WQ0003441_CEI_20221122

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED

November 22, 2022

Brenda C Dills
Emailed to: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Nantahala River Gem Mine
Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0003441
Swain County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Nantahala River Gem
Mine on 11/17/2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance
with the conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0003441. The findings and
comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report
entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Melanie Kemp with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Melanie Kemp, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report

EC: LF

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0003441 Effective:06/21/17 Expiration:05/31/22 Owner :The Dills 2012 Irrevocable Trust
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
Swain
Asheville
Brenda C Dills
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Nantahala River Gem Mine
1107 Wesser Creek
Bryson City NC 28713
Title:Phone:[phone]Trustee
Take Hwy. 19 west toward Wesser. The mine is located on the left before you get to the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Secondary ORC(s):
Phone:Certification:Primary ORC:
System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
11/17/2022 11:00AM 11:30AM
Melanie Kemp
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
Closed-Loop Recycle
Compliance Evaluation
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions Record Keeping
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 4
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0003441
11/17/2022 Compliance Evaluation
The Dills 2012 Irrevocable Trust
Routine
Inspection Summary:
A compliance evaluation inspection was conducted by Melanie Kemp, with the Asheville Regional Office, on November 17,
2022 to ensure the facility is operating in compliance with non-discharge permit WQ0003441. Brenda Dills, the owner, was
present during the inspection.
The Nantahala River Gem Mine does not operate as a recycle system. Water, that is pumped from nearby Wesser Creek, is
used for gem mining operations where it then flows into gravity-fed ponds (5 in total). Residuals settle out and then the water
infiltrates into the ground. The owner indicated that typically only 2-3 of the ponds contain water and they have never had
issues with overflow into Wesser Creek. Settled residuals (mostly from the first pond) are recycled for reuse in the facility
operations. The basins are partially fenced, and some vegetation was present on the berms and banks during the inspection.
This vegetation needs to be regularly maintained to afford access to the basins and ensure bank stability.

There is no freeboard marker in any of the ponds. Section IV.3 of the permit requires freeboard to be measured to the
nearest inch or tenth of a foot and recorded weekly, from the final settling basin in the series.
Facility operations and maintenance were not available for review. The owner indicated they inspect the ponds daily and
perform maintenance as needed. Even though this system does not recycle, no adverse effects to water quality were
observed. A written record of operations and maintenance should be kept on site at all times.
Page 2 of 4
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0003441
11/17/2022 Compliance Evaluation
The Dills 2012 Irrevocable Trust
Routine
Type Yes No NA NE
Reuse (Quality)
Infiltration System
Lagoon Spray, LR
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
Single Family Spray, LR
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
Recycle/Reuse
Single Family Drip
Record Keeping Yes No NA NE
Is a copy of current permit available?
Are monitoring reports present: NDMR?
NDAR?
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
Are flow rates less than of permitted flow?
Are application rates adhered to?
Is GW monitoring being conducted, if required (GW-59s submitted)?
Are all samples analyzed for all required parameters?
Are there any 2L GW quality violations?
Is GW-59A certification form completed for facility?
Is effluent sampled for same parameters as GW?
Do effluent concentrations exceed GW standards?
Are annual soil reports available?
# Are PAN records required?
# Did last soil report indicate a need for lime?
If so, has it been applied?
Are operational logs present?
Are lab sheets available for review?
Do lab sheets support data reported on NDMR?
Do lab sheets support data reported on GW-59s?
Are Operational and Maintenance records present?
Were Operational and Maintenance records complete?
Has permittee been free of public complaints in last 12 months?
Is a copy of the SOC readily available?
Page 3 of 4
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0003441
11/17/2022 Compliance Evaluation
The Dills 2012 Irrevocable Trust
Routine
No treatment units bypassed since last inspection?
Written maintenance logs are not kept - they inspect the 5 ponds daily. The water from the
system does not recycle, only the solids from the settling ponds.
Comment:
Page 4 of 4