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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210927_Transfer_77-06 6� 6 ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER �w Secretary BRIAN WRENN NORTH CAROLINA Director Environmental Quality September 27,2021 Douglas S. Losee Covia Solutions Inc. 2700Technology Forest Blvd, Suite 100 The Woodlands,TX 77381 RE: Marston Mine Mining Permit No. 77-06 Richmond County Lumber River Basin Dear Mr. Losee: Your request to have the above referenced mining permit, issued to Covia Holding Corporation, has been approved and is transferred in its entirety to you. As we have received the required surety in an amount sufficient to cover the present operation,I am enclosing the transferred mining permit.The permit number and mine name shall remain the same as before the transfer. Please review the permit carefully and notify this office of any objections or questions you may have concerning the terms of the permit. It is your responsibility to fully understand and comply with the conditions of your mining permit. 1 would like to draw your particular attention to the following conditions where minor additions or changes were made: IV As a reminder,your permitted acreage at this site is 2026.0 acres and the amount of land you are approved to disturb is 1684.0 acres. Again, if you should have any questions on this matter please contact Adam Parr, PE, Assistant State Mining Engineer,at(919) 707-9220. Sincerely, David Miller, PE State Mining Engineer DM/ap Enclosures cc: Mr.Tim LaBounty, PE Mr. William Gerringer-DOL, Mine and Quarry Bureau,w/o enclosures North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Energy.Mineral and Land Resources 512 North Salisbury Street 11612 Mall Service Center I Ulelgh.North Carolina 27699-1612 919.707.9200 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION OF ENERGY,MINERAL,AND LAND RESOURCES LAND QUALITY SECTION PERMIT For the operation of a mining activity In accordance with the provisions of N.C.G.S. §74-46 through 68,"The Mining Act of 1971,"Mining Permit Rule 15A NCAC 5 B,and other applicable laws,rules,and regulations Permission is hereby granted to: Covia Solutions Inc. Marston Mine Richmond County-Permit No. 77-06 for the operation of a Sand Mine Which shall provide that the usefulness,productivity and scenic values of all lands and waters affected by this mining operation will receive the greatest practical degree of protection and restoration. Page 2 In accordance with the application for this mining permit, which is hereby approved by the Department of Environmental Quality,hereinafter referred to as the Department,and in conformity with the approved Reclamation Plan attached to and incorporated as part of this permit, provisions must be made for the protection of the surrounding environment and for reclamation of the land and water affected by the permitted mining operation. This permit is expressly conditioned upon compliance with all the requirements of the approved Reclamation Plan. However,completed performance of the approved Reclamation Plan is a separable obligation,secured by the bond or other security on file with the Department,and may survive the revocation or suspension of this permit. This permit is not transferable by the permittee with the following exception: If another operator succeeds to the interest of the permittee in the permitted mining operation, by virtue of a sale, lease, assignment or otherwise, the Department may release the permittee from the duties imposed upon him by the conditions of his permit and by the Mining Act with reference to the permitted operation, and transfer the permit to the successor operator, provided that both operators have complied with the requirements of the Mining Act and that the successor operator agrees to assume the duties of the permittee with reference to reclamation of the affected land and posts a suitable bond or other security. In the event that the Department determines that the permittee or permittee's successor is not complying with the Reclamation Plan or other terms and conditions of this permit or is failing to achieve the purposes and requirements of the Mining Act,the Department may give the operator written notice of its intent to modify, revoke or suspend the permit,or its intent to modify the Reclamation Plan as incorporated in the permit. The operator shall have right to a hearing at a designated time and place on any proposed modification, revocation, or suspension by the Department. Alternatively,and in addition to the above,the Department may institute other enforcement procedures authorized by law. I. Definitions. N.C.G.S. §74-49. Wherever used or referred to in this permit, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise,terms shall have the same meaning as supplied by the Mining Act,N.C.G.S. §74-49. II. Issuance and Modifications. N.C.G.S. §74-52. September 16, 1992: This permit has been modified to include and allow mining on approximately 34 additional acres identified as the Sears tract(leased)on the mine map dated July 13, 1992. December 18, 1992: This permit has been modified to include and allow mining on approximately 672.1 additional acres as identified on the Mining Sequence Map dated October 29, 1992. January 26, 1996: This permit has been modified to increase the affected acreage to 800 acres as indicated on the mine map dated March 1, 1995. September 8, 1998: This permit has been modified to add 188.94 acres to the mining permit and to increase the affected area as indicated on the Marston Plant Stripping Sequence Map dated March 15, 1998 and received by the Land Quality Section on July 21, 1998. November 20, 1998: This permit has been modified to add the ability to create ponds and/or wetlands,with their associated vegetation types,to the approved reclamation plan of this mining permit. December 14, 2006: This permit has been modified to increase the permitted acreage to 1,736 acres and the affected acreage at this site to 1,491 acres. This modification includes the expansion of the mine excavation area by 482 acres, located to the south of Mill Creek, and by 44 acres located east of Cognac Road/SR 1605 on the Partington Property,as indicated on the Mining Map last revised June 1,2006. Page 3 March 5, 2010: This permit has been modified to reduce the affected acreage to 1401 acres indicated on the Mining Map last revised October 13,2009. The modification includes the removal of Sediment Basins ON-1 and ON-2 and the pit expansion north along Mill Creek,the construction of a roadway to the approved Mill Creek Crossing with associated basins and the continuation of mining operations south of Mill Creek. March 27, 2012: This permit has been modified to increase the permitted acreage to 2026 acres and the affected acreage to 1684 acres, as indicated on the mine map last revised February 13, 2012. The modification includes the addition of 290 acres to the southwestern permit boundary, expansion of the pit in that direction,as well as all associated erosion and sedimentation control measures and screening. The mine name has also been changed from Marston Plant to Marston Mine. December 1,2017: This permit has been issued for the life of site or the duration of the lease term. January 22,2019: This permit has been modified to change the corporate name from Unimin Corporation to Covia Holdings Corporation. September 27,2021: This permit has been transferred in its entirety from Covia Holdings Corporation to Covia Solutions Inc. This permit is valid for the life of the site or life of lease, if applicable, as defined by Session Law 2017- 209 and has no expiration date. However, all provisions of N.C.G.S. §74-51 and N.C.G.S. §74-52 still apply for new,transferred,and modified mining permits. III. Operating Conditions. N.C.G.S. §74-51. 1. Wastewater and Quarry Dewatering_ A. Any wastewater processing or mine dewatering shall be in accordance with the permitting requirements and rules promulgated by the N.C.Environmental Management Commission. B. Any stormwater runoff from the affected areas at the site shall be in accordance with any applicable permit requirements and regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency and enforced by the N.C. Environmental Management Commission. It shall be the permittee's responsibility to contact the Stormwater Program to secure any necessary stormwater permits or other approval documents. 2. Air Quality and Dust Control. A. Any mining process producing air contamination emissions shall be subject to the permitting requirements and rules promulgated by the N.C. Environmental Management Commission and enforced by the Division of Air Quality. B. During mining operations, water trucks or other means that may be necessary shall be utilized to prevent dust from leaving the permitted area. 3. Buffer Zones. A. Sufficient buffer(minimum 50 foot undisturbed)shall be maintained between any affected land and any adjoining waterway or wetland to prevent sedimentation of that waterway or wetland from erosion of the affected land and to preserve the integrity of the natural watercourse or wetland. B. Any mining activity affecting waters of the State,waters of the U. S.,or wetlands shall be in accordance with the requirements and regulations promulgated and enforced by the N. C. Environmental Management Commission. Page 4 4. Erosion and Sediment Control. A. Adequate mechanical barriers including but not limited to diversions, earthen dikes, sediment check dams, sediment retarding structures, rip rap pits, or ditches shall be provided in the initial stages of any land disturbance and maintained to prevent sediment from discharging onto adjacent surface areas or into any lake, wetland, or natural watercourse in proximity to the affected land. B. All exposed areas of the dikes for the sediment basins shall be provided with groundcover sufficient to restrain erosion within 30 days of completion of construction. C. All drainage from the affected areas around the mine excavations shall be diverted internal to said excavations or sediment basins as indicated on the Mining Map last revised June 1, 2016. D. Side slopes to all temporary berms and overburden areas shall be maintained at a 2 horizontal to 1 vertical or flatter slope. E. Mining activities associated with the 290-acre addition to the southwestern permit boundary, including the installation and maintenance of all associated erosion and sedimentation control measures, shall be conducted as indicated on the Mine Map last revised February 13,2012 and the supplemental information received on October 11,2011 and February 23,2012. F. Mining activities, including the installation and maintenance of the approved sediment basins and associated diversion channels,shall be conducted as indicated on the mine map last revised June 1,2016 and the supplemental information received on June 13,2016 and January 11,2017. 5. Permanently Marked Boundaries. All affected area boundaries (1684 acres) shall be permanently marked at the site on 100-foot intervals unless the line of sight allows for larger spacing intervals. 6. Graded Slopes and Fills. The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle, which can be retained by vegetative cover or other adequate erosion control measure, structure, or device. In any event, exposed slopes or any excavated channels,the erosion of which may cause off-site damage because of sedimentation, shall be planted,or otherwise provided with ground cover,devices,or structures sufficient to restrain such erosion. 7. Surface Drainage. The affected land shall be graded so as to prevent collection of pools of water that are,or likely to become, noxious or foul. Necessary structures such as drainage ditches or conduits shall be constructed or installed when required to prevent such conditions. 8. Visual Screening. A. Existing vegetation or vegetated earthen berms shall be maintained between the mine and public thoroughfares whenever practical to screen the operation from the public. Page 5 B. A vegetated berm shall be constructed and maintained between the tailings pond area and Highway 177. In addition,vegetated earthen berms,tree plantings at staggered spacing,or other acceptable alternative shall be constructed and maintained between the mining operation and both sides of SR 1605 and along the north side of SR 1608 as indicated in the Mine map last revised June 7,2016. 9. Buffer Between Mining Permit Boundaries and/or Right-of-ways. A. Sufficient buffer shall be maintained between any excavation and any mining permit boundary to protect adjacent property. B. Buffers shall be maintained as indicated on the mine map last revised June 7,2017. C. No excavation shall occur closer to any highway right-of-way than 1.5 times the depth of the excavation. 10. Highwall Barrier. A physical barrier consisting of a fence or earthen berm, etc., shall be maintained around the perimeter of any highwall. 11. Refuse Disposal. A. No on-site disposal of refuse or other solid waste that is generated outside of the mining permit area shall be allowed within the boundaries of the mining permit area unless authorization to conduct said disposal has first been obtained from both the Division of Waste Management and the Division of Energy,Mineral and Land Resources,Department of Environmental Quality. The method of disposal shall be consistent with the approved reclamation plan. B. Mining refuse as defined by N.C.G.S. §74-49 (14) of The Mining Act of 1971 generated on-site and directly associated with the mining activity may be disposed of in a designated refuse area. All other waste products must be disposed of in a disposal facility approved by the Division of Waste Management. No petroleum products, acids, solvents or their storage containers or any other material that may be considered hazardous shall be disposed of within the permitted area. C. For the purposes of this permit, the Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources considers the following materials to be "mining refuse" (in addition to those specifically listed under N.C.G.S. §74-49(14)of the N.C. Mining Act of 1971): i. on-site generated land clearing debris. ii. conveyor belts. iii. wire cables. iv. v-belts. V. steel reinforced air hoses. vi. drill steel. D. If mining refuse is to be permanently disposed within the mining permit boundary, the following information must be provided to and approved by the Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources prior to commencement of such disposal: i. the approximate boundaries and size of the refuse disposal area. ii. a list of refuse items to be disposed. Page 6 iii. verification that a minimum of 4 feet of cover will be provided over the refuse. iv. verification that the refuse will be disposed at least 4 feet above the seasonally high-water table;and, V. verification that a permanent vegetative groundcover will be established. IV. Annual Reclamation Report and Annual Operating Fee. N.C.G.S. An Annual Reclamation Report and Annual Operating Fee of$400.00 shall be submitted to the Department by September 1 of each year until reclamation is completed and approved for release by the Department. V. Prior Approval Required for Plan Modification. N.C.G.S. §74-52. The operator shall notify the Department in writing of the desire to delete,modify or otherwise change any part of the mining,reclamation,or erosion/sediment control plan contained in the approved application for a mining permit or any approved revision to it. Approval to implement such changes must be obtained from the Department prior to on-site implementation of the revisions. VI. Bonding. N.C.G.S. §74-54. The security,which was posted pursuant to N.C.G.S. §74-54 in the form of a$1,000,000.00 blanket bond, is sufficient to cover the operation as indicated in the approved application. This security must remain in force for this permit to be valid. The total affected land shall not exceed the bonded acreage. VII. Archaeological Resources. N.C.G.S. §70-3. A. Authorized representatives of the Division of Archives and History shall be granted access to the site to determine the presence of significant archaeological resources. B. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §70-3, "The Unmarked Human Burial and Human Skeletal Remains Protection Act,"should the operator or any person in his employ encounter human skeletal remains, immediate notification shall be provided to the county medical examiner and the chief archaeologist,North Carolina Division of Archives and History. VIII. Approved Reclamation Plan. N.C.G.S. §74-53. The Mining Permit incorporates this Reclamation Plan, the performance of which is a condition on the continuing validity of that Mining Permit. Additionally,the Reclamation Plan is a separable obligation of the permittee,which continues beyond the terms of the Mining Permit. To comply with N.C.G.S. §74-53 the approved plan will provide: 1. Minimum Standards. A. The final slopes in all excavations in soil,sand,gravel,and other unconsolidated materials shall be at such an angle as to minimize the possibility of slides and be consistent with the future use of the land. B. Provisions for safety to persons and to adjoining property must be provided in all excavations in rock. Page 7 C. All overburden and spoil shall be left in a configuration which is in accordance with accepted conservation practices and which is suitable for the proposed subsequent use of the land. D. No small pools of water shall be allowed to collect or remain on the mined area that are,or are likely to become noxious,odious,or foul. E. The revegetation plan shall conform to accepted and recommended agronomic and reforestation practices as established by the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station and the North Carolina Forest Service. F. Permittee shall conduct reclamation activities pursuant to the Reclamation Plan herein incorporated. These activities shall be conducted according to the time schedule included in the plan,which shall to the extent feasible provide reclamation simultaneous with mining operations and in any event, provide reclamation at the earliest practicable time after completion or termination of mining on any segment of the permit area and shall be completed within two years after completion or termination of mining. 2. Reclamation Conditions. A. Provided further, and subject to the Reclamation schedule, the planned reclamation shall be to: i. Backfill the mine excavation with coarse waste sand or tailings and to cover the backfilled excavations with soils suitable for revegetation or; ii. Create acceptable ponds and/or wetlands. All remaining areas shall be graded and revegetated as specified below. B. The specifications for surface gradient restoration to a surface suitable for the planned future use are as follows: i. All final perimeter side slopes shall be graded to a 3 horizontal to 1 vertical or flatter slope. ii. Any settling ponds or sediment basins shall be backfilled and stabilized or cleaned out and made into acceptable lake areas. iii. The processing, stockpile, and other disturbed areas neighboring the mine excavation shall be leveled and smoothed. iv. Any tailings ponds and mined areas shall be filled with coarse waste sand,tailings, and waste rock, allowed to dry for a period of one to two years, covered with a layer of coarse waste rock and sand, then covered with suitable overburden and topsoil and properly vegetated. V. Compacted surfaces shall be disced, subsoiled, or otherwise prepared before revegetation. vi. No contaminants shall be permanently disposed of at the mine site. On-site disposal of waste shall be in accordance with Operating Condition Nos. III.1 LA through III.]I.D. vii. The affected land shall be graded to prevent the collection of noxious or foul water. Page 8 3. Revegetation Plan. After site preparation,all disturbed land areas shall be revegetated as per the following: Permanent Seeding Specifications Dates Species Rate, Lbs./Acre February 15-April 1 Kobe Lespedeza 10 Bahiagrass 50 Redtop 1 Winter rye(grain) 15 April 1-July 31 Common Bermuda 50 August 1-October Lespedeza(unscarified) 30 German millet 40 October 25-February 15 Rye(grain-temporary) 120 Soil Amendments Lime 2000 lbs./acre or follow recommendations from a soil test. Fertilizer 1000 lbs./acre 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 or follow recommendations from a soil test. Mulch All seeded areas shall be mulched using small grain straw at a rate of 2000 lbs./acre and anchored appropriately. Whenever possible, disturbed areas should be vegetated with native warm season grasses such as switch grass, Indian grass, bluestem,and gamma grass. In addition,the permittee shall consult with a professional wildlife biologist with the N.C.Wildlife Resources Commission to enhance post-project wildlife habitat at the site. 4. Reclamation Plan. Reclamation shall be conducted simultaneously with mining to the extent feasible. In any event, reclamation shall be initiated as soon as feasible after completion or termination of mining of any mine segment under permit. Final reclamation, including revegetation, shall be completed within two years of completion or termination of mining. Page 9 IX. Issuance and Modification Summary. N.C.G.S. §74-51 and §74-52. This permit, issued April 30, 1975,renewed August 15, 1985,modified September 16, 1992 and December 18, 1992, modified and renewed January 26, 1996, modified September 8, 1998 and November 20, 1998, renewed and modified December 14, 2006, modified March 5, 2010 and March 27, renewed February 9, 2017, and modified December 1, 2017 and January 22, 2019, is hereby transferred in its entirety this 27th day of September,2021 pursuant to N.C.G.S. §74-51. By: i/ i.�...✓Y '� J o'L Brian Wrenn, Director Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources By Authority of the Secretary Of the Department of Environmental Quality