NC0000361_Issuance of Permit_20120430

ATTA
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P. E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
April 30,2012
Mr.Jeffrey S. Ferguson, P.E.
• Unimin Corporation
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
Permit No. NC0000361
Unimin Corporation-Schoolhouse Quartz Facility
Facility Class II
Avery County
Dear Mr. Ferguson:
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 October 15, 2007(or as subsequently amended).
The permit authorizes Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 2.16 MGD of treated
process wastewater from Schoolhouse Quartz Facility to the North Toe River, a class C-Trout
water in the French Broad River Basin. The final permit includes discharge requirements
and/or limitations for flow, total fluoride, total suspended solids, turbidity, chlorides and other
parameters.
The following modifications remain in the final permit:
• The facility address was updated to 107 Harris Mining Company Road,Highway
19E in Spruce Pine, NC.
• Oil and grease monitoring will no longer be required based on the results of
submitted data.
1617 Mail Service Center,Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Location:512 N.Salisbury St.Raleigh,North Carolina 27604
Phone:[phone] FAX:[phone]\Customer Service:1-877-623-6748
Internet:www.ncwaternuality.org One
An Equal OpportunityAffirmative Action Employer NorthCarolinaAffirmative
Naturally

Mr.Ferguson
April 30,2012
Page 2 of 3
• There was a minor language change on the effluent page regarding the turbidity
footnote.
• The monitoring frequency for total fluoride, total suspended solids, turbidity,
settleable solids and pH was reduced to weekly on effluent page A(1).
• Language on the permit cover page regarding the discharge of stormwater was
removed.
• Language on the supplement to cover permit page regarding the discharge of
mine dewatering effluent and stormwater was removed. The Schoolhouse
Facility will be issued an individual stormwater permit to address stormwater
management and monitoring. In addition, the entire section(Part II in the
previous permit)regarding stormwater monitoring,controls and limitations for
permitted discharges was removed from the permit
• Language in Condition A.2.Chronic Toxicity Permit Limit was modified and a
new paragraph regarding data submittal was added(the second paragraph from
the end of the condition).
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.
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.

Mr. Ferguson 40ier
April 30,2012
Page 3 of 3
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms.Jacquelyn
Nowell at telephone number(919)807-6386.
Sincerely,
CIMW
Charles Wakild,P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Surface Water Protection Section(ecopy)
Aquatic Toxicology(ecopy)
.NPDES Fli_„f
Central Files
I

NC0000361
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 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 Facility
107 Harris Mining Company Road,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 June 1,2012.
This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28,2016.
Signed this day April 30,2012.
1°41Q
arles Wakild.,P.E., Director
( / Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the
Environmental Management Commission

NC0000361
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
Schoolhouse Quartz Facility
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue operation of a wastewater treatment plant for process wastewater from
mineral extraction consisting of:
• Non-fluoride waste sump with 3 influent slurry pumps;
• 80 foot diameter thickener
• Overflow tanks;
• Disk filters;
• Fluoride-bearing waste sump with 2 pumps;
• 60 foot diameter thickener;
• Five dewatering cyclones;
• Pan Filter;
• Recycle pump;
• Two 220 gallon flash mix units;
• Two 1280 gallon flocculation units,
• Two 2500 square foot lamellar flow plate separators;
• Lime,alum,and polymer addition;
• Mixing/reactor tanks;
• Multimedia filters;
• Filter press;
• Emergency pond,
• Recycle system;and
• All associated piping, equipment,and controls
•
The facility is located at the Schoolhouse Quartz Facility, 107 Harris Mining
Company Road,Spruce Pine, Avery County,and;
2. Discharge treated wastewater through Outfall 001 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.

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Facility Information Facility
Latitude: 3556' 20" Sub-Basin: 04-03-06 Location
Longitude: 8159'45" HUC#: 06010108
Quad#: Linville Falls (D11SW)
:.;
Stream Class: C Trout
Receiving Stream: North Toe River Unimin.-Schoolhouse Quartz Facility
North
NC0000361
: •
Permitted Flow: 2.16 MGD •• .

NC0000361
A. (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS-FINAL
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:
EFFLUENT
LIMITATIONS Monitoring Requirements
Effluent Monthly Daily Measurement Sample Sample
Characteristics Average Maximum Frequency Type Locationr
Flow 2.16 MGD Continuous Recording I or E
Total Fluoride 109.0 lb/day 218.0 lb/day Weekly Composite E, U,D
Total Suspended 450.0 lb/day 721.0 lb/day Weekly Composite E,U,D
Solids
Settleable Solids Weekly Grab E
Turbidity2 Weekly Grab E, U,D
pH3 Daily Grab E,U,D
Chloride4 Quarterly Composite E
Chronic Toxicity5 Quarterly Composite E
Notes:
1. Sample locations: E-Effluent, I-Influent, U-Kaolin Pumphouse, D-Franklintown
bridge. Instream samples shall be grab samples and shall be conducted weekly.
2. This discharge shall not cause the turbidity of the receiving waters to exceed 10 NTU.
If the turbidity exceeds 10 NTU due to natural conditions, the discharge shall not
cause any increase in turbidity. See Special Condition A. (7).
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 10%: February,May, August and
November.See Special Condition A(2).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

NC0000361
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 10.0%.
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 February,May,August and
November. 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. If reporting pass/fail results using the parameter code TGP3B,DWQ Form
AT-1 (original) is sent to the below address. If reporting Chronic Value results using the
parameter code THP3B, DWQ Form AT-3 (original) is to be sent to the following
address:
Attention: NC DENR/DWQ/Environmental Sciences Section
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences
Section no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is
made.

NC0000361
A. (2).CHRONIC TOXICITY PERMIT LIMIT(QRTRLY) (cont.)
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
Section 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.
If the Permittee monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by this permit,the
results of such monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data
submitted on the DMR and all AT Forms submitted.
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.

NC0000361
A. (3). BIOCIDE CONDITION
The permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division of Water Quality prior to
utilizing any new biocide in cooling water to be discharged. 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. No chromium,zinc, or copper shall be added to the
treatment system except as pre-approved additives to biocidal compounds.
A. (4). WASTEWATER DIVERSION
Diversion or bypassing of untreated wastewater from the treatment facility is prohibited.
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 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). 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. (8).PERMIT MODIFICATIONS
This permit shall 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.

=.s
%l41+ unImIn
-4a� Environmental Affairs
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive•Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(PHONE)828/766-6081•(FAX)828/765-4755
April 5,2012
Ms.Jacquelyn M. Nowell
Complex Permitting Unit
NCDENR/DWQ/Point Source Branch
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject Comments to Draft NPDES Permit Renewals
Unimin Corporation—Crystal(NC0084620), Quartz/Feldspar (NC0000175)
Red Hill(NC0085839),and Schoolhouse Quartz (NC0000361)
Dear Ms. Nowell:
Please note the following comments for Draft NPDES Permits issued to Unimin
Corporation on March 14,2012.
First,regarding Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility NPDES Permit No.
NC0084620, on page 3 below the Effluent Limitations and Monitoring Requirements Table,
Note 1 Sample Locations should read"...U-at least 50 feet upstream of outfall,D-at least
300 feet downstream of outfall." Please include the phrases "at least"in front of upstream
and downstream sample distances from outfall. Additionally,the second paragraph on Page
6"Additionally,Unimin Corporation must provide and install an additional effluent pump
station prior to initiating direct discharge to the North Toe River." should be removed. This
statement was included in the 1998 permit and was removed in the 2004 permit due to
showing the gravity drain did not require this pump. Since that time an Authorization to
Construct was approved and the discharge was relocated utilizing entirely different piping,
pumps, etc discharging to a completely new location well upstream in the N.Toe River.
Secondly,regarding Unimin Corporation—Quartz/Feldspar Facility NPDES No.
NC0000175 and Red Hill Facility NPDES No.NC0085839,no changes are requested.
Finally,regarding Unimin Corporation—Schoolhouse Quartz Facility NPDES No.
•NC0000361,the Supplement to Permit Cover Sheet should change"Disk Filter"to plural
noting the Authorization to Construct dated June 30,2010 (A to C No. 00361A01) to install
a new disc vacuum filter with associated filtrate pump,vacuum pump and blower. The
Engineer's Certification submitted for this project was signed dated Feb. 1, 201.1:
" 31 1 S:; Irk
'e !
APR 11. 2012

Ms.Jacquelyn M.Nowell
April 5,2012
Page 2
If you have any questions regarding this matter or require further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me at(828) 765-1114 est 13.
Sincerely,
7772 19/1
Jeffrey S.Ferguson,P.E.
Sr.Environmental Engineer
UNI 1N CORPORATION
c EA Files,Mike Jussila,Doug Myers,Sandra Phillips,Mike Venall

•
ASHEVILLE
.E
CITIZEN TIMES
VOICE Or"IT-HE MOUNTAINS•CmzEN-1IMES.com
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
r--. - W- to administer oaths, personally appeared Anne Gardner,
Mores Carolina Enrrorimental""`neuee C fluff
1617 NC Center who , being first duly sworn, deposes and says: that she is
16:Ale w.waa,P«fit the Legal Billing Clerk of The Asheville Citizen-Times,
issueNartNPDE.S wastewater dischar Management Commission proposes engagedpublication newspaper be
g p per It ill be accepted u Asheville Citizen-Times,published, issued, and entered as
Written comments re tec the Dro en=ded fn W
30 days after the publish date of this notice.The Director of the NC Div
;sloe of Water Quality(DWQ).may hold a public hearing should there b first class mail in the City of Asheville, in said County and
s gnificant degree off public interest. Please mall comments and/or In r
oration requests to DWQ at the above address. Interested Persons ma C�
visit the DWO at 512 N. SalisburyStreet Raleigh, NC to review informs State; that she is authorized to make this affidavit and
tion On file.I[dditional information on NPbES permits and this notice ma
npdes//calenpdar,oro�aby callings(919) 0711304ortal.ncdenr.Org/web/wq/swp/p sworn statement; that the notice or other legal
house Quarrtzo FacilltyeinuAver renewal pf permit NC0000361 gfor School- advertisement, a true copy of which is attached hereto, was
edn process wastewatter to North Toe llilversin thehFrench 6 oaaa RiverreBa
11 3 g _ published in The Asheville Citizen-Times on the
Ge`
'Trite
has pplie dt for reBas
newalerof its it discharging to Reim following date: March 16th, 2012, and that the said.
City of Asheville, WIlliam DeBruhl WTP, NC0056961,d has ap lied for newspaper in which said notice, paper, document or legal
er newel of its permit discharging to Beetree Creek In the French Broad Riv
City o". advertisement was published was, at the time of each and
city at it dvllle, Borth Fare WTp NForiM has applied tIn renewel
Broad River CCBasin rg ng to the NorEh Fork 5wannanoa River IIs the Fre every publication, a newspaper meeting all of the
Unimin Corporation requested renewal of permit NC0085839 for Red 111111 requirements and qualifications of Section 1-597 of the
Facility ?grump
County; this permitted discharge 1l treated process q
wastewater to North Toe River In the French Broad River Basin.
The Quartz C rp SA nested rene7-eel:
al of permh NC0000353 for Feld- General Statues of North Carolina and was a qualified
spar Corporation USA
North l c iveri. el permitted facility la treated newspaper within the meaning of Section 1-597 of the
process wastewater to North Toe River n the French Broad River Bas
The Quartz Corp USA requested renewal of permit N for KT- General Statues of North Carolina.
Feldspar Corporation In Mitchell County; this permitted discharge Is
aced process wastewater to the North Toe River, French Broad-River
Unimin Corporation requested renewal of permit N00000175 for Quartz
Feldspar Facility in Mitchell County; this permitted discharge is treat"process wastewater to North Toe River In the French Broad River Basin.
Unimin Corporation requested renewal of permit NC00846209for Crystal Signed this 16th day of March,2012.
Facility in Mitchell County; this permitted chargeasintreated process
wastewater to North Toe River in the French Broad
March 16,2012 (9152)
ot././..__p 'TA • .24/1-42
(Signature of person making affidavit)
[©{Q M R Sworn to and subscribed before me the 16th day of March,
V L5 2012.
D
MAR 19 2012 "%i ,,,
I otary Publi ) • E fyor,,,,
DENR-WATER QUALITY My Co ission expires the 5th day of October, 21.0K\ ,�
POINT SOURCE BRANCH • �`L`
NOTARY c. %
[phone] I [phone] FAX
14 O.HENRY AVE. I P.O.BOX 2090 I ASHEVILLE,NC 28802 1(800)800-4204 s PUBLIC cg

DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0000361
Facility Information
Applicant/Facility Name: Unimin Corporation- Schoolhouse Quartz Facility
Applicant Address: P.O. Box 588 Spruce Pine NC 28777
Facility Address: 107 Harris Mining Company Road, Highway 19E Spruce Pine NC
Permitted Flow 2.16 MGD
Type of Waste: Industrial
Facility/Permit Status: Renewal
Facility Classification Physical/Chemical Class II
County: Avery
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream: North Toe River Regional Office: Asheville
Stream Classification: C Trout USGS Topo Quad: D11NW
303(d) Listed?: No* Permit Writer: Jackie Nowell
Subbasin: 04-03-06 Date: 3/9/2012
Drainage Area (mi2): 96.5
Summer 7Q10 (cfs) 30 •.. .
Winter 7Q 10 (cfs): 39 4110- -‘4444r--
Average Flow (cfs): 165
IWC (%): 10%
Primary SIC Code: 1499 (Mining)
SUMMARY OF FACILITY INFORMATION AND WASTELOAD ALLOCATION
Unimin Corporation is requesting a permit renewal for its Schoolhouse Quartz Operation Plant.
The Schoolhouse Quartz Operation Plant does mining, milling, and separation of Alaskite ore to
produce quartz, feldspar, and mica. The facility is permitted to discharge into the North Toe
River, class C-Trout waters, in French Broad River Basin. Outfall 001 discharges treated
process wastewater. The permitted flow limit is 2.16 MGD. The outfalls for mine dewatering
and stormwater monitoring requirements previously in the NPDES wastewater permit will now
be covered in an individual stormwater permit.
One factor is the discharge of fluoride from the quartz and feldspar mines in the North Toe
River. The allowable Fl loading on the North Toe River, above the confluence of the South Toe
River, has been allocated out between five mines (Unimin's Quartz, Schoolhouse and Crystal
facilities and the K-T Feldpar and Feldspar Corporations). The total pounds per day of fluoride
allocated are 574 and were allocated when the mines were initially permitted in NC in tiarall1W1984,
. The goal is to protect water quality while allowing some flexibility for the dischargers to
maintain compliance. The fluoride allocation for each mine on the North Toe River will be
renewed as in previous years since all facilities have been in compliance with the existing
fluoride limits and there have been no chronic violations of the fluoride standard instream.
RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
This segment of the North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2004-303(d) list, however
it should be noted that an upstream segment of the North Toe River is impaired for turbidity
and copper, and a downstream segment is impaired for turbidity and biological integrity.
There is an ongoing North Toe River Watershed project with numerous stakeholders and DWQ
working to address the turbidity impairment. At this time, DWQ proposes no changes to the
previously developed load allocations.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Above the plant intake
Downstream: Franldinton Bridge.
Parameters: Fluoride, Lindane (upstream only), TSS, Turbidity, pH
Data review showed no exceedances of the Fl standard either upstream or downstream of the
Schoolhouse Quartz discharge.
Unimin Corporation-Schoolhouse Quartz Operation Factsheet
NPDES Renewal
Page 1

Turbidity exceeded the standard of 10 NTU in upstream and downstream samples in March
and July 2011. There was a downstream sample that exceeded the turbidity standard in
March 2010, the upstream sample did not exceed the standard. In 2008 and 2009, there were
some months that exceeded the turbidity standard upstream and downstream.
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Quarterly Chronic P/F, 10% Ceriodaphnia test. FEB MAY AUG NOV
Facility's compliance with toxicity limit has been good overall. From February 2007 through
August 2011, all toxicity tests were passed.
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 10%
COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
Facility has been in compliance with all permit limits consistently since November 2006. Any
reported monitoring violations were related to frequency not limits violations.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
The following modifications have been made to the draft permit:
• The facility address has been updated to 107 Harris Mining Company Road,
Highway 19E in Spruce Pine, NC.
• Oil and grease monitoring will no longer be required based on the results of
submitted data.
• The turbidity footnote on the effluent page has minor language clarification.
• The monitoring frequency for total fluoride, total suspended solids, turbidity,
settleable solids and pH has been reduced to weekly.
• The removal of language on the permit cover page regarding the discharge of
stormwater.
• The removal of language on the supplement to cover permit page regarding the
discharge of mine dewatering effluent and stormwater. The Schoolhouse Facility
will be issued an individual stormwater permit to address stormwater management
and monitoring. In addition, the entire section (Part II in the previous permit)
regarding stormwater monitoring, controls and limitations for permitted discharges
has also been removed from the permit
• Minor language has been modified in condition A. 2. Chronic Toxicity Permit Limit.
In addition, a new paragraph regarding data submittal has been added (second
paragraph from the end of the condition).
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 03/14/2012
Permit Scheduled to Issue:
Projected Effective Date of Permit:
STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please
contact J. kie Nowell at 919-807-6386 or [e-mail].
2
NAM DATE: J�/ /
l lnimin(urlu,ratiun Schuulhuusc Quart/Operation I=actshcct
NI'1)I:S Renno%al
Page 2

Unimin Schoolhouse REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS Outfall 001
nc0000361 Qw = 2.16 MGD
Qw (MGD) = 2.16
IQ10S(cfs)= 24.69
7Q 1 OS (cfs) = 30.00
7Q10W (cfs) = 39.00
30Q2 (cfs) = 58.90
Avg. Stream Flow, QA (cfs) = 183.00
Receiving Stream: North Toe River
WWTP/WTP Class: IV
IWC @ 1Q10S = 11.94%
fWC @ 7Q10S = 10.04%
IWC @ 7Q10W = 7.91%
IWC @ 30Q2 = 5.380/6
IWC @ QA = 1.801/6
Stream Class: C trout
CHRONIC TEST CONCENTRATION = 10 %
PARAMETER
STANDARDS 3 CRITERIA (2)
REASONABLE POTENTIAL RESULTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION
TYPE
�
F
NC WQS / Applied '/z FAV /
n 4 Det. Max Pred Allowable Cw
(1)
n
Chronic Standard Acute
Cw
Acute: NO WQS
Arsenic
C
50 FW(7Q10s)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic: ---- 498.0 --
--------------------------
Arsenic
C
10 HH/WS(Qavg)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
---------------------------------------------
Chronic: 555.6
Acute: NO WQS
Beryllium
NC
6.5 FW(7Q10s)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
_ _
Chronic:-----64.7—
Acute: 125.6
Cadmium
NC
2 FW(7QlOs) 15
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic:-----19-9 --
--------------------------
Acute: NO WQS
MAX JB(GE Ze, 3
Chlorides (AL)
NC
230 FW(7Q10s)
mg/L
0 0
N/A
---- --
Chronic: 2,291
------------
�04Q �,66 i
Acute: NO WQS
Chlorinated Phenolic Compounds
NC
1 A(30Q2)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
------
Chroni18.6---———-———————
Acute: NO WQS
Total Phenolic Compounds
NC
300 A(30Q2)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
_
----5,576.2--
--------------------------
Chronic:
Acute: 8,559.5
Chromium
NC
50 FW(7Q10s) 1022
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic: ---- 498.0 --
--------------------------
Acute: 61.1
Copper (AL)
NC
7 FW(7Q I Os) 7
ug/L
0 0
N/A
--------------------------
Acute: 194.3
Cyanide
NC
5 FW(7QIOs) 22
10
ug/L
0 0
N/A
--
Chronic:
--------------------------
I-----49-g
North Toe River Turbidly RPA, rpm
Pape 1 of 2 12/20/2011

Unimin Schoolhouse REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS Outfall 001
nc0000361 Qw = 2.16 MGD
Acute: NO WQS
Fluoride
NC
1800 FW(7QIOs)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
--
Acute: 283.1
Lead
NC
25 FW(7QIOs) 33.8
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic:-----249.0 --
------------ ----- --
Acute: NO WQS
Mercury
NC
12 FW(7QIOs)
0.5
ng/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic: -----119.5--
-------------------------
Acute: NO WQS
Molybdenum
NC
2000 HH(7Q10s)
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic--- 19,920.3—
-------------------------
Acute: 2,185.9
Nickel
NC
88 FW(7QIOs) 261
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic: 876.5
Acute: 469.0
Selenium
NC
5 FW(7QIOs) 56
ugiL
0 0
N/A
Chronic: —-49.8 ——
-— ————
Acute: 10.302
Silver (AL)
NC
0.06 FW(7Q10s) 123
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic: ---- 0.598 --
-------------------------
Acute: 561.1
Zinc (AL)
NC
50 FW(7Q10s) 67
ug/L
0 0
N/A
Chronic: ---- 498.0 --
-------------------------
Acute: NO WQS
Turbidity
NC
10 TR(7QIOs)
NTU
0 0
N/A
Chronic. 99.60159
�D
Acute:
0 0
N/A
Chronic: ----------
-------------------------
Acute:
0 0
N/A
Chronic: ----------
----------- — -----
Acute:
0 0
N/A
Chronic:
Page 2 of 2 North Toe River Turbldty RPA, rpa
9 12/28/2011

Unimin Schoolhouse(NC0000361)Instream Data
Ups-50 ft ups of discharge pioe Dwn-300 ft dwn of discharge pipe
Date Turbidity Fluoride pH Turbidity Fluoride pH
Aug-11 4.7 <0.2 5 <0.2
Jul-11 10.3 <0.2 11.6 <0.2
Jun-11 4.9 <0.2 4 <0.2
May-11 4.1 <0.2 4.1 <0.2
Apr-11 4 <0.2 4.8 <0.2
Mar-11 18.5 <0.2 17.3 <0.2
Feb-11 3.4 0.2 3.5 <0.2
Jan-11 2.2 0.2 2.1 <0.2
Average 6.5 6.6
Dec-10 2.6 0.2 2.8 <0.2
Nov-10 2.3 0.2 2.2 <0.2
Oct-10 2.7 0.2 2.4 0.3
Sep-10 4.1 0.2 4.1 0.3
Aug-10 4 0.2 3.8 0.3
Jul-10 3.9 0.2 4 <0.2
Jun-10 1.6 0.2 2 <0.2
May-10 2 0.2 2.1 <0.2
Apr-10 2.6 0.2 2.9 <0.2
Mar-10 5.8 0.2 10.8 0.6
Feb-10 4.6 0.2 5.4 0.2
Jan-10 40 <0.2 39.1 <0.2
Average 6.4 0.2 6.8 0.3
Dec-09 3.6 <0.2 3.7 0.2
Nov-09 4.2 <0.2 4.2 0.2
Oct-09 3.8 <0.2 3.5 0.3
Sep-09 6.9 <0.2 6.7 0.3
Aug-09 9 0.48 9 0.5
Jul-09 8.5 0.2 9.3 0.3
Jun-09 14.3 <0.2 9.8 0.2
May-09 12.8 <0.2 13 0.2
• Apr-09 4.8 <0.2 7.2 0.2
Mar-09 3.6 <0.2 3.9 1
Feb-09 3.7 <0.2 3.9 0.3
Jan-09 5.1 <0.2 5.3 0.34
Average 6.7 0.3 6.6 0.3
Dec-08 5.2 <0.2 4.7 0.3
Nov-08 18.2 <0.2 3.3 0.4
Oct-08 2.5 <0.2 2.5 0.4
Sep-08 5.7 <0.1 4.4 0.3
Aug-08 10.2 0.2 11.1 0.6
Jul-08 9.5 0.2 8 0.4
Jun-08 11.6 0.2 34.4 0.3
May-08 2.8 <0.2 2.9 0.2
Apr-08 5.2 <0.2 4.8 0.2
Mar-08 9.7 <0.2 13.9 0.2
Feb-08 8.9 <0.2 7.9 .0.2
Jan-08 2.8 <0.2 2.40 0.30
Average 7.7 0.20 8.4 0.32
11/16/2011

Division of Water Quality
May 17, 2011
MEMORANDUM
To: Roger Edwards
Danny Smith
Rob Krebs
Rick Shiver
Belinda Henson
Al Hodge
Jeff Poupart
Corey Basinger
From: Cindy Moore v
Subject: Aquatic Toxicology Data Summary for March 2011 Compliance
Attached is the current summary of self-monitoring toxicity test results received as of,today,
May 17,2011, for March compliance,as well as Aquatic Toxicology Unit tests performed
during the month of March 2011.
If you have any toxicity testing needs,please contact Chris Ventaloro at(919) 743-8443. As you
and your staff review this data,please make note of any facilities that you feel need to be
evaluated through the abilities of this program,including acute or chronic toxicity testing,
assistance with permit toxicity limitation development, or evaluation of compliance status with
toxicity limits. We rely heavily on input from both regional and central office personnel and
welcome any suggestions you have.
Also attached is a list of those facilities that appear to need some intervention by the regions due
to failure to meet limits imposed or failure to report a required monitoring event. We have
attempted to incorporate all of the comments received to either add or remove facilities from this
list as appropriate. Please keep in mind that the case of each facility should be considered on its
own merit before actions are taken based on these lists. If you are aware of any pertinent
permitting or compliance information not addressed by this document,please provide us with
comments.
The following link is to a list of NC Certified Laboratories:
http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/ATUwww/documents/8-4-091ablist.pdf
Should any questions or comments arise,please contact Susie Meadows at(919) 743-8439.
cc: Keith Haynes Jenifer Carter Dana Folley
John Lesley Dale Lopez Kevin Bowden
Kristen Jarman Jeff Menzel Vanessa Manuel
Jeff A Manning Vicki Webb Amanda Driskelle
Roger Thorpe Dean Hunkele
Attachments
Environmental Sciences Section Water Quality Section

' 1Ii , unimin
Environmental Affairs
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive•Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(PHONE)828/766-6081•(FAX)828/765-4755
August 30,2010
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mrs. Dina Sprinkle
NCDENR/DWQ/Point Source Branch
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject Unimin Corporation's Crystal,Red Hill&Schoolhouse Quartz
Facilities'Production Data
NPDES Permit Nos.NC0084620,NC0085839&NC 0000361
Dear Mrs. Sprinkle:
Please find enclosed production data for Unimin Corporation's Crystal, Red Hill and
Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities (NPDES Permit Nos. NC0084620, NC0085839 and
NC0000361). This information is being submitted to satisfy the requirements of the
NPDES renewal applications submitted concurrently (renewal applications dated August 30,
2010).
Please note that this information has been stamped ConfidentiaL Unimin
Corporation is requesting that this information be treated as confidential and thereby
protected from public disclosure.
Unimin believes that such information if made public, would divulge technology,
methods and processes entitled to protection as trade secrets of Unimin Corporation.
Accordingly, we are requesting confidentiality of this information under State Statute 143-
215.3.
In support of this request,Unimin Corporation herein avers: ---�—�---
A. The production of high purity quartz is a highly competitive industry in which '" ! •
market position is very much dependent on possession of the latest technology and
process development.
LU

Mrs.Dina Sprinkle
August 30,2010
Page 2
B. The processes and technology associated with Unimin's production of high purity
quartz have been consistently treated by Unimin in its operating policies,procedures
and practices as proprietary and confidential trade secrets.
C. Unimin believes that such processes and technology are in its sole possession and
are not generally available to Unimin's competitors or the public.
D. Such confidential processes and technology which have been developed at great
time and expense to Unimin are the property of Unimin and represent a great value
and competitive advantage to its market position and are an integral part of
Unimin's continuous quartz production operation.
E. The unprotected divulgence of such confidential information would result in an
irreparable harm to the competitive position of Unimin Corporation in this market.
If you have any questions regarding this matter or require further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me at(828)765-1114 ext. 13.
Sincerely,
' tel
Jeffrey S. Ferguson,P. E.
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
c EA Files,Mike Jussila,Karl Kuchta,Sandy Phillips,Mike Vencill

e„^y z
•
� 4� �� un�min
f
,..f4 .44%ice
Environmental Affairs
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive•Spruce Pine,NC 28777
(PHONE)828/766-6081•(FAX)828/765-4755
August 30, 2010
Mrs. Dina Sprinkle
NCDENR/DWQ/Point Source Branch
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject NPDES Renewal Requests for Unimin Corporation—Crystal,
Quartz/Feldspar,Red Hill,and Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities
NPDES Permit Nos. NC0084620,NC0000175,NC0085839,and NC0000361
Dear Mrs. Sprinkle:
Please accept this letter as a request for renewal of the following NPDES Permits:
Unimin Corporation—Crystal Facility NPDES Permit No. NC0084620
Unimin Corporation—Quartz/Feldspar Facility NPDES No. NC0000175
Unimin Corporation—Red Hill Facility NPDES No.NC0085839,and
Unimin Corporation—Schoolhouse Quartz Facility NPDES No.NC0000361
Enclosed please find one signed original and two copies of the NCDENR Short
Form C for the Crystal, Red Hill and Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities and EPA Application
Form 1 & Form 2C for the Quartz/Feldspar Facility. It is my understanding that there are
no fees associated with the renewal requests. There have been no changes to the treatment
plants at any of the facilities since issuance of the latest permits.
Please note that portions of the applications have been stamped Confidential.
Unimin Corporation is requesting that this information be treated as confidential and
thereby protected from public disclosure.
Unimin believes that such information if made public, would divulge technology,
methods and processes entitled to protection as trade secrets of Unimin Corporation.
Accordingly, we are requesting confidentiality of this information under State Statute 143-
215.3.
:4 7rr
I MI ! - d3
t �R

Mrs.Dina Sprinkle
August 30,2010
Page 2
In support of this request,Unimin Corporation herein avers:
A. The production of high purity quartz is a highly competitive industry in which
market position is very much dependent on possession of the latest technology and
process development.
B. The processes and technology associated with Unimin's production of high purity
quartz have been consistently treated by Unimin in its operating policies,procedures
and practices as proprietary and confidential trade secrets.
C. Unimin believes that such processes and technology are in its sole possession and
are not generally available to Unimin's competitors or the public.
D. Such confidential processes and technology which have been developed at great
time and expense to Unimin are the property of Unimin and represent a great value
and competitive advantage to its market position and are an integral part of
Unimin's continuous quartz production operation.
E. The unprotected divulgence of such confidential information would result in an
irreparable harm to the competitive position of Unimin Corporation in this market
In addition, Unimin Corporation would like to request the following
revisions/corrections to each NPDES Permit
During the most recent amendment to the Crystal NPDES Permit No. NC0084620,
the upstream/downstream sampling locations were inadvertently changed to"U-upstream at
Altapass Road" and "D-downstream at the footbridge in the Town of Spruce Pine."
Unimin would like to request that this be changed back to"U-upstream at least 50 feet"and
"D-downstream at least 300 feet." Also, Unimin would like to request that the pH be
sampled at the effluent only and remove the unnecessary requirement to sample upstream
and downstream daily.
Unimin would like to request that the requirements to sample Oil and Grease be
removed from both Quartz/Feldspar NPDES Permit No. NC0000175 and Schoolhouse
NPDES Permit No. NC0000361. There have been no hits at either facility and this
monitoring requirement was imposed due to stating that there are possible leaks and drips
from mobile equipment as all facilities have. Unimin does not believe Oil and Grease to be
present at the discharge and would like to request that this monitoring requirement be
removed from both permits.
Unimin would like to request that the requirement to sample ammonia monthly be
removed from the Red Hill NPDES Permit No. NC0085839 as the facility no longer utilizes
ammonia in any process or research.

Mrs.Dina Sprinkle
August 30,2010
Page 2
If you have any questions regarding this matter or require further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me at(828) 766-6081 ext. 13.
Sincerely,
7.19.7
Jeffrey S.Ferguson,P.E.
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
Enclosures
c: EA Files,Scott Former(SQ),Dennis Johnson(RH),Mike Jussila(RH),Karl Kuchta(cover letter),Doug
Myers(QU/SQ),Sandra Phillips(XL),Steve Wilson(QU),Mike Vencill(SQ)

NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C -Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
Mail the complete application to:
N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality / NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,NC 27699-1617
NPDES Permit Number NC0000361
Please print or type.
1. Contact Information:
Owner Name Unimin Corporation
Facility Name Unimin Corporation-Schoolhouse Quartz Facility
Mailing Address P. O. Box 588
City Spruce Pine
State / Zip Code NC / 28777
Telephone Number [phone]
Fax Number [phone]
e-mail Address n/a
2. Location of facility producing discharge:
Check here if same as above 0
Street Address or State Road 107 Harris Mining Company Road, Hwy. 19E
City Spruce Pine
State / Zip Code NC / 28777
County Avery
3. Operator Information:
Name of the firm, consultant or other entity that operates the facility. (Note that this is not referring to the
Operator in Responsible Charge or ORC)
Name Unimin Corporation-Schoolhou
Mailing Address P. O. Box 588 =- D
City Spruce Pine ` SEP - 12 010
State / Zip Code NC / 28777
DENR-WATER QUALITY
Telephone Number [phone] POINT SOURCE BRANCH
Fax Number [phone]
4. Ownership Status:
Federal ❑ State 0 Private ® Public 0
Page 1 of 5 C-MI 10/08

NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
5. Standard Industrial Classification(SIC) code(s): 1499
6. Number of employees: 69
7. Describe the treatment system List all installed waste treatment components with capacities,
describe the processes that generate wastewaters. If the space provided is not sufficient attach a
separate sheet of paper with the system description.
See attached CONFIDENTIAL operating status.
8. Is facility covered under federal effluent limitation guidelines? No ► Yes 0
If yes, specify the category?
9. Principal product(s) produced: High Purity Quartz
Principal raw material(s) consumed: N/A
Briefly describe the manufacturing process(es):
See attached CONFIDENTIAL operating status.
Page 2 of 5 C-M110/08

NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
10. Amount of principal rinci product produced or raw material consumed
(List specific amounts consumed and/or units of production over the last three years)
Product Produced or Raw Material Product Produced or Raw Material
Consumed Consumed
(AVERAGE) (PEAK)
per Day
per Month
per Year *Confidential production data will be submitted separately.
11. Frequency of discharge: Continuous ® Intermittent D
If intermittent:
Days per week discharge occurs: 7 Duration: 24 hrs/day
12. Types of wastewater discharged to surface waters only
Discharge
Flow
(GALLONS PER DAY)
Sanitary-monthly average 0
Utility water, etc. - monthly average 0
Process water- monthly average 988,700
Stormwater-monthly average unkown
Other-monthly average
Explain: -107,000 (mine dewatering outfall 002)
Monthly Average --1,095,700
total discharge (all types)
13. Number of separate discharge points: 2 Outfall Identification number(s) 001&002
(numerous stormwater outfalls flow unknown)
14. Name of receiving stream(s) (Provide a map showing the exact location of each outfall, including
latitude and longitude):
North Toe River
Page 3 of 5 C-MI 10/08

NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION -SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
Effluent Data[for new or proposed discharges]
Provide data for the parameters listed. Temperature and pH shall be grab samples,for all other parameters 24-hour
composite sampling shall be used.If more than one analysis is reported, report daily maximum and monthly average.
If only one analysis is reported,report as dally maximum.
NOTE:Permittees requesting renewal should complete the table ONLY for the parameters
currently monitored. Summarize the past 3 years of effluent data.
Parameter Daily Monthly Units of
Maudmum Average Measurement
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODS) N/A
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) N/A
Total Organic Carbon N/A
Total Suspended Solids 264.59 31.66 lb/day
Ammonia as N N/A
Temperature (Summer) N/A
Temperature (Winter) N/A
pH 9.7 N/A
Fecal Coliform(If sanitary waste is N/A
present)
Total Residual Chlorine (if chlorine is N/A
used)
16. List all permits,construction approvals and/or applications(check all that apply and provide permit
numbers or check none if not applicable
Permit
Type Permit Number Type Number
Hazardous Waste (RCRA) NESHAPS (CAA)
UIC (SDWA) Ocean Dumping(MPRSA)
NPDES NC0000361 Dredge or fill (Section 404 or CWA)
PSD (CAA) Other NC Air Permit 04000R19
Non-attainment program Mine Permit No. 06-03, NC AtoC 000361A01
17. List any chemicals that may be discharged (Please list and explain source and potential
amounts.)
See attached CONFIDENTIAL operating status.
Page 4 of 5 C-MI 10/08

•
. • NPDES PERMIT APPLICATION - SHORT FORM C - Minor Industrial
Minor industrial, manufacturing and commercial facilities.
18. Is this facility located on Indian country? (check one)
Yes ❑ No El
19. Applicant Certification
I certify that I am familiar with the information contained in the application and that to the
best of my knowledge and belief such information is true, complete, and accurate.
Andrew G. Bradley SVP Environmental Affairs
Printed name of Person Signing Title
• Cee;;;;)c.,,, C2(11- I t o
Signature of Applicant Date
North Carolina General Statute 143-215.6 (b)(2) provides that: Any person who knowingly makes any false
statement representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document files or
required to be maintained under Article 21 or regulations of the Environmental Management Commission
implementing that Article, or who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any recording or
monitoring device or method required to be operated or maintained under Article 21 or regulations of the
Environmental Management Commission implementing that Article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable
by a fme not to exceed $25,000, or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or by both. (18 U.S.C. Section
1001 provides a punishment by a fme of not more than$25,000 or imprisonment not more than 5 years, or both,
for a similar offense.)
Page 5 of 5 C-MI 10/08