NC0000175_Issuance of Permit_20040623

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
June 23, 2004
Mr. Jeffrey S. Ferguson
Unimin Corporation
P.O. Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
A 4 00
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NCDENR
Subject: NPDES Permit Issuance
NPDES Permit NC0000175
Unimin Corp - Quartz /Feldspar Plant
Mitchell County
Dear Mr. Ferguson:
Division personnel hvig re,*Wd and approved'your application for renewal of the
subject permit. Accordingly, we are forwarding the attached NPDES discharge permit.
This permit is issued pursuant to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-
215.1 and the Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency dated May 9, 1994 (or as subsequently amended.)
This permit authorizes Unimin Corporation to discharge up to 3.6 MGD of treated
wastewater from the Quartz Feldspar Operation to the North Toe River, a class C Trout
water in the French Broad River Basin. The permit includes discharge limitations and /or
monitoring for flow, total fluoride, total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia, turbidity, pH,
chloride, and chronic toxicity.
The following modification has been included in the final permit:
• The inclusion of influent monitoring for aldrin, methoxychlor, heptachlor and
lindane. This monitoring should determine whether these pesticides are being
introduced to the Quartz Feldspar Operation plant from the intake water.
The addition of effluent limitations for aldrin, methoxychlor, heptachlor and
lindane based on the results of the priority pollutant analysis. The presence of
these pesticides in the Unimin effluent is unusual, however the reported values
for each of these parameters exceeded the allowable effluent concentrations for
protection of instream water quality standards. An eighteen month compliance
schedule has been included in the permit for these parameters. The limits will
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1617 Telephone 919 - 733- 50831FAX 919 - 733 -0719
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15
not be effective until February 2006, during this time Unimin should be able to
determine the source of these constituents.
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 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,
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Mark McIntire
Alan W. Klimek, P.E.
Attachments
cc: Asheville Regional Office/Water Quality Section
EPA Region IV/Attu. Roosevelt Childress
Aquatic Toxicology
NPDES File
Central Files

Permit NC0000175
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 provision 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
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 August 1, 2004.
This permit and the authorization to discharge shall expire at midnight on February 28, 2006.
Signed this day June 23, 2004.
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Mark McIntire
Alan W. Klimek, 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. Therefore, 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;
• Stabilization 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, Mitchell County, and;
2. Discharge wastewater through outfall 001 and stormwater through outfall 002 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
LA)rwitude 82'06' 11"
Quad # Spruce Pine (DIONE)
Stream Class: C-Trout
Receiving Sbiwa- North Toe River
Permitted Flow: 3.6 MGD

0 Permit Number NC0000175
PART I, SECTION A
A (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration,
the Permittee is authorized to discharge process wastewater from mineral extraction of ore
from outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the Permittee as
specified below:
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.
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.
S. See Condition A (2.) for schedule of compliance for lindane, heptachlor, methoxychlor, and
aldrin.
6. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) Pass /Fail at 11 %: January, April, July and October. See
Special Condition A (2).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
Monitoring Requirements
Effluent
Monthly
Daily Maximum
Measurement
Sample
Sample 1
Characteristics
Average
Freauencv
Location
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
Solids
Settleable Solids
Daily
Grab
E
Turbidity'
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
PW
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Chloride'
Quarterly
Composite
E
Lindane5
0.09 ug /1
2 /month
Grab
E, I
Heptachlors
0.04 ug /1
2 /month
Grab
E, I
Methoxychlors
0.27 ug /1
2 /month
Grab
E, I
Aldrir s
0.02 ug /1
2 /month
Grab
E, I
Chronic Toxicityb
Quarterly
Composite
E
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.
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.
S. See Condition A (2.) for schedule of compliance for lindane, heptachlor, methoxychlor, and
aldrin.
6. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) Pass /Fail at 11 %: January, April, July and October. See
Special Condition A (2).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

Permit Number NC0000175
A (2). COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE
The limits for lindane, heptachlor, methoxychlor, and aldrin shall become effective no later
than 18 months from the issuance of the permit (February 1, 2006).
A (3). 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, civarterly monitoring using test procedures
outlined in the "North Carolina Ceriodaphnia Chronic Effluent Bioassay Procedure,"
Revised February 1998, or subsequent versions or "North Carolina Phase II Chronic Whole
Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised - February 1998) or subsequent versions. The tests
will be performed during the months of January April July and 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,
using the parameter code TGP3B for the pass /fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value.
Additionally, DWQ Form AT -3 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences
Branch no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is
made.

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 Branch at the
address cited above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required, monitoring will be required during the following month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this
permit may be re- opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or
limits.
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 (4). TURBIDITY
In the event that violations of the turbidity standard of the North Carolina Water Quality
Standards occur as a result of this discharge, this permit shall be modified, or alternately,
revoked and reissued to incorporate limitations sufficient to protect the receiving waters.
A (5). SOLIDS DISPOSAL
Solids removed or resulting from the wastewater treatment process shall be contained and
disposed of in such a manner as to prevent any contamination of the surface waters of the
State.

Permit Number NC0000175
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). 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.
SECTION B: FINAL LIMITATIONS AND CONTROLS FOR STORMWATER
DISCHARGES
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration,
the Permittee is authorized to discharge stormwater, overflow from facilities that recycle
process wastewater, and /or effluent from mine dewatering. Such discharges shall be
controlled, limited, and monitored as specified below:
1. The Permittee shall implement Best Management Practices (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 of the sources covered by this permit. A
BMP plan shall be developed in accordance with Part I, Section D of this permit for each
facility covered by this permit.
2. The Permittee shall implement management practices and the Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Plan that are included in the mining permit which have been
approved by the Division of Land Resources. The approved permit is considered a
requirement or condition of this permit. Deviation from the approved permit, or approved
amendment to the permit, shall constitute a violation of the terms and conditions of this
permit. A signed copy of the issued mining permit including the approved Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Plan 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.
3. Equipment utilized during the mining activity on a site must be operated and
maintained in such a manner as to prevent the potential or actual pollution of the surface or
ground waters of the state. Fuels, lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids, or any other
petroleum products, shall not be discharged on to the ground or into surface waters. Spent
fluids shall be disposed of in a manner so as not to enter the surface or ground waters of the
state and in accordance with applicable state and federal disposal regulations. Any spilled

Permit Number NC0000175
fluids shall be cleaned up to the maximum extent practicable and disposed of in a manner
so as not to allow their entry into the surface or ground waters of the state.
4. Above ground bulk storage of petroleum products and storage of Section 313 Water Priority
Chemicals shall have secondary containment devices within the first 12 months of permit
coverage for existing discharges and prior to beginning operations for new discharges to
prevent leaks and spills from contaminating stormwater runoff.
5. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS — MINE
DEWATERING AND /OR OVERFLOW FROM FACILITIES THAT RECYCLE PROCESS
WASTEWATER
Mine dewatering and /or overflow from facilities that recycle process wastewater shall be
limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS Monitoring Requirements
Effluent Monthly ?ails Maximum Measuremen+ Sample Sam le
Characteristics Freauencv Type Location'
Averaee -
Total Flow' E
Settleable Solids 0.1 ml /L 0.2 ml /L Monthly Grab E
Turbidit33 Monthly + Grab E
Total �uspended Monthly Grab E
Solids
pHs Monthly Grab E
Notes:
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 record flow.
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 /l and a daily maximum of 45mg /1.
5. The pH shall not be less than 6.0 standard units nor greater than 9.0 standard units in fresh
waters.
BMP Conditions
1. 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.
2. The permittee shall obtain authorization from the Division of Water Quality prior
to utilizing any chemical additive for purposes of flocculation.
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace
amounts.

Permit Number NC0000175
6. MONITORING REQUIREMENTS — LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITIES
Stormwater discharges from any disturbed areas during land grading operations (except
for sand and gravel mining operations) shall be monitored by the permittee as specified
below:
Stormwater Discharge
Characteristics
Total §uspended
Solids
Settleable Solids
Turbidity2
pH
Sample locations: SDO — Stormwater Discharge Outfall
Total precipitation and duration of the event measured shall be a representative storm
event.
Stormwater Event
Characteristics Units Measurement
Freauencv
Total Event inches Once /year
Precipitation
Event Duration hours Once /year
Monitoring Requirements
Units
Measurement
Sample
Sa. mule
Freauencv
Type J
Location
—
mg /l
Once /year
.._ .... .....
Grab
SDO
ml /1
Once /year
Grab
SDO
NTUs
Once /year
Grab
SDO
Standard
Once /year
Grab
SDO
Sample locations: SDO — Stormwater Discharge Outfall
Total precipitation and duration of the event measured shall be a representative storm
event.
Stormwater Event
Characteristics Units Measurement
Freauencv
Total Event inches Once /year
Precipitation
Event Duration hours Once /year

Permit Number NC0000175
SECTION C: MINIMUM MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (unless
otherwise approved in writing by the Division of Water Quality)
1. All erosion and sedimentation control facilities 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 of runoff of stormwater from the site.
2. Stormwater runoff discharges shall be inspected by visual observation for color, foam,
outfall staining, visible sheens and dry weather flows at the above frequency to evaluate the
effectiveness of the stormwater control facilities or practices. If any visible off -site
sedimentation is leaving the property, corrective action shall be taken to reduce the
discharge of sediments.
3. The permittee shall keep a record of inspections. Visible sedimentation found off the
site shall be recorded with a brief explanation as to the measures taken to prevent future
releases as well as any measures taken to clean up the sediment that has left the site. This
record shall be made available to DWQ or authorized agent upon request.
4. A log of the sampling data and of activities taken to implement BMPs associated with
the vehicle maintenance activities shall be maintained and incorporated into the BMP Plan.
5. A log of the sampling data and of activities taken to implement the BMP Plan shall be
kept on site for the duration of the permit term and made available to the Director
immediately upon request.
6. For purposes of the stormwater sampling required in this permit, all samples shall be
collected from the discharge resulting from a representative storm event (See Part II,
Standard Conditions, Section A). Samples shall be collected at intervals not less than one
year apart. If the stormwater runoff is controlled by a detention pond, the following
sampling requirements apply:
(a) If the detention pond detains for 24 hours the runoff generated by one inch of
rainfall, a grab sample of the discharge from the pond shall be collected within the
first 30 minutes of discharge.
(b) If the detention pond discharges only in response to a storm event exceeding a
ten year design storm (See Part II, Standard Conditions, Section A), visual
observations of the discharge for color, foam, outfall staining, visible sheens and dry
weather flows, are required but analytical sampling shall not be required.
(c) If the detention pond discharges only in response to a storm event exceeding a
25 -year, 24 -hour storm (See Part II, Standard Conditions, Section A), the pond shall
be considered a non - discharging stormwater control system and not subject to
NPDES requirements, unless the discharge causes a violation of water quality
standards.

Permit Number NC0000175
7. The analytical results of samples analyzed in accordance with the terms of this permit
shall be submitted on forms provided by the Director no later than January 31 for the
previous year in which sampling was required to be performed.
SECTION D: 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.

A UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
YW REGION 4
i ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER
;F X02 61 FORSYTH STREET
PRO't ATLANTA, GEORGIA 3030311960. ;,,r�,..�
APR 2 8 2004
Ms. Jackie Nowell
North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
NPDES Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1617
SUBJ: Draft NPDES Permits
Unimin - Quartz/Feldspar plant, Permit No. 11
Feldspar - Permit No. NC0000353
K -T Feldspar Corp. - Permit No. NC0000400
Dear Ms. Nowell:
DE =�v�
APR 3 0 2004
DENR-W.ATER OI)gi
In accordance with the EPA/NCDENR NPDES MOA, we have completed review of the draft
permits specified above and we have no comments or objections to their conditions. We request that
we be afforded an additional review opportunity only if significant changes are made to the draft
permit(s) prior to issuance or if significant comments objecting to the draft permit(s) are received.
Otherwise, please send us one copy of each final permit when issued.
If you have any questions, please call me at (404) 562 -9304.
Sincerely,
Marshall Hyatt, Environmental Scientist
Permits, Grants, and Technical Assistance Branch
Water Management Division
Intemet Address (URL) • http: / /www.epa.gov
IRecycled/Recyclable . Pdnled with Vegelable 01 Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Poslconsumeo

DENR /DWQ
FACT SHEET FOR NPDES PERMIT DEVELOPMENT
Applicant /Facility Name:
Applicant Address:
Facility Address:
Permitted Flow
Type of Waste:
Facility /Permit Status:
Facility Classification
County:
Receiving Stream:
Stream Classification:
303(d) Listed ?:
Subbasin:
Drainage Area (mi2):
Summer 7Q 10 (cfs)
Winter 7910 (cfs):
Average Flow (cfs):
IWC MY
Primary SIC Code:
NPDES No. NC0000175
Facility Information
Unimin Corporation- Quartz Feldspar Facility
P.O. Box 588 Spruce Pine NC 28777
763�Tiighway 226 South Spruce Pine NC 28777
2.16;MGD 3.6 MG,)
`industrial
Renewal
Physical/Chemical Class II
Mitchell
Miscellaneous
North Toe River Regional Office:
C Trout USGS Topo Quad:
No Permit Writer:
04 -03 -06
133
45
55
270
11%
1499 (Mining)
Date:
Asheville
D 10NE
Jackie Nowell
4/8/2004
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. 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. (see attached memo on North Toe Mines)
The existing wastewater treatment plant consists of
• Influent pumps
• Hydrocyclones
• Screw classifier
• Vacuum filters
• Chemical feed system (Alum, lime and polymer addition)
• Two stabilization ponds
• Adjustment for pH
• Emergency overflow pond
• Mix/reactor tanks
• Thickener
• Multimedia filter
• Filter press
• Flow measuring and recording equipment
Note: Facility has plans to construct a 30 -foot clarifier.
The facility adds lime, sulfuric acid, and sodium bicarbonate as needed for pH control.
Alum, anionic and cathodic polymers are also added as needed for flocculation. Other
chemicals used in the process are in HF, HCI, caustic, amine, petroleum sulfonate and fuel
oil. Oil and grease are expected in small amounts from leaks and drips from mobile
equipment. HCl is used in the laboratory and Research and Development facility.
Uniniin Corporation -- Q1.1aa1-tz Feldspar Facility Fao 1-A-et
NI'DE:S lit�ncv al
}'u'gi t I

The existing limits for the renewal permit are as follows:
Pollutant Mo. Avg_ Da. Max.
Flow 3.6 MGD
Total Suspended 13201bs /day 2640 lbs /day
Residue
(otal Fluoride 2181bs /day 4361bs /day
Total Fluoride* at 1091bs /day 218 lbs /day
startup 01
NC0000361
Settleable Solids
Daily
NC Std does not apply to C Trout water
monitoring
Turbidity
Daily
Chromium
monitoring
Chloride
Quarterly
16 mg/1
monitoring
PH
6-10 SU
Chronic Toxicity
11%
RECEIVING STREAM INFORMATION:
The North Toe River is not listed on North Carolina's 2002 303(d) list.
INSTREAM MONITORING:
Upstream: Upstream above the facility intake
Downstream: Downstream at Penland Bridge.
Parameters: Fluoride, Turbidity, pH
(see attached memo on North Toe Mines)
TOXICITY TEST RESULTS:
Quarterly Chronic P/F, 11% Ceriodaphnia test (JAN APR JUL OCT)
Facility's overall compliance with toxicity limit has been good. From Jan 2000 to the end of
2003, all tests were passed except for failures in Oct. 2002 and Jul 2003. Passes followed
the failed tests for two consecutive months in both instances.
Consulted with staff of Aquatic Toxicity Unit about the toxicity test failures. Unimin has
been consulted regarding the failures and questioned about any changes at the plant.
Unimin will be looking at the polymer usage and will be doing additional plant testing to
address the problems.
Recommendation: Renewal of quarterly chronic test @ 11%
PRIORITY POLLUTANT ANALYSIS RESULTS:
The following parameters are noted in the application as present in the effluent:
Sulfate, Chloride, Fluoride, Aluminum, Calcium, Sodium and Oil & Grease
Results of pollutant scan for 001, sampled on 02/19/2004
Antimony 0.0078 mg/1 No NC Std, EPA Criteria =750 ug/l, Allowable conc.= 7.4 mg/1
Barium
0.0094 mg/1
NC Std does not apply to C Trout water
Arsenic
0.015 mg/l
NC Std = 50 ug/l; Allowable conc. = 453 ug/1
Chromium
0.0034 mg/1
NC Std = 50 ug/l; Allowable conc. = 453 ug/l
Chloride
16 mg/1
NC Action level= 230 mg/l; Allowable conc. = 2085 mg/1
Fluoride
0.36 mg/1
NC Std =1.8 mg/l; Allowable conc. = 16.3 mg/l
Copper
0.0056 mg/1
NC Action level= 7 ug/l; Allowable conc. = 63.5ug/1
(5.6 ug/1)
Unimin Corporation - Quartz Feldspar Facility Fact-sheet.
N.PDFES Renewal
Pa.-C! 2

Lead
0.011 mg11
(11ug/1)
Nickel
0.015 mg/1
(15 ug/1)
Selenium
0.013 mg/1
(13 ug/1)
Zinc
0.28 mg/l
(280ug/1)
Aldrin
0.087 ug/l
beta -BHC
0.16 ug/l
Lindane
0.099 ug/1
(gamma -BHC)
eptachlor
0.13 ug/l�
ethoxychlor
NC Std = 25 ug/l; Allowable conc. = 226.6ug/l
NC Std = 88 ug11; Allowable conc. = 798ug/1
NC Std = 5 ug/1; Allowable conc. = 45.3ug/l
NC Std = 50 ug/l; Allowable conc. = 453 ug/l
NC Std = 0.002 ug/1; Allowable conc. = 0.018ug/l
No NC Std, EPA Criteria = 0.0049 ug/1 HH, Organisms
Allowable conc. = 0.25 ug/1
NC Std = 0.01 ug/l; Allowable conc. = 0.09 ug/l
NC Std = 0.004 ug11; Allowable conc. = 0 ug/1
0.56 ug/l NC Std = 0.03 ug/l; Allowa nc. = 0.27 ug/l
The reported values for antimony, barium, arsenic, chromium, copper, lead,
nickel. selenium and zinc do not exceed the allowable concentrations for those
constituents. Furthermore, the concentrations were so low that no limits or
monitoring for these parameters is recommended. Limits and monitoring
requirements for chloride and fluoride are currently in the existing permit and
will be renewed.
Data values for aldrin, beta -BHC, lindane, heptachlor, and methoxychlor were
also submitted. Values for all these pesticides except beta BHC exceeded the
allowable concentration for the protection of water quality. 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 of Christmas
tree farms. Unimin believes the pesticides are from runoff at the Christmas tree
farms. Unimin has agreed to do additional instream sampling to test for
pesticides to find the source.
Recommendation: An effluent limit for aldrin, heptachlor, Undane and
methoxychlor should be placed in the permit. If after twelve months of
sampling for this parameter, all values are below detection, Unimin can request
that DWg re- evaluate the inclusion of these limits.
COMPLIANCE REVIEW:
Facility has been in compliance with all permit limits consistently with the exception of
exceedences of the pH limit of 6 -10 SU in July 2001, April and August 2003.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
• Addition of limits for aldrin, heptachlor, lindane and methoxychlor based on
pollutant analysis data.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR PERMIT ISSUANCE:
Draft Permit to Public Notice: AW1412"
Permit Scheduled to Issue: 06107/2004
Projected Effective Date of Permit: 07/01/2004
Unimin. Corporation - (quartz Feldspar Facility Fartsheet.
NPDES Renewal
Page .3

STATE CONTACT:
If you have any questions on any of the above information or on the attached permit, please
contact Jackie Nowell at (919) 733 -5083 ext. 512.
1-
NAME-` (,' L DATE: I }
i
REG�OpJAL C ICE COM
Q!
NT:
11 41. 7
ae7C /e5
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A (2) RLra yapk l 2 s�oc�S Ckron�c I�sf;n9 //% : �x� "�� /�P�"' � ✓Uly� %I�ot!
d Foe.-I Skrd shows P�� -'7,: #I-c/ � /ocv
nq K�Qu'fL�ru.v4S SGwIuS 0 L g S. 4 MG D.
NAME: ,DATE:
WQ SUPERVISOR: ;;�� / DATE:
NPDES SUPERVISOR COMMENT:
NAME: DATE:
Unimin Corporation - Quartz Feldspar Facility Fac•tshe:et.
NPDES Renewal
Page 4

0
' r I I- --ft12 �Av
fu;�waao22J l
'3 SAP Vu '✓'N - 1 %� op oo?N � 6t'�N � X7 WO)
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FL111779YS' S/ f,cufr� ffbJQ ��,
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%f,�•� ar���/ � Z,L b'yl,} -� - • �i o� v � �v �v� .� �- L,�u� Gc/ 4'j ib!/0' 11• � V �.

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
' Facility Name Unimin - Quartz
ameter=
NPDES # NC0000175
'andard =
Ow (MGD)
3.6
70100 (cis)
45
n
/WC (%)
11.03
1
Rec'Wng Stream North Toe River
2
Stream Class C Trout
3
4
FINAL RESULTS
5
Chloride
6
Max. Pred Cw
16000 ugA
7
Allowable Cw 2084838.7 ugA
8
Max. Value
16000
9
Fluoride
10
Max. Prod Cw
360 ugA
11
Allowable Cw
16316.1 ugA
12
Max. Value
360
13
methoxychlor f
14
Max. Pred Cw
0.56 ugA
15
4hilawable Cws
4.1? 00
16
-0Aex Valuer
je
17
Arsenic
18
Max. Prod Cw
15 ugA
19
Allowable Cw
453.2 ugA
20
Max. Value
15
21
Barium
22
Max. Pred Cw
9.4 ugA
23
Allowable Cw
9064.5 ugA
24
Max. Value
9.4
25
ummm, *
26
Max. Pred Cw
0.099 ugA
27
,B00wabWOW
QM ugA
28
4" W81116
41AW •
29
Chromium
30
Max. Pred Cw
3.4 ugA
31
Allowable Cw
453.2 ugA
32
Max. Value
3.4
33
Copper
34
Max. Prod Cw
5.6 ugA
35
Allowable Cw
63.5 ugA
36
Max. Value
5.6
37
Lead
38
Max. Pred Cw
11 u9A
39
Allowable Cw
226.6 ugA
40
Max. Value
•11
41
Selenium
42
Max. Prod Cw
13 ugA
43
Allowable Cw
45.3 ugA
44
Max. Value
13
45
Zinc
46
Max. Prod Cw
280 ugA
47
Allowable Cw
453.2 ugA
48
Max. Value
280
49
Heptachl%
50
Max. Pred Cw
0.13 ugA
51
Allowable.,,Cw
404 irgA
52
#Aa4, Value,
{..
53
54
4/8/2004

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name Unimin - Quartz
'arm
NPDES # NC0000175
'ano
Qw (MGD)
3.6
7010s (c!s)
45
/WC ( %)
11.03
Rec'ving Stream North Toe River
Stream Class C Trout
FINAL RESULTS
Antimony
Max. Pred Cw
7.8 ugA
Allowable Cw 5801.3 ugA
Max. Value
7.8
Nickel
Max. Pred Cw
15 ugA
Allowable Cw
797.7 ugA
Max. Value
15
Akft
Max. Prod Cw
0.087 ugA
AA ma"o Cw,
0.02 kv
+ lax.1:value y
(hoe?
beta GHC
Max. Pred Cw
0.16 ugA
Allowable Cw
0.2 ugA
Max. Value
0.16
Max. Pred Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max. Value
0
Max. Prod Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUEI
ugA
Max Value
0
Max Pred Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max Value
0
Max Pred Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max Value
0
Max Prod Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max Value
0
Max Pred Cw
0 ugA
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ugA
Max Value
0
..i:� ��.
4

Permit Number NC0000175
A (1). EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
During the period beginning on the effective date of the permit and lasting until expiration,
the Permittee is authorized to discharge process wastewater from mineral extraction of ore
from outfall 001. Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the Permittee as
specified below:
Effluent
Characteristics
Flow
Ootal Fluoride
Total Suspended
Solids
Lindane
Heptachlor
Methoxychlor
Aldrin
Settleable Solids
Turbidit3e
PW
Chloride
Chronic Toxicity'
EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS.
Monthly Daily Maximum
Averaze
3.6 MGD
109.0 lb /day 218.0 lb /day)
1320.0 lb /day 2640.0 lb /day
0.09 ug /l
0.04 ug /1
0.27 ug /1
0.02 ug /l
Monitoring Requirements
Measurement
Sample
5_ ample
Freciuencv
Tyke
Location'
Continuous
Recording
I or E
Daily
Composite
E, U, D
Daily Composite E, U, D
2 /month
Grab
E
2 /month
Grab
E
2 /month
Grab
E
2 /month
Grab
E
Daily
Grab
E
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Daily
Grab
E, U, D
Quarterly
Composite
E
Quarterly
Composite
E
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.
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 1 me man hf; as toxicity testing.
5. Chronic Toxicity (Ceriodaphnia) Pass /Fail a 0 %: February, May, August an
Aovember,lee Special Condition A (2).
There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

clz
J
Q'
'
'All
r
e
-Mi
All
N
x Y 4"
4r t' r
qr a
if -V
IV
�J t 7--
X
fil
\7�t# I X
N
41
A, A
1' "7- 't
-A -X--
lY >� -r` fi , r. - ~ /! }� ,l ��I �' / ///+ {Jc r /r'� (��l�I`�j 1 1414
d
A
, X ,
V", J
L
<4;
%J Unimin
%
CorpcTati M -
Qumtz/Feldspar
f
Facility
ell Pf.
L 1 t Ouffall 001
4,
Y/
• T11)
- 14,
I f i
N
JL 4
n Z-A
Facility Information
Facility
q
Latitude:
3555' 58" Sub Basin: 04-03-06
Location
Lori6w&
82'06' 11"
Quad #:
Spwoe Pine (DlONE)
Stream CL%3S:
C-Trout
Receiving SUeaffr
North Toe River
TNorth
Ununin Corp-Quartz Feldspar Facility
Permitted Row:
3.6 MGD
I
NCO000175
Mitchell Courty

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 o 1 %.
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 subse uent versions. The tests
will be performed during the months okjf aanuary April July and November ) Effluent
sampling for this testing shall be perform-e—&—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 U
Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised - February 1998) or subsequent
versions.
The chronic value for multiple concentration tests will be determined using the geometric
mean of the highest concentration having no detectable impairment of reproduction or
survival and the lowest concentration that does have a detectable impairment of
reproduction or survival. The definition of "detectable impairment," collection methods,
exposure regimes, and further statistical methods are specified in the "North Carolina
Phase II Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Procedure" (Revised - February 1998) or
subsequent versions.
All toxicity testing results required as part of this permit condition will be entered on the
Effluent Discharge Monitoring Form (MR -1) for the months in which tests were performed,
using the parameter code TGP3B for the pass /fail results and THP3B for the Chronic Value.
Additionally, DWQ Form AT -3 (original) is to be sent to the following address:
Attention: North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Branch
1621 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1621
Completed Aquatic Toxicity Test Forms shall be filed with the Environmental Sciences
Branch no later than 30 days after the end of the reporting period for which the report is
made.
Test data shall be complete, accurate, include all supporting chemical /physical
measurements and all concentration/ response data, and be certified by laboratory
supervisor and ORC or approved designate signature. Total residual chlorine of the effluent
toxicity sample must be measured and reported if chlorine is employed for disinfection of
the waste stream.

Permit Number NC0000175
Should there be nd discharge of flow from the facility during a month in which toxicity
monitoring is required, the permittee will complete the information located at the top of the
aquatic toxicity (AT) test form indicating the facility name, permit number, pipe number,
county, and the month /year of the report with the notation of "No Flow" in the comment
area of the form. The report shall be submitted to the Environmental Sciences Branch at the
address cited above.
Should the permittee fail to monitor during a month in which toxicity monitoring is
required, monitoring will be required during the following month.
Should any test data from this monitoring requirement or tests performed by the North
Carolina Division of Water Quality indicate potential impacts to the receiving stream, this
permit may be re- opened and modified to include alternate monitoring requirements or
limits.
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 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 (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 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.

uflimlfl
Ununin Corporation
136 Crystal Drive • Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(PHONE) 828/766 -6081 • (FAX) 828/765 -4755
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REO. VESTED
Ms. Jackie Nowell
NCDENR - Division of Water Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1617
Environmental Affairs Department
May 14, 2004
___ — ___1
2004
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 dated April 14, 2004.
The permit contains a requirement to sample Lindane, Heptachlor, Methoxychlor,
and Aldrin twice monthly due to hits shown on the Priority Pollutant Analysis (PPA)
performed February 19, 2004.
We continue to believe that the pesticides are due to stormwater runoff from the
numerous Christmas tree farms located upstream in both Avery & Mitchell counties.
Unimin does not use or has ever used any of these pesticides on site. Futhermore, we do not
believe there is any way possible that Lindane or any other pesticides are synthesized during
any operation of the plant. In addition, I have personally reviewed all MSDS sheets at both
facilities and found only two types of wasp & hornet killer that contain pesticides which are
rarely used. The pesticides listed in these two MSDS sheets include Piperonyl butoxide,
Tetramethrin, and d- phenolthrin, all of which are non - hazardous. This further concurs that
the pesticides found in the process water must be coming from the intake in the North Toe
River. We have investigated to confirm whether the power company could of used the
pesticides in question. Upon contacting Progress Energy (previously CP&L), they confirmed
that only herbicides are sprayed on Unimin property.
Furthermore, my research has shown that in 1999, lindane accounted for 22% of all
pesticides used on Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Lindane was taken off the
market in 1999, however some tree farmers continued using this pesticide. Lindane is not
contained in any pesticide except the label "lindane ". According to one tree farmer I have
spoken with, he stated that when previously using lindane he only had to spray every three
years and now he must spray every year. Therefore, these pesticides must have a long life in

Ms. Jackie Nowell
May 14, 2004
Page 2
the environment and can easily be contained in the stormwater reporting to the North Toe
River.
We continue to argue that the pesticides are being pulled into the process water
during rain events and in no way can be coming from the processing at either facility. Thus,
for the reasons above we do not feel that sampling for pesticides are warranted and should
be removed from the permit. 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.
To date we have not been able to prove our theory but that does not mean it is not
true. The PPA performed on February 19, 2004 at the Quartz /Feldspar facility showed hits
for these pesticides while there was rainfall in the area for both days prior to the sample
collection date.
On March 23, 2004 per your request, Unimin's Schoolhouse ran two Organo
Chlorine Pesticides Analyses on the effluent water as well as the intake water from the North
Toe Riven The results showed none detected at either location. There was no rainfall in the
area for two days prior to the sample collection date of March 23, 2004 thus suggesting the
pollutant may be stormwater related or at least intermittent in nature.
On April 131h it rained in the morning so both facilities reran another Organo
Chlorine Pestcides Analysis for the intake and effluent water on April 14, 2004. The results
again showed none detected at either location, however the Quartz /Feldspar facility pulled
the sample at approximately 8 am while the Schoolhouse facility pulled the sample at
approximately 4:45 pm, numerous hours following the rainfall.
Unimin would be willing to do further testing to prove that these pesticides are
stormwater related and occur in our intake water. But we find monitoring for these in our
monthly discharge unreasonable until we prove we are the source of the pollutants.
Thank you for your help with this matter. If you have any questions or require
further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (828) 766 -6081.
c: EA Files; Carl Horvat; Mitch Snyderman
Sincerely,
ox�
Jeffrey S. Ferguson, P. E.
Environmental Engineer
UNIMIN CORPORATION

Draft Permit review- NC0000175
Subject: Draft Permit review- NC0000175
From: John Giorgino <john.giorgino @ ncmail.net>
Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 10:37:51 -0400
To: Jackie Nowell <Jackie.Nowell @ ncmail. net>
Jackie, I reviewed Unimin Corp and found the following:
Section A(1) chr lim is 10% (should be 11 %)
Test months are wrong - should be Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct ✓
PF is wrong on fact sheet - should be 3.61.MGD
Thanks,
John
John Giorgino
Environmental Biologist
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Aquatic Toxicology Unit
Mailing Address:
1621 MSC
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1621
Office: 919 733 -2136
Fax: [phone]
Email: John.Giorgino @ncmail.net
Web Page: http: / /www.esb.enr.state.nc.us
1 of 1 5/20/2004 11:05 AM

PU6LIC 110'f ICE'
NCO41�\'b .1
v
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
SS.
NORTH CAROLINA
Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
County and State, duly commissioned, qualified and
authorized by law to administer oaths, personally
appeared Darryl Rhymes, who, being first duly
sworn, deposes and says: that he is the Legal
Billing Clerk of The Asheville Citizen - Times,
engaged in publication of a newspaper known as
The Asheville Citizen- Times, published, issued,
and entered as second class mail in the City of
Asheville, in said County and State; that he is
authorized to make this affidavit and sworn
statement; that the notice or other legal
advertisement, a true copy of which is attached
hereto, was published in The Asheville Citizen -
Times on the following date: April 17, 2004. And
that the said newspaper in which said, notice, paper,
document or legal advertisement were published
were, at the time of each and every publication, a
newspaper meeting all of the requirements and
qualifications of Section 1 -597 of the General
Statues of North Carolina and was a qualified
newspaper within the meaning of Section 1 -597 of
the General Statues of North Carolina.
)� .j_)j ,�i(G Signed this 19th daWIA ri 12004
(Signature of pe_?fi 16ng affidwo
NMC if
, . Owt 1(
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 19th day of
April 2004
MNotary Pu lic) /?
y Comission expires the 3rd day of
2008.
/1W
anrn 17,2ow'
(7OW)

PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION /NPDES UNIT
1617 MAIL SERVICE
CENTER
RALEIGH, NC 27699 -1617
NOTIFICATION OF INTENT
TO ISSUE A NPDES
WASTEWATER PERMIT
On the basis of thorough staff
review and application of NC
General Statutes 143.21, Pub-
lic Law 92 -500 and other lawful
standards and regulations, the
North Carolina Environmental
Management Commission pro-
poses to issue a National Pollu-
tant Discharge Elimination Sys-
tem (NPDES) wastewater dis-
charge permit to the person(s)
listed below effective 45 days
from the publish date of this no-
tice.
Written comments regarding the
proposed permit will be accept-
ed until 30 days after the pub-
lish date of this notice. All com-
ments received prior to that date
are considered in the final de-
terminations regarding the pro-
posed permit.The Director of the
NC Division of Water Quality
may decide to hold a public
meeting for the proposed permit
should the Division receive a sig-
nificant degree of public interest.
.off ►
Ce
19_
fication
ICopies of the draft permit and
other supporting information on
file used to determine conditions
present in the draft permit are
available upon request and pay-
; ment of the costs of reproduc-
tion. Mail comments and/or re-
quests for information to the NC
Division of Water Quality at the
above address, or call Ms.
Valery Stephens at (919) 733 -
5083, ... .. 520. Please in-
clude the NPDES permit num-
ber (attached) in any communi-
cation. Interested persons may
also visit the Division of Water
Quality at 512 N. Salisbury
Street, Raleigh, NC 276041148
between the hours of 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. to review infor-
mation on file.
NPDES Permit Number
2 NC0000175, Unimin Corpora-
tion, Quartz Feldspar Facility,
Mitchell County, has applied for
renewal of its permit discharg-
ing treated wastewater to the
North Toe River in the French
Broad River Basin. Currently flu-
oride and total suspended solids
are water quality limited. This
discharge may affect future al-
locations in this portion of the re-
ceiving stream.
No. r�
MITCHEL
NEWS-'JOURNAL
Cost of Advertisment
Cost of Aftidavit
Total ...............$ ! 4J. i 0
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF MbTCHELL
I, Nathaniel A. Ashurst, Publisher of the Mitchell News- Journal, a
newspaper published in Mitchell County, North Carolina, in
compliance with statutes G.S. 1 -597 of North Carolina, as amended in
1947 session of General Assembly, being duly swom, certify that the
attached advertisement of
-t 1
C Yl t aIYy
was duly published in the aforesaid paper once a week for
consecutive week eginning with the issue date
,C, 20
(signed)
(O n ,Partner, Publisher or other
Employee Authorized to make the affidavit)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this I�Ln day of
2004
Notary Public for Mit ell County
North Carolina
My Commission expires I
Im
NPDES Permit Number
NC0000353, The Feldspar Cor-
poration, Mitchell County, has
applied for renewal of its permit
discharging treated wastewater
and noncontact cooling water to
the North Toe River in the
French Broad River Basin. Cur-
rently fluoride and total sus-
pended solids are water quality
limited. This discharge may af-
fect allocations in this portion of
the receiving stream.
NPDES Permit' Number
NC0000400, K -T Feldspar Cor-
poration, Mitchell County, has
applied for renewal of its permit
for a facility discharging treated
industrial wastewater to the
North Toe River in the French
Broad River Basin. Currently flu-
oride and total suspended solids
are water quality limited. This
discharge may affect future al-
locations in this portion of the re-
ceiving stream.
#5255 - 4/21/04

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name I Unimin-Quartz
ameter=
NPDES # I NC0000175
tandard =
Ow (MGD)
3.6
7Q IOs (cfs)
45
n
IWC ( %)
11.03
1
Rec'ving Stream I North Toe River
2
Stream Class I C Trout
3
4
FINAL RESULTS
5
Chloride
6
Max. Pred Cw
16000 ug/1
7
Allowable Cw 2084838.7
ug /1
8
Max. Value
16000
9
Fluoride
10
Max. Pred Cw
360 ug /1
11
Allowable Cw
16316.1 ug /1
12
Max. Value
360
13
Methoxychlor
14
Max. Pred Cw
0.56 ug/I
15
Allowable Cw
0.27 ug/I
16
Max. Value
0.56
17
Arsenic
18
Max. Pred Cw
15 ug /I
19
Allowable Cw
453.2 ug /I
20
Max. Value
15
21
Barium
22
Max. Pred Cw
9.4 ug /I
23
Allowable Cw
9064.5 ug /1
24
Max. Value
9.4
25
Lindane
26
Max. Pred Cw
0.099 ug/1
27
Allowable Cw
0.09 ug/I
28
Max. Value
0.099
29
Chromium
30
Max. Pred Cw
3.4 ug /l
31
Allowable Cw
453.2 ug /1
32
Max. Value
3.4
33
Copper
34
Max. Pred Cw
5.6 ug /1
35
Allowable Cw
63.5 ug /1
36
Max. Value
5.6
37
Lead
38
Max. Pred Cw
11 ug /I
39
Allowable Cw
226.6 ug /l
40
Max. Value
11
41
Selenium
42
Max. Pred Cw
13 ug /I
43
Allowable Cw
45.3 ug /1
44
Max. Value
13
45
Zinc
46
Max. Pred Cw
280 ug /l
47
Allowable Cw
453.2 ug /I
48
Max. Value
280
49
Heptachlor
"50
Max. Pred Cw
0.13 ug /I
1
Allowable Cw
0.04 ug /I
X52
Max. Value
0.13
53
- -'
54
4/8/2004
PPA

TOXICANT ANALYSIS
Facility Name Unimin -Quartz
am
NPDES # NC0000175
tanc
Ow (MGD)
3.6
70 l Os (cfs)
45
1 WC ( %)
11.03
Rec'ving Stream North Toe River
Stream Class C Trout
FINAL RESULTS
Antimony
Max. Pred Cw
7.8 ug /I
Allowable Cw
5801.3 ug /I
Max. Value
7.8
Nickel
Max. Pred Cw
15 ug /I
Allowable Cw
797.7 ug /I
Max. Value
15
Aldrin
Max. Pred Cw
0.087 ug /I
Allowable Cw
0.02 ug /I
Max. Value
0.087
beta GHC
Max. Pred Cw
0.16 ug /1
Allowable Cw
0.2 ug /1
Max. Value
0.16
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /1
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /1
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /l
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /I
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /I
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /I
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /I
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /l
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /I
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /I
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug/I
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /l
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /1
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /1
Max. Value
0
Max. Pred Cw
0 ug /1
Allowable Cw #VALUE!
ug /I
Max. Value
0
4/8/2004

NC draft rationale for fluoride mines
Subject: NC draft rationale for fluoride mines
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 11:32:29 -0400
From: Hyatt.Marshall @epamail.epa.gov
To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
CC: Dominy.Madolyn @epamail.epa.gov, Decker.Chris @epamail.epa.gov
sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Chris Decker and I looked
at it. Based on the data provided and rationale, we can agree with your
conclusion that there is no need to change permit limits at this time.
1 of 1 10/13/03 3:51 PM

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

Unimin- cNo
T
Red Hill
0.682
MGD
r�
Unimin-
Quartz
3.6 MGD
14 IF lb
V
0
0
0
M
�0. �,
G
K -T Feldspar 1.73 MGD
NO "M roe North Toe River
----yl X
Unimin- Feldspar 3.5 MGD
Crystal
0.360 MGD
MINE DISCHARGES ON THE NORTH TOE RIVER
Unimin-
School
House
Quartz
\ 2.16 MGD

A
MINE DISCHARGES ON NORTH TOE RIVER
River Mile NPDES Permit number
41.5 X NC0000361- Unimin - Schoolhouse Quartz
33.8
NC0000353- The Feldspar Corp.
i�
NC0084620- Unimin- Crystal
31.4 HWY 19
29.2 X NC0000400- K -T Feldspar
28.6 X NC0000175- Unimin -Quartz
27.5 Ambient monitoring station
21.6 X South Toe River junction
6.0 X NC0085839- Unimin -Red Hill

load to a section of the North Toe River is similar to other methods used by the Division,
including nutrient control strategies in the Neuse and Tar - Pamlico River basins. Similar
to a "bubble permit "(used in the Air Quality program), some discharges may cause
localized impacts. However, the overall goal of the allocation method is to protect water
quality while allowing some flexibility for the dischargers to maintain compliance. The
Division and EPA have approved this approach for 17 years.
The total pounds per day of fluoride allocated are 574. The permitted fluoride
allocations for each of the mines is as follows:
These allocations for the mines have been assigned upon all past permit renewals. This
fluoride loading of 574 lbs /day is based on:
1) a summer 7Q10 flow of 45 cfs in the North Toe River just below Little Bear Creek,
2) the current water quality standard for fluoride of 1.8 mg/l, and
3) a background fluoride concentration of 0.05 mg/l.
The 1985 wasteflows for three of the quartz processing mines were used to develop the
fluoride loading:
1) Feldspar @ 1985 Qw
2) KT Feldspar @ 1985 Qw
3) Unimin -Quartz @ 1985 Qw
3.50 MGD
2.02 MGD
= 4.32 MGD
9.84 MGD = 15.25 cfs
Fluoride loading = (45 cfs + 15.25 cfs)(1.8 mg /1) — (45 cfs)(0.05 mg /1)
_ (60.25)(1.8) — 2.25 cfs.mg/l
= 108.45 — 2.25 = 106.2 cfs.mg/1
= 106.2 cfs.mg/l * 5.39 = 572 lbs /day -- 574 lbs /day
(Assume the difference is attributable to rounding)
Water Quality Evaluation
There are no federal effluent guidelines for mines that discharge fluoride. The purpose of
this memorandum is to evaluate water quality as it relates to previous permit decisions
and propose a 2003 permit strategy.
2
Fluoride Monthly Average
Fluoride Daily Maximum
Facility Name
(lbs /day)
(lbslday)
Uni min-School house
109
218
Feldspar Mines
174
348
Unimin - Crystal
50
100
K -T Feldspar
132
264
Unimin -Quartz
109 _
436
Total Allocation
1574
1366
These allocations for the mines have been assigned upon all past permit renewals. This
fluoride loading of 574 lbs /day is based on:
1) a summer 7Q10 flow of 45 cfs in the North Toe River just below Little Bear Creek,
2) the current water quality standard for fluoride of 1.8 mg/l, and
3) a background fluoride concentration of 0.05 mg/l.
The 1985 wasteflows for three of the quartz processing mines were used to develop the
fluoride loading:
1) Feldspar @ 1985 Qw
2) KT Feldspar @ 1985 Qw
3) Unimin -Quartz @ 1985 Qw
3.50 MGD
2.02 MGD
= 4.32 MGD
9.84 MGD = 15.25 cfs
Fluoride loading = (45 cfs + 15.25 cfs)(1.8 mg /1) — (45 cfs)(0.05 mg /1)
_ (60.25)(1.8) — 2.25 cfs.mg/l
= 108.45 — 2.25 = 106.2 cfs.mg/1
= 106.2 cfs.mg/l * 5.39 = 572 lbs /day -- 574 lbs /day
(Assume the difference is attributable to rounding)
Water Quality Evaluation
There are no federal effluent guidelines for mines that discharge fluoride. The purpose of
this memorandum is to evaluate water quality as it relates to previous permit decisions
and propose a 2003 permit strategy.
2

The Division uses a weight of evidence approach when assessing water quality. That is,
all available data are reviewed and evaluated to determine the appropriateness of certain
actions. There are three categories of information in this case:
• Instream biological assessments
• Whole - effluent toxicity testing
• Instream chemical data
Instream biological data are the most directly reliable measurements of stream health and
are, therefore, given the greatest consideration. Whole- effluent toxicity testing also is
given a lot of weight during deliberations. It is not a direct measurement of stream
conditions, but it is a direct measurement of the interaction between wastewater and
species that inhabit the stream or river. The Division also considers comparison of
physical or chemical measurements to existing water quality standards. In the presence
of all three categories of information, contraventions of water quality standards, although
considered serious, are given the least amount of weight. The reason for this is that
comparisons to numeric criteria (which are based on whole - effluent toxicity testing) are
indirect measurements of the biota in the stream. All of this information is valuable, but
North Carolina chooses to make a comprehensive critical evaluation of all available data.
Use Support
There are no segments of the North Toe River listed on the North Carolina 2003 303(d)
impaired stream list. There are approximately 556 miles of the North Toe River that are
rated fully supporting designated uses including the river reaches receiving effluent from
these mines.
Instream Biological Assessment
The benthic macroinvertebrate data for the North Toe River below all the quartz mines
demonstrate good water quality. The most recent evaluation was in 1997 at State Road
1162 at Penland, Mitchell County. This is located just 0.5 miles downstream of the
Unimin -Quartz discharge. There has been improvement in the biological rating over the
years from a poor rating in August 1988 to a good -fair rating in 1989 and 1992.
Macroin vertebrate data for the most upstream station above the quartz mines, North Toe
River at US 19E at Ingalls, Avery County, indicate a rating of excellent water quality as of
July 1997. The table below indicates North Toe River biological monitoring stations and
their biological ratings during the 10 year period between 1987 and 1997.
Biological Ratings
Station location. 1987 ;,_1988, 1989 1992 .1997
North Toe R.,US 19E Good
at Ingalls
North Toe R., Fair
SRI 162, Penland
Good I Good Good Excellent
3
Poor IGood I Good Good
-Fair -Fair

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

Monitoring Locations Number of Obs.
Above Unimin Schoolhouse 43
Franklintown Bridge
Above Feldspar
Below Feldspar
Above K -T Feldspar
Below K -T Feldspar
Above Unimin- Quartz
SR 1162 at Penland Bridge
43
37
38
41
42
42
42
327
Number of
values > 1.8 mg/1 %
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
17%
15
36%
5
12%
3
7%
30
9%
Ambient Monitoring Data
The Division conducts ambient monitoring in the North Toe River at two sites. The first
station is at US Highway 19E near Ingalls, NC nearly 1 mile above the Unimin-
Schoolhouse Quartz mine. The second station is at State Road 1162 at Penland
approximately 0.8 miles below the Unimin -Quartz outfall. These stations are above the
most upstream mine and below the most downstream mine. Since January 1999, there
have been 30 samples of fluoride taken. There have been only 3 values > 1.8 mg/1 and
these occurred in February 2000, February 2001 and June 2001. This indicates that 90%
of the ambient samples in the past 4 years have been < 1.8 mg/l.
Discussion of Water Oualitv Information
An overall view of water quality in this segment of the North Toe River indicates that the
biological assessment shows improving water quality conditions. The toxicity data
indicates that the discharges are not toxic or causing toxicity instream. There is greater
than 90% compliance with the toxicity limits. Self monitoring instream data conducted
by the discharges does demonstrate that some instream fluoride standard exceedances
occur. The majority are below K -T Feldspar, and it is concluded that these occur because
the two dischargers are in such close proximity and North Carolina (with EPA approval)
has used a "bubble" permitting approach, which allows some localized impacts by design.
However, the average instream fluoride values collected between January 1999 and
August 2002 show that upstream and downstream of all the dischargers, the instream
fluoride average is below the standard of 1.8 mg11.
DWO Recommendation
The Division recommends that the allocations for the North Toe River dischargers remain
the same. Water quality data show that there is no impairment in the stream, there have
been minimal toxicity problems, and the numeric water quality standard is being
protected > 90% of the time. It recommended that all the feldspar and quartz mines have
their permits reissued at the existing fluoride allocations.
Attachments
cc: Forrest Westall
Mike Parker
Matt Matthews
NPDES Files: NC0000175 NC0000353 NC0000361
NC0000400 NC0084620 NC0085839
W,

Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing Self- Monitoring Summary January 15, 2004
FACILITY REQUIREMENT
YEAR JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV DEC
Tyson Foods Inc - Harmony Division chr Jim: 1.8%
2000 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
NR /Pass
- -
NCOW5126/001 Begin:10 /1/1999 Frequency Q Ian Apr Jul Oct
+ NonComp Single
2001 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
County; Iredell Region: MRO Subbasin: YAD06
2002 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
PF: 0.5 Special
2003 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
7Q 10: 43 IWC( %; 1.8
2004
UNC- Chapel Hill Power Plant 24hr ac monit epis Uhd (grab)
2000 Fail
>100
>100
NR/Fail
74.8
56.1,56.11
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
NC0025305/001 Begin 9 /112001 Frequency 50WD /A
NonComp
2001 Fail
05
>90
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H H
County: Orange Region: RRO Subbasin: CPF06
2002 H
H
H
H
H
-
H
H
H
H
H H
PF; 0.048 Special
2003 H
H
H
H
H
H
-
H
H
H
H
7Q 10: 0.0 IWC(%: 100
2004
Unimin Corp -Mica Operations (001) chr lim: 10%
2000 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
N00000361 /001 Begin 3 /1/1997 Frequency Q P/F + Feb May Aug Nov
+ NonComp Single
2001 -
Fail
>20(s)
12.25
Pass
-
-
Fail
>20
>20
Pass -
County:Avery Region: ARO Subbasin: FRB06
2002 -
late
Pass
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
PF: 2.16 Special
2003 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
7Q]0:30 IWC( %; 10
2004
Unimin Corp, chr lim: 11%
4 2000 Fail
28.3
>40
Pass
-
-
NR /Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
NC0000175 /001 Begin 3/1/1997 Frequency Q P/F + Jan Apr Jul Oct
+ Non('omp Single
2001 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
County: Mitchell Region: ARO Subbasin: FRB06
2002 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Fail
>44 >44
PF: 3.61 Special
2003 pass
-
-
Fall
<5.5
<5.5,6.6. >44
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
7Q10: 45.0 IWC( %; 11
2004
Unimin Corp. Red Hill Plant chr lim; 1.2%
2000 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
NC0085839/00l Begin 2/1 /1997 Frequency Q P/F + Jan Apr Jul Oct
NonComp Single
2001 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
NR /Pass
- -
County: Mitchell Region: ARO Subbasin: FRB06
2002 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
PF: 0.682 Special
2003 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
7QI0: 90.7 IWC( %; 1.2
2004
Unimin Corp.-Crystal Operation chr lime 1.3%
2000 N
-
-
N
-
-
N
-
-
N
- -
NC0084620 /001 Begin 5/1/1997 Frequency Q P/F + Jan Apr Jul Oct
+ NonComp Single
2001 N
-
-
N
-
-
N
-
-
N
- -
County: Mitchell Region: ARO Subbasin: FRB06
2002 N
-
-
N
-
-
N
-
-
N
- -
PF: 0.36 Special
2003 N
-
-
N
-
-
N
-
-
N
-
7Q[0:41 IWC( % - 1.3
2004
Union County WWTP #2 chr lim: 90%
2000 -
Pass
-
-
NR/Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
NC0069841/001 Begin.4 /1 /2000 Frequency Q Feb May Aug Nov
+ NonComp Single
2001 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
County: Union Region: MRO Subbasin: YAD14
2002 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
PF: 1.9 Special
2003 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
7Q 10: 0.0 IWC( %; 100
2004
Union County-Six Mile Creek chr lim: 90%
2000 -
H
-
-
H
-
-
H
-
-
H -
NCO066559 /001 Begin:12/l /1996 Frequency Q P/F + Feb May Aug Nov
NonComp Single
2001 -
H
-
-
H
-
-
H
-
-
H -
County: Union Region: MRO Subbasin: CTB38
2002 -
H
-
-
H
-
-
H
-
-
H -
PF: 1.0 Special
2003 _
H
-
-
H
-
-
H
-
-
H
7Q 10: 0.0 IWC(%: 100
2004
Union County- Twelve Mile Creek WWTP chr lim: 90%
2000 -
Pass
-
-
NR/Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
NCO085359 /001 Begin:111/2003 Frequency Q Feb May Aug Nov
+ NonComp Single
2001 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
County: Union Region: MRO Subbasin: CTB38
2002 -
Fall
67.1
>100
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass -
PF: 2.5 Special
2003 -
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
7Q 10: 0.0 IWC( %: 100
2004
United Chemi -Con chr Iim: 0.75%
2000 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
NC0000019/001 BeginA /1/2001 Frequency Q Jan Apr Jul Oct
+ NonComp Single
2001 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
County: Ashe Region: WSRO Subbasin: NEWO:
2002 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
PF: 0.2 Special
2003 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
7Q 10: 41.0 IWC(%: 0.75
2004
Unocal Corp -Rhom and Haas Facility chr lim: 90%
2000 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
NC0085057/001 Begin:l l /1/2002 Frequency Q Jan Apr Jul Oct
+ NonComp Single
2001 Pass
-
-
Fail
<45
97.5
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
County: Mecklenburg Region: MR0 Subbasin: CTB34
2002 Fail
>100
>100
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
- -
PF: 0.0432 Special
2003 Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
-
Pass
-
7Q I0: 0.0 IWC( %: 100
2004
V Pre 2000 Data Available
LEGEND:
PERM = Permit Requirement LET = Administrative Letter - Target Frequency = Monitoring frequency: Q- Quarterly; M- Monthly; BM- Bimonthly; SA- Semiannually; A- Annually; OWD- Only when discharging; D. Discontinued monitoring requirement
Begin= First month required 7Q1 O =Receiving stream low [low criterion (efs + = quarterly monitoring increases to monthly upon failure or N Months that testing must occur - ex. Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct NonComp = Current Compliance Requirement
PF = Permitted flow (MGD) IWC% = Inslream waste concentrati P/F = Pass/Fail test AC = Acute CHR = Chronic
Data Notation: f- Fathead Minnow; a - Ceriodaphma sp.; my - Mysid shrimp; ChV - Chronic value; P - Mortality of stated percentage at highest concentration; at - Performed by DWQ Aquatic Tox Unit; bt - Bad test
Reporting Notation: - -- = Data not required; NR - Not repose Facility Activity Status: I - Inactive, N - Newly Issued(To construct); H - Active but not discharging; 1 -More data available for month in question; • = ORC signature needed
44

0
SOC PRIORITY PROJECT: Yes No XX
IF YES, SOC NUMBER
TO: PERMITS AND ENGINEERING UNIT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
ATTENTION: Charles Weaver
DATE: August 21, 2001
NPDES STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
COUNTY Mitchell
PERMIT NUMBER NC0000175
PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Facility and Address: Unimin Corporation - Quartz Operations
Mailing: Post Office Box 588
Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777
2. Date of Investigation: May 22, 2001
3. Report Prepared By: Michael R. Parker
Environmental Chemist
4. Persons Contacted and Telephone Number: Roy Ridd a
828/765 -4 3
5. Directions to Site: From the intersection of U. S.
Highway 19E and North Carolina Highway 226 in Spruce
Pine, travel North on NC Highway 226 approximately 2.6
miles. Unimin Corporation is located on the left side
of the highway.
6. Discharge Point(s), List for all discharge points:
Latitude: 350 55, 58" Longitude: 820 06' 11"
Attach a USGS map extract and indicate treatment facility site and
discharge point on map.
U.S.G.S. Quad No. D10NE U.S.G.S. Quad Name Spruce Pine, N. C.
7. Site size and expansion area consistent with application?
X Yes No If No, explain:

8. Topography (relationship to flood plain included): The wastewater
treatment facility is located upland away from the river and is
not subject to flooding.
9. Location of nearest dwelling: Greater than 500 feet.
10. Receiving stream or affected surface waters: North Toe River
a. Classification: C -trout
b. River Basin and Subbasin No.:040306
C. Describe receiving stream features and pertinent downstream
uses: fishing, wading, fish and wildlife propagation,
industrial water supply, irrigation.
PART II - DESCRIPTION OF DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT WORKS
1. a. Volume of wastewater to be permitted 3.6 MGD (Ultimate
Design Capacity).
b. What is the current permitted capacity of the Wastewater
Treatment facility? 3.6 MGD
C. Actual treatment capacity of the current facility (current
design capacity 3.6 MGD
d. Date(s) and construction activities allowed by previous
Authorizations to Construct issued in the previous two years:
March 22, 1999
e. Please provide a description of existing or substantially
constructed wastewater treatment facilities: The existing
wastewater treatment facilities consist of influent pumps,
hydrocyclones, a screw classifier, vacuum filters, chemical
feed system, 30 foot clarifier, two stabilization ponds, pH
adjustment by caustic or acid, emergency overflow pond, flow
measuring and recording equipment and sludge disposal and
construct a new influent tank, equalization tank, reactor
tank, mix tank, holding tank, clarifier, sludge thickener,
pressure sludge filter, and piping and appurtenances.
f. Please provide a description of proposed wastewater treatment
facilities:
g. Possible toxic impacts to surface waters: Fluoride, Chloride.

h. Pretreatment Program (POTWs only): NA
in development approved
should be required not needed
2. Residuals handling and utilization /disposal scheme: Sludge or
tailings removed from the clarifiers are land filled on company
property.
a. If residuals are being land applied, please specify DWQ
Permit Number
Residuals Contractor
Telephone Number
b. Residuals stabilization: PSRP PFRP OTHER
C . Landf ill:
d. Other disposal /utilization scheme (Specify):
3. Treatment plant classification (attach completed rating sheet):
Physical /Chemical Class II.
4. SIC Codes(s): 3295
Primary 41 Secondary
Main Treatment Unit Code: 51102
PART III - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
1. Is this facility being constructed with Construction Grant Funds
or are any public monies involved. (municipals only)? NA
2. Special monitoring or limitations (including toxicity) requests:
NA
3. Important SOC, JOC, or Compliance Schedule dates: (Please
indicate) NA
Date
Submission of Plans and Specifications
Begin Construction
Complete Construction
4. Alternative Analysis Evaluation: Has the facility evaluated all
of the non - discharge options available. Please provide regional
perspective for each option evaluated. NA

Spray Irrigation:
Connection to Regional Sewer System:
Subsurface:
Other disposal options:
5.
Other
Special Items:
NA
PART
IV -
EVALUATION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Unimin Corporation - Quartz has submitted a request for renewal of
NPDES Permit No. NC0000175 for the continued discharge of
industrial process wastewater from the production of feldspar,
quartz, mica and sand.
There are no effluent guidelines for this industry and the
effluent limits were developed using production and process
information and the North Carolina Water Quality Standard for
fluoride of 1.8 mg /l. It has been determined there is a maximum
assimilative capacity of 574 lbs /day of fluoride in the North
Toe River at the mouth of Little Bear Creek. The 574 lbs /day of
fluoride are divided between four other dischargers, Unimin
Corporation- Schoolhouse Quartz Operation, The Feldspar
Corporation, Unimin Corporation- Crystal Operation, K -T Feldspar
Corporation and Unimin Corporation - Quartz Operation, all of which
have similar industrial processes and wastewater characteristics.
Each company discharges or proposes to discharge fluorides to the
North Toe River. All of the permits for these companies are
interdependent on each other because of the total assimilative
capacity of the fluoride is allocated between these five
industries and all of the permits should be issued at the same
time.
There have been no changes in the processes and waste
characteristics since the existing permit was issued. The
manufacturing facility has been shut down for a couple of years
and then run on a limited basis but is back in operation.
It is recommended that the permit issued with the same effluent
limits and monitoring requirements.
Si ure of ort re ar
J
ate Qua ity Regional Supervisor
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