20210601_ADI_86-01

ROY COOPER
Governor
DIONNE DELLI-GATTI
Secretary
BRIAN WRENN
Director
Certified Mail
Return Receipt Requested
7019 1120 0002 0065 1054
William Branch
Ararat Rock Products
525 Quarry Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
RE: Mount Airy Quarry
Mining Permit No. 86-01
Surry County
Yadkin-PeeDee River Basin
Dear Mr. Branch:
�diHESiAT-Q,
Q�/AM VIO��
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
June 7, 2021
We have reviewed the modification request your company submitted for the referenced mine site. In order for this
office to complete its review of the referenced project in accordance with G.S. §74-50 and §74-51 of the Mining
Act of 1971, please provide the additional or revised information in accordance with the following comments:
1. Please provide proof, such as copy of the signed return receipts from certified mail, that all adjoining
landowners and chief administrative officer of each county and municipality have been properly
notified. §74-50 (bl)
2. Please clarify the permit boundary near the entrance to SR 2007 (Quarry Rd.). It appears that the permit
boundary does not extend all the way to the publicly maintained road. §74-49(1) states that nonpublic
roads are considered "Affected Land."
3. Please refer to Section D of the mine permit application and provide a reclamation map that clearly
illustrates the reclamation plan for the entire site. The map should clearly illustrate the post mining use
of the entire site. It should also include all italicized items listed in the application.
4. Please clarify your response to question C.12 of the mine permit application regarding the storage of
onsite fuel tanks, solvents, or other chemical reagents. Please explain how mobile equipment is
serviced.
5. Please explain the operations and activities located in the area labeled "Leased Area" as they pertain to
§74-49 (1). "Affected Land"
6. Please provide a mine map that shows the entire permitted area. The maps provided did not show the
entire permit boundary on the north side of the property.
7. Please identify and label all adjoining landowners on the map, including those adjoining the previously
permitted boundary.
8. Please label on the map that the 50-foot wooded buffer is proposed as an undisturbed buffer.
D E Q North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1612 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1612
NORTH CAROLINA -
oaPermtamoiEnvironmental Quality /`� 919.707.9200

Certified Mail
Mr. Branch
Page 2
9. Please clearly indicate and label on the map all undisturbed and unexcavated buffers for the entire site.
10. Please provide a Jurisdictional Determination from the US Army Corps of Engineers for streams,
wetlands, or other surface waters at the site.
11. Based on the information provided the drainage areas of small intermittent streams adjacent to the pit
area have the potential to be indirectly impacted form the rerouting of their entire drainage area and
surface flows into the pit. This has the potential to remove existing hydrology from some of these
features adjacent to the pit and therefore remove existing uses of the stream channels which may result
in a violation of water quality and/or wetland standards. Please provide a hydrologic analysis of the
indirect impacts to these intermittent streams adjacent to the pit area.
12. Please clarify your response to CA of the application with regard to Air Permit #05021R09. Please see
the enclosed comments from the Division of Air Quality (DAQ).
13. Please address all comments enclosed, provided by the Land Quality Section (LQS) Winston Salem
Regional office.
Please note, this office may request additional information, not included in this letter, as the mining application
review progresses. Be advised that our review cannot be completed until all of the items listed above have been
fully addressed.
In order to complete the processing of your application, please forward two (2) copies of the requested information
to my attention at the following address:
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
Department of Environmental Quality
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1612
As required by 15A NCAC 513.0113, you are hereby advised that you have 180 days from the date of your receipt
of this letter to submit all of the requested information. If you are unable to meet this deadline and wish to request
additional time, you must submit information, in writing, to the Director clearly indicating why the deadline cannot
be met and request that an extension of time be granted. If an extension of time is not granted, a decision will be
made to grant or deny the mining permit based upon the information currently in the Department's files at the end
of the 180-day period.

Certified Mail
Mr. Branch
Page 3
Though the preceding statement cites the maximum time limit for your response, we encourage you to provide the
additional information requested by this letter as soon as possible. Your prompt response will help us to complete
processing your application sooner.
Please contact me at [phone] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Adam Parr
Assistant State Mining Engineer
Enclosures
LQS Comments
DAQ Comments
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Comments
cc: Ms. Tamera Eplin, PE

May 20, 2021
Land Quality Section Winston Salem Regional Office
Ararat Rock Product — Mount Airy Quarry
Modification Comments
1. NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) recommends a 100-ft buffer to lessen
impacts to the Ararat River. This may impact the mine footprint and proposed
measures, so at least another iteration of review will be necessary.
2. Seeding specifications were also commented on by NCWRC and would have to be
addressed within the application.
3. Calculations for the sediment basins are based upon 10-year design storms. Redesign
for the 25-yr storm is necessary.
4. The acreage table required to be on the mine map shows 0 acres for sediment ponds
despite several being shown on the plan. It is understood that the permittee has viewed
the sediment ponds as temporary measures that do not need to be included in the
table, but they must be included due to their potential for long-term implementation
and the indefinite timing of their installation and removal.
5. Please elaborate on what discussions have been held with the owner of the 128' wide
powerline easement shown on the plan as it relates to the proposed work in the area.
6. Part B.2. of the application lists minimum features that must be clearly illustrated on the
mine maps. The items below must be shown and labeled on the maps:
Initial and ultimate limits of clearing and grading
Outline and acreage of all pits/excavations
Outline and acreage of all stockpile areas
Location and acreage of all planned and existing access roads and on -site haul
roads
m. Location and dimensions of all proposed sediment and erosion control measures.
7. Part C.1 of the application calls for a detailed description of events for the development
and operation of the mine to be referenced to the mine maps. The response provided
lacks sufficient detail to adequately evaluate the plan and proposed measures. Please
provide detailed sequencing, referencing the particular drainage areas and movement
across the site.
8. Part C.3.b of the application indicates that the operation will not discharge to waters of
the State. This is not accurate since the removal of soil down to the rock is considered
mining and the sediment basin outfalls will discharge to waters of the State. A permit is
required for stormwater discharges (See part C.3.d), and the outfalls must be shown on
the mine maps.
9. Please provide documentation showing that the excavation will not extend below the
water table, as indicated in the application in part C.3.c.
10. Part D.1. of the application, asks for a description of the reclamation plan, design
information, and calls for information to be included on the reclamation map. The
application and mine maps lack clear sequencing for grading, stabilizing, and
demobilizing for reclamation, and a reclamation map has not been provided.

11. The scale for sheet C-10 showing the approximate mine excavation limits is at 1" = 300.'
Please revise this map so that it is shown at a scale no smaller than 1" = 200' as required
by the mining application.
12. The pond shown on sheet C-2 located on the southern area of the site, directly south of
the existing power line easement and directly north of the Ararat River, is within the pit
mining area. Will this pond be dewatered, and at what point will this occur?
13. A 32 acre area within the existing permit boundary is proposed as an overburden area;
please address erosion control for this area.
14. Diversions should be installed along the top of the sediment basin wall directed toward
slope drains to prevent sheet flow over sediment basin slopes greater than 7 feet, such
as along the top of skimmer basins #1 and #6 to direct runoff into both slope drains for
this basin.
15. A diversion ditch is also needed along the top of skimmer basin #2 on the northeast side
to protect the cut slope and direct the runoff to enter the basin on the northwest.
16. 1A diversion ditch is needed along the northwest and southeast sides of sediment basin
#3 to collect runoff in the subdrainage areas below the first baffle, and direct it to enter
the basin above the first baffle.
17. The diversion ditch on the north side of skimmer basin #4 should be extended in a
northeast direction to capture sediment laden runoff from the downstream side of the
ridge and direct it to the basin.
18. The current silt fence detail does not include the strength of the steel posts used for silt
fence and shows the depth of the backfill trench as being 6-inches deep. The steel posts
used for silt fence must be 1.25 Ibf/LF at a minimum, with a minimum length of 5-feet.
The backfill trench for silt fencing needs to be at least 8-inches deep with the post being
at least 2-foot deep. Furthermore, the current detail does not show the maximum
spacing between the steel posts. Please revise the detail to illustrate the above
specifications.
19. The elevation of the top of the riser for sediment basin #3 is 0.14 inches lower than the
water elevation for a 2-yr, 24-hr storm event. The top of the riser should be above this
depth to ensure the skimmer is the only outlet functioning during a 2-yr, 24-hr storm.
Redesign is recommended.
20. Remove silt fence from the emergency spillway of any basin where it's shown.
21. Please clarify if any land -disturbing activity will occur south of the diversions on sheet C-
6; additional measures may be required.
22. Silt fencing typically has a design life of six months. Will the silt fence and stone outlets
be replaced every six months for the life of this mine? Please address.

DIVISION OF AIR QUALITY
MINING PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW CHECKLIST
86-01
Project Name:
Mt. Airy Quarry
County:
Surry
Please return comments back to: Adam Parr/Tamera Eplin
Comments due by: 5/19/2021
Per the application, the operation will involve crushing or other air contaminant emissions.
7facility's air permit (05021R11) was rescinded per the facility's request on July 27, 2016 after the facility
ted that it qualified for permit exemption under 15A NCAC 02Q .0102(d). DAQ-WSRO staff performed
compliance assurance visit on April 29, 2020 and at that time it appeared to be operating in compliance with Air
Quality standards and regulations. A compliance assurance visit is planned for 2022.
-17
The application incorrectly states that the facility has applied for and obtained an air
quality permit. As mentioned above, the permit was rescinded on 7/27/2016 after the facility demonstrated
That it qualified for a permit exemption
7Print
i*t �- Date: May 6, 2021
Name:y Jim Hafner
Central Office Reviewer:
Rev. Sept 2020 r0

9 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 9
Cameron Ingram, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jason Parr
NCDEQ, Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources, Land Quality Section
FROM: Andrea Leslie, Mountain Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: May 19, 2021
SUBJECT: Mining Permit Modification for Ararat Rock Products Company
Mount Airy Quarry, Surry County
MP 86-01
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed the
application to modify the permit for the Mount Airy Quarry in Surry County. Our comments on
this permit action are offered for your consideration under provisions of the Mining Act of 1971
(as amended, 1982; G.S. 74-46 through 74-68; 15 NCAC 5) and the North Carolina General
Statutes (G.S. 113-131 et. seq.).
The permit application proposes to expand the mined area by adding 205 acres to the permitted
area. An access road would be constructed along the perimeter of the proposed area, paralleling
almost 3 miles of the Ararat River. Sediment ponds would be constructed off this access road.
A 50-ft buffer would be maintained along the river, with the land abutting this buffer used for
erosion control; some sediment ponds would abut this 50-ft buffer.
In order to minimize impacts to the Ararat River, it is essential that sediment control practices
are adequate and maintained regularly in order to minimize sediment loss from the site to the
river. We recommend regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the sediment and erosion control
practices on site. We strongly recommend that a buffer of at least 100 ft be used to lessen
impacts to the Ararat River: a wider buffer is needed to retain bank stabilitv. shade on the river.
control of sediment, and a wildlife corridor for species that use riverine areas such as birds,
especially as almost 3 miles of the river will border the proposed area.
The seeding specifications include Tall Fescue and Sericea Lespedeza, both of which are highly
invasive and should be avoided. Annual Ryegrass is also non-native and may inhibit the growth
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Mt. Airy Quarry Page 2 May 19, 2021
Ararat River, Surry Co
of native species. NCWRC recommends an alternative mix of Red Clover, Creeping Red
Fescue, and a grain, such as Oats, Wheat, or Rye. We recommend adding native grasses and
wildflowers to benefit pollinators and other wildlife. Attached are additional seeding
recommendations for disturbed sites.
The only trees noted for planting are Long Leaf Pine and Loblolly Pine. Please note that Long
Leaf Pine is not native to the area, and we recommend replacing this species. We encourage
mine staff to plant a more diverse mix of trees and shrubs native to the region that will better
benefit wildlife. Please reach out to NCWRC for site -specific recommendations.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this permit action. Please contact me
at [phone] if you have any questions about these comments.
ec: James Crossingham, Ararat Rock Product Company
Tamera Eplin, NC Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
Sue Homewood, NC Division of Water Resources
Seed Mixes for Revegetating Disturbed Sites
Basic Mix
Oats (Mar -Jun), Wheat (Jul -Nov), or Rye Grain Dec -Feb
1-2 ba s / ac
$ 5-10 ba
Red Clover Tri olium pratense
l0 lbs / acre
$ 3 / lb
Creeping Red Fescue Festuca rubra
20 lbs / acre
$ 2-3 / lb
-The Basic Mix can be sown on disturbed sites in the mountains and upper piedmont year round
but spring or fall seeding will result in a better stand. It is important to use all of the components
of the Basic Mix. The cover crop grain & legume provide rapid green -up while the creeping red
fescue is developing. These components can be obtained locally.
- Grains like oats, wheat, and rye may be sold by weight (pounds) or by volume (bushels).
To simplify things, this mix recommends 1 — 2 BAGS of grain rather than pounds or bushels.
With this mix, 1 bag or about 50 — 601bs per acre should be adequate for most sites, but where
slope or soil conditions warrant, increase grain amounts to 100 — 120 lbs (use 2 bags).
-The perennial grass will establish within the first year and is the key to good site stabilization.
Creeping red fescue has a wide range of adaptation when used for erosion control along roads
and highways; cuts, fills, and other disturbed areas; and for stream and channel bank
stabilization. It thrives in sun or shade, and is drought -resistant after establishment.
For permanent seeding of harsh dry sites, Hard Fescue Festuca
10 lbs / acre
$ 3 / lb
brevi ila (syn. track h lla can be added to the Basic Mix
Application Notes
- Disturbed sites with loose soils can usually be sown without extensive seedbed preparation if
seeded as soon as the other work is completed.

Mt. Airy Quarry Page 3 May 19, 2021
Ararat River, Surry Co
- Where necessary, prepare seedbed with conventional farm equipment (tractor and disk), or the
soil surface can be bladed and then tracked with a bulldozer. Hydro -seeding can be used with the
Basic Mix for slopes where equipment access is difficult.
- Red fescue is adapted to sandy and acid soils so extensive soil amendments are usually not
needed. On poor and subsoil sites, a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 may be required.
- If required, apply any necessary soil amendments, then drill or broadcast the seed mix.
- The larger cover crop grains can be sown separately first and covered lightly to prevent loss of
seed from wildlife such as turkeys and doves.
-The rest of the seed mix should then be sown, but not covered with soil. It is better to firm the
small seed into the soil than to try to cover it.
- Culti-pack conventional seedbeds to ensure good seed -to -soil contact. Tracked sites will fill in
on their own from rainfall.
- Apply straw mulch at a minimum of 15 bales per acre to help enhance soil moisture as well as
hold the soil in place until the seed germinates. Use higher rates as site conditions warrant.
- If the site calls for it, biodegradable natural fiber matting is recommended over plastic matting
or matting that contains strands of plastic that can entrap small animals.
- Monitor the site until the perennial grass component is fully established. Mature stands of the
Basic Mix are short-statured and will not require mowing. The seeded mix should persist for
many years, but will eventually yield to developing successional species in the seed bank.
Adding Native Species
- Some projects specify a preference for native plant species or actually require their use. Native
wildflowers and grasses can be added to the Basic Mix to beautify and diversify the site, and
provide food and cover for wildlife such as wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and songbirds.
- The following table contains native species that are easy, proven performers that have been
used successfully on stream restoration areas as well as dryer upland sites. The first four
wildflowers will come on well the first year; the three grasses may take two to three years to
develop good sized clumps.
- These seeds are reasonably priced as natives go and can be ordered from a reputable seed
dealer. Using all seven will provide maximum diversity as well as added site stabilization but
any additions will be beneficial. For sources, refer to Wildlife Seed List at
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Wildlife_ Species_ Con/WSC_WPM.htm .
- Mixes with native seed can be culti-packed or tracked in with a bulldozer; hydro -seeding is
apparently not recommended. Mixes with mainly wildflowers can be sown in early fall.
Note - when adding native Panicum grass seed, sow the mix in late fall, winter, or early spring to
subject the seed to cool, moist soil conditions necessary to break seed dormancy. Sowing during
the warmer months may delay Panicum germination until the following year, and some seed may
be lost in the interim.
- For information on each native species listed here, visit http://plants.usda.gov/; type in the
scientific name in the search box. Note - adding natives will increase the height of the resulting
stands, providing good wildlife habitat. Frequent mowing destroys food & cover and is not

Mt. Airy Quarry Page 4 May 19, 2021
Ararat River, Surry Co
recommended. Mow once every few years, in late winter, only if absolutely necessary to remove
encroaching woody vegetation.
Nativespecies — add to Basic Mix at 1-21bs / acre
Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
$ 16 / lb
Showy Partridge Pea Chamaecrista Cassia asiculata
$ 14 / lb
Showy Bidens Bidens aristosa
$ 16 / lb
Lanced -leaved Coreo sis Coreo sis lanceolata
$ 14 / lb
Deertongue Dicanthelium Panicum clandestinum `Tio a'
$ 12 / lb
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum `Blackwell', `Cave -in -Rock',
`Kanlow'
$ 8/lb
Big Bluestem Andro 0 on gerardii
$ 10 / lb