NC0084620_Permit (Issuance)_20040402

NPDES DOCUMENT :;CANNING COVER SHEET
NPDES Permit:
NC0084620
Unimin Crystal Operation
Document Type:
Permit 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:
April 2, 2004
This document is printed on reuse paper - igui»re any
content on the re-srerrse side

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
April 2, 2004
Mr. Andrew G. Bradley
Unimin Corporation -Crystal Facility
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
A7A
NCDENR
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
NPDES Permit NC0084620
Unimin Corp. -Crystal Operation
Mitchell County
Dear Mr. Bradley:
Division personnel have reviewed and approved your application for renewal of the
subject permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge 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 U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency dated May 9, 1994 (or as subsequently amended.)
This permit authorizes Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 0.682 MGD of treated
wastewater from the Crystal Operation Plant to the North Toe River, a class C Trout water in
the French Broad River Basin. The permit includes discharge limitations and/or monitoring for
flow, total fluoride, total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia, turbidity, pH, chloride, and chronic
toxicity. The following modification was made to the permit:
• The notification and monitoring requirement to install an additional 117 GPM
effluent pump prior to initiating discharge to the North Toe River was deleted. It
was determined that the flow will be gravity induced and pumps will not be
required.
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, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North
Carolina 27699-6714. Unless such a demand is made, this permit shall be final and binding.
1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-161 7 - TELEPHONE [phone]/FAX [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLED/ 1 0% POST -CONSUMER PAPER
VISIT US ON THE INTERNET @ http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/NPDES

Permit Number: NC0084620
Please take notice that this permit is not transferable. The Division may require
modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit. 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 permits may be required.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Jacquelyn
Nowell at telephone number [phone], extension 512.
Sincerely,
yiirl Signed Bis
, 711.d A. Goode°
Alan W. Klimek, P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality Section
EPA Region IV/Attn. Roosevelt Childress
Aquatic Toxicology
Central Files
NPDES File

Permit Number: NC0084620
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
PERMIT
TO DISCHARGE WASTEWATER UNDER THE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
In compliance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1, other lawful
standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental
Management Conunission, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended,
Unimin Corporation
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater from a facility located at
Crystal Operation
At NCSR 1117, east of NC Highway 226
Southeast of Spruce Pine
Mitchell 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.
This permit shall become effective May 1, 2004
This permit and authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2006.
Signed this day April 2, 2004
7/�� .d A.
✓1A�IY YV•
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the
Environmental Management Commission
1

Permit Number: NC0084620
SUPPLEMENT TO PERMIT COVER SHEET
All previous NPDES Permits issued to this facility, whether for operation or discharge are
hereby revoked, and as of this issuance, any previously issued permit bearing this number is no
longer effective. Therefore, the exclusive authority to operate and discharge from this facility
arises under the permit conditions, requirements, terms, and provisions included herein.
Unimin Corporation
Crystal Operation
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue operation of a wastewater treatment plant for process wastewater from mineral
extraction consisting of:
• mix/reactor tanks
• lime and polymer feed systems
• thickener
• drum filter
• pH adjustment and
• flow measurement.
The Crystal Operation is located at NCSR 1117 east of NC 226, southeast of Spruce Pine,
Mitchell County, and
2. Discharge from said treatment works at the location specified on the attached map into the
North Toe River, which is classified C Trout waters, in the French Broad River Basin.
2

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Unirnin Corp. -
C'rystal
Operation
Ottfal.l 001
Facility Information
Latitude:
Longitude:
Quad #:
Stream Class:
Receiving Stream:
Permitted Flow:
35°54'16"
82°03' 46"
Spruce Pine (DI ONE)
C-Trout
North Toe River
0.682 MGD
Sub -Basin:
04-03-06
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Unimin.- Crystal Operation
NC0084620
Mitchell County

Permit Number: NC0084620
A (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the
Permittee is authorized to discharge process wastewater from mineral extraction of ore from
outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
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Flow
0.360 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
Total Fluoride
50.01b/day
100.01b/day
Weekly
Composite
E, U, D
Total Suspended Solids
86.61b/day
173..2 lb/day
Weekly
Composite
E
Settleable Solids
Daily
Grab
E
Turbidity2
Weekly
Grab
E, U, D
pH3
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Chlorides4
Quarterly
Composite
E
Chronic Toxicity5
Quarterly
Composite
E
Notes:
1. Sample locations: E- Effluent, I- Influent, U-upstream at Altapass Road, D-
downstream at the footbridge in the Town of Spruce Pine. Instream samples shall
be grab samples and shall be conducted weekly.
2. This discharge shall not increase the turbidity of the receiving waters more than 10
NTU. If the turbidity exceeds 10 NTU due to natural conditions, the discharge
shall not cause any increase in turbidity.
3. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 10.0 standard
units.
4. Chloride shall be monitored quarterly during the same months as toxicity testing.
5. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) Pass/Fail at 1.3%: January, April, July and
October. See Special Conditions A (2).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace
amounts.
3

Permit Number: NC0084620
A (2). CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT (QRTRLY)
The effluent discharge shall at no time exhibit observable inhibition of reproduction or significant
mortality to Ceriodaphnia dubia at an effluent concentration of 1.3%.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, Quarterly monitoring using test procedures outlined in the
"North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure," Revised February 1998, or
subsequent versions or "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure"
(Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions. The tests will be performed during the months of
January April July and October. Effluent sampling for this testing shall be performed at the NPDES
permitted final effluent discharge below all treatment processes.
If the test procedure performed as the first test of any single quarter results in a failure or ChV below the
permit limit, then multiple -concentration testing shall be performed at a minimum, in each of the two
following months as described in "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test
Procedure" (Revised -February 1998) or subsequent versions.
The chronic value for multiple concentration tests will be determined using the geometric mean of the
highest concentration having no detectable impairment of reproduction or survival and the lowest
concentration that does have a detectable impairment of reproduction or survival. The definition of
"detectable impairment," collection methods, exposure regimes, and further statistical methods are
specified in the "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised -
February 1998) or subsequent versions.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the Effluent
Discharge Monitoring Form (MR-1) for the months in which tests were performed, using the parameter
code TGP3B for the pass/fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value. Additionally, DWQ Form AT-3
(original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences Branch no later
than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is made.
Test data shall be complete, accurate, include all supporting chemical/physical measurements and all
concentration/response data, and be certified by laboratory supervisor and ORC or approved designate
signature. 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 the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is required, monitoring
will be required during the following month.
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.
4

Permit Number: NC0084620
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.
A (3). 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.
A (4). TURBIDITY
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.
A (5). SOLIDS DISPOSAL
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.
A (6). FLUORIDE (WATER QUALITY STANDARD) REOPENER
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.
A (7). FLUORIDE (PRODUCTION CHANGE) REOPENER
This permit may be modified, or revoked and reissued to incorporate new limitations in the event
that production changes are requested or should any new fluoride using discharge request to locate
on the North Toe River.
A (8). ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION AND MONITORING (RELIABILITY) REQUIREMENTS
The following measures will be taken in lieu of providing an additional thickener: Unimin
Corporation Crystal Operation will notify the Asheville Regional Office, Telephone [phone],
prior to taking any wastewater treatment unit out of service, if such action could result in non -
retention of inadequately treated effluent or an out of compliance discharge. Whenever any unit is
removed from service, whether for maintenance or due to failure of the unit, the Company shall
immediately institute daily monitoring for Total Suspended Solids and Fluorides (in addition to the
parameters normally monitored on a daily basis). The Company will cease all wastewater related
manufacturing operations until such time as the wastewater treatment unit is operational,
whenever the wastewater treatment system can no longer adequately treat or store the wastewater,
so as to prevent an out of compliance discharge.
5

Permit Number: NC0084620
PART II
STORMWATER MONITORING, CONTROLS AND LIMITATIONS FOR PERMITTED
DISCHARGES
SECTION A: FINAL LIMITATIONS AND CONTROLS FOR STORMWATER DISCHARGES
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration, the permittee
is authorized to discharge wastewater and stormwater associated with industrial activity. Such discharges
shall be controlled, limited and monitored as specified below.
1. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans
The permittee shall develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, herein after referred to as the Plan.
The Plan shall be considered public information in accordance with Part III, Standard Conditions, Section
E.10. of this permit. The Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following items:
a. Site Plan: The site plan shall provide a description of the physical facility and the
potential pollutant sources which may be expected to contribute to contamination of
regulated stormwater discharges. The site plan shall contain the following:
(1) A general location map (USGS quadrangle map, or appropriately drafted
equivalent map), showing the facility's location in relation to transportation
routes and surface waters, and the name of the receiving water(s) to which the
stormwater outfall(s) discharges. If the discharge is to a municipal separate
storm sewer system, the name of the municipality and the ultimate receiving
waters, and accurate latitude and longitude of the point(s) of discharge must be
shown.
(2) A narrative description of storage practices, loading and unloading activities,
outdoor process areas, dust or particulate generating or control processes, and
waste disposal practices.
(3)
A site map (or series of maps) drawn to scale with the distance legend indicating
location of industrial activities (including storage of materials, disposal areas,
process areas, and loading and unloading areas), drainage structures, drainage
areas for each outfall and activities occurring in the drainage area, building
locations and impervious surfaces, the percentage of each drainage area that is
impervious. For each outfall, a narrative description of the potential pollutants
which could be expected to be present in the regulated stormwater discharge.
(4) A list of significant spills or leaks of pollutants that have occurred at the facility
during the 3 previous years and any corrective actions taken to mitigate spill
impacts.
(5)
Certification that the stormwater outfalls have been evaluated for the presence of
non-stormwater discharges. The certification statement will be signed in
accordance with the requirements found in Part III, Standard Conditions, Section
B.11.
6

Permit Number: NC0084620
b. Stormwater Management Plan: The stormwater management plan shall contain a
narrative description of the materials management practices employed which control or
minimize the exposure of significant materials to stormwater, including structural and
non-structural measures. The stormwater management plan, at a minimum, shall
incorporate the following:
(1) A study addressing the technical and economic feasibility of changing the
methods of operations and/or storage practices to eliminate or reduce exposure
of materials and processes to stormwater. Wherever practicable the permittee
should consider covering storage areas, material handling operations,
manufacturing or fueling operations to prevent materials exposure to
stormwater. In areas where elimination of exposure is not practicable, the
stormwater management plan shall document the feasibility of diverting the
stormwater runoff away from areas of potential contamination.
(2) A schedule to provide secondary containment for bulk storage of liquid
materials, storage of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA) water priority chemicals, or storage of hazardous
materials to prevent leaks and spills from contaminating stormwater runoff. If
the secondary containment devices are connected directly to stormwater
conveyance systems, the connection shall be controlled by manually activated
valves or other similar devices [which shall be secured with a locking
mechanism] and any stormwater that accumulates in the containment area shall
be at a minimum visually observed prior to release of the accumulated
stormwater. Accumulated stormwater shall be released if found to be
uncontaminated. Records documenting the individual making the observation,
the description of the accumulated stormwater and the date and time of the
release shall be kept for a period of five years.
(3)
A narrative description of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be considered
such as, but not limited to, oil and grease separation, debris control, vegetative
filter strips, infiltration and stormwater detention or retention, where necessary.
The need for structural BMPs shall be based on the assessment of potential of
sources contributing significant quantities of pollutants to stormwater discharges
and data collected through monitoring of stormwater discharges.
(4) Inspection schedules of stormwater conveyances and controls and measures to
be taken to limit or prevent erosion associated with the stormwater systems.
c. Spill Prevention and Response Plan: The Spill Prevention and Response Plan shall incorporate a
risk assessment of potential pollutant sources based on a materials inventory of the facility.
Facility personnel (or team) responsible for implementing the plan shall be identified in the plan.
A responsible person shall be on -site at all times during facility operations that have the potential
to contaminate stormwater runoff through spills or exposure of materials associated with the
facility operations.
d. Preventative Maintenance and Good Housekeeping Program: A preventative maintenance
program shall be developed. The program shall document schedules of inspections and
maintenance activities of stormwater control systems, plant equipment and systems. Inspection
of material handling areas and regular cleaning schedules of these areas shall be incorporated into
the program.
7

Permit Number: NCOO8462O
e. Training schedules shall be developed and training provided ata minimum on an annual basis on
proper spill response and cleanup procedures and preventative maintenance activities for all
personnel involved in any of the facility's operations that have the potential to contaminate
stormwater runoff. Facility personnel (or team) responsible for implementing the training shall
be identified in the plan.
f. The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan shall identify a specific position(s) responsible for the
overall coordination, development, implementation, and revision to the Plan. Responsibilities for
all components of the Plan shall be documented and position(s) assignments provided.
g•
Plan Amendment: The permittee shall amend the Plan whenever there is a change in design,
construction, operation, or maintenance which has a significant effect on the potential for the
discharge of pollutants via a point source to surface waters. The Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan shall be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
The director may notify the permittee when the Plan does not meet one or more of the minimum
requirements of the permit. Within 30 days of such notice, the permittee shall submit a time
schedule to the Director for modifying the Plan to meet minimum requirements. The permittee
shall provide certification in writing (in accordance with Part III, Standard Conditions, Section
B.11.) to the Director that the changes have been made.
h. Facility Inspections: Inspections of the facility and all stormwater systems shall occur at a
minimum on a semiannual schedule, once in the fall (September - November) and once during the
spring (April - June). The inspection and any subsequent maintenance activities performed shall
be documented, recording date and time of inspection, individual(s) making the inspection and a
narrative description of the facility's stormwater control systems, plant equipment and systems.
Records of these inspections shall be incorporated into the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Visual monitoring as required in Part II, Section A.3.b. shall be performed in addition to
facility inspections.
Implementation: Implementation of the Plan shall include documentation of all
monitoring, measurements, inspections, maintenance activities and training provided to
employees, including the log of the sampling data. Activities taken to implement BMPs
associated with the industrial activities, including vehicle maintenance activities, must
also be recorded. All required documentation shall be kept on -site for a period of five
years and made available to the Director or his authorized representative immediately
upon request.
2. Minimum Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
Minimum monitoring and reporting requirements are as follows unless otherwise approved in writing by
the Director of the Division of Water Quality:
a. If a facility has multiple discharge locations with substantially identical stormwater
discharges that are required to be sampled, the permittee may petition the Director for
representative outfall status. If it is established that the stormwater discharges are
substantially identical and the permittee is granted representative outfall status, then
sampling requirements may be performed at a reduced number of outfalls.
b. Visual monitoring for color, odor, solids, foam, outfall staining, visible sheens and dry
weather flow shall be performed at all stormwater discharge outfall locations. All visual
8

Permit Number: NC0084620
monitoring shall be documented and records maintained with the Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan. The initial visual monitoring event shall be performed simultaneously
with the first analytical monitoring event and documentation of only this initial visual
monitoring event shall be submitted along with the required analytical monitoring
submittal.
c. For purposes of the stormwater sampling required in this permit, all samples shall be
collected from a discharge resulting from a representative storm event (See definitions in
Part III, Standard Conditions). Failure to monitor storm events in accordance with the
specified frequency shall constitute a violation of this permit. If the stormwater runoff is
controlled by a detention pond, the following sampling requirements shall apply:
(1) If the detention pond detains the runoff generated by one inch of rainfall for 24
hours, visual observations for color, foam, outfall staining, visible sheens and dry
weather flow are required, but analytical sampling shall not be required.
(2) If the detention pond discharges only in response to a storm event exceeding a
25-year, 24-hour storm (See Part II, Standard Conditions, Section A), the pond
shall be considered a non -discharging stormwater control system and not subject
to NPDES requirements, unless the discharge causes a violation of water quality
standards.
d. Samples analyzed in accordance with the terms of this permit shall be submitted on
forms approved by the Director no later than January 31 for the previous year in which
sampling was required to be performed.
e. Analytical results from sampling during the final year of the permit term shall be
submitted with the permit renewal application.
f. This permit regulates stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. Non-
stormwater discharges which shall be allowed in the stormwater conveyance system are:
(1) All other discharges that are authorized by an NPDES permit.
(2) Foundation drains, air -conditioner condensate without added chemicals, springs,
waterline and fire hydrant, water from footing drains, flows from riparian habits
and wetlands, fire -fighting training and fire system testing.
(3)
Discharges resulting from fire -fighting.
If the storm event monitored and reported in accordance with this permit coincides with
a non-stormwater discharge, the permittee shall separately monitor and report all
parameters as required under the non-stormwater portion of this permit and provide
this information with the stormwater discharge monitoring report.
9

Permit Number: NC0084620
A. (2). STORMWATER MONITORING REQUIREMENTS - FINAL
(a). Analytical Monitoring.
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until
expiration, the Permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall 002 - stormwater
from process wastewater areas and adjoining stormwater collection areas. Process
wastewater shall not be discharged from outfall 002. Stormwater discharges shall be
limited and monitored by the Permittee as specified below:
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Grab
E
Turbidity (NTU)
Annual
Grab
E
pH (SU)
Annual
Grab
E
Fluoride (mg/I)
Annual
Grab
E
Chloride (mg/I)
Annual
Grab
E
**
Sample location: E - Effluent
For each representative storm event the total precipitation, storm duration and total
flow must be monitored. Total flow shall be either; (a) measured continuously, (b)
calculated based on the amount of area draining to the outfall, the amount of built -
upon (impervious) area and the total amount of rainfall, or (c) estimated by the
measurement of flow at 20 minute intervals during the rain event.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
10

Permit Number: NC0084620
b. Visual Monitoring
Visual monitoring requires a qualitative visual inspection of each stormwater outfall, regardless
of representative outfall status, for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and assessing new sources of stormwater pollution. No
analytical tests are required. Visual monitoring of stormwater outfalls does not need to be
performed during a representative storm event.
Stormwater Discharge
Characteristics
Frequency)
Monitoring
Type2
Monitoring
Location3
Color
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
Odor
Semi-annual
Observation
SDO
Clarity
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
Floating Solids
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
Suspended Solids
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
Foam
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
Oil Sheen
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
Other obvious indicators of
stormwater pollution
Semi-annual
Visual
SDO
1 Frequency: The first visual monitoring event during the term of the permit must be
performed during the initial analytical monitoring event. All subsequent visual
monitoring will be performed twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
2 Monitoring Type: Monitoring requires a qualitative observation of each stormwater
outfall. No analytical testing or sampling is required.
3 Sample Location: Stormwater Discharge Outfall (SDO).
SECTION B: SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE
1. The permittee shall comply with stormwater monitoring requirements and controls
specified for stormwater discharges in accordance with the following schedule:
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan shall be developed and implemented within
12 months of the effective date of this permit and updated thereafter on an annual basis.
Secondary containment, as specified in Part III, Section A.19. of this permit, shall be
accomplished within 12 months of the effective date of this permit.
2. The permittee shall at all times provide the operation and maintenance necessary to
operate the permitted stormwater controls at optimum efficiency.
11

DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0084620
Facility Information
Applicant/Facility Name:
Unimin Corporation -Crystal Facility
Applicant Address:
P.O. Box 588 Spruce Pine NC 28777
Facility Address:
136 Crystal Drive Spruce Pine NC 28777
Permitted Flow
0.36
Type of Waste:
Industrial
Facility/Permit Status:
Renewal
Facility Classification
II
County:
Mitchell
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream:
North Toe River
Regional Office:
Asheville
Stream Classification:
C Trout
USGS Topo Quad:
D 1ONE
303(d) Listed?:
No
Permit Writer:
Jackie Nowell
Subbasin:
04-03-06
Date:
10/15/ 2003
Drainage Area (mi2):
126
•�''
Summer 7Q10 (cfs)
41
Winter 7Q10 (cfs):
52
Average Flow (cfs):
239
IWC (%):
1.3%
Primary SIC Code:
1499 (Mining)
SUMMARY OF FACILITY INFORMATION AND WASTELOAD ALLOCATION
Unimin Corporation is requesting a permit renewal for its Crystal Facility. The Crystal, Facility
does extraction and mineral processing to produce high purity quartz. The facility is permitted
to discharge into the North Toe River, class C-Trout waters, in French Broad River Basin. .
Currently the Unimin-Crystal effluent discharge 001 goes to the Feldspar Corporation WWTP.
Outfall 002 is an intermittent stormwater discharge.
The facility indicates that direct discharge into the North Toe River will be occurring soon.:.
Because of the probability of a discharge Unimin-Crystal has received an allocation for: fluoride,.
Unimin is permitted at 0.360 MGD (250 gpm) and they anticipate adding additional leach
capacity which will result in an average flow of 500 gpm average (0.720 MGD). Unimin has
requested that NPDES update the permit to reflect this new flow. This would constitute a
permit modification, however facility did not submit major modification fee. Application was
submitted in 2001 and WWTP have still not discharged by the end of 2003. Will recommend
that facility resubmit their request for this expansion under separate letter.
In addition, they have asked for deletion of a permit condition that requires them to install
effluent pumps prior to starting discharge to North Toe River. Unimin-Crystal has built an
emergency pond that is gravity fed and does not require pumps. ARO has investigated and
recommends that pumps are not required and the condition can be dropped.
The existing limits for the renewal permit are as follows:
Pollutant Mo. Avg. Da. Max.
Flow 0.360 MGD
Total Suspended 86.6 lbs/day 173.2 lbs/day
Residue
Total Fluoride 50 lbs/day 100 lbs/day
Settleable Solids Daily
monitoring
Turbidity Weekly
monitoring
pH 6-10 SU
Chronic Toxicity 1.3%
l nnnin Corporation - Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page. 1

RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
The North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2002 303(d) list.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream Q Altapass Road
Downstream: Downstream @ the foot bridge in the Town of Spruce Pine.
Parameters: Fluoride, Turbidity, pH
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Quarterly Chronic P/F, 1.3% Ceriodaphnia test.
There have been no tests taken since the facility does not discharge to State waters.
PRIORITY POLLUTANT ANALYSIS RESULTS:
The following parameters are noted in the application as present in the effluent.
Sulfate, Chloride, Fluoride, Calcium, Sodium and Oil & Grease
Results of pollutant scan for 001, sampled on 7/6/2001
Barium 0.058 mg/1 NC Std does not apply to C Trout water
Nickel 0.007 mg/1 NC Std = 88 ug/1; Allowable conc. = 6654 ug/1
Chloride 600 mg/1 NC Action level= 230 mg/1; Allowable conc. = 17129 mg/1
Fluoride 19 mg/1 NC Std = 1.8 mg/1; Allowable conc. = 134 mg/1
Endrin aldehyde 0.11 ug/1 No NC Std , EPA Criteria = 0.3 ug/1, HH organism only
Allowable conc. = 129 ug/1
None of the reported values exceed the allowable concentrations for those constituents.
Recommendation: No additional monitoring or limits is required for these parameters.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
• Deletion of the sentence in Reliability Requirements condition for the provision to install an
additional 117 GPM effluent pump prior to initiating discharge to the North Toe River.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 12/17/2003
Permit Scheduled to Issue: 02/09/2003
Projected Effective Date of Permit: 03/01/2004
STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please
contact Jackie Nowell at [phone] ext. 512.
NAMDATE:
Unimin Corporation - Crystal Facility Sheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 2

EQIQNAL Vre1Cgi commnlr,
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DATE: .3 /31 iD V
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NAME* DATE:
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�� ,A J UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
- k� W REGION 4
o J
ATLANTAFEDERALt. 61 FORSYTH STREET
yT'4< PROS-GS ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960
JAN 1 4 2004
Ms. Jackie Nowell
North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
SUBJ: Draft NPDES Permits
Unimin - Crystal, Permit No. NC0084620
Unimin - Red Hill, Permit No. NC0085839
J A N 2 0 2004
Dear Ms. Nowell:
In accordance with the EPA/NCDENR NPDES MOA, we have completed review of the draft
permits specified above and we have no comments or objections to their conditions. We request that
we be afforded an additional review opportunity only if significant change(s) are made to the draft
permit(s) prior to issuance or if significant comments objecting to the draft permit(s) are received.
Otherwise, please send us one copy of each final permit when issued.
If you have any questions, please call me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Marshall Hyatt, Environmental Scientist
Permits, Grants, and Technical Assistance Branch
Water Management Division
Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable •Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Poslconsumer)

A1 $
Filed wlth{VC.DEAN R)DVJq P ES
1n. Vale,( Siephens
nll�l-1 ice, Glr.
On P,alelgh )r.1C �i�9a 19
Certification
of publication of legal notice in
MITCHELL NEWS -JOURNAL
Spruce Pine, Mitchell County NC 1 weeks
►`411.L O $I15.5o
$
$
DEs
Paid
19
No. 51 al
�7lrcFlct.l.
NEWS -JOURNAL
Cow of Advcnismcnt
Cori of Affidavit
$ IId50
Total $ I 15 50
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF MbTCHELL
1. Nathaniel A. Ashurst. Publisher oldie Mitchell News-Joumal, a
newspaper published in Mitchell County. North Carolina. in
compliance with statutes G.S. 1-597 of North Carolina. as amended in
1947 session of -General Assembly. being duly swum, cenify that the
enached advertisement of
N1?DE5
was duly published in the aforesaid paper once a week for
consecutive weeJcs, beginning with the issue date
!2ZL1
(signed)
(Owner.Partner, Publisher or other
Employee Authorized to make the affidavit)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3 day of
Ops
20E
My Commission expires
Notary Public for Mitch 1 County
North Carolina
VL\ \v304
No.

PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION /
NPDESUNIT
1617 MAIL
SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1617
NOTIFICATION OF
INTENT TO ISSUE A
NPDESIWASTEWATER
On the basis of thorough
staff review and applica-
tion of NC General Statute
1.13.21, Public law 92-500
and other lawful stan-
dards, and regulations, the
North Carolina Environ-
mental Management
Commission proposes 10
issue a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) waste-
water discharge permit to
the person(s) listed below
effective 45 days from the
publish date of this notice.
Written comments regard-
ing -the proposed permit
will be accepted until 30
days after the publish date
of this notice. All com-
ments received prior to
that date are considered in
the' final determinations
regarding the proposed
permit. The Director of
the NC Division of Water
Quality may decide to hold
a Public meeting for the
proposed permit should
the Division receive a sig-
nificant degree of public
interest.
Copies of the draft permit
and other supporting in-
formation on file used to
determine conditions pre-
sent in the draft permit are
available upon request
and payment of the costs
of reproduction. Mail
comments and/or requests
for information to the NC
Division of Water Quality
at the above address or
cult Ms. Valery Stephens
at [phone], extension
520. Please include the
NPDES permit number
(attached) in any com-
munication - Interested
persons may also visit the
Division of Wafer Quality
at 512 N. Salisbury Street.
Raleigh, NC 27604-1148 be-
tween the hours of 8:00 am
and 5:00 pm to review in.
formation on file.
NPDES Permit Number
NC0085839. Unimin Corpo-
ration - Red Hill Quartz
Plant, has applied for re-
newal of its permit for a
facility discharging
treated waste•.vater to the
North Toe River in the
French Broad River Ba-
sin. Currently fluoride is
water quality limited. This
discharge may affect fu-
ture allocations in this por-
tion of the receiving
stream.
NPDES Permit Number
NC0084620, Unimin - Cor-
poration - Crvstal Opera-
tion, has applied for re-
newal of its permit dis-
•charging treated waste-
water to the North Toe
River in the French Broad
River Basin. Currently
fluoride is water quality
i limited. This discharge
may affect future alloca-
tions in this portion of the
receiving stream.
December 21, 2003
(6575)
31
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
SS.
NORTH CAROLINA
Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
County and State, duly commissioned, qualified and
authorized by law to administer oaths, personally
appeared Darryl Rhymes, who, being first duly
sworn, deposes and says: that he is the Legal
Billing Clerk of The Asheville Citizen -Times,
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 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: December 21, 2003.
And that the said newspaper in which said notice,
paper, document or legal advertisement were
published were, at the time of each and every
publication, a newspaper meeting all of the
requirements and qualifications of Section 1-597 of
the General Statues of North Carolina and was a
qualified newspaper within the meaning of Section
I-597 of the General Statues of North Carolina.
Signed this 29th day of D
7
gnature of perso along • fridavit)
mber, 2003
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 29th clay of
December, 2003
(Notary Pu r Iic)
My C• mission expires the 3
2008.
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TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name
NPDES #
Qw (MGD)
7Q10s (cfs)
!WC (%)
Rec`ving Stream
Stream Class
Unimin Crystal
NC0084620
0.36
41
1.34
North Toe River
C Trout
Cn
Cu
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Max. Value
FINAL RESULTS
0
372.4
0
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 521.3
Max. Value 0
Cd
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 29.8
Max. Value 0
Phenols
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 74.5
Max. Value 0
Zn
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 3723.8
Max. Value 0
Ag
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 4.5
Max. Value 0
As
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 3723.8
Max. Value 0
Cr
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 3723.8
Max. Value 0
Hg
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 0.9
Max. Value 0
Ni
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 6553.9
Max. Value 0
Pb
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 1861.9
Max. Value 0
Fluoride
Max. Pred Cw 0
Allowable Cw 134058.1
1
Max. Value
0
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/l
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
ug/I
10/30/03

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name
NPDES #
Qw (MGD)
7Q 10s (cfs)
/ WC (%)
Rec'ving Stream
Stream Class
Unimin Crystal
NC0084620
0.36
41
1.34
North Toe River
C Trout
FINAL RESULTS
fisrizirew-
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw g/I
Max. Value
Chloride
Max. Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 17129641.6 ug/I
Max. Value 0
Fe
0 ug/I
Max. Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 74476.7 ug/I
Max. Value 0
Selenium
Max. Pred Cw 0 ug/I
Allowable Cw 372.4 ug/I
Max. Value 0
10/30/03

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name
NPDES #
Qw (MGD)
7Q10s (cfs)
!WC (%)
Rec`ving Stream
Stream Class
Unimin Crystal
NC0084620
0.36
239
0.23
North Toe River
C Trout
Endrin aldehyde
Max. Pred Cw
Allowable Cw
Max. Value
FINAL RESULTS
0
128.8
0
Parameter = Endrin aldehyde Par
Standard = _ 0.3 pg/l S
n BDL=1/2DL tual Data RESULTS
1 Std Dev. #DIV/0!
2 Mean #DIV/0!
3 C.V. #DIV/0!
4
5
6
ug/I 7
ug/I 8
9
Mult Facto
Max. Value
Max. Pred C
Allowable C
1
0 pg/I
0 pg/I
128.79 pg/I
12/10/03

DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
Point Source Branch
NPDES Unit
August 22, 2003
MEMORANDUM
To: Madolyn Dominy
Marshall Hyatt
EPA Region IV
Through: Dave Goodrich1
From:
Jacquelyn M. Nowell A
Subject: North Toe River Mining Dischargers
French Broad River Basin
Mitchell County, North Carolina
Background
There are six feldspar and quartz mines discharging into the North Toe River in the
French Broad River basin (subbasin 040306). The facilities are listed here in order, from
upstream to downstream:
• Unimin- Schoolhouse Facility (NC0000361) — 2.16 MGD
• Feldspar Mines (NC0000353) — 3.5 MGD
• Unimin-Crystal Facility (NC0084620) — 0.36 MGD
• K-T Feldspar Mines (NC0000400) — 1.73 MGD
• Unimin — Quartz Facility (NC0000175) — 3.6 MGD
• Unimin — Red Hill Facility (NC0085839) — 0.682 MGD
Please see the attached schematic that represents the mine locations on the North Toe
River. Most of these facilities have been discharging since the early 1980's. The
exception is the Red Hill Facility that started discharging in 1995 and is located
approximately 20 miles downstream of the other mines and is not relevant to this
discussion from the standpoint that no interaction occurs between this plant and any
other. Therefore, this discussion will only include the mines above the confluence of the
South Toe River. It should also be noted that the Unimin — Crystal Facility discharges
effluent into the Feldspar Mines facility. There is the possibility of a separate discharge
in the future; therefore the facility has received a fluoride allocation.
The primary area of concem is the discharge of fluoride from these facilities. The North
Carolina water quality standard for fluoride is 1.8 mg/l. The allowable fluoride loading
for the North Toe River was determined in 1986 and has been allocated to these mines as
a group instead of individual allocations. This approach of allocating the total fluoride

Unimin- co
T
Red Hill
0.682 cn
MGD
Unimin-
Quartz
N 3.6 MGD
G
,cb
K-T Feldspar 1.73 MGD
North
T
°° Rivet
X
Unimin- Feldspar 3.5 MGD
Crystal
0.360 MGD
North Toe River
MINE DISCHARGES ON THE NORTH TOE RIVER
Unimin-
School
House
4---Quartz
2.16 MGD

MINE DISCHARGES ON NORTH TOE RIVER
River Mile NPDES Permit number
41.5 X NC0000361- Unimin-Schoolhouse Quartz
33.8 3- NC0084620- Unimin-Crystal
31.4 HWY 19
29.2 X NC0000400- K-T Feldspar
28.6 X NC0000175- Unimin-Quartz
NC00003 5 3 - The Feldspar Corp.
27.5 Ambient monitoring station
21.6 X South Toe River junction
6.0 X NC0085839- Unimin-Red Hill

load to a section of the North Toe River is similar to other methods used by the Division,
including nutrient control strategies in the Neuse and Tar -Pamlico River basins. Similar
to a "bubble permit"(used in the Air Quality program), some discharges may cause
localized impacts. However, the overall goal of the allocation method is to protect water
quality while allowing some flexibility for the dischargers to maintain compliance. The
Division and EPA have approved this approach for 17 years.
The total pounds per day of fluoride allocated are 574. The permitted fluoride
allocations for each of the mines is as follows:
Facility Name
Fluoride Monthly Average
(lbs/day)
Fluoride Daily Maximum
(lbs/day)
Unimin-Schoolhouse
109
218
Feldspar Mines
174
348
Unimin-Crystal
50
100
K-T Feldspar
132
264
Unimin-Quartz
109
436
Total Allocation
574 ' _ �ti
1366
These allocations for the mines have been assigned upon all past permit renewals. This
fluoride loading of 5741bs/day is based on:
1) a summer 7Q10 flow of 45 cfs in the North Toe River just below Little Bear Creek,
2) the current water quality standard for fluoride of 1.8 mg/1, and
3) a background fluoride concentration of 0.05 mg/1.
The 1985 wasteflows for three of the quartz processing mines were used to develop the
fluoride loading:
1) Feldspar @ 1985 Qw = 3.50 MGD
2) KT Feldspar @ 1985 Qw = 2.02 MGD
3) Unimin-Quartz @ 1985 Qw = 4.32 MGD
9.84 MGD = 15.25 cfs
Fluoride loading = (45 cfs + 15.25 cfs)(1.8 mg/1) — (45 cfs)(0.05 mg/1)
= (60.25)(1.8) — 2.25 cfs.mg/1
= 108.45 — 2.25 = 106.2 cfs.mg/1
= 106.2 cfs.mg/1* 5.39 = 572 lbs/day -- 574 lbs/day
(Assume the difference is attributable to rounding)
Water Ouality Evaluation
There are no federal effluent guidelines for mines that discharge fluoride. The purpose of
this memorandum is to evaluate water quality as it relates to previous permit decisions
and propose a 2003 permit strategy.
2

The Division uses a weight of evidence approach when assessing water quality. That is,
all available data are reviewed and evaluated to determine the appropriateness of certain
actions. There are three categories of information in this case:
• Instream biological assessments
• Whole -effluent toxicity testing
• Instream chemical data
Instream biological data are the most directly reliable measurements of stream health and
are, therefore, given the greatest consideration. Whole -effluent toxicity testing also is
given a lot of weight during deliberations. It is not a direct measurement of stream
conditions, but it is a direct measurement of the interaction between wastewater and
species that inhabit the stream or river. The Division also considers comparison of
physical or chemical measurements to existing water quality standards. In the presence
of all three categories of information, contraventions of water quality standards, although
considered serious, are given the least amount of weight. The reason for this is that
comparisons to numeric criteria (which are based on whole -effluent toxicity testing) are
indirect measurements of the biota in the stream. All of this information is valuable, but
North Carolina .chooses to make a comprehensive critical evaluation of all available data.
Use Support
There are no segments of the North Toe River listed on the North Carolina 2003 303(d)
impaired stream list. There are approximately 556 miles of the North Toe River that are
rated fully supporting designated uses including the river reaches receiving effluent from
these mines.
Instream Biological Assessment
The benthic macroinvertebrate data for the North Toe River below all the quartz mines
demonstrate good water quality. The most recent evaluation was in 1997 at State Road
1162 at Penland, Mitchell County. This is located just 0.5 miles downstream of the
Unimin-Quartz discharge. There has been improvement in the biological rating over the
years from a poor rating in August 1988 to a good -fair rating in 1989 and 1992.
Macroinvertebrate data for the most upstream station above the quartz mines, North Toe
River at US19E at Ingalls, Avery County, indicate a rating of excellent water quality as of
July 1997. The table below indicates North Toe River biological monitoring stations and
their biological ratings during the 10 year period between 1987 and 1997.
rilt4ft'V--- 1 •04' W.«, - ..7,4,..
-.••• -,,,..,,r.....-
'
rItN.2
_
Good
aior-
, .
North Toe R.,US 19E
at Ingalls
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
North Toe R.,
SR1162, Penland
Fair
Poor
Good
—Fair
Good
-Fair
Good

Bioclassification Use Support Rating
Excellent Fully Supporting
Good Fully Supporting
Good -Fair Fully Supporting
Fair Partially Supporting
Poor Not Supporting
Whole Eijluent Toxicity Testing
All the quartz mines have quarterly whole effluent toxicity tests based on the potential for
toxic effects on the receiving stream. (Please note that Unimin-Crystal has a toxicity
limit, however because it discharges into the Feldspar Mines WWTP, they do not conduct
individual toxicity tests.) Since 1998, there have been 91 tests conducted by the five
quartz mines with a 93% passing rate. There have only been 6 failures of all the tests
conducted in the past four years. The majority of the failures occurred at the same
facility. The Unimin-Schoolhouse plant accounted for four of the six failures. The cause
of this toxicity is unknown. However, it should be noted that Unimin-Schoolhouse been
compliant since August 2001.
Facility Name
Toxicity Limit
Number of
Toxicity Tests
since 1998
Number of
Failures
Unimin-Schoolhouse
10%
26
4
Feldspar Mines
11%
24
0
Unimin-Crystal
1.3%
-
-
K-T Feldspar
6%
19
1
Unimin-Quartz
11%
22
1
Instream Chemical Monitoring by Facilities
All the facilities conduct instream self -monitoring for turbidity, fluoride and pH, both
upstream and downstream of their outfalls. This is to help determine the effect of the
discharges on the water quality in the North Toe River. Instream fluoride data from the
time period of January 1999 to August 2002 were reviewed for the preceding five
facilities. During this time period, the monthly averages for instream fluoride have
shown no exceedances of the water quality standard either upstream or downstream of the
Unimin-Schoolhouse and Feldspar facilities. The average upstream value for the
Schoolhouse facility was 0.15 mg/1 and the average downstream value was 0.26 mg/1.
The average upstream value for the Feldspar facility was 1.29 mg/1 and the average
downstream value was 1.2 mg/l.
There were a total of 327 fluoride observations in the stream among these five
dischargers with 30 values >1.8 mg/l. This was 9% of the total monthly observations
with 91% within the standard. Most of the instream fluoride values > 1.8 mg/1 standard
occurred upstream and downstream of the K-T Feldspar discharge. This, more than
likely, occurred as a result of the proximity of the Feldspar Mines discharge which is only
0.6 miles above the K-T Feldspar Mines discharge. The breakdown of instream
observations of values > 1.8 mg/1 are:
4

Number of
Monitoring Locations Number of Obs. values > 1.8 mgll To
Above Unimin Schoolhouse
Franklintown Bridge
Above Feldspar
Below Feldspar
Above K-T Feldspar
Below K-T Feldspar
Above Unimin-Quartz
SR 1162 at Penland Bridge
43
43
37
38
41
42
42
42
327
0 0
0
0
0
7
15
5
3
30
0
0
0
17%
36%
12%
7%
9%
Ambient Monitoring Data
The Division conducts ambient monitoring in the North Toe River at two sites. The first
station is at US Highway 19E near Ingalls, NC nearly 1 mile above the Unimin-
Schoolhouse Quartz mine. The second station is at State Road 1162 at Penland
approximately 0.8 miles below the Unimin-Quartz outfall. These stations are above the
most upstream mine and below the most downstream mine. Since January 1999, there
have been 30 samples of fluoride taken. There have been only 3 values > 1.8 mg/1 and
these occurred in February 2000, February 2001 and June 2001. This indicates that 90%
of the ambient samples in the past 4 years have been < 1.8 mg/l.
Discussion of Water Quality Information
An overall view of water quality in this segment of the North Toe River indicates that the
biological assessment shows improving water quality conditions. The toxicity data
indicates that the discharges are not toxic or causing toxicity instream. There is greater
than 90% compliance with the toxicity limits. Self monitoring instream data conducted
by the discharges does demonstrate that some instream fluoride standard exceedances
occur. The majority are below K-T Feldspar, and it is concluded that these occur because
the two dischargers are in such close proximity and North Carolina (with EPA approval)
has used a "bubble" permitting approach, which allows some localized impacts by design.
However, the average instream fluoride values collected between January 1999 and
August 2002 show that upstream and downstream of all the dischargers, the instream
fluoride average is below the standard of 1.8 mgll.
DWO Recommendation
The Division recommends that the allocations for the North Toe River dischargers remain
the same. Water quality data show that there is no impairment in the stream, there have
been minimal toxicity problems, and the numeric water quality standard is being
protected > 90% of the time. It recommended that all the feldspar and quartz mines have
their permits reissued at the existing fluoride allocations.
Attachments
cc: Forrest Westall
Mike Parker
Matt Matthews
NPDES Files: NC0000175
NC0000400
NC0000353 NC0000361
NC0084620 NC0085839
5

Unimin Corp. Crystal Plant
Subject: Unimin Corp. Crystal Plant
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 08:47:33 -0400
From: Mike Parker <[e-mail]>
Organization: NC DENR - Asheville Regional Office
To: Jackie Nowell <[e-mail]>
Jackie, I met with Jeff Ferguson yesterday and looked at the pump they
have concerning the permit modification which requires two pumps. When
they start discharging in a few months all the flow will be by gravity;
therefore there is no need for the pumps. An emergency pond is located
down stream of the WWTP where the flow can be diverted by gravity if
needed.
Recommend that the permit be modified.
Call me if you have questions. Mike
Mike Parker - [e-mail]
North Carolina Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality - Water Quality Section
59 Woodfin Place
Asheville, NC 28801
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Mike Parker <[e-mail]>
NC DENR - Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Quality - Water Quality Section
1 of 1
6/19/03 9:38 AM

Unimin Crystal Facility
Subject: Unimin Crystal Facility
Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 17:16:30 -0400
From: Dave Goodrich <[e-mail]>
To: Jackie Nowell <[e-mail]>, Forrest Westall <[e-mail]>,
Mike Parker <[e-mail]>
By 4/17 letter, Unimin Crystal Facility requested that we modify their
NPDES permit to exclude the requirement to install an additional 117 gpm
effluent pump. As I understand the situation, an emergency pond has
been constructed that made the need for the pump obsolete. They are
planning to begin direct discharge in the near future.
Mike
Could you confirm that this seems reasonable from the regional office
perspective? We will get you a copy of the letter.
Thanks,
Dave
1 of 1 5/2/03 8:08 AM

unimin
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive • Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(PHONE) 828/766-6081 • (FAX) 828/765-4755
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Ms. Jackie Nowell
Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject: Unimin Corporation — Crystal Facility
Spruce Pine, North Carolina, Mitchell County
Dear Ms. Nowell:
Environmental Affairs Department
AFR 2 3 2003
April 17, 2003
As per our phone conversation today, please note the following request. Unimin
Corporation - Crystal Facility's NPDES Permit No. NC0084620 Section C7 states: "Additionally,
Unimin Corporation must provide and install and additional 117 GPM effluent pump prior to
initiating discharge to the Toe River." Unimin Corporation is currently planning to discharge
directly to the Toe River in the near future and would like to request that this condition be
removed for the following reasons.
The requirement to install the additional 117 GPM effluent pump was requested by Mr. Roy
Riddle of Unimin Corporation in a May 12, 1995 draft permit response to Mr. David Goodrich
of NCDWQ. At that time, in the event of a clarifier failure, the process water was pumped into
holding tanks. Since that time, an emergency pond has been constructed that can contain the
entire contents of the clarifier (May 22, 1998 ATC). The emergency pond is gravity fed with no
need for pumping. In addition, discharging to the North Toe River does not require pumping
due to an elevation change of approximately 125 feet.
Unimin Corporation would like to be in the position to discharge to the North Toe River by
August 1, 2003. Therefore, we hope that you will expedite this request. If a response is not
received by August 1, 2003 Unimin will assume this request has been approved and will continue
with plans to discharge directly to the North Toe River.

Ms. Jackie Nowell
April 17, 2003
Page 2
Thank you very much for your help with this matter. If you have any questions or
comments regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone] ext. 13.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Ferguson
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
c: Mike Jussila; Bruce Perkins; Bill Shatter, C. F. Stover