North American Emerald Mine SW Inspection 081116

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit: NCG020689
SOC:
County: Alexander
Region: Mooresville
Contact Person: James K Hill
Effective: 10/01/15 Expiration: 09/30/20 owner: North American Emerald Mines Inc
Effective: Expiration: Facility: North American Emerald Mines, Inc.
531 Duncan Ln
Title:
Hiddenite NC 28636
Phone: [phone]
Directions to Facility:
NC 90 to Hiddenite, Turn onto Sulphur Springs Road. Turn onto Hill River Road. Turn onto Duncan Lane.
System Classifications:
Primary ORC: Certification: Phone:
Secondary ORC(s):
On -Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Inspection Date: 08/11/2016 Entry Time: 02:OOPM Exit Time: 03:20PM
Primary Inspector: Tamera H Eplin Phone: [phone]
Secondary Inspector(s):
Reason for Inspection: Complaint Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Permit Inspection Type: Mining Activities Stormwater Discharge COC
Facility Status: ❑ Compliant Not Compliant
Question Areas:
Storm Water
(See attachment summary)
Page: 1

Permit: NCG020689 Owner - Facility: North American Emerald Mines Inc
Inspection Date: 08/11/2016 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Complaint
Inspection Summary:
Inspection was due to a complaint from a resident downgradient of the facility who alleged mining activity was contributing to
sediment in the creek on the resident's property. The inspection revealed a logging operation adjacent to the mining area.
The Alexander County Division of Forest Resources inspected the logging operation and determined it was performed in
compliance with their regulations.
While on site I inspected the mine and reviewed the stormwater records with the facility contact. The facility has not blasted
since October 2015, according to Shane Purdin. Part of the facility is leased by Martin Marietta. Semi-annual testing
occurred the first two testing periods after the stormwater SPPP was implemented, but semi-annual testing did not occur
after 2015. Annual reporting did not occur for the 2015 year by March 1, 2016 as required. According to facility staff,
employee training and yearly updates occur but are not documented. The facility conducts self -inspections to maintain
compliance with MSHA requirements. Confusion over analytical, inspection, and reporting requirements required when plant
personnel work a few days a month was discussed.
I followed up with Denise Hatcher on August 26, 2016 to dicuss facility requirements. Although Martin Marietta leases a
potion of this facility, the mining permit is under their control, and the mine and stormwater permit are considered active. In
order to obtain compliance with the industrial stormwater permit, the facility must:
1.Within two weeks, submit a DMR for 2015 to NCDENR, DEMLR, LQS, Attention: James Moore, 610 E Center Ave Ste
301, Mooresville INC 28115.
2. Conduct semi-annual testing as soon as possible.
3. Conduct the second semi-annual testing for 2016 at least 60 days after the first 2016 testing and before the end of 2016
4. Submit an annual DMR for 2016 in 2017 as required by the permit.
5. Follow your SPPP self -evaluation, sampling/testing and self -reporting requirements, including annual self -certification,
employee training, and BMP Controls Inspection and Maintenance requirements. All inspections and BMP repairs shall be
documents by written record.
Refer to page 2 of Part IV of your permit. Sampling is not required outside of the facility's normal operating hours (unless the
mine is inactive). Since Martin Marietta is leasing property to conduct stockpiling/processing, normal operating hours
should include hours Martin Marietta is present and operating under your permit.
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Permit: NCG020689 Owner - Facility: North American Emerald Mines Inc
Inspection Date: 08/11/2016 Inspection Type : Compliance Evaluation Reason for Visit: Complaint
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Does the site have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan?
# Does the Plan include a General Location (USGS) map?
# Does the Plan include a "Narrative Description of Practices"?
# Does the Plan include a detailed site map including outfall locations and drainage areas?
# Does the Plan include a list of significant spills occurring during the past 3 years?
# Has the facility evaluated feasible alternatives to current practices?
# Does the facility provide all necessary secondary containment?
# Does the Plan include a BMP summary?
# Does the Plan include a Spill Prevention and Response Plan (SPRP)?
# Does the Plan include a Preventative Maintenance and Good Housekeeping Plan?
# Does the facility provide and document Employee Training?
# Does the Plan include a list of Responsible Party(s)?
# Is the Plan reviewed and updated annually?
# Does the Plan include a Stormwater Facility Inspection Program?
Has the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan been implemented?
Comment:
Yes No NA NE
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