NCG520017_NOD-2022-PC-0148_20220923

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Asheville Regional Office | 2090 U.S. Highway 70 | Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778
828.296.4500

September 23, 2022

Blue Bucket Entertainment and Novelties, Inc.
ATTN: Eric Handte
41 Cherokee Mine Road
Franklin NC 28734

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY
Tracking Number: NOD-2022-PC-0148
Permit No. NCG520017
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Macon County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources (Division) conducted an inspection of the
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine on September 14, 2022. This inspection was conducted to
verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in
NPDES Wastewater Permit No. NCG520017. A summary of the findings and comments noted
during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report.

The compliance evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources Staff from
the Asheville Regional Office. The following deficiency(s) was noted during the inspection:

Inspection Area Description of Deficiency

Upstream/Downstream Sampling
Required semi-annual flow and turbidity monitoring
records were not provided upon request during the site
inspection

Your permit requires semi-annual monitoring of the flow or discharge rate from the outfall of
your settling basin and water samples collected in Caler Fork Creek upstream and downstream
of where your discharge enters the stream. Flow rates from your outfall can be measured using
a pipe, graduated bucket, and stopwatch. The water samples should be analyzed for turbidity.
The nearest commercial laboratory is Environmental Inc. located in Sylva, NC. The laboratory
can be reached at [phone].

The Division can pursue enforcement action for permit violations and any additional violations
DocuSign Envelope ID: E602D353-DC5D-43BE-B959-261BDF8A50AA

of State law. To prevent further action, carefully review the deficiency and address the cause(s)
of non-compliance.

If you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Brett Laverty
with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at (828)
296-4681.

Sincerely,

G. Landon Davidson, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

Attachments: Asheville Regional Office inspection report
EC: Laserfiche - WaterResources\DWR - Water Quality Permitting\Asheville\NPDES WW\ NCG520017\2022

DocuSign Envelope ID: E602D353-DC5D-43BE-B959-261BDF8A50AA