NC0000175_Issuance of Permit_20060926

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Mr. Andrew G. Bradley
Unimin Corporation
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
Dear Mr. Bradley:
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director '
Division of }Pater Quality
September 26, 2006
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
NPDES Permit NC0000175
Unimin -Quartz/Feldspar Facility
Mitchell County
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.)
The permit authorizes the Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 3.6 MGD of treated
wastewater from the Quartz/Feldspar Facility to the North Toe River, a class C Trout water in
the French Broad River Basin. The permit includes discharge limitations /or monitoring .for
flow, total fluoride, total suspended solids USS), settleable solids, turbidity, pH, chloride, oil
and grease, lindane, heptachlor and chronic toxicity_
The Division's request for the results of a priority pollutant analysis has been
rescinded based on the information submitted in the facility's NPDES application, Item V-
Part B.
The following modifications will be made to the permit:
An effluent lirriit for heptachlor of 0.010 ug/l will be -placed in the permit. The new
limit is more stringent based on protection of the North Carolina human health
standard for carcinogens instream. The results of the reasonable potential
analysis indicated the potential to exceed the allowable concentration. The effiuent
data submitted indicated detections of heptachlor in November and December
2004 and February 2005. There was no corresponding upstream detection of
heptachlor in any of the samples.
Please note the addition of a special condition concerning heptachlor. Within
twelve (12) months of sampling for heptachlor, Unimin may request in writing that
the Division review the data to determine if reasonable potential to exceed the
allowable concentration exists. If reasonable potential does not. exist then the
heptachlor limit may be removed from the permit.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center ' Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Phone [phone] Customer Service
Internet: www.ncwaterquality.or8 Location: 512 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27604 Fax [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer — 50% RecyckWl0% Post Consumer Paper

Letter to Mr. Bradley
Page 2
1
It was noted that the detection level for the permitted pesticides changed to a
higher level in 2005. Please note that North Carolina regulation 15A NCAC 2B.
0505 (e)(4) states; All test -procedures must produce detection and reporting
levels that are below the permit discharge requirements and all data generated
must be reported to the approved detection level or lower reporting level of the
procedure...."
The Division recommends that the Unimin Corporation contact the Division of
Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and ask for a
consultation/inspection to help determine the source of the pesticides in Unimin's
effluent. The contact phone numbers are [phone] or [phone].
• Influent and effluent monitoring for aldrin and methoxychlor will be removed from
the permit based on results of RPM, that showed there was no potential to exceed
the allowable concentration.
The following is a modification from the May 10+h draft permit:
• Monthly monitoring for oil and grease will be reduced to quarterly based on
Unimin's information that oil and grease impact should be minimal.
The following will remain in the permit:
The request for.removal of the lindane. limit was reviewed and a reasonable
potential analysis was conducted. Based on the results of that analysis, the
effluent limit for 110dane of 0.090 ug/l will not be removed from the permit. The
concentration of lindane indicated there was potential to exceed the allowable
concentration instream. - The effluent data submitted indicated detections of
lindane in August 2004 and December 2005. There was no corresponding
upstream detection of lindane with either sample.
Please note the addition of a special condition concerning lindane. After twelve (12)
months of sampli#Ig for lindane, Unimin may request in writing that the Division
review the data t�6: determine if reasonable potential to exceed the allowable
concentration exists. If reasonable potential does not exist then the lindane limit
may be removed from the permit. -
It was noted that the detection level for the permitted pesticides changed to a
higher level in 2005. Please note that North Carolina regulation 15A NCAC 2B.
0505 (e)(4) states, "...All test procedures must produce detection and reporting
levels that are below the permit discharge requirements and all data generated
must be reported to the approved detection level or lower reporting level of the
procedure...."
The Division recommends that Unimin contact the Division of Pollution Prevention
and Environmental Assistance and ask for a consultation/inspection to help
determine the source of the pesticides in Unimin's effluent. Contact phone
numbers are [phone] or [phone].

• Letter to Mr. Bradley
Page 3
Please note that the receiving stream, the North Toe River, is listed as an impaired
stream on North Carolina's 2006 Draft 303(d) list. This means that the stream does not meet
all water quality standards. It is the plan of the Division to work for the improvement and
recovery of the River. In the event of the continuance of problems, the future may require the
removal of direct point source dischargers to the North Toe River for the health of the stream.
If there is noncompliance with permitted effluent limits and degradation of the North Toe
River can be attributed to the Unimin Corporation WWTP discharge, then removal of the
dischargemay be necessary. The Unimin Corporation may determine in the future that an
alternative to surface water discharge may be more appropriate.
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.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms.
Jacquelyn Nowell at telephone number [phone], extension 512.
Sincerely,
g„` .Klimek, P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Surface Water Protection Section
EPA Region IV/ Marshall Hyatt
Mr. Jeffrey Ferguson/ Unimin Corporation P.O. Box 588 Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Aquatic Toxicology
WPDES File/NC0000175
Central Files

Permit Number NC0000175
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
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,
Ununin Corporation
is hereby authorized to discharge wastewater and stormwater from a facility located at the
Quartz Feldspar Operation
off NC Highway 226
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.
The permit shall become effective November 1, 2006.
This permit and the authorization to discharge .shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2011.
Signed this day September 26, 2006.
F+� Alan W. Klimek, Jr., P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
By Authority of the
Environmental Management Commission

Permit Number NC0000175
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. Therefor, the exclusive authority to operate and discharge from this
facility arises under the permit conditions, requirements, terms, and provisions included.
herein.
Unimin Corporation
is hereby authorized to:
1. Continue operation of a wastewater treatment plant for process wastewater from
mineral extraction consisting of:
Dewatering cyclones;
• Screw classifier;
• Vacuum filters;
• Alum, lime and polymer addition;
• jadar solids removal system; .
• Stabilisation ponds; ,
• pH addition;
•. Emergency:pond;
• Mix/reactor tanks;
• Thickener;
• Multimedia filter
• Filter press, and
• Flow measurement
The facility is located at the Quartz Feldspar Operation, off NC Highway 226, Spruce
Pine, MitchellCounty, and;
2. Discharge wastewater (including mine dewatering) through outfalls 007E and _
HAW01, and stormwater through outfalls 002, HAW03, and SC5 through SC8 at the
locations 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
Latitude: 3555'58" Sub -Basin: 04-03-06
1An6tude: 82'06' 11"
Quad #: Spruce Pine (MONE)
Stream Class: C-Trout
Receiving Stream North Toe River
Permitted Flow: 3.6 MGD
Facility
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Location
SiA,
Unimin Corp -Quartz Feldspar Facility
NC�l
North I'dnWCoun
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Permit Number NC0000175
PART -I, SECTION A
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:
..5 _ � .J}v H�•n'���
..
E•. Effluent
Charaetensi�cs Y
'x
q•h. ��2 3� iz#.� �Y�4'F� T'�3''s'
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
=�i y.'d A °:!�• �r Cd'�514
Monitoring`Requirentents':
;^ Ivlonthl
Averaee
bail Maximum '
Y
;Measuemeni
Sanole
Tie
Sample
Locahanl'
Freciuencv
x�
Flow
3.6 MGD
Continuous
Recording
I or E
Total Fluoride
109.0 lb/day
218.0 lb/day
Daily.
Composite
E, U, D
Total Suspended
1320.0 lb/day
2640.0 lb/day
Daily
Composite
E, U, D.
Settleable Solids
Daily
Grab
E
Turbidity2
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
pHs
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Oil and Grease
Monthly
Grab
E
Chloride4.
Quarterly
Composite
E
Chronic Toxicity5
Quarterly
Composite
. E
Lindanes
. 0.09 ug/l
2/month
Grab
E, I
Heptachlor? .
0.01 ug/l
2/month
Grab
E, I
Notes:
1. Sample locations: E- Effluent, I- Influent, U — Above the facility intake, D-- Penland
bridge. Instream samples shall be grab samples and shall be conducted 3/week.
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. r
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 11%: January, April, July and October. See
Special Condition A (2).
6. See Special Condition A (7).
7. See Special Condition A (8).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts. +
6

Permit Number NC0000175.
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 11%.
The permit holder shall perform at a minimum, ua� rterly 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 ,Qf 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 U 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 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.

Permit Number NC0000175
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 maybe re -opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or
limits.
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). TURBIDITY
In the event that violations of the turbidity standard of theJ,�rorth 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. (4). 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. (5). FLUORIDE REOPENEYt
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. (6). 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.

Permit Number NC0000175
A. (7). LINDANE CONDITION
After twelve (12) months of sampling for lindane, Unimin may request in writing that the
Division review the data to determine if reasonable potential to exceed the allowable
concentration exists. If reasonable potential does not exist then the lindane limit may be
removed from the permit.
A. (8). HEPTACHLOR CONDITION
After twelve (12) months of sampling for heptachlor, Unimin may request in writing that
the Division review the data to determine if reasonable potential to exceed the allowable
concentration exists. If reasonable potential does not exist then the heptachlor limit may be
removed from the permit.
SECTION B. STORMWATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS) PLAN
1. The permittee shall implement stormwater BMPs to ensure that contaminants do not
enter surface waters via stormwater that comes in contact with any unstabilized
overburden, raw materials, intermediate products, finished products, byproducts or waste
products located on the site covered by this permit. A BMP Plan shall be developed in
accordance with the requirements of this section. The BMP Plan requirement, or portions of
the plan requirement, may be met by utilizing appropriate requirements in other
documented plans specific to the permitted facility.
2. Management of Stormwater Runoff and RI -Mon. The permittee shall maintain stormwater
BMPs for land disturbance areas and outside process areas. In addition, controls should be
used to limit or isolate selected land disturbance and process areas and limit the amount of
off site stormwater runon to those areas. Appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs)
should be used to divert, infiltrate, reuse or otherwise manage stormwater runoff and
runon in a manner that reduces pollutants in stormwater discharges leaving the site.
Appropriate BMPs may include but are not limited to: vegetative swales, berms, use of
reclaimed mine areas, and reuse of collected stormwater (such as for an industrial process
or as an irrigation source).
3. BMP Controls Inspection and Maintenance. All stormwater BMPs shall be inspected by
or under the direction of the permittee at least once every seven calendar days and within
24 hours after any storm event that results in a discharge. The BMPs implemented shall be
operated and maintained so that they are cleaned out when the sediment storage capacity
has been reduced by 50%. If any visible sedimentation is leaving the property, corrective
action shall be taken to reduce the discharge of sediments. Visible sedimentation found
offsite shall be recorded with a brief explanation as to the measures taken to prevent future
releases as well as any measures taken to remove the sediment that left the site. All other
stormwater specific controls (e.g. oil /water separators) shall be inspected and qualitatively

Permit Number NC0000175
monitored on a semiannual schedule, once in the fall (September -November) and once
during the spring (April June). A log of sampling data and of activities taken to implement
BMPs associated with the vehicle maintenance activities shall be maintained and
incorporated into the BMP Plan and kept onsite for the duration of the permit term and
made available to the Director upon request.
4. Erosion and Sedimentation Control. The permittee shall implement the management
practices and the erosion and sedimentation control measures that are included in the
mining permit or erosion and sedimentation control permit issued by the Division of Land
Resources. Compliance with the issued permit is considered a requirement of this permit.
Any deviation from the issued permit, or amendments to the issued permit, that impacts
water quality shall constitute a violation of the terms and conditions of this permit. A
signed copy of the issued permit including the approved erosion and sedimentation control
measures and the reclamation plan shall be maintained on the site at all times. Once an area
is released by the Division of Land Resources in accordance with NCGS Chapter 74, Article
7, it shall no longer be subject to this permit.
5. Preventive Maintenance Inspections and Good Housekeeping Practices. Equipment
utilized during miring ectivity on a site must be operated and maintained in such a manner.
as to prevent potential or actual pollution of the surface water or ground waters of the state.
Fuels, lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids, or any other petroleum products, shall not be discharged on the. ground. or into surface waters: Spent fluids shall be disposed of in a
manner so as not -to enter the surface waters or ground waters of the state and in
accordance with applicable federal disposal regulations. Any spilled fluids shall be cleaned
up to the maximum..&tent practicable and disposed of -in a manner that does not allow their
entry into the surface waters or ground waters of the state.
6. Secondary Containment. The permittee shall 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 liquids
substances 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 for color, foam, outfall
staining, visible sheens and dry weather flow, prior to release of the accumulated
stormwater. Accumulated stormwater shall be released if found to be uncontaminated by
the material stored within the containment area.

Permit Number NC0000175
SECTION C: ANALYTICAL AND QUALITATIVE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
FOR DISCHARGES COMPOSED ENTIRELY OF STORMWATER
Analytical monitoring for stormwater discharges shall be performed for parameters as
specified in Tables 1 through 4. All analytical monitoring shall be performed during a
representative storm event as defined in Section F. Definitions.
In situations where stormwater runoff is controlled by some type basin or
retention/detention pond, the following provisions are applicable for sample collection for
analytical monitoring.
"Analytical monitoring for stormwater discharges from a basin or other similar control
structures must be performed within the first 30 minutes of discharge.
• Analytical monitoring for a basin /pond designed to contain the 10 -year design storm (see
Section F. Definitions) without discharging is not required. Qualitative monitoring for color,
foam, outfall staining, visible sheen and dry weather flow is the only monitoring
requirement.
• Analytical and qualitative monitoring are not required for a basin/pond designed to
contain the 25 -year, 24 -hour storm (see Section F. Definitions) without discharging. A basin/ .
pond meeting this provision is considered a non - discharging stormwater control.

Permit Number NC0000175
1. Analytical Monitoring for Stormwater Discharges from Land Disturbance and Process
Areas.
Analytical monitoring for stormwater discharges from land disturbance and process areas
shall be performed as specified in Table 1.
Table 1. Analytical Monitoring Requirements for Stormwater. Discharges from Land
Disturbing Activities and Process Areas
discharge
--4e2surmmnt
ample
��mple :
Characteristics
knits ,
qg
L one
r n n
Settleable Solids
m14
Annually
+Grab
SDO
Total Suspended Solids
MZ4
Annually
Grab
SDO
Turbidity
NTU
A=ually
Crab
SDO
Total Rainfall4
inches
. Annually—
—
Event Dwation4
minutes
Amually—
—
Total Flow4
MG
Annm&y
SDO
Footnotes:
1 Measurement Frequency: Once per year during a representative storm event. A year is defined as the 12
month period beginning on the month and day of issuance of the permit.
2 The sample is collected within the first 30 minutes of discharge from the outfall.
3 Sample Location: Samples shall be collected at each stormwater discharge outfall (SDO) unless
representative outfall status has been granted.
4 For each sampled 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 rainfall event.

Permit Number NC0000175
2. Qualitative Monitoring for Stormwater Discharges from Land Disturbance Areas,
Process Areas and Vehicle Maintenance Areas.
Qualitative monitoring requires a visual inspection of all stormwater outfalls with
stormwater runoff from land disturbance, process or vehicle maintenance areas
regardless of representative outfall status or cut-off concentrations and shall be
performed as specified below in Table 2. No analytical tests are required.
The first qualitative monitoring event during the term of the permit must coincide with
the initial analytical monitoring event (regardless of the season). All other qualitative
monitoring will be performed twice per year, once in the spring (April = June) and once
in the fall (September - November) and does not need to be performed during a
representative storm event.
Table 2. Qualitative Monitoring Requirements
r
Tl�scharge aa>r-actenst:rs:
requen
MoIli, #orYng
p
Lo�tzonl
Color
Semi -Annual
SDO
Odor
Semi -Annual
SDO
Clarity
Semi-Anmiud
SDO
Flocat]n Solids
Semi -Annual
SDO
Suspended Sohds
Semi --Ad
SDO
Foam
Semi -Annual
SDO
Oil Sheen
Semi -Annual
SDO
Deposition ator irm e&ately below the
Semi -Annual
SDO
outfall
Erosion at or immechatelybelow the
Semi -Annual
SDO
outfau.
Other obvious indicators
Semi -Annual
SDO
of stormwater pollution
Footnotes:
1 Monitoring Location: Qualitative monitoring shall be performed at each stormwater discharge outfall
(SDO) associated with land disturbance areas, process areas and vehicle maintenance areas regardless of
representative outfall status.

Permit Number NC0000175
SECTION D: EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
FOR MINE DEWATERING WASTEWATER AND PROCESS
WASTEWATER
1. Mine Dewatering Wastewater (including Borrow Pits)
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until
expiration, the permittee is authorized to discharge mine dewatering wastewater
controlled in accordance with the conditions of this permit. Mine dewatering activities
that have the potential to drain wetlands must have secured and implemented an
Operation and Monitoring Plan approved by the Division. Operation and Monitoring
Plans shall include, but are not limited to:
■ Groundwater monitoring strategies to demonstrate the effect of pumping and, as
necessary, establish the pumping regime necessary to reduce impacts.
■ Detailed plans to maintain the surrounding hydrology and the respective
monitoring to demonstrate compliance.
Alternative site specific pumping and monitoring regimes mi ay be approved by the
Division on a case -by -case basis.
The discharge of Mine dewatering wastewater that is directly pumped from the pit
through an erosion and sedimentation control structure prior to discharging to surface
waters is not required to receive an authorization to construct. Mine dewatering .
wastewater discharges which requires additional treatment other than erosion and
sedimentation control structures are subject to the authorization to construct
requirement.
Analytical monitoring of mine dewatering wastewater shall be performed as specified
below in Table 3. An exceedence of any of these limitations is a violation of the permit
conditions and may be subject to enforcement action.

Permit Number NC0000175
Table 3. Effluent. Limitations and Monitoring Requirements for Mine Dewatering
Wastewater
Mine dewatering and/or overflow from facilities that recycle process wastewater shall be
limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
Discharge
Characteristics
yi r,.-.n.1�_ ._, s.u.a&„ 9 ..+.51.' _.
onitonng Ruiremen isonsEffluentLimitati
Monthly
., Alfa v -"
Dail "
—x
. ,
...•• ..'sa..
MAxIMUM
Measurement
am 1
Tvoe
L, -, .Y;F,2a '*`
Sample
Location1
FrequencX
e .•F..Pa'N: hx mbw#
Total Flow2
/
E
Settleable Solids
0.1 ml/L
0.2 ml/L
Monthly
Grab
E
Turbidity3
10 NTU
Monthly
Grab
E
Total Suspended
Solids4
Monthly
Grab
E
pHs
Monthly
Grab
$
Footnotes:
1. Sample locations: E- Effluent
2. Total flow shall be continuous flow measurement. Alternatively, pump curves and pump logs may be
used as a means to calculate flow volume.
3. Turbidity monthly average limitations: Trout waters 10 NTUs
4. Total Suspended Solids for Industrial Sand Mining shall be limited to a monthly average of 25 mg/1
and a daily maximum of 45mg/l.
5. The pH shall not be Jess than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units in freshwaters.
2. BMP Conditions
a) The permittee shall utilize best management practices to ensure that contaminants
do not enter the surface waters as a result of blasting at the site.
b). The permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division of Water Quality prior
to utilizing any chemical additive for purposes of flocculation.
3. Residual Management
The residuals generated from treatment facilities used to meet the effluent limitations must
be disposed of in accordance with applicable standards and in a manner such as to prevent
any pollutants from such materials from entering waters of the state or navigable waters of
the United States.

Permit Number NC0000175
There -shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in.other'than trace .
amounts.
SECTION E: SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE
1. The permittee shall comply with Final Limitations and Controls specified for
stormwater discharges in accordance with the following schedule:
For the land disturbance activities:
a. Implement BMP's and stormwater controls, as appropriate on the effective date of
permit coverage, at existing operations.
b. Develop and implement BMP's and stormwater controls, as appropriate, prior to
beginning land disturbance activity at new operations.
2. Permittee shall at all times provide the operation and maintenance necessary to operate"
the -permitted stormwater controls at optimum efficiency.
SECTION F: DEFINITIONS
1. Representative Storm Event
A storm event that measures greater than 0.1 inches of rainfaIl and that is preceded by at
least 72 hours in which no storm event measuring greater than 0.1 inches has occurred. A
single storm event may contain up to 10 consecutive hours of no precipitation. For
example, if it -rains for 2 hours without producing any collectable discharge, and then stops,
a sample may be collected if a rain producing a discharge begins again within the next 10
hours.
2. Ten Year Design Storm
The maximum 24 hour precipitation event expected to be equaled or exceeded on the
average once in ten years. Design storm information can be found in the State of North
Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual.
3. 25-year, 24 hour storm event
The maximum 24-hour precipitation event expected to be equaled or exceeded, on the
average, once in 25 years.

DENR/DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
NPDES No. NC0000175
Facility Information
Applicant/ FacilitName:
Unimin Corporation- Quartz Feldspar Facility
Applicant Address:
P.O. Box 588 Spruce Pine NC 28777
Facility Address:
7638 Highway 226 South Spruce Pine NC 28777
Permitted Flow
3.6 MGD
Type of Waste:
Industrial
Facility/Permit Status:
Renewal
Facility Classification
Physical/ Chemical Class II
County:
Mitchell
Miscellaneous
Receiving Stream:
North Toe River
Regional Office:
Asheville
Stream Classification:
C Trout
USGS To o Quad:
D10NE
303(d) Listed?:
No*
Permit Writer:
Jackie Nowell
Subbasin:
04-03-06
Date:
4 / 24 / 2006
Drainage Area (mi2):
133
Summer 7Q10 (cfs)
45clu
Winter 7Q10 (cfs):
55
Average Flow (cfs):
270
Primary SIC Code:
1499 (Mining)
SUMMARY OF FACILITY INFORMATION AND WASTELOAD ALLOCATION
Unimin Corporation is requesting a permit renewal for its Quartz Feldspar facility. The Quartz
Feldspar facility does mining, milling, and separation of Alaskite ore to produce quartz,
feldspar, and mica. In May 2005, the plant announced its plans to reopen the high purity quartz
processing operations in the Quartz Feldspar plant. This process had been shut down since
1998 and only produced feldspar products.
The facility is permitted to discharge into the North Toe River, class C-Trout waters, in French
Broad River Basin. Outfall 001 discharges process water. Outfall 002 is a stormwater discharge
RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
*The North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2004-303(d) list, however it should be
noted that the 2005 French Broad River Basin Management Plan has a segment of the North Toe
River with a use support rating of Impaired based on turbidity and riparian area loss. The
segment also has a bioclassification rating of Fair (It is listed as biologically impaired on the
2006 Draft 303d list).
At this time, DWQ proposes no changes to the previously developed load allocations. Neither
the impairment nor the turbidity violation is directly attributable to the discharges. However,
the facility will be notified via the cover letter about potential impacts due to the Draft 303d list.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream above the facility intake
Downstream: Downstream at Penland Bridge.
Parameters: Fluoride, Turbidity, pH
Unimin Corporation —Quartz Feldspar Facility Factsheet
NPDES Renewal
Pa-c I

A review of 2004 and 2005 instream data shows no exceedences of the instream fluoride
standard of 1.8 mg/l. Upstream and downstream Fl samples averaged less than 1 mg/l.
Both upstream and downstream turbidity samples exceeded the standard in May, June and
September 2004 and in June through August 2005. The remaining months turbidity ranged
from 2.9 NTU to 10 NTU.
Both upstream and downstream TSS samples exceeded the standard in June and September
2004, and in June 2005. All other upstream and downstream samples of TSS met the standard
of 30 mg/l.
Instream and effluent sampling of the four pesticides, aldrin, lindane, heptachlor, and
methoxychlor were a requirement of the 2004 permit. Pesticide data was reviewed from 8/2004
to 12/2005. Review of upstream sampling for aldrin, lindane, heptachlor, and methoxychlor.
■ Heptachlor was detected upstream on 8/16/2004 (0.027 ug/1), however was not
detected in the effluent.
■ Heptachlor detected upstream on 9/21/2004 (0.020 ug/1), and detected in the effluent
(0.056 ug/1)
These were the only instances of any of the four pesticides being detected upstream of the
Quartz plant. It should be noted that EPA Method 608 used had a detection level of 0.025 ug/1
for aldrin, lindane and heptachlor, however in March and April 2005, the lab starting having a
higher detection level for the pesticides- aldrin - 0.025 ug/l, lindane - 0.090 ug/l, and
heptachlor- 0.040 ug/l. No explanation provided, except that organics tested at another lab
(Pace Analytical, Charlotte).
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Quarterly Chronic P/F,11% Ceriodaphnia test (JAN APR JUL OCT)
Facility passed all eight tox tests from January 2004 through October 2005. .
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 11%
ANALYSIS OF EFFLUENT DATA:
The following parameters are noted in the application as present in the effluent:
Sulfate, Fluoride, Aluminum, Oil & Grease, and Heptachlor
■ Fluoride limits are already in the permit and will remain based on the mining process
used and fluoride allocations for the North Toe River.
■ Oil and Grease - recommend monthly monitoring to determine if limitation will be
needed in future permit.
■ Heptachlor- see RPA analysis
■ Sulfate- NC Standard is applicable only to WS class streams, will not recommend
monitoring since the North Toe River is C Trout class stream.
■ Aluminum- because of high concentration of Al in NC soils and sediment, will not
recommend monitoring or limits.
The last priority pollutant scan was run in Feb. 2004. Facility did not submit data for new
PPA, will notify plant that scan is needed.
Reasonable Potential Analysis
Data values for aldrin, lindane, heptachlor, and methoxychlor were submitted based on
monitoring requirements of the 2004 permit. It is unusual for pesticides to be discharged from
this type of industry. Unimin personnel seem to think that the pesticides are in the facility
intake water. This water is withdrawn from the North Toe River and the intake is downstream
Unirnin Cor[H)ratu>n —Quartz Feldspar Facility F'act<heet
NPBES RencW d
Pa-'

of Christmas tree farms. Unimin believes the pesticides are from runoff at the Christmas tree
farms. Unimin agreed to do additional instream sampling to test for pesticides to find the
source.
(See instream monitoring section above that noted only two hits of any pesticide detected in the
upstream samples.)
• Although the analysis of the following parameters did show reasonable potential to exceed
the chronic allowable concentrations, it should be noted all 27 data values reported were
below detection level. Based on their being no detection of these parameters, will
recommend removal of the monitoring requirement and no limit will be required:
Aldrin and Methoxychlor.
• The analysis of the following parameters did show reasonable potential to exceed the
freshwater human health standard. The maximum predicted values exceeded the chronic
allowable and per NCDWQ procedure, effluent limits will be recommended: Lindane
and Heptachlor.
See attached RPA analysis and data.
COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
Overall, facility has been in compliance with permit limits since issuance of 2004 permit. There
was one NOV issued in August 2005, for violation of Fluoride daily maximum limit.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
• Limit for lindane of 0.09 ug/1 will be continued. Reasonable potential to exceed the
allowable concentration was shown.
• Limit for heptachlor of 0.010 ug/1 will be placed in the permit. New limit is more stringent
based on the human health standard of 0.000136 ug/1 which must be protected. RPA
showed potential to exceed the allowable chronic concentration.
• Influent and effluent monitoring for aldrin and methoxychlor will be removed from the
permit based on results of RPA that showed no potential to exceed the allowable chronic
concentration.
• Addition of monthly monitoring for oil and grease since it was noted as being present in the
effluent.
All other permit limits will remain the same.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: 04/26/2006
Permit Scheduled to Issue: 06/19/2006
Projected Effective Date of Permit: 08/01/2006
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.
Mil
TE:
[. ni;nin Corporation —Quartz. Feldspar Facility Factsheet
NPDES Renewal
J>Jg"e 3

REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS
Unimin - Quartz /Feldspar. Plant
NC0000175
Time Period
2004-2005
Ow (MOD)
3.6
WWTP Class IV
7010S (Cfs)
45
/WC (%) O 70109 11.032
701OW (Cfs)
55
O 701OW 9.211
3002 (Cfs)
0
O 3002 WA
Avg. Stream Flow, OA (cfs)
270
O OA 2.0248
Rec%ft Stream
North Too River
Stream Class C-Trout
Outfall 001
Ow = 3.6 MGD
STANDARDS A
PARAMETER
TYPE
CRITERIA (2)
PCL
Units
REASONABLE POTENTIAL RESULTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION
NCWOSf IfFArf
n NON. amFmdCc Abee6NCw
0)
chronic Acub
Acute: WA
All values below detection. Max prod. Value > dxonic allov
Aldrin
C
0.136
rq&
27 0
12.500
_ _ _
No limit or monitoring reconwnerded.-----------
— — --- — --------
ClsoNa 871865
Acute: WA
Max predicted is gmater than dronic allowable. Based on
Undwo
NC
0.010
ugIL
27 2
0.752
_ _
hft in 2004 and Dec. 200S,.-Recommend limit of O.T.
Acute: WA
Max predicted is greater then dronic allowable.
FlcptadYor
C
0214
nWt
27 5
241.000
_ _ ---
Lasthit in 2rAW. Reconvnend limit of 0.010 ugA._.--
--- — — —------
Ctraric 1 5888
-------
Acute: WA
All values below detection Max prod. Value >chronic allow
Medxmydd-
NC
0.030
uglL
27 0
0.315
_ _ _ _ _
- ---
No limit or monitoring recommended. ------ -
--- — — -------- —
Ctronic
— —
• Legend: '• Frehwater Dlsdmtrgs
C - Card»ogenk
NC - Nat-carrinogeNc
A-Aestlretic
n00000175rpe2006 pol,rpa
4/2412006

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Date Data
Aug-2004
Sep-2004
Sep-2004
Nov-2004
Dec-2004
Dec-2004
<
<
<
<
REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS
Heptachlor I Methoxychlor
BDL=1/2DL
Results
25.0
12.500
Std Dev.
17.5164
25.0
12.500
Mean
23.3519
100.0
100.000
C.V.
0.7501
56.0
56.000
n
27
25.0
12.500
25.0
12.500
Mult Factor=
2.4100
29.0
29.000
Max. Value
100.000 ng/L
27.0
27.000
Max. Pred Cw
241.000 ng/L
26.0
26.000
25.0
12.500
25.0
12.500
25.0
12.500
50.0
25.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
40.0
20.000
Date Data
BDL=1/2DL
Results
1 Aug-2004
0.25
0.125
Std Dev.
2
0.25
0.125
Mean
3
0.25
0.125
C.V.
4
0.25
0.125
n
5 z
0.25
0.125
6
0.25
0.125
Mult Factor =
7 <
0.25
0.125
Max. Value
8
0.25
0.125
Max. Pred Cw
9
0.25
0.125
10
0.25
0.125
11 #
0.25
0.125
12
0.25
0.125
13
0.50
0.250
14
0.27
0.14
15
0.27
0.14
16
0.27
0.14
17
0.27
0.14
18c
0.27
0.14
19
0.27
0.14
20
0.27
0.14
21 %
0.27
0.14
22
0.27
0.14
23
0.27
0.14
24
0.27
0.14
25
0.27
0.14
26
0.27
0.14
27
0.27
0.14
28
29
30
0.0236
0.1348
0.1747
27
1.2600
0.250 ug/L
0.315 ug/L
nc0000175rpa2006updt, data
-2- 4/24/2006

REASONABLE POTENTIAL ANALYSIS
I Aldrin I Lindane I
Date
Data
BDL=1/2DL
Results
1 Aug-2004
' <
25.0
12.5
Std Dev.
2
<`-
25.0
12.5
Mean
3
25.0
12.5
C.V.
4
25.0
12.5
n
5
25.0
12.5
6K3
25.0
12.5
Mult Factor =
7
25.0
12.5
Max. Value
8
<<,
25.0
12.5
Max. Pred Cw
9
fs
25.0
12.5
10
�,
x „
25.0
12.5
11
25.0
12.5
12
w<;
25.0
12.5
13 Mar-2005
R2'`
25.0
12.5
14
`S
25.0
12.5
15
„<:
25.0
12.5
16
<
25.0
12.5
17
<
25.0
12.5
18
<s"
25.0
12.5
19
<q
25.0
12.5
20
r
25.0
12.5
21
<'
25.0
12.5
22
<`
25.0
12.5
23
<
25.0
12.5
24<`
25.0
12.5
25
. <
25.0
12.5
26
<`
25.0
12.5
27
;'<
25.0
12.5
28
29
30
,,
0.0000
12.5000
0.0000
27
1.0000
12.500 ng/
12.500 no/
Date Data BDL=1/2DL Results
1 Aug-2004 0.031 0.031 Std Dev.
2 < 0.025 0.013 Mean
3 < 0.025 0.013 C.V.
4 < 0.025 0.013 n
5 < 0.025 0.013
6 <; 0.025 0.013 Mult Factor =
7 < 0.025 0.013 Max. Value
8 < 0.025 0.013 Max. Pred Cw
9 < 0.025 0.013
10 < 0.025 0.013
11 < 0.025 0.013
12 < 0.025 0.013
13 < 0.050 0.025
14 < 0.090 0.045
15 < 0.090 0.045
16 < 0.090 0.045
17 < 0.090 0.045
18 < 0.090 0.045
19 < 0.090 0.045
20 < 0.090 0.045
21 < 0.090 0.045
22 < 0.090 0.045
23 < 0.090 0.045
24 < 0.090 0.045
25 < 0.090 0.045
26 < 0.090 0.045
27 Dec-2005 0.230 0.230
28
29
30
0.0415
0.0374
1.1121
27
3.2700
0.230
0.752
nc0000175rpa2006updt, data
4/24/2006

Unimin
Unim on CorpOratlon
136 Crystal Drive • Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(PHONE) 828/766-6081 •0FA 828/765-4755
BnvimnmentA1 A Aim D uw ment
May 31, 2006
Ms. Jackie Nowell
NCDENR - Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Subject. Comments to Draft NPDES Permit NC0000175
Unimin Corporation's Quartz/Feldspar Facility
Dear Ms. Nowell:
Please note the following comments for the Draft NPDES Permit issued to Unimin
Corporation's Quartz/Feldspar Facility, cover letter dated April 26, 2006.
First, the draft permit cover letter states that the Division is requesting that Unimin
Corporation submit the results of an annual priority pollutant analysis as soon as possible.
We do not feel that this is necessary because it is not a requirement of 40 CFR 436. Based
on my telephone discussions with Mr. Charles Weaver on July 28, 2005 I was informed that
this was USEPA requirement and to contact Mr. Mashall Hyatt with EPA with regards to
the priority pollutant analysis. Mr. Hyatt agreed that the primary industry "ore mining"
listed in Title 40 CFR 122 App. A refers to metal ore mining (40 CFR 440) whereas
Unimin's mines are mineral mining & processing (40 CFR 436), therefore we are not
considered one of the primary industries and are not required to perform the priority
pollutant analysis. Mr. Hyatt stated that he would send Mr. Weaver an email stating that we
did not have to perform the priority pollutant analysis. Evidently Unimin has been
inadvertently required to perform the analysis during past renewals when not required to do
SO.
Second, monthly monitoring of oil and grease with an effluent limit is proposed in
the permit. We request this be replaced with the typical condition of "no visible oil sheen".
This would be more consistent with a condition associated with oil and grease checked on
the application which noted "possible leaks and drips from mobile equipment:' We made
the same note during the last renewal application and did not receive this requirement. We
assumed that ALL facilities with NPDES outfalls could have possible leaks and drips from
mobile equipment. We strive to be truthful in completing the application forms and feel that
we are being required to monitor for something that all facilities have. If this is a standard
requirement for all NPDES permits, then we do not object to monitoring. However, if this
is not the case, we respectfully request that this requirement be changed to what is more
consistent with the other permits.

Ms. Jackie Nowell
May 31, 2006
Page 2
Finally, we require that the effluent limitations for Lindane and Heptachlor be
removed from the permit. We cannot agree to accept limits in our NPDES Permit for
Lindane and Heptachlor. We cannot accept discharge limits for something we have no
control over. There is no record of applying these pollutants on Unimin property by
Unimin, Power Companies, or anyone else. Unimin does not use or has ever used any of
these pesticides on site. I have reconfirmed that Progress Energy only utilizes herbicides, no
pesticides, on site. Furthermore, it is not possible that Lindane, Heptachlor or any other
pesticides are synthesized during any operation of the plant. We have found hits in the
intake water from the North Toe River. As previously stated we still believe that the
pesticides are due to stormwater runoff from the numerous Christmas tree farms located
upstream in both Avery & Mitchell counties. We do not feel we should be burdened with
the cost of testing for parameters which are not pollutants created by our operations and
which, we have no means to control.
In summary, these are not valid pollutants in our discharge, they are occurring from
the environment that we did not put there. We cannot accept discharge limits for
something we have no control over. We cannot accept limits for pollutants which we did
not generate and which we have no operational means to maintain compliance.
Consequently, we cannot agree to accept these limits. Unimin will agree to perform further
monitoring to help locate the cause of the pollutants, however we request that the
monitoring schedule be reduced to quarterly rather than bimonthly in an effort to reduce
the burden and costs associated with the testing
Thank you very much for the opportunity to review the draft permit and for your
help with this matter. If you have any questions or require further information, please do
not hesitate to contact me at [phone] ext. 13.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Ferguson, P. E.
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
c: EA Files; Carl Horvat; Mitch Snyderman

Ja�tev s 4"
A UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
yW REGION 4
ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER
'4 PlRfat/�G�`O2 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 0303-8960
MAY 2 3 2009
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 Permit
Unimin — Quartz//Feldspar - Permit No. NC0000175
Dear Ms. Nowell:
In accordance with the EPA/NCDENR NPDES MOA, we have completed review of the
draft permit specified above and have no comments or objections to its conditions. We request
that we be afforded an additional review opportunity only if significant changes are made to the
draft permit prior to issuance or if significant comments objecting to it are received. Otherwise,
please send us one copy of the 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
Intemet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable 00 Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30'/ Postconsume*

r:�urait Permits (iz)
Subject: Draft Permits (12)
From: Jobn Giorgino <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 22 May 200614:40:18 -0400
To: Jackie Nowell <[e-mail]>
Jackie, I have reviewed the following permits (I am late getting back to you on some
of them, but did not have any comments). Thanks for forwarding them.
NCO025321
NCO021962
NCO074705
NCO023884
NC0005177
NC0000361
NC0000400
NCO084620
NCO085839
NC0000353
NC0000175
NCO060534
John Giorgino
Environmental Biologist
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Section
Aquatic Toxicology Unit
Mailing Address:
1621 MSC
Raleigh, NC 27699-1621
office: 919 733-2136
Fax: [phone]
"The real work of men was hunting meat. The invention of agriculture was a giant step
in the wrong direction, leading to serfdom, cities, and empire. From a race of
hunters, artists, warriors, and tamers of horses, we degraded ourselves to what we are
now: clerks, functionaries, laborers, entertainers, processors of information." -
Edward Abbey
of I in?n nr i•n8 PM

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cASHEVILLE
CITIZEN TIMES
VOICE OF THE MOUNTAINS - CITIZEN-TIMES.com
14 O. Henry Avenue - P.O. Box 2090 - Asheville, NC 28802 - 828-252-5611 - FAX [phone]
+j. ;. = PUBLIC NOTICE
,14ATEOF.NORTHCAROLINA t
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION I NPDES UNIT
1617'M�gq1-L SERVFCECENTE
�rRdLEIGH, NC-27699.1617-+•y
-NOTIFICATIOWOF INTENT:TO ISSI E
!AN DES WASTEW E ERMgT-`--`:—
On .the basis ofTho ough3ta rev ew and appli
cation: of NC Gendral Stdtute.143.21,1Public la
92-500; andother lawful ,standards and regula
tions, ` the ; North Carolina Environmental Man
agement Commission Proposes to issue a Nation
al — Pollutant --Discharge Elimination Systefr
(NPDES) 'wastewaters discharge permit To Ahe
person(s) listed below effective 45 days from the
publish date of this notice N' _ts
Written comments'regarding_.the.proposed rper
mill will be accepted. until 30 days after the pub
lish date of this notice:"Alt comments receiv
prior-Yo That -date --are considered in the final -de
terminations regording.4he p posed permit,jh
Director of the�ltrx ivision of terpuality.ma
decide to hold, yfibJIc meetit 1oelhe propose
Perm if should�7#Ffe4Divi3lonx+reecelvtcd significan
degree of pub [ i t s
Copiei of ih �bf ,� rm�t' and gther'supportin
information on$flle}Used 'to determine condition
present in th6,'0 rpermil,-are availableiupon re
quest,and,pavmerif of. he costs of reproduction
Mail comments and/or, requests"forjnformatio
to the NC,,Division of Water fiva(ity;at the abov
address or: call the Point Source•,Branch at-(919
733-5083, extension 520 or 3635 Please•include ;th
NPDES permit, number-,(attached),in any com
munication. Interested 'persons'may also visit•th
Division of Water Quality .W.,512. N• Salisbu
Street, Raleigh, NC 27604.1148 between the hour
of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to'review inforrnatio
on file. — y _._
NPDES Permit Number NC0000175, Unimin Car
poration, Quartz . €eldspar*zFacility -.Mitchel
County, havapoli ;for,rdnewal oft Its permit dfs
charging '-Tcx
River; in the:Erench,Broaq-RivepBasim. Current
ly; fluoride 'and 'totsL1� suspended:,solids are: wale
quality limite hrs3ifischaigernay affect futur
allocations .{ his) orJio he' eceivin
stream.
NPDES Permifw: uiYfber^�000f10333, T�fe`. Feld
spar: Corporatforr ifcounty i-fios applie
for renewal;pt_3I s:,.' It discharging+treate
wastewater,}�nd non contact_�fin g;water,'to;th
North Toe=Rive r`In the -French Broad River -Ba
sin: Currerly.=tluoride, and<totdi-suspended solid
are water quality limited.: This discharge may af-
fect allocations, in, this portion of the re-
ceiving strearrt!S;. r s1t9'8 Ls#'
NPDES Permit Number NC008M20, Unimin-Cor
poration =rystal40peration .:has applied:Afo
modificatiort-nnd,Nnewol'of its::permiT discharg
ing treated;�wostewater oF�the; arth Toe,Riyee.,II
the�French_0_r ,Rll'ves.•Basiri Currentiv_.tiu
ridelt water quoY_I(rrpted,,7 his discharge may
affect, future al(tions,(ta,ipls portion of ,the re
ceiving stream.
NPDES Permit m er 0085839, Unimin Car
poration• Red:Hill Quartz Plant, has applied.fo
renewal of, its -permit for a facility dischargin
treated wastewater to the North Toe River in Jh
French Broad .River Basin., Currently fluoride i
water_ quality 1'imited.'This discharge may affec
future allocations .in ;this portion of the receivin
stream.
. �
April 27 2006 „ft .�,-
(2282)
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 Velene Fagan, who, being first duly
sworn, deposes and says: that she 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 she is
authorized to make this affidavit and sworn
statement; that the notice or other legal
advertisement, a true copy of which is attached
hereto, was published in The Asheville Citizen -
Times on the following date: April 27 h, 2006. And
that the said newspaper in which said notice, paper,
document or legal advertisement was published
was, at the time of each and every publication, a
newspaper meeting all of the requirements and
qualifications of Section 1-597 of the General
Statues of North Carolina and was a qualified
newspaper within the meaning of Section 1-597 of
the General Statues of North Carolina.
Si its 27th day of April, 2006
(Signature of person making.
Sworn to and
bed before me the 27 th
JOY4c
/ RV ,
(Not&v Pub ci 4,
My Colfimission expires the 3rd day oft me
2008.
%�MEF CIID:.a`•

U111mill
Unimin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive • Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(PHONE) 828/766-6081 • (FAX) 828/765-4755
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Ms. Jacquelyn Nowell
NCDENR - Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Fo7rimmnenta1Affairs Dieparmeat
May 11, 2005
s�"Ar
IV. AY 1 6 2005
D-"iR - WATER QUALITY
POINT SOURCE BRANCH
Subject: Unimin Corporation —Quartz/Feldspar
NPDES Permit NC0000175
Mitchell County, North Carolina
Dear Ms. Nowell:
Please be advised that Unimin Corporation is planning a reopening of the high -
purity quartz processing operations located at the Quartz/Feldspar Facility located in
Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Please see the attached Press Release dated May 3, 2005. The
high -purity quartz processing equipment at this location has been shut down since
December 1998. Since that time, the facility has concentrated only on the production of
feldspar products. This reopening will not affect the Iota Plant, located at this site. The
Iota Plant will remain shut down at this time.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to
call me at [phone] ext. 13.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Ferguson, P. E.
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
c: EA Files; Cad Horvat; Kad Kuchta; Mitch Sayderman
Mr. Roger Edwards, Water Quality Section, 2090 US Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778

UnIminFor
further information contact:
Joseph C. Shapiro
Unimin Corporation
Unimin Corporation
258 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
258 Elm Street
Phone: [phone] Telex: 99-6355
New Canaan, CT 06M
Fax:[phone] or 203-972-1870
Pho1e:203-442-2223
Direct Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
2 PAGES TOTAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2005. Unimin Corporation, a New Canaan, Connecticut -based industrial minerals
company, announced today that it is planning the full reopening of the primary quartz
processing portion of its high -purity quartz processing facilities that are currently
mothballed at its QuarwFeldspar Plant in the Spruce Pine, Mitchell County, North
Carolina area High -purity quartz processing equipment at this location was temporarily
shut down in December 1999, and has not been operated since then. After 1999, the
Quartz/Feldspar Plant has concentrated only on the production of feldspar products. In
addition, Unimin's on -site laboratory has continued its full operation. The
QuartzlFeldspar Plant is located at South Highway 226 near Spruce Pine, North Carolina.
while quartz production equipment located at that plant has not operated since December
1998, Unimin's nearby quartz and feldspar mine, as well as the Quartz/Feldsper Plant's
feldspar drying, grinding, and shipping facilities and the laboratory on that site, have
remained in operation since that time. High -purity quartz is used in various high
technology industries, including the manufacture of semiconductor components.
( more)

The work of reactivating the Quartz/Feldspar Plant is commencing immediately at full
speed, and is anticipated to take two months to complete. This plant reopening will
create approximately 10 jobs at the plant. Unimin Corporation mothballed the quartz
production equipment, and has maintained all its operating permits in good order and full
compliance, with the expectation that it would eventually resume production of high -
purity quartz at the Quartz/Feldspar Plant.
After the 1998 closing of the quartz production portion of the Quartz/Feldspar Plant,
Unimin Corporation's high -purity quartz production facilities have consisted of Unimin's
Crystal Plant in Spruce Pine, Mitchell County, North Carolina, Unimin's Schoolhouse
Plant in Avery County near Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and Unimin's Red Hill Plant in
Rod Hill, N itchell County, North Carolina. These three plants will continue to operate.
The recommencement of quartz production at the Quartz/Feldspar Plant will bring to four
the number of Unimin Corporation plant facilities that produce high purity quartz.
(End)
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Unimin Quartz/Feldspar Plant
Instream
Data
Date
Uos FI
Dwn FI
Ucs Turbidity
Dwn Turbidity
lips TSS
Dwn TSS
Apr-04
0.53
1
4
9
12
19
May-04
0.86
0.84
12
13
21
18
Jun-04
0.77
0.71
20
17
33
33
Jul-04
0.78
0.64
10
10
21
19
Aug-04
1.25
0.95
10
8
15
10
Sep-04
0.47
0.57
18
17
47
33
Oct-04
0.41
0.39
4
3
6
8
Apr-05
0.6
0.49
7.1
5.3
10
7
May-05
0.44
0.43
6.4
5.5
14
8
Jun-05
0.49
0.39
44
39
43
38
Jul-05
0.39
0.37
33
28
24
23
Aug-05
0.54
0.45
22
17
29
27
Sep-05
0.74
0.68
4.04
3.8
8
4
Oct-05
0.81
0.72
3.2
2.9
5
4

Instream Turbidity Data from Mines (Comparison)
Date
Unimin-Schoolhouse
Feldspar Corp
Ur) Turb
Dwn Turb
Uv Turb
Dwn Turb
Apr-04
19.6
17.8
5.09
5.21
May-04
7.6
9.8
7.45
7.5
Jun-04
15.3
16.3
22.96
22.43
Jul-04
8.4
9.7
11.16
11.06
Aug-04
7.5
6
4.78
5.42
Sep-04
10.1
9.8
13.72
14.16
Oct-04
2.7
3.1
4.33
8.56
Apr-05
3.6
5.1
6.4
6.96
May-05
7.5
4.9
8.4
9.41
Jun-05
18.4
24.3
18.3
10.3
Jul-05
11.9
14.8
22.11
19.24
Aug-05
10.9
14
11.22
37.27
Sep-05
3.6
3.5
3.66
3.78
Oct-05
2.5
1.9
3.2
3.77
K-T Feldspar
Unimin-Quartz
Up Turb
Dwn Turb
Up Turb
Dwn Turb
7
7
4
9
6
6
12
13
12
12.3
20
17
7.5
7.5
10
10
6.7
6.6
10
8
9.5
10.1
18
17
3.6
4.1
4
3
5.6
5.9
7.1
5.3
4.2
6.4
6.4
5.5
15
15
44
39
16
16.5
33
28
18
18
22
17
3.1
3.3
4.04
3.8
6
6
3.2
2.9
Year 2004 - June 2004, turbidity was exceed both upstream and downstream of all mine discharges
Sept. 2004 exceeded at two discharges, ups and/or down exceeded at two discharges
April 2004 - Schoolhouse exceeded ups and down
July 2004- Feldspar exceeded up and down, 11 NTU
Year 2005 - June, July, August 2005-turbidity was exceed both upstream and downstream of all mine discharges
No exceedences the other summer months, Apr, May, Sept, Oct.

Unimin
Unimin Corp01"dtlOII
136 Crystal Drive • Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(PHONE) 828/766-6081 • (FAX) 828/765-4755
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Ms. Jackie Nowell
NCDENR/Water Quality/NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Enviwmnwzd Affk&s Dlepwwwnt
accli 10, 2006
Subject: Submittal of EPA Form 1
Unimin Corporation — Quartz/Feldspar and Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities
NPDES Permit Nos. NC0000175 and NC0000361
Mitchell and Avery Counties, North Carolina
Dear Ms. Nowell:
Per our telephone discussion on March 7, 2005, please find enclosed one signed
original and two copies of EPA Form 1 for Unimin Corporation's Quartz/Feldspar and
Schoolhouse Quartz Facilities. Per our discussion, please note that the renewal request
submitted by the Division of Water Quality instructed to complete the application form
(copy attached). The only application form attached to the request was EPA Form 2C,
therefore this was the only form submitted for these facilities. For future renewal requests,
you may wish to reference EPA Form 1 in the checklist or attach a copy of EPA Form 1.
If you have any questions regarding this matter or require further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone] ext. 13.
Sincerely,
ryS.Ferguson,
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION
Enclosures
c: EA Files, Carl Horvat; Mitch Snyderman, Steve Taylor