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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQ0002702_Regional Office Historical File Pre 2018 (9)09/09/2003 15:17 7042798418 ALCHEM INC PAGE 01 w Ao.LCHEM, INC. 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 FAX: 704-279-8418 adryedalltel.net FAX TO FROM: Wes Bell Wayne Drye FAX NUMBER: DATE. 704-663-6040 COMPANY TOTAL NO OF PAGES MCLUDIIG COVER. NCDENR 3 PHONE NUMBER 704-663-1699 Please call me when you receive this so we can discuss. 09/09/2003 15:17 7042798418 ALCHEM INC PAGE 02 ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 . pdryc(aalltel.net September 9, 2003 Mr. Wes Bell NCDENR Division of Water Quality 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Bell, r axn sending to you the letter from Andrews & Associates for the remediation proposal offered. ,Alchem, Inc has completed the trench 24" X 24" to divert the storm water from Red Road around the impounded area. Tara Group has completed the berm 5' X 8' wide around all the impoundment area and all low grade areas. Tara Group is close to completion on the enlarged settlement basin - Our goal now is to remove all sand from the stream and adjoining property owners as soon as possible. Best regards, ALCHEM, rNC Wayne Drye, pd 09/09/2003 15:17 7042798418 ALCHEM INC PAGE 03 "LlVVM01VWff)VTAL J Z FJ t I WL4TION CONSULTANTS" 2522 Parrish Street Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: 336-584-7932 --- Fax: 336-584-4373 September 9, 2003 Mr. Wayne Drye Vice President ALCHEM, INC. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Subject: Remediation of Affected Areas Dear Mr. Drye Concerning the Client Report: l . Removal of sand from seasonal tributary. 2. Removal of sand from areas outside of impoundment boundaries. 3. Increased containment at property line. 4. Remediation of neighboring property. Remediation Proposals: The best solution for the removal of the sand would be the use of a "Sand Hog Type" pump. Fluidizing the sand using water from the seasonal tributary or well water only would do this. No impounded water would be used for this purpose. The resulting slurry would be pumped to the impoundment area for proper treatment. I can arrange for the equipment and people to do this or I can supervise Alchem, Inc. employees during the removal. . I would also recommend that a trench 12" to 18" with a berm l to 2It. high be dug at the nearest point to the property line that is feasible. This would catch the rainwater, which would then be pumped, back to the impoundment arcs. This will result in zero discharge from your facility. We are contacting the owners of the adjoining properties to work out a remediation plan that is agreeable to thern. I expect to have a plan for this in the next two weeks. Conclusion: The remediation can be accomplished with minimum disturbance to the environment using the proposals that I have out lined above. Please let me (mow your decision as soon as possible so that the proper equipment may be obtained. We can start within 2 to 3 days of its arrival. Sincerely, ANDREWS & ASSOCIATES �JV Kcith Andrews, President M Division of Water Quality Biological Assessment Unit 8 May 2007 Memorandum To: Jimmie Overton Through: Trish MacPherson From: Michael Walters Re: Results of benthic sampling of site downstream of Alchem Inc. facility, Rockwell NC Introduction On 21 March 2007 the Biological Assessment Unit (BAU) received a request from Kim Colson with the Aquifer Protection Section to investigate possible impacts to an unnamed tributary to Second Creek below the Alchem Inc. facility in Rockwell NC. Subsequently, contact was made with Ellen Huffman of Mooresville Regional Office to further discuss the issue. Alchem Inc. is a producer of alum (aluminum sulfate) for use in wastewater treatment. Potential impacts to the stream below the facility are low pH, high aluminum concentration, and habitat alteration due to the movement of sand from the facility to the adjacent streambed. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled from a site approximately 950 meters downstream of the Alchem facility on an unnamed tributary to Second Creek (figure 1). A second site was sampled on the same day on another unnamed tributary to Second Creek to assess background conditions. Methods The study site below the Alchem facility was selected with the aid of a topographic map and the judgment of BAU staff. The two considerations for study site selection were: 1) a drainage area of sufficient size such that adequate flow for benthic sampling could be reasonably assured; 2) above relatively large tributaries so that dilution would not mask the potential effects of the facility on water quality. Potential reference sites were selected that had the following characteristics as determined from topographic maps and aerial images: 1) near a road crossing for ease of access; 2) a drainage area of similar size to the site downstream of Alchem; 3) a similar density of residences within the drainage area with respect to the Alchem site; 4) very few or no small impoundments in the drainage area. Two such potential reference sites were identified. On 25 April 2007, benthic macroi nverteb rates were collected from the study site downstream of the Alchem facility near Rockwell in Rowan County. The sample was collected using Qual-4 methods (2006. Standard Operating Procedures for Benthic Macroinvertebrates. NCDENR DWQ Biological Assessment Unit). The Qual-4 sample is a composite of four collections: a kick, a sweep, a leaf -pack, and "visual' collections. All organisms were picked in the field. The two potential reference sites were reconnoitered. One of the two sites was rejected due to the presence of livestock adjacent to the stream at the site. The second reference site was selected as the reference site, though macroinvertebrate habitat suffered by the dominance of sand. As for the Alchem site, a benthic collection using Qual-4 methods was made at the site selected as the reference. The purpose of benthic sampling is to inventory the aquatic fauna and produce an indication of the relative abundance of organisms for each taxon. Organisms are classified as Rare (1-2 specimens, denoted by "R" on taxa tables), Common (3-9 specimens, "C"), or Abundant (>_10 specimens, "A"). Data from the inventory are entered to a relational database. Several data summaries (metrics) are calculated from those benthic data to facilitate the detection of water quality problems. The metrics are based on a long history of observations and studies that show unstressed streams and rivers have higher invertebrate diversity and a relatively high proportion of intolerant species. Conversely, polluted streams have lower invertebrate diversity and are dominated by tolerant species. The diversity of the invertebrate fauna is evaluated using taxa richness (i.e. the total number of distinct taxa present); the tolerance of the stream community is evaluated using a biotic index (derived -from the response of each taxon to the presence of generalized stressors). Two especially robust metrics are used extensively by the BAU for evaluating water quality in North Carolina: EPT richness and the North Carolina Biotic Index (NCBI). Taxa within the three EPT insect orders (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) are generally intolerant of many kinds of pollution. Therefore, higher EPT taxa richness values indicate better water quality. Sampling was performed outside of the summer sampling window (June through September) on which EPT criteria are based; therefore, before determining a bioclassification, EPT taxa richness was corrected to remove winter -spring stoneflies that would not be present in summer (Appendix 1). When comparing EPT richness between stream sites within the same season the uncorrected values are used. The relative tolerance of the macroinvertebrate community to stressors, as summarized by the NCBI, is also used to help evaluate water quality. Both tolerance values for individual taxa and the final biotic index values have a range of 0-10, with higher numbers indicating more tolerant taxa and more polluted conditions respectively. As with EPT richness, it is necessary to adjust the BI, which is based upon summer sampling, for seasonality. For piedmont samples collected during the spring sampling window (March through May) a value of 0.20 is added to the biotic index before determining a bioclassification. When comparing biotic index values between stream sites within the same season the unadjusted NCBI values are used. Criteria for stream sites with a drainage area of less than 3 mi2 have not yet been developed by the BAU; such sites are sampled using Qual-4 sampling methods and assigned a rating of either "Not Impaired" or "Not Rated" based upon EPT richness criteria for EPT samples on larger streams. Sites that would rate Good -Fair or better are considered "Not Impaired"; otherwise the stream is classified as "Not Rated." Piedmont criteria were used in this study. Fish/macroinvertebrate habitat was evaluated at both sites using a qualitative scoring system designed for mountain and piedmont streams. A score was given to each of the following habitat components: degree of channel modification; amount and variety of in -stream habitat; substrate composition; pool frequency and variety; riffle length and frequency; stream -bank stability; light penetration; and riparian vegetative zone width. The scores for each habitat component were summed to give an overall habitat score for each of the sites. Values for the overall score range from 1 to 100. 2 Several physicochemical properties of the streams at both sites were measured. Data for temperature, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance were collected using a YSI-85 multi -meter. Measurements for pH were collected using an Accumet AP61 meter. Study Sites unnamed tributary to Second Creek off Deer Chase Lane, Rockwell / Rowan County—"Alchem site" Drainage area: 0.5 mi2 Stream width: 1.5 m Stream depth: 0.2 m average 0.3 m maximum Channel characteristics: Riffles and pools: Substrate Habitat: Bank characteristics Riparian zone: Canopy: Habitat score: Specific conductance: pH: little sinuousity pools frequent, though of similar size; riffles infrequent, though well-defined mostly cobble, sand, and gravel; cobbles moderately embedded rocky substrate, sticks, leafpacks, snags, undercut banks, and root mats were all common or abundant erosional areas present; sparse mixed bank vegetation with breaks; wide on left, narrow on right with adjacent fallow field provides full shade to stream surface 72 (out of 100) 286 Nmhos/cm 6.8 unnamed tributary to Second Creek off SR 1006 / Rowan County —"reference site" Drainage area: 0.5 mi2 Stream width: 1.5 m Stream depth: 0.3 m average 1.0 m maximum Channel characteristics: Riffles and pools: Substrate: Habitat: Bank characteristics: Riparian zone: Canopy: Habitat score: Specific conductance pH: natural, sinuous pools frequent, though of similar size; riffles infrequent, though well-defined mostly sand, with small areas of bedrock, boulder, cobble, and silt sticks, leafpacks, undercut banks, and root mats were either abundant or common; rocky substrate, snags, and logs were rare bank vegetation healthy and of diverse types; one bank with a small amount of erosion present wide, though with a few breaks on both banks provides a good mix of light and shade 71 78 Nmhos/cm 6.6 3 Results Habitat conditions, physical and chemical water data, and geographical coordinates for the study and reference sites are given in Table 1. Summary biological metrics and resultant bioclassifications are given in Table 2. Taxa identified and the corresponding abundance classifications for the study and reference sites are given in Appendix Table 1. Habitat conditions, physical and chemical water data, -and geographical coordinates for study (Deer Chase Lane) and reference (SR 1006) sites sampled for benthic macroinvertebrates on 25 April 2007. Stream UT Second Cr UT Second Cr Site Location off Deer Chase Ln off SR 1006 County Rowan Rowan Drainage area (mil) 0.5 0.5 Collection date 25-Apr-07 25-Apr-07 BAU sample number 10158 10159 Habitat Scores Channel modification 4 5 In -stream habitat 18 12 Bottom substrate 11 3 Pool variety 8 8 Riffle habitats 12 12 Bank stability and vegetation 6 13 Light penetration 8 10 Riparian vegetative zone width 5 8 Total Habitat 72 71 Other Habitat Average stream width (m) 1.5 1.5 Average stream depth (m) 0.2 0.3 Canopy (%) 100 70 Substrate (%) Bedrock 0 10 Boulder 5 5 Cobble 35 5 Gravel 20 0 Sand 30 75 Silt 10 5 Physicochemical Temperature (°C) 15.8 19.4 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 6.6 6.1 Specific conductance (pmhos) 286 78 pH 6.8 6.6 Coordinates Latitude (1) 35.567 35.551 Longitude (0) -80.413 -80.459 Latitude (DD MM SS) 35 34 02 353302. Longitude (DD MM SS) -80 24 46 -80 27 33 4 Table 2. Summary biological metrics for study (Deer Chase Lane) and reference (SR 1006) sites sampled for benthic macroinvertebrates on 25 April 2007. Stream UT Second Cr UT Second Cr Site Location off Deer Chase Ln off SR 1006 County Rowan Rowan Drainage area (mil) 0.5 0.5 Collection date 25-Apr-07 25-Apr-07 BAU sample number 10158 10159 Sample method Qual 4 Qual 4 Richness (number of taxa) Ephemeroptera 4 8 Plecoptera 1 3 Trichoptera 7 9 Total EPT 12 20 Seasonal Plecoptera 0 1 Corrected EPT 12 19 Odonata 5 4 Megaloptera 0 1 Coleoptera 5 9 Diptera: Chironomidae 19 23 Diptera less Chironomidae 6 8 Oligochaeta 6 4 Mollusca 3 1 Other 3 6 Total taxa richness 59 76 Other biological measures EPT abundance 46 88 EPT Biotic Index 3.76 3.80 NCBI 5.62 5.20 Seasonal correction 0.20 0.20 Corrected NCBI 5.82 5.40 Bioclassification Not Rated Not Impaired The preliminary bioclassifications for the Alchem site and the reference site are "Not Rated" and "Not Impaired" respectively. Criteria have not been developed for small streams. The classifications used here are based on criteria for the number of EPT taxa found in larger piedmont streams. More important to this study are comparisons of the benthic community between the reference site and the study site downstream of the Alchem facility. There was a slight increase in the NCBI value between the reference site and the Alchem site, from 5.20 to 5.62, suggesting poorer water quality at the Alchem site. The greater indication of a difference in water quality between the two sites is seen by comparing EPT richness. EPT richness indicates diversity within the three orders of insects most sensitive to the presence of stressors; higher EPT richness indicates better stream conditions. Twenty EPT taxa were collected from the reference site while 12 were collected from the Alchem site, a decrease of 40%. The fact that the area for macroi nverteb rate colonization was less at the reference site (due to the dominance of sand as the substrate) than at the Alchem site makes the difference in EPT richness even more significant; the dominance of sand at the reference site likely depresses EPT richness from what it would be otherwise with a substrate composition more similar to the Alchem site. Degraded water quality at the site sampled downstream of the Alchem facility is indicated by the results of this study. cc: Ellen Huffman, Peggy Finley, Wes Bell, Andrew Pittner —Mooresville Regional Office Darlene Kucken=Planning Section Appendix 1. Taxa identified from and corresponding abundance classifications for study (Deer Chase Lane) and reference (SR 1006) sites sampled for benthic macroinvertebrates on 25 April 2007. Superscript "s" (s) indicates taxa removed for seasonal correction. Stream UT Second Cr UT Second Cr Site Location off Deer Chase Ln off SR 1006 County Rowan Rowan Collection date 25-Apr-07 25-Apr-07 BAU sample number 10159 Ephemeropter-a _10158 _ Baetis flavistriga R Baetis pluto A Plauditus spp. C A Ephemerella invaria sp. group C Eurylophella verisimilis C C Maccaffertium modestum A A Stenacron interpunctatum C Para leptophlebia spp. A A LPlecoptera---_------� _ _ _ ------ _ __�] Perlesta spp. C R Diploperla duplicata6 A Isoperla holochlora C —�- T Cheumatopsyche spp. C C-� Diplectrona modesta C R Hydropsyche betteni C Triaenodes ignitus R Triaenodes melaca C Ironoquia punctatissima C C Pycnopsyche spp. R R Chimarra spp. R R Lype diversa R Neophylax oligius A Neophylax ornatus C O_do_nata - — Calopteryx spp. A A Argia spp. R Enallagma spp. R Boyeria vinosa R R Gomphus spp. R R Ophiogomphus spp. _R Corixidae R Nigronia serricomis R LcP-Iqg -_- Helichus fastigiatus A A Agabus spp. R Neoporus spp. C A Dubiraphia spp. R Macronychus glabratus R Microcylloepus pusillus R Stenelmis spp. C A Cymbiodyta spp. R Ectopria nervosa R Anchytarsus bicolor A C P ra -- Palpomyia group spp. C Culex spp. R Dixa spp. , R Simulium spp. A A Tabanus spp. R Antocha spp. R Dicranota spp. R Hexatoma spp. R C Pseudolimnophila spp. R R Tipula spp. C R Appendix 1. —continued. Stream UT Second Cr UT Second Cr Site Location off Deer Chase Ln off SR 1006 County Rowan Rowan Collection date 25-Apr-07 25-Apr-07 BAU sample number 10158 10159 Diptera. Chironomidae Cryptochironomus spp. R Micropsectra polita R Microtendipes pedellus sp. group A A Paracladopelma undine R Paratanytarsus quadratus R C Paratendipes spp. C C Phaenopsectra spp. C C Polypedilum aviceps C Polypedilum fallax sp. group R Polypedilum flavum A Polypedilum spp. R Rheotanytarsus spp. C Stictochironomus spp. A Tanytarsus sp. M C Tanytarsus spp. R R Tribelos jucundum R R Potthastia longimanus R Corynoneura spp. C C Orthocladius dubitatus R Orthocladius robacki C Parakiefferiella spp. R Parametriocnemus spp. A A Rheocricotopus glabricollis C Rheocricotopus robacki R Thienemaniella spp. R R Tvetenia bavarica sp. group C C Ablabesmyia mallochi R Larsia spp. R Natarsia spp. C Tanypus spp. R Thienemannimyia group spp. A C EOHdR—cFa—eta Branchiobdellida� C Enchytraeidae R Lumbriculidae R A Megadrile R Nais spp. R R Pristinella spp. R Slavina appendiculata R Tubificidae R Lqrustacea __ Crangonyx spp. R C Cambaridae R C Caecidotea spp. C C _ — Micromenetus dilatatus C Elimia spp. R A Bivalvia Pisidium spp_. A Other � _—.------------ --. _ Turbellaria R Dugesia tigrina R H. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. FROM FAX NO. Feb. 20 2002 06:50AM P1 ALCHEM, INC. Spies and 1VYanu acturin C—or nvr—at e O ce 8135 Red Road 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Red Strings, NC 28377 Tel, 704-279-7908 — 800-462-2586 -Tel. 910-843-2121 — 900-522-2944 Fax 704-279-8418 Fax 910-843-5789 pdryeCs'alltel-net rfa(g�semr.net February 8, 2007 Mr. Wes Bell Environmental Technician NCDENR Mooresville, NC Dear Mr. Bell: In my previous letter I forgot to touch base on the small area beside the railroad track that we discussed. Both Trent Tidwell and I are looking at this. I will have you a plan within 30 days. We are already planxiing to make certain that no more Sulfuric Acid is dropped in this area. We have spread some agricultural Lime in the area also. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. a Randall F. Andrews, Plant Manager ams ............................................................................................................................................................................................... FROM FAX NO. Feb. 19 2002 12:19PM P1 ALCHEMYINC.. Cornoraite Qi ee nufac�krinQ 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Sales and Manu Red Road Red SUrings, NC 28377 8135 Tel. 910•843-2121 — 800-522-2944 Rockwell, NC 28138 Fax 910-843-5789 - Tel. 704-279-7908 n- 800-462.2586 rfa(Lbsemnnet Fax 704-279-8418 Pdrye(&WItel.net February 7, 2007 Mr. Wes Bell Environmental Technician NCDENR Mooresville, NC Dear Mr. Bell.: Thank you for meeting with me 'Wednesday, Unfortunately, I cannot call 'Wayne Drye to discuss the problems you brought up. However, I did discuss with Trent Tidwell at the plant. Once I did remember that Larry Samples and Wayne had discussed waiting until the ground was frozen to move equipment in to the dig in the ditch. The idea is that by doing so it would have a smaller impact on Larry Sample's yard. ' Trent is going to call Larry and discuss. I called and spoke with Mr. Wayne Alexander about coming to look at the trees. He is an arborist who formerly worked with the N.C. Forestry Service. He lives about 3 or . miles from the 'plant. Trent will speak with Larry Samples and get the OK for Mr. Alexander to come. Mr, .Alexander did say that he would be able to determine more about he trees when they have leaves on them. 1 will be back with you on both items. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Randall F. Andrews, Plant Manager arms 06/26/2006 02:34 9108435789 IAC INC PAGE 01 ALGHEM, INC, Cornarate Office Sales and Manufacturing 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road 8135 Red Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Rockwell, NC 28138 4M578 Tel. 9103-800.5?Z-Z9g4 Tel. 704-279-7908 -- 800-462.25M rFa@semr.nat Fax t Fax 704-279.8418 emr. pdrye0alltel.net June 19, 200G ,r✓' Mr. Rex Gleason N.C.D.E.N.R. 401 Oberlin Rd. Suite 1.50 Raleigh, NC 27605 Dear Mr. Gleason: After numerous meetings with Lawyers, I believe that we have come to a conclusion about the problem on the property owned by Laney Samples and Barbara Daniels. Our action plan is: I. Dig a small trench to allow the water to drain consistent with what Allen Johnson of the NCDENR showed us and was agreed upon by Larry Samples. 2. Take a soil test. 3. Use the results to place an amount of Limestone consistent with soil testing recommendations. I suspect that it will only take a small amount as the amount of land to be covered is probably 300 square feet or 0.0007 acres. 4. Fill in the hole near Mr. Sample's property so that he is satisfied. 5. Get an arborist to look at the property and make certain that by adding Lime to the area that we do not damage any trees. Would you let me know if you have any objections or concerns. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC Randall F. Andrews ams ALCHEM, INC. Gs=nvr'ate Office Sales and Manufacturin4 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road 8135 Red Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 910-843-2121 -- 800-522-2944 Tel. 704-279-7908 — 800-462-2586 Fax 910-843-5789 Fax 704-279-8418 rfa@semr.net pdrye@alltel.net February 7, 2007 ` APR Mr. Rex Gleason, P.E. NC Division of Water Quality Mooresville Regional Office 919 N. Main St. Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Gleason: This week I had three employees work for two days in the stream near ALCHEM. They worked under the direction of Larry Samples, who is a neighbor. As far as I know Larry Samples and Barbara Daniels are completely satisfied and have no more complaints. Mr. Wayne Alexander who formerly worked for the N.C. Forestry Service came, looked and gave us a report. A copy is enclosed. Please call me if yoij-have any questions. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Randall F. Andrews, Plant Manager ams 01/28/2007 19:55 9108435789 IAC INC ALCHEM, INC. Corporate Office 2042 Buie Phlladelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Tol. 910-80,9121 — 800-522-2944 Fax 91,0.843-5789 rfa(q,semr.net January 26, 2007 Mr. Andrew Pitner .Fuvironmental Regional Supervisor NCDENR 61.0 .East Center St-, Suite 301 Mooresvil-le, NC 28115 Re; .NOV No. NOV-2006-PC-0061 Dear Mr. Ptiner: PAGE 01 Sales and Manufacturing 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704-279-7908 — 800.462-2586 Fax 704-279-8418 pdrye a.alltal.not. Tii.ank you for your letter of January 19, 2007. Alchem has not used the permitted fill . area since we received a letter about this in mid December. T have been talking with Engineers about this project since then and trying to find a solution to tl:l .s problem. At one time we sold some of, our sand to a fertilizer manufacturer. I have contacted them and taken new samples to try and. get this as ati. outlet again. T.l.1e only proposal that I I).ave, I recently received and just the cost for the engineering was .fa.r more than the value of our company. At one time T called the Salisbury Landfill, but having to pay the disposal fee is something that would wreck us economically. We are fast pulling the water down to very minimal Ievels again. There were two very large rain storms back in middle and late November. We have changed tb.e ditch coming under the railroad and so now the water from the large area across the railroad is diverted frorn. our contained area. I would like to ask that you consider allowing us to put about 500 tons from the storage area nearest: our reactor bato the area near the raill-oa.d. I plan to use that f%1.1, and that area. on w11.i.ch to put our Magnesium, Hydroxide and CaIciur.n. Hydroxide mixing tanks. Th.ard,c you for, your consideration. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC Randall F. Andrews, Plant Manager. 610 Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P. E., Director Division of Water Quality June 21, 2005 Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Follow-up Investigations . ALCHEM, Inc./Red Road Facility Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Drye: Enclosed please find a.copy of a follow up Investigation Reportfor the investigations conducted on.April 7, 2005 and May-27, 2005 by Mr. Wes Bell of this office. The follow-up investigations were: performed. to assess ALCHEM, Inc: s.progress with the on -site remedial activities and the .condition of the Unnamed Tributary -to Second Creek (tributary). ALCHEM,'Inc.'s personnel have continued the required remedial activities within the forested.areas on the business site. The condition of the tributary continues to improve due to the progress of on -site remedial activities. This office is concerned with the consistently low pHs measured within the stormwater diversion ditch 4acent.tothe railroad tracks and upgradient of the residual storage,area. In -addition, there are concerns with.stormwater.contamination at the bauxite ore unloading station (adjacent to the railroad. tracks). It is requested that a written: response be submitted .to .this office.by July 12, 2005 .addressing the facility's actions in -determining the origin of the acidic pHs within the stormwater diversion ditch and the measures taken to remediate the area. In addition, the response should include the actions taken to .prevent exposure of the residual bauxite ore (at the unloading station) to the stormwater runoff entering this diversion ditch J MCamU, llvatur 4 N. C Division of Water Quality, Mooresville Regional Office, 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301, Mooresville NC.28115 (704) 663-1699 Customer Service 1 _1t77_,7 2_/7d St Mr. Wayne Drye Page Two June 21, 2005 1699. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663- Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor Attachments cc: Rowan County Health Department M. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY SURFACE WATER PROTECTION UNIT 610 EAST CENTER AVENUE/SUITE 301 MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Follow-up Investigations DATE OF INVESTIGATION: April 30, 2005 and May 27, 2005 INVESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell[,)8TIME SPENT: 9.0 hours PLACE VISITED: ALCHEM, Inc.'s Business Site and Unnamed Tributary to Second Creek PHYSICAL LOCATION: Rockwell, Rowan County RIVER BASIN: Yadkin -Pee Dee REASON FOR VISIT: Follow-up investigations to determine ALCHEM, Inc.'s remedial actions and the condition of the Unnamed Tributary to Second Creek COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Departrnent REPORT: On April 7, 2005 and May 27, 2005, Mr. Wes Bell of this office performed follow-up investigations to verify ALCHEM, Inc.'s (ALCHEM) continued remedial activities within the forested area and the condition of the unnamed tributary to Second Creek (tributary). In addition, Mr. Bell measured the pH of the water in the stormwater drainage ditch (ditch) that was constructed to divert all stormwater runoff around the residual storage area from the Red Road drainage area. This stormwater diversion ditch disperses (sheet flows) the stormwater into the forested area. No remedial activities have been performed on either of the private properties due to the pending (or threatened) third party lawsuit. Mr. Bell met with Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, during the April 7, 2005 site visit and with an ALCHEM employee during the May 27, 2005 site visit. During the April 7, 2005 site visit, repairs had been made to the silt fence and a rock mound that had been installed adjacent to the silt fence (entire length). ALCHEM personnel had initiated the liming of the unremediated areas within the forested areas. Soil samples (including the underlying soil, � residual material, etc.) had also been collected and shipped to a lab for analysis. The analyses revealed acidic pHs (ranged from 3.9 s.u. to 4.6 s.u.) that required lime additions (neutralization) ranging from 2.0 tons - 6.6 tons per acre. Note: Only one ton of lime per acre per year was recommended by the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division. The pHs in the stormwater diversion ditch ranged from 3.53 s.u. to 4.01 s.u. The stormwater draining into this ditch (Red Road drainage area) was measured at 6.07 s.u. The unloading station for the sulfuric acid railcart was located directly above this ditch. No direct evidence of an acid spill could be determined; however, ALCHEM personnel were advised to investigate the origin of the acidic measurements and remediate the area. A large accumulation of bauxite ore (at the unloading station) was observed within the drainage area of the stormwater f Complaint Investigation Page Two diversion ditch. Concerns regarding the potential runoff from the bauxite accumulation were discussed. Note: No runoff was observed entering the ditch from this area during the investigation. The tributary's upstream pH was measured at 6.00 s.u. The pH measurements of the tributary's section that flowed through the impacted areas ranged from 5.60 s.u. to 5.96 s.u. Note: The investigation was performed during a rainfall event. Mr. Drye had indicated that the :facility had hired someone experienced in stream sampling to monitor the tributary's pH levels. . During the May 27, 2005 site visit, it was noted that ALCHEM personnel have continued to make progress of .liming the .unremediated areas within .the forested areas. The pHs :of the stormwater drainage ditch, unnamed. tributary, lagoon, andponded areas within the.remediated areas were -measured. No flow -was observed entering the stormwater diversion ditch; however, the pHs -of the two observed puddles ranged from 2.94 s.u. to 3.23 s.u. The ALCHEM personnel had not determined the cause of the acidic pHs and no remedial actions had been initiated. Tn addition, no actions had been taken to address the accumulations of the residual bauxite ore (at the unloadingstation) within the drainage area of the stormwater diversion ditch. The pH of the bauxite ore in a slurry form (combined with deionized water) was measured at 4.50 s.u. The upstream sampling point was dry; however, stream flow was observed approximately 20 to 30 feet below the upstream sampling location. The pH was measured at 6.82 s.u. The pH of the ponded.areas adjacent to the silt fence/rock mound ranged from 6.17 s.u. to 7.37 sm. The pH approximately 5 to 10 feet below the silt fence and remediated areas was measured at 6.40 s.u. The -tributary's pH at the Medium Road culvert was measured at 4.30 s.u. The low pH appeared to .be attributed by the unremediated areas within the private properties. The pH of the 'lagoon/stormwater basin for the .residual storage area ranged from 2.94 s.u. to 3.23 s.u. The silt fence had"become separated from .the ground in -several areas; however, no residual material was observed in the tributary.. The facility continues :to monitor the tributary's pH (documentation -available) -by the contracted personnel. Mr. Bell advised the-ALCHEM personnel to continue xepairingthe silt 'fence and initiatexemedial activities surrounding the stonmwater diversion ditch adjacent to the sulfuric acid unloading station. The ALCHEM staff were'helpful and courteous during both investigations. Followup investigations by this office should continue to verify the facility's remedial. actions. ;t GDA&CSA onomrc Divisron :Phonee.,..1"Site `::wvvwrica y M 55 .. rt No 2 1 ....: .M. _ t . �.. ..:,. �..„ .�?'..__... .�... .. .... ...... i9 9) ,33Gr 5.. agr® ePo Grower: Alchem Inc. Copies To: 8135 Red Rd. Rockwell, NC 28138 ozl est flqport -. Parm: � 3/11/2005 SERVING N.C. RESIDENTS FOR OVER 60 YEARS Rowan County Agronomist Comments C - 12, $ Freld?.Informatron A 1redLrme F, Recomineidationsb°- 1 f '� � .�,��; . Sample No. Last Crop Mo Yr T/A Crop or Year Lime N P205 K20 Mg Cu Zn B Mn Se ote­ A Ist Crop: Clover/Grass, E 6.6T 10-30 150-170 . 100-120 $ 0 $ 12 2nd Crop: Clover/Grass, E 0 10-30 150-170 100-120 $ 0 - $ 0 12 Test Results Soil Class HM% W/V CEC BS% Ac pH P-I KI Ca% Mg% Mn-I Mn-AI(1)Mn-AI(2) Zn-I Zn-AI Cu-I S-I SS -I NO3-N NH4-N Na MIN 0.76 0.69 8.6 20.6 6.9 4.0 31 52 12.0 5.0 161 106 106 23 23 58 197 0.1 .. ♦.. ... ., 5:.. .N-.Y :�i w,> ....:.., ... a.,. .,.. sr,f .� >. • ..e::... .. a.r:..,: A lred Lane. M .c .:y.3 ..... <.^.S ,.. .: s . -.rvt .. ,xe ... b 1, .zx.� Recommenclatrons � �;Freld':Informatron � Sample No. Last Crop Mo Yr T/A Crop or Year Lime N" P205 K20 Mg �Cu Zn B Mn See Note B 1st Crop: Clover/Grass, E 4.9T 10-30 220-240 150-170 0 0 0 0 12 2nd Crop: Clover/Grass, E 0 10-30 220-240 150-170 0 0 0 0 12 Test Results - Soil Class HM% W/V CEC BS% Ac pH P-I K-I Ca% Mg% Mn-I Mn-AI(1)Mn-AI(2) Zn-I Zn-AI Cu-I S-I SS-1 NO3-N NII4-N Na MIN 0.51 0.84 8.3 39.0 5.1 4.2 5 32 26.0 11.0 365 228 228 30 30 33 485 0.1 _r .. ,. ,. ii: F ;, :..'^ Ereld'IriforinatI 11 :",:.. .'c• e>.z-* ..,:':. t1 lred Lrme .S +:t-:.Fr. d a.�m+ .i -il:e >T y, 4: i:. F:Recomm'endatrons" '.` g �.. �._ v_ Sample No. Last Crop Mo Yr T/A Crop or Year Lime N . P205 K20 Mg Cu Zn B Mn See Note C 1st Crop: Clover/Grass, E 2T 10-30 240-260 200-220 0 0 0 0 12 2nd Crop: Clover/Grass, E 0 10-30 240-260 200-220 0 0 0 0 12 Test Results Soil Class HM% W/V CEC BS% Ac pH P-I K-I Ca% Mg% Mn-I Mn-AI(1)Mn-AI(2) Zn-I Zn-AI Cu-I S-I SS -I NO3-N NH4-N Na MIN 0.66 1.18 5.4 61.0 2.1 4.6 0 12 38.0 23.0 82 59 59 44 44 32 248 0.1 Fiel&lnformation ;.:.` AppliedLrme ;Recommendations Sample No. Last Crop Mo Yr T/A Crop or Year Lime N P205 K20 Mg Cu Zn B Mn See Note D 1st Crop: Clover/Grass, E 5.6T 10-30 240-260 150-170 0 0 0 0 12 2nd Crop: Clover/Grass, E 0 10-30 240-260 150-170 0 0 0 0 12 Test Results Soil Class HM% W/V CEC BS% Ac pH P-I K I Ca% Mg% Mn-I Mn-AI(1)Mn-AI(2) Zn-I Zn-AI Cu-I S-I SS-1 NO3-N AW4-N Na MIN 0.86 0.83 8.7 32.0 5.9 4.3 0 32 22.0 8.0 472 293 293 45 45 51 233 0.1 CDA&CS`Agronomic.Division' ;4300 ReedyCreelt Road 1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 276994040 (919) 73372655: : ' Guru,- Ro a m Undeivstandh7, the oil Test)?eport - . FUNDED % www.ncagr.com/agronomi/ustr. htm Britt Cobb, Commissioner of Agriculture F.ORAGE/PASTURE., CROSS. (Crop Codes 040-060) Soil pH and the amount of lime required for optimum yields are crucial parts of the soil test report. Low soil pH and low phosphorus cause more yield losses than any other factors in forage production. Excessive soil acidity (low pH) reduces the -capacity of forage crops to utilize applied fertilizer nutrients. Lime recommendations are based on pH, amount of acidity, and desired pH for the designated crop. Establishment and maintenance of legumes depend very heavily on maintaining the proper pH. For best results, recommended lime and fertilizer should be mixed into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil before establishment. Although most forage crops show no response to phosphorus and potassium above an index of 50, some fertilization will be recommended for certain crops. Recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are for annual application. Depending on the crop, climate and soils, split applications of nitrogen and potassium may required. Past experience, management level and economics will influence rates and time of application. For additional information, see Note 12: Forage and Pasture Crops, which accompanies your soil test report. The table below shows the relationship between soil test index value and crop response to applied nutrients. Soil Test Index Crop Response to Nutrient Application Range Rating Phosphorus Potassium Manganese Zinc Copper 0-10 Very Low Very High Very High Very High Very High Very High 11-25 Low High High High High High 26-50 Medium Medium * Medium * None None None 51-100 High None Low -None None None None 100+ Very High None None None. None None Soil Test Report Abbreviations ,MiN . mineral soih.class NI 0 mineral organic soil class`= T bRG { " organic: soil class ` HM% =percent huimc matter W/V ; weight per volume, of soil- CEC ,capon exchange capacity - `' ! BS% percent of CEC occupied by bases" Ac :acidity (decreases. a_ s pH increases), current soilpH P-I p - osphorus'mdex _. K I- potassium index percent of CEC occupied by , calcium - Mg%;_ ,"percent:ofCECoccupiedby, ma esium •.. . - " M11-1 manganese index Mn-AI manganese availability. index Zn-I " zinc index - Zn-AI zinc availability index Cu-I coppei index S-I sulfur index .SS-1 soluble salt index NO3-N ' nitrate nitrogen (ppm) NH4 N ammonium nitrogen (ppm) Na sodium . P205 phosphate K2O potash B boron * Response decreases as soil test index increases. April 2004 5,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $105.93 or $0.02 per copy. N.GDA&GS A onomie Davision-Phone g1g 733 2655 tWeb Site www.nca comXa Re o t 5523 ,onom :GAlche • z. a .. s:`z. �-K � • •..n . r...., A lied:iime� v .e.. `.?.n v.t z.... .: •.n v.: • w z..'.. 1 .n . <.., -Y:-aen.: .-,',.. Y.:. x .'. h '_` w. .,.. . ..s+.. ;. ' y„� &.,.x _ c' .�u". .. Z _', M. R ;,. ki. .`�..�* a�' �...° A 9sF. a„ _� �..� .�IRiel'�l .Information �K .:�Reco_m_mendatron �:� '. � �.� � ;� � �<� � . Sample No. LastCrop Mo... Yr T/A Crop or. Year _ Lime N �P205K20 -Mg Cu: Zn� B Mn See Note rCvG, -0p ,ST. -30 . 210230 170=190 0. 12E :. . . 2nd Crop -Clover/Grass, E. - . .0 0 10-30 _. 210-230 ': 170-190 . 0 0 12 `Test Results Soil Class dIM% W/V :.CEC BS% AC`, pH - PI' : .-KI Ca°o Mgl Mn-I Mn-AI(1)Mn-AI(2);.Zn I:.- Zn-AI: ,- Cu-I S-I SS -I .. NO3-N NHS-N Na .419.0 MIN 0:3 409 69 0.16.8 Michael I ;aslcN, kioverno; William G. ktxsa Jr„ SC,=11r\• North Carolina Department of Environment and Naturul Fesoun-cs Alan W. Klunck. 1'. E.. Dtrx-,nor Division of \Vater Qualit\ January 12, 2005 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Randall F. Andrews, President ALCHEM, Inc. 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Subject: Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement ALCHEM, Inc. Violation of General Statute 143-215.1 Follow-up Investigation Rowan County, N.C. Tracking #: NOV-2005-SS-0001 Dear Mr. Andrews: Chapter 143, Article 21 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) authorizes and directs the Environmental Management Commission of this Department to protect and preserve the water resources of the State. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has the delegated authority to enforce adopted pollution control rules and regulations. Enclosed please find a copy of a follow-up Investigation Report for the investigations conducted on December 30, 2004 and January 5, 2065 by Mr. Wes Bell. The follow-up investigations were performed to assess ALCHEM, Inc.'s on -site remedial activities and the condition of the tributary to Second Creek (tributary). As a result of these investigations, the following conditions were found in violation -of North Carolina General Statute (NCGS)143-215.1 and 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2B .0211 (3)(g): The acidic discharges into the unnamed tributary (UT) resulting from the drainage through the unremediated wooded/riparian areas (on the ALCHEM, Inc.'s property), had lowered the tributary's pH from 6.22 s.u. (upstream) to 4.76 s.u. ( 10 - 20 yards downstream of where the drainage enters the UT). No evidence was observed to suggest that ALCHEM, Inc. had continued remedial efforts (required in the settlement agreement) within the wooded/riparian areas on the business site. I,� N. C Division of Water Quality, Mooresville Regional Office, 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301, Mooresville NC 28115 (704) 663-16x1 Customo- Service i-o7r-623-6748 Mr. Randall F. Andrews January 12, 2005 Page Two Please be advised that this report is being issued as a Notice of Violation (NOV) and Notice for Recommendation for Enforcement (NRE) for the violations ofNCGS 143-215.1, 15A NCAC 2B .0211 (3)(g), and the facility's failure to continue to remediate the wooded/riparian area located on the facility's property. Be advised that NCGS 143-215.6A provides for a civil penalty assessment of not more that twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of a continuing nature, against any person who fails to abide by the conditions of the permit and who fails to apply for or to secure a permit required by NCGS 143-215.1. Penalties may also be. assessed'for any damage to the surface waters'of the State that may result from the unpermitted discharges. This letter is also to advise you that this Office is considering sending a recommendation for enforcement action to the Director of the Division of Water Quality for the acidic discharges into the unnamed tributary to Second Creek, water quality stream standard violations (pH), and the facility's failure to continue the cleanup on the unremediated areas on the facility's property. If you have an explanation for the violations that you wish to present, please include same in the requested response. Your explanation will be reviewed and if an enforcement action is still deemed appropriate, your explanation will be forwarded to the Director along with the enforcement package for his consideration. It is requested that you respond, in writing, within fifteen (15) days following receipt of this Notice. The response should address the measures taken to immediately cease the acidic discharges resulting from the drainage through the unremediated wooded/riparian areas, and the efforts to ensure future discharges do not recur. In addition, a detailed plan should be included that specifies the remediation activities utilized and the date of completion for the cleanup of the unremediated wooded/riparian areas on the facility's property. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, al?.-e, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor r L'Laui LGuu cc: Rowan County Health Department Stormie Forte, Associate Attorney General Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, ALCHEM, Inc. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY SURFACE WATER PROTECTION UNIT 610 EAST CENTER AVENUE/SUITE 301 MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Follow-up Investigations DATE OF INVESTIGATION: December 30, 2004 and January 5, 2005 WV INVESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell TIME SPENT: 6.0 hours PLACE VISITED: Unnamed Tributary to Second Creek PHYSICAL LOCATION: Rockwell, Rowan County . RIVER BASIN: Yadkin -Pee Dee REASON FOR VISIT: Follow-up investigation to determine the condition of the unnamed tributary to Second Creek COPIES- TO: Rowan County Health Department REPORT: On December 30, 2004 and January 5, 2005, Mr. Wes Bell of this office performed follow-up investigations on the unnamed tributary to Second Creek (tributary) impacted by the runoff from the ALCHEM, Inc.'s (ALCHEM) residual storage area.. ALCHEM personnel have made noticeable progress with the remediation of the tributary and surrounding areas; however, the wooded/riparian areas on both private and ALCHEM properties remain covered (in several locations) with the residual material. Due to a pending (or threatened) third party lawsuit; ALCHEM was instructed (by their attorney) to cease their remedial efforts on the private properties. During both site visits, Mr. Bell observed a "rainbow sheen" on the water's surface and an orange and white colored substrate throughout the tributary. The orange substrate and "rainbow, sheen" appeared to be caused by the natural microbial actions of iron bacteria. However, no aquatic life was observed throughout the tributary. ALCHEM personnel had previously installed a silt fence along the section of tributary that runs through/adjacent to the facility's property. The silt fence was installed to prevent additional residual runoff into the tributary. The bottom section of the silt fence was not properly secured and the front and end sections were collapsed. Mr. Bell had previously discussed (via telephone) with Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, similiar problems with the silt fence. Mr. Bell observed pools of water adjacent to the silt fence that appeared to have originated from the drainage of the wooded/riparian areas on the ALCHEM property. The drainage had channeled through the accumulated residuals of the unremediated areas in the wooded/riparian areas and discharged into the tributary at three different locations. The pH of the three discharges ranged from 3.12 s.u. to 3.31 s.u. prior to entering the tributary. Note: All Complaint Investigation Page T`wo pH measurements were taken by Mr. Bell on January 5, 2005. The upstream pH ranged from 6.22 sm. to 6.25 s.u. and the downstream pH (10 - 20 yards below the lowest drainage area) was measured at 4.76 s.u. Additional downstream pH measurements were taken between the above - noted sampling location and 15 - 25 yards upstream of the Medium Road culvert. These pH levels ranged from 5.24 s.u. to 5.36 s.u. The increase in pH appeared to be influenced by the buffering/dilution by spring water. The tributary's pH at the Medium Road culvert was 4.71 s.u. The tributary's pH downstream of the culvert ranged from 4.53 s.u. to 5.30 s.u. The final tributary pH value (5.30 s.u.) was taken approximately 35 - 45 yards downstream of the Medium Road culvert Residual accumulations were also observed throughout this downstream section of the tributary. No aquatic life was observed. No additional residual runoff was observed from the residual storage area since the construction of a berm around the entire residual storage perimeter. The pH of the stormwater runoff collection basin (inside the berm) was measured at 3.57 s.u. Mr. Bell did not observe any additional sediment accumulations in the tributary; however, a significant rain event could wash the residual material (in the unremediated wooded/riparian areas) into the tributary due to the poorly constructed/maintained silt fence. ALCHEM personnel should immediately initiate cleanup activities on the unremediated areas on the facility's property (wooded/riparian areas). In addition, the problems with the silt fence should be corrected to ensure additional residual runoff does not occur. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ROWAN, ALCHEM, INC., WAYNE D FILED IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS Z004 MAR - 2 P 3: S Q _ 03 EHR 1587 DOFFICE OF RYE, qp iJOISTRATIVE HEARINGS Petitioner, ) V. ) SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ) WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL ) RESOURCES, DIVISION OF WATER ) QUALITY, ) Respondent. ) The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources ("DENR"), Respondent, and Petitioner, Alchem, Inc., Wayne D. Drye ("Petitioner"), hereby enter into this Settlement Agreement ("Agreement") in order to amicably resolve matters in controversy as they relate to the civil penalty assessment. This matter arose out of the assessment of civil penalties and costs totaling five thousand nine hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($5,998.28, which includes three hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($398.28) in enforcement costs), imposed upon Petitioner on August 18, 2003 for alleged violations of North Carolina General Statutes § 143-215.1 et seq and Non -Discharge Permit WQ0016338. DENR and the Petitioner have reached the following settlement agreement in this matter: 1. Petitioner will adhere to the following conditions: a. Petitioner will submit a plan or schedule to remove sand and other materials from a tributary to Second Creek and the -1- riparian areas of the two affected private properties adjacent to Alchem, Inc.; b. Petitioner will submit a plan or schedule for removal of sand and other materials deposited by Petitioner's facility to the Mooresville Regional Office of the Division of Water Quality within thirty (30) days of execution of this agreement.; C. Petitioner shall remove sand and other materials from the creek, creek bank, and the areas where the deposits exist in the forested area adjacent to the creek located on property owned by Alchem, Inc. and the two affected private properties adjacent to Alchem, Inc, in accordance with the plan or schedule submitted.; d. Petitioner shall submit written notice of completion of removal of sand and other materials to the Mooresville Regional Office of the Division of Water Quality within five (5) days of said completion. 2. The Petitioner will pay a total of four thousand eight hundred seventy-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($4,878.28 ("Settlement Amount"), calculated as follows: Total Penalty $5,600.00 - 20% of penalty = $4,480.00 (80% of penalty) + investigative costs of $398.28 = $4.878.28) to DENR for settlement in the manner hereinafter. described. The Settlement Amount shall be made in the following manner: The Settlement Amount shall be made in twenty-four (24) monthly payments. The first payment shall be due and payable on -2- March 1, 2004 in the amount of two hundred three dollars and thirty cents ($203.30). Each payment thereafter shall be due and payable on the I" day of each month consecutively in the amount of two hundred three dollars and twenty-six cents ($203.26) totaling: $203.30 + ($203.26 x 23) $4,674.98 = $4,878.28. The last payment shall be due and payable on or before February 1, 2006. 3. The payments shall be by check made payable to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (or to "DENR") at the following address: Stormie D. Forte, Esq. Attorney General's Office Environmental Protection Division Post Office Box 629 Raleigh, NC 27602-0629 4. The breach of any condition of Paragraphs one (1), or two (2) by Petitioner will render due and payable the entire amount of the civil penalty assessment, including investigative costs i.e., five thousand nine hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($5,998.28). 5. Petitioner and DENR expressly stipulate and acknowledge that, by entering into this Agreement, Petitioner neither admits nor denies the allegations contained in the Findings and Decisions and Assessment of Civil Penalties. However, upon a breach of paragraph one (1) or two (2) of this Agreement, by Petitioner, the sole issue in any action by DENR is to collect the Entire amount of the civil penalty assessment including investigative costs i.e., five thousand 1-1 nine hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($5,998.28) in accordance with the terms of paragraph four (4) above and will be limited to the Petitioner's compliance with the terms of this Agreement. -3- 5. DENR agrees to accept payments totaling four thousand eight hundred seventy- eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($4,878.28), in complete satisfaction of the civil penalty assessment subject to the terms of this Agreement. 6. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict any'right of DENR to take any enforcement action against Petitioner for any future violations; i.e., violations occurring after May 8, 2003. 7. The DENR and Petitioner agree that, for purposes of any future bankruptcy proceeding, this Agreement is not intended as, nor shall it be deemed to constitute, a novation of any claims asserted by DENR against Petitioner. Petitioner further agrees that all sums payable to DENR pursuant to this Agreement are nondischargeable in bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 523. Nothing in this Agreement releases any nondischargeability claims that may be asserted by DENR in any bankruptcy proceeding, and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of the DENR 's right to rely on the nature of any claim or debt released in this Agreement to show that the claim or debt is nondischargeable. 8. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and is entered into knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. CS WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION 9. Entry of this Agreement serve as Petitioner's Withdrawal of its Petition for Contested Case Hearing Without Prejudice in these matters. The -parties agree this matter is concluded and that no further proceedings are needed or required to resolve the contested case. This the 136 day of February 2004. FOR THE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY Alan Klimek, Director of Water Quality Date: 3 z O `f D. Rex Gleason; Mooresville Regional Supervisor Date: ROY COOPER Attorney General By: tormie D. Forie- Associate Attorney General N. C. Department of Justice Environmental Division 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 (919) 716-6600 (919) 716-6766/Fax -5- PETITIONER: Alchem,.Inc., Wayne D. Drye Date: � -- 02 0 — a dn`i Randall F. Andrews, Consultant Alchem, Inc. Date: )�— �_ L/�' Z 00 / �410E MAR 0 5 2004 State of North Carolina ROY COOPER Department of Justice Reply to: ATTORNEY GENERAL P. O. BOX 629 Stormie D. Forte RALEIGH Environmental Division 27602-0629 Tel: (919) 716-6600 Fax: (919) 716-6766 Sfbrte@maiI.jus.state.nc.us MEMORANDUM TO: es : ell Allen Johnson J. Kent Wiggins FROM: Stormie D. Forte, Associate Attorney General I&lr DATE: October 15, 2003 a I_s ., 2 2 2003 -DEPT. OF ENVENT AND -NATURAL FEBWRcES MOORESVILLE REDIONAL OFFICE RE: Assessment of Civil Penalties appeal by Alchem, Inc., Wayne Drye of Rowan County; OAH # 03 EHR 1587; Agency File No.: 03-313 Please note that I have been assigned to handle the Permit appeal by Alchem, Inc., Wayne Drye. I will need to begin preparing our case as soon as possible. Please review the important dates listed below and provide me with the requested information by hand delivery or by mail. October 19, 2003 Prehearing Statements and Document Constituting Agency Action due to be filed with OAH. The file was copied on today, October 15, 2003. If any additional documentation is added to the file subsequent to today, please forward it to us as soon as possible. December 1, 2003 Discovery must be sent to Petitioner to give us enough time to receive answers prior to hearing. If we are to conduct discovery, we must have the file in order to compile discovery questions. January 12, 2004 If Petitioner sends discovery questions to us, we must respond within 15 days of receipt. All Discovery must be completed by the January 5, 2004 date. January 26, 2004 Hearing set in High Point, NC with .Julian Mann, III, Chief Administrative Law Judge presiding. You have been listed as witnesses. If this list of names should change for any reason, please inform this office immediately. If you have any questions or comments regarding this case, please do not hesitate to call this office. T ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED:ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net February 23, 2004 DENR/DWQ/Water Quality Section Mr. Daryl Merritt Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Dear Mr. Merritt: Enclosed are the monitoring and reporting requirements for our permit number WQ0016338. For the year of 2003, we did not accumulate enough Silica residual to land apply. Please let me know if you need anything further. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC Wayne D. Drye, Plant Manager .. cc: Mooresville Regional Office t, L I ANNUAL LAND APPLICATION CERTIFICATION FORM Permit#: WQ0016338 County: ROWAN Year: 2003 Facility Name (as shown on permit): Land Application Operator: ALCHEM, INC WAYNE DRYE, PLANT MANAGER Phone: 704-279-7908 Land application of residual solids as allowed by the permit occurred during the past calender year? ❑ Yes 0 No If No, skip Part A, and Part B and proceed to the certification. Also, if residuals were generated but not land applied, please attach an explanation on how the residuals were handled. Part A: Total number of application fields in permit: Total number of fields land application occurred during the year: Part B: Facility was compliant during calendar year with all conditions of the land application permit (including but not limited to items 1-12 below) issued by the Division of Water Quality. ❑ Yes p No If no please, provide a written description why the facility was not compliant, the dates, and explain corrective action taken. 1. Only residuals approved for this permit were applied to the permitted sites. 2. Soil pH was adjusted as specified in the permit and lime was applied (if needed) to achieve a soil pH of at least 6.0 or the limit specified in the permit. 3. Annual soils analysis were performed on each site receiving residuals during the past calendar year and three (3) copies of laboratory results are attached. 4. Annual TCLP analysis was performed and three (3) copies of certified laboratory results are attached. 5. All other monitoring was performed in accordance with the permit and reported during the year as required and three (3) copies of certified laboratory results are attached. 6. The facility did not exceed any of the Pollutant Concentration Limits in Table 1 of 40 CFR Part 503.13 or the Pollutant Loading Rates in Table 2 of 40 CFR part 503.13 (applicable to 40 CFR Part 503 regulated facilities). 7. All general requirements in 40 CFR Part 503.12 and management practices in 40 CFR Part 503.14 were complied with (applicable to 40 CFR Part 503 regulated facilities). 8. All operations and maintenance requirements in the permit were complied with or, in the case of a deviation, prior authorization was received from the Division of Water Quality. 9. No contravention of Ground Water Quality Standards occurred at a monitoring well or explanations of violations are attached to include appropriate actions and remediations. 10. Vegetative cover as specified in the permit was maintained on this site and the crops grown were removed in accordance with the crop management plan. 11. No runoff of residuals from the application sites onto adjacent property or nearby surface waters has occurred. 12. All buffer requirements as specified on the permit were maintained during each application of residuals. "I certify, under penalty of law, that the above information is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." Wayne D Drye, Plant Manager Permittee Name and Title (type or print) Signat e of Prepar Date (if different from Permittee) ' Preparer is defined in 40 CFR Part 503.9 (r) -,�b3k Signature -'of PermitteeDate Signiture of Land Applier Date (if different from Permittee and Preparer) DENR FORM ACF (5/2003) ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net FORM ACF: Residuals were pumped into holding lagoon. Alchem, Ines storage area for its fill material discharged into a drainage/wooded area and stream. This was due somewhat to the large amounts of rain we had the first part of 2003. Alchem has been collecting the fill material from the wooded area and the stream. A 24" X 24" trench to divert the storm water from Red Road around the impounded area has been completed. A 5' X 8' wide berm has been placed around the impoundment area and all low grade areas. An enlarged settlement basin has been completed. ANNUAL RESIDUAL SAMPLING SUMMARY FORM Attach this form to the corresponding Annual Report Please note that your permit may contain additional parameters to be analyzed than those required to be summarized on this form. Permit Number: WQ0016338 Facility Name: NPDES # or WQ#: WWTP Name: Residual Analvsis Data ALCHEM, INC Laboratory: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) TBL LABORATORY Sample or Composite Date Percent Solids "I certify, under penalty of law, that this document was prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information submitted. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." Signa(& of Prep er 3a Date DENR FORM RSSF (5/2003) ANNUAL RESIDUAL SAMPLING SUMMARY FORM Attach this form to the corresponding Annual Report Please note that your permit may contain additional parameters to be analyzed than those required to be summarized on this form. Permit Number: WQ0016338 Facility Name: NPDES # or WQ#: WWTP Name: Residual Analysis Data ALCHEM, INC Laboratory: 1) TBL LABORATORY 2) 3) 4) 5) Sample or Composite Date MMMMMMMMMMMM "I certify, under penalty of law, that this document was prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information submitted. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." pij&� Signat e of Prepare Date np:mp F:npu RSSF-R (5/7nni1 Element One Inc. 5022-C Wrightsville Ave. j Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: 910 793-0128;. Fax: '910 792 *6853 el lab@hotmail com - elernentOne FINAL REPORT OF ANALYSES Pam Hester December 29; 2003 TBL Laboratory Client, Project Name; Alchem, Inc. P.O..Box 589 Client Project Number TBL-13616 Lumberton, NC 28359 I PO Number J ; :. E1 Project -Number'e2615 Sample # Sample, ID t Lago6n#3 • Sample Matrix ; Sample Type Date Received 12/16/03 Date Sampled 12/11/03 .:. - Time Sampled, ...0800 ............... ; .. ....,Time Received 1515 Delivered by Picked Up Sampler Wayne-Drye Received by PDS Page 1 of 1 E1 Sample'# 2615-1 Parameter Result Unit; Dilution DL Method Date Sodium 218 mg/Kg " 1 0.02 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Magnesium 139 mg/I<g 1 0.02 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Aluminum 21402 mg/Kg 1000 0.005 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Phosphorus 85.4 mg/Kg - 1 0.02_. EPA 200.8 -12/17/03 Calcium 885 mg/Kg 5 - _ 0.05�- `- ': EPA 200.8 - 12/1.7/03 Chromium 14.3 mg/Kg ' 1._ . 0.005 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Manganese 4.15 mg/Kg 1 0.005 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 - Nickel 1.32. mg/Kg .< 1 .., 0.005 EPA 200.8 12/1.7/03 . Copper 3.13 mg/Kg 1 0.003 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Zinc 1.57 mg/Kg ; 1 0.005 • EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Arsenic 0.889 m /K 1 , 0.005 EPA 200.8 .12/17/03. • . _ Selenium 0.889' m�/Kg 9 g 1 • � 0.005 EPA'200.8 12/17/03 Silver 0.356 .. mg/Kg. 1 0.002_ EPA 200.8..._ 12/17103 Cadmium 0.356 mg/Kg 1 0.002 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Barium 82.4 m9 g/K . 2' 0.005 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Lead 29.7 ,... mg/Kg 2 0.003 EPA 200.8 12/17/03 Mercu ry` 0.0849 m /K g g': 1 . 0.0002 EPA 245:1 �" "" " " `12/23/03" . . pH 3.57 SU : 1 EPA 9045C 12/17/03', en Smit , Laboratory Director ' NC Certifications, DW 37788 and DWQ DENR 604 ~ Element One Inc.. ' 5022-C Wrightsville Ave. e' Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone:" 910 793-0128: j i Fax: 910' 792-6853,', t el lab@hotmaiI com ,�elementOne.: ; -'�' --FINAL, REPORT -OF:ANALI!SES.',.-..':.... Pam Hester August 13, 2003 TBL Laboratory Client Project Name ALCHEM, 1INC ;.;.. P.O. Box 589 Client Project Number TBL-13205 Lumberton, NC 28359 " - PO Number 'E1 Project Number e2075 . Sample # Sample ID � `.Lagoon,#3 Sample Matrix Sample Type t ; ' Date Received 7/31 / 03'Y Date Sampled 7/29/03 Time;Sampled; . 0800 ; . Time Received 1630 Delivered by ". Picked Up Sampfer' ` ""Wayne Dryer ' ; - Received Eby :-: PDS,:,>:,. Page 1 of 1 Ef Saiiiple:## 2075=1 V� Parameter Result Unite " Dilution DL Method Date Sodium 153 mg%L_;; 5 0.01 EPA 200.81 811/03 Magnesium 105 ...mg/L, ! 5 0.01 EPA 200.8 8/1%03,: Aluminum ,_ 16800. mg/L, 50001 - 0.005;-. EPA200.8.: 8/1/03„ Phosphorus 76:1' mg/L 5 0.01 EPA .200.8:.. 8/1/03, Calcium 827 .' mg/L` ' 5 0.02 :: EPA 200.8 v 8/1J03` Chromium `• 12;6 mg/L'. ; 5 ° 0.005 EPA 200.8 . Manganese 4.14 'trig/L ' S 0.005 " : "EPA'200.8' 8/1/03:' Nickel :"' 1.23 mg/L ;1 ' 0.005 EPA 200.8' Copper 2.93 mg/L `_ .5 ' 0.003 EPA'200.8 8/1/03 - Zinc 1.65 mg/L - .1 -:- - -. 0.005 EPA200.8 ` ; 8/1/03 Arsenic < 0.5, mg/L, .1 0.005 ; EPA 200.8;; , 8/1103 Selenium < 6.5 mg/L i1 0.005 i EPA'200.8, 8/1/03 Silver 0,210 mg/L 1 0.002 EPA 200.8E `8/1/03 ?: Cadmium < 0.2 mg/L 1.. 0,002 ; EPA 200.8' ; 8/1/03', Barium 66.3 mg/L 5 ; 0.005 EPA200.8 8/1/03 "' Lead 25,9 ". mg 5 0.003 EPA200.8 8/1/03 Mercury =;0:0865; mg/L ,1 0.0002 EPA245.1.., "8/6/03 pH 3.60 SU . 1 i EPA 9045C 8/6/03.' en Smith, Laboratory Director NC Certifications:': DW 377,88 and DWQ DENR 604 : ALCHEM., INC. Corporate QMce 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Tel. 910-843-2121 — Fax 910-843-5789 rfa@semr.net April 5, 2004 Mr. D. Rex Gleason Water Quality Regional Supervisor NCDENR 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Gleason: Sales and Manufacturing 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704-279-790aa8 — Fax 704-279-8418 Nk; DEPi'. 0Ftjy i 6i� J � t}ntemet.net AND NATURAL RESOURCES RESVILLF 7—MMMAL OFFICE ' 'APR 1 2 2004 v According to the agreement I signed with you Alchem, Inc. is supposed to advise you about continued cleaning of the sand from out property and the property of two neighbors. We have told you that Alchem, Inc. has received a letter demanding that we not trespass on the neighbor's property. We were supposed to have a meeting with the attorney for the neighbors and their attorney on March 29, 2004. On the morning of March 29, 2004 a woman from our attorney's office called and said that the wife of our attorney had a stroke over the weekend and the meeting was rescheduled for April 30, 3004. We feel that we cannot enter the neighbor's property without permission. Also, the attorney Roman Pible is apparently contesting the agreement anyway. Are we supposed to ahead and start making the payments? We are confused. Where do we make the payments? Do you invoice us? Please advise us on what to do? Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Randall F. Andrews, Consultant vll ALCHEM, INC, 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 J NV ✓ I E : / 0 l -- / / � ga.Ilir � r ^� 279� 7 4 279- 8418 rfa@semr.net FAX TRANSMITTAL Date and Time: December 31, 2003 To: Mr. D. Rex Gleason Company: NCDENR Fax No.: 704-663-6040 From: Randall Andrews Company: ALCHEM, INC, Phone No.: 704-279-7908 Fax No.: 704-279-8418 -No. of Pages: 3 , including cover Message: id W060:0i LOW iZ .Oaa ON Xdd / ALCHEM, INC. Corporate Office 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Cprjna,. INC 28377 Tel. 910.843-2121 — Fax 910-843.5789 r1& semr.ncl December 31, 2003 Mr. D. Rex Gleason Water Quality Regional Supervisor NCDENR 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 281.1.5 Dear Mr. Gleason: Sales and Manufacturin 8135 Rod Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704.279-7908 — Fbx 704-279.8418 pdrye alchem@cbiintemet.net Alchem, Inc. is certain you are aware of the problems at our plant in Rockwell. Alchem, Inc. is interested in the possibility of settling with you on this. Alchcm, Inc. is sure you know the real problem was that Alchem, Inc. has had very large amounts of rainfall. Rainfall amount information from Salisbury is being included. Alchem, Inc feels that they have been in compliance with all of the regulations until this very large amount of rainfall came. When Alchem, Inc. did find that Alchem, Inc. had a problem Alchem, Ilse, had trouble repairing the problem because of the large amount of rainfall. Alchem, Inc. also has found that the dry run creek is normally at a ph or about 4.2 to 4.5 after a rain fall event. Alchem, Inc. recognizes that the spring that is located on the property has a ph of about 6. However,, the rainfall in the area is at ph 4.2. Therefore Alchem, Inc. does not feel that we are causing a low ph. The low ph is natural. Alchem, Inc. also found that there is an abundance of aquatic life in the stream. Alchem, Inc. would like to ask you to do the following: a Abate the S 2,000.00 penalty for low stream ph as the rainfall has a 4.2 ph. Settle the rest of the penalty at fifty percent. Alchem, Inc. will pay the investigative costs. Alchem, Inc. would like to inform you that they have spent over S .10,000.00 cleaning up the sand down stream from our property. Alchem, Inc. has put up a much larger holding bank ofdirt. Alchem, Inc. feels this can never happen again. Although financial considerations are not your problem the last three years have been difficult .for them financially. Please give Alchem, Inc. any consideration that you can. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Randall F. Andrews, Consultant vll Zd WHOT :OZ 200E ZZ '3aQ 'ON Xdd WOcld v State Climate Office of NC: piedmont Research Station (SALI) data retrieval Page l of 1 Station: SALT - Piedmont Research Station Date of first observation: 07/24/1996 Station type: ECONET - Tower U City, State_ Salisbury, NC County: Rowan County Latitude: 35.7° Longitude:-80.620 ' Elevation: 823 feet above sea level Climate division: NC04 - Central Piedmont River basin: Yadkin — Supported by: NC Agricultural Research Service Retrieving monthly data from Piedmont Research Station for 11/2002 thru 11/2003 13 records found for this time period uClick here to plot 08111y Precipitation ` DatelTimte of ob monthly SUM of Daily Precipitatioia at 2m (in) 11/2002 4.31 12/2002 5.17 01/2003 1.11 02/2003 3.72 03/2003 6.88 04/2003 9.06 05/2003 6.31 06/2003 5.46 07/2003 5.78 08/2003 5.35 09/2003 �5,32 10/2003 1.7 11 /2003 0.5 NC CRONOS Database version 1,Sq Page expelled in 0.044 secs. file://C:1Docutncnts%20and%20Settings\adztiinistratol-Tocal%20ScttinL,s\Tni-nnnmr0r%?n t I /I Ed WdOT:OT 200E 12 '3aQ : 'ON Xdd : WObd U J ALCHEM INC /!+ 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net September 9, 2003 Mr. Wes Bell NCDENR Division of Water Quality 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Bell, I am sending to you the letter from Andrews & Associates for the remediation proposal offered. Alchem, Inc has completed the trench 24" X 24" to divert the storm water from Red Road around the impounded area. Tara Group has completed the berm 5' X 8' wide around all the impoundment area and all low grade areas. Tara Group is close to completion on the enlarged settlement basin. Our goal now is to remove all sand from the stream and adjoining property owners as soon as possible. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC Wayne Drye, U A' `gyp fr.a-4, ... �,�.y, e,�_. u ..v _ i.. :�i� - • 99 2. 66_ N D? ®1� NTAL _E DL. T ON CONSULTANTS 2522 Parrish Street Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: 336-584-7932 — Fax: 336-584-4373 September 9, 2003 Mr. Wayne Drye Vice President ALCHEM, INC. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Subject: Remediation of Affected Arcas Dear Mr. Drye: Concerning the Client Report: 1. Removal of sand from seasonal tributary. 2. Removal of sand from areas outside of impoundment boundaries. 3. Increased containment at property line. 4. Remediation of neighboring property. Remediation Proposals: The best solution for the removal of the sand would be the use of a "Sand Hog Type" pump. Fluidizing the sand using water from the seasonal tributary or well water- only would do this. No impounded water would be used for this purpose. The resulting slurry would be pumped to the impoundment area for proper treatment. I can arrange for the equipment and people to do this or I can supervise Alchern, Inc. employees during the removal. I would also recommend that a trench 12" to 18" with a berm 1 to 2ft. high be dug at the nearest point to the property line that is feasible. This would catch the rainwater, which would then be pumped, back to the impoundment area. This will result in zero discharge from your facility. We are contacting the owners of the adjoining properties to work out a remediation plan that is agreeable to them. I expect to have a plan for this in the next two weeks. Conclusion: The remediation can be accomplished with minimum disturbance to the environment using the proposals that I have out lined above. Please let me know your decision as soon as possible so that the proper equipment may be obtained. We can start within 2 to 3 days of its arrival. Sincerely, ANDREWS & ASSOCIATES -Kko�', Clk Keith Andrews, President ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net July 7, 2003 Mr. D. Rex Gleason Water Quality Regional Supervisor NCDENR 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Gleason: I have enclosed the plan for the site work at Alchem, Inc. I have also given the plan to Mr. Greg Greene, CPESC, Environmental Specialist 1, of the Rowan County Environmental Services in Salisbury, NC. If you should have any questions please give me a call. Best regards. ALCHEM, INC Wayne Drye, �J Vice President M ALCHEM,, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye. aIchem@cb i internet.com February 5, 2003 Mr. J.R. Joshi NC Division of Water Quality Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Dear Mr. Joshi: Enclosed is the Monitoring and Reporting requirements for our permit number WQ0016338. For the year of 2002, we used 2,538 tons of Silica residual from our on -site bauxite digestion process as a fill material. I have included the Annual Residual Sampling Summary form and a map. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC &'�m V - ;"I " Randall F. Andrews, President ANNUAL RESIDUAL SAMPLING SUMMARY FORM Attach this form to the corresponding laboratory analysis Please note that your permit may contain additional parameters to be analyed than those required to be summarized on this form_ Permit Number WQ0016338 Facility Name ALCHEM, INC. LABORATORY 1) TBL LABORATORY NPDES # 2) or WO # (residual only Facilities) 3) WWTP Name Zesidual Analysis Data Date Sampled (grab) or 08/09/02 01 /15/03 Date Composited Percent Solids i Pnrmmc,tnrc Imnitrn rint wpinhtl Aluminum 10,700 7,900 Arsenic 3.05 <.04 Barium 21.9 36.9 Cadmium 2.2 <0.2 Calcium 95.0 583 Chromium 81.10 6.64 Copper 18.8 2.13 Lead 126.0 . 14.3 Magnesium 25.4 126.0 Manganese 0.7 3.3 Mercury 0.033 0.067 Nickel 7.36 0.554 Selenium <0.4 <0.4 Silver 0.77 <0.2 Sodium 99.0 101.0 Total Phosphorus 12.8 43.0 Zinc 20.2 1.75 X %O�(l J- , (i,,c�(, 1, L- - 24' 02/05/03 (SIGNATURE OF PREPARER) DATE " I certify, under penalty of law, that this document was prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel property gathered an evaluated the information submitted. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possiblity of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." DEM FORM SSF (10/94) y l / 49.00' S 0I'-03•-00-E 810.97' S 01'-02'-20"E 1294.OZ / o Well Lagoon CD 11 p Zvi °I Won / M �c r 1 / • \ Ff Acres / / Well / 6tr C N 2k• �d /j / 1 - , ' Ca\rNA RDAO 8 NORTHWESTERN o p - (• Nm p p N to 1 r-, uk bet �h h O Pin N. N� � Co O iv to q r p A00 - = O O O _ --- - -- - - - Well M. >f I • - _• --- •: �- f•} - - - �• - Top of well elevation . 80923' 12 � 200 f i Ground elevation . 808.14' (Latitude . 3S•_33•-S• 2.rJ(4 Longitude ..80•- J2s'-zar •� �--'� v I Stalk wf.r I -of below gap of casing . 32. 1 Woler level from Wayne Dry. of ALCEK Inc.) Top of well elevation - 805.18' i Ground elevation . 802.89- - i Latitude a 33•_33-. Longitude . 80•-2a'-2G G-- Slatic water level below, top of casing'. 22 1 water level �- from wed! Conshitillon records) - Top of weg elevation . ' Ground elevation . - , Latitude . 791-20- L20 aa•-aa•_a�.a- _ - Langttude - eo•-29'-2La' stalk water level below top of cuhq . I3' Water level from weA conshrcllon records I ` - eft elementOne FINAL REPORT OF ANALYSES Element One Inc. 5022-C Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: 910 793-0128 Fax: 910 792-6853 el lab@hotmail.com Pam Hester January 15, 2003 TBL Laboratory Client Project Name ALCHEM, Inc. P.O. Box 589 Client Project Number TBL-12614 Lumberton, NC 28359 PO Number E1 Project Number e1274 Sample # Sample ID Lagoon #3 Sample Matrix Sample Type Date Received 1/9/03 Date Sampled 1/7/03 Time Sampled 0800 Time Received 1345 Delivered by Picked Up Sampler . Wayne Drye Received by CMO Page 1 of 1 E1 Sample # 1274-1 Parameter Result Unit Dilution DL Method Date Aluminum 7900. mg/Kg 500 0.4 EPA 200.8 .1/13/03 Arsenic < 0.4 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 Barium 36.9 'mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA-200.8 1/.13/03 Cadmium < 0.2 mg/Kg 1 0.2 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Calcium 583 mg/Kg 20 1.6 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Chromium 6.64 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Copper 2.13 mg/Kg 1 0.2 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Lead 14.3 mg/Kg 1 0.2 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Magnesium 126 mg/Kg 1 0.8 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Manganese 3.30 'mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 1/18/03 Mercury 0.067 mg/Kg 1 0.01 EPA 245.1 1/13/03 Nickel 0.554 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Phosphorus 43.0 mg/Kg 1 0.8 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Selenium < 0.4 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Silver < 0.2 mg/Kg 1 0.2 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 . Sodium 101 mg/Kg 1 0.8 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 Zinc 1.75 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 1/13/03 pH 3.73 SU 1 EPA 9045C 1/13/03 Aenmith, Laboratory Director NC Certifications: DW 37788 and DWQ DENR 604 ....... . . Element One Inc. 5022-C Wrightsville'Ave. Wilmington, NC'28463. Phone: 910 793.0128 Fax: 910 792-6853 al Inh n7t hnf nil d-r%M elementOne FINAL REPORT OF ANALYSES Pam'Hester August 9, 2002 7Laboratory BL Laborato Client Project Name ALCHEM Inc ..,:P.O. Box 589 Client Project Number TBL-1 2141 Lumberton, NC 28359 P.O Number E1 Project Number e0625 .,Sample # Lagoon #3 -hple Sar Matrix Sample Type Date Received:': 02, 7 26/- aeS Date Sampled 7/24/02 Time Sampled 0800 'i Time Rece ved 1640'. Delivered by Picked Up Sampler Wayne Drye Received by BGH',, Page 1 of 1 El Sample# 0625-1 Parameter Result Unit Dilution DL- Method Date Aluminum 10700 mg/Kg: 1000 0.8 EPA 200.8 8/5/02''. Arsenic .3.05. mg/Kg 1 0.4. EPA 200.8- 8/5/02, Barium 21.9'- mg/Kg 0.4- EPA 200.8 8/502 2.20 'mg/Ko A 0.2 EPA A 200.8 ":.,,8/5/02 Calcium 95.0 mg/Kg 1 1.6 EPA 200.8 8/5/02 Chromium. 81.1 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 1" 8/5/02' Copper 18.8 mg/Kg 1 0.2 EPA 200.8 8/5/02 Lead 126 mg/Kg 1 0.2 EPA 200.8 Magnesium 25.4 mg/Kg 1 0.8 EPA 200.8 .8/5/02 8/5/02 Manganese 0.70 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 8/5/02 Mercury 0.033 mg/Kg 1 0.01 EPA 200.8 8/1/02 Nickel 7.36. mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 8/5/02 Phosphorus. 12.8 mg/Kg 1 0.8 EPA 200.8 8/5/02 Selenium < 0.'4 mg/Kg 0.4 EPA-200.8. ..`'8/5/02 Silver 0.77 mg/Kg 1 0.2 - EPA 200.'8 8/5/02..' Sodkirh' .99.0 mg/Kg 1 .0.8- EPA 200.8. 8/5/02 • Zinc 20.2 mg/Kg 1 0.4 EPA 200.8 -:::8/5/02', pH 3.4 SU 1 EPA 9045G:, .8/9/02 7. en Smith, Laboratory Director NC Certifications: DW 37788,and DWQ DENR 604 ALCHEM, INC. Corporate Office 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Tel. 910-843-2121 -- Fax 910-843-5789 rfa@semr.net January 17, 2002 Mr. D. Rex Gleason, P.E. NC Division of Water Quality Mooresville Regional Office 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 RE: Permit # WQ0016338 Dear Mr. Gleason: Sales and Manufacturin 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704-279-7908 --- Fax 704-279-8418 pdrye.alchem@cbiintemet.com After reviewing your letter of January 15, 2002 and our files we have found these reports were sent to the Raleigh office to the attention of Mr. Kevin Barnett. I am sending to you the copies of the reports which were sent to that office. I am also sending the letter that was attached to the reports in question. For future reports, would you let us know the correct person to send these reports to. Please let us know if you have any questions. Best Regards, ALCHEM, INC Randall Andrews, President ALUHEIV1,q IN lam. Voroorate Office Sales and Manufacturing 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road 8135 Red Road Red S `rm NC 28 p 8s+ 377 RodnyeU, NC 28138 Tel. 910-843-2121 -- Fax 910-843-5789 Tel. 7o4-279-79o8 — Fax 7o4-279-8418 rfa@semr.net pdrjealchem@cbunternetnet December 22, 2000 Mr. Kevin Barnett NC DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit 512 North Salisbury Street 9th Floor Raleigh, NC 27604 Dear Mr. Barnett: Enclosed is the Monitoring and Reprting Requirements for our permit number WQoo16338. For the year of 2000, we used 2, 885 tons of Silica residual from our on -site Bauxite digestion process as fill material for our building. Enclosed you will find the Annual Residual Sampling Summary form and a map. Please call me if you have any questions. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. lwhh'�Ell mlt�j / �� Randall Andrews, President vll ANNUAL RESIDUAL SAMPLING SUMMARY FORM Attach this form to the corresponding laboratory analysis Please note that your permit may contain additional parameters to be analyed than those required to be summarized on this form. Permit Number WQ0016338 Facility Name ALCHEM, INC. LABORATORY 1 TBL LABORATORY NPDES # 2 or WQ # (residual only Facilities) 3) WWTP Name Residual Analysis Data Date Sampled (grab) or 7/25100 11/17/00 Date Composited Percent Solids Parameters (ma/ka dry weiaht) Aluminum 18,740 10000 Arsenic <5.000 BDL Barium 38.78 36.0 Cadmium <0.5000 BDL Chromium 13.79 5.5 Copper <5.000 1.2 Lead 12.22 8.9 Mercury <0.01000 0.049 Nickel 2.411 BDL Selenium <5.000 0.64 Silver <0.5000 BDL Sodium 157.0 170 Total Phosphorus 0.210 0.71 Zinc 1 1 9.8151 1 2.4 X (SIGNATURE OF PREPARER) DATE " I certify, under penalty of law, that this document was prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel property gathered an evaluated the information submitted. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possiblity of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." DEM FORM SSF (10/94) . .. .. .......: \. ... .... ..._ .5�. .. .\'11�...'.1.. .. .. ... ..n ...,.._.. _._.•.\�:�... �::t.`l �~I:�. ..... ._. .. �t.tl .. .. .t `...___�. til_.'.wt17�n.i:C. �•1���'i�, J:i��.�i-�: 1'.1 v?a:'ii.:.��. t': wa. t Z ALCHEM, INC. 2042 BUIE PHILADELPHUS ROAD RED SPRINGS, NC 28377 910-843-2121- FAX 910-843-5789 - EMAIL rfa@semr.net December 22, 2000 Mr. Kevin Barnett NC DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit 512 North Salisbury Street 9ch Floor Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Dear Mr. Barnett: Our permit number is WQ0016338. We would like to request that you allow our company to start testing only once a year for the residual analysis in the year 2001. This is in accordance with our permit. A copy of the affected page is enclosed. Please let us hear from you. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Randall Andrews, President vll NHEMC I.ctu�La MamaAan sales Corporate Office 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28377 5789 Tel. 910-843-2121 -- Fax 910-843- da@semr.net March 14, 2000 Mr. Kevin Barnett Quality NC Division of Water Q ty Water Quality Section Non -Discharge Compliance/ Enforcement Unit 512 North Salisbury Street 9tn Floor Raleigh NC 27604 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704-27 d 7 e0alchem@cb0 n?eme�n 8 P � fl . j dl'� " t4A 61, jkA-44' Dear Mr. Barnett: permit number Enclosed is the Monitoring and Reporting Requirements for our wQ0016338. 99, we used 21755 tons of Silica residuaherCemainingm our n -site BauAlte For the year of 19requirements digestion process as a fill material. Following you will find t for our permit. our this r company additional days for sending We would like to thank you for allowing questions, please let me know. information to your office. If you have any q Best Regards, ALCHEM, INC. Randall Andrews, President ko 02/11/2005 10:19 7042798418 ALCHEM INC PAGE 01 ALCHEM., INC. CPrparat6 Qfice Saves and Manufacturing 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road 8135 Red Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. ,M-843-2121 -- Pax 910-843-5789 Tel. 704-279-7908 -- Pax 704-279-8418 rfa�semr.net 1% pdrye.alchem@cbiintemet.ner C February 9, 2005 Mr. Rex Gleason Water Quality Regional Supervisor NCDENR 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Gleason: I would like to inform you that we have taken the following steps at our facility, 1. We obtained soil sampling boxes from the local extension agent. We sent in soil samples and asked that we be informed of the recommend levels of Lime to add. We have already added agricultural Lime to the soil in the affected area. We are constantly monitoring the ph of the stream. The latest reading was in the area of ph 6.4 — 6.6. We will continue to monitor the dry run ditch from our property. 2. We have contacted a tree expert at the county agents office. He will be making a site visit next week and will then give us some recommendations. 3. We have completely repaired the silt fence and put much larger stones on it to hold it in place. I will continue giving you reports of our progress. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Oja'Y Gj-� r" Wayne Drye, Plant Manager A ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net January 27, 2005 1.4 JUL 1 1 2005 Mr. Wes Bell Environmental Tech IV NCDENR Division of Water Quality Mooresville Regional Office 610 East Center Ave. Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Bell: Alchem staff has continued to perform repairs on the silt fence by pulling out the bottom skirt and applying rip rap rock to it. Alchem staff and an outside contractor removed a considerable amount of sand from the upper area of Alchem property then applied approximately 40 tons of top soil and 3 tons of lime. We then applied grass seed and fertilizer. Alchem personnel have included the diversion ditch and the bauxite ore unloading station in the clean up activities. The pH in the diversion ditch was 5.96 on 6-29-05. We have included this area on our once per week sampling to monitor the pH levels. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC C)c4 '-Q- 1Dfkj-)e' Wayne Drye, Plant Manager ped WATER & LAND SECTION Fax:319-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:25 P.01 ROY (: c)c.)P R ATTORNEY GENET tAL State of North Carolina Department of Justice goo I Mail Service Center RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27F399-C-)W I FAx TRANSMISSION ENVIRONMENTAL. DIVISION (919)716-6600 Fax: (919) 716-6766 To: Wes Bell Fax #: 704-663-6040 From- Stormie D. roue Subject: Alcham COMMENTS: Date: November 8, 2004 Pages: 9 pages, includmi g this cover sheet. DATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:25 P.02 From:WOODSON SAYERS AND ATTYS 704 000 41F-3 08/18/2004 28:24 #OSJ P.002/002 WOODSON, SAYERS, L LATHER, SHORT i PARRQT'r & WALKER, L.L.P ATTORNEY$ AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW 245 NoPtTW MAIN ST19CI"T, SUITE: P-00 00NAL0 V� SAYZRS POST CiRFICr Dax eag WALYCR H.WOouSUN IB7R-IS1b4 F. F71VEii3 L/'4lYHL'R,JR. SALIA;BURY, NoPTM CAROUNA 2S145-0029 CAhI I�I,8MOh1, J�• �- B.EoWAnn PP11r,01Y TLLLPMON6 (70-4) 043-h000 $FAN C.WALkER TCLeFAx(7041 837-2398 6-MAIL: W00d1aW*0dr0FT)A,rtC0M August 19, 2004 I Stonnie D. Forte Associate Attorney General 1lnvirontnental Division §001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-9001 NTTA FAC,SiM1LE; 919i,716.6766 Dear Stomlie: I 1 received a call ,f#'om your assistant this monvng as to whether I continue to opresent Alchom, Inc. U.1yropreaernation ofAlctaein was completed in this matter when the proposed Motion to Intervene was denied. I understand that Mr, Randall Andrews has requested that you deal directly with him regarding further issues POTI, ini ng to this case and X would agree. Iailight of Mr.. Andrt;ws request altd the fact that the litigation is Qncluded, I no longer colnsidex myself attorney of record in this matter for Alchem. Accordingly, feel free to deal directly and correspond directly with Alchem, I11c. Iai) d Mr. Andrews. I Kiudest rtgards, I -'Sean C. Walker WATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:25 y STATF State of forth Carolina ROY COOPER ATTORNEY OENERAL Department of Justice 9001 Mai) Service Center RALEIGH, NORTH CARO.(v NA 27699-C" l August 24, 2004 Randell Andrews Alchem, Incorporated 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Re. AlchernInc. v NCDE Division of Water Quality Office of Administrative Hearings File No. 03 EHR..1587 Dear Mr. Andrews: Reply to: Stormic D. Fortc Environmental Division Tel (919) 716-660() Fax (919) 716-6766 Sforte@ncdoj.com P. 03 I am writing in response:to your letter dated August 13, 2004. Pursuant to the terms of the settIement agreement for this mkter, Atchem will make twenty-four (24) monthly payments. The first payment in the arnount of $ ?03.30 is due on September 15, 2004, The twenty-three subsequent payments will be due on the first day of each month consecutively and will be in the amount of $203,26, The last payment shall be, due and payable on or before; August 1, 2006, The checks should be made payable to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (or to "D.I:NR") at the following address: Stormie D. Forte, Esq. Attorney General's Office Environmental Protection Division 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 MY office will send you a confirmation letter for each payment received. We will not send you a monthly bill, however, we will. send you a reminder netice if your payment is not received by the first day of each month_ DATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:26 P.04 Alchem-Fage 2 If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel fine to contact me-, With best wishes, I am Very truly ou , • Stormie D. Fo e Associate Attorney General UJRTER & LRND SECTION Fa.x:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:26 P.05 SPATE OF NORTH CAROL;INA FILED IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS COUNTY OF ROWAN, t 2604 MAR ,2 p 3= SO 03 EHR 1587 OFFICE OF ALCHE,M, INC., WAYNE D. DRYE, ADMIOISIRATWE HE)ARIUGS Petitioner, ) V. ) SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND NORTI4 CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL ) RESOURCES, DIVISION OF WATEF, ) QUALITY, ) ) Respondent. ) The North Carolina. Department of Environment and Natural Resources ("DENR"), Respondent, and Petitioner, Alchem, Inc,, Wayne D. Drye ("Petitioner"), hereby enter into this Settlement Agreement ("Agreement") in order to amicably resolve matters ixi controversy as they relate to the civil penalty assessment. This matter arose out of the assessment of civil penalties and costs totaling five thousand nine hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($.5,998.28, which .includes three hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eiglit cents ($39828) in enforcement costs), imposed upon Petitioner on August 18, 2003 for alleged violations of North Carolina General Statuter, § 143-215.1 et seq and Non -Discharge Pen -nit W00016338. J)ENR and the Petitioner have reached the following settlement agreement in this matter: 1. Petitioner will adhere, to the followring conditions: a. Petitioner will submit a plan or schedule to remove sand and other materials from a tributary to Second Creek and the -1- WATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:26 P.06 riparian areas of the two affected private properties adjacent to Alchem, Inc.; b. Petitioner will submit a plan or schedule for removal of sand and other materials deposited by Petitioner's facility to the Moordsville Regional Office of the Division of Water Quality within thirty (30) days of execution of this agreement.; o. Pletitioner shall remove sand and other materials from the creek, creek bank, and the areas where the deposits exist in tb.e forested area adjacent to the creek located on property owned byAlchem, Inc. andthe two affected private properties adjacent to Alchem, Inc, in accordance with the plan or schedule 5ubm.itted.; d. Petitioner shall submit written notice of completion of removal of sand and other materials to the Mooresville Regional Office of the Division of Water Quality within five (5) days of said completion. 2_ The Petitioner will pay a total of four thousand eight hundred seventy-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($4,878.28 ("Settlement Amount"), calculated as follows: Total Penalty $5,600.00 - 20% of penalty = 4$ ,480.00 (80% of penalty) + investigative costs of 398. = $4,878,28) to DENIM for settlement in the manner hereinafter described. The Settlement Amount shall be mdde in the following manner: The Settlement Amount shall be made in twenty-four (24) monthly payments. The first payment shall be due and payable on. -2- WATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:27 P.07 March 1, 2004 in the amount of two hundred three dollars and ilaiily cents ( OIS' 0). Each payment thereafter shall be due and payable on the 1" day of each month consecutively in the amount of two hundred three dollars and twenty-six cents ($203.26) totaling. $203.30 + ($203.26 x 23) $4,674.98 = $4,878.28. The last payment shall be du.e and payable on or before February 1, 2006. 3. The payments shall he by check made payable to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (or to "DENR") at the following address; Stormie, D_ Forte, Esq. Attorney General's Office Environmental Protection Division, Post Office Box; 629 Raleigh, NC 271602-0629 4. The breach of ao.y condition. of Paragraphs one (1), or two (2) by Petitioner will render due and payable the entil e amount of the civil penalty assessment, including investigative costs i.e., five thousand nine hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($5,998.28). 5. Petitioner and ]7ENR expressly stipulate and acknowledge that, by entering into this Agreement, Petitioner neither admits nor denies the allegations contained in, the Findings and Decisions and Assessment of Civil Penalties. However, upon a breach of paragraph one (1) or two (2) of this Agreement, by Ietitioner, the sole issue in any action by DENR is to collect the Entire amount or the civil penalty assessment including investigative costs i.e., five thousand nine hundred ninety-eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($5,998.28) in accordance with the teens of paragraph four (4) above and will be limited to the Petitioner's compliance with the terms of this Agreernent. -3. WATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:27 P.08 S. DENR agrees to accept payments totaling four thousand eight hundred seventy- eight dollars and twenty-eight cents ($4,878.28), in complete satisfaction of the civil penalty assessment subject to the terms of this Agreement. 6. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict any right of DENR to take any enforcement action against Petitioner for any fixture Aolations; i.e., violations occurring after May 8, 2003. 7. The DENR and Petitioner agree that, for purposes of any future bankruptcy proceeding, this Agreement is not intended as, nor shall it be deemed to constitute, a novation of any claims asserted by DENR against Petitioner. Petitioner further agrees that all sums payable to DENR. pursuant to this Agreement are nondischargeable in bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 523. Nothing in this Agreement releases any nondischar-geability claims that may be asserted by DENR. in any bankruptcy proceeding, and nothing in -this Al reernent shall be deemed a waiver of the DENR 's right to rely on the nature of any claim or debt released in this Agreement to show that the claim or debt is nondisdliargeable. S. This Agreement'ishall be binding upon the parties and is entered into knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. -4- WATER & LAND SECTION Fax:919-716-6766 Nov 8 '04 15:27 P.09 WITHDRAWAL OF PETITTON 9. Entry of this Asymement serve as Petitioner's Withdrawal of its Petition for Contested Case Hearing Without Prejudice in these matters. The parties agree this natter is concluded and that no further proceedings are neededor required to resolve the contested. case. This the _[�.f day of February 2004. FOR THE DIVISION OF WATER. QUALITY Alan Klimek, Director of Water Quality Date: D. Rex Gleason, Mooresville . Regional Supervisor Date: S ` 6 ROY COOPER Attorney General By: � &4 Storm.ie D. Forte Associate Attom.ey General N'. C. Department of Justice Environmental Division 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 (919) 716-6600 (919) 716-6766/Fax -s- PETITIONER: Alchem, Inc., Wayne D. Drye Date:r,�� Randall F. Andrews, Consultant Alchein, Inc. Date: -1z -, Zovt ROY COOPER ATTORNEY GENERAL Sean C. Walker, Esq. State of North Carolina Department of .Justice 9001 Mail Service Center RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699,9001 July 29, 2004 Woodson, Sayers, Lawther, Short, Parrott & Walker,-L.L.P. Attorneys and Counselors at Law Post Office Box 829 Reply to: Stormie D. Forte Environmental Division Tel (919) 716-6600 Fax (919) 716-6766 Sforte@ncdoc�otupe Mj)MAf uPPL f+,ES0URCE8 OFFICE, AUG 0 2 200A Salisbury, North Carolina 28145-0829 ,`'`' WATER Re: Alchem, Inc., Wayne D. Drye. v. NCDENR Division of Water Quality Office of Administrative Hearings File No. 03 EHR 1587 Dear Mr. Walker: I am writing'regardirig'the Settlement Agreement that was previously executed and filed in this matter. As you are aware, we agreed to suspend the terms of the agreement regarding payment of the Civil Penalty until the issue 'of the Motion to Intervene was resolved. Judge Mann denied the motion. Therefore, the Settlement Agreement is considered properly filed and its terms maybe implemented. We are requesting the first monthly payment, in the amount of $203.30 be made by August 15, 2004. Each subsequent payment is due by the first day of -leach month for twenty three (23) consecutive months. The final payment will be due on or before July 1, 2006. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. With best wishes, I am Very truly ours, M �V �r- ./k Stormie D. Forte Associate Attorney General ater Quality Regional Supervisor, Mooresville Regional Office ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net December 9, 2004 ,lv Mr. D. Rex Gleason, , C Mooresville Regional Supervisor NCDENR Division of Water Quality Iredell County Government Center South 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115 Subject: Remediation of affected areas Dear Mr. Gleason: Alchem, Inc has already removed 80% of sand on Alchem, Inc property, creek bank and creek. Alchem, Inc has removed 80% of sand on a tributary to Second Creek and the riparian areas of the two affected private properties adjacent to Alchem, Inc. The affected areas are in a very low area that stays wet most of the time. Alchem, Inc will remove all sand from the creek and creek bank. Alchem was served with a civil action for trespassing on the two affected private properties adjacent to Alchem, Inc. Therefore, this stopped the cleanup on these properties. Alchem, Inc will continue the clean up on the two affected adjacent properties with a vacuum pump and any equipment needed to complete the clean up. Alchem, Inc will need to have written permission from the two adjacent private property owners attorney before we can complete this clean up. Best Regards, ALCHEM, INC. Wayne D Drye, Plant Manager Z p01 1 01/27/2005 16:38 7042798418 ALCHEM INC PAGE 01 4W/ ALCHEM, INC. 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 FAX: 704-279-8418 pdrye0balltel,net FAX TO; FROM; Mr, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Wayne Drye FAX NUMBER: DATE: 1 /27/2005 COMPANY: TOTAL NO. OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER; NCDENR 2 PHONE NUMB U• R: RC: Tracking #: NO V"-2005-SS-001 01/27/2005 1G:38 7042799418 ALCHEM INC PAGE 02 ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 pdrye a alltel_net January 27, 2005 Mr, D. Rex. Gleason, P.E. Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor NCDENR Division of Water Quality Surface Water Protection Unit 610 East Center Ave. Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Gleason: Alchem, Inc is very concerned about the impact of the runoff from Alchem property. Alchem, Inc has removed sand from the stream and wooded areas using temporary personnel. Some of the areas were not possible to enter with manual labor. Alchem has hired Tara Group Construction to bring in heavy equipment to complete this clean up in a quick and professional manner. Alchem employees have applied some agricultural lime in some areas to neutralize the soil. We will increase this effort. The silt fence is very hard to maintain with fallen limbs and trees. Alchem is in the process now of putting rip zap rock at the base of the silt fence and the silt fence will be observed more often. 'Para Group has applied 3 feet to the berm around the entire residual storage perimeter in the last week and very close to moving into the heavily wooded areas for clean up. Alchem has contacted Rowan Community College to hire a student to do environmental checks, pH testing, collect water samples, etc for Alchem. Alchem, Inc personnel did ply testing every week since the last N.Q.V. The pH reading was not as low as Mr. Wes Bell reported. 1 expect to have this clean up completed by mid February weather permitting. If possible we would like to meet with you before you take any action on this. Best regards, ALCHEM INC Wayne Drye, Platt Manager pcd OF W AT�R Michael F. Easley, Governor (Ad William G. Ross Jr., Secretary `O� QG North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources : r Alan W. Klimek, P. E. Director —{ Division of Water Quality ti� Y Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director Division of Water Quality n August 20, 2003 Mr. Larry Samples 8470 Medium Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Follow-up Complaint Investigations ALCHEM, Inc.'s Corrective Actions Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Samples: Attached is a copy of the Report of Investigation prepared by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office regarding the follow-up investigations of.the corrective actions initiated by ALCHEM, Inc. to the on -site residual storage area and the affected stream and wooded/riparian areas. The follow-up investigations were performed by this Office on August 7 and August 8, 2003. The report should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor VA 14CDENR N. C. Division of Water Quality Mooresville Regional Office 919 North Main Street Mooresville NC 28115 (704) 663-1699 Customer Service 1-877-623-6748 DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY June 24, 2003 MEMORANDUM TO: Jeffrey O. Poupart FROM: D. Rex Gleason PREPARED BY: Wes Bell SUBJECT: Enforcement Recommendation ALCHEM, Inc. Violation ofN.C.G.S. 143-215.1, 15A NCAC 2B .0211(3)(g), and Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0016338 Rowan County, N.C. Attached is an enforcement report which details violations of N.C.G.S. 143-215.1, 15A NCAC 2B .0211(3)(g), and Permit No. WQ0016338. Also enclosed is ALCHEM, Inc.'s response letter to the Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement, MRO's NOV/NRE and clarification letters, and several complaint investigations previously performed by this Office. Based upon our review of the response, an enforcement action is still recommended. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact Wes or me. Attachments M; STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ROWAN IN THE MATTER OF ALCHEM, INC. FOR VIOLATIONS OF: N.C.G.S. 143-215.1, 15ANCAC 2B .0211(3(g), AND PERMIT CONDITIONS OF NON -DISCHARGE PERMIT NO WQ0016338 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES File No. PC/SS FINDINGS AND DECISIONS AND ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES Acting pursuant to delegation provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Director of Water Quality, I, Jeffrey O. Poupart, Supervisor of the Non -Discharge Compliance and Enforcement Unit of the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), make the following: FINDING OF FACT: A. ALCHEM, Inc. is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina. B. ALCHEM, Inc. operates a bauxite residuals reuse program (as structural fill) on ALCHEM, Inc.'s property, which is located at 8135 Red Road in Rockwell, North Carolina. C. On January 21, 1999, ALCHEM, Inc. was issued Permit No. WQ0016338, effective January 21, 1999, with an expiration date on December, 31, 2004. D. Permit No. WQ0016338 issued to ALCHEM, Inc. contained the following conditions: Part I., Section 1, Performance Standards The residuals program shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non - discharge. system to prevent the discharge of any wastes resulting from the operation of this program. Part II, Section 3, Operation and Maintenance Requirements Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion and surface runoff from conveying pollutants from the residuals treatment area onto the adjacent / property or into any surface waters. ALCHEM, Inc. Findings and Decisions Page Two Part III (Monitoring/Reporting Req.$), Section 6, Noncompliance Notification The permittee shall report by telephone to the Mooresville Regional Office, telephone number (704)663-1699, as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours or on the next working day following the occurrence or first knowledge of the occurrence of any of the following: Any'failure of the reuse program resulting in a release of material to receiving waters. Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter form within five (5) days following first knowledge of the occurrence. E. The surface water quality standard for pH is between 6 — 9 s.u., as set forth in 15A NCAC 2B .0211 (3)(g). F. On April 30 and May 8, 2003, DWQ/MRO investigations had determined that the runoff from ALCHEM, Inc.'s residual storage area had impacted up to 500 linear feet of a tributary to Second Creek and the riparian areas of two adjacent private properties. Inadequate erosion control measures were observed at ALCHEM, Inc.'s residual storage area. DWQ/MRO staff measured up to 24 inches of residual deposition in the tributary and up to 12 inches throughout the riparian areas. A sediment basin (at the residual storage area) was observed discharging into the tributary during both site investigations. Several pH measurements of the impacted tributary were measured in the range of 4.15 s.u. to 4.22 s.u. and the pH of the sediment basin discharge was measured at 3.86 s.u. Both discharges had caused the instream pH to fall below the 6 — 9 s.u. pH stream standard range for Class C Waters. The release of the residuals into the tributary was never reported to DWQ/MRO. G. On May 12, 2003, DWQ/MRO orginally issued a.Notice of Violation and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement -to. ALCHEM, Inc., for violations of .conditions of Permit No. WQ0002702 and surface water quality standards. Upon DWQ/MRO's further investigation it was found that the referenced permit number was incorrect. On May 14, 2003, DWQ/MRO, issued a clarification letter that had corrected the referenced permit number to WQ0016338. H. ALCHEM, Inc. was issued a NOV on January, 15, 2002 for the failure to submit the required monitoring reports stipulated in Section III, Parts 3 and 4 of Permit No. WQ0016338. ALCHEM, Inc. Findings and Decisions Page Three I. The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures in this matter totaled $398.28. Based upon the above Findings of Fact, I make the following: II. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: A. ALCHEM, Inc. is a "person" within the meaning of G.S. 143-215.6A pursuant to G.S. 143-212(4). B. Permit No. WQ0016338 is required by G.S. 143-215.1. C. ALCHEM, Inc. violated G.S. 143-215.1 and Permit No. WQ0016338 by not properly operating and maintaining the facility as a non -discharge facility. E. ALCHEM, Inc. violated G.S. 143-215.1 and Permit No. WQ0016338 by failing to provide adequate provisions to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants from the residuals treatment area onto adjacent property or into surface waters. F. ALCHEM, Inc. violated G.S. 143-215.1 and Permit No. WQ0016338 by failing to notify this office of the residuals release into the receiving stream. D. ALCHEM, Inc. violated the pH water quality stream standard pursuant to 15A NCAC 213 .0211(3)(g). E. ALCHEM, Inc., may be assessed civil penalties in this matter pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(a)(2), which provides that a civil penalty of not more . than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per violation per day may be assessed against a person who is required but fails to apply for or to secure a permit required by G.S. 143-215.1, or who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of such permit or any other permit or certification issued pursuant to authority conferred by this part. F. ALCHEM, Inc., may be assessed civil penalties in this matter pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(a)(1), which provides that'a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) pei violation per day may be assessed against a person who violates any classification, standard, limitation, or management practice established pursuant to G.S. 143-215, 143-215.1, or 143-215.3. ALCHEM, Inc. Findings and Decisions Page Four G. The State's enforcement cost in this matter may be assessed against ALCHEM, Inc., pursuant to G.S. 143-215.3(a)(9) and G.S. 14313- 282(b)(8). H. The Supervisor of the Non -Discharge Compliance and Enforcement Unit, Division of Water Quality, pursuant to delegation provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Director of the Division of Water Quality, has the authority to assess civil penalties in this matter. Based upon the above Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, I make the following: III. DECISION: Accordingly, ALCHEM, Inc. is hereby assessed a civil penalty of: $ for of one violation for failure to properly operate and maintain the facility as a non -discharge facility to prevent the discharge of any wastes resulting from the operation of this program as required by Part I , Section 1 of Permit No. WQ0016338. $ for of one violation for failure to provide adequate provisions as to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants from the residuals treatment area onto adjacent property or into surface waters as required by Part II, Section 3 of Permit No. WQ0016338. $ for of one violation for failure to provide notification to the MRO of the failure of the reuse program resulting in a release of material to receiving waters as required by Part III, Section 6 of Permit No. WQ0016338. $ for of three violations of the pH stream standard pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B .0211(3)(g). $ TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY, which is percent of the maximum penalty authorized by G.S:AY43-215,88A. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(c), in determining the amount of the penalty I have i taken into account the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and the factors set forth at G.S. 14313-282.1(b), which are: r ALCHEM, Inc. Findings and Decisions Page Five (1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violation(s); (2) The duration and gravity of the violation(s); (3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; (4) The cost of rectifying the damage; (5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; (6) Whether the violation(s) was committed willfully or intentionally; (7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and (8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. Date Jeffrey O. Poupart, Supervisor Non -Discharge Compliance and Enforcement Unit Division of Water Quality r�l ATTACHMENT A Date Location Results May 8, 2003 40-50 ft. downstream 4.22s.u. May 8, 2003 100-200 ft. downstream 4.22 s.u. May 8, 2003 400-500 ft. downstream 4.15 s.u. May 8, 2003 sediment basin discharge* 3.86 s.u. * located on ALCHEM, Inc.'s property DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT CASE ASSESSMENT FACTORS Type: (PC/SS) Permit Condition/Stream Standard Violations Violator: ALCHEM, Inc. Address: 8135 Red Road Rockwell, North Carolina. 28135 Registered Agent: Mr. Randall F. Andrews, President Address: 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Regional Office: Mooresville 1. The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violations: .Impacts to the tributary to Second Creek and adjacent private properties occurred from the runoff of the residuals and the sediment basin discharges from the ALCHEM, Inc. residual storage site. The two private properties (riparian areas) contained large accumulations of residuals (sandbar appearance) in several locations with measurements up to twelve (12) inches. The residuals had impacted up to 500 linear feet of stream Specifically, twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) inches of deposition was measured throughout the impacted portion of the tributary. The tributary's pH was nearly 100 times more acidic than the upstream (unaffected) section due to the deposited residuals and the sediment basin discharges. 2. The duration and gravity of the violations: The discharges appeared to have occurred over several months. 3. The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality:. The riparian areas/private properties had.residual deposition up to twelve (12) inches and the stream had residual deposition up to twenty-four (24) inches. As such, no aquatic life was found due to the stream being covered by the runoff of the residuals. -The impacted portion of the tributary was nearly 100 times more acidic (than the upstream/unaffected portion) due to the residual deposition and sediment basin discharges. 4. The cost of rectifying the damage: According to ALCHEM, Inc.'s response letter, the cleanup activities were estimated at $68,250.00. The cleanup activities incorporated by ALCHEM, Inc. have not been completed; therefore, the official amount could not be determined. 5 0 7. a 10 The amount of money saved by noncompliance: None could be determined; however, money could have been saved by facility's failure to incorporate the appropriate erosion control measures. Whether the violations were committed willfully or intentionally: The violations did not appear to be willful or intentional; however, the Non -Discharge Permit clearly indicates the conditions for compliance. The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority: A NOV was issued on January 15, 2002 by DWQ/MRO for the failure to submit the required monitoring reports stipulated in Section III, Parts 3 and 4 of Permit No. WQ0016338. A NOV was issued by DWQ/MRO on October 25, 1990 regarding an illegal discharge (overflow) from one of the settling lagoons. The stream's pH was analyzed by MRO staff and was below the minimum water quality stream standard (less than 6.0 s.u.). On May 30, 1986, DWQ/MRO staff observed a black pipe in the stream for the removal of alum sludge that had accumulated in the stream. No NOV was issued. A complaint report dated December 30, 1985 detailed several site visits conducted by MRO staff regarding the conditions of the unnamed tributary adjacent to ALCHEM, Inc. that included: elevated aluminum/zinc/iron levels and a white floc that had covered the stream bottom. In addition, the investigations revealed very low pH measurements in a catch basin (< 2.0 with litmus paper) that had collected stormwater and residual runoff from the ALCHEM, Inc. facility (See attached reports). The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures: Central Office Review and Processing 14 hours by investigators for investigating and drafting report @ $17.38/hour 1.0 hour by Water Quality Regional Supervisor for review @ $39.96/hour. . 1.0 hour for clerical support @ $15.00/hour = $100.00 $243.32 _ $ 39.96 $ 15.00 TOTAL . = $398.28 Type of violator and general nature of business (i.e. individual vs. large corporation): ALCHEM, Inc. is a business involved with the production of alum (aluminum sulfate) that is utilized as a settling aid for water treatment facilities. Violator's degree of cooperation (including efforts to prevent or restore) or recalcitrance: The facility has been cooperative regarding corrective actions. 11. Mitigating Circumstances: Permit No. WQ0016338 requires the residuals (utilized as a fill material) to be analyzed twice per year. A review of the analyses revealed pH values in the ranges of 3.2 s.u. to 3.8 s.u. The pH of the sediment basin discharge (containing residuals and stormwater runoff was measured at 3.86 s.u. (on May 8, 2003). The residuals appear to contain sulfuric acid resulting from the bauxite digestion process. 12. Assessment Factors: a. IWC: N/A b. Receiving Stream: unnamed tributary to Second Creek (C1ass'C Water) C. SOC/JOC status/negotiations: N/A e. Copy of Permit: Attached f. Damage: Stream standard violations, sedimentation impacts to the tributary and private property (riparian areas) CERTIFICATION PAGE I certify that the information in this report is true to the best of my knowledge. All violations of self -monitoring data have been verified by hard copy review of the monthly reports (if applicable).and the:appropriate,permit (if applicable). Signature of Principle Investigator(s): Wesley .._Be11;.Environmental Tech. IV Date: C. :6 kjk. & ,) TQ Si. 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Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality May 14, 2003 Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Permit Number Correction NOV/NRE ALCHEM, Inc. Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Drye: Our records indicate that your facility has been issued two Non -Discharge Permits (WQ0016338 and WQ0002702) with the same effective (January 21, 1999) and expiration (December 31, 2004) dates. However, the referenced permit number in the NOV/NRE report was mistakenly printed as WQ0002702. Please note that the permit number should have been WQ0016338 (which was incorrectly listed and submitted to the permittee, Randall Andrews, and our office as WQ0016388). The permit conditions referenced in the NOV/NRE report were cited from Permit No. WQ0016338. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. 1699. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Wes Bell or me at (704) 663- Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachments cc: Rowan County Health Department I N. WIM 'HONE "704) 663-1699 Mooresville Regional Office. 919 North Main Street, Mooresville. NC 28115 NZDENR =AX (704) 663-6040 Customer Service O�O� ,SAT �9QGUL U May 12, 2003 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 U5 Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross, Jr.,Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality Subject: Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement ALCHEM, Inc. Illegal Discharge/Permit Violations/ Surface Water Quality Standard Violations Permit No. WQ0002702 Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Drve: Chapter 143, Article 21 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) authorizes and directs the Environmental Management Commission of this Department to protect and preserve the water resources of the State. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has the delegated authority to enforce adopted pollution control rules and regulations. Enclosed please find a copy of a Complaint Investigation Report for the investigation conducted on April 30, 2003 by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. As a result of this investigation, the following conditions were found in violation of North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-215.1, 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2B .0211 (2), (3)(c) and (g), and Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0002702: The facility's storage area for its fill material had discharged into a drainage/wooded area and an intermittent stream. The intermittent stream was observed covered (up to 24 inches) with the fill material for a total distance of approximately 400-500 feet (upstream and downstream of Medium Road). The upstream pH value was 6.04 s.u. and the downstream pH values (following the discharges) ranged from 4.15 s.u. to 4.22 s.u. The facility impaired/removed the suitability of the stream for aquatic life and propagation and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, and secondary recreation. The permittee failed to 1) properly operate and maintain the facility as a non -discharge facility, 2) cease reuse operation once nuisance conditions existed, 3) provide adequate provisions to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants into surface waters, and 4) notify this office of the residuals release into the receiving stream. Mooresville Regional Office, 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115 NON= 04) 663-1699 '(7 =AX 104) 663-6040 *Ar N'CDERR Customer Service i R n n R7277dR Mr. Wayne Drye NOV/NR.E Page Two Please be advised that this report is being issued as a Notice of Violation (NOV) and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement for the violations of NCGS 143-215.1, 15A NCAC 2B .0211 (2), (3)(c) and (g), and Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0002702. Be advised that NCGS 143-215.6A provides for a civil penalty assessment of not more that twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of a continuing nature, against any person who fails to abide by the conditions of the permit and who fails to apply for or to secure a permit required by NCGS 143-215.1. 'Penalties may also be assessed for any damage to the surface waters of the State that may result from the unpermitted discharge. It is requested that you respond, in writing, within twenty days following receipt of this Notice. The response should address the measures taken to collect and remove the fill material, and efforts to restore all affected areas. Measures taken to prevent future discharges should also be discussed. This letter is also to advise you that this Office is considering sending a recommendation for enforcement action to the Director of the Division of Water Quality for the discharge of the fill material into a stream, water quality stream standard violations (pH and best usage), and the facility's failure to abide by the conditions of Permit No. WQ0002702. If you have an explanation for the violations that you wish to present, please include same in the requested response. Your explanation will be reviewed and if an enforcement action is still deemed appropriate, your explanation will be forwarded to the Director along with the enforcement package for his consideration. To comply with the regulations, it will be necessary to collect and remove all of the fill material (in the stream and drainage/wooded areas) and restore all affected areas as nearly as may be to the conditions existing prior to the discharge. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, - D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachments cc: Rowan County Health Department NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Complaint Investigation DATE OF INVESTIGATION: April 30, 2003 INVESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell TIME SPENT: 2.0 hours PLACE VISITED: ALCHEM, Inc. Business Site PHYSICAL LOCATION: Rockwell, Rowan County MAILING ADDRESS: 8135 Red Road Rockwell, N.C. 28138 TELEPHONE m: (704) 279-7908 RIVER BASIN: Yadkin -Pee Dee PERSONS CONTACTED: Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, On -site Employees REASON FOR VISIT: Investigation of complaint regarding discharge of a white substance into a drainage/ wooded area and creek COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department REPORT: On April 29,, 2003, this office received a complaint that a white substance from ALCHEM, Inc. had been discharged. into a drainage/wooded area and intermittent stream in Rockwell, Rowan County.- The complaint was investigated by Wes Bell of this office on April 30, 2003. Mr. Bell arrived at a residence below ALCHEM, Inc. adjacent to Medium Road. Mr. Bell observed large accumulations of a white, granular material (sand appearance) throughout the drainage/wooded area. In addition, this white substance had completely covered the bottom of an intermittent stream (unnamed tributary to Second Creek - Class C Stream) for approximately 200-300 feet (upstream of Medium Road). The intermittent stream was observed free -flowing on top of the white substance at the time of the investigation. Mr. Bell traced the white material (upstream) throughout the drainage/wooded area and intermittent stream to a large storage area containing this white material. The material appeared to be used as a fill material. This fill material appeared to have covered an area between three to five acres. The fill area had been severely eroded allowing the material to flow across a sediment basin and silt fence into the drainage/wooded area. The white substance (combined with a clay) had eroded/discharged into the intermittent stream in several locations. The permittee did not appear to have incorporated appropriate erosion control measures to contain the material. Complaint Investigation Page Two Mr. Bell met with the ALCHEM, Inc. on -site employees. Mr. Bell escorted one of the employees to the affected drainage/wooded area and intermittent stream. While at the facility, Mr. Bell observed two lagoons adjacent to the fill material. The employee indicated that the two lagoons were part of a wastewater reuse system. A third lagoon on -site was utilized as a backup. Bauxite (aluminum ore) is transported to ALCHEM via railcart. The bauxite is mixed with silica sand (80% bauxite and 20% silica sand), and made into a slurry via water additions. Sulfuric acid is added to the bauxite slurry (to create the finished product - aluminum sulfate) and a polymer is then added to aide in settling/removal of the sand. The sand is removed and rinsed three times with water (to remove the aluminum) prior to discharging the sand/water mixture into the lagoon system. The sand is removed from the lagoons and used as a fill material. The water is also reused in the process. Mr. Bell was informed by the on -site employee that the facility monitors two on -site groundwater monitoring wells as well as the fill material. Mr. Bell reviewed the facility's permit requirements on -site and at this office. Mr. Bell determined that ALCHEM, Inc. was issued Permit No. WQ0002702 by the Division for the on -site reuse of silica residuals from bauxite digestion as a fill material. The Permit became effective on January 21, 1999 and expires on December 21, 2004. The Permit authorizes the usage of 3,000 tons per year of residual to be used as a fill material on the company's property from the bauxite residuals reuse program. The facility failed to comply with the conditions of their permit. Specifically, the facility failed to 1) properly operate and maintain the facility as a non -discharge facility, 2) cease reuse operation once nuisance conditions existed. 3) provide adequate provisions to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants into surface waters, and 4) notify this office of the residuals release into receiving waters. The accumulation of the fill material in the stream impacted/removed the suitability of the waters for aquatic life and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture, which is a violation of 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2B .0211 (2) and (3)(c). Messrs. Bell and Alan Johnson (of this office) revisited the drainage/wooded areas and intermittent stream upstream and downstream of Medium Road on 5/8/03. Mr. Bell sampled the intermittent stream for pH above and below the impacted areas throughout the intermittent stream. The upstream -pH value was 6.04 s.u. and the downstream pH -values ranged from 4.15 to 4.22 s.u. A pH value of 4.22 s.u. was recorded at the most distant downstream sampling location (100-150 feet downstream of Medium Road). The facility's discharge of the fill material into the stream caused a surface water quality pH standard violation. The standard for Class C Waters is between the 6-9 s.u. (Reference: 15A NCAC 2B .0211(3)(g). Large accumulations of the fill material were also observed throughout the drainage/wooded area at this downstream location. Mr. Bell analyzed the pH of the accumulated water in the sediment basin adjacent to the fill material. The pH value was 3.86 s.u. The sediment basin was discharging into the intermittent stream at the time of this investigation. Mr. Johnson's measurements of the accumulations in the stream channel showed a depth of up to twenty-four inches. Mr. Johnson also measured accumulations up to twelve inches throughout the drainage/wooded areas (upstream and downstream of Medium Road). Complaint Investigation Page Three Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, contacted Mr. Bell via telephone regarding the investigation. Mr. Bell informed Mr. Drye of the findings and environmental regulations relevant to the investigation. In addition, Mr. Bell informed Mr. Drye that the Division of Land Resources' Land Quality Section would be notified regarding the inadequate erosion and control measures. Mr. Drye and his staff were very cooperative and helpful throughout this investigation. A follow-up investigation by this office may be necessary to verify adequate remedial actions. WaTF9� Michael F. Easley, Governor j1 r William G. Ross. Jr.,Secretary Ma North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources ✓ Alan W. Klimek. °.E., Director Division of Water Quality May 12.2003 Mr. Larry Samples 8470 Medium Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Complaint Investigation ALCHEM, Inc./Ille2al Discharae Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Samples: Attached is a copy of the Report of Investigation prepared by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office regarding your complaint of a discharge of a white substance into a drainage/wooded area and creek. The complaint was received by this office on April 29, 2003. The report should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachment cc: Rowan County Health Department Mooresville Regional Office, 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115 NCD`NR 'HONE i704) 663-1699 Customer Service =AX 704) 663-6040 1 800 823-7748 ALCHEM, INC. Corporate Office Sales and Manufacturing 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road 8135 Red Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. gio-843-2121 — Fax gio-843-5789 Tel. 704-279-7908 —Fax 704-279-8418 rfa@semr.net l � pdrye.alchem@cbiinternet.net �N May 28, 2003 Mr. D. Rex Gleason Water Quality Regional Supervisor NCDENR 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Gleason: R E C""'Erv'F MAY z 0 2003 NC DEFT cn- zwVlk(}MMEN AND PMATURAL RESOURCES MOORESVILLE REGIONALOFFICE Thank you for your letter of May 12, 2003. I am very sorry about this problem. Please rest assured that we do not take our responsibilities in this matter lightly. We certainly want to do everything that we can humanly do to arrange for a long- term solution. I would like to outline for you as best as I can in words what our plan will be. I am certain that you are aware that we had such a large amount of rain this spring that we were frankly overwhelmed by all of the water coming onto our property. We never expected that. such large volumes of water intrusion would occur. Please allow me to outline the following that we can do to solve this problem. 1. We will remove the pipe embedded in the sand area. 2. We will divert all water from Red Road and West of the train tracks around the sand. 3. We will establish a berm around the reuse sand. We will use recommended erosion control measures on the berm to avoid to the greatest extent practical erosion from the berm. 4. We will establish a storm water holding pond. All storm water that has come in contact with the reuse sand pile will be channeled to the holding pond and pumped back up to our process water tanks. 5. We will keep an inspection log with monthly inspections to make certain that the holding pond has not lost any storm water. We will inspect the stream to make certain that no run off from our facility has occurred. 6. We will clean the small stream and do our very best to restore it to its original condition. 7. We have contracted with a local surveying and engineering company to help us to determine how large the holding basin needs to be. ALCHEM, INC. Corporate Office 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28377 Tel. 9io-843-2121 — Fax 910-843-5789 rfa@semr.net Sales and Manufacturing 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704-279-7908 — Fax 704-279-8418 pdrye.alchem@cbiintemet.net 8. We plan to inspect the holding pond to make certain that it has not filled with sand. If there is any sand we will remove it. We will inspect monthly. 9. We intend to contract with a construction company to construct this project. Please see enclosed contract. I hope that this information is satisfactory to you. Please let me know if you have any questions comments or concerns. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC. Wayne Drye, Vice President vll 4do bcnsaq� c P S /J M \ a o �i 9Y as GR A M \A0r,' May 23, 2003 The TARA GROUP OF LUMBERTON, INC. 2042 Buie Philadelphus Rd Red Springs, NC 28377 NC# 41562 — SC# 98350 Equipment vards — Hwy 72 West, Lumberton, NC Red Road, Rockwell, NC Telephone 910-843-4497 N Facsimile 910-843-5789 Mr. D. Rex Gleason, P.E., Water Quality Regional Supervisor North Carolina Department of National Resources 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 RE: Notice of Violation for Alchem, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Permit No. w a co 1 33(, Rowan County, NC Dear Mr. Gleason: Please be advised that Alchem, Inc has hired The TARA Group of Lumberton, Inc. The proposal for this project was signed Monday May 12, 2003. -TARA Group will be providing design build grading and erosion control repairs for our client at the above reference address. TARA Group has subcontracted with Johnny Nobles & Associates to provide all surveying and engineering work that will take place on this project site. We will be forwarding the erosion control plan to you for approval by you and DENR within the next 15 days. We have advised our client that we will be working very closely with them within the next week to install temporary and necessary erosion control measures so this will reduce the possibility of any further violation in regards to this matter. We look forward to working with you and DENR in getting this matter resolved and getting our client in compliance. Our company maintains an excellent working relationship with the Fayetteville regional office of DENR. We will be contacting you shortly in regards to this matter. If you have any questions prior to us contacting you please feel free to contact us to discuss this matter. Again, we look forward to solving the problems at hand and putting our client back in total compliance with your agency along with DENR. WOMAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE! Heavy Highway Utilities Sewer Plants Mining May 28, 2003 061"k4c RO AMaR%° The TARA GROUP OF LUMBERTON, INC 2042 Buie Philadelphus Rd Red Springs, NC 28377 NC# 41562 — SC# 98350 Equipment yards — Hwy 72 West, Lumberton, NC Red Road, Rockwell, NC Telephone 910-843-4497 N Facsimile 910-843-5789 CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TARA GROUP OF LUMBERTON AND ALCHEM, INC. Job description: Provide all planning, design, labor and equipment to perform various work as listed. 1. Provide a diversion around the railroad tracks for offsite water to be diverted around sand storage. 2. Provide a berm around the sand storage to divert all offsite water from the sand and divert all on site rainwater to the storm water storage area. 3. Prepare a storm water retention basis with enough capacity for a 25-year storm event. 4. Provide a plan from Johnny Nobles And Associates of Lumberton, NC to prepare this site to ensure that all storm water is captured and used as process water. 5. Stop water flow from .the pipe that is embedded in the sand. Price: $ 68,250.00 Time: To start upon approval Length: 120 days from approval. - Payment: Progress payments to be made every 30 days. ALCHEM, INC. TARA GROUP OF LUMBERTON, INC. Wayne Drye, Denise B. Andrews, Vice President President WOMAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE! Heavy Highway Utilities Sewer Plants Mining Thanks you for your corporation in this matter. Sincerely Charlie Andrews CC: Johnny Nobles, RLS; Johnny Nobles & Associates Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, Alchem, Inc. WOMAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE! Heavy Highway Utilities Sewer Plants Mining State of North Carolina Qepartment of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality 10 James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Mr. Randall F. Andrews Alchem, Incorporated 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Dear Mr. Andrews: Director.___ January 21, 1999 1 • NCDENR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Subject: Permit No. WQ00 1 �_ Z e Alchem, Incorporated Bauxite Residuals Reuse Program Rowan County In accordance with your application received on October 23, 1998, we are forwarding herewith Permit No. WQ0016388, dated January 21, 1999, to Alchem, Incorporated for the on -site reuse of a silica residual from bauxite digestion as a fill material. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 2004 and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. Please pay particular attention to the monitoring and reporting requirements contained in this permit. Failure to establish an adequate system for collecting and maintaining the required operational information will result in future compliance problems. If any parts, requirements, or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable, you have the right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of this permit. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Drawer 27447, Raleigh, NC 27611-7447. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding. If you need additional information concerning this matter, please ntact Joe Pearce at (919) 733-5083 extension 544. �— Sincere /A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E. cc: Rowan County Health Department Mooresville Regional Office, Water Quality Section Technical Assistance and Certification Unit Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit PO Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone (919) 733-5083 Fax (919) 733-0719 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/10% post -consumer paper NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES RALEIGH PERMIT FOR THE USE OF RESIDUALS In accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of Chapter 143, General Statutes of North Carolina as amended, and other -applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED TO Alchem, Inc. Rowan County FOR THE operation of a bauxite residuals reuse program (as structural fill) on Alchem, Inc.'s property at 8135 Red Road, Rockwell, North Carolina using approximately 3000 dry tons per year of residuals from the sources listed in Condition II 2, with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the application received on October 23, 1998, and in conformity with the project plan, specifications, and other supporting data subsequently filed and approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and considered a part of this permit. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 2004 and shall be subject to the following specified conditions and limitations: I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 1. The residuals program shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to prevent the discharge of any wastes resulting from the operation of this program. 2. This permit shall become voidable in the event of failure of the residuals program to adequately protect the assigned water quality standards of the surface waters and groundwaters. 3. The issuance of this permit shall not relieve the Permittee of the responsibility for damages to . surface or groundwaters resulting from the operation of this program.. 4. In the event that the bauxite residuals reuse program is not operated satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall cease the reuse operation take any immediate corrective actions as may be required by the Division of Water Quality (Division). Written notification must be submitted to the Mooresville Regional Office, (704)663-1699, at least two weeks prior to any use of residuals within 50 feet of any surface waters. No residual shall be used with 100 feet of a potable water supply well unless a clay or synthetic liner is placed over and under the residual during installation. It will be the responsibility of Alchem, Inc. to verify the position and integrity of the liner prior to backfill. Under no circumstances shall residuals be located within 25 feet of a potable water supply well. II. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 1. No residuals other than the following are hereby approved for use in accordance with this permit: Permit Volume Source County Number (Dry Tons/Year) Alchem, Inc. Leached Bauxite Rowan WQ0002712 3000 2. The following use of the residual is hereby approved: - Structural fill on Alchem, Inc.'s property at at 8135 Red Road, Rockwell, North Carolina Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion and surface runoff from conveying pollutants from the residuals treatment area onto the adjacent property or into any surface waters. 4. No residuals shall be utilized for land reclamation within one foot of a seasonal high water table and within three feet of a permanent water table. 5. No residuals shall be used as pipe bedding for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, or potable water lines. 6. The permittee shall insure that the transportation of the residuals does not cause any adverse impact, i.e. transport in a leak proof truck for wet material, ensure that trucks are covered for dry material, or otherwise protected to prevent any adverse impact resulting from operation. III. MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 1. Any monitoring (including groundwater, surface water, residuals,. soil, or plant tissue analyses) deemed necessary by the Division to insure protection of the environment will be established and an acceptable sampling and reporting schedule shall be followed. 2. Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee tracking all utilization activities. These records shall include, but are not necessarily limited to the following information: a. location of residuals utilization b. volume of residuals utilized in tons A residual analysis shall be conducted twice per year from the date of permit issuance by the Permittee. The results of all analysis shall be maintained on file by the Permittee for a minimum of five years. The residuals analysis shall include the following parameters: Arsenic Nickel Magnesium Cadmium Selenium Sodium Chromium Zinc Manganese Copper Barium pH Lead Silver Phosphorus Mercury Calcium Aluminum After the residuals have been monitored for two years at the above frequency, the Permittee may submit a request to the Division for a permit modification for the reduction of the frequency of monitoring for pollutant concentrations, but in no case shall the frequency of monitoring be less than once per year. 4.. A Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis shall be conducted by the Permittee annually. The TCLP analysis shall include the following parameters (please note the regulatory level in mg/L in parentheses): Arsenic (5.0) Cadmium (1.0) Chlorobenzene (100.0) o-Cresol (200.0) Cresol (200.0) 1,2-Dichloroethane (0.5) Endrin (0.02) Hexachlorobenzene (0.13) Lead (5.0) Methoxychlor (10.0) Pentachlorophenol (100.0) Silver (5.0) Trichloroethylene (0.5) 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) (1.0) Barium (100.0) Benzene (0.5) Carbon tetrachloride (0.5) Chlordane (0.03) Chloroform (6.0) Chromium (5.0) m-Cresol (200.0) p-Cresol (200.0) 2,4-D (10.0)- 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (7.5) 1,1-Dichloroethylene (0.7) 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (0.13) Heptachlor (and its hydroxide) (0.008) Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (0.5) Hexachloroethane (3.0) Lindane (0.4) Mercury (0.2) Methyl ethyl ketone (200.0) Nitrobenzene (2.0) Pyridine (5.0) Selenium (1.0) Tetrachloroethylene (0.7) Toxaphene (0.5) 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (400.0) 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (2.0) Vinyl chloride (0.2) 5. Three copies of all required monitoring and reporting requirements as specified in conditions 1111, III 2, III 3, and III 4 shall be submitted annually on or before March 1 of the following year to the following address: NC Division of Water Quality Water Quality Section Non -Discharge Compliance/Enforcement Unit Post Office Box 29535 Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 6. Noncompliance Notification: The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Mooresville Regional Office, telephone number (704)663-1699, as soon as possible, but in no case more than 24 hours or on the next working day following the occurrence or first knowledge of the occurrence of any of the following: a. Any occurrence with the residuals reuse program which results in the utilization of significant amounts of residuals which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic. b. Any failure of the reuse program resulting in a release of material to receiving waters. c. Any time that self -monitoring information indicates that the facility has gone out of compliance with the conditions and limitations of this permit. e. Any spillage or discharge from a vehicle or piping system during transportation of residuals. Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter form within five (5) days following first knowledge of the occurrence. This report must outline the actions taken or proposed to be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur. IV. GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS The COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY for the reuse site is specified by regulations in 15A NCAC 2L, Groundwater Classifications and Standards. The Compliance Boundary is for the disposal system constructed after December 31, 1983 is established at either (1) 250 feet from the waste disposal area, or (2) 50 feet within the property boundary, whichever is closest to the waste disposal area. An exceedance of Groundwater Quality Standards at or beyond the Compliance Boundary is subject to immediate remediation action in addition to the penalty provisions applicable under General Statute 143-215.6A(a)(1). In accordance with 15A NCAC 2L, a REVIEW BOUNDARY is established around the disposal systems midway between the Compliance Boundary and the perimeter of the waste disposal area. Any exceedance of standards at the Review Boundary shall require remediation action on the part of the permittee. 2. Any groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be provided. V. INSPECTIONS 1. The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the residuals storage, transport and fill sites to prevent malfunctions and deterioration, operator errors and discharges which may cause or lead to the release of wastes to the environment, a threat to human health, or a nuisance. The Permittee shall maintain an inspection log or summary including at least the date and time of inspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taken by the Permittee. This log of inspections shall be maintained by the Permittee for a period of five years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available to the Division or other permitting authority, upon request. 2. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property, premises or place on or related to the treatment site or facility at any reasonable time for the purpose of determining compliance with this permit; may inspect or copy any records that must be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit; and may obtain samples of groundwater, surface water, or leachate. VI. GENERAL CONDITIONS This permit shall become voidable unless the residuals reuse program is carried out in accordance with the conditions of this permit, the supporting materials, and in the manner approved by this Division. 2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of residuals described in the application and other supporting data. 3. This permit is not automatically transferable. In the event that there is a desire for the facilities to change ownership or a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit request must be submitted to the Division accompanied by an application fee, documentation from the parties involved, and other supporting materials as may be appropriate. The approval of this request will be considered on its merits and may or may not be approved. . 4. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to 143-215.6C. 5. The annual administering and compliance fee must be paid by the Permittee within thirty (30) days after being billed by the Division. Failure to pay the fee accordingly may cause the Division to initiate action to revoke this permit as specified by 15 NCAC 2H .0205 (c)(4). 6. The issuance of this permit does not preclude the Permittee from complying with any and all statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances which may be imposed by other government agencies (local, state, and federal) which have jurisdiction. 7. The Permittee, at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of this.permit, shall request its extension. Upon receipt of the request, the Commission will review the adequacy of the facilities described therein, and if warranted, will extend the permit for such period of time and under such conditions and limitations as it may deem appropriate. 8. This permit may be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate any conditions, limitations and monitoring requirements the Division deems necessary in order to adequately protect the environment and public health. Permit issued this the wenty-first day of January, 1999 NORTH C LINA ENTVIRC03W AL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION t�. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director Division of Water Quality By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Permit Number GJ GZ 000 7,70 Z State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Mooresville Regional Office James G. Martin, Governor Albert F. Hilton, Regional Manager William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT October 25, 1990 Mr. -Randall F. Andrews, President Alchem, Inc. Route 2, Box 521-C Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Subject: Notice of Violation Alchem, 8135 Red Road Rowan County; NC Dear Mr. Andrews: Please find enclosed a Report of Investigation by Mr. Kim Colson of this Office concerning a discharge at the subject facility. The report should be self-explanatory. This discharge is a violation of G.S. 143-215.1 for which enforcement action may be recommended which may result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Corrective measures should be taken to prevent any future discharges. It is requested that you submit a written response by November 7, 1990 detailing corrective measures taken to rectify this problem. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact Mr. Kim H. Colson, Mr. D. Rex -Gleason, Water Quality Regional Supervisor, or me at this Office. Enclosure KHC/bb Sincerely, Brenda Smith, P.G. Regional Supervisor 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, N.C. 28115 • Telephone 704-663-1699 • FAX 704-663-6040 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WATER QUALITY SECTION POST OFFICE BOX 950 MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Unpermitted Discharge PLACE VISITED: Alchem, Inc., Rockwell DATE: October 15, 1990 ADDRESS: 8135 Red Road, Rockwell RIVER BASIN: Yadkin -Pee Dee 03-07-04 BY WHOM: Kim H. Colson, Environmental Engineer I �W,Xf TIME SPENT: 3 hours PERSONS CONTACTED: Wayne Drye, Alchem REASON FOR VISIT: Complaint Investigation COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department REPORT: On October 15, 1990 this Office received a report concerning a possible discharge of alum into an unnamed tributary to Second Creek. Several pH readings were taken along this stream. All pH readings taken were below the stream standard of 6 s.u. In an adjacent tributary, a pH reading of 6.8 s.u. was obtained. (See attached U.S.G.S. map for exact location of pH readings.) Alchem, Inc. is located at the upper end of the subject stream's watershed. The investigation at Alchem did reveal that a lagoon, storing aluminum hydrate, had overtopped due to recent rains. The lagoon is located just south of the Alchem office. The lagoon showed evidence of overtopping along the southernmost embankment where adequate freeboard had not been maintained. This discharge, however, may not have caused the depressed pH readings in the stream although it could have been a contributing factor. There was no evidence of an alum discharge at the time of the investigation. Page Two Conclusion: A Notice of Violation will be sent to Alchem, Inc. for the unpermitted discharge from the aluminum hydrate lagoon. A follow-up investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the substandard pH readings. 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ALBEMARLE 20 Mi. a �•"„ 49551l Sw N W 0 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT May 9, 1985 MEMORANDUM TO: Bill Jeter THROUGH: Ron McMillan FROM: Monty Payne/Jesse Wells On November 15, 1984'this Office received.a complaint from Mrs. Carol McCombs about Alchem and runoff from their property onto other people's land. Mr. Payne of the Water Quality Section investigated on November 30, 1984. Mr. Payne found that the runoff from Alchem had ponded up on other people's land. He took samples of the water and the pH was below 2 standard `units, colormetic paper. The results showed a high concentration of Al, Fe, Na, and Zn, see results. In early December this Office got a complaint about a white creek near Alchem. Mr. Payne took samples where the creek crosses under Highway 52 and these samples showed a high concentration of Al, Fe, and Mn. Two follow-up investigations was conducted in January, 1985 and all stream samples showed a heavy concentration of Al, Fe, and Zn. During this time a small tributary was found going into the creek and sampled, the results showed a high concentration of Al and Fe. Groundwater contamination was found at this time and Jesse Wells of the Groundwater Section was called in. Mr. Wells sampled two wells for contamination and the results showed no contamination. On March 26, 1985, Ms. Patricia Poole called this Office and was concerned about her well being contaminated. Tana Fryer and Monty Payne investigated and found where runoff from Alchem had gotten onto her land and ran within 40 feet of her well. Samples of the well showed a high concentration of Al and Mn. They also checked the stream below Alchem and it had a yellowish -brown billowy substrate. This was believed to be alum that has settled out from the contamination. Secondly, they found a path that the runoff had followed to within 100 feet of the stream. Soil samples were obtained of the runoff to the stream and Ms. Poole's land, and the results showed a high concentration of Al and Fe. Stream samples were also obtained above and below the tributary, which showed a heavy concentration downstream of the tributary and very little contamination upstream of the tributary. On May 2, 1985,.Jesse Wells visited the Poole residence. Mrs. Poole's well is a 24" bored well, 49 feet total depth. Mrs. Poole had a water analysis report from the Rowan County Health Department. (Attachment #1). .Mr. Wells took a pH and Specific Conductance sample. The pH was analyzed as 5..3 and specific conductance was 410. Mr. Payne is to have a joint meeting with Keith Andze.zs, owner, Jesse Wells, Groundwater Section, Rex Gleason, Water Quality Regional Engineer, and Ron McMillan, Regional Supervisor. If more information is needed, please advise. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL .MANAGEMENT WATER QUALITY SECTION POST OFFICE BOX 950 MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF Complaint Investigation: Alchem Inc. PLACE VISITED Alchem Inc. Rockwell DATE Report Date: 12/30/85 ADDRESS P. O, Box 171, Rockwell RIVER BASIN Yadkin CEP G BY WHOM Mr. Monty Payne Ms. Tana Fryer, Mr. Rex �� TIME SPENT Gleason, Mr. Jesse Wells PERSONS CONTACTED Mr. Randall Andrews, Mr. Keith Andrews, Co -Owners REASON FOR VISIT Coll, m laint Investigation COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department Jesse Wells REPORT: On November 15, 1984, this Office received a complaint concerning runoff from Alchem, Inc. The complaint was about material stockpiled at the site running off onto adjoining property and washing into a nearby stream as a result of rainfall runoff. On November 30, 1984, Mr. Monty Payne of this Office investigated. The investigator observed where rainwater and spillage entered a makeshift catch basin, from which it had overflowed onto adjacent property. Mr. Keith Andrews, Co-owner, was contacted at this time and he explained how an excessive amount of rain fall had caused the basin to overflow,.aad they (Alchem) were planning to recycle the water in the basin back to the plant, remove the contaminated soil in the field and build a larger basin to prevent future runoff. Mr. Andrews also explained that the material stored behind the plant was their raw product, aluminum hydrate. Which they combined with concentrated sulfric acid to made a high grade alum. The aluminum hydrate in the contaminated soil and rainwater could be used in their process after some of the impurities were removed. Checking the pH with litmus paper before collecting samples, the investigator found that the pH was not greater than 2.0 standard units at the catch basin and in Page Two the adjacent field where the runoff had accumulated. The metals sample obtained at the same locations showed a high concentration of aluminum, iron, sodium and zinc. The stream below Alchem was checked by Mr. Payne at the bridge on SR 2340, but nothing abnormal was observed, although the metals sample taken did show a slightly elevated con tentration of aluminum and iron. On December 6, 1984, this Office received a complaint from the City of Rockwell's maintenance department concerning.a white coloration to an unnamed tributary to Second Creek. On December 7, 1984, Mr. Payne investigated. He found no discoloration to the creek, but the sample obtained did show a high concentration of aluminum. On January 2, 1985, Mr. Jesse Wells, of this Office, and Mr. Payne returned to the Alchem area to sample wells at adjacent residences for possible contamination. Neither of the wells sampled showed contamination but a stream sample obtained showed very high concentrations of aluminum, iron, zinc and manganese. On January 7, 1985, stream samples were again obtained and again they showed extremely high concentrations of aluminum, iron and zinc. During the time of mid December through early January, the stream bottom became covered with a dirty -white floc. This floc appeared to start where a small underground spring, or tributary, entered the creek. It is believed that this spring or tributary was contaminated from material leaching through the soil at Alchem. On February 28, 1985, stream samples were again obtained and they also showed high levels of aluminum, iron and manganese in the creek. On March 26, 1985, this Office received another complaint from a resident in the Alchem area about possible well water contamination. The complainant was concerned about his/her well.water being contaminated because it had a brownish color, bad taste, and left a residue on anything that was exposed to continuous water contact. The following day, March 27, Ms. Tana Fryer, of this Office, and Mr. Payne investigated. Because of the excessive amount of disturbance in this area the (the area was being cleared and the brush burned) the investigators did not find the runoff complained about, for they were under the impression that the runoff had just occurred. But on a return investigation on April 1, 1985, they found the runoff complained about, which appeared to have occurred sometime before the complaint. Soil and well water samples were taken at the complainants residence during these visits. The soil samples showed a high concentration of aluminum, iron and magnesium; the well water sample showed high concentrations of aluminum and manganese. Stream samples were also taken. The samples upstream of the small underground tributary did not show the high concentrations of aluminum, iron, manganese, iron and zinc as the downstream sample did. The final discovery from these visits, was a path that the runoff had followed toward the stream. Although the path stopped 100-150 ft. from the stream, it was still very pronounced. Stream samples obtained on June 11, 1985, showed a high concentration of aluminum, iron and manganese downstream of the small tributary. Upstream of the tributary these concentrations were higher than expected, but nowhere near the level of the downstream sample. Bioassay samples were also taken at this time. Page Three The downstream sample had a LC50 of 27%; the upstream sample had a LC50 of zero, no toxicity. The Aquatic Toxicology Group who performs bioassay testing for the State, reported that what appeared to kill the test organisms was a low pH. In July more stream samples were obtained. The tributary was again used as the dividing point to separate upstream and downstream. Next the stream was vertically divided into an upper and lower zone, providing four areas to consider. The top zones, both upstream and downstream, showed no problems with metal concentrations or pH, but the bottom zones showed a vast difference. The upstream bottom zone showed a high concentration of aluminum, iron and zinc, but no pH problem. The downstream bottom zone showed high concentrations of aluminum, iron chromium, copper, manganese and zinc; it also had a low pH. On August 8, 1985, a meeting was held at Alchem, Inc. with Mr. Randall Andrews, Co-owner of Alchem Inc., Mr. Richard Doby and Mr. Mack Henderson of Solid & Hazardous Waste, Mr. Jesse Wells, Mr. Rex Gleason and Mr. Monty Payne of the Division of Environmental Management. The meeting dealt with what impact Alchem was having on the environment and a walk through the plant. During the tour, the pH was taken at several points and a pH below 2.0 units was found at several points, which classified the material as hazardous. Therefore, the clean-up of this facility comes under the jurisdiction of Solid & Hazardous Waste. On September 9, 1985, another meeting was held, in Raleigh, with Representatives from Alchem, Solid & Hazardous Waste and this Department to determine what actions need to be taken for the clean-up. It was determined that the ponds need to be emptied and the contaminated soil be removed and if the lagoon was continued to be used it had to be lined. Secondly the contaminated soil has to be neutralized or removed. Thirdly, the contaminated well would have to be cleaned or a new well put in. Last, there was an excessive amount of spillage throughout the plant which had to be controlled. Summary: The samples obtained over the year show that an excessive amount of aluminum and possibly sulfric acid has escaped from the facility, which has apparently caused surface and ground water contamination. Alchem has begun clean-up procedures in conjunction with Solid & Hazardous Waste and Division of Environmental Management. They have removed some of the soil around the contaminated well and replaced this well. They have also submitted an application for a non -discharge permit to construct an additional storage lagoon, which is being evaluated by this Office. This Office will keep abreast of the clean-up at Alchem until it is completed. State of North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development Mooresville Regional Office James G. Martin, Governor S. Thomas Rhodes, Secretary Mr. Steven Daniels Medium Drive Rockwell, N. C. 28138 Dear Mr. Daniels: Albert F. Hilton, Regional Manager DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT June 2, 1986 Subject: Complaint Investigation Alchem Rowan County, North Carolina Enclosed please find a copy of the Complaint Investigation Report for the investigation conducted on May 30, 1986 by Mr. Monty Payne and Ms. Tana Fryer of this Office. The Report should be self-explanatory. If you should have any questions concerning this matter or require additional information, please do not hestiate `to contact Mr. Pavne or me. aerely, Ronald L. McMillan Regional Supervisor Enclosure cc: Rowan County Health Department 919 North Main Street, P.O. Box 950, Mooresville, N.C. 28115-0950 • Telephone 70¢663.1699 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WATER QUALITY SECTION POST OFFICE BOX 950 MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF Complaint Investigation: Alchem PLACE VISITED Alchem ADDRESS BY WHOM Monty Payne, Tana Fryer y� PERSONS CONTACTED REASON FOR VISIT Complaint Investigation COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department DATE 5/30/86. RIVER BASIN Yadkin TIME SPENT 2 hours REPORT: On May 29, 1986, this Office received a complaint concerning a black plastic pipe from the Alchem plant in Rockwell _._going into a nearby creek. On May 30, 1986, Mr. Monty Payne and Ms. Tana Fryer of this Office investigated. The investigators found the pipe leading from the plant to the creek and a white liquid substance in the pipe. Next the investigators went to the plant and talked wih the plant manager who explained that the pipe was being used to clean out the creek. They were using_a_portable.pump Jand the plastic pipe) to -pump the alum sludge that has accumulated on the bottom of the creek back up to the plant. This appears to be what is happening, for there was no alum sludge on the creek bottom where the plant manager stated they had been working; sludge was still present downstream of this area. Alchem is in the process of cleaning out the creek as requested by this Office; therefore this Office will monitor the situation until the clean-up is complete. /pb LOB Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr.. Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek. P. E. Director Division of Water Quality Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director Division of Water Quality August 19, 2003 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Randall F. Andrews, President ALCHEM, Inc. 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Subject: Notice of Violation ALCHEM, Inc. Failure to Incorporate Remedial Actions/Illegal Discharge/Surface Water Quality Standard Violations Permit No. WQ0016338 Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Andrews: Chapter 143, Article 21 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) authorizes and directs the Environmental Management Commission of this Department to protect and preserve the water resources of the State. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has the delegated authority to enforce adopted pollution control rules and regulations. Enclosed please find a copy of a follow-up Investigation Report for the investigations conducted on August 7 and 8, 2003 by Mr. Wes Bell and Mrs. Ellen Huffman of this Office. The follow-up investigation was performed to determine ALCHEM, Inc.'s remedial actions to the violations noted from the initial investigations dated April 29 and May 8, 2003, as stated iri the NOV/NRE letter/report dated May 12, 2003. As a result of these investigations (8/7 and 8/8/03), the following conditions were found in violation of North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-215.1 and 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2B .0211 (3)(g): Discharges (stormwater/leachate) were observed from the facility's residual storage area entering an unnamed tributary to Second Creek. The upstream pH values ranged from 6.72 s.u. to 6.78 s.u. and the downstream pH values (following the discharges) ranged from 3.80 s.u. to 4.70 s.u. No corrective actions have been initiated at the residuals storage area and the affected tributary and wooded/riparian areas as were noted in the prior investigations conducted on April 29 and May 8, 2003. N. C. Division of Water Quality Mooresville Regional Office 919 North Main Street Mooresville NC 28115 (704) 663-1699 AM ,& MCDENR Customer Service 1-877-623-6748 z Mr. Randall F. Andrews NOV Page Two Please be advised that this report is being issued as a Notice of Violation (NOV) for the violations of NCGS 143-215.1, 15A NCAC 2B .0211 (3)(g), and the facility's failure to initiate remedial actions to the residual storage area and the affected tributary and wooded/riparian areas. Be advised that NCGS 143-215.6A provides for a civil penalty assessment of not more that twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of a continuing nature, against any person who fails to abide by the conditions of the permit and who fails to apply for or to secure a permit required by NCGS 143- 215.1. Penalties may also be assessed for any damage to the surface waters of the State that may result from the unpermitted discharges. It is requested that you respond, in writing, within twenty days following receipt of this Notice. The response should address the measures taken to collect and remove the fill material, and efforts to restore all affected areas. Measures taken to prevent future discharges should also be discussed. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663- 1699. Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachments cc: Rowan County Health Department Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, ALCHEM, Inc. ME NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Complaint Investigation DATE OF INVESTIGATION: August 7 and 8, 2003 VA (�1 INVESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell and Ellen Huffmaht�TIME SPENT: 6.0 hours PLACE VISITED: ALCHEM, Inc. business site and adjacent private properties PHYSICAL LOCATION: Rockwell, Rowan County MAILING ADDRESS: 8135 Red Road Rockwell, N.C. 28138 TELEPHONE #: (704) 279-7908 RIVER BASIN: Yadkin -Pee Dee PERSONS CONTACTED: Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, On -site Employees REASON FOR VISIT: Follow-up investigation to confirm ALCHEM, Inc.'s remedial actions to the tributary and wooded/riparian areas COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department REPORT: On August 7 and 8, 2003, Mr. Wes Bell (8/7/03 only) and Mrs. Ellen Huffman of this office performed follow-up investigations at the ALCHEM, Inc. business site and adjacent private properties. This office received a response letter (dated 5/28/03) from ALCHEM, Inc. that outlined the corrective actions that would be incorporated at the residuals storage area. These corrective actions included: construction of a berm around the entire storage area, construction of a holding pond to collect all runoff, cleanup of the affected stream, and the removal of a stormwater pipe embedded in the residual storage area. In addition, Mr. Randall Andrews, President, met with Mr. Bell and submitted the design of the berm and holding pond for the residuals storage area. On 8/7/03, Mr. Bell did not observe any evidence that ALCHEM, Inc. had initiated any stipulated corrective actions to the residual storage area, unnamed tributary, and woodedhiparian areas. The erosion had significantly increased within the residuals storage area based on observations made during the initial investigations (4/29/03 and 5/8/03). Both sediment basins (for the residual storage area) were full of the residual material and one of the basins was observed discharging into the unnamed tributary. ALCHEM, Inc. was removing the stormwater via pump from the other sediment basin. Complaint Investigation Page Two Several smaller discharges of stormwater/leachate were observed entering the unnamed tributary from the residual storage area. On 8/8/03, Mr. Bell and Mrs. Huffman observed the same conditions that were noted in Mr. Bell's 8/7/03 investigation. On both days of the investigation, the upstream pH ranged from 6.72 s.u. to 6.78 s.u. and the downstream pH values ranged from 3.80 s.u. to 4.70 s.u. The water quality stream standard for Class C Waters is between the 6-9 s.u. (Reference: 15A NCAC 213 .0211(3)(g)). Note: The downstream pH values (approximately 900 to 1100 feet below the confluence of an additional tributary) ranged from 3.80 s.u. to 4.00 s.u. The pH value of the sediment basin effluent was 3.66 s.u. (on 8/8/03). In addition, the pH value for one of the side -stream discharges was 3.05 s.u. (on 8/8/03). Samples were collected in the tributary (upstream and downstream) and the discharging sediment basin on 8/8/03. On 8/8/03, Mr. Bell and Mrs. Huffman met with an ALCHEM, Inc. employee following the inspection and sample collection/analysis of the tributary and sediment basin discharge. The employee indicated that the residual storage area was too wet to perform the appropriate measures to contain the runoff. Grass had been planted (as recommended by Rowan County Environmental Services/Land Quality Section) and was observed on a small section of the residual storage area. No equipment utilized for the anticipated corrective actions was observed on -site. The reuse system was in operation during both investigations. Mr. Bell contacted (via telephone) Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, on 8/11/03 regarding the findings of this investigation. Mr. Drye indicated that the facility had not incorporated remedial measures due to the inclement weather and the resulting poor soil conditions. Mr. Bell informed Mr. Drye of the violations observed on -site and the need for immediate corrective actions. Mr. Drye indicated that he would initiate the appropriate corrective actions. A follow- up investigation may be necessary to verify ALCHEM, Inc.'s remedial actions. 12/06/2006 09:29 919-715-0588 NCDE&NR/WATER QUAL PAGE 01 State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality �0. W T Q o C, CID p Q � Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Boss Jr., Secretary Alan W_ Klimek P.E., Director Division of Water Quality Aquifer Protection Section Location: 2728 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27604 Mailing Address: 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, N.G. 27699-1636 FAX: (919) 715-0588 (919) 715-6048 Date: FROM'.V�r PHONE: LIE 1 a NO. OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS SHEET: if you receive this fax by mistake call: Aquifer Protection Section 9 9.19-733-3221 0 12/06/2006 09:29 919-715-0588 NCDE&NR/WATER QUAL PAGE 02 Temperature and pH Readings taken at the ,A LCX-MM Facility in Rockwell by APS Personnel on December 5, 2006 Site Water # Site Description Temp pH 1 Stormwater Drainane Ditch, downstream of railcar off-loading spot. 6.1°C 3.68 2 Approximately 50 feet downstream of Site # I. 6.2°C 3.52 3 Shallow wetland or seep from stormwater detention pond, outside bezxn. 6.1°C 3.16 4 Same area as Site # 3, near the, base of the berm. 6.4°C 3.08 5 The "comer" of the bermed stormwater detention pond. 9.7°C 3.80 6 Close to Site # 5. 9.7°C 3.82 7 Upstream location along the "boundary" stream. 7.0°C 5.36 8 Approximately 90 feet downstream of Site # 7. 6.0°C 5.44 9 Approximately 90 ,feet downstream of Site # S. 6.7°C 5.56 10 Possible surface seep in. wet area between "boundary' stream and berm_ 9.8°C 5.66 11 "Elbow" of the "boundary"'stream where it changes direction. 9.3°C 5.28 12 Apparent seep area below berm. Seeps noted on the berm itself. 8.4°C 3.04 13 Upper stormwater detention pond on northern side of isthmus. 9.2°C 3.94 14 Dower stornwater detention pond on southern side of isthmus. 9.1°C 3.98 15 Northwest corner of Lagoon, # 2_ 6XV 3.41 16 Northeast corner of Lagoon # 3. 8.6°C 2.62 1.7 Southern edge of Lagoon # 1. 6.1°C 3.31 Note: All three Lagoons were essentially full of "sand" at the time of the field visit on December 5, 2006. Cpt%pj.A(JCt. (�ripkdaeq M411 61 cjI'ff[-v-t PI: R COL"V%4 or )%Ira L f i4 f A: rill CD LO N) LO LO LO CD 0 00 00 z m QO z 70 :E I> --i m ;o E) C Alchu-n., Inc. Rowan CounLy %IQ0002702, ev, i., D VA? w 10-6 �O G Michael F. Easley, Governor C > [ William G. Ross, Jr.,Secretary -i North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality May 14, 2003 Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Permit Number Correction NOV/NRE ALCHEM, Inc. Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Drye: Our records indicate that your facility has been issued two Non -Discharge Permits (WQ0016338 and WQ0002702) with the same effective (January 21, 1999) and expiration (December 31, 2004) dates. However, the referenced permit number in the NOV/NRE report was mistakenly printed as WQ0002702. Please note that the permit number should have been WQ0016338 (which was incorrectly listed and submitted to the permittee, Randall Andrews, and our office as WQ0016388). The permit conditions referenced in the NOV/NRE report were cited from Permit No. WQ0016338. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Wes Bell or me at (704) 663- Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachments cc: Rowan County Health Department V*a Mooresville Regional Office, 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115 NCDENR -HONE (704) 663-1699 Customer Service =AX (704) 663-6040 1 800 623-7748 �0 Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross, Jr.,Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality May 12, 2003 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement ALCHEM, Inc. Illegal Discharge/Permit Violations/ Surface Water Quality Standard Violations Permit No. WQ0002702 Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Drye: Chapter 143, Article 21 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) authorizes and directs the Environmental Management Commission of this Department to protect and preserve the water resources of the State. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has the delegated authority to enforce adopted pollution control rules and regulations. Enclosed please find a copy of a Complaint Investigation Report for the investigation conducted on April 30, 2003 by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office. As a result of this investigation, the following conditions were found in violation of North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-215.1, 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 213.0211 (2), (3)(c) and (g), and Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0002702: The facility's storage area for its fill material had discharged into a drainage/wooded area and an intermittent stream. The intermittent stream was observed covered (up to 24 inches) with the fill material for a total distance of approximately 400-500 feet (upstream and downstream of Medium Road). The upstream pH value was 6.04 s.u. and the downstream pH values (following the discharges) ranged from 4.15 s.u. to 4.22 s.u. The facility impaired/removed the suitability of the stream for aquatic life and propagation and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, and secondary recreation. The permittee failed to 1) properly operate and maintain the facility as a non -discharge facility, 2) cease reuse operation once nuisance conditions existed, 3) provide adequate provisions to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants into surface waters, and 4) notify this office of the residuals release into the receiving stream. Mooresville Regional Office, 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115 t4fDEN_R_ 'HONE (704) 663-1699 Customer Service =AX (704) 663-6040 1 800 623-7748 Mr. Wayne Drye NOWNRE Page Two Please be advised that this report is being issued as a Notice of Violation (NOV) and Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement for the violations of NCGS 143-215.1, 15A NCAC 2B .0211 (2), (3)(c) and (g), and Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0002702. Be advised that NCGS 143-215.6A provides for a civil penalty assessment of not more that twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of a continuing nature, against any person who fails to abide by the conditions of the permit and who fails to apply for or to secure a permit required by NCGS 143-215.1. Penalties may also be assessed for any damage to the surface waters of the State that may result from the unpermitted discharge. It is requested that you respond, in writing, within twenty days following receipt of this Notice. The response should address the measures taken to collect and remove the fill material, and efforts to restore all affected areas. Measures taken to prevent future discharges should also be discussed. This letter is also to advise you that this Office is considering sending a recommendation for enforcement action to the Director of the Division of Water Quality for the discharge of the fill material into a stream, water quality stream standard violations (pH and best usage), and the facility's failure to . abide by the conditions of Permit No. WQ0002702. If you have an explanation for the violations that you wish to present, please include same in the requested response. Your explanation will be reviewed and if an enforcement action is still deemed appropriate, your explanation will be forwarded to the Director along with the enforcement package for his consideration. To comply with the regulations, it will be necessary to collect and remove all of the fill material (in the stream and drainage/wooded areas) and restore all affected areas as nearly as may be to the conditions existing prior to the discharge. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachments cc: Rowan County Health Department MR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Complaint Investigation DATE OF INVESTIGATION: April 30, 2003 INVESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell~ TIME SPENT: 2.0 hours PLACE VISITED: ALCHEM, Inc. Business Site PHYSICAL LOCATION: Rockwell, Rowan County MAILING ADDRESS: 8135 Red Road Rockwell, N.C. 28138 TELEPHONE #: (704) 279-7908 RIVER BASIN: Yadkin -Pee Dee PERSONS CONTACTED: Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, On -site Employees REASON FOR VISIT: Investigation of complaint regarding discharge of a white substance into a drainage/wooded area and creek COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department REPORT: On April 29, 2003, this office received a complaint that a white substance from ALCHEM, Inc. had been discharged into a drainage/wooded area and intermittent stream in Rockwell, Rowan County. The complaint was investigated by Wes Bell of this office on April 30, 2003. Mr. Bell arrived at a residence below ALCHEM, Inc. adjacent to Medium Road. Mr. Bell observed large accumulations of a white, granular material (sand appearance) throughout the drainage/wooded area. In addition, this white substance had completely covered the bottom of an intermittent stream (unnamed tributary to Second Creek - Class C Stream) for approximately 200-300 feet (upstream of Medium Road). The intermittent stream was observed free -flowing on top of the white substance at the time of the investigation. Mr. Bell traced the white material (upstream) throughout the drainage/wooded area and intermittent stream to a large storage area containing this white material. The material appeared to be used as a fill material. This fill material appeared to have covered an area between three to five acres. The fill area had been severely eroded allowing the material to flow across a sediment basin and silt fence into the drainage/wooded area. The white substance (combined with a clay) had eroded/discharged into the intermittent stream in several locations. The permittee did not appear to have incorporated appropriate erosion control measures to contain the material. Complaint Investigation Page Two Mr. Bell met with the ALCHEM, Inc. on -site employees. Mr. Bell escorted one of the employees to the affected drainage/wooded area and intermittent stream. While. at the facility, Mr. Bell observed two lagoons adjacent to the fill material. The employee indicated that the two lagoons were part of a wastewater reuse system. A third lagoon on -site was utilized as a backup. Bauxite (aluminum ore) is transported to ALCHEM via railcart. The bauxite is mixed with silica sand (80% bauxite and 20% silica sand), and made into a slurry via water additions. Sulfuric acid is added to the bauxite slurry (to create the finished product - aluminum sulfate) and a polymer is then added to aide in settling/removal of the sand. The sand is removed and rinsed three times with water (to remove the aluminum) prior to discharging the sand/water mixture into the lagoon system. The sand is removed from the lagoons and used as a fill material. The water is also reused in the process. Mr. Bell was informed by the on -site employee that the facility monitors two on -site groundwater monitoring wells as well as the fill material. Mr. Bell reviewed the facility's permit requirements on -site and at this office. Mr. Bell determined that ALCHEM, Inc. was issued Permit No. WQ0002702 by the Division for the on -site reuse of silica residuals from bauxite digestion as a fill material. The Permit became effective on January 21, 1999 and expires on December 21, 2004. The Permit authorizes the usage of 3,000 tons per year of residual to be used as a fill material on the company's property from the bauxite residuals reuse program. The facility failed to comply with the conditions of their permit. Specifically, the facility failed to 1) properly operate and maintain the facility as a non -discharge facility, 2) cease reuse operation once nuisance conditions existed, 3) provide adequate provisions to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants into surface waters, and 4) notify this office of the residuals release into receiving waters. The accumulation of the fill material in the stream impacted/removed the suitability of the waters for aquatic life and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture, which is a violation of 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2B .0211 (2) and (3)(c). Messrs. Bell and Alan Johnson (of this office) revisited the drainage/wooded areas and intermittent stream upstream and downstream of Medium Road on 5/8/03. Mr. Bell sampled the intermittent stream for pH above and below the impacted areas throughout the intermittent stream. The upstream pH value was 6.04 s.u. and the downstream pH values ranged from 4.15 to 4.22 s.u. A pH value of 4.22 s.u. was recorded at the most distant downstream sampling location (100-150 feet downstream of Medium Road). The facility's discharge of the fill material into the stream caused a surface water quality pH standard violation. The standard for Class C Waters is between the 6-9 s.u. (Reference: 15A NCAC 2B .0211(3)(g). Large accumulations of the fill material were also observed throughout the drainage/wooded area at this downstream location. Mr. Bell analyzed the pH of the accumulated water in the sediment basin adjacent to the fill material. The pH value was 3.86 s.u. The sediment basin was discharging into the intermittent stream at the time of this investigation. Mr. Johnson's measurements of the accumulations in the stream channel showed a depth of up to twenty-four inches. Mr. Johnson also measured accumulations up to twelve inches throughout the drainage/wooded areas (upstream and downstream of Medium Road). Complaint Investigation Page Three Mr. Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, contacted Mr. Bell via telephone regarding the investigation. Mr. Bell informed Mr. Drye of the findings and environmental regulations relevant to the investigation. In addition, Mr. Bell informed Mr. Drye that the Division of Land Resources' Land Quality Section would be notified regarding the inadequate erosion and control measures. Mr. Drye and his staff were very cooperative and helpful throughout this investigation. A follow-up investigation by this office may be necessary to verify adequate remedial actions. Q�Alr Ro Michael F. Easley, Governor =� r William G. Ross, Jr.,Secretary —i North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality May 12, 2003 Mr. Larry Samples 8470 Medium Road Rockwell, North Carolina 28138 Subject: Complaint Investigation ALCHEM, Inc./Illegal Discharge Rowan County, N.C. Dear Mr. Samples: Attached is a copy of the Report of Investigation prepared by Mr. Wes Bell of this Office regarding your complaint of a discharge of a white substance into a drainage/wooded area and creek. The complaint was received by this office on April 29, 2003. The report should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions concerning this report, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell or me at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Attachment cc: Rowan County Health Department ME Mooresville Regional Office, 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115 tJCDEN"►t 'HONE (704) 663-1699 Customer Service =AX (704) 663-6040 1 800 623-7748