acres. Natural groundwater levels within the sand mine are within 5 feet
of the surface. The sand deposit being mined is a coastal deposit consisting of
sediments, ranging from a silty fine to medium grained sand. The excavation will be
reclaimed as a pond. The Mine Plan as submitted for the Mining Permit Application is
attached.
Wetland description:
The wetlands within the Core Creek Couth Mine project were delineated in 2023
as part of the mine permitting. The wetland area is confined to an area on the east side
of the property. This delineation was reviewed and approved by Mr. Thomas Charles, of
the US Army Corps of Engineers. Natural hydration of the wetlands is accomplished by
regular flooding, as well as natural surface drainage from rainfall.

Pumping and mine dewatering:
This sand deposit is typical of other deposits in this area. The groundwater table
is several feet below the original ground surface, but above the total depth of the
excavation. Therefore, some groundwater will occasionally be pumped from the mining
area. Groundwater and stormwater will be collected within a large sump area in the
mined area. The dewatering pump intake floats on the surface of the collected water,
preventing any sediment from leaving the mining area. Water is then pumped to a
basin, where it is held until it occasionally overflows. The pond overflow flows into the
adjacent wetland. Based on the volume of the pump and projected water levels, it is
anticipated that a maximum of 1,500,000 gallons per day maximum will be pumped from
the pit.
Impact of dewatering on adjacent wetlands:
The wetlands that have been identified in the area of the borrow pit are confined
to the eastern site of the excavation. The hydration of the wetlands is accomplished by
surface water, rainwater runoff, and occasional flooding of the wetland area, and not
from the deeper groundwater found in the sand mine. Therefore, the mine dewatering
will have no impact on adjacent wetlands. In addition, the water that is pumped from the
mining area will directly discharge into wetlands on the same property. Therefore, the
dewatering activity will actually enhance the wetland environment, providing hydration
even during dry periods.
Monitoring:
Based on the observed disconnection between the water within the mining area
and the surrounding wetlands, it is anticipated that any potential dewatering at this mine
will have no impact on the adjacent wetlands. In order to confirm that there are no
impact to the wetlands, a monitoring plan should be established as a precaution.
1. Mine dewatering wastewater discharges should be quantitatively and qualitatively
monitored according to requirements of the NPDES permit. See the"Monitoring
Requirements" in the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
2. The Discharge Point should be examined weekly to make sure that it is functioning as
designed and that no sediment has discharged into the adjacent wetlands.
3. A written record shall be kept of pumping times and rates. A record of rainfall shall
also be kept in the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
5. The wetland vegetation in the ditches should be inspected at least quarterly. If any
vegetation appears to be distressed, an investigation should be conducted to determine
the cause.