NC0000361_Permit (Issuance)_19970122

NPDES DOCUMENT SCANNING COVER SHEET
NPDES Permit:
NC0000361
Unimin Quartz Operation
Document Type:
rmit Issuance
Wasteload Allocation
Authorization to Construct (AtC)
Permit Modification
Complete File - Historical
Engineering Alternatives (EAA)
Correspondence
Owner Name Change
Instream Assessment (67b)
Speculative Limits
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Document Date:
January 22, 1997
This document is printed on reuse gaper - igriore any
content on the rewrote side

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Mr. Charles Klimper
Unimin Corporation
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
Nift7A
LDEHN1=1
January 22,1997
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
Permit No. NC0000361
Quartz Operation
Avery County
Dear Mr. Klimper:
In accordance with the application for a discharge permit received on June 19, 1996, the Division is
forwarding herewith the subject NPDES permit. This permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North
Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the US
Environmental Protection Agency dated December 6,1983.
If any parts, measurement frequencies or sampling requirements contained in this permit are unacceptable
to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following
receipt of this letter. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the
North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, Post Office Drawer
27447, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7447. Unless such demand is made, this decision shall be final and
binding.
Please take notice this permit is not transferable. Part II, E.4. addresses the requirements to be followed
in case of change in ownership or control of this discharge.
This permit does not affect the legal requirements to obtain other permits which may be required by the
Division of Water Quality or permits required by the Division of Land Resources, Coastal Area Management
Act or any other Federal or Local governmental permit that may be required.
If you have any questions concerning this permit, please contact Susan Wilson at telephone number (919)
733-5083, extension 555.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E.
cc: Central Files
Asheville Regional Office
Mr. Roosevelt Childress, EPA
Permits and Engineering Unit
Facility Assessment Unit
Aquatic Survey & Toxicology Unit
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled / 10% post -consumer paper

4'
Permit No. NC0000361
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provision of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful standards
and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,
Unimin Corporation
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at the
Schoolhouse Quartz Operation
off US Highway 19E
Avery County
to receiving waters designated as the North Toe River in the French Broad River Basin
in accordance with effluent limitations, monitoring requirements, and other conditions set forth in Parts I,
II, III, and IV hereof.
The permit shall become effective March 1, 1997.
This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on December 31, 2001.
Signed this day January 22, 1997.
Original Signed By
David A. Goodrich
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the Environmental Mangement Commission

Permit No. NC0000361
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
Unimin Corporation
Schoolhouse Quartz Operations Wastewater Treatment Plant
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue to operate a wastewater treatment plant for process wastewater from mineral
extraction consisting of dewatering cyclones, thickeners, disc filter, lime, alum, and polymer
addition, mix/reactor tanks, multimedia filter, filter press, emergency pond and recycle located
at Schoolhouse Quartz Operations WWTP, off Highway 19 East, near Spruce Pine, Avery
County (See Part III of this Permit), and
2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into the
North Toe River which is classified a Class C Trout waters in the French Broad River Basin.

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UNiMIN CORPORATION
SCHOOLHOUSE QUARTZ OPERATION
NC0000361
NORTH TOE RIVER
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ROAD CLASSIFICATION
PRIMARY HIGHWAY LIGHT -DUTY ROAD. HARD OR
HARD SURFACE IMPROVED SURFACE
SCALE 1:24 000
0 1 MILE
IENISIMMIIIIIIII
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SECONDARY HIGHWAY
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HARD SURFACE ® UNIMPROVED ROAD = = =
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1 0 1 KILOMETER
Latitude 35°56'20" Longitude 81 °59'45"
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Map # D1 i SW Sub -basin 040306
CONTOUR INTERVAL 40 FEET
Stream Class C-Trout
Discharge Class 41
QUAD LOCATION
Unimin Corporation
p
ReceivingStream North Toe River
NC0000361
Avery County
Design Q 2.16 MGD Permit expires 12/31 /01
Schoolhouse Quartz Site

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FINAL
Permit No. NC0000361
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall(s) serial number
001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS
Monthly
Average
LIMITS
Weekly
Average
Daily
Maximum
MONITORING ' REQUIREMENTS
Measurement
Frequency
Sample
Type
Sample
Location1
Flow
2.16 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
Total Suspended Residue
Total Fluoride 2
Settleable Solids
450 lbs/day
721 lbs/day
Daily
Composite
E
109 lbs/day
218 lbs/day
Daily
Daily
Composite
Grab
E, U, D
E
Turbidity 3
pH4
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Chloride 5
Quarterly
Composite
E
Chronic Toxicity6
Notes:
Quarterly
Composite
Sample locations: E - Effluent, I - Influent, U - Upstream at Kaolin pumphouse, D - Downstream at the Franklin Town Bridge. Instream samples shall be grab
samples and shall be conducted 3/week.
2 The total fluoride limit of 109 lbs/day shall be met upon completion and start-up of the tertiary treatment system. Unimin shall inform the Asheville Regional
Office at the time of discharge.
3 The discharge shall not cause the turbidity of the receiving water to exceed 10 NTU. If the turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background
conditions, the discharge level cannot cuase any increase in the turbidity of the receiving water.
4 The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 10.0 standard units.
5 Chloride shall be monitored quarterly during the same months as toxicity testing.
6 Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) P/F at 10 %; February, May, August, and November, See Part Ill Condition E.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

Part III NPDES No. NC0000361
E. CHRONIC TOXICITY PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMIT (QRTRLY)
The permittee is required to perform the toxicity test as specified below.
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit chronic toxicity using test procedures
outlined in the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure,"
Revised November 1995, or subsequent versions.
The effluent concentration at which there may be no observable inhibition of reproduction
or significant mortality is 1 00% (defined as treatment two in the procedure document). The
permit holder shall perform quarterly monitoring using this procedure to establish
compliance with the permit condition. The tests will be performed during the months of
February. May. August. and November. Effluent sampling for this testing shall be
performed at the NPDES permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment processes.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the
Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the month in which it was performed,
using the parameter code TGP3B. Additionally, DWQ Form AT-1 (original) is to be sent to
the following address:
Attention: Environmental Sciences Branch
North Carolina Division of
Water Quality
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Test data shall be complete and accurate and include all supporting chemical/physical
measurements performed in association with the toxicity tests, as well as all dose/response
data. Total residual chlorine of the effluent toxicity sample must be measured and reported
if chlorine is employed for disinfection of the waste stream.
Should there be no discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity
monitoring is required, the permittee will complete the information located at the top of the
aquatic toxicity (AT) test form indicating the facility name, permit number, pipe number,
county, and the month/year of the report with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment
area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the Environmental Sciences Branch at the
address cited above.
Should any single quarterly monitoring indicate a failure to meet specified limits, then
monthly monitoring will begin immediately until such time that a single test is passed.
Upon passing, this monthly test requirement will revert to quarterly in the months specified
above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required, then monthly monitoring will begin immediately until such time that a single test
is passed. Upon passing, this monthly test requirement will revert to quarterly in the
months specified above.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this
permit may be re -opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or
limits.

Part III NPDES No. NC0000361
NOTE: Failure to achieve test conditions as specified in the cited document, such as
minimum control organism survival, minimum control organism reproduction, and
appropriate environmental controls, shall constitute an invalid test and will require
immediate follow-up testing to be completed no later than the last day of the month
following the month of the initial monitoring.
F. BIOCIDE CONDITION
The permittee shall not use any biocides except those approved in conjunction with the
permit application. The permittee shall notify the Director in writing not later than ninety
(90) days prior to instituting use of any additional biocide used in cooling systems which
may be toxic to aquatic life other than those previously reported to the Division of Water
Quality. Such notification shall include completion of Biocide Worksheet Form 101 and a
map locating the discharge point and receiving stream.
G. In the event that violations of the turbidity standard of the North Carolina Water Quality
Standards occur as a result of this discharge, this permit shall be modified, or alternately,
revoked and reissued to incorporate limitations sufficient to protect the receiving waters.
H. Solids removed or resulting from the wastewater treatment process shall be contained
and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent any contamination of the surface waters of
the State.
I. This permit shall be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate new fluoride
effluent limitations in the event that acute or chronic bioassay testing or other studies results
in a change in the North Carolina Water Quality Standard for fluoride.
J. This permit shall be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate new limitations in
the event that production changes are requested by any of the existing fluoride using
industries or should any new fluoride using discharge request to locate on the North Toe
River.

•
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1,,C074..r.g..01..M.OlgfICA.11Q1ANky
}h 'TCO MLSSIt){i
( : , POST OFF10E BOA 29535it,as
li,.ItA1.El :d,19RTH'C.�KR A
j; 9•27626 535:;;. 4
NOTIF•`iCATIONsOFiNT, F.NT;TO77
w,ISSCEfa STATE PDES PEi0, Ike!
of chapI hGtAIKSiltillt
�acl ot6�� W1 staadal�dsaPAre.tiJ
uia to t e'y .tS,h 'TO!!!ti
Environmental lflanagem .IA)
Commission proposes, to : issue'' a .:
permit to'discharge;to_the persons,.
listed •below effective1121919E
subject to•special coudltbni. 3,161
►.. `..Persons, wishing `tolcOmureat,r1
upon •or'object 'to'the ,'proposed,0
determinations are invited to 'sub:
• mit \same; la writing ,to the `above,,
• address•no later-jthan:11/22/96.7All
comments rrIcelved prior to4thatt..'
,date,will betconsidered ,ire the for
muhit ion'rof'final
: d�eterzninatloas��'
! regarding.tbe=propoSed` permit; Ayl:
public meeting''may be' held'wherea t
the Directon'of a the i Division : of
Environmental Management finds
a significant degree of public inter-•
est in a proposed permit. '••••. ,
• A copy of the draft • permit is (
, available by writing or calling the''
' Division of • Environmental
Management, .• P.O.:,- Box . 29535,
'Raleigh, •North Carolina: 27626-: :
�0535,,e19).7,334015 ii i s { it
►�: s� The appikatba.pP4Ather lafori{t:' i
motion, Fiay oOei Yinspcctedt aWhese-
• locations; during., aorrnal,"
hours. Copies of the tufo_rmatba on ,
\'file are available gpogrequest ai41 :
payment or the chats of;repmduc; ,
stba.`Ail such,comatents or' requests
a proposed permit should make reg."
• ereaee,tortbe'N it nun Ty ('
,'ber�listtdiielow.., . .-il
t Public notice;of, intent toataue a z:
State NPDES permit to the follow:"`;
r : 1.1 i• NPDES i'No:' NC0000361 :.('
i Unlmin Corporation, P.O: Box 588;4'
'spruce Pine, North Carolina, 28777's
has applied ,for.: a permit 'renewal r:
r,for a facility located at,Unimia. tt
• Schoolhouse. Quartz Operation, off
, highway.19,East, near Spruce Pine, ':.•
;Avery ,County. )Tbe;tacility. b• per-)""
milted to discharge up to 2.16 MGD
of treater!industrtal;iwastewater•t-„
and stormwater.into theeNortb,7be, ..
River," a, Class ;C-Trout, stream;.in
,the French:, Broad" River. Basin,
which has a 7010' flow 'of 30 'cfs..
fluoride is water quality limited.' 1
4For some parameters, the available, .,
'toad •capacity of the immediate .�
receiving water will be consumed.: •,
This may affect future water quail:
ty based limitations for additional I
dischargers ' within this portion 'of '
the watershed.) •<:•. •'' 1
Date; October 18,1996.. f :: ii ,'.' •,
David A. Goodrich •for.A.'Mrestoal
"� Howard Jr., P.E. Director ` k
Division:'"'"of. •Eaviroamentgl:
Managenseat :`�l:>4N°r+rG ,$� !•x
'` ;? . ,• �:10-21-c �',stirt: /.".,+ts�i
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE SUPERIOR COURT
AVERY COUNTY AFFIDAVIT
IN THE MATTER OF:
ALLEINE MCLEAN, BEING FIRST DULY SWORN,
DEPOSES AND SAYS THAT SHE IS ACCOUNTING
ASSISTANT OF THE AVERY JOURNAL ENGAGED
IN THE PUBLICATION OF A NEWSPAPER KNOWN •
AS AVERY JOURNAL, PUBLISHED, ISSUED, AND
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL IN THE TOWN
OF NEWLAND, IN SAID COUNTY AND STATE; THAT
SHE IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE THIS AFFIDAVIT
AND SWORN STATEMENT; THAT THE NOTICE .
OR OTHER LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT A TRUE COPY,
OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO; WAS PUBLISHED
IN THE AVERY JOURNAL NEWSPAPER ON THE
FOLLOWING DATES:
OCTOBER 24, 1996
AND THAT THE SAID NEWSPAPER IN WHICH SUCH
NOTICE, PAPER, DOCUMENT OF LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT
WAS PUBLISHED WAS, AT THE TIME OF EACH AND EVERY
SUCH PUBLICATION, A NEWSPAPER MEETING ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE GENERAL
STATUTES OF NORTH CAROLINA, AND WAS A QUALIFIED
NEWSPAPER WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE GENERAL
STATUTES OF NORTH CAROLINA. •
AFFIANT
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME THIS 24TH DAY
OF OCTOBER, 1996
NOTARY PUBLIC
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES
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4
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
NORTH /�aDAT.TM�
NORTH CAROLINA
. 77-•'..•1M
.7
PUBLIC NOTICE. •
. a • • STATE OF N. C: , ' :
..•Environmentamt lMg-•
i Commission .,_:•. ...
'Post Office Box 29535 ; •
.�'Raleigh, NC27626.053.5 •.
J. NOTIFICATION OF •
:-• INTENT TO ISSUE A •
• STATE NPPES PERMIT'
'On the basis of .thorough
;staff review & application
iof. Article 21;•af Chapter
143, • General 'Statutes • of
:NC, Public Law 92.500 &
'other lawful standards &
;regulations, the NC.Envi-
ronmental Mgmt Commis -
ton proposes'to •issue a •
permit to discharge to the
persons listed below'effec-
five . 12/9/96 • b subiect to
special conditions.'..
Persons wishin to com-
ment upon or obiect to the
proposed determinations
are invited to submit same
In writing to the 'above
address .no later. than 11/ -
22/96. • • All ,, :. comments
received prior to that date
will be considered in the
formulation of:final deter-'
mination , regarding - the
proposed permit, A public
meeting . • MOP: be T. held
where the Dir. of the Div •
of:. Environmental .'Mgmt.
finds a significant. degree
of Public interest n a pro-
posedpermiit. tK L'�. �:...'
A,copyaft*
pe air`
is available�r
mental Mgmvt`aiPOv a x,
29535, . • „ . Raleigh. 'v., NC •
27626•0535 (919) 7015.:
The application .&'. other,
info:may beinspected at'
locations during nor-'
Ma office hours. Copies of
me information on file are
available upon • request &
payment of i the . costs of
production.: •: Ali ,..•-: such
commentsgnti or -requests
it shouie make reference'
the NPDES permit num-
r listed below. ,;�:4
•DateOct 15.1996=�'••
r*Preston F , bavid A. Goodrich`
Howard, r.-•:; '' • P.E. Director. `• �'v:'`'. Division of
Environmental M mt •
IC notice of.•1r len •to
a S NOES• per•'
t1 •
' N t 5oC 0 iCa000100.
K-T ,Corp• Box 309,
oop[kd a % , has
ewal
for a fotipty Remit
K T.
ei � act �NPCLnS�R •
Mitchell 'Coy he focriity is
O'oof •mated .. t1 �n
per mm one outfall
Into North Toe River, o Class
ch
Broad
Rpterlbw a o re has
Fiuo-
tee is water quality limited.'
swig flame food�� Viers,; the
_ late receivingwwtotter
will be consumed -this 'may
-"--' future Voter- (witty,
ww
effluent limitations for'
Willilonei dischargers within
this portion of the watershed.
2.1 NPDES .No NC0000175. •
Unimin Corp.," i'0 Box 588,
Spruce Pine, NC 28177 'has
�applieepd fora permit renewal
Unimin Quarhly0peratton, off
imimi j
Vies' permitted to discharge
pp_ to •3.6 MGD of . treated
Industrial wastewater &
stormwater into .the ' North
Toe River, a Class C-Trout
gibaq' hR.��,re Nproed
SS.
for. facili 'located , at
NC• H 226. near.•.$ppruce
inn, M tl Co. The facil -
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
County and State, duly commissioned, qualified
and authorized by law to administer oaths,
personally appeared Mischelle Miller
Who, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
that he (she) is LEGAL BILLING CLERK
of ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES COMPANY,
engaged in publication of a newspaper known as
THE ASHEVILLE CITIZEN -TIMES
published, issued, and entered as second class
mail in the City of Asheville, in said County
and State; that he (she) is authorized to make
this affidavit and sworn statement; that the
notice or other legal advertisement, a true
copy of which is attached hereto, was published
in THE ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES on the following
date: OCTOBER 22,1996
and that the said newspaper in which said
notice, paper, document or legal advertisement
was published was, at the time of each and
every publication, a newspaper meeting all of
the requirements and qualifications of Section
1-597 of the General Statutes of North Carolina
and was a qualified newspaper within the
meaning of Section 1-597 of the General
Statutes of North Carolina.
This 29th day of OCTOBER 1996
(Signature of person making affidavit)
Sworn to and subscribed before me
This 29th day of OCTOBER 1996
L6
ITITA
ant:1 70 ,=30 As,Cl I (Notary Public)
My Commissionexpires: October
24,2001'
•
•

_ 1 ).
I v
(Notary Public)
My Commissic4:expires: October 24,2001
uuaeu emuem urnnanuns rur
odditional dischargers witbin
this portion of the watershed.
2. NPDES No. NC0000175.
Unimin Corp., PO Box 588,
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 has
applied for a permit renewal
for a facility located at
Unimin Quartz Operation, off
NC Hwy 226, near Spruce
Pine, Mitchell Co. The facili-
ty is permitted to discharge
up to 3.6 MGD of treated
industrial wostewater &
starmwater into the North
Toe River, a Class C-Trout
stream In the French Broad
River Basin, which has a
7Q10 flow of 45 cfs. Fluoride
is water quality limited. For
same parameters, the avail-
able load capacity of the
immediate receiving water
will be consumed. This may
affect future water quality
based effluent limitations for
additional dischargers within
this portion of the watershed.
3 NPDES No. NC0000361.
Unimin Corp., PO Box 588,
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 has
applied for a permit renewal
for a facility located at
Unimin-Schoolhouse Quartz
Operation, off Hwy 19 East,
near Spruce Pine, Avery Co.
The facility is permitted to
discharge up to 2.16 MGD of
treated industrial wastewa-
ter & stormwater into the
North Toe River, a Class
C-Trout stream in the French
Broad River Basin, which
has a 7Q10 flow of 30 cfs. Flu-
oride Is water quality limit-
ed. For some parameters,
the available load capacity of
the Immediate receiving
water will be consumed. This
may affect future water qual-
ity based limitations for addi-
tional dischargers within this
portion of the watershed.
4. NPDES No. NC0027898. NC
Dept of Correction, 831 West
Morgan St., Raleigh, NC
27603 hos applied for a permit
renewal for a facility located
at Yancey Correctional Cen-
ter #4670, County Road 1138,
approx. four miles west of
Burnsville, Yancey Co. The
facility dischargers 0.0177
MGD of treated domestic
wastewater from one outfali
into on unnamed tributary to
the Cane River, a Class
C-Trout stream in the French
Broad River Basin which has
a 7Q10 flow of 0.05 cfs. No
parameters ore water quali-
ty limited, but this discharge
may affect future alloca-
tions.
5. NPDES No. NC000353. The
Feldspar Corp., 1040 Crown
Point Parkway, Suite 270,
Atlanta, GA 30338 has applied
for a permit renewal for a
facility located at The Feld-
spar Corp., NCSR 1121 in
Spruce Pine, Mitchell Co.
The facility Is permitted to
discharge 3.5 MGD of treated
industrial wastewater from
three outfalls Into the North
Toe River, a Class C-Trout
stream in the French Broad
River which has o 7Q10 flow
of 43.00 cfs. Fluoride is water
quality limited. For some
parameters, the available
I load capacity of the immedi-
ate receiving water will be
consumed. This may affect
future water quality based
effluent limitations for addi-
tional dischargers within this
portion of the watershed.
6. NPDES No. NC0084620.
Unimin Corp., PO 588,
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 has
applied for a permit renewal
& modification for o facility
located at Unimin Crystal
Operation, east of NC Hwy
226, southeast of Spruce Pine,
Mitchell Co. The facility has
requested a permit modifica-
tion to discharge up to 0.36
MGD of treated industrial
wastewater into the North
Toe River, a Class C-Trout
stream In the French Broad
River Basin, which has a
7010 flow of 41 cfs. Fluoride
is water quality limited. For
some parameters, the avail-
able load capacity of the
Immediate receiving water
;.11 will be consumed. This may
affect future water quality
,.' based effluent limitations for
additional dischargers within
this portion of the watershed.
Octobet 22,1996 (6200)

10/17/1996 12:10 7042516452
DE M-P & £ Fax :[phone]
Oct 14 '96 16=13
PAGE 92
P. 02'26
kiggyatatultma
To: Fairest Westin
hike Packer
Prom: Susan A. Wilso
Paul MVO...
Subjcs t: Mining Facilities on the North 1bc Rlvcr
11SION OF WATER QUALITY
October 14,1996
please =cview the enclosed : , Iin m effluent sheets, and spacial oondidous (minus auy
st rmwater language, if a .. • ... le) regarding the renewal of Ease mininglProcessin$$
&cilit%ee located on the North The River in theFrench Broad River Basin. The following
summarizes the Pis review of Mese facilities:
• Nachanges are to the fluoride loadings at each fac lity [ref. SVTs letter
6123/9S11. The nit would like to be involved in the future re -allocation
development of fieoridc at those facilities.
• P&E recommends effluent monitoring frequencies CIA'1SS) of weekly for facilities
<1 MOD; daily for facilities > 1 M(D [nest facilities reflect this ftequewcyl.
• P8t8 recommends that ix slream monitoring be weekly 'teed/ides <I MOD' 3Fweeic
far facilities > 1 MGI). This should provide the Division ample data to maw during
the next permit cycle. [Some Elva/tics currently have day lustre= monitaziug].
• As acorn/waded by your office, chloride monitoring has been implemented quattedy
(during th miss mamas as toxicity testier.
• EffiwAut settleable solids, pH, and untidily monitoring have been continued on a daily
frequency.
Reviewed by; .tj2II1/t4
• . //, r �. ck.� fie: 0/
-'
Ferias Engirming: .-4tadah• 9277244le---- Dam�/19�

MINING FACILITIES, NORTH TOE RIVER
NOTES TO FILE
NC0000361 (Schoolhouse Quartz). Located at River Mile 41.5, this is
the first mine discharge of the five within close proximity. This facility was
recently permitted to construct a tertiary treatment system to meet a fluoride limit
of 109 lbs/day. The UNIMIN facility NC0000175 traded 109 lbs/day fluoride
load to the Schoolhouse facility, which subsequently reduced its existing load
of 219 lbs/day to 109 lbs/day.
Stormwater is covered under GP NCG020112. Stormwater from process area
is routed to the emergency pond and recycled back to the WWTP (per Roy
Riddle 10/12/96).
This is classified as a 'MINOR' permit.
This facility has not been discharging process wastewater, but has had
incidental discharges from rain events. No instream monitoring has been
performed.
See memo to ARO 10/14/96]
October 15, 1996

MINING FACILITIES ON THE NORTH TOE RIVER
Permit Limits and Monitoring Requirements
Facility
NPDES No,
Unimin Schoolhouse Qtz.
NC0000361
Mon. avg. Dail. max. Frcq.
Feldspar
NC0000353
Mon. avg. Dail. max. Freq.
Unimin Crystal
NC0084620
Mon. avg. Dail. max. Freq.
K-T Feldspar
NC0000400
Mon. avg. Dail. max. Freq.
PF (MGD)
2.16
3.5
0.173
1.73
TF (#/day)
109
218
daily
174
348
daily
50
100 weekly
132
264
weekly
TF (mg/1)
6.1
12.1
6
12
35
70
9.1
18.2
TSS (#/day)
450
721
daily
1568
3137
daily
86.6
173.2 weekly
1240
2480
weekly
TSS (mg/1)
SS
pH (SU)
Turb(NTU)
Tox
25
40
monitor
6-10
10
P/F 10%
daily
daily
daily
Qtrly
54
108
monitor
6-10
10
P/F 11%
daily
daily
daily
Qtrly
60
120
monitor daily
6-10 daily
10 daily
LC50>65%Qtrly
86
172
monitor
6-10
10
P/F 6%
daily
daily
daily
Qtrly
U,D
TF,Turb
(daily)
TF,Turb,
pH
(daily)
TF (wkly)
Turb,
pH (daily)
TF,Turb,
pH
(daily --
3/week)
Facility
NPDES No
Unimin Qtz
NC0000175
Mon. avg. Dail. max. Fre
q
PF (MGD)
TF (#/day)
TF (mg/I)
TSS (#/day)
TSS (mg/I)
SS
phi (SU)
Turb(NTU)
Tox
U,D
3.6
218 436 daily
7.3 14.5
1320 2640 daily
44 88
monitor daily
6-10 daily
10 daily
P/F 11% Qtrly
TF,Turb
pH
(daily --
3/week)
0
0
Unimin Qtz (processing - new)
NC0085839
Mon. avg. Dail. max. Frcq.
0.682
200 4(0 weckl
35 7
142 284 weekl
25 5
monitor daily
6-10 daily
10 weekly
P/F 1.15% Qtrly
TF,Turb
(weekly)
THIS IS THE CURRENT MONITORING AND LIMIT SCHEME FOR THE MINING FACILITIES AS OF 10/96.
October 16, 1996

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Asheville Regional Office
MEMORANDUM
TO:
THROUGH:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
the
ATAA
EDEEHNjF
WATER QUALITY SECTION
August 15, 1996
Dave Goodrich
Permits and Engineeri
Forrest R. Westa
Regional Water Qu
Mike Parker !'' P
Environmental Chemist
g Unit
Supervisor
Staff Reports
Feldspar Mining Company's
Avery and Mitchell County's
I have completed the staff reports and
following facilities:
The Feldspar Corporation
K-T Feldspar Corporation
Unimin Corporation -Schoolhouse
Unimin Corporation -Crystal
Unimin Corporation -Quartz
NPDES
NPDES
NPDES
NPDES
NPDES
recommendations for
Permit No.
Permit No.
Permit No.
Permit No.
Permit No.
NC0000353
NC0000400
NC0000361
NC0084620
NC0000175
It is requested that all of these permits be sent to public
notice and issued at the same time with the same expiration
dates. As you know all of these permit are interdependent on
each other because of the fluoride allocation in the North Toe
River. The total allocation of fluoride (574 lbs/day) is
allocated between these companies.
Also, please refer to the attached letter dated June 21,
1995, to Representative Charles Buchanan from Steve Tedder,
advising that the fluoride allocation will not be reduced when
the permits are reissued.
Interchange Building, 59 Woodfin Place
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Voice 704-251-6208
Reduce Reuse gaggle
FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
50% recycles/ 10% post -consumer paper

Dave Goodrich Memo
August 15, 1996
Page Two
Additionally, chlorides have been noted in the results of
the Annual Pollutant Analysis data provided by these companies.
It may need to be added to the permits as a new parameter. If it
is decided to be added it is recommended that monitoring onlybe
conducted until we have adequate data to determine it limits are
necessary.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the staff
reports, please call me at 704-251-6208.

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
June 21, 1995
Representative Charles Buchanan
Route 1, Box 273
Green Mountain, North Carolina 28740
Re: Fluoride
Dear Representative Buchanan:
IFAr
1EHNFR
?A"' --a5
JW-Kg
This correspondence is to clarify our position and hopefully to address concerns expressed by several
feldspar and quartz processing operations near Spruce Pine concerning. fluoride limitations within their
NPDES permits.
The Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Management has worked closely with the
mining facilities on the fluoride allocation issue for several years. In 1985 we worked with the mining
operations to allocate the available assimilative capacity of the North Toe River in consultation with the
mining interests in that area.
The industries have expressed concerns that we may modify the allocations upon permit renewal in
1996. Although an error in mass calculations has been noted, I can assure you that there will not be a
reduction in allowable pounds allocated to these facilities for fluoride upon permit re -issuance. We will
continue to monitor the situation as the allocation for fluoride has been exhausted in the North Toe River
near Spruce Pine.
I have relayed this information previously to Unimin Corporation and to Charles Case and Lucius
Pullen.
If there are additional questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely
Steve W. Tedder, Chief
Water Quality Section
SWT: ps
cc: Forrest Westall
Don Safrit
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper

•
•
SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes No XX
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
TO: PERMITS
WATER
ATTENTIO
DATE:
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
COUNTY Avery
PERMIT NUMBER NC0000361
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: Unimin Corporation -Schoolhouse Quartz
Operation
Mailing: Post Office Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
2. Date of Investigation: May 14, 1996
3. Report Prepared By: Michael R. Parker
4. Persons Contacted and Telephone Number: Roy Riddle
704/765-4283
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of U. S.
Highway 19E and North Carolina Secondary Road 1189,
travel east on NCSR 1189 0.1 mile to the Unimin
Corporation property. The wastewater treatment
facility is located on the hill above the manufacturing
plant.
6. Discharge Point(s), List for all discharge points:
Latitude:
350 56' 22"
Longitude: 810 59' 45"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. D11NW U.S.G.S. Quad Name Linville Falls, N. C.
7. Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
_X_ Yes No If No , el I.
LTJA

8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included): Treatment plant
not subject to flooding.
9. Location of nearest dwelling: Greater than 500 feet.
10. Receiving stream or affected surface waters: North Toe River
a.
b.
c.
Classification: C-trout
River Basin and Subbasin No.:040306
Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: fishing, wading, canoeing, industrial water supply,
irrigation.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted 1.728 MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity)
b. What is the current permitted capacity of the Wastewater
Treatment facility? 1.728 MGD
c. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity 1.728 MGD
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
April 1, 1996.
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially
constructed wastewater treatment facilities: Non -fluoride
waste sump with 3 influent slurry pumps (1750 gpm)each; lime
addition; 80 ft. diameter thickener (0.78 gpm/ft2) polymer
addition; overflow tank; overflow pump (3400 gpm) to non -
fluoride recycle tank (450,000 gallons); effluent from non -
fluoride waste stream to be routed to in -plant uses,
emergency pond, or to final effluent pond; disc filter;
fluoride bearing wastewater, sump with 2 (2330 gpm); 5
dewatering cyclones; and recycle pump.
f. Please provide a description of proposed
facilities:
g•
Possible toxic impacts to surface waters:
h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only):
in development approved
should be required not needed
L6 ZZ
57�1� TiPge Grw
wastewater treatment
None anticipated.

2. Residuals handling and utilization/disposal scheme:
a. If residuals are being land applied, please specify DEM
Permit Number
Residuals Contractor
Telephone Number
b. Residuals stabilization: PSRP PFRP OTHER
C. Landfill: Tailings will be disposed of on site in old mined
areas.
d. Other disposal/utilization scheme (Specify):
3. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet):
Class III
4. SIC Codes (s) : 3952
Primary 41 Secondary
Main Treatment Unit Code: 51102
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
1. Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds
or are any public monies involved. (municipals only)? NA
2. Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests:
3. Important SOC, JOC, or Compliance Schedule dates: (Please
indicate)
Submission of Plans and Specifications
Begin Construction
Complete Construction
Date
4. Alternative Analysis Evaluation: Has the facility evaluated all
of the non -discharge options available. Please provide regional
perspective for each option evaluated. No other treatment options
are known at this time.
Spray Irrigation:
Connection to Regional Sewer System:
Subsurface: L6 Z Z NV1'
Other disposal options:
Page 3

5. Other Special Items:
PART IV - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS -
Unimin Corporation has requested renewal of NPDES
Permit NO. NC0000361 for the continued discharge of
industrial process wastewater from the production of
quartz at their Avery County plant.
There are no effluent guidelines for this industry and
the effluent limits were developed using production and
process information and the North Carolina Water
Quality Standard for fluoride of 1.8 mg/l. It has been
determined that there is a maximum assimilative
capacity of 574 lbs/day of fluoride in the North Toe
River at the mouth of Little Bear Creek, which is the
most downstream point in the North Toe River that
fluoride is being discharged. The 574 lbs/day of
fluoride is divided between four other companies,
Unimin Corporation -Crystal , K-T Feldspar Corporation,
The Feldspar Corporation and Unimin Corporation -Quartz
which have similar industrial processes and wastewater
characteristics. Each company discharges or proposes
to discharge fluorides to the North Toe River. All of
the permits for these companies are interdependent on
each other because the total assimilative capacity of
the fluoride is allocated between these five industries
and all of the permits should be issued at the same
time.
The Company has not started discharging yet. They are
presently constructing the new wastewater treatment
facility.
It is recommended that the permit be issued for five
years with the existing limits and monitoring
requirements. Because data from some of the other
feldspar companies indicates that chlorides are present
in significant concentrations of the effluent,
chlorides may need to be added to the permit. If it is
added, it is recommended that it be listed as
monitoring only and monitored at a freqeucny of once
per month.
Sig ature of Report
eparer
r
ter QualRe t gional Supervisor

DISCHARGE LOCATION
UNIMIN CORPORATION
SCHOOLHOUSE QUARTZ OPERATION
NC000036 1
NORTH TOE RIVER

RATING SCALE FOR CLASSIFICATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEMS
Name of Facility: XV/ /9IiN 6i o hJ - Sc or1/•• ot.• may- clLtc.l Jz g oA/
Owner or Contact Person: goy tel.2
Mailing Addr ss: P!). 73a)� S9$ S�ieicce_ Pi;e.,�44 G. -d-777
County: Aj/ Telephone: 7. $/-76f 4I g--3
Present Classificatl'on: New Facility Existing Facility c-----
NPDES Per. No. NC00O034/ Nondisc. Per. No.WQ Health Dept.Per No.
Rated by: ,4, ic�i.se -/ ?2 •(ifie,Z, . Telephone: 7o 1- AH2O$ Dater
Reviewed by: Health Dept. Telephone:
Regional Office
Central Office
ORC: Grade:
Check Classification(s): Subsurface Spray Irrigation
Wastewater Classification: (Circle One) I II) IV
Telephone: -2s/-6zc'r
Telephone:
Telephone:
Land Application
Total Points: ,S7
1N-PLANT PROCESSES AND RELATED CONTROL EQUIPMENT WHICH ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SHALL NOT BE
CONSIDERED WASTE TREATMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION. ALSO SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS CONSISTING ONLY OF SEPTIC TANK
AND GRAVITY NITRIFICATION LINES ARE EXEMPT FROM CLASSIFICATION,
SUBSURFACE CLASSIFICATION
(check all units that apply)
1. septic tanks
2. pump tanks
3. siphon or pump -dosing systems
4. sand filters
5. grease trap/interceptor
6. oil/water separators
7. gravity subsurface treatment and disposal:
8. pressure subsurface treatment and disposal:
SPRAY IRRIGATION CLASSIFICATION
(check all units that apply)
1. preliminary treatment (definition no. 32 )
2. lagoons
3. septic tanks
4. pump tanks
5. pumps
6. sand filters
7. grease trapfinterceptor
8. oil/water separators
9. disinfection
10. chemical addition for nutrient/algae control
11. spray irrigation of wastewater
In addition to the above classifications, pretreatment of wastewater In excess of these components shall
be rated using the point rating system and will require an operator with an appropriate dual certification.
LAND APPLICATION/RESIDUALS CLASSIFICATION (Applies only to permit holder)
1. Land application of biosolids, residuals or contaminated soils on a designated site.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY CLASSIFICATION
The following systems shall be assigned a Class I classification ynless the flow is of a significant quantity or the technology is unusually
complex, to require consideration by the Commission on a case -by -case basis: (Check if Appropriate)
1. Oil/water Separator Systems consisting only of physical separation, pumps and disposal;
2. Septic Tank/Sand Filter Systems consisting only of septic tanks, dosing apparatus, pumps,sand filters, disinfection
and direct discharge;
3. Lagoon Systems consisting only of preliminary treatment, lagoons, pumps, disinfection, necessary chemical treatment for
algae or nutrient control, and direct discharge;
4. Closed -loop Recycle Systems;
5. Groundwater Remediation Systems consisting only of oiL/water separators, pumps, air -stripping, carbon adsorption, disinfection
and disposal;
6. Aquaculture operations with discharge to surface waters;
7. Water Plant sludge handling and back -wash water treatment;
8. Seafood processing consisting of screening tr fi Bets l f'
9. Single-family discharging systems, with the exception of Aerobic Treatment Units, will be classified if permitted after July 1,
1993 or if upon inspection by the Division, it is found that the syste'n is not being adequately operated or maintained. Such
systems will be notified of the classifiiitlOA dkiestassificaliontiyi'-the Commission, in writing.

The following scale is used for rating wastewater treatment facilities: (circle appropriate points)
(6)
ITEM POINTS
(1) Industrial Pretreatment Units or Industrial Pretreatment Program (see deflriltlon No. 33) 4
(2) DESIGN FLOW OF PLANT IN gpd [not applicable to non -contaminated cooing waters, sludge handling facilities for
water purification plants, totally closed cycle systems(see definition No. 11), and facilities consisting only of Item
(4)(d) or Items (4)(d) and (11)(d))
0 - 20,000 1
20,001 -. 50,000 2
50.001 - 100,000 .3
100.001 - 250,000 4
250.001 - 500,000 .5
500,001 - 1,000,000
1,000.001 - 2,000,000 0
2.030.001 (and up) rate nt a ditional for each 200,000 gpd capacity up to a maximum of 30
Design Flow (gpd)
(3) PRELIMINARY UNfTS/PROCESSE (see definition No.32)
(a) Bar Screens 1
or
(b) Mechanical Screens, Static Screens or Comminuting Devices 2
(c) Grit Removal 1
or
(d) Mechanical or Aerated Grit Removal 2
(e) Flow Measuring Device 1
or
(i) Instrumented Flow Measurement
(g) Preaeratlon 2
(h) Influent Flow Equalization 2
(I) Grease or 011 Separators - Gravity 2
Mechanical .3
Dissolved Air Flotation 8
(J) Prechlorination .5
(4) PRIMARY TREATMENTLNRS/PROCESSES
(a) Septic Tank (see definition No. 43) 2
(b) Imhoff Tank 5
(c) Primary Clarifiers .5
(d) Settling Ponds or Settling Tanks for Inorganic Non -toxic Materials (sludge handling facilities for water
purification plants, sand, gravel, stone, and other mining operations except recreational activities such as gem
or gold mining) 2
(5) SECONDARY TREATMENT UNITS/PROCESSES
(a) Carbonaceous Stage
(I) Aeration -High Purity Oxygen System 20
Diffused Air System 10
Mechanical Air System (fixed, floating or rotor) .8
Separate Sludge Reparation 3
(II) Tridding Filler
High Rate 7
Standard Rate .5
Packed Tower 5
(iii) Biological Aerated Filter or Aerated Biological Fitter 10
(iv) Aerated Lagoons 10
(v) Rotating Biological Contactors 10
(vi) Sand Filters -intermittent biological 2
Recirculating biological .3
(vii) Stabilization Lagoons
(viii) Clarifier 5
(ix) Single stage system for combined carbonaceous removal of BOD and nitrogenous removal by
nitrification (see definition No. 12)(Points for this Item have to be in addition to items
(5)(a)(i) through (5)(a)(viii),
utilizing the extended aeration process (see definition No.3a) 2
utilizing other than the extended aeration process 8
(x) Nutrient additions to enhance BOD removal 5
(xi) Biological Culture ('Super Bugs')addition 5
(b) Nitrogenous Stage
(I) Aeration - High Purity Oxygen System 20
Diffused Air System 10
Mechanical Air System (fixed, floating or rotor) .8
Separate Sludge Reaeration 3
(11) Trickling Filter -High Rate 7
Standard Rate .5
Packed Tower 5
(iii) Biological Aerated Filter or Aerated Biological Filler 10
(iv) Rotating Biological Contactors 1 0
(v) Sand Filter - Intermittent biological 2
Recirculating biological .3
(v1) Clarifier .5
TERTIARY OR ADVANCED TREATMENT UNITS/PROCESSES
(a) Activated Carbon Beds -
without carbon regeneration .5
with carbon regeneration 15
(b) Powdered or Granular Activated Carbon Feed -
without carbon regeneration 5
with carbon regeneration 15
(c) Air stripping .5
(d) Denitrification Process 10
(e) Electrodlalysis 5
(f) Foam Separation 5
(g) ion Exchange 5
(h) Land Application of Treated Effluent (see definition No. 22b) (not applicable for sand, gravel, stone
and other similar mining operations) by high rate infiltration 4
(I) Microscreens 5
(J) Phosphorous Removal by Biological Processes (See definition No. 26)
(k) Polishing Ponds - without aeration
with aeration 2

(I) Post Aeration - cascade 0
diffused or mechanical 2
(m) Reverse Osmosis 5
(n) Sand or Mixed -Media Filters - low rate 2
high rate 5
(o) Treatment processes for removal of metal or cyanide 15
(p) treatment processes for removal of toxic materials other than metal or cyanide 15
(7) SLUDGE TREATMENT
(a) Sludge Digestion Tank - Heated (anaerobic)
Aerobic
Unheated (anaerobic)
10
5
3
(b) Sludge Stabilization (chemical or thermal) 5
(c) Sludge Drying Beds - Gravity 2
Vacuum Assisted .5
(d) Sludge Etutriation 5
(e) Sludge Conditioner (chemical or thermal) .5
(I) Sludge Thickener (gravity) S
(g) Dissolved Air Flotation Unit (not applicable to a unit rated as (3)(i)] 8
(h) Sludge Gas Utilization (including gas storage) 2
(I) Sludge Holding Tank - Aerated 5
Non -aerated 2
(J) Sludge Incinerator (not Including activated carbon regeneration)
(k) Vacuum Filter, Centrifuge, or Filter Press or other similar dewatering devices
(8) RESIDUALS UTILIZATION/DISPOSAL (including incinerated ash)
(a) Lagoons 2
(b) Land Application (surface and subsurface) (see definition 22a)
by contracting to a land application operator or landfill operator who holds the land application permit
or landfill permit 2
(9) (c) Dedicated Landfill(burial) by the permittee of the wastewater treatment facility ICD
(a) Chlorination .5
(b) Dechlorination .5
(c) Ozone .5
(d) Radiation .5
(1 0) CHEMICAL ADDITION SYSTEM(S) ( see definition No. 9) (not applicable to chemical additions rated as hem (3)(J),
(5)(a)(xi), (6)(a), (6)(b), (7)(b), (7)(e), (9a), (9)(b) or (9)(c) 5 points each:
List
(1 1) MISC:. • • • UNITS/PROCEss S
(a) Holding Ponds, Holding Tanks or Settling Ponds for Organic or Toxic Materials Including wastes from mining
operations containing nitrogen or phosphorus compounds in amounts significantly greater than is common
for domestic wastewater 4
(b) Effluent Flow Equalization (not applicable to storage basins which are inherent in land application systems) 2
(c) Stage Discharge (not applicable to storage basins Inherent In land application systems)
(d) Pumps
(e) Stand -By Power Supply .3
(f) Thermal Pollution Control Device
TOTAL POINTS
CLASSIFICATION
Class I 5-25 Points
Class II 26-50 Points
Class III 51-65 Points
Class IV 66-Up Points
Facilities having a rating of one through four points, Inclusive, do not require a certified operator.
Facilities having an activated sludge process will be assigned a minimum classification of Class II.
Facilities having treatment processes for the removal of metal or cyanide will be assigned a minimum classification of Class II.
Facilities having treatment processes for the biological removal of phosphorus will be assigned a minimum classification of Class III.
.0034 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter.
(1) Activated Carbon Beds. A physicaVchemicai method for reducing soluble organic material from wastewater effluent; The column -type beds used in this
method will have a flow rate varying from two to eight gallons per minute per square toot and may be either upflow or downflow carbon beds. Carbon may or
may not be regenerated on the wastewater treatment plant site;
(2) Aerated Lagoons. A basin in which all solids are maintained in suspension and by which biological oxidation or organic matter Is reduced through artificially
accelerated transfer of oxygen on a flow -through basis;
(3) Aeration. A process of bringing about Intimate contact between air or high purity oxygen In a liquid by spraying, agitation or diffuslon;(3a) Extended
Aeration. An activated sludge process utilizing a minimum hydraulic detention time of 18 hours.
(4) Agriculturally managed site. Any site on which a crop is produced, managed, and harvested (Crop includes grasses, grains, trees, etc.);
(5) Air Stripping. A process by which the ammonium Ion is first converted to dissolved ammonia (pH adjustment) with the ammonia then released to the
atmosphere by physical means; or other similar processes which remove petroleum products such as benzene, toluene, and xylene;
(6) Carbon Regeneration. The regeneration of exhausted carbon by the use of a fumace to provide extremely high temperatures which volatilize and oxidize the
absorbed Impurities;
(7) Carbonaceous Stage. A stage of wastewater treatment designed to achieve 'secondary' effluent limits;
(8) Centrifuge. A mechanical device In which centrifugal force Is used to separate solids from liquids or to separate liquids of different densi las;
(9) Chemical Addition Systems- The addition of chemical 1,.to wasteyiate,r,at an application point for purposes of Improving solids removal, pH adjustment,
alkalinity control, etc.; the capability 10 experiment with diOpt Otolipplpjand different application points to achieve a specific result will be considered one
system; the capability to add chemical(s) to dual units will a rated as one system; capability to add a chemical at a different application points for different
purposes will result in the systems being rated as separate systems;
(10) Chemical Sludge Conditioning. The addition flit -chemical compound such -alit lime, ferric chloride, or a polymer to wet sludge to coalesce the mass prior to
its application to a dewatering device;�� IQ n- Li‘....._.. .
(11) Closed Cycle Systems. Use of holding ponds or holding tanks for containment of wastewater containing inorganic, non -toxic materials from sand, gravel,
crushed stone or other similar operations. Such systems shall carry a maximum of two points regardless of pumping facilities or any other appurtenances;
(12) Combined Removal of Carbonaceous BOD and Nitrogenous Removal by Nitrification- A single stage system required to achieve permit effluent limits on BOD
and ammonia nitrogen within the same biological reactor;
(13) Dechlorination. The partial or complete reduction of residual chlorine in a liquid by any chemical or physical process;
(14) Denitrificatlon Process. The conversion of nitrate -nitrogen to nitrogen gas;

(15) Electrodialysis. Process for removing ionized salts from water through the use of ion -selective ion -exchange membranes;
(16) Fitter Press. A process operated mechanically for partially dewatering sludge;
(17) Foam Separation. The planned frothing of wastewater or wastewater effluent as a means of removing excessive amounts of detergent materials through
the introduction of air in the form of fine bubbles; also called foam fractionation; ,
(18) Grit Removal. The process of removing grit and other heavy mineral matter from wastewater;
(19) Imhoff Tank. A deep two story wastewater tank consisting of an upper sedimentation chamber and a lower sludge digestion chamber.
(20) instrumented Flow Measurement. A device which indicates and records rate of flow;
(21) ion Exchange. A chemical process in which ions from two different molecules are exchanged;
(22) Land application:
(a) Sludge Disposal. A final sludge disposal method by which wet sludge may be applied to land either by spraying on the surface or by subsurface injection
(i.e., chisel plow); [not applicable for types of sludge described in (11) of this Rule];
(b) Treated Effluent. The process of spraying treated wastewater onto a land area or other methods of application of wastewater onto a land area as a
means of final disposal or treatment;
(23) Microscreen. A low speed, continuously back -washed, rotating drum filter operating under gravity conditions as a polishing method for removing
suspended solids from effluent;
(24) Nitrification Process. The biochemical conversion of unoxidized nitrogen (ammonia and organic nitrogen) to oxidized nitrogen (usually nitrate);
(25) Nitrogenous Stage. A separate stage of wastewater treatment designed for the specific purpose of converting ammonia nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen;
(26) Phosphate Removal, Biological. The removal of phosphorus from wastewater by an oxic/anoxic process designed to enhance luxury uptake of phosphorus
by the microorganisms;
(27) Polishing Pond. A holding pond following secondary treatment with sufficient detention time to allow settling of finely suspended solids;
(28) Post Aeration. Aeration following conventional secondary treatment units to increase effluent D.O. or for any other purpose;
(29) Post Aeration. (Cascade) A polishing method by which dissolved oxygen is added to the effluent by a nonmechanical, gravity means of flowing down a
series of steps or weirs; The flow occurring across the steps or weirs moves in a fairly thin layer and the operation of the cascade requires no operator
adjustment; thus, zero points are assigned even though this is an essential step to meeting the limits of the discharge permit;
(30) Powdered to Granular Activated Carbon Feed. A biophysical carbon process that utilizes biological activity and organic absorption by using powdered or
granular activated carbon; Virgin or regenerated carbon is feed controlled into the system;
(31) Preaeration. A tank constructed to provide aeration prior to primary treatment;
(32) Preliminary Units. Unit operations in the treatment process, such as screening and comminution. that prepare the liquor for subsequent major operations;
(33) Industrial Pretreatment.
(a) Pre-treatment Unit. Industrial. The conditioning of a waste at its source before discharge, to remove or to neutralize substances injurious to sewers and
treatment processes or to effect a partial reduction in load on the treatment process which is operated by the same governing body as the wastewater
treatment plant being rated;
b) Pre-treatment Program. Industrial - must be a State or EPA required program to receive points on the rating sheet;
(34) Primary Clarifiers. The first settling tanks through which wastewater is passed In a treatment works for the purpose of removing settleable and suspended
solids and BOO which is associated with the solids;
(35) Pumps. All influent, effluent and in -plant pumps;
(36) Radiation. Disinfection or sterilization process utilizing devices emitting ultraviolet or gamma rays; .:
(37) Reverse Osmosis. A treatment process In which a heavy contaminated liquid is pressurized through a membrane forming nearly pure liquid free from
suspended solids;
(38) Rotating Biological Contractors. A fixed biological growth process in which wastewater flows through tanks in which a series of partially submerged circular
surfaces are rotated;
(39) Sand Filters:
(a) Intermittent Biological. Filtration of effluent following septic tanks. lagoons. or some other treatment process in which further blodecompositlon is
expected to produce desired effluents; Hydraulic loading rates on these filters are computed in gpd/ac and have a resulting low gprn/sf (less than one);
b) Recirculating biological - the same type of sand filter as defined in Subparagraph (39) (a) of this Rule with the added capability to recycle effluent back
through the sand fitter;
(40) Sand or Mixed -Media Fitters. A polishing process by which effluent limits are achieved through a further reduction of suspended solids;
(a) low rate — gravity, hydraulically loaded fitter with loading rates in the one to three gpm/sf range;
(b) high rate — a pressure, hydraulically loaded filter with loading rates in the five gpmisf range; At any rate, the loading rate will exceed three gprn'sf;
(41) Secondary Clarifiers. A tank which follows the biological unit of treatment plant and which has the purpose of removing sludges associated with the
biological treatment units;
(42) Separate Sludge Reaeration. A part of the contact stabilization process where the activated sludge is transferred to a tank and aerated before returning it
to the contact basin;
(43) Septic Tank. A single -story settling tank in which settled sludge is in contact with the wastewater flowing through the tank; shall not be applicable for
septic tank systems serving single family residences having capacity of 2,000 gallons or less which discharge to a nitrification field;
(44) Sludge Digestion. The process by which organic or volatile matter and sludge is gasified. liquefied, mineralized or converted into more stable organic matter
through the activity of living organisms, which Includes aerated holding tanks;
(45) Sludge Drying Beds. An area comprising natural or artificial layers of porous materials upon which digested sewage sludge Is dried by drainage and
evaporation;
(46) Sludge Elutriation. A process of sludge conditioning in which certain constituents are removed by successive washings with fresh water or plant effluent;
(47) Sludge Gas Utilization. The process of using sewage gas for the purpose of heating buildings, driving engines. etc.;
(48) Sludge Holding Tank (Aerated and Nonaerated). A tank utilized for small wastewater treatment plants not containing a digester In which sludge may be
kept fresh, and supernatant withdrawn prior to a drying method (i.e. sludge drying beds); This may be done by adding a email amount of air simply to keep the
sludge fresh. but not necessarily an amount that would be required to achieve stabilization of organic matter. A nonaerated tank would simply be used to
decant sludge prior to dewatering and would not allow long periods (several days of detention) without resulting odor problems;
(49) Sludge incinerators. A furnace designed to bum sludge and to remove ail moisture and combustible materials and reduce the sludge to a sterile ash;.
(50) Sludge Stabilization (Chemical or Thermal). A process to make treated sludge less odorous and putrescble. and to reduce the pathogenic organism
content; This may be done by pH adjustment. chlorine dosing. or by heat treatment;
(51) Sludge Thickener. A type of sedimentation lank In which the sludge is permitted to settle and thicken through agitation and gravity;
(52) Stabilization Lagoon. A type of oxidation lagoon in which biological oxidation of organic matter Is effected by natural transfer of oxygen to the water from
air (not a polishing pond);
(53) Stand -By Power Supply. On site or portable electrical generating equipment;
(54) Static Screens. A stationary screen designed to remove solids. including non -biodegradable particulate (floatable solids. suspended solids and ROD
reduction) from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems;
(55) Tertiary Treatment. A stage of treatment following secondary which is primarily for the purpose of effluent polishing; A settling lagoon or sand or coal fitter
might be employed for this purpose;
(56) Thermal Pollution Control Device. A device providing for the transfer of heat from a fluid flowing In tubes to another fluid outside the tubes. or vice versa;
or other means of regulating liquid temperatures;
(57) Thermal Sludge Conditioner. A conditioning process by which heat is added for a protracted period of time to improve the dewaterabiiriy of sludge by the
solubilizing and hydraulizing of the smaller and more highly hydrated sludge particles;
(58) Toxic Materials. Those wastes or combinations of wastes. Including disease -causing agents which after discharge and upon exposure. Ingestion. inhalation
or assimilation Into any organism, either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains. will cause death, disease. behavioral
abnormalities. cancer. genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions In reproduction) or physical deformations. in such organisms or their
offspring; Toxic materials include. by way of illustration and not limitation: lead. cadmium. chromium. mercury. vanadium, arsenic, zinc. ortho-nitro-chlorobenzene
(ONCE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT); and any other materials that have or may hereafter be determined to have
toxic properties;
(59) Trickling Fitter. A biological treatment unit consisting of a material such as broken stone or rock over which wastewater is distributed; A high rate trickling
fitter Is one which operated at between 10 and 30 mgd per acre. A low rate trickling filter Is one which is designed to operate at one to four mgd per acre;
(60) Trickling Filter (Packed Tower). A plug flow type of operation in which wastewater flows down through successive layers of media or filtrate material; Organic
material Is removed continually by the active biological fixed growth In each successive layer. This method may produce 'secondary' quality effluent. or may be
adapted to produce a nitrified effluent;
(61) Vacuum Fitter. Centrifuges. or Filter Presses. Devices which are designed to remove excess water from either digested or undigested sludge prior to disposal
or further treatment.

SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes No XX
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
TO: PERMITS AND ENGINEERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
ATTENTION: Susan Wilson
DATE: February 5, 1996
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
COUNTY Avery
PERMIT NUMBER NC0000361
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: Unimin Corporation
Mailing: Post Office Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
2. Date of Investigation: October 19, 1995
3. Report Prepared By: Michael R. Parker
4. Persons Contacted and Telephone Number: Roy Riddle
704/765-4283
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of U. S. Highway
19E and North Carolina Secondary Road 1189, travel east on
NCSR 1189 0.1 mile to the Unimin Corporation property. The
wastewater treatment facility is located on the hill above
the manufacturing plant.
6. Discharge Point(s), List for all discharge points:
Latitude: 35° 56' 22"
Longitude: 81° 59' 45"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. D11NW U.S.G.S. Quad Name Linville Falls, N. C.
7. Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
_X_ Yes No If No, explain:
8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included): Treatment plant
not subject to flooding.
Page 1

9. Location of nearest dwelling: Greater than 500 feet.
10. Receiving stream or affected surface waters:
North Toe River
a. Classification: WS-III trout
b. River Basin and Subbasin No.:040306
c. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: fishing, wading, conoeing, industrial water supply,
irrigation
Classification is to be changed to WS-IV above this discharge
and the river at this point will become C-trout
PART II
- DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted 1.728 MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity)
b. What is the current permitted capacity of the Wastewater
Treatment facility? 2.16 MGD
c. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity 2.16 MGD
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
NA
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially
constructed wastewater treatment facilities: NA
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater treatment
facilities: Primary, secondary and tertiary treatment will
consist of neutralization, precipitation, settling, vacuum
filtering of solids, and disposal of solids by landfilling.
g•
Possible toxic impacts to surface waters: None anticipated.
h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only):
in development approved
should be required not needed
2. Residuals handling and utilization/disposal scheme:
a. If residuals are being land applied, please specify DEM
Permit Number
Residuals Contractor
Telephone Number
b. Residuals stabilization: PSRP PFRP OTHER
C. Landfill: Tailings will be disposed of on site in old mined
areas.
d. Other disposal/utilization scheme (Specify):
Page 2

3. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet): •
Class II
4. SIC Codes (s) : 3952
Primary 41 Secondary
Main Treatment Unit Code: 51102
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
1. Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds
or are any public monies involved. (municipals only)? NA
2. Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests: •
3. Important SOC, JOC, or Compliance Schedule dates: (Please
indicate)
Submission of Plans and Specifications
Begin Construction
Complete Construction
Date
4.- Alternative Analysis Evaluation: Has the facility evaluated all
of the non -discharge options available. Please provide regional
perspective for each option evaluated. NA
Spray Irrigation:
Connection to Regional Sewer System:
Subsurface:
Other disposal options:
5. Other Special Items: •
Page 3

PART IV - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS-Unimin
Corporation has requested modification to NPDES Permit NO.
NC0000361. The company ceased all ore processing at this
facility approximately two years ago and had esentially
ceased all discharges except for stormwater. The company
now plans to construct a new ore processing plant on the
existing site to process ore into feldspar and quartz
products.
There are no effluent guidelines for this industry and the
effluent limits were developed using production and process
information and the North Carolina Water Quality Standard
for fluoride of 1.8 mg/l. It has been determined that
there is a maximum assimilative capacity of 574 lbs/day of
fluoride in the North Toe River at the mouth of Little Bear
Creek, which is the most downstream point in the North Toe
River that fluoride is being discharged. The 574 lbs/day
of fluoride is divided between Unimin Corporation, K-T
Feldspar Corporation and The Feldspar Corporation and all
of the permits for these companies are interdependent on
each other.
The 574 lbs/day of fluoride is divided in the following
manner:
The Feldspar Corporation
Unimin Corporation -Crystal
K-T Feldspar Corporation
Unimin Corporation -Quartz
174 lbs/day
50 lbs/day
132 lbs/day
218 lbs/day
Total 574
Unimin Corporation is proposing to divide in half the
fluoride allocation it presently has at the Quartz
Operation and move 109 lbs/day of fluoride to the new
Schoolhouse Quartz Operation. NPDES Permit No. NC0000175
will also need mofifying to reflect the reduction in 109
lbs/day of fluoride.
Stormwater should also be included in this permit.
Based on Unimin Corporation's pilot testing they believe that they can
comply with the 109 lbs/day of fluoride in the effluent at this site.
It is recommended that the permit be.submitted to notice and issued.
Page 4

dater Quality Regional Supervisor
Date
Page 5

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37

SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes No XX
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
TO: PERMITS AND ENGINEERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
ATTENTION: Susan Wilson
'DATE: January 30, 1996
AUTHORIZATION TO CONSTRUCT AND RECOMMENDATION
COUNTY Avery
PERMIT NUMBER NC0000361
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: Unimin Corporation
Mailing: Post Office Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
2. Date of Investigation: October 19, 1995
3. Report Prepared By: Michael R. Parker
4. Persons Contacted and Telephone Number: Roy Riddle
704/765-4283
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of U. S.
Highway 19E and North Carolina Secondary Road 1189,
travel east on NCSR 1189 0.1 mile to the Unimin
Corporation property. The wastewater treatment
facility is located on the hill above the manufacturing
plant.
6. Discharge Point(s), List for all discharge points:
Latitude: 350 56' 22" Longitude: 810 59' 45"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. D11NW U.S.G.S. Quad Name Linville Falls, N. C.
7. Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
_X_ Yes No If No, explain:
8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included): Treatment plant
not subject to flooding.
Page 1

9. Location of nearest dwelling: Greater than 500 feet.
10.. Receiving stream or affected surface waters: North Toe River
a. Classification: WS-III trout
b. River Basin and Subbasin No.:040306
c. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: fishing, wading, canoeing, industrial water supply,
irrigation. Classification is to be changed to WS-IV above
this discharge and the river at this point will become C-
trout.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted 1.728 MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity).
b. What is the current permitted capacity of the Wastewater
Treatment facility? 2.16 MGD
c. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity 2.16 MGD
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
NA
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially
constructed wastewater treatment facilities: NA
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater treatment
facilities: It is proposed to construct a wastewater
treatment system to treat mining waste to consist two lime
reactor tanks, two thickeners (clarifiers), lime and alum
reactor tanks, (2) heavy solids vacuum filters, one
horizontal and one vertical disk filter, hydro cyclones, a
multimedia filter for solids removal, a pressure filter for
sludge dewatering, lime and alum additions, pumps and
associated piping, emergency pond and with the effluent being
piped to the existing settling pond No. 7.
g•
Possible toxic impacts to surface waters: None anticipated.
h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only): NA
in development
should be required
approved
not needed
Page 2

b'
2. Residuals handling and utilization/disposal scheme:
a. If residuals are being land applied, please specify DEM
Permit Number
Residuals Contractor
Telephone Number
b. Residuals stabilization: PSRP PFRP OTHER
C. Landfill: Tailings will be disposed of on site in old mined
areas.
d. Other disposal/utilization scheme (Specify):
3. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet):
Class III.
4. SIC Codes (s) : 3952
Primary 41 Secondary
Main Treatment Unit Code: 51102
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
1. Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds
or are any public monies involved. (municipals only)? NA
2. Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests: I
3. Important SOC, JOC, or Compliance Schedule dates: (Please
indicate)
Submission of Plans and Specifications
Begin Construction
Complete Construction,
Date
4. Alternative Analysis Evaluation: Has the facility evaluated all
of the non -discharge options available. Please provide regional
perspective for each option evaluated. NA
Spray Irrigation:
Connection to Regional Sewer System:
Subsurface:
Other disposal options:
Page 3

• •e
5. Other Special Items:
PART IV - EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS-Unimin
Corporation has submitted a request for an Authorization to
Construct a tertiary wastewater treatment system to treat
mining wastewater. The purpose of the tertiary treatment
system is to minimize the amount of fluoride proposed for
discharge.
Unimin Corporation has 218 lbs/day of fluoride at the
existing Quartz Operation and plans to reduce the amount of
fluoride at the Quartz Operation to 109 lbs/day and apply
the other 109 lbs/day at the new Schoolhouse Quartz
Operation.
Based on Unimin Corporation's pilot testing, they believe
that they can comply with the 109 lbs/day of fluoride in
the effluent at this site.
I have reviewed the technical data and plans for the
proposed wastewater treatment system and is recommended
that an Authorization to Construct be issued.
Si. ature of Report Pieparer
Water Quality Regional Supervisor
Dat
Page 4