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WQ0002702_Regional Office Historical File Pre 2018 (13)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE OFFICE OF MMSTRATrVE HEARINGS 08 EHR 1796 ;., COUNTY OF ROWAN •- ' Alchem, Inc., Petitioner, V. CONSENT ORDEF N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Respondent. ID C IEDWCE APR 2 3 2009 NC DENR MRO DWQ - /! Der Protection Phe.Honorable BeecherR:Gray,Administrative Law Judge of the Office of Administrative Hearings and counsel for the parties were heard in open court upon the calendaring of the above contested case hearing on March 5, 2009. This matter was brought before the Honorable Beecher R. Gray after the parties successfully mediated the contested case issues on March 5, 2009. The parties, Alchem, Inc. ("Petitioner'), and the North Carolina Division of Water Quality ("DWQ") of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ("Respondent"), hereby enter into this "Consent Order" in order to resolve this matter in controversy, as set out below, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 150B-31(b). This matter comes within Respondent's purview as it relates to matters which•concern Petitioner's Non -discharge Permits WQ0016338 and WQ0002702 and an Assessment of Civil Penalties in the amount of thirty-four thousand five hundred forty-three dollars and seventy-three cents, ($34,543.73) including $793.73 in investigative costs. 1 The undersigned further agreed that the Office of Administrative Hearings shall retain its jurisdiction over this Consent Order until this civil penalty assessment is paid in full consistent with the terms set out below, or on or before March 15, 2010. NOW, THEREFORE, without any trial of fact or law in this matter, in mutual consideration of the covenants set forth below, and with the consent of the parties, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that: 1. The Office of Administrative Hearings has jurisdiction to hear this case pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 150B-23 and 130A-22(e). 2. All parties have been correctly designated and are properly before the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Office of Administrative Hearings has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter. 3. The Petitioner will pay a total of twenty-seven thousand dollars, $27,000 ("Settlement Amount"), which includes investigative costs. 4. The Settlement Amount shall be paid in twelve monthly payments, beginning April 1, 2009, of two thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars to DENR, the Division of Water Quality. 5. The payments shall be paid by check made payable to the "North Carolina Department Environment and Natural Resources" or to "DENR," and the respective division, i.e., the Division of Land Resources, or the Division of Water Quality, at the following address: Anita LeVeaux Attorney General's Office Environmental Protection Division 2 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 6. The breach of any condition of Paragraphs one, two, three or four by Petitioner will render immediately due and payable the Total Civil Penalty Assessment, thirty-four thousand five hundred forty-three dollars and seventy-five cents, the Petitioner will be given credit for all prior payments. 7. Petitioner and DENR expressly stipulate and acknowledge that, by entering into this Agreement, the. sole issue in any action by DENR is to collect the Total Civil Penalty Assessment amount of the civil penalty assessment, as set out above; in accordance with the terms of paragraph four above and will be limited to the Petitioners' compliance with the terms of this Agreement. Only as it relates to the matter before this tribunal, i.e., Case No. PC-2008-0026; NOV-2008-PC-0134. 8. DENR agrees to accept the Settlement Amount in complete satisfaction of the civil penalty assessments subject to the terms of this Agreement, i.e., "the dumping matter" only DENR Case No. PC-2008-0026; NOV-2008-PC-0134. 9. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict any right of Respondent, DENR to take any enforcement action against Petitioner for any future, occurring after June 30, 2008, violations as it relates to this matter. See. No. 8 above. 10. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and is entered into knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. 11. Defendant Alchem, Inc. shall, on or before April 1, 2009, pay $2,250, monthly consistent with the terms of this Consent Order. 3 12. The parties shall comply with all terms of this Consent Order. 13. Nothing in this Consent Order shall restrict the right of Petitioner to contest a new or subsequent enforcement action arising outside of the aforesaid rules and regulations. 14. The Court shall retain continuing jurisdiction in this case until all parties have complied with all provisions of this Consent Order. Full compliance with the terms and conditions of this Consent Order as set forth, above, shall complete this matter. 15. The contempt provisions of Article 2, Chapter 5A of North Carolina General Statutes shall be available to enforce this Consent Order. 16. This Consent Order may be signed out -of -court, out -of -term, out -of -county and out -of - district. 17. Judge Beecher R. Gray and the parties further agreed that the deadline for completion of payments shall be on or before the March 15, 2010. THEREFORE, with the consent of the parties as evidenced by the signatures below, it is hereby ordered that the Respondent will make a payment of $2,250 every month for twelve months until the total Settlement Amount has been paid starting April 1, 2009. Failure to make timely payments will result in the full and complete payment of the civil penalty assessed becoming due and payable to the Respondent, i.e., thirty-four thousand five hundred forty-three dollars and seventy-five cents, ($34,543.73) minus any and all prior payments. This the day of April 2009. ')az Beecher R.-Gray Administrative Law Judge Presiding Office of Administrative Hearings 0 ROY COOPER ORNEY GE Anita LeVeaux Assistant Attorney General Attorney for Respondent Sean ker, Esq. Wood on, S ers, Lawther, Short, Parrott, Walker and Abramson, LLP Attorney for Petitioner Randall Andrews President, Alchem, Inc. Petitioner � [\\ V 9 \ IN3.`�� oci Andrew H. Pitner Environmental Program Supervisor III DESR, Water Quality Division Aquifer Protection, MRO 5 N 7 J I l_i 1 C !� A copy of the foregoing was mailed to: Sean C Walker" Woodson Sayers Lawther Short Parrott & Walker LLP PO Box 829 Salisbury, NC 28145 ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER Anita LeVeaux Assistant Attorney General NC Department of Justice 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 ATTORNEY FOR RESPONDENT This the 14th day of April, 2009. Office of Administrative Hearings 67144 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-6714 (919) 4313000 Fax: (919) 431-3100 RECEIVED N.C. AT. ORNEY GENERAL Environmental Division Rowan Co, NC -- Printable Map Page 1 of 1 Rowan County GIS �,g �,.� 58 6 8 09 III IIIIII, 111 11111111 111111 1111 -- - - 76 11 YINT 111 1111113 7 0^ b58 3 7A '_ 57 092 7 8 0 _ 11.25 1 357 033 7 032 358 0 15 - 3 737 B7 031 - � + 7305 • S 3b 095 I — rI� •� I f f`f 3 730_ _ i _ �3 737 3 - ( II 35 DP�F4— 35-7- - 9§ •z 357Ag3 y - - 0.n 351 _ —I h�1 i 3 731' �-- 5{1- J 250 358 024 357D292 5. 1 3 358 025000001 I 7d23 1 5 D24 8.111 3 — �1•;�t —LL 357 045 — 80 001 35 1 3 ti 7D3 �•3'' 7D3 I-' �35 i 5.2 3 09 7D2 I 7133 53- 7D23 l 2-02 A2J 6 357 047 35 0 1 _ 243 3 1 ti t r 5 2 yl�ti f 5 ti JND3 1 <Tr2 1� Illl 7 $i :0 4A 0 6 361 058 • •4 o i ra. 361 003 3 A0 8 3F17 1 7 357 2 I� Parcels Parcel ID: 358 024 Property Address: Date Sold: Owner: 8135 RED Sale Inst.: ALCHEM INC Legal Description: Sale Amt.: $0 8135 RED RD 32.69AC Land FMV: $209,438 ROCKWELL NC 28138-8557 Acreage: 32.69 acres Assessed Land Value:$209,438 Deed Book: 597 Pg: 714 Building Value: $196,790 Deed Year: 2001 Total Assessed Value:$406,228 DISCLAIMER: This information was prepared from the Rowan County, NC Geographic Information System. Rowan County has made substantial efforts to ensure the accuracy of location and labeling information contained on this site. The information provided is a representation of various City and County data sources and does not serve as an official map. Rowan County promotes and recommends the independent verification of any information contained on this site by the user. Rowan County makes no warranty or other assertion as to the fitness of the maps for any particular purpose and neither Rowan County nor it's agents or employees shall be liable for any claim alleged to have resulted from any use thereof. http://www.webgis.net Anderson & Associates, Inc. http://www.andassoc.com http://arcims2.webgis.net/ne/Rowan/printable.asp?process=idl &x2=1576688.13 &y2=6643... 5/5/2009 ALCHEM, INC. V. NC DENR, DWQ COUNTY OF ROWAN 2008-PC-0026 NPDES PERMIT WQ0002702 08 EHR 1796 Civil Penalty Appeal DATE DESCRIPTION 01-10-1990 Permit No. WQ0002702 (Initial Issuance) 12-28-04 Permit No. WQ0002702, effective from the date of issuance to November 30, 2009. The current permit voids permit issued on January 21, 1999. (Current Permit) 28-06 Permit No. WQ0016338, effective from the date of issuance to November 30, 2011. (Current Permit) ALCHEM v. NC DENR, DWQ Non Discharge Permit WQ0016338 and WQ0002702 Photo- Red Road Facility, Rockwell County - 4 dump piles in foreground & rest of dumping near tree line Photo: Maggie Lane Dumpsite Photo -Davidson Co GIS data 1/25/08/ dump piles highlighted 03-27-08 Letter Re: Inspection Report and Notice of Violation -Red Road Facility w/Recommendation for Enforcement To: Randall Andrews, ALCHEM From: Andrew H. Pinter, DENR 04-08-08 Letter Re: NOV - 2008-PC-0134 To: Andrew H. Pinter, DENR From: Robert A. Wolcott, Chief Operations Officer, ALCHEM 04-17-08 FILE NOTE: Cleanup completed 04-08-08 Cover letter Re: Bauxite Sand Process Being done off site 04-07-08 Letter Re: See 6-13 From Randall Andrews, President Industrial and Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. To: Bob Wolcott EXHIBIT 1-A1 1-A2 2 3 4-A 4-B 4-C 4-D E DATE DESCRIPTION (2) EXHIBIT 11-16-05 Material Safety Data Sheet 7 Revised 12-08-06 06-30-08 Memo To: Ed Hardee From: Andrew Pinter, 8' Prepared by Ellen Huffman Attached: Summary 8-A Enforcement Case Assessment Factors 8-B Assessment Factors 8-C C0CAWRR@ -�:: � ssessrraent c f ivil eri'alty for Violations of NC Gen Stat 143-215.1 and 9 Non -Discharge Permit Nos: WQ0016338 & WQ0002702 0a�29=086Fet�ti`an for a Contested Case Hein 10 ALCHEM HISTORY A. HISTORICAL SUMMARY (A) A B. RELEVANT HISTORY (B-N) Report of Complaint Investigation 12-30-85 B Newspaper article Re: ALCHEM C Permit WQ0002702 01-10-90 D Notice of Violation 10-25-90 E Notice of Violation 08-19-03 F Settlement Agreement 03-02-04 G Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation of Enforcement 01-12-05 H Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation of Enforcement 12-20-06 I Letter to DENR Re: Response to January 19, 2007 letter 01-26-07 J Letter to DENR Re: Meeting on Wednesday 02-09-07 K Letter to DENR Re: Problems discussed at meeting 02-19-07 L Settlement Agreement 11-27-07 M Telephone Notes, Illegal Disposal 02-08-08 N L] EXHIBIT I ��V w l A 1 Watol1 OF EHVOJOU" 2z 1990 State of North Carolina Wabpent of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Divi$ion of Environmental Management 512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 James G. Martin, Governor William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Mr. Randall F. Andrews Alchem, Inc. Route 2, Box 521-C 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28377 Dear Mr. Andrews: R. Paul Wilms Director January 10, 1990 Subject: Permit No. WQ0002702 Alchem, Inc. Industrial Recycle - Bauxite Process Rowan County In accordance with your application received November 17, 1989, we are forwarding herewith Permit No. WQ0002702, dated January 10, 1990, to Alchem, Inc. for the construction and operation of the subject recycle facility. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 1994, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. If any parts, requirements, or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable to you, you have the right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within 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. Box 11666, Raleigh, NC 27604. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding. One set of approved plans and specifications is being forwarded to you. If you need additional information concerning this matter, please contact Mr. William Barlow at 919/ 733-5083. Si cerely, harles R. W Acting Direct cc: Rowan County Health Department ✓Mooresville Regional Office Environmental Hydrogeological Consultants Groundwater Section Pollution Prevention Pays P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-7015 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES RALEIGH RECYCLE SYSTEM PERMIT 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 construction and operation of two (2) lagoons each approximately 50' W x 200' L x 10' D and all associated pipes, valves and appurtenances to serve Alchem, Inc. with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the application received November 17, 1989, and in conformity with the project plan, specifications, and other supporting data subsequently filed and approved by the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources and considered a part of this permit. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 1994, and shall be subject to the following specified conditions and limitations: 1. This permit shall become voidable unless the facilities are constructed in accordance with the conditions of this permit, the approved plans, specifications, and other supporting data. 2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in the application and other supporting data. 3. The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated at all times. 4. This permit is not transferable. In the event there is a desire for the facilities to change ownership, or there is a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit request must be submitted to the Division of Environmental Management accompanied by an application fee, documentation from the parties involved, and other supporting materials as may be appropriate. The approval of the request will be considered on its merits and may or may not be approved. 5. Upon completion of construction and prior to operation of this permitted facility, a certification must be received from a professional engineer certifying that the permitted facility has been installed in accordance with this permit, the approved plans and specifications. Mail the Certification to the Permits and Engineering Unit, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611. 6. In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective action, including those as may be required by this Division, such as the construction of additional or replacement wastewater treatment or disposal facilities. 7. The Mooresville Regional Office, phone no. 704/663-1699, shall be notified at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of operation of the installed facilities so that an in -place inspection can be made. Such notification to the regional supervisor shall be made during the normal office hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, excluding State Holidays. 8. The sludge generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed of in accordance with General Statute 143-215A and in a manner approved by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. 9. 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 facility. 10. The facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to prevent the discharge of any wastewater resulting from the operation of this facility. 11. Diversion or bypassing of untreated wastewater from the treatment facilities is prohibited. 12. Freeboard in the lagoon shall not be less than two feet at any time. 13. Any monitoring deemed necessary by the Division of Environmental Management to insure surface and ground water protection will be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule shall be followed. 14. Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to insure proper operation of the subject facilities. 15. The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the wastewater recycle facilities 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 keep 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 three years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available upon request to the Division of Environmental Management or other permitting authority. 16. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Environmental Management may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property, premises or place on or related to the disposal site and facility at any reasonable time for the purpose of determining compliance with this pemrit; may inspect or copy any records that must be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit; or may obtain samples of groundwater, surface water, or leachate. 17. 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)• 18. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the Permittee to an enforcement action by the Division of Environmental Management in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6. 2 19. 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. 20. A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the Permittee for the life of this project. 21. Noncompliance Notification: The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Mooresville Regional Office, telephone no. 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 at the wastewater treatment facility which results in the treatment of significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic, such as the dumping of the contents of a basin or tank; the known passage of a slug of hazardous substance through the facility; or any other unusual circumstances. b. Any process unit failure, due to known or unknown reasons, that render the facility incapable of adequate wastewater treatment such as mechanical or electrical failures of pumps, aerators, compressors, etc. C. Any failure of a pumping station, sewer line, or treatment facility resulting in a by-pass directly to receiving waters without treatment of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility. d. Any time that self -monitoring information indicates that the facility has gone out of compliance with its permit limitations. Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter form within 15 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. 22. The Permittee shall employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator to be in responsible charge of the wastewater treatment facilities. The operator must hold a certificate of the grade at least equivalent to the classification assigned to the wastewater treatment facilities by the Certification Commission. Within thirty days after the wastewater treatment facilities are 50% complete, the Permittee must submit a letter to the Certification Commission which designates the operator in responsible charge. 23. The lagoon shall have a liner of natural material at least one (14 foot in thickness at all locations with a hydraulic conductivity of no greater than 1 x 10- centimeters per second when compacted. Following installation and inspection of the lagoon liner, and prior to waste disposal operations, verification of the liner's compliance with hydraulic conductivity and thickness specifications must be provided to the Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater Section, by the project engineer. 24. 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. 25. The recycle lagoon shall not be located within 100 feet of water supply well. 3 Permit issued this the loth day of.January, 1990 TH CAROLINA NVIR NMENTAL MANAGEMENT CON USSION Charles R. Wakild, g for Division of Environmen anagement By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Permit No. WQ0002702 January 10, 1990 Engineer's. Certification. as a duly registered Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina, having been authorized to observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the project, for the Project Name Location Permittee hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial - compliance and intent of the approved plans and specifications. Signature Registration No. Date W QF W A TF9 Michael F: Easley, Govemor / William G. Ross Jr., Secretary Cq T North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources --I Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director O 'C Division of Water Quality EXHIBIT December 28, 2004 1 _A2 Mr. Randall Andrews Alchem, Inc. 81-35 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Subject: Permit No: WQ0002702 Alchem, Incorporated Industrial Recycle -Bauxite Process Rowan County Dear Mr. Andrews: In accordance -with your request for, renewal received September 23, 2004, we are forwarding herewith Permit No. WQ0002702, dated December 28, 2004, to Alchem, Inc. for. the continued operation of the three (3) lagoon recycle system. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until November 30, 2009, shall void Permit No. -.WQ0002702 issued January.21, 1999, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. Please pay particular attention to the monitoring requirements in this permit. Groundwater sampling is now required in monitor wells MW-1, MW-2, and MW-3 .and surface water sampling will be performed on the stream behind the property every February, .June,. and October for Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Sulfates, Specific `Conductivity; Aluminum, Total Suspended Solids, and water level. A scaled map of the facility must be prepared and submitted to the Division. The recycled water will be required to have a pH• of not less than 6.0 as it leaves - the wash area and goes into the storage lagoon. A site life. estimate and a long range plan"for future residuals disposal are also required. The material removed from Lagoons 1. & 2 during the next lagoon cleanout is required to have pH readings taken and 'documented, and . the. liners of each lagoon ' are to be inspected and tested (as necessary) by a Professional Engineer. Repairs are to be made as needed. -The pern ittee is required to seek alternate disposal/re-use options -for the fill and. submit a proposed schedule for their implementation. The City Water Supply Line is. required to be relocated to the upper perimeter of the residual fill area. Failure to establish an adequate system for collecting and maintaining the required operational information will result in future 'compliance problems. The berm which has been constructed around the residual fill area is to be maintained so as to keep the fill and/or accumulated rainwater from leaving the fill area: This permit is being renewed by itself and is not being combined with Permit No. WQ0016338 at this time, as -the. application for the renewal of Permit No. WQ0016338 has not yet been received by the Division. Carolina Aquifer Protection Section 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 Phone (919) 733-3221 Customer Service Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us 2728 Capital Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27604 FAX (919) 715-6048 1-877.623-6748 Art Equal Opportun'tlylAStrmative AcHm Employer — 50% Recyded110% Pout Consumer Paper A Notice of Violation was issued against the facility under Permit No. WQ0002702 on January 7, 2001 for violations of State Groundwater Quality Standards as.evidenced by the laboratory analyses of groundwater samples taken during the course of monitoring on -site monitor wells. A Notice of Violation was also issued against the facility under Permit No. WQ0002702 on May 12, 2003 in response to a release of residuals into a drainage/wooded area and an intermittent stream. The permittee was cited for failing to properly operate and maintain the facility as a non -discharge facility, failure to cease reuse operation once nuisance conditions existed, failure to provide adequate provisions to prevent surface runoff from conveying pollutants into surface waters, and failure to notify the Division of the residuals release into the receiving stream. 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, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6714. Unless such demands are made this permit shall be final and binding. If you need additional information concerning this matter, please contact David Goodrich at (919) 715- 6162. Sincere //-Alan W. Klimek, P.E. cc: Rowan County Health Department Mooresville Regional Office, Aquifer Protection Section Technical Assistance and Certification Unit gizqr,,Prtotee:ton+;CerLtraTEiles Permit •Files DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES RALEIGH m RECYCLE SYSTEM PERMIT 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 Alchent, Incorporated Rowan County continued operation of a wastewater recycle system consisting of 3 settling lagoons to serve Alchem, Inc., with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, . pursuant to . the application received September 23, 2004, 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 November 30, 2009, shall void.Permit No. WQ0002702 issued January 21, 1999, and shall be subject to the following. specified conditions and limitations: . 1.. This permit shall become voidable unless the facilities are constructed in accordance with the conditions of this permit, the approved plans and specifications; and other supporting data.. 2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in the application and other supporting data. 3. .The. facilities shall be properly maintained and operated at all times. 4. This permit is-not.transferable. In the event there is a desire for the facilities'to change ownership, or there is a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit request -must be submitted to the Division of Water Quality (Division) accompanied. by. an application fee, documentation from the parties involved, and other supporting materials as may be appropriate. The approval of the request will be considered on its merits and may or may not be approved. -5. In the event that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of nuisance conditions, the Permittee. shall take immediate corrective action, including those actions that may be required by this Division, such as.the construction of additional or replacement treatment or disposal facilities. 6. J The residuals generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed in accordance with General Statute 143-215.1 and in a manner approved. by the Division. 7. 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 facility. 1 r The facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to prevent the discharge of any wastewater resulting from the operation of this facility. 9. Diversion or bypassing of untreatedwastewater from the treatment facilities is prohibited. Freeboard in all of the lagoons shall not be less than two feet at any time. 11. Waste -level gauges, to monitor waste levels in the settling lagoons, shall be installed within 60days of issuance of this permit. These gauges shall .have readily visible permanent markings indicating the maximum liquid level at.the top of the temporary liquid storage volume, minimum liquid level at the bottom of the temporary liquid storage volume, and top of the dam elevations. Caution must be taken not to damage the integrity of the liner when installing the gauges. . r12.. A protective vegetative cover shall be established and maintained on all earthen basin embankments (outside toe of embankment to .maximum pumping elevation), berms, pipe runs, erosion control areas, and surface water diversions. Trees, shrubs, and other woody vegetation shall not be allowed to grow on the earthen basin dikes or embankments. Earthen basin embankment areas shall be kept mowed or otherwise controlled and accessible. \1(3. Within ninety (90) days of permit issuance, the recycled system shall be required to keep the recycled water" at a pH of not less than 6.0 Standard Units as it leaves the wash area and goes to the storage lagoon. 14. Within ninety (90) days of permit issuance, the permittee shall submit a site life estimate for the fill area. 15.: .'Within ninety (90) days of permit issuance, the permittee shall submit a long-range plan for future residuals disposal that shall include a timetable for implementation. 16. During the upcoming clean out of Lagoons 1 & 2 (scheduled for the spring season of 2005), a pH reading shall be taken and documented on every load of material removed from the lagoon and placed in the sand fill area. This information. shall be conveyed to the Division within thirty (30) days of completion of the clean out procedure. 17. At the conclusion of the clean out of Lagoons 1 & 2 -(scheduled for '•the spring season of 2005), the clay liners of the lagoon shall be inspected and tested (as necessary) by a Professional Engineer. Repairs to the liners shall. be made as needed and prior to the resumption of use. 1', The permittee shall actively seek alternate disposal/re-use options for the fill produced at the facility. An ` alternate means of .disposal, along with a proposed schedule for its implementation, -shall be identified within one (1) .year of permit issuance and reported by letter to the Division's Central Office at the Aquifer Protection Section, 1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 and to .the Mooresville Regional Office at the Aquifer Protection Section, 610 East Center Avenue/ Suite 310, Mooresville, NC 29115. 19. The City. Water Supply Line shall be relocated to the upper.perimeter of the residual fill area within one (1) year of permit issuance. Any problems with implementing this condition in a timely fashion shall be reported by letter to the Division's Central Office at the Aquifer Protection Section, 1636 Mail. Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636 and to the Mooresville Regional Office at the Aquifer Protection Section, 610 East Center Avenue/ Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115. 20. Any monitoring deemed necessary by the Division to insure surface and ground waterprotection will be established and an acceptable sampling reporting schedule shall be followed. . 'Adequate ,inspection, -maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Pernuttee to insure proper operation of the subject facilities. The berm which has been constructed. around the residual fill area shall be maintained so as to keep the fill and/or accumulated rainwater from leaving the fill area. 2 . t .- 22., The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the wastewater recycle facilities to prevent malfunctions and deterioration, operator errors and discharges which may cause or lead to the released. wastes to the environment,,a threat -to human health, or a. nuisance. The Permittee shall tmirgit W—inspectiorirlog-Jor 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 three years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available to the Division or other permitting authority, upon request. 23. a 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 recycle system at any reasonable time for the -purpose of determining compliance with this permit, may inspect or copy any records that must be maintained under the terms. and conditions.of.this.pennit, and may obtain samples .of groundwater, surface water, or leachate. 24: 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.15A NCAC 2H .0205. (c)(4).. 25. 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. 26. The issuance of this permit does not exempt 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, including but not limited to applicable river buffer rules in 15A NCAC 2B.0200, erosion and sedimentation control requirements in 15A NCAC Chapter 4 and under the Division's General Permit NCG010000, and any requirements pertaining , to wetlands under .15A NCAC 2B .0200 and 2H .0500.20. .27. A set of approved plans and specifications for. -.the subject project must be retained by the Permittee for the life of this project. 28. 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 at 'the .wastewater treatment facility which results in the treatment of significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic, such as the dumping of the contents of a basin or tank, the known passage of a slug of hazardous substance through the facility, or any other unusual circumstances; b.. Any process unit failure, due to known. or unknown reasons, that renders the facility incapable of adequate wastewater treatment, such as mechanical or electrical failures of pumps, aerators, compressors, etc.; c. Any failure of a pumping station, sewer line, or treatment facility resulting in a by-pass directly to receiving waters without treatment of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility; or d. Any time'that self -monitoring information indicates that the facility is not in compliance with its permit limitations. _ 3 Occurrences outside normal business hours may also be reported to the Division's Emergency Management personnel at telephone number (800) 858-0368, or (919) 733-3300. 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 reportmust outline the actions taken or proposed to be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur. 29. Upon classification of the wastewater treatment and spray irrigation facilities by the Water Pollution Control ..System Operators - Certification Commission (WPCSOCC), the Permittee shall designate and employ a certified operator. to be in`responsible charge (ORC) and one or more certified operator(s) to be back-up ORC(s) of .the facilities in accordance with 15A NCAC 8G..0201. The ORC shall visit the facilities in accordance with 15A NCAC 8G .0204 or as specified in this permit and shall comply with all other conditions specified in these rules. 30. The recycle lagoons shall not be located within 100 feet of water supply wells. 31. Within sixty (60) days of permit issuance, the. permittee shall submit two original copies of a scaled site map (scale no greater than 1 "=100'); however, special provisions may be granted upon prior approval for large properties. The.map(s) must include the following information: a..' . The location and identity of each monitoring well. b. The location of major components of the waste disposal system. c.. The location of property boundaries within 500 feet of the disposal area(s). d. The latitude and longitude of the established horizontal control monument. e: The elevation of the.top of the well casing (which shall be known as the "measuring point"). relative to a common datum. f. The depth of water below the measuring point at the time the measuring point is established. ,g. The location of Review and Compliance Boundaries. h. . The date the map is prepared and/or revised. 32. Control monuments shall be installed in such a manner and made of such materials that the monument will not be destroyed due to activities that may take place on the property. Maps and any supporting documentation shall be sent to the Aquifer Protection Section's Central Office at 1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636, and to the Mooresville Regional Office at the Aquifer Protection Section, 610 East Center.Avenue/ Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115: The permittee is responsible for the geographic accuracy of any map submitted, however produced 33. Monitor wells -MW-1, MW-2, MW-3, and the stream behind the property shall all be sampled every February, June. and October for the following parameters: Total Dissolved Solids Sulfates (SO4) 'Aluminum Water. Level pH Specific Conductivity Total Suspended Solids The measurement of water levels must be made prior to sampling for the remaining parameters. The depth to water in each well shall be measured from the surveyed point on the top of the casing. The results of the sampling and analysis shall be received on the most -recent version of "Groundwater Quality Monitoring: Compliance Report Form" (i.e., GW-59 Form) with copies of the laboratory analyses. attached by the Division's. Aquifer .Protection Section at the following address on or before the last working day of the month following the sampling month: i NCDENR-DWQ Information Processing Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Updated blank reporting forms may be downloaded from the web site for. the Division's Aquifer Protection Section at hM://gw.ehnr.state.nc.us/ or requested from the address listed above. 34. The COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY for the disposal system is specified by regulations in 15A NCAC 2L, Groundwater Classifications and Standards. The Compliance Boundary for the disposal system individually permitted on or after .December 30, 1983 is established at either 250 feet from the waste disposal area, or 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. remediation action according to 15A NCAC 2L .0106(d)(2). 35. 'The REVIEW BOUNDARY is established around the disposal system midway between the Compliance Boundary and the perimeter of the waste disposal area. Any exceedance of standards at the Review Boundary shall require action in accordance with 15A NCAC 2L .0106(d)(1). 36. Any additional groundwater quality monitoring, as deemed necessary by the Division, shall be provided. 37. Perinittee, 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. Permit issued this the 22nd day of December, 2004 NORTH OLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION i Alan W. Klimek, P:E., Director Division of Water Quality . By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Permit Number WQ0002702 - OaO� W ATFRQG co r Michael F. Easley. Governor William G. Ross Jr.. Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources December 28, 2006 CERTIFIED MAIL — # 7006 2150 0003 5466 1323 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Randall F. Andrews . ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, -NC 28138 Alan W. Klimek, P.E: Director Division of Water Quality EXHIBIT a a Subject: Permit No. WQ0016338 ALCHEM, Inc. Bauxite Residuals Monofill Surface Disposal Program Rowan County Dear Mr. Andrews: In accordance with your application received on September 30, 2004, we are forwarding herewith Permit No. WQ0016-38, dated December 28, 2006, to ALCHEM, Inc. for the on -site surface disposal of a silica residual from bauxite digestion. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until November 30, 2011, shall void Permit No. WQ0016338 issued March 1, 1999, and shall be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. IA , - 0i � � ee`1 According to the engineering report prepared by Boyle Consulting Engineers, PLLC, on October 24, 2005 entitled "Report of Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration & Earthen Embankment Analysis", the existing fill at the site is not suitable to provide direct foundation support for the intended construction of buildings for industrial purposes. The existing berm that contains stormwater runoff from the bauxite fill area was judged to be unsuitable to remain as constructed. A recent visit to the site by NCDENR personnel disclosed some seepage locations along the outside of the berm at elevations below the surface of the ponded stormwater runoff. In view of these inadequacies, the .Division is requiring that the berm be replaced or properly repaired and that the structural and. hydraulic integrity of the new or repaired structurebe verified by a licensed engineer (Condition I.1.). The addition_of further bauxite material to the fill area is prohibited until this is accomplished and the engineer's report is received by the Division (Condition I.2.). 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. An Assessment of Civil Penalties and a Notice of Violation was issued against the facility under. Permit Number WQ0016338 on August 18 and 19, 2003, respectively, in response to a release of residuals into a drainage/wooded area and an intermittent stream. The permittee was cited for inadequate corrective actions in -response to a release of residuals into an unnamed tributary to Second Creek and the resulting depression of PH in the water of the tributary. 141 Carolina iura!!y Aquifer Protection Section 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 21699-1636 Phone (919) 733-3221 Customer Service Internet: httpJ/h2o.cnr.state.nc.us 2728 Capital Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27604 Fax (919) 715-6048 1-877-623-6748 An Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer— 50% Recycledl10% Post Consumer Paper An earthen berm has since been constructed completely around the fill material area to correct the )roblem and to keep the fill on the site. Although the fill is currently contained, the capacity of the enclosed Lrea is limited, and the permittee is required to submit a site life estimate for the fill area, as well as a long- range plan for residuals disposal that shall include a timetable for implementation, and actively seek alternate disposal/reuse options with a proposed schedule for implementation, under the conditions of Permit Number WQ0002702, issued on December 28, 2004. Permit Number WQ0002702 further requires the earthen berm to be maintained so as to keep the fill and/or accumulated rainwater from leaving the fill area. In addition, this Permit WQ0002702 also required submittal of a map per Condition 31. within 60 days of permit issuance; the Division has no record of that submission. Submittal of the information required in Permit WQ0002702 is necessary to evaluate the adequacy of this residuals management system Oin�tt rn'auk�be er opened."to - °---.,. _ _ __a xs,� ..,4'.;..,�„�;�t,nr, cr,V�rn�d•t'f*tl 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 ce of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Statutes, and filed with the Offi Carolina 27699-6714. Unless such demands are made, this permit shall be final and binding. If you need additional information concerning this 715-6162. matter, please contact David Goodrich at (919) Sincere , -Alan W. Klimek, P.E. cc: Rowan County Health Department Mooresville Regional Office, Aquifer Protection Section Aquifer Protection Section, Central Office Technical Assistance and Certification Unit Permit Files 2 NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES RALEIGH SURFACE DISPOSAL OF RESIDUALS SOLIDS (503 exempt) PERMIT 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 monofill surface disposal program on Alchem, Inc.'s property at 8135 Red Road, Rockwell, North Carolina using approximately 3,000 dry tons per year of residuals from the sources listed in Condition 112, with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the application received on September 30, 2004, 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 November 30, 2011, shall void Permit Qti0b&'-318 issued March 1, 1999, and shall be subject to the following specified conditions and limitations: I. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 1. Within ninety (90) days of permit issuance, the berm structure containing the stormwater runoff from the bauxite fill area shall be replaced, or properly repaired in such a fashion as to address the concerns noted on page 19 of the report entitled "Report of Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration & Earthen Embanlanent Analysis" issued by Boyle Consulting Engineers, PLLC on October 24, 2005. The replacement or repairs shall establish structural and hydraulic integrity within the berm structure. This integrity shall be verified by field examination and testing performed by, or under. the direction of, a licensed engineer. An engineering report attesting to the structural and hydraulic integrity of the berm structure, that is signed and sealed by an engineer licensed in the State of North Carolina, shall be submitted -to the Division at the conclusion of the verification procedure. Two copies of this report shall be submitted to the Aquifer Protection Section's Mooresville Regional Office at 610 East Center Street, Suite 301, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115% 2. The addition of bauxite material to the fill area.is prohibited until such time as the berm structure _ has been replaced or properly repaired and its structural and hydraulic integrity have been verified by field examination and testing performed by, or under the direction of, a licensed engineer, and the engineering report is received by the Division. 1 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. In the event that the bauxite surface disposal program is not operated satisfactorily, including the . creation of nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall cease the reuse operation and take any immediate corrective actions as may be required by the Division of Water Quality (Division). II: OPERATION-AND-MAINT-t-NANCE 1tEQTJI)t2EM'E 1. The facilities and application sites shall be properly maintained and operated at all times. �2-__. _ -N. o°res duals -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 3,000 3. Only residuals that are non -hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) shall be disposed in the surface. disposal unit. 4. The pollutant concentrations in the residuals that will be disposed of in the surface disposal unit shall not exceed the following Ceiling Concentrations (i.e., dry weight basis): Parameter Ceiling Concentration (milligrams per kilogram) Arsenic 30 Chromium 200 Nickel 210 5. The following buffer zones shall be maintained: a. 400 feet between an active surface disposal unit and any habitable residence; b. 100 feet between an active surface disposal unit and any public or private water supply source, all streams classified as WS or B, waters classified as SA or SB and any Class I or Class H impounded reservoir used as a source of drinking water; c. 100 feet between an active surface disposal unit and any stream, lake, river, or natural drainage way; d. 50 feet between an active surface disposal unit and property lines (if the original permit was issued with the buffer distance to property line as 100 feet, updated maps must be submitted and new acreage delineated for the buffer to be reduced); e. 10 feet between an active surface disposal unit and any interceptor drains or surface water diversions (upslope); Mti M 2 f. 25 feet between an active surface disposal unit and any interceptor drains or surface water diversions (downslope); and g. 25 feet between an active surface disposal unit and any groundwater lowering and surface drainage ditches. Upon classification by the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC), the Permittee shall designate and employ a certified operator to be in responsible charge (ORC) and one or more certified operator(s) to be back-up ORC(s) of the surface disposal unit in accordance with 15A NCAC 8G .0201. The ORC shall visit the unit in accordance with 15A NCAC 8G .0204 or as specified in this permit and shall comply with all other conditions specified in these rules. 7. A copy of this permit shall be maintained on site when residuals are being conveyed and/or disposed of in the surface disposal unit during the life of this permit. A spill prevention and control plan shall be maintained on site at all times. rosion ff from 8. Adequate provisions from the e taken to prevent wind residuals treatment area ono the adjacent property or into any conveying pollutants surface waters. 9. _ 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. 10. No residuals shall be used as pipe bedding for sanitary sewer, storm sewer, or potable water lines. 11. 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. 12. Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent any surface runoff from occurring at any active or dormant residuals uni•�off from off a 'cannot Sear form event. a collection system Ail collected shall derunoffinstalled shall be the capacity to handle disposed in a manner approved by the Division. 13. Adequate provisions shall be taken to prevent wind erosion from conveying pollutants or residuals from the surface disposal site onto the adjacent property or into any surface waters. 14. Food crops, feed crops and fiber crops shall not be grown on an active residuals unit, unless approval has been requested and received from the Division. 15. Appropriate measures shall be taken to control public access to the surface disposal unit during active use and for the 36-month period following closure of the surface disposal unit. Such sting of signs indicating the activities being conducted at controls may include fencing. and the po. the unit. 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. p�,�!" Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee tracking all application activities. These records shall include, but are not necessarily limited. to the following, information: a. location of residuals utilization b. volume of residuals disposed in gallons/year, dry tons/year, or kilograms/year A residuals analysis shall be conducted twice per year from the date of permit issuance by the Permittee and the results 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 Phosphorous 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 to reduce the frequency of monitoring for pollutant concentrations. In no case, however, shall the frequency of monitoring be less than once per year when residuals are applied to the land. 4. Residuals generated by the approved residuals source -generating facility listed in Condition I.6. shall be analyzed to demonstrate that they are non -hazardous under RCRA every five dears, A corrosivity, ignitability, and reactivity analysis, as well as a Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis shall be conducted on residuals generated by each approved residuals source -generating facility. If residuals generated by a particular residuals source -generating facility are disposed of in the surface disposal unit at a frequency less than annually, the analyses shall be required for each calendar year in which a disposal event occurs. The results of all analytical determinations shall be maintained on file by the Permittee for a minimum of five years. The TCLP analysis shall include the following parameters (i.e., note the regulatory level in milligrams per liter in parentheses): Arsenic (5.0) 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (7.5) Nitrobenzene (2.0) Barium (100.0) 1,2-Dichloroethane (0.5,). Pentachlorophenol (100.0) Benzene (0.5) 1,1-Dichloroethylene (0.7) Pyridine (5.0) Cadmium (1.0) 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (0.13) Selenium (1.0) . Carbon tetrachloride (0.5) Endrin (0.02) Silver (5.0) Chlordane (0.03) Hexachlorobenzene (0.13) Tetrachloroethylene (0.7) Chlorobenzene (100.0) Heptachlor (and its hydroxide) (0.008) Toxaphene (0.5) Chloroform (6.0) Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (0.5) Trichloroethylene (0.5) Chromium.(5.0) Hexachloroethane (3.0) 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (400.0) m-Cresol (200.0) Lead (5.0) 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (2.0) Silvex5-TP , 4 , ' o-Cresol (200.0) Lindane (0.4) 2( ) (1.0 ) p-Cresol (200.0) Mercury (0.2)' Vinyl chloride (0.2) Cresol (200.0) Methoxychlor (10.0) 2,4-D (10.0) Methyl ethyl ketone (200.0) 5. Laboratory analysis as required by Condition III.1, Condition III.2, and Condition III.3 shall be performed/gathered on the residuals ' as they are to be disposed of in the surface disposal unit. Furthermore, analytical determinations made pursuant to the monitoring and reporting requirements of this permit shall be made by a laboratory certified by the Division for the required parameter(s) under 15A NCAC 2H .0800 or 15A NCAC 2H .1100. 6. Proper records shall be maintained by the Permittee tracking all application activities associated with the surface disposal unit. All records shall be kept by the Permittee for a minimum of period of five years from the date of disposal. These records shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following information: a. Date and freeboard level measurements in the surface disposal unit; b. Source and date or residuals disposed of in the surface disposal unit; tons per c. Volume of residuals disposed of in the surface disposal unit in gallons per year, dry year, or kilograms per year; d. Cumulative volume of residuals disposed of in the surface disposal unit in gallons or cubic yards (i.e., excluding freeboard); e. Remaining volume in the surface disposal unit in gallons or cubic yards (i.e., excluding freeboard); and f. An estimate of the remaining useful disposal life for the surface disposal unit in years (i.e., excluding freeboard). Three copies of all required information, monitoring and reporting requirements as specified in Conditions III 2, III 3, III 4 and HI.6 shall be submitted annually on or before March 1 of the following year to the following address: NCDENR-DWQ Information Processing Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 ° Noncompliance Notification: The Petntittee 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 surface disposal program which results in the disposal of significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic. b. Any failure of the surface disposal 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 or the parameters on which the system was designed. d. Any process unit failure, due to known or unknown reasons, that renders the facility incapable of adequate residual treatment. e. Any spillage or discharge from a vehicle or piping system transporting residuals to the disposal site. 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. V. GROUNDWATER REQUIREMENTS 1. The COMPLIANCE BOUNDARY for the surface disposal unit is specified by regulations in 15A NCAC ?L, Groundwater Classifications and Standards. The Compliance Boundary for the disposal system individually permitted on or after December 31, 1983 is established at either (1) 250 feet from the waste disposal area, or 50 feet within the property boundary, whichever is closer to the waste disposal area. An exceedance of Groundwater Quality Standards at or beyond the Compliance Boundary is subject to remediation action accordingto 15A NCAC 2L .0106(d)(2). 2 The REVIEW BOUNDARY is established around the surface disposal unit midway between the Compliance Boundary and the perimeter of the surface disposal unit. Any exceedance of Groundwater Quality Standards at the Review Boundary shall require action in accordance with 15ANCAC 2L .0106 (d)(1). 3. 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 disposal facilities 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 timeof 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 surface disposal 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 1. A set of all plans and specifications approved by the Division, as well as any as -built plans for the residuals conveyance facilities and surface disposal unit shall be retained by the Permittee for the life of the facilities/unit. 2. This permit shall. become voidable unless the surface disposal activities are and carrthe maied nner t in accordance with the conditions. of this permit, the supporting materials, approved by this Division. 3. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in the application and other supporting data. 4. This permit is not automatically transferable. tIn the event-tnat tnere is-a-,u�� ._�1•� =u� h g ov ship or a name change of the Permittee;.a formal permit request must be_su_bmitted Yto the -Division accom arced b, an a Ti`ca on fee, documentation from the parties involved, and _ P _Y -pp - 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. 5. Failure to abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the Pernittee to an enforcement action by the Division in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6A to 143-215.6C. I 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). The issuance of this permit does not exempt 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, including but not limited to applicable river buffer rules in 15A NCAC 2B.0200, erosion and sedimentation control requirements in 15A NCAC Chapter 4 and under the Division's General Permit NCG010000, and any requirements pertaining to wetlands under 15A NCAC 2B .0200 and 2H .0500. 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. 9. This permit may be modified, or revoked and/or reissued to incorporate any conditions, limitations and monitoring requirements the Division deems necessary in order to adequately protect the environment and public health adequately. 10. The Division shall be notified in writing at least 180 days prior to closing of the surface disposal unit. A formal closure plan and a post -closure management care program for the surface disposal unit shall be submitted at that time. This information shall be specific to the surface disposal unit as well as relate to the Permittee's future plans for the land. A schedule for implementing both the closure plan and the post -closure management care program shall be provided as well. Permit issued this the 28' day of December 2006 NORTH C OLINA E IRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION G an W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Permit Number WQ0016338 7 FILED STATE OF NORTH CAROLINNA COUNTY OF ROBESON 7n-91 NOV 21 P 4: $ OFFICE OF ALCHEM, INC., h ' .1! �� I S TR All VE Petitioner, ) V. ) NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ) ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, DIVISION OF WATER ) QUALITY, ) Respondent. ) EXHIBIT N . d D D Ill THE OFFICE OF ` ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS 07 EHR 0439 07 EHR 0177 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION The North Camlina'Acpartmcnt of Environment and Natural Resources (hereinafter 'Respondent) and Petitioner, Alchem, Inc., (hereinafter'Pctitionet), hereby enter into this Settlement Agreement (here-utaiter"Agreement) in order to amicably resolve matters in controversy as they relate to a civil penalty assessment and permit requirements. This matter arose out of theassessment of civil penalties and costs totaling ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven dollars and sixty-one cents ($I0, 677.61) which includes six hundred seventy- seven dollars and sixty-one cents ($677.61) in enforcement costs, imposed upon Petitioner on February 20, 2007 for alleged violations ofNorth Carolina General Statutes § 143-215.1 er seq and Non -Discharge Permit WQ00.16338. This settlement Agreement also addresses and covers Challenges to Alchem permit WQ0002702. Without any hearing of fact or law in the above -styled matters, Respondent and -the Petitioner have reached the following settlement agreement in this matter: -I- N I 1. Petitioner will adhere to the following conditions: a Within 30 days of the execution of this Agreement. Petitioner will immediately create two (2) feet of freeboard space in all storage lagoons. Additional bauxite residuals must be disposed of in a manner consistent with Water Quality General Statutes. and the relevant rules promulgated thereunder or applicable Solid Waste Statutes and the relevant rules promulgated thereunder '(it is anticipated' that the bauxite in' the first lagoon will be disposed of off site and the residuals from other lagoons can be disposed of on site after cleaning and in accordance with the terms of this agreement);. b. Petitioner will refrain from placing. any bauxite residuals for fill in the berm area until construction and repairs to the berm and stormwater retention pond below that area are complete; . c. Petitioner will complete construction and repairs to berm and stormwater • retention pond on or before October 30, 2007, with*site work monitored by a licensed professional engineer to ensure proper construction and with notification to Mooresville Regional Office of DWQ upon completion; d. Petitioner shall inspect and repair all three storage lagoons on site by June 1, 2008, with site work monitored, tested and certified by a licensed professional engineer to ensure proper construction. In order to meet this requirement, the Petitioner will be allowed to setup a temporary rnixer on site for the purpose of combining the residuals with a chemical agent that -2- will bring them into compliance with appropriate pH levels, which will be removed once the storage lagoons have been repaired and the Respondent has determined that the residuals arc leaving the wash system and reaching the storage lagoons and berm areas at the appropriate pH levels; . eO On or before March 1, 2008, the Petitioner will submit to the Mooresville Regional Office of DWQ a site assessment prepared by a licensed professional engineer. The site assessment should include a site map, a land survey that delineates current fill and set backs from residential and commercial properties, operational plan including projected estimate of site life; f. On or -before -June 1, 2008, the Petitioner will install satzipling ports in the pipes between the wash system and the storage lagoons. Additionally, Petitioner will provide sampling data to the Mooresville Regional Office of DWQ that the bauxite residuals being transferred from the wash system to the mixer and/or storage lagoons and eventually to the berm fill area, have achieved the prescribed pH level; and g. Petitioner may seek a permit modification to address condition II(S)(a) (400-foot buffer zone) after a concurrent site inspection with DWQ staff and a licensed professional engineer retained by Petitioner. 2. petitioner shall pay Respondent nine thousand dollars ($9,000.00), (hereinafter `Sctticment Amount), which includes eight thousand throe hundred twenty-two dollars and thirty- nine cents ($8,322.39) for the civil penalty and six hundred seventy-seven dollars and sixty-one -3- cents ($677.61) for investigative costs. The Settlement Amount shall be made in nine (9) equal payments of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) due on the 1st day of every month. The first payment will be due within thirty (30) days of the execution of this Agreement. 3. The payments shall be by check made payable to the'North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resourced"or to'DBWat the following address: Stormie A. Forte, Esq. Attorney General's Office Environmental Division 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-9001 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., ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven dollars and sixty-one cents (%10, 677.61). Any payments made by Petitioner prior to Any breach, will be subtracted from the original amount of the civil penalty assessment for purposes of collection. S. :petitioner and Respondent expressly stipulate and acknowledge that, by entering into this Agreement, Petitioner neither admits nor denies the allegations contained in the Inspection Reports, Notices of Violation, Notices of Additional and/or Continuing Violations, Findings and Decisions or 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 Respondent is to collect the Entire amount of the civil penalty assessment including investigative costs i.e., ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven dollars and sixty-one cents ($10, 677.613 in accordance with the terms of paragraph four (4) above and will be limited to the Petitionefs compliance with the terms of this Agreement: Additionally, for the purposes of future violations of the Water Quality -4- Statutes and the rules promulgated thereunder, the violations that arc the subject of the Notice of Violation and Civil Penalty Assessment for this matter will be used to document the Petitioner's prior record, 6. . Respondent agrees to accept a payment in the amount of nine thousand dollars (S9,000.00), -in complete satisfaction of the civil penalty assessment dated February 20, 2007, subject to the terms of this Agreement.. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict any right of Respondent to inspect or take any enforcement action against Petitioner for any new, subsequent, or future violations ofthe Water Quality Statutes and the relevant rules promulgated thereunder, occurring outside of the February 20, 2007 civil penalty assessment. Similarly, nothing in this Agreement shall restrict the right of Petitioner to contest a new or subsequent enforcement action arising outside of the - February 20, 2007 civil penalty assessment 8. Respondent 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 Respondent against petitioner. Nothing ih this Agreement releases any nondischargeability claims that may be asserted by Respondent in any bankruptcy proceeding, and nothing in this Agreement shalt be deemed a waiver of Respondenfs right to rely on the nature of any claim or debt released in this Agreement to show that the claim or debt is nondischargeable. 9. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and is entered into knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. 10. Signatures hereto via email are as binding as original signatures. -5- WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION 11. Entry of this Agreement serves as Petitionefs 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. FOR THE DMSION OF WATER QU ITY: Andrew Pitner, Mooresville Regional Supervisor, DWQ Date: y • O—)-• APPROVED AS TO FORM: ROY COOPER Attomey,peneral B r• Stormie D. Forte Assistant Attorney General N. C. Department -df Justice Environmental Division 9001 Mail Service Center ' Raleigh NC 27699-9001 Sil ALCHEM, INC.: Randall F. Andrews Alchem,1=. Date: I I — 1 ~9 ® / THE YARBOROUGH LAW FIRM Attorneys at Latin UJjLUk,-' H. Addison Winters Attorney at Law -P. O Drawer 705 Fayetteville NC 28302 Alchem, Inc. — Red Road Facility, Rockwell, Rowan Co. WQ0002702 / WQ0016338 Industrial Recycle -Bauxite Process/Bauxite Residuals Monofill On January 24, 2008, a caller informed MRO-APS staff that bauxite residuals from Alchem were being dumped at a site in Denton, NC (Davidson Co.) The site was visited on January 25. Approximately 27 large piles of bauxite residuals were found in a field behind a group of homes off Tom's Creek Church Rd. According Davidson County GIS, the property is owned by Henry Peele and Waymon Skeen of Southmont, NC. Above photo shows 4 dump piles in foreground; rest of dumping near tree line shown in the photo below. C' r MAGGIE LANE DUMP SITE off Tom's Creek Church Rd. Denton, NC Left: height of smaller group of piles in relation to state vehicle; Right: looking down Maggie Lane towards dump field (white spot near center of photo is the smaller group of piles) Toms Creek Church Rd, Denton, NC 27239, USA - Google Maps Page 1 of 1 -' Address J— ill�-- 8;, Toms Creek Church Rd Nlaps Denton, NC 27239 a 02008 Google - Get Google Maps on your phone RText the word "GMAPS" to 466453 data ©2008 NAVTEQM - I„ ii- --'---.--i..__.-_n---m_.--_.i/1..__7_i!-tt__-_1_inJ lT1-__`___ .XTr,nnn'In ,TTC/A0- 1/nAi1%nn0 The following is from the Davidson Co GIS (http://arcims.webgis.net/nc/davidson/defauIt.asp) 1-25-08 with dump locations highlighted: Davidson Co., NC Parcel Number: 0703900000020 Pin Id: 6679-03-30-9354 Owner: PEELE HENRY A & WAYMON L SKEEN P O BOX 377 SOUTHMONT NC 27351-0000 Property Address: 0 TOMS CREEK CHURCH RD Additional Information L20 BK1033-1350 TOMS CRK CH R City Limits: None ' Parcels Land Units: 24 AC Deed Book: 1033 Pg: 1350 Deed Date: 5/22/1997 Account Number: 000009031988 Township: Emmons Exempt Code: Building Value: $0 Other Building Value: $0 Land Value: $124,080 Market Value: $124,080 Assessed Value: $124,080 Deferred Value: $0 Other Attributes at point 1673972, 689957 Townships: Name: EMMONS Soils: DSL Name: GeB Fire Districts, Sq.Miles: 52.38 Soil Name: GEORGEVILLE Name: SOUTH EMMONS Zoning Districts: Type: SILT -LOAM Sq.Miles: 18.6 Zone: RS Percent SL: 2-8 Hydric: CERTIFIEQ MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Alchem, Inc. 2042 Buie Phildelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Attention: Julia M. Andrews, Registered Agent Dear Ms. Andrews: Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Coleen H. Sullins, Director Division of Water Quality AQUIFER PROTECTION SECTION March 27, 2008 EXHIBIT b D RE: Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement— NOV-2008-PC-0134 Alchem, Inc. — Red Road Facility Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0002702 and Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0016338 Industrial Recycle Bauxite Process, Bauxite Monofill Rockwell, Rowan County Chapter 143, North Carolina General Statutes, authorizes and directs the Environmental Management Commission of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to protect and preserve the water and air resources of the State. The Division of Water Quality (Division) has the delegated authority to enforce adopted pollution control rules. This letter Is a standard notification and is intended to advise you of the legal requirements under North Carolina law. In response to a citizen complaint, staff from the Aquifer Protection Section of the Mooresville Regional Office conducted a site visit at a property located at Maggie Lane off Tom's Creels Church Road, in Denton, Davidson County. Approximately 27 loads of residuals from Alchem were found to have been dumped at this location (see attachment for photos). As a result of the investigation, the Division has reason to believe that you are in violation of the following permit conditions: • Permit W00016338 condition 1.3 - the facilities should be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to prevent the discharge of any wastes resulting from the operation of this program. • Permit W00002702 Condition 6 — The residuals generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed of in accordance with General Statute 143-215.1 and in a. manner approved by the Division. • The aforementioned location is not an appropriately permitted facility for disposal and the Division did not approve the manner of disposal or the location. In order to correct this violation, you shall Immediately cease disposal of the residuals at locations that are not permitted for disposal or approved for application by the Division. You must also remove these residuals from their present location in Davidson County and transport them back to the Alchem facility for treatment or to a Subtitle D landfill for disposal. The Division has also been made aware that residuals that were sent to Agric Chemicals, Inc., and have not been properly handled. As such, previous approval granted to Alchem to send the residuals to Agric Chemicals, Inc. is now revoked and any future plans for using the residuals in such processes must be submitted and approved in writing by the Division prior to off Site - it Division of WaterQuality /Aquifer Protection Section / Mooresville Regional office Phone: p04) 663-1ti99 Fax p04) 6636pg0 WE— / 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115 Internet: wwwmwaterouality ora v Ys6hwi i� Alchern, Inc. NOV Page. 2 of 2 March 26, 2008 transport. Pending further investigation, the Division reserves the right to issue additional notices of violation and recommendations for enforcement. As the permit holder and generator of these residuals, it Is Alchem's responsibility to ensure that they are handled properly and disposed of within the conditions of your permit and applicable laws. The material shall not be given away to be used as fill. You are required to respond to this notice by submitting a plan for removal and proper disposal of the residuals dumped in Davidson County to the Aquifer Protection Section of the Mooresville Regional Office within 10 days following receipt of this notice. The plan shall identify the amount of material that will be sent to a Subtitle D landfill (and the name and location of that facility) or returned to the Alchem facility for treatment. Upon proper disposal of the residuals, you shall submit a summary report and include manifests or other suitable documentation. In addition, by June 26, 2008, you are required to submit a report assessing any damage to the soil and/or groundwater at the unapproved disposal site in Davidson County. The report shall be prepared by a North Carolina Licensed Geologist or Professional Engineer. The above violation of G.S. 143-215.1 is subject to a civil penalty assessment under the authority of G.S. 143-215.6A of up to $25,000 per day per violation. A recommendation for enforcement is currently being prepared by the Mooresville Regional Office. Please note that each day the unapproved disposal continues, you may be subject to a continuing penalty assessment. Please address your response to me. It is also requested that your response letter reference the date and subject of this NOVINRE as well as the permit number. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to call me at 704/669-1699, ext. 2180. Sin erely, Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Environmental Regional Supervisor Attachment Cc: Kim Colson & Ed Hardee, APS Land Application Unit File PC-2008- 0134 APS Central Files Bob Wolcott, Operations Mgr., Alchem, Inc. 8135 Red Rd., 28138 Andrew Hammonds, DWM-Solid Waste Section, Fayetteville Regional Office Art Barnhardt; DWQ-Aquifer Protection Section, Fayetteville Regional Office Sherri Knight, DWQ-Aquifer Protection Section, Winston-Salem Regional Office Henry Peele and Waymon L. Skeen, P.O. Box 377 Southmont, NC 27351-0000 ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 dwolcott2@wi ndstream. net April 8, 2008 RE: NOV-2008-10C-0134 Dear Mr. Andrew Pitner, EXHIBIT J This letter is in response to your NOV dated March 27, 2008, concerning 20+ loads of Bauxite Sand delivered to Tom's Creek Church Rd in Thomasville, NC. Below you will find the process that will be used to remove above mentioned sand. PLANNED REMOVAL Alchem will contract Black's Excavating in Salisbury, NC for 5 Quad Axle Dump Trucks; we will rent a 953 CAT Track Loader from Mays Equipment in Lexington, NC for the purpose of loading the sand into the Dump Trucks. NEW LOCATION of SAND All loads of Bauxite Sand will be brought back to Alchem for processing. THOMASVILLE, NC LOCATION After removal of the Bauxite Sand from the property, Alchem will remove 4-5 inches of soil where the sand was sitting; we will then replace the soil with a topsoil, lime and reseed the area. Alchem will have a TCLP done on the soil removed and water samples from any creek or waterway around the above mentioned property, when the results are in we will forward all results to DENR Mooresville Office. FINAL NOTE Andrew, as I told you during our phone conversation last week, these loads of sand were sent to Thomasville back in November of 2007 when Alchem, Inc was still under the Management of Wayne Drye, VP. In our conversation I also informed you that Mr. Drye still to this date retains 21 % of Alchem, Inc and is still looked upon as an Officer of this company. He is also responsible by law for 21 % of the cleanup cost of Alchem, Inc. I also have every reason to believe that this current situation (sand) was set up by Mr. Drye knowing he was going to loose his active roll at Alchem, Inc once I came into the picture. Mr. Drye swore vengeance so I am sure this will not be the last retaliatory act/call you will receive from him or someone affiliated with him. He phoned the office again on April-2, 2008 at 3:57pm and asked Denise to relay a message to me, in that message he called me names and said that "THE BEST IS YET TO COME". What Mr. Drye doesn't understand is that he is incriminating himself from a legal standpoint. As I am aware that this is not your concern or issue to deal with, however I feel it is sad that State Agencies are being used by Mr. Drye and his affiliates for his own personal grievances. Knowing this is not your issue, I do however want you to be aware of the situation. Thank you for your time, attention and understanding. Best Regards, ROBERT A. WOLCOTT CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED RD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 cc: Randall Andrews OFFICE — 704-279-7908 FAX — 704-279-8418 PERSONAL CELL — 704-245-9689 (AFTER 6pm) ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 dwolcott2@windstream.net - . April 8, 2008 RE: BAUXITE SAND PROCESS BEING DONE OFF SITE Dear Mr. Andrew Pitner, Following you will find for your offices review the process and intended use of the Bauxite Residual Sand that is to be removed from Alchem, Inc. Thank you. for your time, attention and understanding. Best Regards, ROBERT A. WOLCOTT CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED RD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 cc: Randall Andrews OFFICE — 704-279-7908 FAX — 704-279-8418 PERSONAL CELL — 704-245-9689 (AFTER 6pm) FROM FAX NO. Apr. 08 2008 05:41AM P3 IAC INDUSTRIAL, AND AAGRICULTUP.-AL CHEMICALS, INC. 2042 RVIE PHILADELPHUS ROAD RED SPRINGS, NC 28377 910-843-2121 — FAX 910-843-5789 — EMAIL rfa&c mr.net April 7, 2008 Mr. Bob Wolcott ALCILM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28318 Dear Mr. Wolcott: IAC produces a mineral product that needs a filler. After blending we spray water and Sulfuric acid on the product to turn the Zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide, Iron Oxide, and Aluminum Oxide into the more soluble sulfate form. Therefore, any Sulfuric acid or Aluminum already in the sand product is beneficial. All components of the sand product that you generate are beneficial to our granular mineral products. The sand is stored under cover. We have s storm water discharge permit. IAC has not had any solid waste violations in the last 15 years. Best regards, Industrial & Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. 94W AJA'Vx�-- Randall F. Andrews, President ams Page 1 of l FROM FAX NO. DASDs Material Safety Data Sheet �] Office: 800-462-2586 24 Hour Emergency Assisi'ance Chemfirec: 800-420300 1. Product Identification _..,...,,.............. _......... Product Name: Mineral Diluent Product Common Name: Silica Apr. 08 2008 05:40AM P1 ALCHEM, INC. 8135 Red Rd. Rockwell, NC 28138 Date Prepare: 11-16-05 This Revision: 12-08-06 Manufacturer's Name: ALCHEM, INC. I Manufacturer's Address: 8135 Red Rd. Rockwell, NC 28135 Manufacturer's Number: (800) 462-2586 Manufacturer's Fax: (704) 279-8418 2. Composition/Information on Ingredients Ingredient Name CAS Number Concentration Wt Silica 14808-60-7 90 Aluminum Oxide 1344-28-1 8-10 Sulfuric Acid 7664-93-9 3-5 OSHA PI°L ACGIHTLV NIOSH REL NIOSH Ingredient TWA STEL TWA $TEL TWA STEL IDLH Silica % Si02 + 2 0.05 mg/6ubic 1 meter _ 0.05mg/Cubic meter Aluminum Oxide NIA NIA Sulfuric Acid N/A N/A Exposure Limits refer to the respirable fraction. PEL means OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit. TLV means American Conference of Governmental industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value. MSHA means Mine Safety and Health Administration Exposure Limit. TWA means 8 hour Time Weighted Average. CAUTION: Silica is classified as hazardous under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations (29 CFR 1010.1200). The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) reported above are the pre-1989 limits that were reinstated by OSHA June 30, 199$ following a decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. There PELS are now being enforced by the .Federal OSHA. Be. aware that more restrictive exposure limits may be enforced by some states, agencies, or other authorities. 3. Hazards Identification ,,,,,,,,,, EmergencyOverview � .. ................. . ...,.. ..-........... .. _ ,.,,.,,,.., ,....... Mineral Diluant Product is a light buff, tan, and gravel -multicolored with no odor. It is Page 1 of 10 FRnM FRX NO. Apr. 08 2008 05:40RM P2 DESCRIPTION USES CHEMIM MD PHYSICAL PROMM PACKAGING. STORAGE Mineral Diluent Product This product is used as a diluent in manufacturing fertilizer mineral products. Use between 200 and 500 pounds per ton as formula requires. T.YUCAL aFECIII JC&TIOLI Silica >90% 88-92 Aluminum Oxide <10% 8-9 Sulfuric Acid <5% tt-S Shipped in super sacks or bulk trailers. Store under cover and minimize storm water runoff. ALCHEM, INC. 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 Phone (704)279-7908 w Fax (704) 279-8418 a a s EXHIBIT To File: Site Visit - April 17, 2008 Maggie Lane — Site of illegal Alchem dumping Denton, Davidson County The piles of bauxite residuals have been removed. The area has apparently been overseeded (pine straw has been laid down as a cover). ALCHEM, INC 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 ^� 704-279-7908 fax 704-279-8418 / dwolcott2@windstream.net April 8, 2008 RE: BAUXITE SAND PROCESS BEING DONE OFF SITE Dear Mr. Andrew Pitner, EXHIBIT 6-B Following you will find for your offices review the process and intended use of the Bauxite Residual Sand that is to be removed from Alchem, Inc. Thank you for your time, attention and understanding. Best Regards, ROBERT A. WOLCOTT CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER OFFICE — 704-279-7908 ALCHEM, INC FAX — 704-279-8418 8135 RED RD PERSONAL CELL — 704-245-9689 ROCKWELL, NC 28138 (AFTER 6pm) cc: Randall Andrews FROM FAX NO. Apr. 08 2008 05:41AM P3 - i I 1AC INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL CHIEMICALS, INC. -- 204213YJIE PHILADELPRU'S ROAD RED 8PR7NGS, c 28377 910-843-2121 FAX 910-843-5789 — EI LUL rfa�semr,net April 7, 2008 Mr. Bob Wolcott ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28318 Dear lair. Wolcott: EXHIBIT 6-C IAC produces a mineral product that needs a filler. After blending we spray water and Sulfuric acid on the product to turn the zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide, Iron Oxide, and --Aluminum--Oxide into the more soluble sulfate form. Therefore, any Sulfuric acid or Aluminum already in the sand product is beneficial. All components of the sand product that you generate are beneficial to our granular mineral products. The sand is stored under cover. We have s storm water discharge permit. IAC has not had any solid waste violations in the last 15 years. Best regards, Industrial & Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. P� Randall F. Andrews, President arras Page 1 of 1 . FROM FAX NO. MSDS Maternal Safety Data Sheet Office: 800-462-2586 Apr. 08 200B 05:40AM P1 ALCHEM, INC. 8135 Red Rd. Rockwell, NC 28138 EXHIBIT I 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Date Prepare: 11-16-05 Chemtrec: 800-424-9300 This Revision: 12-08-06 1. Product Identification Product Name:' Mineral Diluent Product Common Name: Silica Manufacturer's Name: ALCHEM, INC. I Manufacturer's Address: 8136 Red Ltd. Rockwell, NC 28135 Manufacturer's Number: (800) 462-2586 Manufacturer's Fax: (704) 279-8418 2. Composition/Information on Ingredients Ingredient Name CAS Number Concentration WE Silica 14808-60-7 90 Aluminum Oxide 1344-28-1 8-10 Sulfuric Acid 7684-93-9 3-5 OSHA PEL ACGIHTLV NIOSH REL NIOSH Ingredient TWA I STEL TWA $TEL TWA STEL IDLH Silica % Sl02 + 2 0.05. mg/cubic 1 meter 0.05mg/cubic meter Aluminum Oxide N/A N/A Sulfuric Acid N/A N/A Exposure Limits refer to the respirable fraction. PEL means OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit. TLV means American Conference of Governmental industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value. MSHA means Mine Safety and Health Administration Exposure Limit. TWA means 8 hour Time Weighted Average, CAUTION: Silica is classified as hazardous under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations (29 CFR 1910.1200). The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) reported above are the pre-1989 limits that were reinstated by OSHA June 30, 1993 following a decision by the 11m Circuit Court of Appeals. There PELs are now being enforced by the.Federal OSHA. Be. aware that more restrictive exposure limits may be enforced by some states, agencies; or other authorities. 3. Hazards Identification Emergency Overview Mineral Diluant Product is a light buff, tan, and gravel -multicolored with no odor. It is Page 1 of 10 FROM v FAX NO. Apr. 08 2008 05:40AM P2 DESCRIPTION USES CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES PACKAGING. STORAGE MinerW Drluent Product This product is used as a diluent in manufacturing fertilizer mineral products. Use between 200 and 500 pounds per ton as formula requires. T-YUCAL S_DQ11 CATION Silica >90°l0 88-92 Aluminum Oxide <10% 8-9 Sulfuric Acid <5% 4-5 Shipped in super sacks or bulk trailers. Store under cover and minimize storm water runoff. ALCHEM, INC. 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NC 28138 Phone (704)279-7908 — Fax (704) 279-8418 EXHIBIT b 49 8 June 30, 2008 MEMORANDUM TO: Ed Hardee, APS, LAU FROM: Andrew Pitner, MRO, APS PREPARED BY: Ellen Huffman, MRO, APS SUBJECT: Enforcement Case PC- 2008-0b26 Violation of Permit No. W00002702 ALCHEM, Incorporated Attached is the enforcement package sent to ALCHEM on June 30, 2008, with supporting documentation concerning violations bauxite re use program. This office olations resulted from ALCHEM's mismanagement of Office is issuing a penalty. The attached material should be self-explanatory; however, if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ellen Huffman or me. Attachments ebh EXHIBIT a Page 1 a 3 Summary On Thursday, January 24, 2008, the Mooresville Regional Office received a complaint of dumping by ALCHEM on a site just north of Denton, NC. Peggy Finley visited the site on January 25, 2008 and observed multiple piles of ALCHEM spent bauxite sand dumped in a field off of Tom's Creek Church Road in Denton, NC (Davidson County). At least 27 piles were counted on the site in two locations of a level grassy field (photos attached). Chronology of Events/Correspondence January 24, 2008 — A report of dumping is received by the MRO. Complainant says dumping occurred in the latter part of December 2007. January 25, 2008 — Staff from the MRO conducted a site visit at the location given by the complainant. Observations and pH readings of the material lead to the conclusion that it is ALCHEM's spent bauxite sand. CHECKLIST FOR PERMIT VIOLATIONS 1. Copies of the Permits (#W00016338, WQ0002702) are attached. 2. The violator is ALCHEM, Incorporated. Mr. Randall Andrews is the agent for the company. Mr. Randall Andrews 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 3. This enforcement involves violations of non -discharge Permit conditions and general statute G.S. 143-215.1. 4. Copies of correspondence are attached. 5. Copies of chain -of -custody for samples taken at dump site are attached. Not applicable. 6. The violation is not due to. a power failure or by-pass of any treatment facility. 7. Are violation(s) chronic and/or due to a single operational upset? The violation is considered to be unlawful and willful. 8. Were any specific notifications submitted concerning noncompliance? A NOV/NRE was sent on March 25, 2008, which documented the subject permit violations and indicated that an enforcement recommendation would be prepared. 9. Cost of the investigation: 8 hours by Ellen Huffman for preparation of enforcement report at $24.62/hour 8 hours by Peggy Finley for preparation of enforcement report at $24.62/hour 8 hours by Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. for supervisory review at $28.62/hour 1 hour for clerical processing at $10.93/hour Mileage 50.8 @ $0.26 per mile Certified Mail 6 @ $4.64 lea. = 196.96 = 196.96 228,96 = 10.93 = 132.08 = 27.84 Total $793.73 EXHIBIT N d D D DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT CASE ASSESSMENT FACTORS Type: Permit Violation Non -Discharge Permit No. W00002702 Case No. PC-2008-0026 Violator: ALCHEM Regional Office: Mooresville 1. The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violation: Acidic residuals were in an area accessible to the public on private property. 2. The duration and gravity of the violation: The violations were reported to have taken place in the latter part -of December 2007. Estimates of the volume of material hauled off site took approximately 4 + working days. There were at least 27 piles found at the site. A site visit on April 18, 2008, by MRO staff concluded clean up is cornplete'at the Denton site. 3. The effect on water/groundwater quality: alth, and fish or wildlife, as a result of these violations. There is no documented effect'on water, public he 4. The cost to rectify the damage: The cost to rectify damage is difficult to determine. A report from ALCHEM included costs that were not. associated with the violation. The submitted clean-up plan did not specify, however, as of.April 18, 2008, ALCHEM has completed site clean up. 5. Amount of money saved by noncompliance: The amount of money saved -is approximately 1$ 9,440. Savings were calculated by using weight from submitted ALCHEM weight tickets and calculated by landfill tipping fees. The tipping fee for Rowan County Landfill is $32.00 per ton. Each of the 27 loads was estimated at 45,000 Ibs (22.5 tons). 6. Whether or not the violations were committed willfully or intentionally: The violations were will and intentional. ALCHEM knew from permit requirements, previous documentation, and - settlement agreement, that disposal options only consist of on -site, landfill, or selling as product filler to Southern States was acceptable. 7. The prior record of the violator in hacomplying cling -to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission regulatory The ALCHEM facility hasan extensive record of non-compliance, .including NOV 10/2511990, NOV 01/0712002, NOV 03/15/2002, NOV/NRE 05112/2003. NOV 08/19/2003, NOV/NRE 01/12/2005, NOV/NRE 09/20/2005, NOV/NRE 01/06/2006, NOV/NRE 12/20/2006, NOV/NRE 12/20/2006, and currently, under court order. 8. Type of violator and general nature of business: a 10. 11 The permittee manufactures chemicals for water and wastewater treatment. The primary use of the facility is to chemically treat bauxite to produce Alum for water and wastewater treatment. Violator's degree of cooperation (including efforts to prevent) or recalcitrance: The permittee historically has exhibited either a lack of ability or indifference regarding facility conditions and has demonstrated poor management of the bauxite fill area and the recycle system. Note that by April 18, 2008, the dumpsite had been cleaned up as required. Recent management changes at Alchem have resulted in some improvements at the facility in Rockwell, but the company owner has shown lack of concern. Mitigating circumstances: This Office is very concerned with the 22-year history of poor management of ALCHEM's non -discharge facilities. These violations exhibit a continuation of this history regarding compliance with permit conditions, and poor management of the bauxite fill area. See file history included in package. Cost to the State of the enforcement procedure: The cost to the State in bringing about this enforcement action is as follows: 8 hours by Ellen Huffman for preparation of enforcement report at $24.62/hour = 196.96 8 hours by Peggy Finley for preparation of enforcement report at $24.62/hour = 196.96 8 hours by Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. for supervisory review _ 228.96 at $28.62/hour 1 hour for clerical processing at $10.93/hour = 10.93 Mileage 50.8 @ $0.26 per mile = 132.08 Certified Mail 6 @ $4.64 lea. = 27.84 Total $793.73 EXHIBIT N DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY -- CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSMENT Violator: ALCHEM, Inc. County: Rowan Case Number: PC-2008-0026 ASSESSMENT FACTORS 1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private ( ) not significant (X) moderately significant () significant () very significant () extremely significant 2) The duration and gravity of violation; ( ) not significant () moderately significant (X) significant () very significant () extremely significant 3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; ( not significant (X ) moderately significant ( ) significant () very significant () extremely significant 4) The cost of rectifying the damage; ( ) not significant ( X ) moderately significant ( ) significant () very significant( ) extremely significant 5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; . 1 Onot significant O moderately significant ( ) significant ( X) very significant( ) extremely significant, 6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally; ( ) not significant ( ) moderately significant () significant () very significant ( X) extremely significant 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 ( ) not signifcant () moderately significant () significant () very significant (X) extremely significant 8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. ( ) not significant -(X) moderately significant ( ) significant ( ) very significant ( ) extremely significant 4' Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Date CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN. RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Randall Andrews, Registered Agent ALCHEM, Inc. 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28138 and ALCHEM, Inc. 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Dear Mr. Andrews: rvn�.uaci i �ao�cy, vrcu w, � William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Coleen H. Sullins, Director Division of Water Quality AQUIFER PROTECTION SECTION June 30,.2008 RECEIVED / DENR I DWQ Aquifer Protection Section JUL 2 2008 1 EXHIBIT SUBJECT: Assessment of Civil Penalty for Violations of NC General Statute 143-215.1 and Non -Discharge Permit No. W00016338 Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0002702 Case No. PC-2008-0026 ` NOV-2008-PC-0134 Rowan County . This letter transmits notice of a civil penalty assessed against ALCHEM,' Inc. in the amount of $34,543.73, which includes $793.73 in investigative costs. Attached is a. copy of the assessment document explaining this penalty. This action was taken under the authority vested in me by delegation provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Director of the Division of Water Quality. Any continuing violation(s) may be the subject of a new enforcement action, including an additional penalty. Within thirty days of receipt of this notice, you must do one of the following three. items: 1. Please submit payment of the.penalty: Payment should be made directly to the order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (do not include waiver form). Payment of the penalty will not foreclose further enforcement action for any continuing or new violation(s). Please submit payment to the attention of: Mr. Ed Hardee DWQ/Aquifer Protection Section 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1636 Division of Water Quality I Aquifer Protection Section / Mooresville Regional Office 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115 o o NhCarolina Phone: (704) 663-1699 Fax: (704) 663-6040 rrturallr� Internet: http://aw.ehnr.state.nc.us kLCHEM Inc. Assessment WQ0002702 OR Page 2 2. Submit a written request for remission or mitigation including a detailed justification for such request: A request for remission or mitigation is limited to consideration of the reasonableness of the amount of the penalty and is not the proper procedure for contesting the accuracy of any of the statements contained in the assessment document. Because a remission request forecloses the option of an administrative hearing, such a request must be accompanied by a waiver of your right to an administrative hearing and a stipulation that there are no factual or legal issues in dispute. You must execute and return to this office the attached waiver and stipulation form, the Justification for Remission Request and a detailed statement, which you believe establishes whether: (a) one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in G.S. 143B-282.1(b) were wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner; (b) the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation; (c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident; (d) the violator had been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; (e) payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions. Please submit this information to the attention of: Mr. Ed Hardee DWQ/Aquifer Protection Section 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1636 Please note that all information presented in support of a request for remission must be submitted in writing. The Director of the Division of Water Quality will review the infonnation and inform you of her decision in the matter of the remission request. Her response will provide details regarding case status, directions for payment and provision for further appeal of the penalty to the Environmental Management Commission's Committee on Civil Penalty Remissions. Please be advised that the Committee cannot consider information that was not part of the original remission request considered by the Director, and therefore, it is very important that you prepare a complete and thorough statement in support of your request for remission. ALCHEM Inc. Assessment W00002702 Page 3 OR 3. File a petition for an administrative hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings: If you wish to contest any statement in the attached assessment document you must file a petition for an administrative hearing. You may obtain the petition form from the Office of Administrative Hearings. You must file the petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice. A petition is considered filed when it is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings during normal office hours. The Office of Administrative Hearings accepts filings Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except for official state holidays. The original and one (1) copy of the petition must be filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings. The petition may be faxed - provided the original and one copy of the document is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings within five (5) business days following the faxed transmission. The mailing address for the Office of Administrative Hearings is: Office of Administrative Hearings 6714 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6714 Telephone (919) 733-2698 Facsimile (919) 733-3478 A copy of the petition must also be served on DENR as follows: Ms. Mary Penny Thompson, General Counsel Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1601 Please mail or hand deliver a copy to: Mr. Ed Hardee DWQ/Aquifer Protection Section 1636 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1636 Please indicate the case number (as found on page one of this letter) on the petition. Failure to exercise one of the options above within thirty (30) days of receipt of this letter, as evidenced by an internal date/time received stamp (not a postmark), will result in this matter being referred to the Attorney General's Office for collection of the penalty through a civil action. Please be advised that additional penalties may be assessed for violations that occur after the review period of this assessment. ALCHEM Inc. Assessment W00002702 Page 4 If you have any questions, please contact me or Peggy Finley at (704) 663-1699 or Mr. Ed Hardee at (919) 715-6189. Since Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Environmental Program Supervisor I11 Aquifer Protection Section Mooresville Regional Office ATTACHMENTS cc: Ed Hardee, DWQ APS Central Office w/attachments Case # NOV-PC-2008- 0134 w/ attachments APS Central Files w/ attachments DWQ Public Information Office w/attachments Rick Shiver, DWQ Central Office Bob Wolcott, Alchem Facility, Rockwell STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ROWAN IN THE MATTER OF: ) ALCHEM Incorporated, ) FOR VIOLATIONS OF ) PERMIT NO. WQ0002702 ) AND N.C.G.S. 143-215.1 ) NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION File No. PC-2008-0026 FINDINGS AND DECISION 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 the Division of Water Quality, 1, Andrew H. Pitner, P.G., Environmental Program Supervisor III of the Mooresville Regional Office (MRO) Aquifer Protection Section (APS) of the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, make the following: FINDINGS OF FACT: A. ALCHEM Incorporated (ALCHEM) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina. ALCHEM operates a washwater recycle system and a bauxite residuals disposal (monofill) system at their facility in Rockwell, Rowan County. The registered agent for ALCHEM is Randall F. Andrews. B. Non -Discharge Permit No. WQ0002702 (issued December 28, 2004) regulates the washwater recycle - system at the ALCHEM facility and Non -Discharge Permit No. W00016338 (issued December 28, 2006, adjudicated and enforceable from terms of a Settlement Agreement filed on November 27, 2007) regulates the disposal of residuals from the recycle system. Permit W00016338 allows ALCHEM to dispose of spent bauxite residuals, after the residuals meet certain conditions, on site. Alternately, 15A NCAC 02T .1103 permits by rule the disposal of residuals in a subtitle D landfill. C. Permit WQ0002702 condition 6 states, "The residuals generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed of in accordance with General Statute 143-215.1 and in a manner approved by the Division." D. ALCHEM and the Division entered into a Settlement Agreement filed on November 27, 2007, to resolve alleged violations, in addition to the permit adjudication noted above. The Settlement Agreement states, "additional bauxite residuals must be disposed of in a manner consistent with Water Quality General. Statutes and .the relevant rules promulgated thereunder or applicable Solid Waste Statutes and the relevant rules promulgated thereunder." Disposal of wastewater residuals in a solid waste facility is permitted by rule in accordance with 15A NCAC 02T 11103. E. ------- --- n or abouf January 24, 2008, MRO APS staff received a complaint (via phone) of a material being dumped (by a truck with the name ALCHEM on it) on land near Denton, NC, sometime in late December 2007. The material reportedly had been removed from lagoon number 2 at the ALCHEM facility. On January 25, 2008, MRO APS staff visited the Denton dumpsite and observed at least 27 piles of material that appeared to be spent bauxite residuals from ALCHEM. Photos and samples of the material were taken. A pH measurement was performed in the MRO lab using a calibrated meter. The sample had a low pH (3.7) typical of ALCHEM spent bauxite. The material was residuals generated at the ALCHEM facility. G. The Division has not issued a permit for the disposal of the residuals at the Denton dump site nor is the dump site a permitted solid waste facility approved to received such residuals pursuant to 15A NCAC 02T .1103. H. Staff costs and expenses associated with observing the violations, defining their nature and bringing enforcement action totaled $793.73. Based upon the above Findings of Fact, I make the following: ii. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: A. ALCHEM is a "person" within the meaning of G.S.143-215.6A pursuant to G.S. 143-212(4). B. Permit No. WQ0016338, was issued on December 28, 2006, and became effective and enforceable on November 27, 2007. Permit WQ0002702, was issued on December 28, 2004 and became effective and enforceable on July 5, 2007. C. ALCHEM violated G.S. 143-215.1 and part 6 of permit WQ0002702, by disposing of spent bauxite sand at an unapproved off -site location. D. General Statute 143-215.6A(a) provides that a civil penalty of not more than $25,000.00 per violation may be assessed against a person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of a permit required by N.C.G.S. 143-215.1. E. General Statute 143-215.3(a)(9) provides that the reasonable costs of any investigation, inspection or monitoring survey may be assessed against a person who violates any regulations, standards, or limitations adopted by the Environmental Management Commission or violates any terms or conditions of any permit issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-215.1, or special order or other document issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-215.2. F. The Regional Supervisor of the Mooresville Aquifer Protection Section, 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: Ill. DECISIONS: ursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-215.6A in determining the amount of the penalty, I have taken into account the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and considered all the factors listed in N.C.G.S. 143B-282.1, which are: (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; (2) The duration and gravity of the violation; (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 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. Accordingly, ALCHEM is hereby assessed a civil penalty of: $ 33,750.00 **for failing to perform to permit standards as required by G.S. 143-215.1. , Permit W00002702 condition 6 states, "The residuals generated from these treatment facilities must be disposed of in accordance with General Statute 143-215.1 and in a manner approved by the division." $ 793.73 Investigation and Enforcement costs assessed. $ 34,543.73 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE IV. NOTICE: l reserve the right to assess civil penalties and investigative costs for any continuing violations occurring after 'he assessment period indicated above. Each day of a continuing violation may be considered a separate , iiolation subject to a maximum $25,000.00 per day penalty. Civil penalties and investigative cost may be assessed for any other rules and statutes for which penalties have not yet been assessed. V. TRANSMITTAL: These Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Decision shall be transmitted to ALCHEM, Incorporated, in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-215.6(A)(d). (Date) Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Environmental Program Supervisor III Aquifer Protection Section Mooresville Regional Office STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COUNTY OF ROWAN IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT) OF CIVIL PENALTIES AGAINST ) } ALCHEM, Inc., ) Permit No. WQ0016338 and ) Permit No. WQ00002702 ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND STIPULATION OF FACTS FILE NO. PC-2008-0026 Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $34,543.73 for violation(s) as set forth in the assessment document of the Division of Water Quality, Aquifer Protection Section dated June 30. 2008 the undersigned, desiring to seek remission of the civil penalties, does hereby waive the right to an administrative hearing in the above -stated matter and does stipulate that the facts are as alleged in the assessment document. The undersigned further understands that all evidence presented in support of remission of this civil penalty must be submitted to the Director of the Division of Water Quality within 30 days of receipt of the notice of assessment. No new evidence in support of a remission request will be allowed after 30 days from the receipt of the notice of assessment. This the day of , 20 Signature ADDRESS TELEPHONE JUSTIFICATION FOR REMISSION REQUEST Case Number: PC-2008-0026 County: Rowan _ Assessed Party: ALCHEM, Inc. Permit No. (if applicable): W00016338 &WQ0002702 Amount assessed: $34,643.73 Please use this form when requesting remission of this civil penalty. You must also complete the "Request For Remission, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts" form to request remission of this civil penalty. You should attach any documents that you believe support your request and are necessary for the Director to consider in determining your request for remission. Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the civil penalty assessed. Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. By law [NCGS 133-215.6A(f)) remission of a civil penalty may be granted when one or more of the following five factors applies. Please check each factor that you believe applies to your case and provide a detailed explanation, including copies of supporting documents, as to why the factor applies (attach additional pages as needed). (a) assessment factors are listed in the civil penalty (b) the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation (i.e., explain the steps that you took to correct the violation and prevent future occurrences); (c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident (i.e., explain why the violation was unavoidable or something you could not prevent or prepare for); (d) the violator had not been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations, (e) payment of the .civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions (i e., explain how payment of the civil penalty will prevent you from performing the activftles necessary to achieve compliance). EXPLANATION: PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA a t..:- f L COUNTY OF " �" X• (1) .Rowan �%r-"rt,;%G f:y, •:e C1:'i?..,� (2) Alchem, Inc. Case No. PC-2008-0026 (your name) PETITIONER, (3) N. C..Department of Envirnnn,ental and Natural Resources (NCDENR) RESPONDENT. (The State agency or board about which you are complaining) l JUL 29 20 IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS EXHIBIT iu 10 PETITION FOR A CONTESTED CASE REARING I hereby ask for a contested case hearing as provided for by North Carolina General Statute § 1 SOB-23 becausO the Respondent has: (Briefly state facts showing how you believe you have -been harmed by the State agency or board.) DENR f1led an enforcement action against us for disposing of waste We did not dispose of any waste. We have a material that is a beneficial in Davidson Count . After here WP Addi .ionall t hark ta--otLr..Plant. , y,_r rtain facts nrQ��ntPd by�(`nFNR ra inrnrra�t (If more space is needed, attach additional pages.) (4) Because of these facts, the State agency or board has: (check at least one from each column) deprived me of property; x exceeded its authority or jurisdiction; x ordered me to pay a fine or civil penalty; or otherwise substantially prejudiced my rights;—x—erroneously; AND --x—failed to use proper proc�tiure; —2_acted arbitrarily or capriciously; or x failed to act as required 4 law or rule, (3) Date: 7-24-08 (7) Print your full a, (8) Print your name (9) Your signature: You must mail or d--ul a' —%Jr i or ill's t'et'tion to the State agency or board named on line (3) of this m. You should contact the agency or board to determine the name of the person to be served. foi (6) Your phone number:( 910) 843-21�,Z1 ext , 23 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that this Petition has been served on the State agency or board named below by depositing a copy of N with the United States Postal Service with sufficient postage affixed OR by delivering it to the named agency or board: (10) Ms. Penny Thompson od) (I2) 1601 Mail Service (street address/p.o. box) (13) Thisthe 244 dayof f 1�i.._ (14) — ., l9 ,t ) (city) ,20 08 . (your signature) (11) NCDENR - (State agency or board isied on line 3) (zip ;dhen you have completed this form, you MUST mail or deliver the ORIGINAL AND ONE COPY to the 0 ' ce of Administrative Hearings, 6714 lail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6714. H-06 (11/99) Alchem History from MRO files Updated by Ellen Huffman (custodian of the records) "*" indicates hard copy in package for trial. LA IBIT Please note that the DENR MRO has found files- in several sections/divisions due to the different types of permits issued for the same process i.e., residuals, recycle, groundwater, air, solid waste, and hazardous.waste. Pertinent History: *December 30, 1985- A complaint investigation by DENR concludes that ALCHEM had several (unreported) releases from the Red Road location and operates a process that requires a permit from DWQ. *An old newspaper article is found in the file regarding ALCHEM spills. May 1985 through Oct. 1989 multiple applications are submitted by ALCHEM — all are returned insufficient. *January 10,1990 — ALCHEM is issued permit # WQ0002702 for wastewater recycle system. *October 25,1990 — NOV issued for WQ0002702 —discharge of ALUM into creek. *April 8, 1993 — permit is modified for ALCHEM to add 5 more lagoons. April 20, 1993 ALCHEM wants groundwater monitoring removed. Request is denied. June 1993 - ALCHEM petitions the permits groundwater requirements. Requirements stay. September 1993 — ALCHEM petitions NC EMC to drop VOC testing from the permit. More spills noted in 1994 but, no NOVs on file. , June 27, 1994 - Permit is renewed. 1994=1998-ALCHEM has multiple groundwater monitoring issues. *Jan. 1999 - renewal is issued for WQ0002702 without beneficial use request. *March 1999, ALCHEM is issued a separate permit WQ0016338 for beneficial use of spent bauxite on site as structural fill for future plant expansion. April 29, 2003 —.complaint white stuff (spent bauxite) in creek. WQ0016338. *May 12, 2003 — NOV/NRE (notice of recommendation for enforcement) for WQ0016338 for runoff of spent bauxite in creek (May 23, 2003, Tara group is hired for cleanup) Note: reports show low pH in creek, in spent bauxite lagoons, in run-off puddles below plant. August 8, 2003 — MRO photos show very little clean up activity has taken place. August 18, 2003 penalty assessed for May 12, 2003 NOV for WQ0016338. *August 19, 2003 - NOV issued for WQ001.6338 failure to incorporate remedial Actions/illegal discharge/surfacewater quality standards violations. * March 2004 —A settlement agreement for WQ0016338 is filed for cleanup of spill (May 2003), remediation of creek, and a fine of $4,878.28 for above NOV. December 28, 2004 to June 19, 2007 -permit WQ0002702 is renewed with addition of several requirements. ALCHEM subsequently adjudicates this permit and holds it in the courts for over two years ending up in the NC Court of appeals. The permit stands as written -June 19, 2007. *January 12, 2005 — NOV WQ0016338 DWQ (Wes Bell) for incomplete clean up of spill and low pH discharges that continue to affect the creek. August 2, 2005 — issues found previously continue. ALCHEM hires BOYLE Engineering to perform a site evaluation. Sept. 20 2005 — An NOWNRE for WQ0002702was issued. A request for a site life estimate of the fill area was requested along with a long term disposal plan for the spent bauxite. *December 20, 2006 - NOV WQ0016338 apparent berm failure and low pH. ALCHEM is told not to use the fill area until the area is stabilized / repaired. *December 28, 2006 — permit WQ0016338 previousely known as a"bauxite residual reuse program (as fill) is re-newed and reissued as a "bauxite residual (spent) monofill surface disposal system". January — December 2007 *January 26, 2007 — A letter from Alchem, asking the MRO to consider allowing 500 tons of material to be moved and put into an area near the railroad. ALCHEM re -stated the desire to use the fill as structural fill for placement of chemical mixing tanks. *February 9, 2007 — A faxed letter from ALCHEM mentions disposal possibilities but no real plan. Asks againfor permission to remove sand to fill area. (WQ0016338) *February 19, 2007 — A letter from ALCHEM regarding NOV for permit WQ0002702. Note: the NOV was for groundwater violations. The letter did not offer any real solutions but again, requested permission to remove sand to the fill area that is permitted under WQ0016338. Inspections continue to find the same violations. *November 27, 2007. A settlement agreement is filed. In that agreement ALCHEM agrees to (among other things): a: dispose of bauxite in a manner consistent with water quality general statutes. It is anticipated that the bauxite in the first lagoon (cleaned) will be disposed of off site (i.e. subtitle D landfill) until the spent bauxite residuals can be treated to meet the terms of this agreement (i.e. pH of 6.0). January 24, 2008. Speaker conference call included Andrew Pitner, Peggy Finley and Ellen Huffman. MRO informed that: • Spent bauxite sand from ALCHEM has been disposed of at a site near Denton, NC. Go hwy 109 out of Denton, NC, .2 miles to Tom's Creek Church Road, turn rt. go .1 miles to pansy properties. Piles are stockpiled in fields. 2 January 25, 2008 - MRO APS staff from the Mooresville Regional Office (MRO) visited the Denton dumpsite and observed 27 +/- piles of material that appeared to be spent bauxite sand from ALCHEM. Photos and samples of the material were taken. A pH measurement was performed in the MRO lab using a calibrated meter. The sample had a low pH (3.7) typical of AMCHEM spent bauxite. The material appears to be spent bauxite residuals generated at the ALCHEM facility. March 27, 2008 — Notice of Violation — and NRE for unauthorized disposal/ dumping of spent bauxite. April 17, 2008 — A file note indicates cleanup had been completed. Site was seeded and straw in place. June 23, 2008 — letter from Randall Andrews stating that the waste dumped off site is not waste at all it is a product of ALCHEM. AN MSDS was attached. June 30, 2008 - Assessment for civil penalties, illegal dumping, $34,543.73. EXHIBIT 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. 0. Box 171 Rockwell RIVER'BASIN Yadkin BY WHOM., Mr, Monty Payne, Ms. Tana FEZer, Mr. Rex TIME SPENT Gleason, Mr. Jesse. Wells PERSONS CONTACTED. Mr. Randall Andrews, Mr. Keith Andrews, ..Co-Own' .REASON..FOA-VISIT ..Complaint Investigation COPIES TO:- jowan.County Health Department Tesse 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 rain water 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,.and they (Alchem) were planning to recycle the water in.the basin.b4ck 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 notgreater 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 contentration 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 oh 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 addityonal storage lagoon, which is being evaluated by this Office. 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Pm[ 1pvk s,4-plou'd 'N111i tuxul ralis.x aqt I:o mis tnv soldutss aqd, '%,t liwgs: Qj [U unor 1 aql )u Htl 7t('1 lJ ummot Prq spniRu ;MCI F Avut1& sajtl'ium `1-mimL611 5 ll Utr4j SF4- [ U:t rr .Iii,�lt:.5i gAj.Kj 10) llLEI[I [id PasI7115� 5,alla5 atl[• 'IFt7l}nl�i'3 r► 3u .ilsPlae 1ti .till;c}[ns[e P) amIMatu ;mpolal •1111 s! — IT pua Q U04alaq V L 8" ed t11Q.i j 4 j WVL10 eoft TIIPRTLn�nD.InQ f27rvin• �.,.., -._ , pj6b e' r v IF lY4 �StON OF ENY�AOHIItfriT�l tAAhAifliE� EXHIBIT 22 1090 State of North Carolina G�ent of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management 512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 James G. Martin, Governor William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Mr. Randall F. Andrews Alchem, Inc. Route 2, Box 521-C 8135 Red Road, Rockwell, NC 28377 Dear Mr. Andrews: R. Paul Wilms Director January 10, 1990 Subject: Permit No. WQ0002702 Alchem, Inc. Industrial Recycle - Bauxite Process Rowan County In accordance with your application received November 17, 1989, we are forwarding herewith Permit No. WQ0002702, dated January 10, 1990, to Alchem, Inc. for the construction and operation of the subject recycle facility. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 1994, and -shall - be subject to the conditions and limitations as specified therein. If any parts, requirements, or limitations contained in this permit are unacceptable to you, you have the right to request an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within 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. Box 11666, Raleigh, NC 27604. Unless such demands are trade this permit shall be final and binding. One set of approved plans and specifications is being forwarded to you. If you need additional information concerning this matter, please contact Mr. William Barlow at 919/ 733-5083. Si cerely, harles R. Wakil Acting Director cc: Rowan County Health Department v,'Mooresville Regional Office Environmental Hydrogeological Consultants Groundwater Section Pollution Prevention Pays P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-7015 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES RALEIGH . RECYCLE SYSTEM PERMIT 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 construction and operation of two (2) lagoons each approximately 50' W x 200' L x 10' D and all associated pipes, valves and appurtenances to serve Alchem, Inc. with no discharge of wastes to the surface waters, pursuant to the application received November 17, 1989, and in conformity with the project plan, specifications, and other supporting data subsequently filed and approved by the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources and considered a part of this permit. This permit shall be effective from the date of issuance until December 31, 1994, and shal be subject to the following specified conditions and limitations: 1. This permit shall become voidable unless the facilities are constructed in accordance with the conditions of'this permit, the approved plans, specifications, and other supporting data. 2. This permit is effective only with respect to the nature and volume of wastes described in the application and other supporting data. 3. The facilities shall be properly maintained and operated at all times. 4. This permit is not transferable. In the event there is a desire for the facilities to change ownership, or there is a name change of the Permittee, a formal permit request must. be submitted to the Division of Environmental Management accompanied by an application fee, documentation from the parties involved, and other supporting materials as may be appropriate. The approval of the request will be considered on its merits and may or may not be approved. 5. Upon completion of construction and prior to operation of this permitted facility, a certification must be received from a professional engineer certifying that the permitted facility has been installed in accordance with this permit, the approved plans and specifications. Mail the Certification to the Permits and Engineering Unit, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611. that the facilities fail to perform satisfactorily, including the creation of 6. In the event nuisance conditions, the Permittee shall take immediate corrective action, including those as may be required by this Division, such as the construction of additional or replacement wastewater treatment or disposal facilities. 7. The Mooresville Regional Office, phone no. 704/663-1699, shall be notified at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of operation of the installed facilities so that an in -place inspection can be made. Such notification to the regional supervisor shall be made during the normal office hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 P.M. on Monday through Friday, excluding State Holidays. 8. The sludge generated from these treatment facilities mu t be Nosed of in rth Carolina rdans on ce h General Statute 143-215.1 and in a manner approvedY the Environmental Management. 9. 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 facility. 10. The facilities shall be effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system to prevent the discharge of any wastewater resulting from the operation of this facility. 11. Diversion or bypassing of untreated wastewater from the treatment facilities is prohibited. 12. Freeboard in the lagoon shall not be less than two feet at any time. 13. Any monitoring deemed necessary by the Division of Environmental Management to insure ill be established and an acceptable sampling surface and ground water protection w reporting schedule shall be followed. 14. Adequate inspection, maintenance, and cleaning shall be provided by the Permittee to insure proper operation of the subject facilities. 15. The Permittee or his designee shall inspect the wastewater recycle facilities to prevent malfunctions and deterioration, operator errors and' discharges which may cause or lead to the release of wastes to the environment, a threat includito n health, or a nuisance. nand time of Permittee shall keep an inspection log or summary g at east he dateinspection, observations made, and any maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions taker t by the Permittee. This log of inspections shall be maintained by the Pertittee for a period of three years from the date of the inspection and shall be made available upon request to the Division of Environmental Management or other pertmitting authority. 16. Any duly authorized officer, employee, or representative of the Division of Environmental Management may, upon presentation of credentials, enter and inspect any property, premises or place on or related to the disposal site and 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; or may obtain samples of groundwater, surface water, or leachate. 17. 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). 18. Failure to.abide by the conditions and limitations contained in this permit may subject the Permittee to an enforcement action General statute 143 215.6 Environmental Management in accordance with North a FA 19. The issuance of this permit does not preclude the Perr ttee 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. 20. A set of approved plans and specifications for the subject project must be retained by the pen- ittee for the life of this project. 21. Noncompliance Notification: The Permittee shall report by telephone to the Mooresville Regional Office, telephone no. 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 at the wastewater treatment facility which results in the treatment of significant amounts of wastes which are abnormal in quantity or characteristic, such as the dumping of the contents of a basin or tank; the known passage of a slug of hazardous substance through the facility; or any other unusual circumstances. b. Any process unit failure, due to known or unknown reasons, that render the facility incapable of adequate wastewater treatment such as mechanical or electrical failures of pumps, aerators, compressors, etc. C. Any failure of a pumping station, sewer line, or treatment facility resulting in a by-pass directly to receiving waters without treatment of all or any portion of the influent to such station or facility. d. Any time that self -monitoring information indicates that the facility has gone out of compliance with its permit limitations. Persons reporting such occurrences by telephone shall also file a written report in letter form within 15.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. 22. The Permittee shall employ a certified wastewater treatment plant operator to be in responsible charge of the wastewater treatment facilities. The operator must hold a certificate of the grade at least equivalent to the classification assigned to the wastewater treatment facilities by the Certification Commission. Within thirty days after the wastewater treatment facilities are 50% complete, the Permittee must submit a letter to the Certification Commission which designates the operator in responsible charge. 23. The lagoon shall have a liner of natural material at least one (1I foot in thickness at all locations with a hydraulic conductivity of no greater than 1 x 10' centimeters per second when compacted. Following installation and inspection of the lagoon liner, and prior to waste disposal operations, verification of the liner's compliance with hydraulic conductivity and thickness specifications must be provided to the Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater Section, by the project engineer. 24. The Permittee, at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of this pennit,.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. 25. The recycle lagoon shall not be located within 100 feet of water supply well. 3 Permit issued this the loth day of.January, 1990 TH CAROLINA NVIR NMI MENTAL MANAGEMENT COMSSION Charles R. Wakild, g irector Division of Environmen anagement By Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Permit No. WQ0002702 January 10, 1990 Eneineer'c Certification as a duly registered Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina, having been authorized to observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the for the project, Location. Project Name Permittee hereby state that; to the best of. my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that tine construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the approved plans and specifications. Signature Date Registration No U B,r�"'.w stvE o EXHIBIT a E 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.-Raridall 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. 143-2.15.1 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. Sincerely, Enclosure KHC/bb B"AJA 13-7. JA Brenda Smith, P.G. Regional Supervisor - 919 North Main Strcct, Moorcsvillc, N.C. 28115 • Telcphonc 704=663.1699 • FAX 704-663.6040 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employcr 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 %�✓�C TIME SPENT: 3 hours PERSONS CONTACTED: Wayne Drye, Alchem REASON FOR VISIT: Complaint Investigation COPIES TO: Rowan County Health Department REPORT: v 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. KHC/bb �,\.. � .c, w `_' �� :�. ��, ::..Ut �.:• % r4 � t_ 1:•�/fir_ ��`-• �� t �' non CD ...........III I' �` •1 _ :�I; :i • W' (�' :., �..'�; . U Ft t- • ' \7 /J : 4 _ ril - � i_ .'J �,• ,.,. ..��` • II''j• ': t:: rl 'I�' • / i I • •4 � , 1. :c::•, o rt., ..-_---• -.max..::. ,�r�.=_�-.{�..• �Vti(. ./ V �', ``�.' :�` ?!4 _ o ,. .- w , �' n 'x './. .r^— -��_ it - .o �/ -off •^ ' ''/i;• r' ''I "'�-..•-_-:V •�' Imo. •rn �. �', , ,: f � ..' •` . � ' `3p` ' L_�� n.'Y .. ' j �' � � ' Or' (.1 i ID.to -�i I' • •-�.i-'R-- - -^-� \ �i�w'z` /�S ,fir• �,r•r• ��• •i 1 . • �::..�•'• INN .�` �! ��/: 11 t,, +`(; _ _� � ° � � .0 �- _ j YI•`° 1 %;�'f/rNyww3 � -� .:..r: �::_.V•... �'.� • r .I; ��.. ;� •��•�. t- Q fa .� �i�. `%Jp_`�. O` i5 ; .. O C�' or�o�'�, rtC•//`/KERB-- - .—•.�1,- --�-•� n::-l�_'•��,Qp�� : Opp O i • �1 r'6 • 1!l �%�.JIt � �'.•• •_ �° 'c I Ali •� `\ F I I • O.: �, �,_ .. •`� fir. .'� .. •lj I a .. �r�• •. •: .v �l I'V - w GOLo hrlc� 2.5 M7.- (Gololow '7 titl. o u.s. s: V N N ALBErMARLE 20 Ml, ^, LZ O WATcR G f CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Randall F. Andrews, President ALCHEM, Inc. 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, North Carolina 28377 Dear Mr. Andrews: Se ��✓N� wQ t 5 + (?3 Michael P. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr.. Secretary No Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources August 19, 2003 Subject: Notice of Violation Alan W. Klimek P. E. Director Division of Water Quality Coleen H. Sullins. Deputy Director Division of Water Quality EXHIBIT F ALCHEM, Inc. Failure to Incorporate Remedial Actions/Illegal Discharge/Surface Water Quality Standard Violations Permit No. WQ0016338 Rowan -County, N.C, _ _ 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 in 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) 213 .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 Reeional Office 919 North Main Street Mooresville NC 28115 (704) 663-1699 rIM 14MENR Customer Service 1-877-623-6749 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 a: Rowan County Health Department Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, ALCHEM, Inc. 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 vJ6 INVESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell and Ellen Huffm a -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 wooded/riparian 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 2B .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. 4�9it STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA FILED IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS COUNTY OF ROWAN, MAR -2 P 3. 5Q 03 EHR 1587 EXHIBIT OFFICE OF ALCHEIVI, INC., WAYNED. DRYE,AQI'•fIl'XIS)•RAFIVE. G HE)A W4G S 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. i et seq and Non -Discharge Permit WQ00-1.6338. DENR and the Petitioner have reached the following settlement agreement in this matter: L 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 ofthe 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 S 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 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 2') $4,674.98 = $4,878.28. The last payment shall be due and payable on or before February I, 2006. 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 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. 5. DENR agrees to accept payments totaling four thousand eight hundred seventy- eight dollars and twenty-eight cents (S4,878.28), 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. 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 35_ day of February 2004. FOR THE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY Alan Klimek, Director of Water Quality Date: 3 z C) `f D. Rex Gleason, Mooresville Regional Supervisor -, A Date: --% G /_ ROY COOPER Attorney General By: ormie D. Forte 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 PETITIONER: -5- Alchem,.Inc., Wayne D. Drye Date: g 0 A Bey Randall F. Andrews, Consultant Alchem, Inc. Date: g� " `4, Z00 V t+ltehudl Fa�lcti.��+++'antas William G. I:tx`y A.. ScavtarY Norlh C arohnn Department of Cnvtrtnmtcnt and Natural E'.tsattrccc Alan W. KltnveL l' E.. Dwr for DwLston a:' \\ aler Quality EXHIBIT January 12, 2005 D H 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-A9S=0001 Bear N&. Andrews: Chapter 143, Article 21 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCO$) 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, 2005 by Mr. Wes Bell. The follow-up investigations were performed to assess ALCHEM, Enc.'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) 143-215.1and 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2B .0211 (3Xg): The acidic discharges into the unnamed tributary (U I) resulting from the drainage through the unremediated wooded/nparian 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/ripanan areas on the business site. N_ C Division of Water Quality, Mooresville Regional office, 610 East Center Awrtue, Suite 301, Mooresville NC 28115 (704) 66+-1E9S ;USW:�' Scrvict i-E7:-6`.i-674S 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 of NCGS 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 unpennitted 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, D. Rex Gleason, P.E. Surface Water Protection Regional Supervisor Aiiawuuouw cc: Rowan County Health Department Stormie Forte, Associate Attorney General Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, ALCHEM, Inc. M It 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 IIWESTIGATED BY: Wes Bell liT VIE 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 parry 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 througb/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 It originated from the drainage of the wooded/riparian areas on the ALCHEM property. The drainage had channeled through the accumulated residuals of the u remediated areas in the wooded/dparian 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 Two pH measurements were taken by W. Bell on January 5, 2005. The upstream pH ranged from 6.22 s.u. to 6.25 s.u. and the downstream pH (10 - 20 yards below the lowest drainage area) was measured at 4.76 sm. 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. - W. 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. F WA7F N /� micnaet 1-. t:asley, vovemor ; . -- O as (�' j�William G. Ross Jr.; Secretary�O'�G �{`�j�—�j North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources 0 r Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director j Division of Water Quality AQUIFER PROTECTION SECTION December 20, 2006 CERTIFIED MAIL EXHIBIT RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Randall Andrews • � I ALCHEM, Inc. CM 9 7003 2260 00013494 5390 2042 Buie Philadelphus Road Red Springs, NC 28377 and ALCHEM,*Ind: - ... 8135 Red:Road CNI # 7003 2260 00013494 5406 RoiiKAII :NC 28.138 v Subject: Notice of. Violation/ Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement.' NOV No. NOV-2006-PC-0061 Violation of permit conditions of Non - discharge permit No. WQ0016338 (dated March 1, 1999) Bauxite Residuals Reuse Program 7 .: Rockwell, Rowan County Dear Mr. Andrews, Chapter 143, North Carolina General Statutes, authorizes and directs the Environmental Management . Commission of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to protect and preserve the water - arid`air-resources of the State. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has the delegated authority to enforce adopted pollution control rules. This letter is a standard notification and is intended to advise you of the legal requirements under North Carolina law. While issues related to more recent permits are addressed, -your facility is currently-ope'rating under the March 1, 1990, version of Non -discharge permit WQ0016338 for bauxite residuals reuse. An inspection for permit W00016338 was conducted by Ms. Ellen Huffman, Aquifer Protection: Section (APS) Mooresville Regional Office (MRO), Mr. David Goodrich, APS Central Office, and accompanied by :Mr. Wes Bell, Surface Water Protection Section MRO, on December 5, 2006. .Several violations of the subject permit were noted during this inspection. These violations include: Permit conditions L 9 requires the residual program be effectively'maintained and operated as a non - discharge system. and 11.3 requires adequate provisions 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: • Conditions at the time of inspection revealed that the berm is not effectively'retaining the water "that has collected in the residual bauxite disposal area. The pH -of the water in the storage -area at the time bf inspection averaged 3.8 SUs. The pH of the water seeping from a 40ft- long area at the foot of the backside of the berm was 3.13 SUs. Division of Water Quality I Aquifer Protection Section J Mooresville Regional Office Phone: (704) 663-1699 -Fax:' (704) 663-6040 610 East Center Street. Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115 Internet: httn:&w.ehnr.state.nc.us ALGHLIVI Page 2 of 2 December 20, 2006 As related to this issue, Mr. Goodrich requested an engineering evaluation of the berm on June 8, 2005. The MRO APS received the evaluation conducted by Boyle Engineering on March 1, 2006. This report discovered that, "the existing embankment fill conditions are too variable and are unsuitable to retain any additional lateral loads without risk of global stability failure and subsequent breach." (See BOYLE Consulting Engineers report dated Oct. 24, 2005, Executive Summary, page 3). In light of the conditions found during this inspection, including excessive amounts of stormwater collected in the bauxite fill area and numerous seep areas on the outside of the berm, the DWQ APS has concluded that this facility is not being effectively maintained and operated as a non -discharge system and that the bauxite fill area cannot receive any more residuals until the area is stabilized and/or repaired. Corrective measures taken to address this problem will need to be signed off_ on by a NC Professional Engineer. As such, ALCHEM must find a suitable alternative disposal option for any future lagoom cleaning and notify the Division in writing within 20 days of receipt of, this notice, of the method of disposal to be used. The Mooresville Regional Office is recommending an enforcement action against this permit for the above referenced violations. If you have .justification that these violations are caused by circumstances beyond your control, or you have an explanation that you wish to`present, please respond in writing within twenty (20) days following receipt of this notice. The Mooresville Regional Office will review your response and forward it to the Water Quality Division Director with the enforcement package. It should be noted that that, in accordance with General Statute 143-215.6A,initiation of an enforcement action could result in assessment of penalties up to $25,000 per day. Please address your response to the attention of Ms. Huffman.* It is also requested that your response i ence the date and subject of this NOWNRE, as well as the permit number. If.you- have any questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Huffman at (704) 663-1699. Sincerely, Andrew H. Pitner, P.G. Environmental Regional Supervisor MRO APS, Enclosures 12-5-06 Inspection report map & pH readings cc: APS Land Application Unit, Permits* Enforcement APS Land Application Unit, David Goodrich Wayne Drye, Plant Manager, ALCHEM, Inc, Red Road I State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality Michael F_ Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary Alan W_ Klimek, P.E. Director TWA A4 ��Iva MONOM Now NC%DENR NON -DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE INSPECTION GENERAL INFORMATION City/Town/Owner: Alchem Inc. Permit No:: W00016338 Last Amended Date: N/A SOC Issuance Date(if applicable): N/A Permittee Contact: Wayne Drve ORC Name: N/A ORC Cert.#: N/A County: _ Rowan County Issuance Date: March 1, 1999 Expiration Date: December 31, 2004 Expiration Date: N/A Telephone No.: 704/ 279-7908 Telephone No.: 704/ - ORC: _ Reason for Inspection X ROUTINE COMPLAINT X FOLLOW-UP OTHER Type of inspection Collection System Spray Irrigation Sludge _X—Other Inspection Summary: (additional comments may be included -on attached pages) This permit is expired. The new permit has been contested and currently in the adjudication process. The facility was inspected using the permit conditions in the expired permit WQ0016338, dated March 1, 1999. David Goodrich, APS, Central Office, Andrew Pitner, APS, MRO, Wes Bell, SWP, MRO, also attended the inspection on December 5, 1006. Physical readings of temperature and pH were taken in several locations. See map and readings attached to this inspection report. The earthen berm, surrounding the fill area, shows constant signs of seeping along the lower end of the berm impoundment.. pH readings of the seeping water in this area were in the 3.08 SU range. pH readings of the water inside the bauxite fill area, were in the 3.8 — 3.9 SU range. The earthen berm was- originally constructed due to a previous failure to keep the bauxite residuals on site. Boyle Consulting Engineers evaluated the berm for structural integrity in the. summer of 2005. Continued on page 2 Is a follow-up inspection necessary X . yes —no Inspector(s) Name(s)/Title(s) Ellen Huffman / Env. Specialist II Telephone No. 704/663-1699 Fax No. 704/663-6040 Date of Inspection December 5, 2006 Water Recycle System Inspection pg 2 WQ0016338 ALCHEM, Inc. Inspection Sumrnary Continued The MRO APS received the Boyle report in March 1, 2006. The Boyle report reflected inconsistencies in the berm construction and predicted probable failure. ALCHEM has not taken any action to repair/replace the berm. Currently there is a large amount of rainwater in the lagoon. This has increased the unstable conditions of the bauxite area. This inspection included sampling of existing monitoring wells for permit 9 WQ0002712, which is the permit for the water recycling system used -to wash the spent bauxite, stored in the three lagoons prior to final use in the "fill" area. A "follow-up" inspection by Peggy Finley and Ellen Huffman was on December 14, 2006 and included record keeping and another review of the seep area. The seep area is still saturated. Type of System Bauxite Residuals Reuse Record Keeping YIN Y Copy of current permit available at residual generating site Y Current metals analysis (2 x's year) Y TCLP analysis- 1 x per permit cycle, starting in 1999. N Hauling records (# gal and/or ton hauled during calendar year to date) N/E Records of lime purchased Y Fill inspection log (records). Treatment (check treatment type(s) used) _ Wash Recycle System (WQ0002712) Transport N/A Spill control plan in transport vehicle? Does transport vehicle appear to be maintained? Comments - Operation & Maintenance records N/A Disposal Reuse Area Describe stora7e: No Site condition adequate YES Signs of runoff / ponding Monitoring well(s) Y/N: Y The wells at this site are associated with the water recycle system permitted under WQ0002702 12/06/2006 09:29 919-715-e588 NCDE&NR/WATER CUAL PAGE 02 Temperature and pH Readings taken at the A.LCXIEM Facility in Rockwell by APS Personnel on December S, 2006 Site Water # Site Description TCMP PlI 1 Stormwater Drainage Ditch, downstream of railcar off-loading spot. 6.1°C 3.68 2 Approximately 50 feet downstream of Site # 1. 6.2°C 3.52 3 Shallow wetland or seep from stormwater detention pond, outside bean: 6.1°C 3.16 4 Same area as Site 4 3, near the base of the berm. 6.4°C 3.08 S" The "corner" of the berrrxed 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 S Approximately 90 feet downstream of Site # 7. 6.0°C 5.44 9 Approximately 90 feet downstream of Site # 8. 6.7°C 5.56 10 Passible surface seep in wet area between .."boundary' stream, and bezm. 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 northerd side of isthmus. 9.2°C .3.94 14 Lower stormwater detention pond on southern side of isthmus. 9.1°C 3.98 15 Northwest corner of Lagoon # 2. 6.8°C 3.41 '-_ 16 Northeast corner of Lagoon # 3. 8.6°C 2.62 17 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. • '� .. . Cot- n�:AJ/JGt. 1)t1r4r%PAl1 f� •, - 5• .. •" r i�') Cf1{,Y1 -.I• tip, ..' See .4.r*4 _ t . r 1p!' QYr.►..'�' r `r• k rn• rwrtw 'f . � �'� � ! t• ,� . .,1'_ �- r _ .,.. ^Fad _ _ _ — { — ••• r• — _ — '_ •_-_ _ - —{ $•�'v rrY. wr'a:}'e�� !'h ; 4yR'''��J�-='1'(��i� ��1�tr}f.�. Y 1� � '���I j-::.;~ I • }' � .Jr: `t1cSK.r'�t-I�} ��� o � ` `� �r1i+%i��El:!J' �� �•� �� ,,,M� .A -._ram �, t i !••�-t � ,r' r • '., G' +. ' Yr. '.� I ;}:;:�`.�CF�•• fi4 ='�- fir. r r� :..� , t4TIIC i it ' �� •'' Pik � �i ..• ate^ M � r , 'y(`y'3 (fNl,lY � pt �f • Wlks}e $e�n�]darr 5. •,•�• ... ..-SiQ•r.uWYcv •�I.�G^' �• _�-j•. ��'��... �sl� �'eM(t�iat`GL uvttn<,�Y �+• y._-y—�" .a W 71 -Ise well(rtw) m .a5 N CD CD m w N Ln ,n r W ra cn CD Z n 0 m PO Z " m Rowan I:UUljLy NIQUU027U2, 14, ! • e'H Eirce fAc cF-r fwt'q•7rvty of � c.-,s!`f• :1 f-k.. 3vp i TrOft+ G ►,mot j/J 47t m EXHIBIT 01/28/2007 19:55 9108435789 IAC INC ALCHEN, INCO )rnorate Offce --12 Buie Phoadelphus Road Red Springs. NC 28377 T-1. 91 O.W—.2121 — 800-522.2944 Pax 910.843-5789 rfaOsemralct January 26, 2007 Mr. Andrew Pitner F..livirolimental Regional Supervisor NCDENR 610 East Center St., Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115 Re: NOV No. NOV-2006-PC-0061 8135 Red Road Rockwell. NC 28138 Tel.704-279-7908 800462-2586 Fax 704.279.8418 pdryeQalltel.nel Dear Mr. Ptiner: Tha1ik you for your letter of January 19, 2007. Alebem has not used the pernnitted fill area since we received a letter about this in mid December. I have been talking with Engineers about this project since then and trying to find a solution to this 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 ata. outlet again. The only proposal that I have, I recently received and just the cost for the engineering was far more than the value of, our company. At one time I called the Salisbury Landfill, but leaving to. pay the disposal fee is something that would wreck us economically. We are fast pulling the water down to very minimal levels again. There were two very large rain storms back in middle and late November. We have changed the ditch coming under the railroad and so now the water from the large area across the railroad is diverted from 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 into the area near the railroad. I plan to use that fill, and that area on which to put.our Magnesium Hydroxide and Calcium. Hydroxide mixing tanks. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, J ALCHF..M, INC Randall F. Andrews, Plant Manager ..............:....................................................... FRC" FAX NO. : ALCHEM, INC* Corporate Ofi'iC6 204. Buie Ph02,0 hus Road W Springs. NC 28377 Tel. 910-843.2121 — 800-522-2944 Fax 910-MS-5789 Tfa(assemr.net �.. Pebrlisitq -9;1007. Mr. Andrew Pitner Environmental Regional Supervisor NCDENR 610 East Center St., Suite 301 Mooresville) NC 28115 Sales and Manufaeturina s13S Red Road Rockwall, NC 28138 Tel. 704-279-7909 — 800.462-2586 Fax 704-279.8418 pdrye(c_a1pe1.nel Dear Mr. Ptiner: Thank you for meeting with me last Wednesday. I would like to outline some of the problems that we have discussed. } Seepage of the captured liquid.- We were unaware that there could be seepage. I have called at least 6 engineering companies to try and get some help. Several of them, such as BOYLE ENGiN}3EP NG were too busy for the foreseeable future.. I did get people frond two firms to come and look. Monday afternoon 1. had another on site visit and I feel that this firm has an idea of how to solve the problem that will work scientifically and be economical. We expect to have a very sound step by step plan very shortly. This plan should include work by a. Geologist and "PE. I have looked .,into taking. the sand somewhere else. At one time I had contacted the ROWAN COUNTY LANDFILL. I have called them again. If can tell you that if we are forced to take out the sand to a landfill, there is every possibility that because of the economics ALCHEM will not be able to survive. There is..a real possibility that ALCHEM will be forced to close and terminate the jobs of all employees.. Our business has not been profitable for several years. In the last four years we have had two very. large competitors declare bankruptcy and close plants. 1 realize that it is not your responsibility to keep our company operating, but it is mine, and I do not wish to close and tell our employees to go to work elsewhere. We are currently mixing all of the sand that we remove from Lagoons.witb lime and then we check the pH to make certain that it is above 6. We have the test results and bave our PH measuring instalments on site. T belicve that Ms. Pluffman has reviewed these results in the past. One of the stipulations of the Lagoon permit is that R pH level of 6 be tested for and results logged.. There certainly is no structural reason for not using_ the sand. to raise the ground level in the area near the railroad tracks. This is an area that 1. wish to use for our Alkali Slurry manufacturing. We now have all of the equipment on site to place the sand and compact it to a level where there will be some structural integrity. ......................................................................... FROM FAX NO. : ALC"v"jvjM, I NC. Co orate O ce 2042 Wie Phlladelphus Road Red springs, NC 28377 Tel. 910-843-2121 — 800.522.2944 Fax 910-843.5789 !(A(405amnnet I ............................................................. Feb. 21 2002 10:55PM P2 Sates and Mangactarin 8135 Red Road Rockwell, NC 28138 Tel. 704-279-790E- 704.279-8418 pdrye@alltel.net There is no problem with using the sand but it is necessary to pack it properly. My understanding is that it is necessary to pack approximately 6 feet of sand to achieve a . sound structural integrity- If we use clay or fill from off site, we would need to use the same packing procedures. It makes no sense to me to pay the landfill to take our sand and then buy dirt from offsite. We have over the years contacted numerous 4potential users of the sand. I could give you a list if that is necessary. I have several other . . possibilities that we are exploring. At one time we sold the sand to a fertilizer manufacturer as a filler and replacement for river sand. J have contacted the Plant Manager and personally taken a sample. I have famished them with analytical data on the sand. The project is certainly in the discussion stage. I do not see the need to furnish you at this time with his name and telephone number. They are within 60 miles of Rockwell and the economics will work. I am following this very closely and will check on this again probably Monday or Tuesday. I have some other potential uses and I am exploring them. All of these take time and cannot be done fast. We need to use 500 tons of our sand now. We currently mix it with time. We have lime on site for the mixing and pH adjustments. We expect to remove the bricks and damaged reactor and place the newly built wash tank within. 7-10 days. This should allow us to remove.more of our product from the sand and more easily raise the pH level of the sand. I would like to point out that the level of water in the sand berm area is already very low. We have diverted the stoma water around the berm area instead of into it. We are currently pulling up water from this area into our process. We feel that within 7-10 days there will be no water in this area. We feel that with the storm water diversion that we will be able to keep the water level at a level so that there is essentially no danger of any additional possible seepage. please consider my request to remove some of the sand from these lagoons and use it so that we can continue to operate our facility in a financially sound manner. Best regards, ALCHEM, INC Randall F. Andrews, Plant Manager ams - i EXHIBIT ............ .. L ......................................................................FRX NO. . ...................:. Mar. � FF ALCHEMI INC. - . ates aced QCtu n SManu 8135 Red Road CurUo _ ce Ro,kweU. NC 28138 2042 Buie pht4,delphus Ram 7c1. 704-279.7908 — 800.4G2.2586 pout 704-279 8418 Red springs, NC 28377 Tal, 910-843•2121 •- 800-52?•-•2944 pdrye dte1.net Fc+x 910-843.5789 to ukemr.� February 19, 2007 Mr. Andrew Pitner Environmental Regional Supervisor NCDENR 610 East Center St., Suite 301 Mooresville, NC 28115 Dear Mr. Ptixter; I would like tootddress some -of the problems that we discussed in our meeting with Ms. Peggy Finley. We e 14vcr• rtly 1 • The pYi of the lagoons werof the way. We should start to neutralize or out ral 2e the should have the damaged react tiny bit of free acid contained in the sandthe down ' 2. We are looking at the problem tha�y1e on iou indicated by htelend of the week. I will l;o at we have- wi slope monitoring well. I will have the analytical results. If them -is a definite need I back and do. some research on will do another sample for the well. spoke with Wayne Drye 3_ The lagoon with a water level too close to the top. I ened as I was not there. The real about this -again. Ican not say whatm the la oohs and they need to be at least problem is that there is too much sand g partialemptied. I have looked at the BOYLE report again• It several' other pob of packing down the sand. It gi should have done a better j to Inc et we cannot suggestions. It does not indicate hoe to diout rthe sand until til latelernhtin November. solve. We did not get our track g placesand and We also have our packer at Rockwell act on We plan to get a co Pany such as "thin lifts' that will suit for the comp problem at all with this. We SandMB to work with us on this. I really see no put any really need more sand at the area of the sande w will liamixed with Lime.. I do not Plan We test sand on the west side of the what I can do to satisfy you that placing some of. each load. Again, Y am asking the sand on our build area will not cause any problem environmental or otherwise. I believe from the letters I receive from you that you do not feel that we really plan to build. Alchem is not using the sand fill area as a dumping ground. Our objective is to use the sand beneficially. Best regards,. � C Aandan F. Andrews, Plant Manager • ams EXHIBIT d D a� 1 FILED STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ROBESON 10;11 NOV 2 l P 4: 15 - OFFICE OF ALCHEM,INC., - - :`..,•,fit`;;i� Petitioner, ) V. ) NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ) ENV iELONMEN AND NATURAL • ) RESOURCES, DIVISION OF WATER ) QUALITY, ) Respondent. ) i i IN mE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS 07 BUR 0439 07 EHR 0177 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND WITHDRAWAL -OF PETITION The North CarolinaTi artment of Environincat and Natural Resource (hereinafter `Respondent) and Petitioner, Aachem, Inc., (hereinafter`Petitione!), hereby enter into this Settlement Agreement (hereinafter"Agreement) in order to amicably resolve matters in ' controversy as they relate to a civil penalty assessment and permit requirements. This matter arose out of dh-assessmcnt of civil penalties and costs totaling ten thousand-sixhundred aeventy-seven dollars and sixty-one cents ($10, 677.61) which includes six hundred seventy- seven dollars and sixty-one cents (5677.61) in enforcement costs, imposed upon Petitioner on February 20, 2007 for alleged violations of North Carolina General Statutes § 143-215.1 et seq and Nora-Disobargo Permit WQ00.16338. This settlement Agreement also addresses and covers challenges to Alchem permit WQ0002702. With¢ut any hearing of fact or law in the above -styled matters, Respondent and the Petitioner have reached the following settlement agreement in this matter: r 1. Petitioner will adhere to the following conditions: thin-::30;:.days of the execution of this Agreement, Petitioner will immediately create two (2) feet of freeboard space in all storage lagoons. �- Additional bauxite residuals must be disposed of in a manner consistent . with Water Quality General Statutes and the relevant rules promulgated thereunder or applicable Solid Waste Statutes and the relevant Hiles pmmirtgafed thereunder ' fit is anticipated' Thai the bauxite in' the first lagoon will be disposed of off site •and the residuals from other lagoons can be disposed of on site after cleaning and in accordance with the terms of this agreement); b. Petitioner will refrain from placing any bauxite rest' als.for fill in the berm arcs until construction and repairs to the berm and stormwater retention pond below that area are complete; .-C. Petitioner will complete construction and repairs to berm and stormwater retention pond on or before October 30, 2007, with'site work monitored by a licensed professional engineer to ensure proper construction and with notification to Mooresville Regional Office of DWQ upon completion; d. Petitioner shall inspect and repair all three storage lagoons on site by June-� 1" 2008 with site work monitored, tested and certified by.a licensed professional engineer to ensure proper construction. In order to meet this requirement. the Petitioner will be allowed to set up a temporary mixer on site for the purpose of combining the residuals with a chemical agent that -2- i will bring them into compliance with appropriate pH levels, which will be removed once the storage lagoons have been rcpaired and the Respondent has determined that the residuals are leaving the wash system and reaching the storage lagoons and berm areas at the appropriate pH levels; e. On or before March 1, 2008, the Petitioner will submit to the Mooresville Regional Office of DWQ a site assessment prepared by a licensed professional engineer. The site assessment should include a site map, a land survey that delineates current fill and set backs from residential and cornmcrcial properties, operational plan. including projected estimate of site life; V f. On or beferc_Ititie`l: QQ8, the Petitioner will install sarnplingports in the pipes bctwecn the wash system and the storage lagoons. Additionally, Petitioner will provide sampling data to the Mooresville Regional Offrcc of DWQ that the bauxite residuals being transferred from the wash system 'to the mixer and/or storage lagoons and eventually to the berm fill area, have achieved the prescribed pH level; and g. Petitioner may seek a pcunit modification to address condition 11(5)(a) (400-foot buffer zone) after a concurrent site inspection with DWQ staff and a licensed professional engineer retained by Petitioner. 2. Petitioner shall pay Respondent. nine thousand dollars (59,000.00), (hereinafter 'Settlement Amount), which includes eight thousand three hundred twenty-two dollars and thirty- nine cents ($8,322.39) for the civil penalty and six hundred seveaty-sevcn dollars and sixty-one -3- r3 cents ($677.61) for investigative costs. The Settlement Amount shall be made in nitre (9) equal payments of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) due on the 1st day of every month. The first payment will be due within thirty (30) days ofthe execution of this Agreement. 3. The payments shall be by check made payable to the`North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resourced'or to`I)ENR'at the following address: . Stormie D. Forte, Esq. Attorney General's Office Environmental Division 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC27699-9001 The'breaeh 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., ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven dollars and sixty=one cents ( 10, 677.61). Any payments made by Petitioner prior to any breach, will be subtracted from th6 original amount of the civil penalty assessment for purposes of collection. 5. :Petitioner and Respondent expressly stipulate and acknowledge that, by entering into this Agreement, Petitioner neither admits nor denies the allegations contained in the Inspection Reports, Notices of Violation, Notices of Additional and/or Continuing Violations, Findings and Decisions or 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 Respondent is to collect the Entire amount of the civil penalty assessment including investigative costs i.e., ten thousand six hundred seventy-seven dollars and sixty-one cents ($10, 677.61) in accordance with the terms of paragraph four (4) above and will be limited to the Petitioncfs compliance with the terms of this Agreement. Additionally, for the proposes of future violations of the Water Quality -4- Ij It I I] WITHDRAWAL OF PETITION 11. Entry of this Agreement serves 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. FOR THE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY: Andrew Pitner, Mooresville Regional Supervisor, DWQ Date APPROVED AS TO FORM: ROY COOPER Attorney.General Stormie D. Forte Assistant Attomey General N. C. Departrnent'df Justice Environmental Division 9001 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-9001 AL CHEM, INC.: Randall F. Andrews Alchem, Inc. Date: THE YARBOROUGH LAW FIRM Attorneys at Latin DI7i f By:+S H. Addison Winters Attorney at Law -P. 0 Drawer 705 Fayetteville NC 28302 M Alchern —Telephone Notes, Illegal Disposal Feb. 8, 2008 . Received by Peggy Finley at 3:15pm Caller - Jason Williams cell 980/621-1651 home 704/857-1136 Mr. Williams was approached by an employee of Alchem (truck driver) about using Alchem residuals as fill in a ravine on Mr. Williams' property. He was told that it was free and was provided with a laboratory sheet that actually appeared to be for QA/QC. Mr. Williams called us to inquire as to the wisdom of accepting this material. Peggy pointed out that the lab sheet did not appear to provide information that would be useful in making that decision. In addition, there was no guarantee that a laboratory report represented the materials that would actually be brought to his property. It Lo O DaXe APPLICATION FOR CLOSED SYSTEM PERMIT ALCHEM, INC. 8135 RED ROAD ROCKWELL, NORTH CAROLINA 28138 November 13, 1989 By: William E. Bright, P.G. Environmental Hydrogeological Consultants, Inc. P.O. Box 2622 Lumberton, North Carolina 28358 This application for a closed system permit reviewed by: e/l�u rpo �•.=Q�ESSIp�•.9 '� . AIR sEA15 15 472 jl�P - noses 91111 I N 0 0�a, EHC CARS a i/ •4a1-rodwa Yt- LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICALSPILLS 9 LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE • LANDFILLS 9 PERMITS TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 Location ............................................. 1 2.0 Introduction ......................................... 1 3.0 Chemical Analysis of Sand Slurry ..................... 1 4.0 Sand Slurry Production ............................... 1 5.0 Capacity of Lagoons .................................. 2 6.0 Treatment Process System ............................. 2 7.0 Hydrogeologic Description of the Subsurface .......... 2 7.1 Changes in Lithology ............................ 2 7.2 Vertical Permeability of Lagoon Bottoms ......... 3 7.3 Hydraulic Conductivity of the Saturated Zone .... 3 7.4 Depth to Mean Seasonal High Water Table 3 7.5 Depth of Bedrock ................................ 4 8.0 Groundwater Monitoring ............................... 4 9.0 Area Wells ........................................... 4 10.0 Conclusion ........................................... 4 1. Location Map 2. Site Map 3. Process System Schematic 4. Lagoon Views Sand Slurry Analysis Coefficient of Permeability EHC LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS • LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE • LANDFILLS • PERMITS 1 1.0 LOCATION Alchem, Inc., 8135 Red Road, Rockwell, Rowan County, North Carolina 28138, is located along the Southern Railroad track approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Rockwell (Figure 1). 2.0 INTRODUCTION Predicated on being properly permitted, Alchem, Inc., will process bauxite (mixture of aluminum hydroxides) in an effort to increase product- ion of aluminum sulfate (used in water treatment) to meet growing industrial demands. The sand slurry, containing dirt and a small amount of aluminum hydrate, that is generated during such production will be pumped to existing dual lagoons from which the liquid portion will be returned to a 6,000 gallons processing water tank. In addition to not being hazardous, the sand slurry is considered inert and innocuous. The production of the aluminum sulfate will occur in a closed system with no discharge to the waters of the state. 3.0 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SAND SLURRY An analysis of the sulfuric acid insoluble material (sand slurry) from bauxite dated February 23, 1989, and of the liquid fraction dated November 6, 1989, are attached. The analyses indicates that the leachate parameters are all within acceptable levels, if present at all. 4.0 SAND SLURRY PRODUCTION Approximately 700 tons of bauxite per month will be processed, at this facility, from which approximately 300 tons per month of sand slurry will be produced. I EHC LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS • LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE a LANDFILLS • PERMITS 2 5.0 CAPACITY OF LAGOONS The total approximate capacity of the 2 lagoons, each approximately 50' W x 200' L x 10' D, is 4,938 tons, or sufficient capacity to receive and store the sand slurry for about 15 months (Figure 4). 6.0 TREATMENT PROCESS SYSTEM The raw material consisting exclusively of bauxite will be reacted with sulfuric acid and water in a reaction vessel. After reaction completion, the material will be pumped to a fiberglass settling tank from which the liquid (aluminum sulfate) will be pumped to storage tank(s) and the s'e ea_:1�e insoluble ma;'t:erial_y(m�o-s;t`lly sa_nc�y mate ialiSiO _) _will b_e_ washed,,unt�l"the pf3 of t'he material elev_ate.s—to_a.=minmum of _aboyut,4_"f0�� The pH of the material will be'determined by using a Fisher Digital PH meter on a daily basis. The wash water will also be returned to storage or process water tanks and the sand slurry and other minor insolubles will be released to dual lagoons. When and as often as necessary, the liquid in the lagoons will be returned to the.process water tank(s); thereby completing the closed system (Figure 3). 7.0 HYDROGEOLOGIC DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBSURFACE 7.1 CHANGES IN LITHOLOGY A total of 6 holes were power augered at this site using an Olathe 160 Series combination auger/rotary drill (Figure 2). These holes ranged in depth from about 28'-30' and none encountered the water table. The material underlying this site to bedrock is typical multiple EHC LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICALSPILLS • LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE • LANDFILLS • PERMITS 3 colored (red-brown-yellow-or,�_ftge) saproli'te. 'The saprolite is -composed . l mainly of silty, micaceous clay -like material. With perhaps some minor variations, mainly color, there.are no .significant lithologic differences to bedrock. This material, -although somewhat easy to auger; especially the mica- ceous silty streaks, is nevertheless considered very impermeable and not very suitable for obtaining even domestic water supplies. 7.2 VER`I'IOAL PERMEABILITY OF LAGOON BOTTOMS Because the.material underlying the site is�very similar, all over, the vertical permeability should also be similar. Therefore, based on laboratory results the permeability of the lagoon bottoms and presumably the entire site is very low but desirable, in this case, ranging from about { 2.6 x--1"0-7 - 1.r0 x. 10 .7 with -an average permeability of about -1.8 x'1.0-7 = p Cm/Sec. Based on this value and the fact that the sand slurry is consider- ed innocuous, the lagoons should be very suitable for their intended purpose. 7.3 HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY OF THE SATURATED ZONE If a saturated zone is present underlying this site, it is more than about 30 feet below land surface as no water was encountered in any of the 6 somewhat deep auger holes. 7.4 DEPTH TO MEAN SEASONAL HIGH WATER TABLE The depth to the mean seasonal high water table, at this site, is more than 30 feet below land surface. There are currently 2 water'supply wells located at this site. One of the wells (#1) is about 360 feet deep, 1 EHC LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS • LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE 9 LANDFILLS • PERMITS 4 and the other (#2) is reported to be about 28Q feet deep. In well #1, the water level was reported to be about 60 feet and well #2 about 50 feet below land surface. ' 7.5 DEPTH TO BEDROCK Based on the 2 on -site water supply wells, the depth to bedrock was reported to be about 50-60 feet below land surface or approximately 50 i feet below the bottom of the lagoons. 8.0 GROUNDWATER -MONITORING Because there does not appear to be any relatively shallow water (15'-201) underlying the site the construction of monitor wells would not only seem perhaps impractical but unnecessary. In lieu of constructing such wells the existing supply wells, on site, which would equate to monitor wells, if any are required, could be monitored as often as deemed necessary. 9.0 AREA WELLS The area where this facility is located is somewhat sparsely populated with only one (1) dwelling on the westside and it is about 400 feet away. On.the eastside and at least 350-400 feet away, there are several homes, one served by an individual well, and the other homes by a "community well" which is located at least 450-500 feet away from the facility. There are no wells located nearby, either to the north or south of the facility. 10.0 CONCLUSIONS 1) The production of aluminum sulfate from bauxite, at this site, will occur in a closed system. I -EHC LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS • LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE • LANDFILLS • PERMITS A k 2) The aluminum sulfate will be distributed for use in water treatment: 3) The sand slurry generated, at this site, from the production of bauxite is considered both inert and innocuous. 4) The permeability of the lagoon bottoms meet established criteria. 5) The water table underlying this site is reported to be in the range of 40-45 feet below land surface. 6) The nearest off -site water supply well is located approximately 400 feet to the east. 7) Any water that will collect in the lagoops will be recycled. 8) American Cyanamid, located in Plymouth, North Carolina, is currently utilizing this process. 9) This facility is located in a sparsely populated area. 10) A pump with a ten horsepower motor will pump sand slurry from the settling tank to the settling pond. 11) A pump with a twenty horsepower pond liquid to the process water LEAKING BURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS 0 LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE . LANDFILLS • PERMITS • ` L o o v I �/� ,..Gresd* n yet • \ \v / =� \ [l, LYerIT tiT. �;.'. `Chem ` eso J� ROAD.. -� / �' • �\ r =i4�f: " •� _-'^ •-\ `\`fie • \ 1 4 �� ' hildrens' ° r Home .i �• `� 1 �'] I \ r �, it r �- _ � ��i �� •'I: � �o i c„ it I % (� : � { PALMER 750 ^ / ,� 11 - — '\. +�' f , �J,1` Ji �' . 0 •� '\ (\-� ' cs� IF ij / I � J i 1 �/ I RockneII`�`�, 1.-:��,• 709 /i� O ' ': ' Va rTa k I 773 •, �_ �=E_= - II u n I:J - .'�i�, -� ^:J`—� '.� •.I ':1'.� '..j �`•u I 757 'i/�O '"• '' 1?O �•'f/.L•�1'°1' '�I' ��7zz • u n e792 .�'\ `@. ,)j. _� 1 'I'/\I \ ✓ zap 3•,� • ° ( y • 79s J •!I �O ���✓i" I/� ' onruare CNf�• �-� It v ` •\ : `� o'— West ParcEk k .� fir ~° 1 \• • .- 4 ` - 41 \, SCALE: DATE: rl TITLE: Figure 1. �`ay 18, 1989 1- 24000 ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGROLOGICAL CONSULTANTS JOB. No. Location Map HYDROLOGY • GEOLOGY • EXPLORATION • ANALYTICAL N JINEAREST DOMESTIC WEU_ IS. APPROXIMATLY 400 FEET FROM THE LAGOONS.IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ARROW. 2500, 4— — — PROPERTY LINT- — — LAGOON 6 CLAY PARTITION LAGOON SECONDARY 19 17 I CONTAINMENT I 1I f ® 2 I . to 3 EMERGENCY O 5 SUMP. 2SO00 GAL.I..ONS & I — — —► 200' KEY ® = AUGER HOLE ® = SUPPLY WELL O= TANK, O 0 ALCHEM OFFICE 5O V 0 FIGURE 2 ® 4 PROPERTY LINE 5=Steel, F=Fiberglass, D/W P-Polypropylene SOlifh�tiJ RAILROAD RED ROAD DATE: TITLE: SCALE: 1" 135 ALCHEM, INC. (Approx.) ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGROLOGICAL CONSULTANTS 8135 Red Road JOB.NO. Rockwell, NC HYDROLOGY GEOLOGY • EXPLORATION ANALYTICAL Tank No. Cap. Cal$. Conts. Tank Mat. 1 4„500 Sulfuric Acid S 2 4,500 „11+, S 3 12,000 oolu5n. F* 4 7,000 eactor• F 5 10,000 Re ctor F 6 4,000 Water tora e F 7 41000 „ „ P 8 4,000 9 10,000 Alum 10 i4,000 Water Storage `' 11 4,500 -Alum P _ 12 10,000 ++ F i3 10,000 ,.,: F . 14 4,500 ++ P 15 6,000 P ocess Water P 16 1-0,000 Alum F 17 10,000 ++ F 18 5,0 00 P 19 5,000 ++ P 20 4,500 ++ P 21 5,000 ++ P 22 0 000 Cool Down F t LAGOON 2 CLAY PARTITION _rdp A 3 LAGOON KEY = SUPPLY %Ka.L. ---- 4" PVC 0 = PUMP — — - 2" PVC O = TANK PUMP NO. MATERIAL TYPE H/P 1 S.S.-316 CENTRIF. 5.0 2 S.S.-316 CENTRIF. 25 3 S.S.-316 CENTRIF. 25 4 POLYPROPYLENE SELF PRI, 5.0 VALVE � ® r 7 THE SCHEMATIC SHOWS THAT SULFURIC ACID REACTS 4 WITH BAUXITE AND WATER IN THE REACTORS FROM WHICH THE WATER IS PUMPED TO LAGOONS AND THEM I 10 - - - - - - - - - - v 5 TO APROCESS WATER TANK PRIOR TO RETIRING TO THE REACTOR VESSEL.. 9 -- WATER FROM BOTH OF THE ON SITE SUPPLY WELLS IS PUMPED TO WATER STORAGE TANKS, THEN TO — — _-� 3 THE REACTORS. 1 2 THE LIQUID ALUMINUM SULFATE IN THE REACTORS IS PUMPED TO A COOL DOWN TANK AND THEN TO ALUM STORAGE TANKS. FTGURE03 SCALE: NTS DATE: E H C TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGROLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ALCHEM, INC. JOB. NO., 8135 Red Road HYDROLOGY • GEOLOGY • EXPLORATION • ANALYTICAL Rockwell, NC ..LAGOON I Cl-AY, PARTI TTON 1', 0 • l a' A LAGOON t 200' -APLAN , I E4J "SECTI CAN • A -'A EHC :5Ec�aIUN 0-� SCALE:. In = 67 1 DATE: TITLE: (Approx.)- ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGEOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS -ALCHEM, INC. JOB. NO. -8I35 Red Road HYDROLOGY GEOLOGY EXPLORATION • ANALYTICAL Rockwell, NC . Analytical and Consulting Chemists DATE RECEIVED 10-31-89 1316 South Fifth Street DATE REPORTED 11-6-89 Wilmington, N.C. 28401 89WS650 (919) 763-9793 PAGE 1 OF 1 INDUSTRIAL AGRI CHEMICALS RT.2 BOX 521-C RED SPRINGS , N.C. 28377 ATTENTION: RANDALL ANDREWS SAMPLE DESCRIPTION: LIQUID FlzACTION 1. LIQUID .FRACTION . RESULTS 1 :;Aluminum as Al % .001 :,.Sulfate Gravimetric , as SO4 PPM 103 ROGER C. OXFORD CHEMIST NOTE: The pH of the liquid fraction was determined to be 2.5 by Mr. Randall Andrews in his company -owned laboratory. 'ord Laboratories, Inc.. 14DUSTRIAL AGRI'CHEMICALS T.2 :BOX':521-C ED SPRINGS ,.N.C..28377 y nTTENTION :"'�, RANDALL ANDREWS Analytical and Consulting unemists DATE RECEIVED 2-8-89 1316 South Fifth Street DATE REPORTED 2-23-89 Wilmington, N.C. 28401 8 9W4 6 6 6 (919) 763-9793 PAGE 1 OF 1 P.O. # 5AMPLE. DESCRIPTIONSU_LFURIC,, ACID INSOLUBLE MATERIAL SULFURIC ACID .INSOLUBLE MATERIAL FROM BAUXITE RESULTS 7CS G d f. rePachate r.senic , as As , PPM it ium , as Ba , PPM admium `, as Cd , PPM ead, ►; as Pb , PPM i`romium , ' as Cr , PPM ,er.cury. , as Hg , PPM el.eniumw, as Se , PPM ilver'. , as Ag , PPM. nitial PH. < . 0 0 5 .400 <.010 <.010 <.010 <.0005 <.005. <.005 8.0 ROGE C. R COXF R CHEMIST , i - Godwin. - Jordan & Associates, P.A. ENGINEERING. SURVEYING & PLANNING IOX WEiT BROAD ISTR[ET . I Jo[ E. GODWIN. 9R. P.E. R.LJ' RONNIE K. JORDAN. R.L.8. P. O. BOX 149 i PHONES: FAY. 41113 4E9 DU,NN. N. C. IIE034 DUNN a91-5159 JAME• K. GODWIN MATERIALS TESTING DIVISION REPORT OFI Coefficient of Permeability (Fall Head Method) MADE FOR I Bill Bright PItOJECTI Rockwell, NC I K = -2.3 KT 1og10 -p November 9, 1P89 K = Coefficient of Permeability, CM/sec A = Cross sectional area of permeameter, CM L = Length of Specimen, CM a - Cross sectional area of standpipe, CM T = Time of• test, sec Ho= Head.at start of test, CM Ii = Head at end of test, CM Q © Discharge, CC 'e s t # H— H T n A T. 1` T. 1 32.07 26.35 691,200 2.69 .47 7.15 8.71 0.00000QI09 2 32.07 28.25 187,200 1.80 .47.• 7.15 8.'71 0.000000261 K required = Test Locations: Test 1 and 2 Sample furnished by Bill Bright • I NOTES I Above tests represent spot checks only Testing 'Technician: Joseph E. Johnson I• • i 10ver25 Years Experience" Environmental Hydrogeological Consultants ...... ... . .. Box 2622 - LUMBERTON, N. C. 28359 1 -"' August 24 1989 -.. Mr. William Barlow Permits & Engineering Unit NCEHNR-DEM P.O.- Box -27687 _-Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Subject:' WQ0001987 Alchem, Inc. Industrial Recycle Rowan County Dear Sir : Reference is made to your letter subject as above, dated July 31, 1989, and addressed to Mr. Randall F. Andrews. The-following-prismoidal formula was used to determine the approximate storage capacity of -the lagoon(s): :... V (A+4B+C) xp _ 6 V = Volume of lagoon in cubic feet . A = Area of the lagoon at the ground surface _- ....._ ...__ „in square feet- :. B. = Area of the oxcavation at the middepth point (1/2:-D) in square feet C. Area of the excavation at the bottom of the lagoon in square feet D = Average depth -of the sand slurry :-: 6 = Constant V - .(50) (200)+4(42) (192)+(34) (184) +, g 6 V 10000 + 32256 + 6256 + 8, : 6 : V - (64682.67) (90 lbs/cu ft) 2000 V - 2910.72 tons`(1/2 total capacity)' V 5821.44 tons. LEAKINGAURIED TANKS • LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS • LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE LANDFILLS PERMITS - Mr. William Barlow August - 22, . 19.89 Page -2 - :-NOTE:- Based on producing approximately 300 tons of sand slurry per month, the lagoon(s) can -receive and store approximately 5,8.21 tons. 'Your questions concerning the storage and use of sulfuric acid, at this -facility, were according to those Mr: Andrews answered when he met with you in your office on or about July 25, 1989. .-If youneed additional information or clarification, please advise. Sincerely, . . William E. Bright, P.G.. _ Hydrogeologist Project.Manager WEB/onb This letter and the application .I.!. for closed system permit, dated May-18, 1989, reviewed by:\`1111/1 • R f 4 date q�.We' / I . ciissinx.e. �'. T A (See attacAed SmmjM .) i 154.72 s� .. L r M p LLB. EHC LEAKING BURIED TANKS LEAKING STORAGE LAGOONS • CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER RECOVERY CHEMICAL SPILLS LAND APPLICATION OF SLUDGE LANDFILLS PERMITS